IndiaPost-01-08-2010 by Ghanshyam Bisht

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Governor Pat Quinn gets Indians' backing Details on page 10

Prasad Thotakura

Thotakura to receive 'Bharat Gaurav' award

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January 8, 2010

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INDIA WON’T CHANGE NEW VISA RULES

NEW DELHI: Unfazed by reservations from nations like the US and UK, the Government appears to be in no mood to relent on the new visa rules for tourists, saying it would not like to compromise with the country's security interests. Citing the changes made by several countries like America and Britain after terror strikes, senior officials argue that it should be left to the Home Ministry to chalk out the plans for securing the nation. They maintained that the government has not received

any complaint from any country, including the US or the UK, after the new visa rules were implemented, but clarifications have been sought by Washington and they have been addressed. "When some foreign missions based in India sought clarity, we told them that if someone has to worry about tourists' arrival, it is India which has to worry and not any other nation," they said on the condition of anonymity. Details on page 35

3 Idiots rakes in $2.15 m in first week Details on page 26

Violent assault on West Texas Sikh Details on page 14

FIA affairs dragged to court again Details on page 10

Details on page 4

Indian arm of US firm to hit full production

Advani will be ‘permanent guide, philosopher’

Details on page 39 Details on page 5

NGO Pratham presented Indian of Year award Details on page 19

L.A. Zoo receives gift of baby monkey

Mother Teresa on new US stamp Details on page 5

INDIA POST SURVEY survey@indiapost.com This week’s question

Do you approve of changes in India visa rules? Last week’s result

Will H1B visas number go up in 2010? YES 62%

NO 38%

GANGA AARTI: A priest with lighted lamp performs evening prayers on the banks of the Ganges on the eve of The ‘Magh Mela’ festival at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers, in Allahabad on December 30, 2009. Sangam is one of Hinduismís most important centers where thousands of people take holy dips at the confluence during the month-long fair that begins on December 31

Details on page 32

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 24-25

Rajaratnam indicted for securities fraud

Community Post -------------- 10-17 Date Book -------------------------- 48 Edit Page --------------------------- 50

India Post News Service

Classifieds --------------------- 44-47

The indictment was returned last month by a Manhattan federal court following the charges filed by Preet Bharara, the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York and Joseph Demarest, the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York office of the FBI. Raj Rajaratnam

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

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HealthScience Post --------- 21-23 Horoscope ------------------------- 42 Immigration Post ------------- 35-38 Life Style ----------------------- 26-28 Philosophy ------------------------- 49 Publisherís Diary ------------------ 3 Real Estate ------------------------ 20 India ------------------------------ 18-19 TechBiz Post ------------------- 39-41 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 29-32

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January 8, 2010

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January 8, 2010

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have always been somewhat skeptical about what they call heightened security or VVIP security. I feel that sophisticated security systems or heightened security cordons around heads of state only marginally act as deterrents and are not even "fool" proof. I mean, take some of the recent incidents for instance - the White House dinner gate crashers; the man who managed to pull a bloody punch at the Italian prime minister; the woman who literally knocked down the Pope during the Christmas mass - all of which were breaches that did not involve sophisticated terrorist or criminal network members, but the most ordinary of civilians. And talking of threats from terrorist -- trillions of dollars have been spent since 9/11, 2001 in security measures around the world, especially on airline travel, and still a man who perfectly fit the profile of a terrorist traveled undetected on an American airline and almost bombed the aircraft with all passengers on board but for his own botched handling of the explosives and not because he was caught by the security personnel through the innumerable check points that he passed. And then there was the Fort Hood incident where an army physician whose behavior had been raising red flags over several months, actually went on a killing spree on an army base. True, it's a chaotic world that we live in today and security agencies are spread thin in not only their resources, but in trying to match the ingenuity of terrorists every day. But when you think of the kind of money that goes into these security measures and you have instances of innocent Sikhs being harassed at airports because of their turbans or a known film star like Shah Rukh Khan is detained just because his name is Khan, you begin to question the efficacy of these "sophisticated" measures. Incidentally, I think the White House owes Manmohan Singh an apology because it was as much a security threat for the visiting Indian prime minister as it was to President Obama when the gatecrashers joined them for dinner, uninvited.

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Bollywood Waiting for marriage After remaining single for four years, Vivek Oberoi says he wouldn't mind marrying a girl of his parents' choice.

Cover Story: New visa rules India is in no mood to relent on the new visa rules for tourists, saying it would not like to compromise with the country's security.

Community: Fundraiser for Quinn

IADO led by president Ram Gajjela hosted a fundraiser for Illinois Governor Pat Quinn who is seeking election.

India: No to CTBT Resisting Japan's push for signing CTBT, India has said the onus of taking the lead in this regard lies with US, China.

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Idiots win Rajkumar Hirani's 3 Idiots has emerged the biggest grosser for any Bollywood film in North American theaters in 2009.

Techbiz: Full production Dr Dayal Meshri’s AFTL Hyderabad, India would graduate from R&D Pilot Plant to full scale production.

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Rajaratnam indicted for securities fraud India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Raj Rajaratnam, Managing member of Galleon management who was arrested for his alleged involvement in the largest hedge fund insider trading case in history, has been indicted by the US Attorney's Office on 17 counts of conspiracy and securities fraud crimes. The indictment was returned last month by a Manhattan federal court following the charges filed by Preet Bharara, the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York and Joseph Demarest, the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York office of the FBI. Danielle Chiesi, an employee of New Castle Funds, formerly the equity hedge fund group of Bear Stearns Asset Management has also been indicted on similar counts along with Rajaratnam. According to the indictment, inside information was given as tips by insiders and others at hedge funds, public companies and firms - including Intel, IBM,

McKinsey & Company, Akamai Technologies and Polycom, as a result of which Rajaratnam, Chiesi and others earned millions of dollars of illegal profits for themselves

Danielle Chiesi, an employee of New Castle Funds, formerly the equity hedge fund group of Bear Stearns Asset Management has also been indicted on similar counts along with Rajaratnam and the hedge funds with which they were affiliated. Further, it said, Rajaratnam engaged in overlapping schemes with Ali Far and Roomy Khan -both of whom have pleaded guilty

to insider trading charges and are cooperating with the Government - as well as Chiesi and other coconspirators to trade on the basis of inside information in several

Raj Rajaratnam, billionaire founder of the Galleon Group, a major hedge fund, is led in handcuffs from FBI headquarters in New York.

publicly traded companies. Specifically, these individuals engaged in insider trading in Polycom, Hilton Hotels Corp., Google, Clearwire Corporation, Akamai, Advanced Micro De-

Prasad Thotakura to receive 'Bharat Gaurav' award India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: India International Friendship Society (IIFS), New Delhi, has announced globally reputed "Bharat Gaurav Awards" for the year 2010. Prasad Thotakura, a well known NRI Community leader from Dallas, Texas is one of the recipients of this prestigious award for his community service achievements. Thotakura along with other recipients will be honored with Bharat Gaurav Award and a Certificate of Excellence at a high profile Global Friendship Day gala banquet to be held on January 7 in New Delhi. Prasad Thotakura has been serving the Indian American community in the USA for the last fifteen years in different capacities. By profession Prasad is a Chief Operating Officer of an e-commerce company eknazar.com. He is currently serving as the Executive Vice-President of the Telugu Association of North America (TANA) and the General Secretary of the Indian American Friendship Council (IAFC) besides serving as an Advisory Board of Director of the Dallas Conventions and Visitors Bureau. Former CBI Director Sardar Joginder Singh is serving as the Chairman of the India International Friendship Society (IIFS),

while Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Prem Kumar Dhumal, former Governor Madanlal Khurana, former Election Commissioner GVG Krishnamurthy and Justice Hanumanthappa are serving as Directors of the same. In conjunction with the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2010, India Inter-

Thotakura along with other recipients will be honored with Bharat Gaurav Award and a Certificate of Excellence at a high profile Global Friendship Day gala banquet to be held on January 7 in New Delhi national Friendship Society is organizing "Global Participation in India's Economic Development" conference on Jan. 7 in New Delhi. This conference will be attended by the elite corporate leaders, economists, entrepreneurs, several high profile professionals and NRI delegates across the globe. Mukul Wasnik, Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment

vices, and PeopleSupport, Inc. Among other things, telephone conversations between Rajaratnam and Chiesi, intercepted based on court-authorized wire-

will attend as a Guest of Honor and Iqbal Singh, Lieutenant Governor of Pondicherry, will be the Special Guest. The list of awardees for 2010 include - A.M. Rajbansi, MEC for Sports & Recreation Govt. of South Africa, Baroness Sandip Verma, Member House of Lords, UK, Sukh Dhaliwal, Member of Parliament, Canada, Dr. Bhagwan Shani, USA, A. Jagannatha, Saudi Arabia, Prof. V. Kumar, USA, Sudhir Gopi, UAE, A. Nagarajan, UAE, Mukesh Wani, USA and Prasad Thotakura, USA. Some of the past recipients of this honor include - Late Mother Teresa, Noble Laureate, Late B.D. Jatti, Former Vice President of India, Dr. Bishma Narain Singh, former Governor, Digmabr Kamat, CM of Goa, Cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, Veteran Actors Shammi Kapoor, Rajesh Khanna, Dev Anand etc., India international Friendship Society (IIFS) is a fifteen-year old non-profit organization established with an aim to forge greater unity and integrity among the people of Indian origin living all over the globe. The society also aims to enhance India's stronger relationship and forge greater friendship and cooperation with all countries irrespective of their size or status.

taps of phones, revealed that accused routinely received Inside Information directly or indirectly from insiders and provided it to each other for the purpose of trading based on the information.

The indictment charges Rajaratnam with five counts of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and six counts of securities fraud; and charges Chiesi with three counts of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and seven counts of securities fraud. Each of the conspiracy counts against carries a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison and a maximum fine of the greater of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. Each of the securities fraud counts carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $5 million. As a result of the charges against them, Rajaratnam faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 145 years, and Chiesi faces a maximum term of 155 years in prison. The indictment also seeks forfeiture of the proceeds of the charged crimes. The related cases against Mark Kurland, Anil Kumar, Robert Moffat, and Rajiv Goel are pending on criminal complaints. Bharara also noted that the investigation is continuing.

Medvedev wishes happy New Year to Patil, Singh MOSCOW: Russian President "The outcome of your visit to Dmitry Medvedev has expressed Russia (in the first week of Sepconfidence that the coming year tember) clearly testifies this," will provide "new opportunities" Medvedev wrote to her. for India and Russia to advance In a separate message to Singh, their mutually beneficial projects Medvedev highly valued this in the interest of global and re- month's bilateral summit in Mosgional security and stability. cow during the former's visit to In his separate New Year mes- Russia. sages to President Pratibha Patil "Important agreements were and Prime Minister Manmohan reached (at the Summit) to impart Singh, Medvedev underlined that an additional dynamism to the the exchange of Years of Russia whole complex of bilateral coopand India in each other's country was a "major" Medvedev wrote to the Indian event in the bilat- leaders: "The Year of India in eral relations. Russia had acquired a unique "I am confident that in the New character by its diversity and Year, we will be able scale and its substantive program to open new opporhad provided very wide opportutunities for advancing various mutu- nities to acquaint with the rich ally beneficial culture and art of your nation projects for the benefit of the peoples of our countries, in the eration in the political, trade and interest of ensuring global and re- economic, cultural and humanitargional security and stability," ian fields. Medvedev wrote to the PM, acMedvedev wrote to the Indian cording to the Kremlin. leaders: "The Year of India in RusThe message to Patil appreci- sia had acquired a unique characated the development of relations ter by its diversity and scale and of the two countries in 2009, in its substantive program had proparticular, cooperation in the field vided very wide opportunities to of economy, culture and in hu- acquaint with the rich culture and manitarian fields. art of your nation. -PTI

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Advani will be 'permanent guide and philosopher': Gadkari NEW DELHI: L K Advani will play a role well beyond the specially-created position of Chairman of BJP Parliamentary party, according to the new party President Nitin Gadkari who made it clear that the 82-year-old veteran will be a "permanent guide and philosopher" for the whole party. "Atal Bihari Vajpayee and L K Advani are our role models and source of inspiration.....Advaniji will be permanent guide and philosopher for the whole party," Gadkari told PTI in an interview. He was responding when asked whether Advani's role would be limited to BJP's Parliamentary affairs after his appointment to the newly-created post of Chairman of Parliamentary Party. Advani quit the post of Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha on December 18 in the face of attacks

from within following the party's dismal performance in the general elections. He was made the Chair-

Nitin Gadkari

man of Parliamentary Party, a move that gave an impression that his role would be confined to Par-

liamentary affairs of the party. 52-year-old Gadkari, who is a new-comer at the national scene,

The BJP chief said he would lay thrust on "performance audit" for the leaders who would be given responsibilities to revive the party and expand its base among various castes and communities and regions does not see it as a disadvantage but feels it is an "asset" as he would not be "biased".

Mother Teresa on new US stamp WASHINGTON: India's Nobel Peace prize winner Mother Teresa will be honored on a US postage stamp on her birth centenary and the portrait of the "diminutive" Catholic nun by award winning American artist Thomas Blackshear II would feature on it. "With this stamp, the US Postal Service recognizes Mother Teresa, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her humanitarian

work," the US Postal Service said as it released the list of new postages to be issued in the year 2010. "Noted for her compassion toward the poor and suffering, Mother Teresa, a diminutive Roman Catholic nun and honorary US citizen, served the sick and destitute of India and the world for nearly 50 years," the US Postal Service said. The postage stamp honoring

Gadkari, whose appointment on December 18 came at a time when the party is going through

Albania-born Mother Teresa is expected to be issued on August 26, her 100th birth anniversary. The stamp features a portrait of Mother Teresa painted by award-winning artist Thomas Blackshear II of Colorado Springs, Colorado, it said. In 1996, the then President Bill Clinton and the US Congress awarded Mother Teresa honorary US citizenship. -PTI

a bad phase, said some corrective measures were needed and he would bring out a blueprint in this regard within three months. . Gadkari, a management graduate who has the challenging task of reviving the party that has been going through bad phase and has been afflicted by infighting, said his remedial mantra was that leaders should speak less to media. He said most of the problems plaguing BJP were due to unnecessary talking by some leaders, both on-the-record and off-therecord and this needs to be stopped.

"Kam bolna, nahi bolna (speaking less, not speaking). This is the exact medicine my party needs. It will take care of 90 per cent of our problems," the new BJP chief said. Gadkari said he would enforce discipline in the party along with mutual trust and would soon come out with detailed plans for the organization and a political strategy to expand its base as also broaden the NDA. Some senior leaders have been leaking details of internal confabulations as well as communications to press and taking potshots at their colleagues through the media. Gadkari does not want to talk about events that happened in the party before he took over its reins. "Choro kal ki baatein, kal ki baat purani (let bygones by bygones)," he said reciting the famous song of 'Hum Hindustani' movie and added that he wanted to work for a bright future for the party. The BJP chief said he would lay thrust on "performance audit" for the leaders who would be given responsibilities to revive the party and expand its base among various castes and communities and regions. His aim is to increase the party's vote-share by 10 per cent and expand its reach to the south, West Bengal and Haryana. -PTI

Nepal bill for oath-taking in mother tongue KATHMANDU: In a landmark move, Nepal's government has tabled a bill in Parliament to enable President and Vice President to be administered oath of office in their mother tongues in a bid to resolve a row over Parmananda Jha's taking of the pledge in Hindi for the second highest post. Indian-origin Vice President Jha, who belongs to the Madhesi community, has remained inactive in the post after the Supreme Court ruling five months back declared as "unconstitutional" his oath-taking in Hindi instead of the official Nepali language. Security and other facilities for Jha, who took the oath last year, had been withdrawn after the apex court's order. The coalition government led by CPN-UML introduced the bill seeking seventh amendment to interim Constitution to allow President and Vice President to take the oath of office and secrecy in their mother tongues. Once the amendment is endorsed by Constituent Assembly, it will reactivate the post of Vice

President Jha, according to government officials. Minister for Law and Justice Prem Bahadur Singh, who tabled the bill in the 601-member House, said that it would allow Jha to take the oath in his mother tongue. "Jha's position is currently of

Jha, a prominent leader from the Terai plains bordering India, has been supported by the parties from the region in the language row an elected VP, who has not been sworn in. So this bill has been brought to the House so that he could take oath in his mother language," Singh said. The government will instantly implement the amended provision to resolve the issue, Singh told

Parliament. However, Madhesi Peoples' Rights Forum (MPRF) said the move would not guarantee reinstatement of the Vice President, with its MP Jayprakash Gupta asking the government to withdraw the bill and table another one that would ensue restoration of Jha. The main opposition Unified CPN-Maoist has also opposed the bill. But, two other major Madhesi parties, MPRF (Democratic) and Sadbhavana Party, have favored it. Jha, a prominent leader from the Terai plains bordering India, has been supported by the parties from the region in the language row. They have been urging the CPN-UML-led government to recognize Hindi as the official language and reinstate Jha. Nepal's Terai plains are home to about half of the country's 30 million people, and the residents of the region, known as Madhesis, have long complained of discrimination by the country's hill communities. -PTI

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2009 witnessed rise of Congress, decline of BJP NEW DELHI: Rise of Congress, further decline of BJP and the relegation of the Left and some regional parties to the margins marked the highs and lows of politics in 2009 as price spiral poses an intense challenge to the government in the New Year along with Naxal and cross-border terror. The sudden demise of Y S Rajasekhara Reddy in a helicopter crash saw Congress flounder in Andhra Pradesh, a state he had delivered to the party on a platter in two consecutive elections. Topping it, the Centre tied itself up in knots over the separate Telangana by its flip-flop as the year wrapped up. 2009 turned out to be a watershed year for Indian politics with Congress' good showing in the Lok Sabha polls, especially displaying revival signs in a state like Uttar Pradesh that has also raised hopes of its comeback in the Hindi heartland. Against the back of Mumbai terror attacks and the negative effects of a global downturn, the Congress campaign in the May elections was it was no time to

experiment with any new combination. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was the first Congress Prime Minister outside the NehruGandhi family to get a second consecutive term. In fact, the Congress tally of over 200 in the 543-member Lok

2009 turned out to be a watershed year for Indian politics with Congress' good showing in the Lok Sabha polls, especially displaying revival signs in a state like Uttar Pradesh Sabha, 50 seats more than it got in 2004, surprised even many a Congressman. No political party had got such numbers after 1991 with election after election witnessing a fractured verdict. The year ringing out will be remembered for the failure of the BJP

as also the Left parties to get their act together and virtually living in a different world which came crashing after the electoral verdict of May 16. CPI (M) General Secretary Prakash Karat led the charge of the Third Front which consisted of the BSP, RLD, JD-S, AIADMK and the Left parties, which came a cropper. In fact the elections generally did not turn out to be good for many regional parties barring the likes of Navin Patnaik's BJD and Nitish Kumar's JD (United). The BJP got nothing right despite projecting L K Advani, its 'iron man' as the 'strong' leader in comparison with a 'weak' Manmohan Singh as much water had flown from the Ganga since the Ayodhya issue took it to the centre stage. BJP was in the battle gear too early but the tactics and strategy of the Congress appeared to have stumped it with the ruling party projecting the "trinity" of Sonia Gandhi, Manmohan Singh and Rahul Gandhi to telling effect. It was a year when Rahul Gandhi came into his own as a

leader as he successfully led the battle in key Uttar Pradesh giving sleepless nights to the BSP and the SP. The Firozabad Lok Sabha bypoll, in which Mulayam Singh Yadav's daughter-in-law Dimple was defeated, was indicative of the changing winds. .

The BJP got nothing right despite projecting L K Advani, its 'iron man' as the 'strong' leader in comparison with a 'weak' Manmohan Singh With BJP's tally in the Lok Sabha reduced from 138 to 116, it was time for a generational change as 52-year-old Nitin Gadkari took over the reins from Rajnath Singh while Advani himself made way for Sushma Swaraj as Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha.

The Left parties got the severest drubbing in the Lok Sabha elections held in the backdrop of the Nandigram incident and the developments at Singur in West Bengal which were exploited to the hilt by Trinamool Congress chief Mamta Banerjee. In fact, the Left parties are facing a threat to their very existence as their strongholds of West Bengal and Kerala were shaken to the roots and the assembly elections there are scheduled for 2011. A highlight of the Lok Sabha elections was that generally those parties and leaders among UPA and allies who sided with Congress, survived or thrived, while those who tried to sideline it, almost fell by the wayside. For instance, Lalu Prasad's RJD was down from 27 to just four and Ram Vilas Paswan met his waterloo with his LJP drawing a blank after they parted ways with Congress. Almost similar was the fate of Samajwadi Party, which had helped the UPA-I survive after the withdrawal of the Left support to the Government. Its tally dipped from 39 to 22. -PTI

2009 saw Chinese incursions, Sukhoi mishaps, Agni-II failure NEW DELHI: It was not happy tidings in 2009 for the Defense Ministry which was stung by the alleged role of four generals in the Darjeeling land scam and the failure of BrahMos and Agni-II missile tests. The Ministry came under pressure to punish the generals after an army probe held them responsible for the sale of the 70-acre estate in Darjeeling to a private realtor. The Army Headquarters is now considering the report. The generals may face summary dismissal, court martial or punitive administrative action. Repeated incursions and airspace violations by Chinese military in Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir too engaged the defense top brass's minds during the year. To boost their defense preparedness, India floated a Request for Information (RFI) for lightweight tanks to deploy them along the Chinese border and also based a Sukhoi fighter squadron of IAF in Tezpur in Assam. It also activated the Nyoma advanced landing ground in Ladakh during September for operating AN-32 transport aircraft, enabling faster troops movement.

The failure of BrahMos and Agni-II missile tests bruised the image of DRDO. But the silver lining was India joining an elite group of nations like the US, Russia, the UK, China and France when it laid the keel of a 40,000-tonne indigenous aircraft carrier and a 6,000-tonne nuclearpowered submarine for the navy. President Pratibha Patil created history by becoming the first In-

Repeated incursions and airspace violations by Chinese military in Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir too engaged the defense top brass's minds during the year dian woman to ride as a co-pilot on a Sukhoi and later capped it by boarding aircraft carrier INS Viraat. The year was marred by 13 IAF plane crashes, including two Sukhois' that shattered the front line fighter jet's mishap-free record since induction in 1996, and a Naval Sea Harrier jet crash that brought down the already deplet-

ing naval aviation's fleet. The year began with high-level political and military meets to ideate on the defense of the 7,500km-long coastline, culminating in the navy getting charge of coastal security and setting up of Coastal Command under the Coast Guard chief. In its anti-piracy efforts in the Indian Ocean, the navy won accolades for nabbing nine pirates off Seychelles, apart from warding off attacks on merchant ships in the Gulf. It also had two North Korean ships intercepted near Andaman and Nicobar in August and off Kochi in November, both sailing suspiciously and anchoring off Indian coasts. Naval ships rescued two Coast Guard men, who were abducted by Sri Lankan fishermen in December. India also got its sole aircraft carrier INS Viraat, which turned 50 on November 18, repaired and refitted at Kochi this year. The Navy floated RFI for carrierborne aircraft as a back-up if naval LCA project was delayed beyond 2015, and also got delivery of the first four of the 16 MiG-29Ks jets from Russia for Admiral Gorshkov, though the warship is scheduled to arrive only by 2012.-PTI

BOXERS IN PAK: Indian boxers Naresh Singh (L) and Sanjay Singh (R) leave the arrivals hall of Jinnah international Airport in Karachi on December 31, 2009. India has sent its first sports team to Pakistan in more than a year as a seven-member boxing team flew into Karachi to compete in an international tournament

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Bangla approves power exchange proposal with India DHAKA: The Bangladesh cabinet has cleared the proposed landmark power exchange deal with India which will allow the import and export of electricity amounting to over 900 million units per annum. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), expected to be signed during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's January 10 visit to India, will allow both countries to exchange power according to their respective needs. The project cost is estimated at around USD 200 million and the proposal also carries an option to purchase power from both public and private sectors of India, officials said here. "The cabinet last night approved

the proposed MoU which will allow both countries to sell or buy electricity from each other depend-

The project cost is estimated at around USD 200 million and the proposal also carries an option to purchase power from both public and private sectors of India, officials said here ing on availability, need and price of electricity," PM's press secretary Abul Kalam Azad told PTI.

