IndiaPost-01-29-2010 by Ghanshyam Bisht

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Haiti quake pushes Rajiv Shah to forefront Details on page 8

Community groups initiate relief for Haiti

VOL 15, No. 803

January 29, 2010

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Periodical Postage

GATES WARNS INDIA OF NEW TERROR ATTACK 'India's patience will be limited this time'

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‘Another major terror attack on India imminent’

Indian among 22 held in FBI sting operation

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Top Australian says attacks on Indians ‘racist’

‘Rana might get help from terror groups to flee’

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Govt lifts ban on pre-paid mobile service in J-K

Pak cricketers angry over IPL snub

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Next Mini-PBD to be held in Durban

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Details on page 35

Lawmakers hails Chivukula for PBD award

MATTERS OF CONCERN: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh talks with US Defense Secretary Robert Gates during a meeting at Singhís residence in New Delhi on January 19

NEW DELHI: In a clear signal to Pakistan, the US has said India's patience would be "limited" if a Mumbai-type attack recurs as it warned that Lashkar-e-Taiba in league with al-Qaeda could trigger an Indo-Pak armed confrontation to destabilize the region. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who discussed the

serious threat posed by terrorism to the region with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Defense Minister A K Antony, emphasized the need for "high level of cooperation" from all countries to defeat the "syndicate" of terror, which includes LeT, Taliban and Tehreek-e-Taliban under the "umbrella" of al-Qaeda. Details on page 6

AAPI conducts global healthcare summit Details on page 20

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 24-25 Classifieds --------------------- 44-46 Community Post -------------- 11-19

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

Can Pak govt prevent attack on India? Last week’s result

Is Indian the new innovation driver? YES 67%

NO 33%

Indian American survives Haiti quake India Post News Service

NEW JERSEY: Sarla Chand’s son may have called his mother’s rescue in the devastating Haitian earthquake “dumb luck”, but the Tea Neck, New Jersey Indian American woman’s story in one of the several miracle stories that are coming out of the rubble of Port-au-Prince. Chand, vice-president of Maryland-headquartered IMA World Health’s international programs, and two other employees had just finished a meeting at the Mon-

tana hotel on Jan 12 when the 7.0 earthquake hit. According to NorthJersey.com, Chand spent more than 48 hours under the rubble searching, on her hands and knees, for an escape route, until rescuers finally found her two days later. Chand’s son Shiraz Lall, also a Teaneck resident, did not know about his mother’s predicament until she called him the night she was rescued and told him about her two-day ordeal.

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

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Date Book -------------------------- 47 Edit Page --------------------------- 49 HealthScience Post --------- 20-22 Horoscope ------------------------- 42 Immigration Post ------------- 36-39 India ---------------------------------- 35 Philosophy ------------------------- 48 Publisherís Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate ------------------------ 23 Sports ------------------------------- 28 TechBiz Post ------------------- 40-41 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 29-32

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n the one year since President Obama moved into the White House the estimated worth of the property in real estate terms has fallen from an estimated $302 million to $292 million - a 5.1% fall in its worth, according to a Zillow Home Value Index. Well, can't really blame Obama for that one - it's more to do with the real estate situation in Washington DC. So when one popular poll puts Obama's approval ratings (53%) at 15 points lower than his ratings when he took office in January last year, perhaps a lot of it has little to do with Obama per se. Or is it? Since the beginning of this month, political pundits have been marking in red, many of Obama's non-accomplishments and have even blamed him for the many losses for the Democrats in various elections across the country since then. While the Republicans (need we ask their opinion, now?) say the President is going too fast on too many issues, people in general - still struggling with a bad economy and unemployment - feel not enough has been done in a whole year. Arguably, Obama has not had any spectacular successes - healthcare reform, Guantanamo Bay, Wall Street excesses, unemployment, troop withdrawal, lobbyists, political divisions, you name it. Unfortunately his biggest failure, I think, is the one major promise that he rode to the White House on - change. Very little has changed in the last one year in America. The only change that he did manage was to change the perception of the world towards America. There's an old Hindu saying: 'Conquer the hearts of those at home first and then conquer the world'. For that, Obama needs to do more than just giving every television network a tour of the White House or endless interviews to the media. And as for the mainstream media, they need to stop making everything -from a State dinner to the earthquake in Haiti - to be about Obama. He is not training for the Olympics; he's got a country to change-for the better.