Energy ministry officials said the price of electricity would be settled once the deal was inked expectedly during Hasina's first visit to India after assuming power this year. Power division secretary Abul Kalam Azad, who met Indian officials in New Delhi last month, had told PTI that the proposed MOU suggested exchanging of electricity for nearly 17 hours a day and a technical committee would work out details or modalities of cooperation after the signing of the deal. The state-run Power Development Board (PDB) chairman Alamgir Kabiar said the exchange volume would be as high as 250 mw initially and could eventually be as high as 1,000 mw. -PTI

Issue of racial attacks dominate Indo-Australian ties MELBOURNE: Indo-Australia ties were in the news in 2009 for all wrong reasons - a spate of racial attacks on Indians, particularly students, forced the two governments to act to contain the fallout even as they agreed to take their strategic relations to a new level. Relations between India and Australia started to stress out in June this year after racial attacks

ited India in 2009 to reassure Indians that that country was safer for foreigners. During Rudd's India visit, the two countries signed a number of agreements on various fields, but Australia refused to supply Uranium to India, saying New Delhi was not a signatory to the Nuclear non-proliferation Treaty (NPT). The attacks also led Indians to

The attack on Shravan Kumar, hailing from Andhra Pradesh, came as a rude shock for Indians after his comatose pictures were flashed on television channels. Over 30 students and some community members were attacked by Australians since June on Indians prompting the Government here to control the damage by assuring New Delhi that Australia was indeed the best place for students pursuing higher studies. The attack on Shravan Kumar, hailing from Andhra Pradesh, came as a rude shock for Indians after his comatose pictures were flashed on television channels. Over 30 students and some community members were attacked by Australians since June. Though Australian Government assured India and students that their safety would be taken care of, there was no let up in the attacks against Indians as almost one or the other kind of assaults on Indians continued. A number of top diplomats and leaders, including Victorian Premier John Brumby and Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, vis-

come out on the streets and protest against attacks on them and the government for not taking steps to prevent them. India also summoned the Australian High Commissioner in New Delhi to protest against continued attacks on India and External Affairs Minister S M Krishna traveled to Melbourne in August to get a first-hand account of the situation there. Krishna returned to New Delhi with an assurance from the Kevin Rudd Government that Australia will take all possible steps to contain attacks on Indians. Australia also claimed that the attacks against Indians were not racially motivated. Australia also appointed Peter Joseph Varghese, an ethnic Indian, as High Commissioner to India. The issue also revealed some

sub standard colleges imparting education to overseas students and a serious audit on over 40 educational institutions led to closure of colleges here that left thousands of Indian students in limbo. The attacks also had an impact of Indian students enrolment in Australia with a report saying that it is expected to slide by a whopping 21 per cent and the country could lose around 70 million USD in revenue. In 2009, Australia also announced support for research efforts targeted at the challenges both countries face in energy, food and water, health and environment fields. Australia also announced that it will invest USD 50 million for Australia-India Strategic Research Fund, USD 1 million for an innovative Australia-India solar cooling research project and USD 20 million for research into dryland farming in India. -PTI

GAMES FLAME: The President Commonwealth Games Tanzania, Gulam Rashid carries the QueenĂs Baton 2010 Delhi through Dar Es Salaam Airport accompanied by the Secretary General, Filbert Bayi and Treasurer Charles Nyange on December 28

2009: Indian sweets, drinks and clothes get copyrights NEW DELHI: Places famous for their food, drink or clothes -- like Tirupati Ladu, Goa Feni and Banarsi Saree -- from much before the days of copyrights and trademarks won the exclusive right to use these names in 2009. After a lull of more than two years, the Chennai-based Geographical Indication Registry dusted off old applications and granted GI certificates to 'Tirupati Ladu', a sweet manufactured by the Tirumala-Tirupati Devasthanam-administered Lord Venkateswara Temple, the 'Banarasi Sarees', famous for fine quality and elaborate patterns woven in silk in Banaras city in Uttar Pradesh, and the 'Goan Feni', a fermented drink made from cashew or rice in Goa.

While modern copyright laws as we know it originated in Britain as late as 1662, these products that have been given GI rights have been in production since yore. The Banarsi fabrics (hiranya vastra), for instance, have found mention in the Vedas as has the city. Other GI tags granted during the year were for Malihabadi Dusseheri Mango from UP, Puneri Pagadi of Pune, Tangaliya Shawl of Gujarat, Vazhakulam Pineapple and Cannanore Home Furnishings from Kerala, Appemidi Mango and Kamalapur Red Banana from Karnataka) and the famous Santipore Saree from West Bengal. -PTI

Fewer Indians to enroll in Australia, $70m loss in revenue MELBOURNE: Enrolment of Indian students in Australia is expected to slide by a whopping 21 per cent over safety worries in the aftermath of violent attacks on them and the country could lose around 70 million USD in revenue. In its latest projection, Tourism Australia has said the recent spate of attacks on students will result in 4,000 fewer Indians coming to Australia to study next year. "The downturn is expected in response to concerns that the Indian community have had about safety," Head of Tourism Australia's forecasting committee

Bernard Salt said. As the slide in inflow of Indian students comes about, Australia could lose over USD 70 million in revenue, the study said. "What we are saying is that based on consideration of visa applications, there is 20 per cent hit in the number of Indian students coming in 2010," Salt said, adding that it was hard to say whether this drop could be a "knee-jerk, one-year reaction". Gautam Gupta, President of the Federation of Indian Students in Australia, however, said the slump would not be as severe as feared

earlier after a spate of attacks on students of Indian origin up to June this year. "Our fears were that the slide could touch as high as 50 per cent. But it is going to be only 21 per cent," he said. Australia's education industry has in recent years witnessed an unprecedented boom with the value touching as high as USD 15.4 billion a year and is listed as the country's third biggest export earner. Students from India makeup for 19 per cent of those enrolling in Australian universities. Last year as many as 117,000 enrolled. -PTI

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Obama lashes out at 'systemic failure' in intel network WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama has hit out at the "human" and "systemic failure" as it came to light that American agencies had prior information that might have averted the near catastrophic attempt to blow up a Detroit-bound airliner. Asserting that "this is unacceptable," Obama asked his administration to submit by December 31 a report on the failed Christmas Day attack. The President's hard comments came as media reports said that CIA knew about the Nigerian terror suspect, but the information was not passed on to other agencies. Breaking away from his HawaiMASS MARRIAGE: Indian brides and grooms sit during a mass marriage ceremony for some 35 poverty-stricken couples from the India-Pakistan border area at a ceremony on the outskirts of Amritsar on December 29, 2009. Marriage is a costly affair in India prompting some parents to have their children married at mass marriages, allowing them to save money on organization costs

'Don't check-in passengers with stapled Chinese visa' NEW DELHI: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has instructed all airlines not to checkin any passenger who has a Chinese visa stapled on his or her passport. The instruction, issued late last evening, asks all airlines to "ensure that they do not check-in any passenger with stapled Chinese visa on their passports," official sources said here. The DGCA instruction comes weeks after India declared as "invalid" the standalone paper visas given by the Chinese embassy

here and consulates in Mumbai and Kolkata to Indians from Jammu and Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh. A travel advisory issued by the External Affairs Ministry last month asked those going to China to ensure that their visas are pasted on their passports. "Such paper visas stapled to the passport are not considered valid for travel out of the country," it said. Following the advisory, the Civil Aviation Ministry issued a directive that passengers holding stapled visas should not be

checked-in for travel out of India. In November, New Delhi had slammed this practice of issuing separate visas "to certain categories of Indian nationals on the basis of their domicile, ethnicity and/or place of issue of the passport". India also took up the issue with China at the highest levels. Apparently, the Chinese embassy has not stopped the practice, which has provoked New Delhi to issue the travel advisory rendering separate visas as invalid. -PTI

Taliban commanders contact Imran for peace talks with govt LAHORE: Pakistani Taliban commanders have contacted cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan to broker peace talks with the government, but he said he would act as a mediator only if authorities give their consent. "The Taliban have contacted me for peace negotiations with the government. But I will only play a mediator's role if the government gives its consent," Khan said, but did not mention which faction of the local Taliban had contacted him. Khan, who heads the Tehrike-Insaaf party, has opposed military operations against the Taliban and other militant groups.

He had earlier offered to act as a mediator between the Taliban and government. There had been no response from the

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I will only play a mediator's role if the government gives its consent,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Khan said government to his offer to mediate with the Taliban. Some leaders of the ruling Pakistan People's Party and sec-

tions of the media have criticized Khan for what they describe as his "pro-Taliban" stance. Interior Minister Rehman Malik too has made it clear that the federal government has no intention of holding talks with the Taliban or other terrorists. "They must surrender before any peace talks can be initiated," he said. However, the Taliban in the northwestern Swat valley had welcomed Khan's offer to broker peace talks. Khan has also called on the PPP-led government to convene a meeting of all political parties to discuss challenges confronting the country. -PTI

ian vacation for the second day, Obama said: "When our government has information on a known extremist and that information is not shared and acted upon as it should have been... a systemic failure has occurred". "An extremist boards a plane with dangerous explosives that could cost nearly 300 lives... I consider that totally unacceptable," the US President said as recriminations mounted over the failed attack. "The reviews I've ordered will surely tell us more. But what already is apparent is that there was a mix of human and systemic failures that contributed to this potential catastrophic breach of security," he said.-PTI

Jet plot well planned, amateurishly executed: Dutch government THE HAGUE: The failed attack on a US airliner last week was professionally prepared but carried out amateurishly, Dutch Interior Minister Guusje ter Horst said here. The method and the explosives used were similar to those employed in earlier attacks, she told a press conference, adding that the explosive was not easy to make. Nigerian Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, 23, is accused of trying to blow up a Northwest Airlines Airbus as it was landing at Detroit on December 25 after a

flight from Amsterdam's Schiphol airport. "The preparation of the failed attack against passenger flight NW 253 Amsterdam-Detroit was fairly professional, but its execution was amateurish," Horst said. "The explosive used is not easy to make and its production is not without risk," she added, quoting findings of the probe launched by Dutch authorities. "The modus operandi and explosive are similar to earlier attacks," she said, without giving further details. -AFP

Man with the 'Best job in the world' stung by lethal jellyfish MELBOURNE: The man who the resort staff to rush him to hoshad the "Best job in the world" pital. hadn't bargained for what he got, Doctor diagnosed that a Briton who was hired to manage Southall had been stung by poian idyllic Australian island resort sonous irukandji jellyfish and with fat perks was stung by a po- gave him strong anti-biotics to tentially lethal jellyfish. sleep off the venom. Ben Southall - who won an international blog contest to manage Ben Southall - who won an Australia's Hamilton Is- international blog contest to land to promote tourism - wrote that he was manage Australia's Hamilton lucky to survive a ven- Island to promote tourism omous bite by an wrote that he was lucky to irukandji jellyfish. Saying he had expe- survive a venomous bite rienced a "crazy 24 by an irukandji jellyfish hours" post-Christmas, Southall said after being back from a ski session with "Horrible incident. Lesson learnt friends, he climbed to the beach - always wear a stinger suit," the to feel a small bee-sting. Briton said after he recovered. Hours later, he started getting Southall said he was supposed to tingling sensation on his hands be relaxing in the last two days of and feet, which later led to high his job on the island, but now is fever, headache, chest tightness wary of myriad deadly creatures that and high blood pressure forcing abound near the famed island.-PTI

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CIA officers killed in Taliban suicide bombing in Afghanistan WASHINGTON: A suicide bomber targeted a US base in eastern Afghanistan killing eight civilians, most of them employees of the CIA, in the deadliest single attack on a US intelligence agency. The suicide attacker detonated himself at a forward American operating Base Chapman in Khost Province near the Afghan border with Pakistan, an area believed to be controlled by Taliban warlord Jalaludin Haqqani. The US had recently set up the CIA base in the Khost Province to launch Predator drone attacks targeting the Haqqani network, whose Taliban fighters operate on both sides of Afghan-Pakistan border. Media reports said an Afghan national was also killed in the attack which left six other Americans wounded. The CIA did not either confirm or deny the reports. The State Department spokesman, Ian Kelly, however confirmed the death of eight Americans. A Congressional source ABC News that all the dead were connected to CIA. "Eight Americans were killed in an attack on a US military base in Regional Command East in Af-

ghanistan. We mourn the loss of life in this attack, and are withholding further details pending notification of next of kin," Kelly said in a statement. The Washington Post reported, "The attack represented an audacious blow to intelligence operatives at the vanguard of US

The US had recently set up the CIA base in the Khost Province to launch Predator drone attacks targeting the Haqqani network, whose Taliban fighters operate on both sides of AfghanPakistan border counterterrorism operations in both Afghanistan and Pakistan, killing officials whose job involves plotting strikes against the Taliban, al-Qaeda and other extremist groups that are active on the frontier between the two nations." "It is the nightmare we've been anticipating since we went into Afghanistan and Iraq," John E McLaughlin, a former CIA deputy

director who now serves on a board that supports children of CIA officers slain on the job, was quoted as saying by the daily. "Our people are often out on the front line, without adequate force protection, and they put their lives quite literally in jeopardy," McLaughlin said. "It was the worst day for the CIA in terms of loss of life since the war in Afghanistan began eight years ago," ABC News said. The suicide bomber blew himself up in either the gym or the dining facility on Camp Chapman near the Pak border in Khost province, according to one US official in Kabul, the news channel said. The same official says all those killed were civilians, and a separate official in Washington said the base is not used by State Department employees -- suggesting the victims may be intelligence officials. The attack appears to have been the result of an extraordinary lapse in security, one of the few times that any militant has managed to elude guards and attack inside a US facility, ABC news channel said. A Taliban spokesman in Afghanistan claimed responsibility for the attack and even went on to claim that 16 Americans had been killed in the strike. -PTI

ROEMER AT TERESA HOME: Shortly after the Christmas holiday, Ambassador Timothy Roemer visited the Jeevan Jyoti Home for Disabled Children on December 29, 2009. Run by Missionaries of Charity, an organization founded by Mother Teresa in 1950, the home was established to care for children with a range of disabilities

I tried hard not to be an actor: Soha Ali Khan N E W DELHI: When you are born in a family of actors, you are expected to become an actress eventually. The same happened with Soha Ali Khan, despite her trying very hard not to step into Bollywood. W i t h yesteryear's b e a u t y q u e e n Sharmila Tagore as mother and superstar Saif Ali Khan as brother, one would hardly expect Soha to take up any other profession, but she insists that she was initially reluctant to become an actress. "Taking up acting was never my aim and I have tried very hard not to be an actor. I took up other professions like banking, but then there was a wish to become a part of the entertainment industry somehow," Soha told PTI. And it was this wish which she could not escape and it led her to the sets of 'Dil Maange More', the film she made her Bollywood debut with. She is a prominent face in the film industry now, with 'Rang De Basanti' and 'Mumbai Meri Jaan' in her kitty. Soha has carved a niche for herself with off-beat films like 'Khoya Khoya Chand' and 'Dil Kabaddi' instead of going the fullblown 'masala movie' way. "I like to keep it varied and work in every genre as my aim is to perform. Many a times you do not get a chance to perform in glamorous films. I would like to be part of those films where I can prove myself as an actress," said Soha. Soha, whose last Bollywood release was 'Tum Mile' with Emraan Hashmi, is happy that she does not have to compete with her mother or brother in acting since both of them are successful in their respective spheres. But she does seek their appreciation at times. "I don't turn to my family members for advice. But when my film is released I want amma (Sharmila) to watch it because her female perspective comes handy.

"When I am signing a film with an unknown party, I might ask bhai (Saif) for his opinion. He is more experienced and will know whether the script will turn out to be a good film. But ultimately it's my choice since it's me who has to play the role," said Soha. The actress is a proud daughter and admires her mother's achievements as an actress, but she makes it clear that she is not trying to ape Sharmila in any way. "I don't want to imitate any actress, even my mother. I admire her for her body of work in every genre, be it acting in Satyajit Ray's films or working with Denzel Washington. She is an icon for me," said Soha. She is all praises for the way in which Sharmila has struck a balance between work and family and carried out both successfully. "People say that you have to leave work after marriage, but my mother is still working. This year itself she has done three films. It is very difficult to become a successful actress, wife and mother, but she has done it all," said Soha. The 31-year-old actress is quick to hush you up once you mention her age, saying, "Shh, you are not supposed to tell anyone! I am actually 16, eternally. I feel that I am small, petite and look young so my age does not matter." The actress is currently shooting a Sudhir Mishra film 'Tera Kya Hoga Johnny' with Shiney Ahuja and has an English film named 'Life Goes On' up her sleeves. -PTI

Desi News

IAC holiday celebrations for seniors and youth NISHA SUTARIA

CHICAGO: The Indo-American Center (IAC) carried out its annual tradition hosting Holiday parties for both the Youth Program and Seniors Program. The Youth Program holiday party on December 22 packed the IAC Main Hall - it brought together over 200 people of which about 130 were children. Details on page 11

Traveling exhibition on Lord Vishnu developed SURI SWAMY

Violent assault on West Texas Sikh India Post News Service

Sikh graduate student was thrown into a swimming pool and brutally assaulted in West Texas. The young man (identity withheld for his protection) held a part-time job delivering pizzas to ease the burden of his college expenses. He brought pizzas into a home on a delivery and four men took the pizza. Without paying, they began eating, while at the same time hurling racial epithets at the Sikh man and threatening him. "I'm going to **** you up in Iraq, I'm going to **** you up in Afghanistan, I'm going to **** you up over here." Details on page 14

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

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Thousands attend DarbarE-Khalsa

January 8, 2010

Details on page 13

Governor Pat Quinn gets Indians' backing A.Q. SIDDIQUI

CHICAGO: Indian American Democratic Organization (IADO) led by president Ram Gajjela and former FIA president Iftekhar Shareef hosted a fundraiser for Illinois Governor Pat Quinn who is seeking election next month. It is learnt that over $15000 were raised during the event. Ram Gajjella introduced Pat Quinn and spoke about the Governor's performance in the last 10 months. Integrity, honest hard work and development programs are keys to identify Governor Pat Quinn, he said. The Governor has signed a long list of new laws that are bringing true reform to Illinois government. He is striving to hit hard on corruption citadels that have stained the Illinois government. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 12

Gov. Pat Quinn with Indian Community members at a fundraiser in Chicago

FIA affairs dragged to court one more time India Post News Service

CHICAGO: It seems that members of the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) are beset with periodic itching problem taking their intra-organizational differences to the court for resolution instead of sorting these out internally. The recent elections ( Sunday Dec 13, 2009) for the office bearers next year turned out to be a hot and acrimonious affair with a group led by Secretary Sunil Shah alleging "irregularities and fraud" in registering member associations among other things. The election committee headed by Anil Pillai declared Sunny Gabhawla elected

President for 2010 bagging 14 votes against four held by rival contender Sunil Shah. Shah took objections to the way the elections were conducted alleging that some of their points

temporary restraining order. A member of the election committee who would not like to identify himself said it was regrettable that the matter has been dragged to court. He felt that the election committee

Two years ago the present FIA also was dragged to court with a group of members questioning the legality of the constitution of the executive team about the registration of member associations were overlooked. The group comprising Sunil Shah, Omkar Singh Sangha, Rev. Dr. Jaswant B Singha and Hina Trivedi decided to move the Circuit Court of Cook County for a

acted impartially and that the court was unlikely to set aside the result. John Miller of Woerthwein & Miller in a release to the media said that his clients have sought a temporary restraining order from a

Cook County Circuit Court Chancery Division in Chicago. Two years ago the present FIA also was dragged to court with a group of members questioning the legality of the constitution of the executive team. There was an election dispute ten years ago also. The matter was again taken to the court. Members of the community at large are weary of the FIA. They feel it is run by some self-styled netas who are more interested in jostling their ways to be with politicians at important events and having their pictures taken with them for consumption of media. The community wants FIA to be a truly umbrella organization of Indians, by Indians and for Indians.

January 8, 2010

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IAC holiday celebrations for seniors and youth NISHA SUTARIA

Seniors Program coordinator assistant Govindbhai Lambacchia shares a skit about the meaning of life

Santa Claus, played by Civics Coordinator Loknath Agarwal, gave every child an age and gender appropriate present. "Being able to achieve our ultimate goal of giving all the children presents was all we could hope for," said Kali Cohn, IAC Development Coordinator. These presents were graciously donated by several organizations, including

Santa offering gifts to seniors

‘Being able to achieve our ultimate goal of giving all the children presents was all we could hope for,’ said Kali Cohn

South Asian Progressive Action Collective (SAPAC), National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP), Indian American Bar Association (IABA), Ekya, Trikome Chicago, and individual donors. Exceeding the average of 80 seniors daily for the Seniors Program, about 175 seniors attended the Seniors Program holiday

party on December 23. The seniors gathered and shared their holiday cheer and favorite pastimes with each other, including jokes, poetry, skits, songs, and holiday stories. "As a Christian, it's nice to have a program like this in the community for Christmas. Cont’d on page 12

Vedic Day Care Center celebrates Christmas MOHAMMAD GHOUSE

Vedic Day Care Center children with teachers and Director Vrishabh Das

CHICAGO: Vedic Day Care Center, a pre-KG learning institute with oriental moorings, celebrated its annual Christmas function in Chicago with a good number of community members and the staff of Day Care Center

in attendance. The occasion was celebrated with different performances by children of the Center. They sang devotional songs, Christmas carols, and performed a drama about the birth of Christ.

The children exchanged gifts amongst themselves, which brought them joy. The celebration was joined by friends and family. The finale of the day was a Christmas lunch. It was a day to

celebrate with excitement and was enjoyed by all. Throughout the years it has been determined that the Vedic Day Care would celebrate all such occasions with great enthusiasm, which brings enjoyment to the children.

The director of the Center Vrashbha Das expressed gratitude to Mayur Patel, Dr. Agarwal, Dr. Devika Arya, Gopal Patel, Dr. CM Modi, Ashok Patel, and Kalpesh Patel for their financial support.

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January 8, 2010

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Traveling exhibition on Lord Vishnu developed SURI SWAMY

MEHTANI WAY: A short stretch of private road leading to Mughal restaurant at Oak Tree Center on Oak Tree Road in Edison, NJ, has been named after the owners of the restaurant group ó Satish and Sneh Mehtani ó as ëMehtani Wayí in recognition of their contribution to the economic development of the city. At a brief event to unveil the naming on Dec 30, outgoing Edison Mayor Jun Choi said such an honor was a ceremonial recognition, generally accorded to veterans, and did not need a formal City approval. On the occasion, Satish Mehtani said the honor was recognition for the entire Indian American community. Seen in the picture are Satish and Sneh Mehtani with Mayor Jun Choi (center) along with friends and supporters.-Pic Jay Seth

IAC holiday celebrations for seniors and youth

CHICAGO: Frist Center for the Visual Arts in Nashville (Tennessee, USA) has organized a "traveling exhibition" titled "Vishnu: Hinduism's Blue-Skinned Savior". The Center claims that it "will be the first major museum exhibition to focus on Vishnu". Opening in February 2011 and presenting approximately 120 paintings and sculptures that were made in India between the fourth and 19th century, this exhibition will serve as a brief survey of Hindu art styles as well as an examination of the Vaishnava tradition, it adds. According to the Center, the first section of the exhibition will introduce Vishnu in his primary form with subsections dedicated to his attributes, his consorts, and his legends. The second section will examine his avatars (incarnations), as a group and then individually. The avatars that are more frequently celebrated in art will be more fully represented in the exhibition, with substantial subsections dedicated to Rama and

Krishna. The third section will show some of the ways that Vishnu has been worshipped, with images of temples and ritual objects.

According to the Center, the first section of the exhibition will introduce Vishnu in his primary form with subsections dedicated to his attributes, his consorts, and his legends This exhibition is organized by guest curator Dr. Joan Cummins from Brooklyn Museum (Brooklyn, New York). Cont’d on page 15

Governor Pat Quinn gets Indians' backing Cont’d from page 10

Youth Program holiday party: Santa distributing gifts to young ones and children Cont’d from page 10

Life is a relationship, and by coming to the IAC and sharing with others, especially on this special occasion, the members of the Seniors Program are building one… that's why they say 'the more, the merrier,'" said senior Ariel Christian. Each senior also received an IAC tote bag. "Both holiday parties were a success. The IAC is happy to have been able to bring people together here to spread the holi-

day cheer among our staff, volunteers, clients, and community members. Making a point to do so every year is important to us," said IAC Executive Director, Jay Luthra. These celebrations provided families in need, especially those with children, the opportunity to celebrate the holiday season. The IAC's goal was to make sure that these struggling families could also celebrate this time with loved ones over a warm holiday meal, presents, and en-

tertainment. The Indo-American Center is a not-for-profit community service organization serving the South Asian immigrant population. The mission of the IndoAmerican Center is to promote the well being of South Asian immigrants through services that facilitate their adjustment, integration and friendship with the wider society, nurture their sense of community, and foster appreciation for their heritage and culture.

The Governor has signed a new campaign finance law that creates the first-ever limits on contributions to candidates in Illinois. The tough new law aims at reforming state procurement procedures, making it a crime to trade political favors for procurement contracts. Ram Gajjella also spoke about Governor Pat Quinn's programs for creating jobs in Illinois and hailed him as an old friend of Indian community. Governor Pat Quinn thanked Indian community members, IADO members, Ram Gajjela and Iftekhar Shareef for coming forward to support him. He in fact recognized few faces among the guests and remarked, "I do not trade old friends for new ones, but I keep getting new friends". Governor Quinn also hailed Indian community as the hard working people committed to education, ethics of service. "Indian community is represented at many places in Illinois by doctors and other professionals. President Obama extended first state dinner to the Indian Prime Minister. It is a token of growing relations between the U.S. and India. The business with India has to grow; there should be more import from India."

Speaking about his last 10 months as the Governor of Illinois, he said he has been striving to reform government at every level and to make sure that everyday people receive proper value for their tax dollars. "With integrity and hon-

Governor Quinn also hailed Indian community as the hard working people committed to education, ethics of service. ‘Indian community is represented at many places in Illinois by doctors and other professionals’ est hard work, we can repair our reputation and prove to the world, and ourselves, that this is still the land of Lincoln," he said. Later, Governor went to every table and individually met all and shared few moments with them. Iftekhar Shareef and Ram Gajjella thanked all for joining the fundraiser.

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January 8, 2010

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Thousands attend Darbar-E-Khalsa

The IIGS Jatha

India Post News Service

DIAMOND BAR: The 24th Darbar-E-Khalsa celebrations organized by the International Institute of Gurmat Studies, Inc., went off magnificently. The event was held on December 25, 2009, from 6am to 4pm at the Diamond Bar High School in Diamond Bar,

Inside the beautifully lit and tastefully decorated gymnasium hall, the whole- day event started with melodious Asa Di Vaar by Akhand Kirtani Jatha of Los Angeles. This was followed by spirited Shabad Kirtan by about 28 famous Ragi Jathas and children's groups representing various Guru-ghars

the awards. Sardar Onkar Singh, from Mohali, Punjab, India was given the International Gatka Award for promoting Gatka, the Sikh martial arts, internationally. Sardar Sukdev Singh and Sardarni Jaswinder Kaur of Malaysia were presented with the International Dasmesh Award for a life time of dedicated service to the Panth and for creating innovative channels of sewa for promoting Sikh values and tradition in Malaysia. Sardar Hardev Singh recited a spirited poem in Punjabi. Sardarnis Simran Kaur Khalsa

In a short but impressive awards ceremony, Five Singhs, in their traditional Khalsa attire gave away the awards. Sardar Onkar Singh, from Mohali, Punjab, India was given the International Gatka Award for promoting Gatka, the Sikh martial arts, internationally

The Majestic Dewan of Sri Guru Granth Sahib

Southern California. It was a beautiful sunny day. As always, devotees turned up with their families and friends in thousands to pay respects to their beloved tenth great Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, on his 343rd birthday.

of the Southland. Sardarnis Gurpreet Kaur and Harmala Kaur with Sardar Ranjit Singh on the Tabla led the IGS Kirtani Jatha of over twenty singers. In a short but impressive awards ceremony, Five Singhs, in their traditional Khalsa attire gave away

and Jessi Kaur, who participated in the Parliament of World Religions recently in Australia, spoke on the utmost need of sharing the message of Sri Guru Granth Sahib with the rest of the World. Sardar Arvinder Singh appealed to the Sangat for making generous donations as the cost of hosting this grand Gurpurab celebration had gone up considerably over the years. Papa urged all to take the upcoming US Census of 2010 seriously and to write Punjabi/Sikh in the Form against

the appropriate question of Race. Outside the hall, the entire area looked festive, with people in their colorful turbans, chunis and scarves mingling joyfully. There were long lines for delicious chholey pathurey breakfast and, sumptuous Guru Ka Langar. There were about twenty vendors busy selling their goods under bright canopies. About 3 pm, after the Dewan concluded, the several thousand strong sangat followed the golf cart carriage carrying Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji's Palki to the helicopter landing area. A few Gatka

Kaur. Sardarnis Gurinder Kaur and Sumeet Kaur took care of the decorations with the help of Sardar Manjit Singh of "Manjit flowers". Sardars Maninder Singh, Gurkirpal Singh, Arvinder Singh, Ranjit Singh, Harsimran Singh and families played a key role in the decorations.. Karah Parshaad Deg was provided by Gurdwara Raseda. Chholey Pathure sewa was carried out by Bhai Manjit Singh and Jatha. Sewa of Cha Pakouras was done by Sardars JP Singh, Shingara Singh and Jasmeet Singh.

The Khalsa parade

players led the Khalsa Parade. Hundreds of youngsters carrying Khalsa flags and banners followed. Two groups of Punj Piaras escorted Guru Sahib's swaari to the waiting helicopter. After a short Ardaas by Bhai Jaswant Singh, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji was given a warm send off as the helicopter gently lifted up into the clear blue sky, amidst thunderous Jaikaaras of Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal. Final Ardaas was performed by Sardarni Jasjit Kaur, Hukam was read by Sardarni Manjeet

Langar was catered by Sardar Satpal Singh of Diamond Palace Cuisine of India. Langar distribution was coordinated by Sardars Baljit Singh and Kush Singh. Vendor coordination was by Sardar Amarjyot Singh. Shoe Sewa was carried out by Sardars Divraj Singh, Girijesh Singh and family. Sardars Harvinder Singh and Tejinder Singh looked after all the eating arrangements and upkeep of the area. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 16

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Violent assault on West Texas Sikh India Post News Service

A Sikh graduate student was thrown into a swimming pool and brutally assaulted in West Texas. The young man (identity withheld for his protection) held a part-time job delivering pizzas to ease the burden of his college expenses. He brought pizzas into a home on a delivery and four men took the pizza. Without paying, they began eating, while at the same time hurling racial epithets at the Sikh man and threatening him. "I'm going to **** you up in Iraq, I'm going to **** you up in Afghanistan, I'm going to **** you up over here." The men then grabbed the Sikh student and threw him into a swimming pool. The four attackers surrounded the pool, kicking him in

the head and body. Every time he tried to escape, they would stomp or hit at him. For 20 minutes, he swam for his life trying to escape. He eventually seized an opportunity to flee and barely made it to his car with two men in pursuit. The Sikh man went to the hospital to address his injuries the next day. He is now doing better physically, but is still emotionally scarred because his attackers have been roaming free.

Local police do little Though the local police were called shortly after the attack, they failed to respond adequately. The police classified the incident as a misdemeanor, which means that the attackers may not have to serve any jail time. The attackers' behavior put this young man's life at risk. The Sikh

Coalition and the victim said they are appalled at this lack of action

The Sikh man went to the hospital to address his injuries the next day. He is now doing better physically, but is still emotionally scarred because his attackers have been roaming free by local police. The local police also did not

file the incident as a hate crime. It is clear from the attackers' references to 'bin Laden' and 'Go back to Afghanistan' and the fact that they kicked off his turban that this assault targeted not only him as an individual, but his Sikh identity. Harsimran Kaur, the Sikh Coalition's Legal Director, contacted the local police department demanding the men be charged with hate crimes. Although the local police department refused to prosecute the perpetrators, the Sikh Coalition did not give up. It contacted the Department of Justice (DOJ) which is now investigating the matter as a possible federal hate crime. "I was terrified that I would die that night," the victim said. "No one should have to endure some-

thing like this just because of their religion, ethnicity or appearance. I am grateful that the Sikh Coalition intervened or else I surely would have not gotten any serious response from any of the law enforcement agencies." Because criminal charges have not been brought against this young Sikh's attackers, they remain free to live in the town where he was attacked. The student has received numerous death threats over the past few months. He recently fled the town and has moved into a new home. The young man intends to continue his education at another university. Due to the sensitive nature of the case, the Sikh Coalition has been asked not to release personal information at this time.

AID LA works for poorest in India India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: Association for India's Development (AID)'s mission is to keep us all connected to the poorest and most marginalized of Indians - their lives, joys, struggles and successes; to channel the compassion and understanding, the energy and ideas present in all of us, to make a difference. AID collaborates with grassroots organizations across India in the fields of education, health care, environmental protection and social justice. AID LA, the Los Angeles chapter of the organization, is committed to supporting projects in India every year. It has issued an appeal to members of the commu-

nity and others to contribute some time and money to help in AID LA's work in India. It says that it is such generous monthly and annual donations that support the work of changing the lives of the most marginalized. One can begin by contributing to the annual One For India (OFI) campaign. The contributions are tax deductible and will be effectively utilized, says AID LA. AID LA meets the 2nd Sunday of every month at 11 am at UCLA and has a phone call the 4th Sunday of every month at 2 pm. Meetings are open to all. Showcase project AID LA's showcase project for 2008-2009 has been the support of the Livelihood Generation via Or-

ganic Farming techniques in Birbhum District, West Bengal. Project background: Over the past 40 years since the "green revolution", there has been an overuse of chemical fertilizers in agricultural land, resulting in severe soil degradation, besides socio-environmental impacts like land erosion, pollution and health

hazards. Although productivity increased over the short term, the yield gradually dropped, entailing greater fertilizer consumption.

fertilizer for soil enrichment through workshops for awareness and knowledge-building with technical help from Agriculture

This further damaged the eco-systems that rejuvenate soil fertility (e.g. worms made land airy and fertile) leading to a vicious cycle. Project methodology: This project focused on the tribal region (13 villages in Birbhum District, West Bengal) where soil degradation and inadequate watersupply had resulted in high unemployment and lack of means for livelihood. To improve their socioeconomic condition, the small and marginal farmers were encouraged to use organic farming techniques like usage of bio-manure and bio-

College at Viswa Bharti University, and through demonstration sites to produce & sell bio-fertilizers. Women were educated about and involved in these efforts to create alternate means of livelihood. Results: A considerable change in the perception of farmers has been seen over past 2 years. Women SHG-operated vermicompost units are currently producing bio-fertilizers. Small experimental lands are successfully being used for organic cultivation of vegetables for everyday use.

January 8, 2010

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Parliament of Religions showed we can work together SIMRAN KAUR KHALSA

It is 2010, and as a human race we are still dying by our own hands. Wars are still rampant, people still feel hate in their hearts for another human being, and we are dying either through someone pulling the trigger, or by someone polluting the food, the air and the water, or by someone creating vaccines that are deadlier than a simple flu. The most horrifying aspect of this is that we are allowing it all to happen. We have not yet as a human race connected to our true soul connection. We have not connected with the full spec-

SKK with Sikh youth from India

this planet has to offer. We can give thanks to the Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions. Every five years, the Parliament creates a venue for people of faith to come together to share their wisdom and knowledge for a better world; where all people are at peace with one another, where we can come together and find solutions to stop the pollution, find solutions to stop hatred, find solutions to bring balance to Simran Kaur leading a workshop group a world that does not even have a concept of trum of what this Creation is-- what what true balance is. There is, thank God, still hope. God is about. And yet there have been, throughout the many cen- There are many teachers, and turies, incredible teachers and many enlightened people on this masters who came to offer us planet who continue to offer the glimpses of the infinite beauty that basic teachings of love and re-

Traveling exhibition on Lord Vishnu developed Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 12

It will be accompanied by a fully illustrated catalogue with essays and object entries by Cummins and other distinguished scholars in the areas of religious studies and anthropology. The currently planned venues of this traveling exhibition include Frist Center (February 25 to May 29, 2011), Brooklyn Museum (June 24 to September 18, 2011), and Portland Art Museum in Oregon (October 2011). The vision of the Frist Center is to inspire people through art to look at their world in new ways. William R. Frist is Board Chairman and Katie Delmez is Curator. Vishnu is "preserver" in the Hindu triad with Brahma and Shiva as the aspect of the Supreme. He had ten incarnations to establish dharma (divine law). Indians across the country have applauded Frist Center for developing this Hinduism focused exhibition. Bhailal Patel, a community activist , said that the move by the Frist Center not only needs to be welcomed by all right minded people of Indian origin here but

that the lead given by Frist needs to be followed by other Museums in the country. Rajan Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, in a statement in Nevada (USA) said that art had a long and rich tradi-

Bhailal Patel, a community activist , said that the move by the Frist Center not only needs to be welcomed by all right minded people of Indian origin here but that the lead given by Frist needs to be followed by other Museums in the country tion in Hinduism and ancient Sanskrit literature talked about religious paintings of deities on wood or cloth. It was a laudable step for Frist Center to provide opportunity to the world to further explore Hinduism and its concepts.

spect for this planet and for the human race. During the Holy Season of the month of December, The Parliament of the World's Religions was held in Melbourne, Australia from Dec. 3rd through the 9th. Representatives of all the world's religions came from all over the world to participate in the 2009 theme, "Making a World of Difference, Hearing Each Other and Healing the Earth." Just as Christians go on a pilgrimage to the Vatican, the Jewish

Religious leaders at the Parliament of Religions

People go to Jerusalem, and the Muslims go to Mecca, so too do religious leaders involved in interfaith work go on pilgrimage, so to speak, to the Parliament of the World's Religions. 6000 people gathered to talk about the conditions that this world is faced with, focusing on such themes as: "Healing the Earth with Care and Concern", "Overcoming Poverty in an Unequal World", Securing Food and Water for All People", "Indigenous Peoples", "Building Peace in the

Pursuit of Justice", "Creating Social Cohesion in Village and City", and "Sharing Wisdom in the Search for Inner Peace". The sub-themes of importance discussed at the Parliament included: "United Nations Millennium Development Goals-challenges and Opportunities for Global Stability"; "Poverty in Wealthy Countries"; "Interreligious Partnerships for Ending Hunger"; "The Impact of Women in Conflict Resolution"; "Muslim Women Securing Their Own Individuality"; Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 17

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Thousands attend Darbar-E-Khalsa Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 14

Over all coordination of the event was carried out by Sardar Sarabdayal Singh. He and Sardar Kaviraj Singh assisted by Sardarnis Gurpreet Kaur Preeti, Geetika Kaur, Taranamol K a u r, P r a b h n e e t K a u r and Ramneek Kaur managed the stage coordination.

Joint Kirtan by So Cal Raagi Jathas

Simran Kaur Khalsa

Kirtan Singh Khalsa, Sarabjit Singh, Sharmaine Dias and Harbhajan Singh Samra The main courtyard and bazaar

Ceremonial sendoff to the Holy scriptures

Vendors from India

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Ahmadiyyas condemn terror bid on Northwest airliner India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has strongly condemned the attempted Northwest flight 253 attack. In a statement, it says "As Muslims who believe in the Messiah, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community holds to the true Islamic teaching of peace and denounces any act that disturbs the peace of any society and the security of any community." It says the incident involving a

23-year-old Nigerian with alleged ties to terrorists violates Quranic principles, such as the Quranic directives "And create not disorder in the earth" (Ch. 7: verse 57) and "whosoever killed a person …it shall be as if he had killed all mankind" (5:33). "Islam condemns violence and the taking of innocent lives, and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community rejects any claims from those who say such acts follow Islamic principles. There is no place for violence of this kind in Islam, and Islam has no need for those who

Parliament of Religions showed we can work together Cont’d from page 15

"Aboriginal Women-Healing the Land and its People"; "Religion's Imperative to Present 'the Other' Faithfully", "The Disrespect of Women in Our Society" . . . Over 200 workshops/talks were offered everyday. The Parliament of the World's Religions is setting a beautiful example. It is showing the world that we can come together and communicate with one another, that we can work together, and that we can come together hand in hand to figure out how to resolve world issues. The next major step is for all people to walk hand in hand to help transform a world that is mostly disempowering the human race; for the world to come together to fight against injustice, and against the governmental tactics of creating fear in people, which only weakens the people. We can come together to uplift one another, to inspire one another to be truly human; to be a people who use all of our senses; a people who can connect with the Creator's Infinite truths, wisdom, and knowledge; a people who are in tune with our own cosmic reality; and in short-people who are in tune with this earthly planet. Let us continue one day at a time, one person at a time, to open up our body, mind, and soul to the Infinite Truths that are within us. May all the Sikhs, the Hindus, the Jains, the Zoroastrians, the Buddhists, the Jews, the Christians, the Muslims, the Pagans . . . may all religions come together to inspire one another and uplift one another through the wisdom that lies within their respective faiths. So many truths are available to us. We simply have to stop and really try and understand what the great prophets, teachers, masters, and Gurus were trying to teach us and show us. It is impossible to depict what truly transpired during the week of December the 3rd through the 9th at the Parliament of the World's Religions. So many incredible religious leaders as well as the simplest concerned human being came to interact, talk, listen, and be inspired by one another. Take the time to view the Parliament of the World's Religions' website: www.parliamentofreligions.org

‘Islam condemns violence and the taking of innocent lives, and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community rejects any claims from those who say such acts follow Islamic principles’

resort to violence in a so-called defense of their faith. "Reverence for life is a part of Islam," said Dr. Nasim Rehmatullah, Vice President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA. "Islam teaches and requires Muslims to be model law-abiding and peace-loving citizens, wherever, they live," he added. In the face of increasing violence in the Muslim world, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community's worldwide spiritual leader, Mirza Masroor Ahmad, has exhorted members of the Community to

"follow peace in your life." Furthermore, the founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani, emphatically declared that an aggressive "jihad by the sword" has no place in Islam. In its place, he taught his followers to wage a peaceful, intellectual "jihad of the pen" to defend Islam. Through his teachings, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has become the leading Islamic organization to categorically reject violence and terrorism in any form.

Briefs

Army seeks specialized closequarter weapon

NEW DELHI: Learning from the 26/11 terror attacks, the Army is buying specialized weapons that enable its commandos to "observe and fire" at the enemy hiding around a corner, a hurdle usually encountered during urban warfare situations. The Army has floated a Request for Information (RFI) seeking details from manufacturers of such hitech close-quarter weapons that can be fired without exposing the troops or with minimum exposure of the commando to enemy fire. These urban warfare weapon systems are likely to be supplied to the Army's special forces and para-commando units that go through specialized training for close-quarter warfare and for specialized operations. -PTI

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January 8, 2010

unveiling an action plan covering defense and counter-terrorism exchanges and vowing to

At a joint press conference with Singh after the talks, Hatoyama said the two countries have'differences" over the issue of CTBT and Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)

31 MLAs of JMMled coalition have criminal cases

E S L Narasimhan takes charge as Andhra Governor HYDERABAD: E S Lakshmi Narasimhan has been sworn-in as the Governor of Andhra Pradesh following N D Tiwari's resignation in the wake of a controversy over a sting operation purportedly showing him in a compromising position with three women. He was administered the oath of office by AP High Court Chief Justice A Ramesh Dave at a brief function in the Raj Bhavan. President Pratibha Patil had asked Narasimhan, currently the Chattisgarh Governor, to discharge the duties in the Raj Bhavan here till further arrangements were made. Chief Minister K Rosaiah, his Cabinet colleagues, leaders of opposition parties, former Chief Minister Nadendla Bhaskara Rao and others attended the function. -PTI

KOLKATA: The Left Front Government in West Bengal is among the worst performing states in providing work to rural people under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said here. "West Bengal is among the states which are lagging behind in implementing the scheme," he told a convention of Pradesh Mahila Congress here and pointed out that the state had failed to provide 100 days work to the rural poor as mandated under the Act. -PTI

Japan wants India to sign CTBT; PM puts onus on US, China

RANCHI: The new five-party coalition in Jharkhand which is all set to assume power tomorrow has 31 MLAs with criminal cases against them. The coalition, headed by JMM, has 44 MLAs in the 81-member assembly. Leading the pack is Shibu Soren's JMM whose 17 out of 18 MLAs have criminal cases against them, the National Election Watch (NEW) said on the basis of affidavits of the elected legislators. The only JMM MLA, who has no criminal case against her is Sita Soren, daughter-in-law of Shibu Soren and widow of Durga Soren. -PTI

West Bengal among worst performers in NREGA: Pranab

PM Manmohan Singh and the PM of Japan Yukio Hatoyama exchanging the signed Joint Statement, in New Delhi on December 29

NEW DELHI: Resisting Japan's push for signing Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), India has made it clear that the onus of taking the lead in this regard lies with the US and China which are yet to ratify the pact. After his talks with Japanese counterpart Yukio Hatoyama here during which non-proliferation and civil nuclear issues were discussed, Prime Minister Minister Manmohan Singh said India was "deeply interested" in working with Japan and other "like-minded" countries for "the cause of universal, verifiable and non-discriminatory disarmament." Japan, however, promised to

step up trade. At a joint press conference with Singh after the talks, Hatoyama

Treaty (NPT). Noting that he had discussed the issue with Singh, he said, "I expressed the hope that along with the US and China, India will sign and ratify the (CTBT) treaty. "In response, Prime Minister Singh said should the US and China ratify the CTBT, a new situation will emerge. I believe he has stated it as a matter of fact," Hatoyama said, adding "We firmly have to engage in these endeavors." On his part, Singh referred to India's "unilaterally-declared moratorium" on nuclear tests and said "that is a commitment we will

Prime Minister of Japan, Yukio Hatoyama and the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the delegation level talks, in New Delhi on December 29

relax curbs on hi-tech trade as the two countries sought to impart greater depth to their ties by

said the two countries have "differences" over the issue of CTBT and Nuclear Non-Proliferation

honor." He also underlined India's "impeccable record" with regard to non-proliferation. -PTI

Wage hike for 7 medical institutes NEW DELHI: In a New Year bonanza, the government has cleared a proposal for a wage hike for faculty members of premier medical institutes like AIIMS and PGI Chandigarh bringing them at par with their counterparts in IITs and IIMs. The proposal, which will cost Rs 91.60 crore to the exchequer, was cleared by a Union cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, official sources said here. The new pay-scale will be

Faculty of these institutes had refused to accept the revised emoluments as per Sixth Pay Commission recommendations implemented with retrospective effect from January one, 2006 while the allowance will be paid effective from September one, 2008, they said. Besides AIIMS and PGI Chandigarh, Northeastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of

Health and Medical Science, Shillong, Vimhans, Bangalore, Jawaharlal Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry. Faculties of two more institutes Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health,

Tezpur, and Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal, will also get Sixth Pay Commission benefits as per the UGC scale. Faculty of these institutes had refused to accept the revised emoluments as per Sixth Pay Commission recommendations demanding a pay hike at par with those in the IIMs and IITs. Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad had carried out a study of the problems of the faculty members before making a note to the Union Cabinet. -PTI

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Pratham presented Indian of Year award India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: Pratham, an NGO working for a better life for children in India, has been selected as the winner of the prestigious CNN-IBN Indian of the Year award in the public service category for its outstanding contributions in the field of universal literacy and education among children. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, presented the Pratham team with the award at a glittering ceremony in Mumbai on December 21. The CNN-IBN award honors and recognizes Indians whose extraordinary endeavors have built brand India. Winners are chosen through a rigorous fourstep process. Other winners this

Japanese Prime Minister Hatoyama meets Tata, Ambani MUMBAI: Visiting Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama met top Indian industry leaders, including Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani and Tata Group Chairman Ratan Tata, here. During the meeting, the Japanese premier is understood to have discussed a host of issues, primarily the bilateral trade relations between India and Japan, a CII spokesperson told PTI. "The discussions were primarily on how to improve trade between

'The discussions were primarily on how to improve trade between India and Japan' India and Japan," the spokesperson said. Over 20 top Indian industrialists, including Bajaj group's chief Rahul Bajaj, Maruti Suzuki Chair-

man R C Bhargava, Godrej group head Adi Godrej, Godrej & Boyce Chairman and MD Jamshyd N Godrej attended the meeting. Hatoyama paid homage to the victims of the 26/11 terror attacks at Hotel Taj and Trident, the two luxury hotels which were targeted last year by terrorists, here. The 62-year-old Japanese leader, who is accompanied by his wife Miyuki Hatoyama and a highlevel delegation, was received at the Raj Bhavan by Governor S C Jamir at a reception dinner. -PTI

Medical quota for rural experience NEW DELHI: A quota of a different kind awaits medical students who are keen to pursue a post graduate course in medicine with the Union Health Ministry mulling reservation of 25 per cent seats in PG courses for MBBS doctors who have practiced for three years in rural areas. The proposal, which was forwarded to the Health ministry by the Medical Council of India (MCI), is one of the many steps which the government is planning to take to address the problem of few doctors being keen to practice in rural areas. "The Government has pumped in a huge amount of money to build infrastructure as part of the National Rural Health Mission, but due to lack of doctors, most of the Primary Health Centers and the Community Health Centers are shut," MCI President Ketan Desai told PTI. Desai said the medical council had sent these proposals to the

The Center is also contemplating a separate, shorter duration bachelor of medicine course for students of notified rural areas

MCI President Ketan Desai

ministry along with others like a separate medical degree for the rural practitioners and extra marks for PG students who have practiced in rural areas. The MCI has called a meeting on February 4-5 with principals of 300 medical colleges, the Direc-

tors of Medical Education of all states and Union Health Ministry officials in this matter. The Centre is also contemplating a separate, shorter duration bachelor of medicine course for students of notified rural areas in the country. The hinterland, where few doctors want to serve, could soon have a dedicated corps of medical practitioners drawn from among students raised in rural areas. -PTI

year include Rahul Gandhi (Politics), Saina Nehwal (Sports), the Satyam revival team (Business),

and AR Rahman (Entertainment). Pratham, in a statement said, "This recognition of our work is a strong testimony to the scale and effectiveness of Pratham's work and the passion and dedication of its people. Pratham has come a long way from its origins in the slums of Mumbai, and is today impacting the lives of millions of children across India." In his speech during the award giving ceremony, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said, "One organization that does work for the upliftment of the silent majority is Pratham. In honoring them today, we recognize a pioneering NGO model that draws on the expertise and experience of educationists, corporates, workers, activists and professionals and unites them in the common vision of a better life for all our children."