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Katrina's double? Ever since Zarine Khan stepped into Bollywood, she has been talk of the town due to her resemblance to sexy Katrina.

Cover Story: Gates’ warning Visiting Defense Secretary Robert Gates has warned that LeT in league with al-Qaeda could trigger an Indo-Pak armed confrontation.

Community: PBD award

Assemblyman Upendra J. Chivukula received standing ovation in NJ General Assembly after receiving PBD award.

India: Mobile ban lifted The ban on new pre-paid mobile connections in Jammu and Kashmir has been lifted by the Government.

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Travel: Brajbhoomi Brajbhoomi is not just the sacred land where Lord Krishna was born, but a place full of divine reminiscences.

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Gates warns of new terror attack on India 'India's patience will be limited this time'

US Defense Secretary Robert Gates (L) poses with his wife Becky in front of the Taj Mahal in Agra on January 20

NEW DELHI: In a clear signal to Pakistan, the US has said India's patience would be "limited" if a Mumbai-type attack re-

curs as it warned that Lashkar-eTaiba in league with al-Qaeda could trigger an Indo-Pak armed confrontation to destabilize the

region. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who discussed the serious threat posed by terrorism to the region with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Defense Minister A K Antony, emphasized the need for "high level of cooperation" from all countries to defeat the "syndicate" of terror, which includes LeT, Taliban and Tehreek-e-Taliban under the "umbrella" of al-Qaeda. He said there was a need to recognize the magnitude of threat to the entire region as the syndicate has "home and safe haven" in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border areas. "While al-Qaeda is operating in Afghanistan along with the Taliban, the Tehreek-e-Taliban is focusing on Pakistan. The LeT is focusing on Pakistan as also India," Gates told reporters here winding up his two-day visit. "The success of any one of them is success for all...Victory for one is victory for all. These groups operate under the umbrella of al-Qeada from North West Frontier Province (of Pakistan) and Waziristan," he said. "Under the umbrella, they intend to destabilize not only Pakistan, but the entire region by provoking confrontation between India and Pakistan through terror attacks. This is a very complicated issue and very dangerous for the entire region as a whole," he added. To a question, Gates observed that India had shown "great restraint and statesmanship" after 26/11 but it would "not be unrea-

sonable to assume that Indian patience will be limited were there to be further attacks." "After the Mumbai attacks, India had responded with great restraint and statesmanship. But if attacked again, the response is a question. I leave this question to the Indian government," Gates said. Pressing the need for high level of cooperation to eliminate such forces, he said it would be difficult to wipe them out by targeting only one of the groups. Describing the terror situation in the region as "complicated" and "very dangerous", the US Defense Secretary said it would be "very dangerous" to single out any one group out of the syndicate to be targeted as all of them needed to combated together. In this regard, he said, it was

important for all the countries to "remain engaged and eliminate the terror groups". Asked whether Indian leadership had asked him to press Pakistan to do more on combating terror groups on its soil, Gates said the discussions focused on syndication of different terror groups and "how they put all of the region, India and Pakistan, at risk." He said one of subjects of his next visit to Pakistan would be to "allay its concerns" so that "they can focus on the real existential threat to Pakistan from groups operating from its territory." Queried whether he sought India's military role in Afghanistan, Gates suggested that the US was not interested in it given the "real suspicions" between India and Pakistan about the role each is playing there. -PTI

Foreign Minister S. M. Krishna gestures as he talks with US Special Envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke during a meeting in New Delhi on January 18

US wants all Taliban safe havens to be eliminated: Gates ISLAMABAD: Making a distinction between some violent extremist groups and others is counterproductive, US Defense Secretary Robert Gates has told Pakistan that Taliban safe havens along the Af-Pak border have to be eliminated or both nations would suffer "more lethal and brazen attacks". Arriving on a crucial visit to Islamabad, Gates said, "It is important to remember that the Pakistani Taliban operates in collusion with both the Taliban in Afghanistan and Al-Qaeda. So it impossible to separate these groups." Saying that the chief reason for his visit was to develop a broader strategic dialogue with

Pakistan, Gates writing in 'The News' made it clear that there was a link between Afghanistan's stability and Pakistan's stability. His comments come as

Islamabad has mounted a big military campaign against Pakistani Taliban faction that are attacking the state, but resisted US pressure to attack other Taliban groups like