Ruchika case: Court grants 'no relief' to DGP Rathore PANCHKULA: Facing imminent arrest following filing of fresh FIRs against him in the Ruchika case, former Haryana DGP SPS Rathore moved an anticipatory bail plea before the sessions court here which did not grant him any immediate relief. Abha, the lawyer-wife of 67year-old Rathore, submitted before District and Sessions Judge S P Singh that "fabricated, twisted and forged" facts were being presented by the family of Ruchika Girhotra in connection with the molestation case, in which the former IPS officer has got six months imprisonment. In a 40-page petition, she alleged that her husband was facing a "nothing but a trial by the media" and sought protection of the court. To a question by the judge on whether she was in possession of the copies of the fresh FIRs, Abha replied in the packed courtroom, "We came to know of the FIRs and the fresh charges through the media. We want protection of this court in view of the media trial and distortion of facts." After hearing the arguments, the judge first adjourned the proceedings, saying he would have to go through the details and later issued notice to the state for a reply on January one. The court did not grant Rathore any immediate relief on his plea. Earlier in the morning, a grimfaced Rathore in sharp contrast to the wide grin he sported the day he got six months imprisonment earlier this month, stepped

out of his residence after having maintained a low profile following uproar in the media over his getting away lightly in the case. Rathore refused to take questions from the reporters and proceeded to the court with his wife. Contesting the charges made by Madhu Parkash, mother of Aradhana, sole witness to the molestation in 1990, Rathore's wife

SPS Rathore

Abha, submitted, "Madhu Parkash is forging the facts." Madhu was the complainant in the molestation case. Wearing a dark grey suit, blue shirt and a tie, Rathore was seated in the court. Commencing the arguments, Abha said that it was an 18 to 19 year-old case and "Ashu (brother of Ruchika) all these years never raised the charge of 307 IPC (attempt to murder) in any court. "In all the FIRs no such allegation of attempt to murder was made by Ashu. We came to know about this charge through the media," she said. -PTI

Â&#x201E;

Realty Tidbits

Developers shift focus to affordable housing MUMBAI: Over the last 60 years, a lot of development in India has taken place to meet the essential needs of people such as roti, kapada and makaan. Even during the British regime, India did not have slums. Rich people were able to live lavishly and poor people were at least able to own their homes, although small ones, at cheap rates. However, now the paradigm has changed. Amidst this scenario, publicprivate partnerships are happening in urban development, including large infrastructure projects where there is a huge allocation of funds by the government of India to the tune of Rs 3 lakh crore. The government is also developing metro projects such as the Andheri-Ghatkopar line, apart from the sea-link project connecting Haji Ali with south Mumbai. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority has come up with schemes for rental housing, creating small tenements of 160 sq ft each. It thus becomes imperative for the government to focus on providing affordable housing.

Â&#x201E; Unitech plan to raise bonds overseas in trouble

eal estate firm Unitech's plan to raise USD 700 million in convertible bonds overseas has run into trouble with financial regulators opposing a waiver of a three-year lock-in for such investments, a newspaper said. Despite the opposition from the Finance Ministry and the central bank, the Foreign Investment Promotion Board, responsible for approving such investments, would review the issue at its next meeting, the paper said citing a government official familiar with the development. Unitech has argued the convertible bonds should be treated as debt until they are converted into shares.

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January 8, 2010

Pearls Group opens FourStar resort in Goa

eal Estate Company Pearls Group has launched its four-star resort at Colva Beach in South Goa. The 50-room four-star resort is set up on an old property, which was completely re-designed at the cost of Rs 30 crore by the firm, which has its hold over businesses like real estate, infrastructure, education, tourism, fast moving consumer goods and media. Jyoti Narain, Executive Director, Pearls Oceanique Resort said, "The Group already has properties in Himachal Pradesh, Masoori and Gold Coast in Australia.

Factors that drive real estate prices in India MUMBAI: What drives real estate prices in India? The factors vary from city to city. In most countries, the construction of a noisy airport may be reason for residents to flee, but in India, the prospect of Mumbai's second airport coming up near Khargar is driving up prices. According to Gulam Zia, national director, research and advisory services, Knight Frank, the Navi Mumbai area - from Vashi to Panvel - is likely to grow faster than other locations in Mumbai. This is primarily due to the expectation that the new airport could come up here in the next 6-7 years in addition to the trans-harbor link. The entire look of Navi Mumbai could change in the coming few years, as Kharghar and Nerul record multi-fold growth. Noida and Ghaziabad are coming up well due to the metro projects shaping up in the vicinity. There are plans to extend the

metro network to Manesar as well. These are the areas that are emerging quite fast and good growth is expected here. In Chennai, it's the OMR - which is short for Old Mahabalipuram Road -that is turning out to be the city's IT corridor. The IT industry is the economic growth driver in

aside, for Hyderabad, the major growth areas have always been Gachibowli, Madhapur, and Shamshabad. Again, IT is the key driver for growth. A huge amount of supply of real estate can be seen in Hyderabad. "Overall, the city is not as attractive for investment as other southern cities at the mo-

In most countries, the construction of a noisy airport may be reason for residents to flee, but in India, the prospect of Mumbai's second airport coming up near Khargar is driving up prices the region. Further up, the area around Mahindra World City is also seeing a lot of development. Industrial growth in this region is a huge contributing factor. Overall, a balanced mix of growth is being witnessed in this corridor. Disruptions over Telangana

ment, or for that matter other cities in our top 10 list," says Zia. In Bangalore, locations which provide good enough growth from the IT angle include, Sarjapur and the Ring Road junction area. A peculiar aspect to note is that around the Electronic City and

Whitefield area, good development is being seen, but these two localities are struggling for infrastructure. However, these two areas will see good growth in the next two years. The other localities to watch out for include the area around the road connecting the new airport and Hebal, as they are likely to grow considerably in the coming years. In the East, Kolkata is the only city that figures in the top 10 list of cities that are expected to see substantial growth. "Kolkata is also banking on the IT story. Several projects are expected to come up in Rajarhat and Salt Lake. Other emerging locations include Mahesh Tala and Tara Tala. Many new townships are being constructed in Tara Tala, gradually transforming it from an industrial zone to a residential township. This will be a promising area in the future," informs Zia.

NRIs take closer look at real estate

ndians living abroad are equally eligible for housing loans from banks in India, but with some riders. Christmas and New Year see an influx of Indians based abroad. This year is no different. This time, though, the nonresident Indians (NRIs) are taking a closer look at real estate here. The correction in property prices has attracted many, who aim to return to India in the near future. An NRI is an Indian citizen, holding a valid Indian passport and staying abroad for employ-

ment, business or vocational purposes. According to the Reserve Bank of India and the Income Tax Act, an NRI can buy real estate in India and avail housing loans on residential properties from banks. They are only denied purchase of agricultural land, farm house or plantation property in the country. Calculation of eligibility and

The loan-to-value (LTV) ratio for NRIs varies from one bank to another, though the calculation is same as in case of a regular home loan. The down-payment for NRI home loan is permitted through direct remittances from abroad through normal banking channels or from deposit accounts in India, including a non-resident ordinary

The down-payment for NRI home loan is permitted through direct remittances from abroad through normal banking channels or from deposit accounts in India, including a nonresident ordinary rupee (NRO) account interest rate for NRI loans is not very different from that of the Indian residents. However, there are some prerequisites for an NRI loan: checking of the qualifications, their current job profile, past experience, the probability of continuing abroad for the loan tenure, the probability of servicing the loan with an extended tenure in case of return to India, and so on.

rupee (NRO) account. The income taken into account for calculating the home loan eligibility is the repatriable income, plus any income in India. There are some additional documents that they need to submit with the application form. These include a copy of the passport and visa and general Power of Attorney (PoA) in favor of a local person as drafted by the bank

and duly attested by the Indian consulate at the place of residence. Most banks require the PoA to ease the process of dealing with the borrower. A copy of the appointment letter and contract, salary certificate (in English) specifying name, date of joining, designation and salary details and bank statements for the last six months, both domestic (NRE/NRO/FCNR) and international, and a copy of local income tax returns filed in the country of residence will be needed. As an NRI, one can enhance loan eligibility by taking a joint loan with a relative. However, for credit reasons, banks allow only a select list of relatives to become joint owners of the property. Repayment of home loans for NRIs is permissible through specific sources, such as remittances from abroad through recognized banking channels or from any deposit accounts maintained validly in India or through a specified close relative. Tax deduction benefits on home loan repayments cannot be availed unless the returns are filed in India.

Health

Line

Conn. chiropractic board to discuss stroke risk

HARTFORD, Conn.: A state regulatory board that oversees chiropractors is considering whether patients should be warned about a possible risk of stroke from neck manipulation. Connecticut's state Board of Chiropractic Examiners is expected to issue a ruling on whether chiropractors should be required to tell patients about the risk of stroke and the symptoms of stroke. A group of patients injured during chiropractic treatment has lobbied the General Assembly to pass legislation requiring chiropractors to notify their patients about the risks of neck manipulation. Chiropractors have argued they are being singled out and that the risks from adjustments are very low.-AP

Four States weigh marijuana reform

OLYMPIA, Wash.: Washington is one of four states where measures to legalize and regulate marijuana have been introduced. Bills were introduced in California and Massachusetts earlier this year, and this month, New Hampshire and Washington state prefiled bills in advance of their legislative sessions that begin in January. Marijuana is illegal under federal law. Marijuana advocates say that while legalization efforts are not likely to get much traction in statehouses anytime soon, the level of interest is increasing. About two dozen other states are considering bills ranging from medical marijuana to decriminalizing possession of small amounts of the herb. -AP

Married with kids? Prove it, says agency

CHARLESTON, W.Va.: West Virginia is asking public employees to prove their dependents are who they say they are or risk losing health insurance. The Public Employees Insurance Agency will need to document that children, spouses and other dependents are eligible for coverage by the agency. Department of Administration spokeswoman Diane Holley-Brown says such audits are common in the public and private sectors, although this is the first time for PEIA. A survey by global benefits consultants Watson Wyatt found that about 60 percent of large U.S. companies conducted such reviews in 2009. -AP

Health Science

Tips on being fit from a female bodybuilder NEW YORK: For Tennille Ray, maintaining her sculpted arms, 12pack abs and muscled legs is a full-time job.

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January 8, 2010

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Details on page 22

House and Senate look to final health care talks WASHINGTON: How many Americans will get subsidized medical coverage plus who will pay for it will be front-burner issues when Congress returns next month to complete President Barack Obama's health care remake. Pocketbook concerns join abortion and whether Uncle Sam should peddle insurance as the top bones of contention for negotiators who must resolve difference between the House and Senate bills. The negotiations are the last chance for Democrats to shape the legislation to deliver concrete benefits to Americans skeptical that it will help control skyrocketing premiums as it expands coverage to millions more. ``People will really begin to focus on some of the core issues that have received less attention,'' said Rep. Chris Van Hollen, a member of the House leadership. ``These are the bread-and-butter issues that will have the most significant impact on people's pocketbooks.'' The Democratic-controlled

White House and Congress are now closer to achieving nearuniversal health care than any of their predecessors. Extending health care coverage to 30 million out of nearly 50 million uninsured Americans brings the president close to achieving his top domestic priority.

affordable for many of them. Those covered by big employers wouldn't see major changes, but individuals buying their own policies and small businesses would be able to shop for competitively priced plans in an insurance supermarket called an ex-

Those covered by big employers wouldn't see major changes, but individuals buying their own policies and small businesses would be able to shop for competitively priced plans Hard work still remains: the Senate bill must be harmonized with the version approved by the House of Representatives. Broadly speaking, both bills would gradually expand coverage, while banning objectionable insurance industry practices such as turning down people with health problems. Eventually, all Americans would be required to carry health insurance, with government subsidies to make premiums more

change. Medicare cuts and an assortment of taxes and fees would pay for the bills. Democrats are under pressure to reconcile the House and Senate versions before Obama's first State of the Union speech. Not yet scheduled, it's usually delivered in late January or early February. Republicans will wage legislative guerrilla warfare to delay an agreement. There's not much time, and ap-

parently not much give either. Senate moderates say they won't vote for a bill that changes the basic terms they agreed to with Majority Leader Harry Reid. Independent Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut and conservative Democratic Sen. Ben Nelson have drawn a line against reintroducing a government-run insurance plan to compete with the likes of Aetna and Wellpoint. The House bill includes it, but Reid needs every member of his 60-vote coalition to overcome Republican procedural hurdles. More difficult to solve is the issue of how to restrict taxpayer funding for abortions. Abortion opponents disagree among themselves over the Senate's approach. Abortion rights supporters are completely against the more restrictive House language and are divided on how the Senate has handled it. Obama will probably have to step in to settle disputes and keep things moving. -AP

Ankle sprain is a most common injury DIANA PINTO

nkle sprains are the most common injuries in a clinic and most people inadvertently have suffered at least one in their lifetime. Anyone from a well conditioned athlete to the most sedentary person can experience an ankle injury. Usually, the cause is accidental - e.g.: Stepping into a pothole, stepping off a curb or landing improperly while jumping. People who are overweight and those who wear high heeled shoes are at an increased risk of ankle injuries. Ankle injuries usually involve a sudden unexpected loss of balance that results in a sharp twisting force at the ankle. Ligaments are structures that control excessive movement of a joint. When an ankle sprain happens, the ligament is stretched too far, and is

ment can pull off a fragment of bone with it when it tears. When a piece of bone is chipped off with a torn ligament, it constitutes an "avulsion fracture". Sprains account for at least 85% of ankle injuries and at least 50% of patients who have had an ankle sprain will have a recurrence. Common mechanisms of ankle sprains: Inversion ankle sprains: The most common type of ankle Fig: Ligaments on the outer side of the right foot sprain occurs when ment cannot be brought back to the foot is falling inward. Out of all the ligaments, the its original length. A "strain" occurs when a muscle or a tendon is anterior talofibular ligament overstretched. shown in the image, sustains the In some cases, a ligament can most common damage. This ligatear, and in some other cases a ligament connects the ankle bone (taeither partially or completely torn. A "sprain" which is more serious, occurs when strong connective tissue (ligament) that connects one bone to another become overstretched. An overstretched liga-

lus) to the fibula) the smaller of the two bones in the lower leg). If the sprain is severe, there might also be damage to the calcaneofibular ligament (which connects the heel bone to the fibula). In addition to ligament damage, there may also be damage to tendons, bone and other joint tissues, which is why it is important to get a professional to diagnose your ankle sprain. If possible an X-ray should be used, as small fractures of the foot are not uncommon. Severely sprained ankles, where there is a complete rupture of the anterior talofibular, calcaneofibular and the posterior talofibular ligaments, results in the dislocation of the ankle joint - which is often associated with a fracture. Cont’d on page 22

Health Science Post

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January 8, 2010

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Tips on being fit from a female bodybuilder NEW YORK: For Tennille Ray, maintaining her sculpted arms, 12pack abs and muscled legs is a full-time job. Ray is a professional bodybuilder in the figure division which means she has eye-popping muscles but is still expected to be curvy and feminine. She has been competing in the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation for about a year, winning her debut and then went on to be named Miss Universe at a competition held in Barbados earlier this year against more seasoned professionals. Ray was fit before she has been a personal trainer in New York since 2001 but she didn't consider a career in bodybuilding until a friend at her gym suggested it. Then, an overweight girl told Ray she was so pretty she wanted to see her in magazines and that if Ray did it, the girl would get in shape, too. ``It really appealed to me, the idea that I could inspire this little girl,'' said Ray, who hopes eventually to use her winnings for a wellness center for children. So far she's earned more than $5,000. Last spring, she signed up for a retreat held by a pro bodybuilder that taught some diet and exercise basics. But Ray had to refine her

strategy as she went along. The transformation was difficult. It took her about four months of intense, two-hour workouts and a serious amount of dietary restraint. Bodybuilders eat constantly, but it's a very specific formula, heavy on protein and vegetables and light on sodium and fats, Ray said. She was often cranky and exhausted. She turned down dinner invitations with friends because it would be hard finding something that fit her diet. Giving up cheese was particularly tough. ``I thought, I eat healthy, this should be fine,'' she said. ``I was so wrong. It's a totally different way of thinking. You're eating to feed your muscles, not for enjoyment.'' Slowly she noticed her body changing, becoming more sculpted, and her energy returning. Her hard work paid off: She won her amateur debut in September 2008 and turned pro. ``Tennille came in and kicked butt right off the bat,'' said Charlie Carollo, vice president of the WNBF. ``She's really disciplined, but she's also got God-given genetics that really help her out.'' Ray, who won't tell her age, works out regularly and brings food everywhere she goes,

munching on salad with mushrooms, broccoli and fresh fish during a recent interview. She says she relies mostly on fresh vegetables and natural nutritional supplements. Other bodybuilders have turned to steroids to make their muscles bulge. The WNBF bans controlled substances and drug tests, and gives polygraph tests before each show to combat drug use.

'I thought, I eat healthy, this should be fine,' she said. 'I was so wrong. It's a totally different way of thinking. You're eating to feed your muscles, not for enjoyment' But even without drugs, women can harm their bodies by becoming so lean, said Meaghan Murphy, features director for fitness at Self magazine. ``You have to have fat on your body,'' she said. ``The nutritional aspects of body building scare me. There are not enough carbs, there are supplements not monitored by

the FDA, perhaps they're toying with hormone cocktails. ... It's risky.'' Ray is often asked by strangers on the street how she got so fit. ``You don't have to go as extreme as me to be fit,'' she said. ``You still feel good and successful just working toward your own goals.'' Here she mentions five proven ways to help keep fit, whether you're on the road to competition or just want to squeeze into a smaller size: PORTION CONTROL: Step away from that super-size drink. Half the battle of being in shape is knowing when to put down the fork, Ray says. Eat five small meals a day instead of two or three larger ones, and keep in mind that a serving of meat is about the size of your palm. Pastas and other carbohydrates are about a handful, or an ice-cream scoop, and bread is one slice. Veggies and fruits are best raw. DON'T FEAR WEIGHTS: Weight training is good for you, Ray says, and there's no way the average person will bulk up like a bodybuilder. Bicep curls with more reps and less weight will help you achieve a more sculpted look. Murphy says strength train-

ing is essential. ``After 35, if you're not doing weight-bearing exercises you're at risk for osteoporoses,'' she said. ``Just two days a week. Light dumbbells to keep bone density in check.'' DISCIPLINE: Being fit is a distance event, not a sprint. It's OK to have that slice of pizza or an ice cream sundae, but then get right back on the health horse, Ray says. Bring food from home when you're at work to avoid hidden calories in takeout food, and save the eating out for special nights. BACK TO BASICS: Calisthenics, such as lunges, squats and push-ups, are some of the best ways to get in shape, but often are sidelined for more exotic exercises. They require no weights, and can be done anywhere. Ray suggests alternating two different exercises, in two or three sets of 15, to tone and strengthen. DRINK WATER: Ray drinks more than a gallon of water a day, and it's possible you should too, depending on how much sodium you ingest, she said. If you're at work, keep a bottle of water at your desk and refill it at least four times a day. If you're home, refill your glass at least six times, she says. -AP

Ankle sprain is a most common injury Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 21

Eversion ankle sprains: Another less common type of ankle sprain is caused when the foot twists outwards forcefully. When this happens, the inner ligament, called the deltoid ligament is stretched too far and patients will complain of pain on the inside of the ankle. Symptoms associated with a fracture: Common symptoms associated with an ankle sprain are pain, swelling and bruising. Grade I ankle sprains only

cause stretching of the ligament and symptoms are limited to pain and swelling. Grade II ankle sprains involve a severe partial tearing of the ligament and there is usually significant swelling and bruising caused by bleeding under the skin. Grade III ankle sprains are complete tears of the ligaments and the ankle is quite painful. Patients may complain of instability or a giving way sensation in the ankle joint. Treatment for Ankle sprains: The early treatment of a sprained ankle is the RICE

Grade I ankle sprains only cause stretching of the ligament and symptoms are limited to pain and swelling method of treatment - Rest, Ice application, Compression bandaging and Elevation of the ankle during Ice application. The first 24-48 hours are crucial and critical to treatment and most activities need to be curtailed. Rehabilitation is the most important component of managing an ankle after the first 48 hours of injury. Exercises include 1) Stretching the calf muscle and the Achilles tendon while seated 3-4 times a day for several minutes. 2) Alphabet writing - While seated or lying down, write the letters of the alphabet in the air with your toes. Make the letter as big as possible. 3) Strength exercises include a) Toe raises 10-20 times, 4 times a

Seated calf stretch

day; b) Alternating walking on your toes and heels for one minute each, 4 times a day 4) Balance training - These exercises should be strictly recommended by your doctor or Physical Therapist. Only after your Physical Therapist thinks you are capable of starting balance exercises, must you advance with balance training. Wobble boards, foams and standing on one leg are some of the balance exercises

recommended for Proprioceptive Balance training. As you excel with therapy, your Physical Therapist may have you progress to walking fast, jogging or more intense activities for athletes who participate in basketball, soccer or other sports. Diana Pinto is a Registered Physical Therapist practicing in New York. She has experience working in a wide variety of Orthopaedic cases.

January 8, 2010

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Swine flu boosts demand for masks WILLISTON, Vt.: Recession? What recession? At a Vermont facility that makes protective masks for health care workers and emergency responders, business is booming. And it's largely because of swine flu. Triosyn Corp., a biotechnology company, recently started aroundthe-clock production of anti-microbial respirators, which can help health care workers and emergency responders who come in contact with swine flu sufferers avoid getting infected themselves. Originally developed for use by the military, the disposable masks vaguely resemble the surgical masks worn by doctors and dentists. But instead of protecting the atmosphere from excretions, the respirators are designed to filter what's inhaled by the wearer. They carry an iodine-based agent that filters the air being breathed in. ``The way that works is when you inhale and the particles come into the filter, they contact this anti-microbial layer,'' said Roland Berry Ann, deputy director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's personal

protective technology laboratory, in Pittsburgh. ``It takes some time for the microbial layer to deactivate the virus, which eliminates or reduces the hazard of infection.'' The US Centers for Disease Control recommend the use of socalled N95 masks by all health care workers who come in contact with H1N1 patients. The masks being

Originally developed for use by the military, the disposable masks vaguely resemble the surgical masks worn by doctors and dentists made by Triosyn add a layer of protection that further limits exposure. Demand for protective masks which also are made by 3M and Kimberly-Clark, among others has a building full of production supervisors, packers, quality technicians and machine operators churning them out. Parent company Safe Life Corp. is planning to add equipment at

the 16,000-square foot Williston facility, allowing it to boost production capacity in the new year, manufacturing up to 50 million in 2010, said Richard Jaffe, chairman and CEO of Safe Life, which is based in San Diego. Jaffe, who previously ran a company that manufactured latex gloves, compares the demand for face respirators now to the market that developed in the 1980s for protective gloves for health care workers treating AIDS patients. Triosyn has hired 80 people since July, boosting employment to 90 in the building, which is in an office park in this town neighboring Burlington. The masks, which sell for $1 to $2 apiece wholesale, went into production here in mid-July and are sold to large distributors, said Benoit Sicotte, general manager of Triosyn Corp. ``We had planned way before the swine flu to manufacture this mask,'' he said. ``The demand is extremely high. Our goal right now is to try to satisfy demand, working around the clock, trying to help protect the health care worker as much as we can. The benefit of

getting as many out there as we can is that people use it and get used it and will continue using it after the threat of swine flu decreases,'' Sicotte said. Other makers are experiencing similar booms, said Berry Ann. "They're not the only ones going 24/7,'' he said. "We think they are a benefit to health care workers, to reduce the risk of them becoming infected if they use the respirators and use them properly,'' Berry Ann said.

``They definitely reduce the risk.'' Triosyn, which has done about $20 million worth of work for the US Department of Defense, is working on an $800,000 contract to develop an anti-microbial wound dressing for use by the military in curbing battlefield infection. "If it works as well as we think it does, there's no reason why things like this shouldn't be for every ambulance and EMS responder,'' said US Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt. -AP

LSU ophthalmology clinic a success in Lafayette LAFAYETTE, La.: When Hurricane Katrina flooded the LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans in 2005, administrators called on University Medical Center in Lafayette to help keep its ophthalmology clinic and residency program afloat. But instead of moving back to New Orleans when the flood waters cleared, the program had such success here, it has now become

a permanent part of UMC and Lafayette, moving out of its temporary home and into a state-ofthe-art facility earlier this month. Located at 401 St. Julien St., the new clinic spans 5,000 square feet, more than seven times larger than the previous facility. It also fills an important role by providing graduate medical education to dozens of resident physicians. -AP

1 Mann Ka Radio - Radio

6 Shaam Ho Chali Hain - Radio

2 Zoobi Doobi - 3 Idiots

7 Pankhon Ko - Rocket Singh

3 Hichki Hichki - Paa

8 Aal Izz Well - 3 Idiots

4 Paisa - De Dana Dan

9 Tu Jaane Na - APKGK

5 Rasiya - Kurbaan

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January 8, 2010

10 Sabse Peeche Hum Khade - AWK

fter remaining single for four years, Vivek Oberoi is ready to settle down. The actor, who has also turned into a poet, says he wouldn't mind marrying a girl of his parents' choice. 'My mom is specially very worried. Like any mother she wants me to settle down. I don't mind an arranged marriage. The girl my parents choose could be the girl of my dreams,' Vivek, who recently featured in 'Kurbaan' as a journalist, said. 'I know there's someone out there for me. I just have to find her. I don't know how it would happen. But with all her imperfections and mine, she'd be perfect for me. At the moment I'm very much single. I've been single for four years. 'I'm a normal guy. I do go out on dates. I enjoy women's company. But nothing serious. I'm extremely conservative about women. I cannot have a time pass attitude,' said the 33-year-old. Vivek laughs off the rumours linking him with Niroo Singh, one of the actresses from his forthcoming release 'Prince - It's Showtime'. 'That's all rubbish. I've been linked with 50 girls in the last four years. At least 10 of them I've never met. No wonder my mother is searching for a girl for me. She wants me to settle down,' he said.

eetu Chandra truly believes she's the next Aishwarya Rai. Now why's that? It's because she is working with Ram Gopal Varma and Jag Mundhra and the Bachchan bahu has worked with these directors on her last films. But that's not all. She draws likenesses between her and the former Miss World because she has now moved into an apartment in Lokhandwala where Aishwarya lived in her early days. Maybe she is now looking towards having an Abhishek Bachchan soon too, who knows?

anbir Kapoor is being tipped by producers as being the hottest star for 2010. The likeable young man is said to have been offered a 50cr contract by UTV. "UTV is very happy with the way Ranbir's Wake Up Sid fared at the box office," said a source, "His forthcoming movie Rajneeti is also with UTV and the producers have taken a liking to this young actor whom they dub as the Next Big Thing in Bollywood. So they have offered him a three-film deal worth Rs50 crore which he has apparently signed." Ranbir is currently filming in the US with co-star Priyanka Chopra for Anjaana Anjaani, which seems destined to be another hit romantic comedy. There is quite a long filming schedule ahead for the stars in New York.

Bollywood

January 8, 2010

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wilight star Robert Pattinson has swept our own Bollywood beauty Katrina Kaif completely off her feet. And if all goes well she'll be meeting Pattinson during her annual holiday with her family in London. The minute Katrina's eyes fell on Pattinson she got hooked to the Twilight quartet. "I went and bought all the four books Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse and 'Breaking Dawn'. I couldn't put them down. I've been racing through the adventures of the hottest vampire Edward Cullen for the last one week. I finished reading three of the Twilight books in less than four days. Now I'm into the fourth. I just can't get enough of him." And now Katrina wants to meet the real Edward Cullen. "You don't understand. This is like an obsession for me. I can't get Robert Pattinson out of my head. I see the love of my life in every object that moves or doesn't move. I've never felt this way about any man before." Now a meeting between Bollywood's blistering babe and Hollywood's bloodthirty heart-throb is discreetly being arranged. Says, the besotted actress, "Obviously I can't stand under his window to get his attention. So yes, the meeting has to be more formal. He says he's single. But I don't believe him. That's what they all say."!

Kat's obsession T

he eccentric Abhay Deol has recently added another prestigious feather to his cap. Bollywood's answer to intelligent cinema, Abhay is one of 15 people who was featured in "Who Mattered Most in 2009" a poll by an esteemed website that caters to top six cities in Asia. The list included people from the Indian political and scientific arena as well as sports and the music industry. Reveals a source, "From all the 15 featured on the list, there are just three individuals from the film industry and one of them is Abhay. Just four years in the industry and he is the epitome of contemporary offbeat cinema. He is an actor for the thinking masses. The face of the alternative cinema." Adds the source "Abhay has been invited to endless number of acclaimed film festivals across the globe, he was a speaker for this year's TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) conference." Abhay has created waves with his performances in 'Dev D' and 'Oye Lucky, Lucky Oye'. His next film 'Road- the Movie' is widely being appreciated at film festivals across the world.

Precious Abhay

Wo o i n g

7 men

hile Priyanka and her 12 avatars couldn't save What's Your Rashee from falling flat she has decided to woo seven husbands in Vishal Bharadwaj's next untitled project. The buzz around the town says that Priyanka is already busy gearing up for the tough act. Excited on the prospect of wooing seven men, Priyanka said, "Vishal's next film is a huge canvas film and it really is a challenging role for me. I am really looking forward to it. The film is a dark comedy and has been brilliantly written. In recent times, for me every role be it Fashion, Kaminey or What's Your Rashee, has been difficult and a tough challenge to portray. However, I believe they have brought out the best in me." Priyanka has worked with Vishal Bharadwaj in his critically acclaimed Kaminey. Though Vishal is very particular about his characters, he still hasn't finalized any actor other than Priyanka Chopra to play the lead in the new film, and the speculations are on as to who the seven husbands are going to be.

SRIREKHA N. CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Raking in an impressive $2.15 million in the first week of its run in North American theaters, Rajkumar Hirani's 3 Idiots has emerged the biggest grosser for any Bollywood film in 2009. The Vidhu Vinod Chopra produced film with Aamir Khan in the lead captured 12th place in the North American Box Office charts, grossing $1.65 million from 119 theaters over the Christmas weekend itself. In first four days of its release, the film managed to collect more than Rs. 100 crores, making it the most successful Bollywood films ever, beating the previous record held by Ghazini (2008), also an Aamir Khan starrer.

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mentality and emotional drama that makes you reach for the Kleenex. On the negative is the length of the film and some wholly unnecessary song sequences.

Although loosely based on Chetan Bhagat's novel Five Point Someone, the film, scripted by Hirani, veers off widely from the book to bring the human side of the travails of an insanely competitive higher education system in India Reliance Big Pictures which released 3 Idiots in 2126 screens worldwide including 366 screens overseasthe widest release for any Indian film so far - has reported unprecedented box-office response from all over. The film has set new records in ticket sales in towns and cities Interestingly, Big Pictures took no chances when it came to protecting the most anticipated, if not hyped film, with even journalists at pre-release press screenings were asked to deposit their cell phones and sign a confidentiality and non-disclosure agreement before entering the theater. It is also perhaps the first Indian film to be legally released on the popular

January 8, 2010

videosharing website Youtube.com. The film also stars in leading roles, Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Kareena Kapoor and Boman Irani. Although loosely based on Chetan Bhagat's novel Five Point Someone, the film, scripted by Hirani, veers off widely from the book to bring the human side of the travails of an insanely competitive higher education system in India. The film has plenty of laughs akin to the director's earlier "Munnabhai" movies and in equal parts senti-

January 8, 2010

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Chetan Bhagat hits out at 'Idiots' team MUMBAI: Renowned writer Chetan Bhagat has not been duly credited by Raj Kumar Hirani and Vidhu Vinod Chopra for the blockbuster movie 3 Idiots. Chetan has finally broken his silence on the issue in his personal blog and hit out at the 3 Idiots team which claimed that the movie was 'loosely' based on the book Five Point Someone. Although people who have read the book found 3 Idiots as its screen adaptation, the director, producer and the stars have shied away from crediting Bhagat for the movie. In his blog Bhagat wrote " The only reason it has surfaced after the movie's release is because Five Point Someone has a few million readers, and when you copy a popular story claiming it as 'original' and 'completely different', people are going to find out". He added "The case is as simple as the makers claiming the story as their own, and clearly it is not. Pre-release, the makers made press statements like the movie is only 'very loosely', '2%-5% inspired by the book'. After release, those who have read the book and seen the movie find the film to be an adaptation of Five Point Someone. The setting, characters, plotline, dra-

matic twists and turns, one-liners, theme, message - almost all aspects that make up the story are from FPS" An upset Bhagat added " I, frankly, was shocked to see this. This is because I was also fed 'this is an original movie' line a lot. I wanted to see the final script - it was never

which was by contract. They told me they'd replace it with something like 'initiated by' - a credit that doesn't exist anywhere in the world. I still told them that if the film is indeed original, I'll happily withdraw the credit, but somehow the promos don't tell me so. I asked them to show me the film and they fell si-

Knowing the drastic consequences of taking on the bigwigs in the industry he writes " Some people have told me that I should keep silent. I did try to be silent but didn't work. Also, people say this is how Bollywood works. Sorry, I disagree. Not all Bollywood works like this Chetan Bhagat

shown to me. I wanted to see the film before release - it was not shown to me (even though trials had been done for people). What's more, the makers had called me to their office and pressured me several times to withdraw my 'Based on a novel by' credit,

lent" "The plot line was same - people meet at ragging, the first class with definition of machine, the friends separate, Alok (Raju) moves with Venkat (Chatur), Ryan (Rancho) helps Alok's father, Alok rejoins group etc etc. From Alok (Raju) jumping to stealing

the papers and calling out from Cherian (Virus') office - the book came alive on screen. I was surprised and happy that FPS has made it in such a grand way. However, my family had not spotted my credit in the beginning (there was none) and they were feeling let down. A screenplay associate credit to VVC had a prominent upfront placement. The story credit was not shared with me. And yes, all the office talk of a 'king treated like king' was a white lie" Knowing the drastic consequences of taking on the bigwigs in the industry he writes " Some people have told me that I should keep silent. I did try to be silent but didn't work. Also, people say this is how Bollywood works. Sorry, I disagree. Not all Bollywood works like this. There are a lot of good people too. And every event like this helps change things for the better. And that is what I am all about anyway. Like I said, I don't need anything. Even if I have no more movies made on my stories or nobody wants to read my books and columns, I'll happily join ISKCON and dedicate my life to Krishna. But I will not shy away from the truth - ever" Raj Kumar Hirani, Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Aamir Khan will have to do a lot of answering on the issue.

Walt Disney releases Taare Zameen Par on DVD Earth was one of India's top grossing theatrical films of 2007. Taare Zameen Par created a sensation when it was first released two years ago, for its sensitive portrayal of childhood and for its universal message that every child is special in his/her own way. The story revolves around an eight-year-old Ishaan Awasthi, a misfit with his head in the stars, who learns that being different can also mean being special. Ishaan lives in a world where letters and numbers make little sense to him as he lives in a world of brilliant colors, lively animals and soaring kites of his fantastical imagination. It takes the sensitive handling of a draw-

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Movie Reviews, Like Stars on Earth is a sparkling example of why Indian cinema NEW YORK: Making it its first Hindi has rapidly become the most popular film language release, Walt Disney Studios import to the US. Originally brought to a worldwide theHome Entertainment has come out with a atrical audience by three-disc DVD/CD set UTV Motion Pictures, of the award winning Ishaan lives in a world and produced, diAamir Khan film Like rected and starring Stars On earth (Taare where letters and numAamir Khan, one of Zameen Par). bers make little sense to Set to be released him as he lives in a world India's most acclaimed filmmakers Jan 12, Disney's first(Lagaan, 2002 Acadever Hindi-language of brilliant colors, lively emy Award nominee, release, Like Stars on animals and soaring Best Foreign LanEarth includes seven kites of his fantastical guage Film, India), infectious Bollywood Like Stars on Earth dance numbers, viv- imagination also features young idly imagined animated interludes and a brand new English-lan- newcomer Darsheel Safary in an astonishguage track for a cross-cultural celebration ingly nuanced performance that earned him of creativity and individuality. "A little twin- a 2007 nomination for Best Actor in India's kling star of a movie" according to BBC prestigious Filmfare Awards. Like Stars on

ing teacher to help Ishaan find the power of creativity in him and thus in self confidence. Even if one has already seen the movie, a second watch is guaranteed to bring that lump back in your throat if not a tear. And to that extent, Disney makes it worth watching with extra perks like deleted scenes and making of the movie. Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc., a recognized leader in the home entertainment industry, is the marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax and Buena Vista product, which includes DVD, Blu-ray Disc and electronic distribution. Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc. is a division of The Walt Disney Studios.

January 8, 2010

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Jackson dominated Hollywood planning movie on Tiger Woods showbiz 2009

t was supposed to be the year of his greatest comeback and maybe in some ways it was. But along the way, the saga of Michael Jackson's tragic demise became the biggest showbiz story of 2009. It was a Hollywood parable of excess and eccentricity, of genius and weakness. But most of all it was the sad tale of a strange but brilliant man-child trapped in the glare of a celebrity-obsessed world. Jackson started 2009 a shadow of his former self - a man who many believed was on an irreversible

Michael Jackson

downward spiral. It had been years since he had released any significant music. But he still made headlines with reports of his impending financial ruin and bizarre state of mind. All that changed in March when Jackson, 45, announced that he would perform an unprecedented 50-appearance comeback engagement at London's 02 Arena. If it went well, the London gig would solve all the problems and dispel all the doubts about the former King of Pop. But few out-

side his most loyal circle of fans and advisors believed he had the mental and physical strength to complete the arduous challenge. So when the first reports came in June 25 that Jackson had collapsed at his rented Bel Air mansion and been rushed to hospital, initial speculation was that it was a Jackson gambit to extricate himself from a challenge he was too frail to meet. But within hours those suspicions turned to shock when it was revealed that Jackson was dead. In Los Angeles thousands of fans gathered at the hospital where Jackson's body lay, at the house where he collapsed and at his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Across the world millions of other fans took to the streets to mourn. All were asking the same questions: How did he die? Was he really set to perform in London? And was the former King of Pop really on the verge of bankruptcy? By now many of those questions have been answered. The coroner's report found that Jackson's death was caused by an overdose of the hospital anesthetic propofol administered to him by his personal physician Murray Conrad. The case is still under investigation. The release of the documentary movie "This Is It", gleaned from rehearsal footage for the London tour, appeared to corroborate the assertions of his advisers and producers that Jackson had created an amazing show and that he seemed energized and capable of handling the grueling schedule. Information about his estate revealed meanwhile that despite a mountain of debt, the Jackson business empire was a financial powerhouse that was generating huge amounts of cash - for example, from the rights he held to much of The Beatles repertoire.

leading Hollywood pro ducer has told dailyexpress.co.uk newspaper that he might make a movie on the Tiger Woods story. The infidelity story may be turned into a TV movie and Oscar-winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr. is reportedly lined up to play the troubled celebrity golfer. Gooding Jr, 41, is reportedly being eyed for the high-profile role by several Hollywood producers, who are vying to be the first to make a film about the sensational revelations in the New Year. As soon as the Woods story made headlines, the battle has been on to dramatize the scandal for the screen. "It makes a great movie because people love the drama of seeing someone really successful fall from the top and then scramble to pick up the pieces of their life. It proves that even the world's greatest athlete is human just like the rest of us but the movie needs to be made before the public loses interest in Tiger so the race is now on," a leading Hollywood producer said.

Woods, 34, shocked everyone when reports about his alleged affairs with 14 women came out following his accident Nov 27 where he crashed his car into a fire hydrant and a tree outside his Florida mansion. It was also reported that he had been attacked

by his Swedish wife, 31-year-old former model Elin Nordegren, prior to the crash. Woods, who released a state-

After various women came forward with accusations about Woods, he now faces a probe by US taxman over reports of cash payments to his mistresses ment admitting "infidelity", could face an expensive divorce which could see his wife of five years walk away with more than 169 million pounds -- almost half his empire. Woods last year earned an estimated 69 million pounds from winnings and endorsements. After various women came forward with accusations about Woods, he now faces a probe by US taxman over reports of cash payments to his mistresses. He could also be investigated over his alleged links to high-class call girls and money paid for sex. In a recent statement Woods said he was taking "an indefinite break from professional golf".-Agencies

Japanese PM Deepika fan

ecently, Deepika Padukone was invited to the Prime Minister's residence at 7 Race Course Road, Delhi to have dinner with the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Sonia Gandhi and 20 cabinet ministers. The dinner was in honor of the Japanese PM Yukio Hatoyama and his wife, Miyuki Hatoyama. They are presently visiting India and are huge fans of Bollywood films.

She was very excited and nervous and felt that she was privileged and honored to be invited to the occasion They liked Deepika in Om Shanti Om a lot and wanted to meet her. The PM's office then called Deepika and asked her if

she would like to come to dinner. The actress, who was shooting for Ashutosh Gowariker's Khelenge Hum Jee Jaan Se in Goa, readily agreed and took a day off from shooting. She was very excited and nervous and felt that she was privileged and honored to be invited to the occasion. She wore a Manish Malhotra saree for the event.

Statue of the demon Mahishasura atop the Chamundi Hills

ysore has never failed to mesmerize tourists with its quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings, broad shady avenues and sacred temples. The charm of this city leaves no one untouched. Mysore is located in the South Indian state of Karnataka around 140 km from Bangalore. The city extends from latitude 12°18' in the North to longitude 76°42' in the East. It is well connected through road and rail networks with other parts of Karnataka and India. Mysore city was the capital of the old royal Mysore province. The word Mysore expands to "Mahishasurana Ooru" which means the town of Mahishasura. The story goes that the demon Mahishasura was killed by goddess Chamundeshwari atop the Chamundi hill near Mysore, hence the name. Ever since, the Mysore royal family has worshipped Chamundeshwari as the palace deity. Hills dedicated to her stand at the eastern end of Mysore town today. The Wodeyar family ruled Mysore since 14th century except for a short period of 40

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years when Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan were the rulers. Tourists attractions: The Mysore Palace was built over one thousand years ago, in AD 897. Saracenic in style, the palace has both Hindu as well as Muslim influences. After a fire in 1897, Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV rebuilt the palace as we see it today, under the supervision of architect Henry Irwin. The main building is of massive gray granite with a tower covered by a gilded dome. A temple is situated within the royal courtyard. St. Philomena's Church is one of the oldest churches in Mysore. Built in Gothic style, the church is among the largest in India. Stained glass windows and lofty towers give this cathedral an imposing look. Shri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery was established in 1875 and has a rare collection of some beautiful paintings from the same era. The gallery is located in Jagmohan Palace and exhibits paintings by Raja Ravi Varma, Svetsolav Roerich and traditional paintings from Mysore. The traditional gold leaf paintings and some exquisitely carved statues in sandalwood, ivory and stone are also exhibited in the gallery. The old paintings in the gallery have been done in mineral and vegetable dyes and paints. The Mysore Zoo was set up by the royal

www.indiapost.com family and houses some rare and exotic birds & animals. Situated amidst lush green surroundings, the zoo has acquired fame for breeding some rare animals in captivity. T h e Chamundeshwari Temple is one of the noted Hindu places of worship and is situated atop the Chamundi Hill. On way to the

January 8, 2010

Entrance to the Ambavilas Palace, commonly known as Mysore Palace

Mysore city was the capital of the old royal Mysore province. The word Mysore expands to "Mahishasurana Ooru" which means the town of Mahishasura. The story goes that the demon Mahishasura was killed by goddess Chamundeshwari atop the Chamundi hill near Mysore, hence the name

Chamundi Hills is the Lalitha Mahal, a guest palace now converted into a heritage hotel. Places around Mysore Situated around 19 km north west of Mysore are the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam and the Vrindavan Garden. The garden attracts thousands of visitors every year who come to see its dancing musical fountains. Fourteen km northeast of Mysore is Srirangpattnam, an island fortress and the capital of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. Tipu's summer palace, Daria Daulat, has now been turned into a museum. Sangam, the confluence of two branches of the Cauvery River, is situated around 3 km off Srirangpattnam. Ranganathittu is a bird sanctuary situated around 18 km off Mysore and allows a close view of exotic and common birds. Somnathpur is situated around 35 km east of Mysore and is famous for the Hoysala Temples that are still in excellent condition. Cont’d on page 30

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January 8, 2010

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Mysore: Rich heritage, magnificent palaces & sacred temples Cont’d from page 29

Eighty two kilometers away is the Cauvery Fishing Camp, a paradise for anglers where the mahaseer is found in abundance. The Bandipur National Park

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is 80 km off Mysore on the way to Ooty and a famous tiger reserve. Spread over an area of 875 km, the park has a variety of animals such as the tiger, barking deer, tusker, and bison. Fairs & festivals: Dussehra in Mysore is a sight

one would remember for a long time even after leaving the place. It is believed that the presiding deity of the city has the power to conquer evil forces and this has led the citizens to celebrate the festival with much gaiety and fervor. The tradition of celebrating Dussehra with such grandeur started with the 16th-century rulers of Vijayanagar. After the disintegration of Vijayanagar Empire, the tradition was kept alive by rulers of Mysore and continues till now. During the month of October and November, for ten days the Dussehra festival is celebrated and the city is at its colorful best with music and dance, Sports, Literary competitions, fairs and exhibitions all over. All this culminates in the Dussehra procession and a torchlight parade on the tenth day.

The tradition of celebrating Dussehra with such grandeur started with the 16th-century rulers of Vijayanagar. After the disintegration of Vijayanagar Empire, the tradition was kept alive by rulers of Mysore and continues till now Best time to visit: October to March. The weather in Mysore is pleasant throughout the year. The summers are warm and winters cool. April is the hottest month with the daily temperatures varying between 21°C and 34°C while in December, the coldest month here, the temperature ranges from 16°C to 27°C. The average annual rainfall in the district is 761.9 mm. One can visit the city any time of the year but it is advisable to avoid the rainy seasons. Where to stay: Mysore provides several options to tourists of different income groups coming to the city. The options range from the guesthouses and budget hotels to medium range hotels and heritage hotels. How to reach Air - The nearest airport from Mysore is 140 km away in Bangalore, from where one can take flights for most of the important cities in India. Rail - Mysore is connected with most of the metros like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai through regular trains. Road - There is a good network of roads that connects Mysore to other important cities of the region.

January 8, 2010

Travel & Hospitality Post www.indiapost.com

'New visa rules won't hit tourism' NEW DELHI: The Tourism Ministry insists the new visa rules would not affect inflow of visitors and dismissed as a "joke" the apprehension of Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor that India would become a less welcoming destination. Minister of State for Tourism Sultan Ahmed argued the new rules are aimed at those having long-term multi-entry visas while tourists undertake visits for short durations. "Tourists always come here on a short visit. This (new visa regime) will not affect their arrivals," he told PTI while reacting to Tharoor's view that tightening of visa rules would affect inflow of tourists. In his tweet, Tharoor had wondered whether by tightening

of the visa norms, India would allow terrorists to make it a "less wel-

‘Tourists always come here on a short visit. This (new visa regime) will not affect their arrivals," he told PTI while reacting to Tharoor's view that tightening of visa rules would affect inflow of tourists’ coming" destination. "If the MEA has done it, then it must have taken into account all

factors, including safety and security of the country," Ahmed said. Making light of Tharoor's tweet on visa rule changes, Ahmed dismissed it as a "joke" and said "his tweeting should not be taken seriously." Under the new rules announced in the backdrop of the arrest of American terror suspect David Headley on the charge of plotting attacks in India, any foreign national holding long-term multiple entry visas will have to take a two-month break before reentering India. However, this was amended later with the government saying exception would be made for bona fide travelers if they submit itinerary details. -PTI

Subhas Sarovar modernization from February KOLKATA: The neglected Subhas Sarovar, one of the two man-made lakes at Beliaghata in the north-eastern part of the metropolis, is set for a Rs 5 crore makeover. "We want to make Subhas Sarovar a tourist destination and work will begin from February," West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation managing director TVN Rao told PTI. "The project would cost us Rs 5 crore and be executed in privatepublic partnership with the support of the Centre," he said. In a first of its kind of joint venture between the Kolkata Improve-

ment Trust (KIT) and West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation

‘The city needed more destinations for water sports like speed boats and paragliding and we are planning to introduce such facilities here’

(WBTDC), the lake area will be converted into a tourist destination "The city needed more destinations for water sports like speed boats and paragliding and we are planning to introduce such facilities here," the WBTDC official said. According to the proposal, about Rs 1.44 crore will be spent on landscaping of the area and construction of a children's park. The area will have shelters for tourists with gardens and benches. The condition of the lake had worsened after Kolkata Improvement Trust (KIT) decided to cement the banks of the lake. -PTI

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January 8, 2010

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Gujarat promotes Kutch L.A. Zoo receives gift of baby monkey for adventure tourism Found throughout India Post News Service

BHUJ: The barren drylands of the Rann of Kutch saw an impressive desert car rally this weekend, an event aimed at promoting industry-friendly Gujarat as a favorite destination for adventure tourism. The second consecutive 'Adani Kutch Desert Car Rally' was an indication of the efforts to develop the Rann, a barren region witnessing frequent hostile weather, by bringing it into the international map for adventure sports. "The idea is to promote adventure tourism in Kutch and we have been getting good response. There is every possibility of its going international in future as no other place on the earth provides so much sprawling, obstruction-free terrain such as the Rann," said Ajay Gadhvi, President of the Kutch Infrastructure Development Society (KIDS). The 270-km car rally organized jointly by KIDS and Gujarat Tourism recently saw 42 motorists, including several adventure lovers from neighboring Maharashtra, taking part in the event in the semiarid grasslands. The rally also witnessed 28year-old Dharmishtha Gor as the

lone girl participant. She was the runner-up last year. Former Kutch MP Pushpadan Gadhvi said the purpose of organizing this rally, which started from Vekaria Rann, was to attract tourists from across the world as well as to promote adventure tourism

The second consecutive 'Adani Kutch Desert Car Rally' was an indication of the efforts to develop the Rann, a barren region witnessing frequent hostile weather, by bringing it into the international map for adventure sports among the people of India. The winners of the event Jaydev and Dhirender Singh, who got the first prize of Rs 51,000, said, "The rally is exciting and entirely a different experience and we hope more youths from across the country will take part in it in future". -PTI

LOS ANGELES: Born on November 27, 2009, a snowy white Kikuyu colobus monkey was a welcome holiday surprise for the Los Angeles Zoo! The gender of the furry primate has yet to be determined, but at birth it weighed about a pound and measured around eight inches long. Because breeding is closely monitored to comply with the Species Survival Program (SSP) and the L.A. Zoo's colobus monkeys are genetically well represented in North American zoos, the mother was placed on implant contraceptives in October 2008. They were meant to be effective for a period of two years, which is why this adorable baby was such a surprise for the Zoo! Found throughout the forests of central Africa, the colobus is one of the most striking primates in the animal kingdom. Adult Kikuyu colobus monkeys have black bodies trimmed with long white mantles. Infant colobus monkeys are born all white and do not start to get their black trim until about three and one half months of age. Colobus monkeys live in highly cohesive social groups. Thus, the infant is enjoying attention from its father, mother and another adult female. Check out their interac-

the forests of central Africa, the colobus is one of the most striking primates in the animal kingdom. Adult Kikuyu colobus monkeys have black bodies trimmed with long white mantles Colobus & baby

tions with their newest troop member at their exhibit located just past the Zoo's Mahale CafĂŠ toward the perimeter road. In celebration of the birth, the L.A. Zoo is inviting visitors to participate in a naming contest for the newborn! Through January 11, 2010, visitors can fill out a card with their contact information and name suggestion at the colobus exhibit, roundhouse exhibit number 44 on Zoo maps! Zoo staff members will review the names and select the winner.