Pakistani Defence Minister Ahmed Mukhtar (R) speaking with US Defense Secretary Robert Gates during a meeting in Rawalpindi

the powerful Haqqani network, who do not attack Pakistan but cross the border to fight US and NATO troops in Afghanistan. "If history is any indication, safe havens for either Taliban, on either side of the border in the long run lead to more lethal and more brazen attacks in both nations," Gates wrote in an article in a leading Pakistani newspaper. US defense secretary said, "Only by pressuring all of these groups on both sides of the border will Afghanistan and Pakistan be able to rid themselves of this scourge for good...to destroy those who promote the use of terror here and abroad." He praised the military offensive launched against the Taliban in recent months. Apparently re-

ferring to trust deficit between Washington and Islamabad, Gates said that US wanted to relinquish grievances of the past held by both sides. Though he said US wants Pakistan to broaden its offensive to border areas where Afghan Taliban have been seeking refuge, Gates said he won't directly press Islamabad to expand its military campaign, but only ask what its military plans were. Pakistan has been waging a long military offensive to uproot Taliban militants from Swat and south Waziristan killing more than 700 militants. It has also captured most of the insurgent bases in these regions.-PTI

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Another major Pak-based terror attack on India imminent : CFR report SRIREKHA N. CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: India faces the real prospect of another major terrorist attack by Pakistan-based terrorist organizations in the near future, an event that would jeopardize important US security interests in South Asia, according to a Center for Preventive Action Contingency Planning memorandum by Daniel Markey. In the memorandum, Markey, a senior fellow for India, Pakistan, and South Asia at the Council on Foreign Relations, examines the factors that would condition India's response; the consequences of Indian military retaliation and Pakistani counter-retaliation for the United States; and Washington's policy options for preventing and containing the crisis. "Numerous Pakistan-based groups remain motivated and able to strike Indian targets," Markey says in his memo. "Many of these groups have incentives to act as spoilers, whether to disrupt efforts to improve Indo-Pakistani relations or to distract Islamabad from counter-terror crackdowns at home. Thus the immediate risk of terrorism may actually increase if New Delhi and Islamabad make progress on resolving their differences or if Pakistan-based terrorists are effectively backed into a corner." Though Markey concludes that a terrorist attack is unlikely to trigger a nuclear exchange between India and Pakistan, there are several conceivable circumstances that could alter this conclusion, he says, citing two reasons that stand out: (1) India suffers additional catastrophic terrorist attacks in the midst of the crisis, driving it to intensify the con-

flict to a point where Pakistan's army determines it cannot defend the state by conventional means, and (2) Pakistan's nuclear command, as yet untested by major conventional attacks, is blinded or confused to the point that it authorizes a first strike. Markey argues that US efforts to prevent an Indo-Pakistani crisis should combine a range of

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Many of these groups have incentives to act as spoilers, whether to disrupt efforts to improve Indo-Pakistani relations or to distract Islamabad from counter-terror crackdowns at homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; counter-terror tactics with measures that increase Washington's ability to limit escalation by either side. The memorandum begins by stating that unlike the aftermath of the November 2008 attack on Mumbai, in which 166 people died, Indian military restraint cannot be taken for granted if terrorists strike again. An Indian retaliatory strike against terrorist targets on Pakistani soil would raise Indo-Pakistani tensions and could even set off a spiral of violent escalation between the nuclear-armed rivals. Given Washington's effort to intensify pressure on al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and associated militants operating from Pakistani territory, increased tensions between India and Pakistan would harm US interests even if New Delhi and

Islamabad stop well short of the nuclear threshold because it would distract Pakistan from counter-terror and counter-insurgency operations, jeopardize the US mission in Afghanistan, and place new, extreme stresses on Islamabad, the memo says. The perception in India that Islamabad has responded inadequately to the Mumbai attackstrials of accused plotters are moving slowly and LeT ideologue Hafiz Muhammad Saeed is not in custody-strengthens Indian advocates for unilateral military retaliation. Should multiple attacks occur in quick succession, the cumulative effect would further diminish India's inclination for restraint, Markey points out. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has been a strong voice against Indian military retaliation, but his voice could be silenced by a future attack or otherwise drowned out by domestic political pressures, he adds. As part of his recommendations for the US, Markey suggests, to defend against a terrorist attack, Washington should share information and technical tools with India and work with Pakistan to clamp down on materials that might be used in weapons of mass destruction. Washington should also press Islamabad to accelerate the judicial process against the Mumbai plotters and crack down on militants throughout Pakistan. If US cooperation with Islamabad proves inadequate, Washington should develop its own capacity to infiltrate or attack these groups. Over time, US assistance and public diplomacy could begin to address the socioeconomic roots of Pakistani extremism, but they cannot provide a short term sub-