The name will be announced on the Zoo's website on Monday, January 18, 2010. The individual who submits the winning name will receive a free behind-the-scenes-tour of the Zoo for up to six people! This is a great time of the year to visit the L.A. Zoo. There is the Reindeer Romp, where patrons can visit Santa's reindeer and enjoy other festive activities! Also, lasting through January 10, 2010, visitors can skate their way through the holidays on the Zoo's first ever skating rink (for a nominal fee)!

Snow cycling thrills in Kashmir festival GULMARG, JK: Snow cycling was the star attraction of the three-day Kashmir snow festival that started in this famous hill resort to attract tourists to the state. All the 25 mountain riders taking part in snow cycling event were the darling of spectators who lustily cheered them when the event was flagged off by Tourism Minister Nawang Rigzin Jora here. "Snow cycling is an adventurous sport full of thrill and risks. We have expert mountain bikers", Riyaz Ahmad Wani, an official of Jammu and Kashmir Cycle Association, told PTI. He said the riders have purchased imported mountain cycles for the event. "Riding on snow needs imported cycles. We

use mountain bikes for this adventurous activity", Wani said. He said the snow cycling event include seven km mass start in which 25 ace cyclists participated. The cyclists rode through whole of the Gulmarg passes. "We have received appreciation from many countries for the event. We are going to pitch for state-level and national events in future", Wani said. Introduced in Gulmarg in 2002, snow cycling has added new dimension to adventure sports. Another event that attracted attention was snow rugby. Introduced in 2007, the event also witnessed a huge response from adventure sports lovers. -PTI

Rock-cut Buddha in Kashmir to get protection JAMMU: An eight-meter high rock-cut Buddha located in the remote Zanskar region of Jammu and Kashmir, which is among the tallest of such sculptures in northern India, will be declared a State Protected Monument by the government. Director General in the state archaeology department Khurshid Ahmed Qadri said the notification for declaring the sculpture of Chamba Buddha set atop Suru Kartse village a protected monument will be issued shortly.

"We have decided to declare the Bamiyaan-type huge rock-cut Buddha as a SPM. I had personally visited the site and started process of declaring it SPM. A notification for its declaration as SPM would be issued shortly," Qadri told PTI here. Qadri, who personally visited the monument site, said the 1,400 year-old sculpture, would be the first ever SPM in Ladakh and added it would be made the centre stage of heritage tourism in that region. -PTI

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In Brief US pastor accused of student visa conspiracy SANTA ANA, California: Immigration officials have accused a Southern California pastor of helping foreigners fraudulently obtain student visas and handing out phony diplomas at a fake graduation ceremony on a campus where they never attended class. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Wednesday that 65year-old pastor Samuel Chai Cho Oh surrendered to authorities. Officials say Oh is accused of conspiracy to commit visa fraud for allegedly charging between $600 and $10,000 to help foreigners get visas on the premise they would attend the Christian university he owns in Fullerton. Authorities say Oh acknowledged that 75 percent of the 300 students at California Union University did not regularly attend class.-AP

Two men arrested in NM for drug trafficking CLOVIS, N.M.: New Mexico authorities say two 31-year-old men have been arrested and charged with drug trafficking and conspiracy. Officials with the Curry County Sheriff's Office say Jorge Sanchez and Felipe De Jesus HerreraGandara were taken into custody and booked into the county Detention Center. They are being held without a bond due to an immigration hold. They both are Mexican citizens living in the Clovis area. Task Force agents received information that the two men would be transporting a large quantity of cocaine from west Texas to Clovis. -AP

Immigrant widowed in crash gets residency NEW YORK: AJamaican woman whose American husband died in a ferry crash has been granted permanent residency after years of fighting to stay in the United States. Lawyer Brent Renison says the government approved permanent residency for Osserritta Robinson and she is dropping her appeal pending before the U.S. Supreme Court. Robinson's husband was killed in a 2003 Staten Island ferry crash. President Barack Obama signed a law in October overturning a rule known as the ``widow's penalty'' that made foreigners subject to expulsion if their American spouses died within two years of marriage and before their applications for permanent residency had been approved. -AP

Immigration 35

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10-year high in prosecution of criminal immigrants FRESNO, Calif.: Federal officials say the number of cases filed in Northern California against illegal immigrants with criminal records is at a 10-year high. -AP

January 8, 2010

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India in no mood to change new tourist visa rules NEW DELHI: Unfazed by reservations from nations like the US and UK, the Government appears to be in no mood to relent on the new visa rules for tourists, saying it would not like to compromise with the country's security interests. Citing the changes made by several countries like America and Britain after terror strikes, senior officials argue that it should be left to the Home Ministry to chalk out the plans for securing the nation. They maintained that the government has not received any complaint from any country, including the US or the UK, after the new visa rules were implemented, but clarifications have been sought by Washington and they have been addressed. "When some foreign missions based in India sought clarity, we told them that if someone has to worry about tourists' arrival, it is India which has to worry and not

any other nation," they said on the condition of anonymity. As per the new visa rules, no tourist, having a travel document valid for 180 days, would be allowed to return to the country before a cooling-off period of two months. The new visa guidelines have been formulated after considering

Tharoor ticked off External Affairs Minister S M Krishna has however ticked off his junior minister Shashi Tharoor for publicly questioning new visa guidelines, saying if he had any "perceptions", those should be discussed within the "four walls" of the government. "These (issues) are not to be

No tourist, having a travel document valid for 180 days, would be allowed to return to the country before a cooling-off period of two months all relevant aspects and giving the security of the nation the top most priority, the officials said. The comments also come a day after Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor questioned the tightening of visa rules against the backdrop of the David Headley case and wryly said "26/ 11 killers had no visas."

discussed in public. If there are any perceptions, then I think these should be sorted out within the four walls of the ministry," Krishna told reporters when asked to react to Tharoor's comments on social networking site Twitter regarding tightening of visa regime. Krishna underlined that "the business of government is far too

serious" and "has to be conducted in a manner in which we decide." While tweeting, Tharoor had wondered whether tightening of the visa norms for foreign nationals made any sense at all and if it would actually "protect" security. Contending that "26/11 killers had no visas", the Minister of State for External Affairs had asked whether India would allow terrorists to make it a "less welcoming" destination. Under the new rules which came after the David Headley case, any foreign national holding longterm multiple entry visas will have to take a two-month break before re-entering India. However, this was amended later, with government saying exception would be made for bona fide travelers if they submit itinerary details. Krishna emphasized that there was no ambiguity on the visa issue and the External Affairs Ministry and Home Ministry were on the same page on this. -PTI

USCIS grappling with Corpn right on H-1B visa CORA-ANN V. PESTAINA

Continued from last week's article) espite our disagreement with the USCIS' reliance on Darden, the US Supreme Court explicitly directs lower courts to use common law principles in defining statutory terms where federal statutes have failed to clearly do so. A corporate entity established under state law, such as New York, would look to New York law, which has long recognized the basic proposition that corporations are legal entities that exist separate and apart from the members who actually participate in them. See Retopolis, Inc. v. 14th St. Dev. LLC., 17 AD3d 209, 797 N.Y.S.2d 1 [1st Dept 2005]; Island Seafood Co. v. Golub Corp., 303 A.D.2d 892, 759 N.Y.S.2d 768 [3d Dept 2003]; and Stern v. Stern, 799 N.Y.S.2d 164 [2004]. In response to the routine USCIS Requests for Evidence ("RFE") questioning the exist-

ence of an employer-employee relationship, our colleagues in the immigration bar have also argued, pursuant to Matter of Tong, 16 I&N Dec. 593 (BIA 1978), that since self-employment is a violation of INA §245's prohibition of unauthorized employment, then, logically, one who is self-employed is an "employee."

under Matter of Smith, 12 I&N Dec. 772 (BIA 1968) which held, "In view of the fact that the petitioner has guaranteed the beneficiary full-time permanent employment for 52 weeks a year with a two week paid vacation and other fringe benefits and that the beneficiary will be paid directly by the petitioner who is responsible for

Petitioner may be able to show, through its bylaws, that its business and property will be managed by a Board of Directors In Matter of Tong, a noncitizen's unauthorized self-employment was held to preclude his adjustment of status because INA §245 provides in pertinent part that "the provisions of this section shall not be applicable to an alien…who hereinafter continues in or accepts unauthorized employment prior to filing an application for adjustment of status…" Further logical guidance exists

all payroll deductions and contributions, it is concluded that the petitioner qualifies as the actual employer of the beneficiary within the meaning and requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended." So far, USCIS has refused to give weight to these arguments. If there are approvals, they are rare and a result of the petitioner's ability to establish that the ben-

eficiary will, despite petitioner's size, perform specialized duties consistent with the H-1B and to demonstrate that the beneficiary's employment will be controlled by the petitioner. Also, the chance of an approval is greater if others are also involved in the management of the entity. Petitioners must endeavor to establish the power to make final decisions and to terminate the beneficiary's employment. For example, the employer-employee relationship might be satisfactorily illustrated where petitioner's bylaws clearly dictate how the corporation will be managed. Petitioner may be able to show, through its bylaws, that its business and property will be managed by a Board of Directors and that a majority vote of this Board will govern the employment, compensation and discharge of all employees of the corporation. Cont’d on page 37

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January 8, 2010

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Like India, US too grappling with visa issue

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detect it in time. In the case of David Headley, who is now languishing in a US jail, experts question the manner in which visa was issued against such an individual. To this, Indian officials contend that at the time when his visa application was processed there was no information about the person's background.

There came an argument that how come a person whose father raised concerns about his son in Nigeria was issued the visa While the 26/11 terror attack killed over 170 people, nearly 300 innocent people had a miraculous escape on December 25 when Abdulmutallab failed in his attempt to ignite an explosive, which he managed to sneak inside the plane. "How this individual who had

been alerted to the authorities, the US Embassy, about his perhaps Islamic leaning to some radicalization, was still able to have a visa, that visa not revoked and able to get on a US aircraft," Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano was asked by a reporter. To this, Napolitano replied: "Well, he was issued a visa for the US in June of 2008, and those are questions that we're asking ourselves. What is it that needs to connect in that process that maybe wasn't connected? What - needs to be changed? What needs to be improved? We have to work the problem, and that's what we're doing." "(We are) Looking at the fact that he had a pre-existing visa to enter the US. Looking at the fact that he had -- was on the TIDE list," she said. There's a generic list of anybody whose name pops up in any way connected to something with the word "terrorism" associated with it; has over half a million names on it," the Homeland Security secretary said. -PTI

Census estimates show population rise in Oklahoma

“Rates subject to change with market”

Call: NEERAJ

WASHINGTON: Like India, the US too is now grappling with the visa issue after the latest attempt by a suspected al-Qaeda operative to blow up a plane over US airspace. While the matter of issuing a visa came under scanner in India after the recent arrest of David Coleman Headley, the terror suspect charged with involvement in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, the similar problem knocked the US door after a failed bid to blow up a plane in Detroit. Suspected al-Qaeda operative and Nigerian national Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab was arrested after he failed in his bid to destroy Northwest Airlines flight on Christmas Day with over 270 people on board. And then came an argument that how come a person whose father raised concerns about his son in Nigeria was issued the visa. The officials in both the countries, however, argue that there was no violation of law. But media and experts wonder as to how terrorists took advantage of the system and authorities failed to

TULSA, Okla.: The latest US Census Bureau estimates show Oklahoma's population rose by more than 43,000 from July 2008 to July 2009. The Census Bureau estimates the state's population at 3,687,050 in July 2009, compared with 3,644,025 in July 2008, for an increase of 43,025. The annual population increase was 39,780 in 2007 and 34,238 in 2008. Most of the overall population increase was fueled by people moving to Oklahoma from other states, defined as domestic migration. Domestic migration accounted for 18,345 new residents to the state with international migrants accounting for 5,340

additional people. Residents moving from within the United States to Oklahoma have outnumbered international migrants since 2006. Tulsa Metro Chamber Economist Bob Ball attributed much of the population increase to the state's persistently good economy, relative to the rest of the nation. ``Sure, we've been in recession and we've lost a lot of jobs,'' Ball said, but he added Oklahoma has fared better than other areas of the country. Conservative lending practices and a relatively low unemployment and cost of living have all added up to making Okla-

homa an attractive place to relocate, Ball said. Illinois, Ohio, Michigan and New York are among the states that realized losses in net migrant population since 2008. ``Where do those people go?'' Ball said. ``A lot of those people moved to the Midwest.'' The balance of the state's population change came from the socalled natural increase, or the difference between the number who were born and the number who died during the past year. Nevada, whose population since 2000 has increased 32.3 percent, posted the largest percentage growth in the nation for the decade. -AP

Immigration Post

January 8, 2010

India Post

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New law rekindles immigrant benefit debate PHOENIX: A new Arizona law that expands the list of government benefits denied to illegal immigrants has left officials in cities wondering what exactly constitutes a public benefit and raises questions about whether the restrictions got a full public airing before they were enacted. The restrictions build on a 2004 voter-approved law that denied benefits to illegal immigrants. Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard later issued a legal opinion saying it applied only to a small number of welfare programs. The new law, part of a budget package approved in August by the Legislature, applies to a wide range of state programs. It contains requirements that applicants provide at least one form of identification, including a birth certificate or passport, and sign an affidavit saying their documents are authentic. It also gave any Arizonan the option of filing a lawsuit in a bid to remedy a violation. “You don't have a right to get free stuff at taxpayer expense if you are in the country illegally,'' said Republican Sen. Russell Pearce of Mesa, author of the new restrictions. Supporters say the restrictions were needed to reduce the millions of dollars that illegal immigrants who get benefits are costing the state each year and reverse the limits that Goddard's legal opinion put on the 2004 law. Since the law took effect Nov. 24, nearly 800 people who sought public benefits from Arizona's welfare agency were unable to prove their lawful presence in the country. Their names were reported to federal immigration authorities, who noted that they give top priority to people who pose the great-

est threats to public safety. City officials and other critics say the new law's definition of ``public benefit'' is vague and that the Legislature never really hashed out the details of the new rules during a special session of the Legislature that was largely devoted to the state's budget crisis. It's clear that the new law expands the list of government benefits denied to illegal immigrants. That's because it was written to apply to all state programs, whereas the 2004 law was interpreted by Goddard as centering on only several small welfare programs.

‘You don't have a right to get free stuff at taxpayer expense if you are in the country illegally,’ said Republican Sen. Russell Pearce of Mesa The law relies on a definition of ``public benefit'' that's already in federal law. Under that definition, public benefits includes any retirement, welfare, health, housing, higher education and unemployment benefits as well as any grants, contracts, loans and licenses provided by state and local government. What exactly that means is open to interpretation. Pearce said the restrictions apply to ``any and all'' benefits, with a few notable exceptions, such as K-12 education and emergency medical care that are legally available to illegal immigrants under a

court ruling and a federal law, respectively. Ken Strobeck, executive director of the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, which filed an unsuccessful lawsuit challenging the benefit restrictions and other provisions in a budget bill, said city attorneys were disagreeing on the meaning of public benefits. Would the restrictions apply to people seeking library cards and contractors who do business with a city? Or, Strobeck asked, would people have to attest to their citizenship when they sign up for water and sewage services in small towns that subsidize the costs of their utility systems? The Arizona Supreme Court dismissed the league's constitutional challenge earlier this month. The league claimed that bill provisions containing the benefit restrictions and changes to policies on development impact fees and building codes violated the Arizona Constitution, because they fell outside budget-related topics and because unrelated legislation was packaged in one bill. The court said the case can be refiled in a lower court. Even though benefit restrictions were considered by committees, were the subject of some debate and were contained in several drafts of the budget, critics of the law insist that lawmakers still didn't give it a full examination. Democratic Rep. Kyrsten Sinema of Phoenix, who voted against the bill, said most lawmakers were more focused on cuts in the state's budget and paid less attention to non-fiscal issues. She said the budget was rushed through committee and floor hearings after legislative leaders gathered enough votes for passage.

``Was it publicly available? Yes. Was it widely available? No. Was it available for a long enough time for people to be informed and understand it? Probably not,'' Sinema said, noting that she spoke out against the bill in a floor session. Karen Peters, government relations director for the city of Phoenix, said there was little opportunity for the benefit restrictions to be properly vetted. Peters said she talked it over with key people in state government, but wasn't successful in convincing them to defeat the measure. ``It got into a budget bill where policy issues do not belong, and there was never an opportunity to

hear both sides of the issue,'' Peters said. Pearce rejected the criticism that the restrictions weren't fully debated. ``Nothing flew under the radar. That's a specious fabrication by those who are open-border anarchists who refuse to protect the taxpayer,'' Pearce said. In any event, the debate over whether the restrictions isn't expected to fade away any time soon. Goddard has been asked by a state agency to issue a legal opinion on the new restrictions. And Strobeck said the league was waiting until Jan. 15 to decide whether to file its challenge in Superior Court. -AP

USCIS grappling with Corpn right on H-1B visa Cont’d from page 35

A Board of no fewer than three Directors, including the beneficiary, would mean that the majority vote belonged to Directors other than the beneficiary and essentially, that petitioner held the power to make decisions for the company and to terminate the beneficiary's employment. As a result, the employer-employee relationship is less likely to be questioned. Because few beneficiaries also own the petitioner, it is difficult to identify a corporate structure that would satisfy a USCIS adjudicator. Despite the occasional success story, the trend continues to be toward routine denials of these cases. These denials are regularly issued outside of the H-1B con-

text as well (e.g. L-1) on any petition where the beneficiary owns the petitioner. While the USCIS's fear of foreign nationals setting up U.S. corporations solely as a vehicle for self-sponsorship is certainly legitimate, the government cannot let this concern override all reason. In order to make an accurate assessment of these types of petitions, adjudicators ought to examine the entire petitioner-beneficiary relationship on a case by case basis, and to determine whether the beneficiary will indeed be working in the H-1B specialty occupation.

* Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

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January 8, 2010

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Immigration forces prepare for rematch Affidavit of Support Adjustment of Status ALL IMMIGRATION FORMALITIES U.S. CITIZENSHIP/GREEN CARD

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark.: Groups on both sides of the immigration reform debate in Arkansas don't find much to agree on, but they both see the new year as a chance for a rematch. The possibility of Congress taking up immigration reform again and another ballot initiative campaign by an anti-illegal immigrant group have advocates of both sides approaching 2010 as another battleground year. The announcement that a coalition of lawmakers in Washington are pushing for another try at reforming the nation's immigration system has mobilized activists in the state once more. A group of religious leaders from around the state that includes state Appeals Court Judge Wendell Griffen has already begun campaigning for some type of reform, calling it a moral issue. Steve Copley, a Methodist minister and activist on immigration issues, says he's hopeful that the push for reforms will come next year after Congress addresses overhauling the nation's health care system. Copley said he's hopeful that any legislation will include a path to citizenship for the some 12 million people who are in the country illegally. ``The system's broken and something needs to happen,'' Copley said. Key Republicans view the push as an opportunity for a doover, with former Republican National Committee Chairman Ed Gillespie saying in a recent Little Rock speech that it could help the GOP soften its image and possibly attract more Hispanic voters. ``I think there's an opportunity there for Republicans to get the tone right in this debate and not come across as anti-immigration, but pro-legal immigration,'' Gillespie said earlier this month. ``As a whole, I think our party was poorly positioned on the immigration debate.'' Former Gov. Mike Huckabee

echoed those comments, noting that he had ``paid dearly'' during the Republican presidential campaign for his past support of legislation that would have made the children of illegal immigrants eligible for scholarships and instate tuition rates. ``Republicans have to be careful to distinguish between standing for principles of law and order and recognizing the obvious issue of the growing demographic influence of the Hispanic population,'' Huckabee said. ``I believe that most of the problem with illegal immigration is the fault of the government because the government never controlled our borders.''

A revived attempt to make children of illegal immigrants eligible for in-state tuition failed in the Senate despite a vigorous push by its sponsor Finding that balance in Arkansas may be difficult, however, judging by this year's legislative session. A revived attempt to make children of illegal immigrants eligible for in-state tuition failed in the Senate despite a vigorous push by its sponsor. That push included a rare ``committee of the whole'' hearing before the full Senate and lobbying by heads of the state's major colleges and universities. ``The bottom line is this: They are in our state. They are not leaving,'' Sen. Joyce Elliott said earlier this year. ``We can choose to have them here as educated people, or we can choose to have them here as folks that we deny an education to. That's our choice.'' The measure faced objections from lawmakers who said they

were worried that it would violate federal law, and who also said they were afraid it would reward illegal immigration by offering the lower rates. The same chamber had halted a similar proposal in 2005 by Elliott, who was then a House member calling for in-state tuition as well as scholarships for the children of illegal immigrants. That measure passed the House, but failed in the Senate despite removal of the scholarship provision. That failure, in part, has emboldened a group known as Secure Arkansas to try once more with its own proposal that would require state government agencies to verify that all those seeking benefits are legal U.S. residents. The group, which tried and failed to get a similar measure on the ballot last year, has gathered about 3,000 signatures in its effort to get the proposal on next fall's ballot. The group must gather 77,468 signatures to place the proposal on the November 2010 general election ballot. The measure is likely to face resistance again from Gov. Mike Beebe, who opposed the proposal last year because he said it would duplicate laws that are already on the books. Beebe's office has said the governor was likely to again oppose the measure if it was similar to last year's proposal. Jeanne Burlsworth, the group's chairwoman, said she thinks Secure Arkansas will be more successful this time because it started gathering signatures earlier and has a more organized campaign than it did last year. Burlsworth says she thinks the congressional talks on immigration reform will spur more interest in the restriction. ``Arkansas has been a battleground state and I feel like the people are going to be more determined than they ever have been to see change,'' Burlsworth said.-AP

Teens plead not guilty to hate crime charge WILKES-BARRE, Pa.: A judge says a Pennsylvania teen charged with a hate crime in the death of a Mexican immigrant is a danger to the community. Judge Malachy Mannion denied bail for 19-year-old Derrick Donchak, citing three disciplinary

infractions he has incurred while behind bars. Donchak and 18-yearold Brandon Piekarsky both pleaded not guilty at an arraignment in Wilkes-Barre on charges stemming from the July 2008 beating death of 25-year-old Luis Ramirez in Shenandoah.

A jury had previously acquitted the teens of all serious state charges in the case, angering Hispanic leaders and civil-rights groups. The decision prompted Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell to ask the Justice Department to pursue civil-rights charges against the teens. -AP

Tech News Discoms to change overhead lines to underground NEW DELHI: In view of the Commonwealth Games, Delhi Government has directed all the power discoms to undertake conversion of all overhead lines crossing the main roads into underground network. Finance Minister A K Walia said the discoms have been told to complete the work of conversion of the overhead lines into underground network as soon as possible. Power regulator Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission had permitted a budget of Rs 50 crore to all the three discoms -BYPL, BRPL and NDPL to take up the work. Walia also expressed the confidence that conversion of overhead lines into underground network also help in overcoming frequent break-down in power supply. -PTI

TechBiz 39 India Post

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January 8, 2010

EditShare compatible with Mac Snow Leopard

ditShare, the technology leader in cross platform collaborative editing and shared media storage systems, has announced compatibility for the recently released Apple's Snow Leopard OS. EditShare is an award-winning solution that facilitates multi-channel ingest; shared storage and archiving solutions with special project sharing capabilities for Broadcast, Postproduction and DI editing workgroups. The releasing of compatibility with Apple OS was utmost necessity, as a large share of EditShare users uses the Apple hardware, said Andy Liebman, President and Founder, EditShare in a press statement.

Indian arm of US firm to hit full production

Google's AdMob deal in trouble

wo advocacy groups have raised concerns over Google's acquisition of the mobile phone advertising firm AdMob. Consumer Watchdog and Center for Digital Democracy have written an open letter to the U.S. antitrust regulators Federal Trade Commission (FTC) urging to block the deal between Google and AdMob. Consumer Watchdog is a consumer advocacy organization and the Center for Digital Democracy is an advocate of open access to the Internet.

Airtel initiates Middle East network

ndia's leading mobile operator Bharti Airtel has announced the commencement of its 'Middle East Connect Network' which will provide wholesale data services to the telecom operators in the Middle Eastern region. With the initiation of this network service Bharti Airtel offers the unique advantage of at least 3 multiple paths on every cable route. In the press statement Bharti Airtel states that the company has added over 17 GBPS capacity to the region. Additionally, Bharti Airtel has made investments to connect the India-Middle East-Europe route via three alternative paths on SEA-ME-WE 4, I-ME-WE and EIG submarine cable systems.

The Advanced Fluorine Technologies Private Limited (AFTL) plant in Hyderabad

NIDHI SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

MUMBAI: Dr Dayal Meshri President/CEO of Advance Research Chemicals, Inc, Tulsa, OK- US announced here recently that Advanced Fluorine Technologies Limited (AFTL)

Hyderabad, India, its sister concern here, would graduate from R&D Pilot Plant to full scale production of Fluorinated Telomers and their derivatives for the worldwide market. Addressing a press conference at Samrat Hotel here, Dr. Meshri said 300 different products which

Dr. Dayal Meshri with journalists in Mumbai

will be used for surface treatment of all kinds of substances such as fabrics made from cotton, nylon, rayon, wool and so on. These products can be used by the garment industry, carpet industry, hospitals and the most delicate and expensive clothing designers for fabric protection.

These products can be highly beneficial for laymen as well as the upper section of society. Also, these products can be used as anti-graffiti materials for subways and other public places where nuisance markings are found. Cont’d on page 41

So Cal Edison helps lower customer bills India Post News Service

ROSEMEAD, CA: This holiday season, many Californians find themselves facing tough financial situations, and Southern California Edison (SCE) is reaching out to help. According to a recent survey, about 12 percent of SCE's customers - 480,000 - are having trouble paying their bills. SCE is asking its customers to call the utility as soon as they think they will have problems paying their electricity bills. "There are so many ways we can work with our customers," said Lynda Ziegler, SCE's senior vice president, Customer Service. "We encourage them to call us so we are aware they need help. We have many programs and services that provide various forms of assistance." SCE offers the following programs for customers: • The California Alternate Rate

for Energy (CARE) program provides a discount of 20 percent or more on income-qualifying customers' monthly electric bills. There are 1.2 million SCE customers enrolled in CARE; an additional 193,000 customers are eligible, but have not enrolled.

income-qualified households conserve energy and reduce their electricity costs. SCE supplies and installs energy-efficient appliances and equipment at no cost to eligible customers. EMA services are available to homeowners and renters.

SCE can offer assistance to customers having difficulty paying their bills through payment plans or extensions. Reaching out to SCE as soon as customers recognize they may have problems paying their bills will help avoid disconnections • FERA, the Family Electric Rate Assistance program, allows a discounted rate on the monthly bill for families of three or more who fall within the income guidelines and exceed their baseline usage by 30 percent or more. • EMA, the Energy Management Assistance program, helps

• EAF, the Energy Assistance Fund, grants up to $100 per year to help customers who cannot pay their electric bills. The grants are administered by assistance agencies. EAF is funded by donations from SCE employees, customers and Edison International, SCE's publicly held parent company.

• SCE can offer assistance to customers having difficulty paying their bills through payment plans or extensions. Reaching out to SCE as soon as customers recognize they may have problems paying their bills will help avoid disconnections and the fees and deposits that often are required to restore service. • Customers who rely on electronic medical equipment may be eligible for the Medical Baseline discounted rate. • Customers who need additional help should call 211 to connect with community service programs throughout California. In addition, SCE encourages all customers to keep bills low by conserving energy. Information on payment plans, household energy guzzlers, and rebates and savings are at www.sce.com/ highbillhelper. Customers also can learn many easy ways to save energy at www.sce.com/tips.

TechBiz Post

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January 8, 2010

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FinComm suggests new path for fiscal consolidation: Kelkar NEW DELHI: The Finance Commission, which makes recommendations on sharing of tax revenues by the Centre and States, has suggested a new path for fiscal prudence in its report submitted to President Pratibha Patil.

ity and Budget Management (FRBM), the self-imposed fiscal prudence guidelines, to the backburner when it stepped up official spending beyond its means in order to insulate the economy from the global financial meltdown.

Fiscal deficit, a reflection of government borrowings, is estimated to touch 6.8 per cent in 200910, up from 6.2 per cent in the previous fiscal, mainly on account of the stimulus measures "We had been asked to suggest new path for fiscal consolidation...we have recommended fiscal path for the next five years (2010-15)," Finance Commission Chairman Vijay Kelkar told reporters at his office. The government had last year consigned the Fiscal Responsibil-

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil receiving the report of Thirteenth Finance Commission from the Chairman, Dr. Vijay L. Kelkar along with other members, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi

"would be getting reflected in the 2010-11 budget (to be presented in the Lok Sabha in February next year)." The report, Kelkar said, "Dealt

with sharing of tax revenue between centre and states, distribution of funds among states and support to local bodies." The Finance Commission report assumes significance in view of the ongoing reforms in indirect and direct taxes, which will have a bearing on the tax collections. The government proposes to introduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST) which will subsume levies like excise, VAT and service tax from April 1, next year. The Direct Taxes Code, which

will replace the Income Tax Act, 1961, is currently in the public domain for debate and suggestions. As required by the Constitution, the Finance Commission was set up in November 2007 to suggest devolution of tax receipts between the centre and the states. The government extended the term of the Commission in September 2009 up to January end and requested it to submit the report by December so as to give effect to its suggestions in the Budget. Besides Chairman, other members of the Commission are B K Chaturvedi, Indira Rajaraman, Atul Sarma and Sanjiv Misra. The report, after being adopted by the Cabinet, will be tabled in Parliament. Currently, states and the Union Territories get Rs 1.64 lakh crore in a year, or around 30 per cent of the shareable taxes collected by the Centre. The total tax revenue of the government, which include shareable and non-shareable taxes, has been estimated at Rs 6,41,079 crore during 2009-10. The Twelfth Finance Commission had recommended that 30.5 per cent of the shareable central taxes should be shared among the states and the Union Territories. -PTI

Study on to see if India can run bullet train NEW DELHI: Can India have its first bullet train that would run at a speed of 350 kms per hour? The proposal is being explored by the railways with the help of three companies, including a French and an Italian firm. The report of the feasibility study, being conducted on 533-km long Pune-Mumbai-Ahmedabad section, is expected to be submitted next month that will give an idea to the government whether or not to go ahead with such a proposal. "After examining the report, we will decide on the next course of action," a senior railway official told PTI. The feasibility study is being conducted by Systra of France and Italferr of Italy along with RITES. For a bullet train, a dedicated corridor would have to be built and officials estimate that each kilometer of such a train would cost about Rs 100-150 crore. The feasibility study is examining the possible alignment, fare structure and volume of passengers in the proposed high-speed corridor. Besides the elevated route, study will look at the possibility of underground route for the highspeed corridor.

"The cost of the feasibility study is about Rs 15 crore and it is being shared by railways and Maharashtra government equally," said the official. Even while the feasibility study is underway, Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama has offered his country's expertise in such modern technology. . During his just-concluded visit,

A dedicated corridor would have to be built and officials estimate that each kilometer of such a train would cost about Rs 100-150 crore Hatoyama said he would like to see bullet train technology in India and pointed out that Japanese bullet trains have never been involved in any accident. Indian Railways will await the feasibility report of the proposed bullet train before deciding on seeking Japanese help for it. According to an estimate, it will cost about Rs 100-150 crores to construct one km of elevated high-speed rail corridor. -PTI

TechBiz Post

January 8, 2010

India Post

www.indiapost.com

2009: India won slowdown battle; lost to price rise NEW DELHI: India achieved the distinction of being the second fastest growing economy amid the global recession in 2009, but the joy was marred by the decade's sharpest rise in food prices to the chagrin of common man. For a country that continued to lose on its exports throughout the year that has gone by, economy achieved a remarkable growth of about seven per cent (during April- September 2009) on the back of focused government stimulus in tandem with well articulated interest rate-cum-monetary policy of RBI. But it is a paradox of sorts that price line that dipped from a 13-year high into negative zone at one point during the year climbed sharply again, with food inflation touching more than a decade's high of 20 per cent. From the growth focus, the government had to concentrate on fighting the natural disaster ranging from drought to floods in different parts of the country that led to

shortages of foodgrains and fruit and vegetable and the resultant spurt in their prices caused a political storm. To add to this roller coaster, developments in the economy, including in the share market, the general elections in May that

lus packages, the Indian economy did well, only next to China in terms of growth. Despite widespread drought and devastating floods in parts of the country, the economy during 2009-10 is estimated to expand by 8 per cent, up from 6.7 per cent in the previ-

But it is a paradox of sorts that price line that dipped from a 13-year high into negative zone at one point during the year climbed sharply again, with food inflation touching more than a decade's high of 20 per cent helped Congress led UPA to retain power, lent further color. In the New Year, fear of rising inflation will continue to influence the economic policies, whether it is monetary review to be announced by the RBI on January 29 or the Budget to be unveiled by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee towards the end of February. Powered by strong doses of three stimu-

ous fiscal. India's growth during 2008-09 dipped from 9 per cent on account of the impact of the global financial crisis. Stimulus, green shoots and exit policy will continue to remain the buzzwords as the government in the coming year will move forward to withdraw the extraordinary steps it took to fight the impact of global melt-

Indian arm of US firm to hit full production Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 39

The major raw-material is, he pointed out, supplied by Hindustan Fluorocarbons Ltd (HFL), promoted by Hindustan Organic Chemicals Ltd (HOCL), and located in Hyderabad, India. Just after the completion of full scale production at the Hyderabad plant, AFTPL may go Initial Public Offer (IPO) as it expects large market capitalization for its novel products. With over 30 patents under his belt, Dr Meshri has seen to it that his US venture Advance Research Chemicals, Inc. (ARC) turns out to be one of the largest Inorganic Fluoride Specialty Chemical Producers in the world. ARC makes over 300 chemicals and also caters to a variety of industries such as automobile, electronic, plastic, uv-curing, semiconductor, pharmaceutical industries and so on. ARC has rapidly grown into one of the premier specialty chemical companies in the world distributors in UK, Germany, France, Belgium, Japan, Korea, Israel, India, Australia and other countries. ARC now provides quality products with customer satisfaction to over 200 Fortune, 500 companies. Dr. Meshri is not only a scientist and industrialist but also a philanthropist and community activist. He has helped a number of community oriented projects in USA and in India. He has set-up a school and Biochemical college in

Patan, India, named after his late wife, Dr. Indu Meshri who happened to be a scientist in her own right. Dr Dayal Indu Meshri School offers training from Pre-K to high school to over 500 students. Last year he helped establish Dr Indu Dayal Meshri college of Science and Biotechnology in Patan that teaches 190 students in bio-sciences.

vancement of Science and Technology (OCAST). He also serves on the board of Trustees of University of Idaho, North Gujarat University, Global Alliance and other foundations. He is the President of Alliance of Sindhi Associations of North America which organizes its convention each year in different parts of the world. Dr Meshri has been honored

Dr. Dayal Meshri has gifted Dr. Indu Mehsri Park/ and a beautiful garden to the city of Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA. The park is located in the centre of a most active hub "Brookside" Maple Ridge area. He has been inducted in the Hall of Fame of University of Idaho and is Honorary Professor at the Ukrainian Technology University. He has been appointed by the Governor of Oklahoma on the board of Oklahoma Centre for Ad-

by Yuzhnoye Space Research Institute which is currently building launching pads for space shuttles in India. He is life-time vice-chairman for Siberian International Fluoride Conference which takes place in Siberian cities every three years. He is also an author and coauthor of many technical papers, books and has contributed to three editions of encyclopedia chemical technologies and is listed in Who's Who in technology.

down, domestic drought and spiraling food prices. The focus of economic planners during the initial months of 2009 was to continue the stimulus to tide over the impact of financial crisis triggered by collapse of America's iconic banker Lehman Brothers in September 2008. Not waiting for the election results, Mukherjee, while presenting an interim budget in February 2009 provided the third stimulus package to the industry to by announcing tax cuts and raising public expenditure. These stimulus packages, backed by easing of monetary policy by the Reserve Bank, yielded some results which economists described as "green shoots". As the green shoots appeared, the economy started looking up and in the second quarter (July-September 2009-10) recorded a high growth rate of 7.9 per cent, much more than anticipated by any analyst or think tank. -PTI

Horoscope

India Post

January 8, 2010

www.indiapost.com

ARIES Mar 21-Apr 20 You will start to enjoy company of a new colleague at work. Strong Venus will keep you comfortable as far as the money is concerned. You will be seriously exploring the possibility of starting a new venture and looking for avenues to raise capital. Opponents will try their hard but will not succeed. You will travel to a nice place with family.

LEO Jul 23-Aug 22 You will enforce certain rules in order to make more money. You will become little uncertain about a relationship started very recently. Money will just run out of your hands but you will meet all commitments on time. You may be in touch with a learned person for advice and guidance. Cold weather may have slight impact on your body this week.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23-Dec 22

January 8 to January 14

You will continue to make the right choices about career. Change of strategy will save a lot in long terms. Extra time you put in at work will not go waste as soon you will reap rich rewards. You may need to see a doctor to consult about an issue bothering you lately. Some of you may join a health club to get in better shape.

Pollution impact on people near industries to be studied NEW DELHI: Impact of pollution on the health of people residing in and around industrial hubs in the country will be soon studied by the Environment Ministry, days after it announced national ambient air standards. "Health issues in such areas is a matter of concern. We are in talks with the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), an NGO, to study the health of people living in and around these towns," Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said recently. There is a need to link environmental issues with the health issues with both being interlinked, he said referring to polluted clusters like Bhatinda in Punjab where a large number of cancer cases are being reported due to pesticide contaminated water. The minister said that he has been getting representations from citizen groups and people from across the country regarding health hazards due to poor quality of air, water and land in industrial clusters such as Vapi and Ankleshwar in Gujarat and Singrauli in Uttar Pradesh.

"Besides health impact, there is a need to carry out a study to find out the impact of pollution on food chain and water supply," he added. There are around 88 industrial towns which have been identified by the Environment Ministry as critically polluted adversely affecting water, air and land quality, raising health concern among the locals. The health study will be done on the basis of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards-2009, which provides a legal framework for control of air pollution and protection of public health and any citizen can approach the court demanding better air quality. The national ambient air quality standards have been revised after a gap of 15 years and do not distinguish between industrial and residential areas. "This is very important. So far we had a lower standard in industrial areas as compared to residential areas. Now standards will be uniform irrespective of whether it is classified as industrial area or a residential area," Ramesh said. -PTI

TAURUS Apr 21-May 20 Earlier plans are about to become reality. Positive signals will bring energy back and you will speed up the process. Avoid any argument with a sibling. You will spend lots of time on resolving an issue involving a child. You will have only little left after paying previous bills. Spouse will give some practical ideas but you will ignore them.

VIRGO Aug 23-Sept 22 You will be spending extra hours on a project and try to reach out many. You will easily meet all commitments but will be little concerned about future. Some of you will be getting ready for a long distance business trip also. Some money will go on children and their immediate needs. Spouse will be a great helping hand.

CAPRICORN Dec 23-Jan 19 You will make up your mind to challenge the decision. People at work will be supportive and you will continue to make rapid progress on assignment recently undertaken. Even if you don't like what people say, avoid any arguments with them. You may put your needs aside and fulfill what other close family member want.

GEMINI May 21-Jun 20 If waiting for finances for your upcoming project, it will be arranged soon with the help of a very old friend. You may spend some money on fixing a car or replacing some electric item in the house. All meetings will go well and you will keep getting the assurance. It will be better to let past go and look forward to a new beginning.

LIBRA Sept 23-Oct 22 You may buy some fine and quality items for the house. An important business trip is in the air. You will lack support from a colleague at work. Some of you will start some kind of loan process also. An old friend will call to invite you to a get together. Do not gamble with money or make financial commitments out of your reach.

AQUARIUS Jan 20-Feb 18 It is going to be an entertaining week by all means. You will enjoy the company of a new person in life. Chances are that you will be selected among many for the job. You will quickly overcome minor illness also. Money will come but disappear fast mostly on paying bills. Main business competitors will call it quit making room for progress.

CANCER Jun 21-Jul 22 There will be few exciting developments in life. You will be offered a great opportunity on very easy terms. Financially things will stay little tight for few more weeks. Some of you may start a new relationship with a person from slightly different culture. You will call overseas more frequently for an important reason this week.

SCORPIO Oct 23-Nov 22 Some one established and with political background will be helpful. You may go to see some who helped you in the past and take some nice gifts also. It will be helpful week for people connected with high tech or medicine. You will become cautious when it come to spending money and ask family members to do the same.

PISCES Feb 19-Mar 20 You will start to see lots of money in the pipeline. Expenses will stay under controls and bills will be lot less than previous years. You will spend most of the time indoors with family. A close relative will call and mail some nice gifts. Your popularity is on increase in professional circle. Visitor from overseas will confirm the date.

January 8, 2010

www.indiapost.com

India Post 43

Classifieds

India Post

January 8, 2010

www.indiapost.com

MATRIMONIALS BRIDEGROOM WANTED

Parents looking for a groom for their beautiful daughter, American Citizen, 31years, 5'3" tall, Caste No Bar. Please send your picture and biodata to P.O.Box # 342, India Post 29274 Union City Blvd.,

Union City, CA - 94587.

Well Settled in California,

PUNJABI FAMILY INVITES CORRESPODENCE FOR THEIR WORKING DAUGHTER 28 YRS OF AGE, 5'6". SEEKING US RAISED WORKING BOY. SEND RESPONSE TO RSOUGU@YAHOO.COM OR CALL AT 714-234-4921

PUNJABI SIKH PARENTS INVITE CORRESPONDENCE FROM WELL ESTABLISHED FAMILIES FOR DAUGHTER, 24 YRS, BEAUTIFUL, SLIM, 5’3", MASTERS-HUMAN GENETICS, LIVING IN INDIA. PROFESSIONALS PREFERRED. PLEASE SEND BIODATA WITH PICTURE. gundeepsingh8@gmail.com PH:562-201-1130

Punjabi Khatri parents looking for a suitable professional match for

HINDU SOOD KHATRI

their beautiful daughter,

PARENTS FROM LOS

slim, 29 years, 5’5” tall

ANGELES INVITE

and well educated. Kindly

ALLIANCE FOR THEIR

smoker, non-drinker,

respond with photo and

U.S.CITIZEN SON 28/6'

professional son 26 yr old,

HAVING B.S. DEGREE

5' 9'' and well educated

IN ACCOUNTING

family background.

biodata to P.O.Box # 340, India Post, 29274 Union City Blvd., Union City, CA - 94587, USA.

AND FINANCE. IF INTERESTED, PL CALL AT (818) 996-2825 AND/

Looking For A Suitable Match For "Hindu Punjabi" girl, 29, 5'5"

abowry25@yahoo.com

working. Boy Should Be Tall, Good Looking, Well Educated, Professional And Financially Stable. Please Email At vivah4ca@gmail.com

ALLIANCE INVITED FOR A 26 YRS, 5.3 SINDHI GIRL. BEAUTIFUL, INTELLIGENT AND SOPHISTICATED, BORN & RAISED IN THE U.S. LOOKING FOR SINDHI BOY BELOW 30 YRS OF AGE, HANDSOME AND SOPHISTICATED. WELL SETTLED IN U.S. OR EUROPE. PLEASE REPLY WITH PICTURE & BIODATA TO EMAIL:

MAXKAJ@GMAIL.COM

Hindu Punjabi parents seek a suitable match for their daughter, 32, 5' 8'', Lawyer in U.S.A. Boy should be at least 6' tall, professional, and brought up in North America. Email: RKGTA@HOTMAIL.COM

or Call 416-464-7471

match for Punjabi Khatri handsome son born Nov. 1978, 5'9" educated, selfemployed. Alliance invited from beautiful educated girl. Email biodata and photograph to Dreamsunlimited1@yahoo.com

or Call (626) 374-1942

Khatri Family seeking a suitable match for their handsome, tall, non-

Please contact

510-461-6891 or email bio data at rohitdhand2002@yahoo.com

OR EMAIL BIO DATA WITH PHOTO AT

Parents seeking

Experienced book keeper needed Full time In Fountain valley, email resume to susan@nevitz.com or fax to

714-557-1305 $10.00 / hr.

For Chanderika: Seeking alliance for 41 year old/5’5” Punjabi Khatri, well established professional teacher. Very brief marriage annulled. Seeking mature, responsible match from sincere professional/businessman, West Coast preferred. Email biodata/photo at matriad41@gmail.com.

Nai Sikh 5.1’ 25 Girl B.M.I.T.; P.G.D.C.A., from India. M.B.A (I.T) From USA. Has Student Visa and work permit Trying for H-1B Visa Brother Dentist in India. Father & Mother in USA Seeks Suitable Immigrant boy from USA or CANADA. Contact at Email: shoti53@yahoo.com with Bio data and Photo

Jat Sikh parents invite a matrimonial alliance for their beloved, beautiful daughter, age 26 years, 5 feet 5 inches tall, UC graduate and professionally employed in the bay area. Please contact:

hsnba@sbcglobal.net

42, youthful, handsome, PhD, professor in prestigious university, IIT undergrad, Brahmin, vegetarian, US citizen, divorcee never lived together, seeks partner below 36, Indian values, caring, PhD, MD, professionals, bio/photo details must. sunjupe@gmail.com

Notice is hereby given that sealed competitive bids will be accepted in the office of the GSA-Purchasing Department, County of Alameda, 1401 Lakeside Drive, Suite 907, Oakland, CA 94612 NON-MANDATORY NETWORKING/BIDDERS CONFERENCE, North County RFQ #900677 for Traffic Signal and Street Lighting Materials, January 13, 2010, 10:00 A.M. ñ General Services Agency, 1401 Lakeside Drive, Room 1107, 11th Floor, Oakland, CA NON-MANDATORY NETWORKING/BIDDERS CONFERENCE, South County RFQ #900677 for Traffic Signal and Street Lighting Materials, January 14, 2010, 2:00 P.M. ñ Social Services Agency, 24100 Amador Street, California Poppy Room 225, 2nd Floor, Hayward, CA Responses Due by 2:00 pm on February 17, 2010 County Contact : Kelley Smith (510) 891-5670 or via email: kelley.smith@acgov.org Attendance at Networking Conference is Non-mandatory. Specifications and bid copies regarding the above may be obtained at the Alameda County GSA-Purchasing Department or the Current Contracting Opportunities Internet website at www.acgov.org. 1/8/10 CNS-1762592#

Notice is hereby given that sealed competitive bids will be accepted in the office of the GSA-Purchasing Department, County of Alameda, 1401 Lakeside Drive, Suite 907, Oakland, CA 94612 NETWORKING/NORTH COUNTY BIDDERS CONFERENCE RFQ #900675 for HYBRID ELECTRIC-DIESEL CRANE TRUCK, Monday, January 11, 2010, 10:00 a.m. ñ Lakeside Plaza Building, 1401 Lakeside Drive, Room 1105, 11th Floor, Oakland, CA NETWORKING/SOUTH COUNTY BIDDERS CONFERENCE RFQ #900675 for HYBRID ELECTRIC-DIESEL CRANE TRUCK, Tuesday, January 12, 2010, 2:00 p.m. ñ Public Works Agency, 4825 Gleason Drive, Conference Room, Dublin, CA Responses Due by 2:00 pm on February 18, 2010 County Contact : Tudor S. Mosu (510) 208-9614 or via email: Tudor.Mosu@acgov.org Attendance at Networking Conference is Non-mandatory. Specifications and bid copies regarding the above may be obtained at the Current Contracting Opportunities Internet website at www.acgov.org. 1/8/10 CNS-1763684#

Classifieds

January 8 , 2010

India Post 45

www.indiapost.com

Executive Chef San Francisco based restaurant looking for a EXECUTIVE CHEF/culinary graduate. Must have 10 YEARS of experience.