Attacks on Indians are racist: Australia's ex-Army chief CANBERRA: Australia's former military chief has characterized recent attacks on Indian students as racially motivated, rejecting Canberra's official line that the violence has been purely criminal rather than racist. The attacks over the past 18 months, including a fatal stabbing of a 21-year-old Indian graduate this month, have strained ties with India and hurt Australia's lucrative foreign student market, its third largest export earner. "If you didn't suspect a racial strand you'd be mad," high-profile former general Peter Cosgrove told The Age newspaper after deliver-

ing a speech on race relations. "Attacks recently by groups of people on individuals looks like a profiling approach to people from the sub-continent. Rather than say 'nothing to worry about', I'd rather look more closely," he added. Indian media have labeled the attacks as racist, but police and the government insist they are purely criminal. Cosgrove pointed to previous racial violence in Australia, saying clashes on Sydney beaches in 2005 between gangs of ethnic Lebanese and Anglo youths had highlighted dark pockets of racism. "It was so unusual and unexpected, it reverberated around the

world. It was unexpected because Australia's reputation was that of an egalitarian and multi-ethnic society; tolerant, cheerful and relaxed. December 2005 gave us pause for thought," he said. He said criminal elements might be behind the attacks on Indians but, in contrast to police and government ministers, added that the racial element was too strong to dismiss. Cosgrove, voted Australian of the year in 2001, said hidden racism should not be allowed to fester or lead to a reduction in immigration, expected to boost Australia's population from 21 million to around 36 million by 2050. -Agencies

stitute for counter-terror efforts, Markey says. Washington should not impose itself in Indo-Pakistani negotiations, but should quietly advise both sides to try to insulate their diplomacy from the political backlash sought by terrorist spoilers, he recommends. To limit prospects for military escalation, the United States should identify new

The United States must be prepared to assess the likelihood and acceptability of an Indian military reprisal and should either forestall it though tough diplomacy or accept less desirable fallback options diplomatic "safety valves" for New Delhi and work to improve the quality of crisis communication. Washington should pre-assemble an Indo-Pakistani crisis contact group that includes states

with regional influence. To enhance its coercive leverage, Washington should expand its business and military ties with both countries. To avoid breakdowns in Pakistani crisis management, the United States should share its concerns with Islamabad and offer its technical support for a coordination cell. If another Indo-Pakistani crisis unfolds, Washington should introduce tactical delays to prevent rash actions. The United States must be prepared to assess the likelihood and acceptability of an Indian military reprisal and should either forestall it though tough diplomacy or accept less desirable fallback options. In a worst-case scenario, Washington would have to choose between accepting an Indian strike on Pakistan and leveling its own coercive military threats against Islamabad. Under any circumstances, the United States should try to avoid policies that are likely to rule out effective working relationships with Islamabad and New Delhi once the crisis is over; both states will remain essential to US regional and global interests over the long run, Markey says in his memorandum.

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Haiti quake pushes Rajiv Shah to forefront India Post News Service

NEW YORK: When 36-year old Rajiv Shah was sworn in as the Obama Administration's new Administrator of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on the last day of December, he would not have imagined he would be leading the country's relief efforts in one of the biggest disasters in two centuries - the earthquake in Haiti just six days of being in office. Even as President Obama announced a commitment of $100 million to the Caribbean nation for earthquake relief, Dr. Shah went into an overdrive not only overseeing the mammoth aid efforts, but also tirelessly answering interviewers on all the cable and network news channels explaining the US government's responsibility and how the efforts were being directed effectively. "This is an unprecedented situation, an unprecedented disaster," Dr. Shah said on "Face the Nation." He told CNN, "When the President noted that we're making a

$100 million commitment, he also noted that we will do whatever it takes to mount an aggressive response and to serve the people of Haiti effectively. And so that's what we're doing." At Dr. Shah's swearing in ceremony, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton lauded his passion, vision and quiet humility, his de-

Dr. Shah went into an overdrive not only overseeing the mammoth aid efforts, but also tirelessly answering interviewers on all the cable and network news channels grees in medicine and business and experience with the Gates Foundation. "He brings determination and an unwavering belief that anything is possible," she had said. Dr. Shah, in turn, had said that

belief "was founded on our country's rich experience turning crisis into progress." Dr. Shah talked about the necessity of reforming USAID to create stronger local systems in the countries it helps, staying focused on tracking progress and elevating the position of women and girls. Now more than ever the world has the ability -- and the technology -- to create massive improvements in the human condition, he said. "We find ourselves in a unique moment of opportunity," he said. "A powerful consensus has formed that development is vital both to our national security and the shared interests of an interconnected world." Dr. Shah's capabilities came in for much praise from various quarters as he established his calm, intelligent and able presence in the face of the crisis. "Dr. Shah has been excellent…focused, calm, facts-based…" said Denis McDonough, National Security Council chief of staff. "He has the background and deep understanding of the re-

gion to effectively lead the US's response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti. … I know he's going to do a good job and make a real difference for the people of Haiti during their time of great need," said Bill Clinton, UN special envoy to Haiti. Shah had earlier collaborated with Clinton's charitable foundation.

Dr. Shah was born in Detroit to Indian-American parents. He graduated from the University of Michigan and the London School of Economics, and he received his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania "Half the battle here is not just emergency response and humanitarian relief, but creating the basis for long-term recovery and rebuilding. … He has a very clear mind, knows how to ask questions and find the evi-

dence for what's really going to work. He has a very steady and strong approach, which I think is essential for a leader at this kind of time," said Kathy Bushkin Calvin, chief executive of the United Nations Foundation. Dr. Shah was born in Detroit to Indian-American parents. He graduated from the University of Michigan and the London School of Economics, and he received his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Shah served as a health-policy adviser to former Vice President Al Gore's 2000 presidential campaign. In 2001, he went to work for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, spending seven years helping run that organization's global health program. As the top US civilian official dealing with the Haitian disaster, Dr. Shah said the relief effort faced two major problems: moving supplies into Haiti itself and then building a distribution network inside the country to assist individual earthquake victims.

Community organizations initiate relief drives for Haiti India Post News Service

goods, and vehicles. There are dead bodies lying on the ground," NEW YORK: Indian American said Retd. Lt Col Gurbachan Singh, organizations across the country United Sikhs Humanitarian Direchave come out in a big way to find tor. At the United Nations Disaster ways to provide relief to the earthAssessment & Coordination quake hit Haitians. (UNDAC) Emergency Response United Sikhs United Sikhs' volunteers arrived Team briefing today, it was said in Port-au-Prince Saturday for be- that the places that have been ginning major humanitarian relief badly affected are Carrafour, Gressier, Leogane, Jazmel and Petit work in the capital city of Haiti. The Sikh Aid team's first hand Grove where 60 to 90 percent of assessment of the situation shows homes have been destroyed. These places have mass burials and in The team is working to oversome parts the search come serious obstacles due to and the rescue operations are still in lack of infrastructure and progress. The organization logistic challenges. More has issued an appeal for doctors are joining Sikh Aid doctors who can afford team this week to further aid in time and travel to volunteer for the relief efthe humanitarian relief fort, and donations of food, water, temporary an urgent need for medical sup- shelters, medical services and emoplies, food, water, and shelter for tional support to people in need. the survivors. The team is work- VHPA The Vishwa Hindu Parishad ing to overcome serious obstacles due to lack of infrastructure and (VHP) of America has also issued logistic challenges. More doctors a request the community to donate are joining Sikh Aid team this week funds to help the victims and their to further aid in the humanitarian families. VHP of America is working with relief. "Every building on the road side UNICEF and other Haitian charithat we are driving by is severely table organizations to ensure that damaged. Concrete roofs are fallen, the donations are used to help the crushing people, household people of Haiti. It is also contact-

ing the local charitable organizations from Haiti in greater S. Florida. "As you have helped in the past for Katrina victims, Gujarat earthquake victims, flood victims in India, 911 tragedy and many other disasters; we kindly ask your support and donation," a VHPA appeal said. "All donations will be used to help and support the victims of this disaster. VHPA will accept monetary donations only, which are tax deductible. We are not collecting clothes and other supplies." Indian American Forum Supporting the initiatives taken by Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano, the Office of Minority Affairs of Nassau County and Indian American Forum have called upon the community and all social associations to help the severally affected people of Haiti. Nassau County Department of Social Service has set up an emer-