(650) 271-2849

BUSINESS FOR SALE Quiznos in a prime location in Inland Empire area for sale. Only interested parties, CONTACT

Quiznossub1@hotmail.com or call (909)851-5395 5.30pm to 7.00pm only.

MOTEL FOR SALE A 62 units economy Franchise motel on Interstate I 80 / 35 in Des Moine Iowa with two separate houses near to it is for sale. Good business. Owner relocating. Asking $2.2 million ONLY SERIOUS INQUIRY

Tel: (515) 265 7525 / Cell (515) 554 2131

INTERESTED IN PUPPIES? 1 MALE AND 1 FEMALE ENGLISH BULLDOG. If you are interested in the puppies. Contact email revjohn.colins99@yahoo.com

PAYROLL ACCOUNTANT WANTED Currently seeking payroll clerks and accountants. Job comes with great benefits, Applicants should kindly e-mail resumes or inquiries to Guiseppina Cavaliere. Guiseppinainc@aol.com

FOR SALE Hotel property in Manhattan NYChelsea .50,000 sq ft Build able .50x100 lot Up to 24 Stories high Price $13 Million J/V possible. Only serious buyersPlease. Email DennisD@citysitesny.com

Classifieds

India Post

January 8, 2010

www.indiapost.com

Staybridge 98 Room Project For Sale in Spring/Houston TX ;Includes land , Plan and Permit . pls Contact Listing for further info Agent

AMIT MEHTA

#832 607 1579 COSMICA CONSULTING Business & Media Relations Creative Financing for Capital, Joint Ventures & High Tech Industry Promotions : tact ConSURI ULLAL: 2335 W Devon Ave. Suite 203, Chicago IL 60659 Tel:

773 973 7394 (773) 973-7396

FINANCING YOU NEED MONEY? CALL US! FAST CASH- SBA LOANS HOTELS MOTELS, BARS, FRANCHISES, GAS STATION & C STORES LEASING MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT PURCHASE & REFINANCE CONSTRUCTION LOANS. LOW INTEREST RATES BAD CREDIT OK CONTACT

GET FREE PRODUCTS EVERYDAY!

MAHESH JANI:

(845)735 -0183

HELP NEEDED Upscale Salon in Walnut Creek looking for experienced Threader. Please call

925-785-3694

There's a company that gives never-ending freebies to you. And you can make a monthly income too! Get FREE groceries, FREE jewelry, FREE electronics, FREE software, and more. In fact, just about anything you can think of, there is a category of freebies. To join, go to www.abm.nocashever.com Questions? getfreebiesnow@yahoo.com

for interview. DO YOU HAVE A DREAM OF BEING DEBT FREE ARE YOU TRYING 2 GET UR CREDIT CLEAN

Urgent Help Needed Care giver & companion for senior male. Live in/out at our home in Union City, CA Vegetarian/ Male. must have a GreenCard, Passion, patience & desire to help seniors Call Charu 510-381-2105 or e-mail Charobhatt@gmail.com

“HOTEL HELP/ COUPLE WANTED” For FRONT DESK NIGHT AUDIT, House-keeping, Laundry, only. Energetic English/Hindi speaking/Punjabi speaking, Couple wanted In Franchise Hotel Florida / Georgia .Good Salary, Benefits Live Inn Accommodation, Immediate placement.

Please contact, Manish or Bobby at (904)891-5278,or (912)729-5454.

OWNER OPERATORS WANTED WITH OR WITHOUT

1888-632-9073

TRAILER, WEEKLY SETTLEMENT, DEDICATED OVER

NO ADVANCE FEES

THE ROAD. CALL

888-827-7525

BUSINESS FOR LESS THAN 7K Dry Cleaner Store for Sale For details Contact LRM Investments Phone : 773-416-3322 Email : lrm.investments@yahoo.com

Classifieds

January 8 , 2010

www.indiapost.com

RESTAURANT HELP WANTED

Upscale Indian Cuisine (Inchin’s Bamboo Garden- Tadka) In Cleveland Ohio is looking for Professional servers Good compensation Call

(440) 734-0500 NEED HELP VENUS SALON NEED

STORES FOR RENT at Linconwood, Devon and Cove Plaza, Schaumburg. For details Contact LRM Investments Phone : 773-416-3322 Email : lrm.investments@yahoo.com

EXPERIENCED THREADING LADY FULL TIME OR PART TIME IN UNION CITY. PLEASE CALL TIVIA @

(510) 441-8462 OR VISIT THE LOCATION AT 2625 DECOTO RD., UNION CITY.

www.i n d i a p o s t . c o m

IN CLEVELAND

India Post 47

Datebook

India Post

January 8, 2010

www.indiapost.com

NEW YORK Upcoming

NEW JERSEY Upcoming

ILLINOIS Upcoming

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA Upcoming

Sat Jan 16

Thurs Jan 7

Sat Jan 9

• Mata ki Chowki

• South Asia seminar featuring George Pati

• Kirtilals - Diamonds and Jewelry

• Hindi - English bilingual story time

Venue: PREM PRAKASH TEMPLE, 180 Burgher Ave, Staten Island, New York Time: 6pm to 1pm Contact: 718-351-0483

Venue: Foster Hall, 1130 East 59th Street, Chicago, Ill Time: 4:30pm to 6:30pm Contact: 773-702-8637

Venue: Embassy Suites, 121 Centennial Avenue, Piscataway, NJ Time: 11am to 6pm Contact: 732-980-0500

Venue: Dr. King Library, Children's Room., 150 E. San Fernando St, San José , CA Time: 4pm 4:30pm Contact: (408) 808-2183

Sat Jan 9 Sat Jan 16

Sat Jan 16

Sat Jan 9

• Thyagaraja Aradhana

• Miss International Pageant with Priyanka Chopra

• Sankrant Celebrations

• Vocal Concert with Siddharth Sriram

Venue: Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple, 1145 W. Sullivan Road, Aurora, Illinois Contact: (630) 844-2252

Venue: MVCC, 143 State Route 35, Laurence Harbor, New Jersey Time: 4pm 8pm Contact: (732) 355-1782

Venue: Sangati Center, 3049 22nd Street, San Francisco, California Time: 8pm

Venue: Colden Center, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY Time: 7pm Contact: 718-200-9311

Fri Jan 15 • Life is a Gift; Living an Art

Sat Jan 16

Sun Jan 10 Fri Jan 23 • Dance Pe Chance

• Miss International Pageant with Priyanka Chopra

Venue: Chinmaya Mission, 11 S. 80 Route 83, Willowbrook, Illinois Contact: (630)-654-3370

Venue: Colden Center, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY Time: 7pm Contact: 718-200-9311

Sat Jan 16 • MILAP Chicago 2010

Venue: Performing Arts Center, 108 Stirling Rd, Warren, NJ Time: 6pm Contact: 732-369-6626 Highlights: Dance Pe Chance Competition from Rab Ne Bana De Jodi, competition how it changes lives!

Venue: Crescendo, 222 West Ontario Street, Chicago Time: 6:30pm Contact: 212-213-5960

Sat Jan 30

Fri Jan 22 • Yaatra Venue: Joyce SoHo, 155 Mercer Street, New York City Time: 8pm Contact: (301) 469-8529

Fri Jan 30

WASHINGTON DC Upcoming

• Russell Peters: Green Card Tour

Sat Jan 9

Venue: Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Avenue of the Americas, New York Time: 8pm Contact: 212-930-5180

• Shaadi.Com & Shalabh Entertainment present New Year New Beginnings

Sat Feb 27

Venue: Skye Lounge, 1919 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington DC Time: 7:00PM Contact: 703-468-1820

• Mohamana (Infatuated Love) Venue: Simple Studios, 134 West 29th street, NYC Time: 7pm Contact: (800) 838-3006

Sat March 6 • Bharata Natyam Student Recital 2010 Venue: City Center Studios, 130 West 56th street, studio #3, NYC Contact: (917) 214-6466

Sat May 1 • Dancing STAR ka Damaka Venue: Shreenath Enterprise Inc, 220-15, 92 ave queens village, New York Time: 7pm Contact: 347-513-8526

Fri Jan 23 • Sanskriti Saraswati Puja Venue: Quince Orchard High School, 15800 Quince Orchard Road, North Potomac, Maryland, WDC Time: 8:30pm to 10pm Contact: 301-983-0142

Fri Jan 29 • Art of Living Course Venue: Art of Living Center, 9502 Claychin Court, Burke, Virginia, WDC Contact: 703-644-1615 Highlights: The Art of Living Course gives participants the practical knowledge and techniques to unlock their deepest potential and bring fullness to life.

• Open MIC Karaoke Venue: Marathi Vishwa Community Center, 143 State Route 35, Laurence Harbor, New Jersey Time: 2pm 6pm Contact: 732 438 6867

• Ashtavakra Gita Venue: Art of Living Santa Clara Center, 2370A Walsh Ave, Santa Clara, California Time: 7pm Contact: 408-480-4493 Highlights: The Ashtavakra Gita documents the unveiling of the highest knowledge from a saint to a wise king many thousands of years ago. H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar shows how, in simple steps, King Janaka is taken to deeper levels of understanding and how we can apply this knowledge to our own lives.

Tues Jan. 12 • Kip Fulbeck: "What Next for Identity in a Multicultural Society?" Time: 7pm

Sat March 27

Thurs Jan. 21

• Marathi Vishwa-Vasantotsav 2010

• Julia Moulden: "What Next for our Work and our World?"

Venue: Crosroads Middle School- South, 195 Major Road, Monmouth Junction, New Jersey Time: 3pm to 8pm Contact: 732-355-9844

Sat March 27 • 2010 Spring Festival Venue: Ocean Township High School, Ocean, New Jersey Time: 3pm to 9pm Contact: 732-801-4694

Sat May 29 • Vishwa Marathi Natya Sammelan Venue: Raritan Center, New Jersey Convention Center, 97 Sunfield Avenue, Edison, New Jersey Highlights: The VMNS will be hosted and executed by the US branch of ABMNP, led by Dr. Meena Nerurkar and her team. It will have an attendance of some V.V.I.P.s in the entertainment industry, about 200 top notch artists from Maharashtra, the chief minister of Maharashtra and government representatives.

Time: 7pm

Wed Jan. 27 • Robin Sukhadia: "What Next for Global Cinema, Politics and Culture? Time: 7pm Venue: Saint Mary's College of California, Soda Center Activity Center, 1928 St. Mary's Rd, Moraga, CA Contact: 925-631-4222

Sat Jan 16 • Aero-beats Workshop Venue: Chinese Cultural Center, 1344 Ridder Park Drive, San Jose, California Time: 9am to 10am Contact: 408-564-3140

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Upcoming Every 4th Sat every Month • Durga Mata Ka Jagaran Venue: 2335 S. Diamond Bar Boulevard, DBC Center, Diamond Bar, CA Time: 6:30pm Contact: 909-519-1579, 626-810-2345

Every Sat (start from Sat Aug 8) • Gurukul Classes for Children Venue: Sindhu Center, South California Time: 2pm to 4pm Contact: 818-541-1754 & 909-576-1114 Highlights: Children between the ages of 5 and 18. Children will be taught the Fundamentals of Hinduism, Prayers, Shlokas, Bhajans and Values of our culture.

Sat Jan 9, 2010 • Where's the Green? Cleantech and Money! Venue: California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA Time: 8am Contact: 626-395-5759

Sun Jan 17, 2010 • Celebrate National Service Day Venue: M.A. Center, 10200 Crow Canyon Rd, Castro Valley, CA Time: 2:30pm to 5pm Contact: http://dayofservice2010.eventbrite.com Highlights: hands-on ecological activities hosted by the Amrita Bala Kendra. Kids learn to plant and nurture trees with expert guidance with adult eco-volunteers. Bring your friends and family for a great way to start off the New Year 2010

Wed Jan 13 • Inner Engineering Venue: Marina Village Conference Center, 1936 Quivira Way, San Diego, California Contact: 866-424-ISHA

Sat Jan 23 • Life Bliss Program Venue: 23015 Wrencrest Drive, Calabasas, California Time: 9am to 6pm Contact: 818-357-0644

Philosophy

January 8, 2010

India Post

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Page Sponsored by Sahanis have as if no interruption has happened. Mind can now start getting bored. You need to be careful. It also starts telling you that you have done enough for today. Let us try doing more tomorrow. You ought to treat all these as traffic on the road. Let it all just transit. You set your time before you start and complete the project, come what may. Half hour is the minimum

(Cont'd from last week) 1. Knowing the mind: it straight upright with spine and neck aligned. Eyes should be closed or half open looking at the tip of the nostril. I find it easier to close the eyes completely. Now, just watch the thoughts that travel through your mind. Try not to get attached to any of the thoughts. Also, try not to interrupt or stop any of the thoughts. Many good thoughts may start to flow. Again, just because these are good thoughts, there is no need to get attached to them. Mind does not like this ignoring and tries to allure you into getting attached to some kind of thought material. Just try to continue to maintain the neutrality towards any and all kind of thoughts. At times you will get attached to some of the thoughts. Once you realize it, you need to start again as fresh as ever. You be-

DR KRISHNA BHATTA

Try not to get attached to any of the thoughts. Also, try not to interrupt or stop any of the thoughts. Many good thoughts may start to flow

time I would suggest. If you are doing it on a flight in a plane, you can extend it to the time of the flight or make it an hour. After certain time, it is not boring at all. I would do this exercise and this exercise alone for at least a week. After that it will be easier to move on to the next exercise. Try to resist going on to second phase before completing a week. You need to practice this for a week to become proficient in knowing your mind fully before moving forward. 2. Control of Mind - Dropping

all thoughts need to be dropped. I was describing this technique to a psychiatrist friend of mine. She was quite interested and even fascinated by the concept. The question she had is what happens if the thoughts reappear after dropping it. Some thoughts will re appear and keep reappearing. There is no problem with that. You have to keep dropping and keep dropping as many times as it keeps reappearing. You have to remember that the exercise is just to practice how to drop thoughts. It is not a judg-

very tenacious. You almost have to separate them from yourself before they can be dropped. Once you practice this exercise for a while you can see the deeper thoughts that have stayed attached for quite a while and tend to stay there. The practice needs to continue. Indiscriminate dropping of all thoughts is the key. That is why I emphasized the point of not using this exercise in real life. This exercise is meant for only the session of half to one hour a day. (To be continued)

vation. They pass their lives in vain dwelling in the midst of sin. I speak verily; hear me all - God is realised only through love. (Swayya 9) Some worship stones, put them on their heads or hang them round their necks. Some insist that God is in the South, others bow their heads to the West. Some fools worship idols, others waste their

same God. Razak (The provider) and Rahim (The merciful) are also the names given to Him. Let no man in his error wrangle over differences in names. Worship the One God who is the Lord of all. Know that his form is one and He is the One light diffused in all. Whoever was clever in the world established his own sect.

recognise the Supreme Being; But became mad, boasting of themselves. They cared little to recognise the Real Essence. But each became absorbed in himself and tried to establish his superiority over others. (Bachittar Natak) All men are the same though they appear different. The bright and the dark, the ugly and the beautiful; The Hindus and the Muslims have developed in accordance with their different surroundings; All human beings have the same eyes, the same ears. The same body build composed of earth, air, fire and water. The names Allah and Abhekh are for the same God; The same is referred to in the Puranas and the Quran. All human beings are the reflection of one and the same Lord. Recognise ye the whole human race as one. Extend Thy hand to shield me Lord, and all my heart's desires fulfil; Ever may my mind dwell at Thy feet, deem me Thy own and work my weal; (Benti Chaupai) The 344th birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh falls on January 5

The world is entangled in false ceremonies GURU GOBIND SINGH

the indescribable. O Lord, none can tell Thy names. The wise count your blessings to coin your names. (Jaap Sahib) It is of no avail to sit closing both eyes and meditating like a crane. This world is lost, and the next also, for those who go about bathing in the seas, desiring sal-

ment on your capabilities. The thought's reappearance should not be taken as a defeat. No one is winning and no one is losing in this exercise. The idea is to reverse the control. The fact that you can drop any thought at will takes you one step closer to getting control over your thoughts. Some thoughts are easier to drop than others. Consuming thoughts are lot harder to drop. They are

Exercises to control and drop thoughts

od has no marks, no colour, no caste, and no ancestors; No form, no complexion, no outline, no costume and so he is indescribable. He is fearless, luminous and measureless in might. He is the king of kings, the Lord of the prophets. He is the sovereign of the universe, gods, men and demons. The woods and dales sing

of thoughts This exercise should be done after one or two weeks of doing exercise 1. After that it becomes a combination of exercise 1 and this exercise. The idea is to drop any thought that comes through. No discrimination is needed. All thoughts that traverse the mind need to be dropped. Once you start the bad thoughts good ones start coming. They need to be dropped too. Good, bad and ugly;

It is of no avail to sit closing both eyes and meditating like a crane. This world is lost, and the next also, for those who go about bathing in the seas time with worshipping the dead. The whole world is entangled in false ceremonies and has not found God's secret. (Swayya 10) Without the support of the One Name; Consider all religious ceremonies superstitions. Karta (The Creator) and Karim (The beneficient) are the names of the

No one tried to unite people in the search for the Creator. Enmity, contention and pride increased. All, big and small, flared up and started perishing in their own rivalry. And none of them tried my way. They who obtained a little spiritual power struck out their own way. None of them cared to

A human being has so many skins inside, covering the depths of the heart. We know so many things, but we don't know ourselves! Why, thirty or forty skins or hides, as thick and hard as an ox's or bear's, cover the soul. Go into your own ground and learn to know yourself there. -Meister Eckhart A perfection of means, and confusion of aims, seems to be our main problem. -Albert Einstein Access to the Vedas is the greatest privilege this century may claim over all previous centuries. -J. Robert Oppenheimer Never think there is anything impossible for the soul. It is the greatest heresy to think so. If there is sin, this is the only sin ? to say that you are weak, or others are weak. -Swami Vivekananda If you live in unison with your true Atman or Spirit, if you always keep yourself in touch with God in you, with your own Self or Atman, you are inspired all the time. What is wrong with you is that your mind comes in contact with earthly magnets on all sides, worldly attachments which magnetize you and put you out of order, you are no longer in running order, deranged. -Swami Ram Tirath Look at the optimism of Nature. Nothing can stop it. Only the ego makes humans pessimistic, and this causes suffering. -Mata Amritanandamayi

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January 8, 2010

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If Pakistan fails AMIT GUPTA

uch of Washington's AfPak strategy has been based on the idea that Pakistan needs to propped up from possible implosion. US policy analysts also point out that one of the countries that would be most affected by this breakup would be India though this is usually couched in alarmist terms of India taking "action" over Pakistani loose nukes. Little has been written on this issue by Indian scholars and about how the US and India could coordinate their actions in case of such an occurrence-C. Raja Mohan being a notable exception and even he ended with

ing clear discussions on the issue will permit India to take steps to build confidence in Pakistan on Indian intentions. Probably the first thing that has to be made clear is that India, while strengthening its defenses along the border, will not take advantage of the situation and intervene in any way. For a Pakistan army that views India as its principal threat, implosion would be seen as the easiest way for India to make territorial gains or to put strong pressure on Pakistan to compromise on political and sovereignty issues. What the Indian government

Bomb blast at PakistanĂs Marriott Hotel

the optimistic conclusion that Pakistan was a long way from state failure and, therefore, it was premature to have such debates. Yet a discussion needs to be started on this issue mostly to communicate to Pakistan what India's likely actions will be and, therefore, to prevent any worst case scenarios being built in Islamabad over New Delhi's intentions. Pakistani strategists and policy analysts base their worst case scenarios on such perceptions and they invariably involve possible future conflict with India. This has also been the worst case scenario in the United States even though it is probably one that is furthest from the minds of Indian policy makers. What the two countries will have to clearly define-in private talks or in public debate-is what exactly is meant by implosion? Is it wide scale Jihadi activity? Is it a serious secession movement? Or is it the taking over of the Pakistani military by radical elements? It could be a combination of any of these three as well. Hav-

would require from Pakistan are a set of measures it would need for New Delhi to undertake so as not to be perceived as having hostile intentions. Such coordination is possible, of course, both through direct negotiations with Pakistan or, indeed, through second track diplomacy. But it has to be done through Washington to convince Islamabad of Indian intentions. Additionally, it would be useful for New Delhi to have a crisis mechanism in place where Washington was constantly updating it on on-going events in Pakistan and on the steps Washington was taking to defuse the crisis. Perhaps the most important step that India can take is to publicly declare what it sees as the best end state in Pakistan. From an Indian perspective that would be the restoration of a unified Pakistan with a strong central government in Islamabad. No Indian government relishes the prospect of long term internal instability in Pakistan both for the security and humanitarian implications it has for New Delhi. It makes sense, therefore, to start these discus-

sions with Washington D.C. either directly or through the more informal route of debates at the various think tanks in the beltway. The second measure to be undertaken with the United States and other nations in the region would be on how to carry out humanitarian operations in an imploding Pakistan. India and the United States would, by default, be the major aid providers and, therefore, it is necessary for the two to work together to coordinate their strategies and to avoid the sort of problems that arose during the Kashmir earthquake of 2005. At that time Indian aid could

The most important step that India can take is to publicly declare what it sees as the best end state in Pakistan. From an Indian perspective that would be the restoration of a unified Pakistan with a strong central government in Islamabad not go through for some time because of the natural security concerns of the Pakistani defense establishment. From a Pakistani perspective, perhaps the least intrusive measure would be the provision of assistance through India's naval and maritime fleets. Delivery of this aid could be made through Non Governmental Organizations and the Red Cross both to ensure efficient utilization and to alleviate Pakistani concerns. In fact, this could serve as the template for any future humanitarian operations in Pakistan and could be worked as a confidence building measure with Islamabad. It is in India's interests to start such a debate and help lessen uncertainty in Pakistan and the United States about Indian intentions. It will also help shape the debate within the United States about its AfPak strategy which to a large extent continues to rest on worst case assumptions of state failure in Pakistan and potentially dangerous Indian intervention. Courtesy IPCS

India Post Chandigarh syndrome

eople who have lived in Chandigarh swear by its planned architecture, green beauty, low pollution and regulated traffic. There is another aspect of this city, home to three administrations, which was highlighted recently by Manish Tewari, the Congress MP from Ludhiana. Tewari, who was born and brought up in Chandigarh, wondered aloud during a discussion on NDTV about the number of cases of misuse of official power originating from the city of Chandigarh. Tewari was participating in a debate on the Ruchika Girhotra case in which a Haryana top cop SPS Rathore, accused of sexually molesting the 14-year old girl, made life hell for her family leading her to commit suicide. Harassment and humiliation was heaped on the victim's family leading them to leave Chandigarh and seek a place where the powerful hands of the oppressor could not reach. The forgotten case took new life after 19 years when the accused cop was seen coming out laughing from the court which had given him a light six-month sentence and prompt bail. He seemed to be cocking a snook at the justice system and the civic society of India. The case has transfixed the nation for the blatant manner in which the accused was able to use his position as Director General of Police to subvert the course of justice. It has shaken even the Central government which is now contemplating some change in criminal justice laws. But once a case is out of limelight, even the governments are known to be indulgent to highly connected criminals particularly if they are close to the ruling party, as borne out in the Manu Sharma case, who also hails from Chandigarh. In 1999, Sharma, son of Venod Sharma, a powerful Congress leader of Haryana, shot dead 34-year old Jessica Lall in a New Delhi bar just because she refused him a drink at a late hour. In 2006, he was acquitted by the court. Public outrage resulted in Delhi High Court conducting a hearing against the acquittal and Sharma was sentenced to life imprisonment. But interestingly, he was recently once again found in a Delhi bar in the company of some gangsters. It turned out he had been granted parole by the Delhi government on the flimsy ground that his mother was sick. Photographs in newspapers the next day showed his mother hale and hearty at a party in Chandigarh. Once again public pressure forced him behind the bars, where he belonged. Another famous case from Chandigarh relates to a drunk Punjab top cop KPS Gill molesting Rupen Deol Bajaj, an IAS officer, at a party. It was the guts of the lady that she filed a case against Gill. The highly honored Gill is known for quelling the militancy in Punjab and he got off with a light sentence. But the incident highlights the Chandigarh culture 'sin'drome where top administrators are not only considered above the law, the entire administrative machinery conspires with them to oppress the victims. The coveted city of Chandigarh is particularly unfortunate in the fact that it belongs to nobody. It is the capital of Punjab and also that of Haryana but it belongs to neither. It is a Union Territory owing allegiance to the Central government and has its own administrative set up. It has two Governors and one Lt Governor. The official writ runs everywhere and woe betide anyone who runs foul of the officials. The cases that have come up against public pressure were exposed in Delhi. It is a surmise what happens to the cases which don't attract attention beyond Chandigarh.

January 8, 2010

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52 India Post

January 8, 2010

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