Supporting the initiatives taken by Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano, the Office of Minority Affairs of Nassau County and Indian American Forum have called upon the community and all social associations to help the severally affected people of Haiti gency phone line so immediate help can be facilitated to victims: 1.888.684.HAITI (4278). The Forum said that as per the advice of the Nassau County Ex-

ecutive, the best way to help is by providing financial resources, lightly used clothes, medicines and non-perishable food. Others Some of the major mainstream organizations through which one can donate are: • Doctors Without Borders www.doctorswithoutborders.org an international association of doctors and journalists that provide aid in numerous nations in need. • Partners in Health www.standwithhaiti.org/haiti an organization that has worked on the ground in Haiti for over 20 years. The American Red Cross and UNICEF are accepting donations via text message. Text • "HAITI" to 90999 (American Red Cross) or • "UNICEF" to 20222 (UNICEF) to make a $10.00 donation to the Haiti relief fund.

India donates $5m for Haiti quake relief India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: The Prime Minister has conveyed his condolences to Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive of Haiti and the people of the Island nation on the loss of lives and devastation in the Jan 12th earthquake and is making an immediate donation of $5 million

for relief measures. In his message, Prime Minister Singh said, "It is with profound sadness that we have learnt of the vast devastation caused by the earthquake in Haiti on 12 January, 2010. India stands by the Government and people of Haiti in their hour of need. We would like to make an immediate cash donation

of US $ 5 million as a token of our solidarity with the people of Haiti. I would also like to convey our condolences to the injured and family members of those who have died on account of the earthquake. We have no doubt that the people of Haiti have the strength and resilience to overcome this natural disaster."

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Next Mini-PBD to be held in Durban VINOD DHAWAN India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: Dr A. Didar Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, has denied the "general and wide-spread misconception" that Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, the ministry's flagship event, is an exclusive jamboree of a club of the well-to-do NRIs and PIOs. In an e-mailed interview, he told

have the next one at Durban in South Africa. Also from this PBD we have started hosting an online interactive link for participation via the internet." Countering another complaint that Delhi PBD looked like the ministers and officials talking down to the NRIs, Dr Didar Singh said, "In most of the Sessions, plenaries as well as concurrent barring Plenary II, at least 20 minutes were available for interaction

The convention and participation at its various sessions is open to all. It is in an effort to reach out to those, who are unable to participate in this annual event held in India, that we began a series of regional 'Mini-PBDs' India Post, "This is far from the truth. The convention and participation at its various sessions is open to all. It is in an effort to reach out to those, who are unable to participate in this annual event held in India, that we began a series of regional 'Mini-PBDs'. The first of these was held in New York (September, 2007), the second in Singapore (October, 2008) and the third in The Hague (September, 2009). We propose to

with the delegates in attendance enabling lively question-answer interaction. This offered good opportunities for the participating NRIs to share their views." Listing the highlights of PBD2010, he said, "Two pre-PBD seminars on Nanotechnology and Property-related issues of overseas Indians drew over 300 participants each and came in for appreciation as a new and purposeful addition to PBD.

"A Distinguished Global Indian Oration Series was launched. The first lecture in this series was delivered by eminent economist, Prof. Jagdish Bhagwati of Columbia University and his views were widely appreciated. "A round-table brain-storming session came up with a number of ideas on how future PBDs could be restructured, with a view to add value to its contents and sustain participant interest." The PBD this year was certainly better organized and much of the credit for this goes to Dr Didar Singh. Asked if he was happy with the Diaspora response, he said, "The total attendance at PBD-2010 was 1500. This includes over 900 delegates from abroad, 16 members of the Prime Minister's Global Advisory Council, 8 PIO Ministers, 12 Union Ministers and other PIO dignitaries, besides 40 Diaspora-youth participants of the 13th Know India Program and 28 PIO Journalists. By and large we are happy with this year's participation." Asked if future PBDs will be held in Delhi only and what has been the experience of holding it in the Sates, he said, "Of the 8 PBDs we have had so far, three have been held outside Delhi. The 3rd in the series was in

Rana might get help from terror groups to flee: prosecutors CHICAGO: Indicted for conspiracy in the Mumbai attack, Pakistani Canadian Tahawwaur Rana might get financial assistance from "dangerous terrorist organizations" to flee the country if released on bond, federal prosecutors seeking his detention have argued. With Rana being named as a conspirator, he also faces a harsher jail sentence of life imprisonment in the new charge sheet filed against him, they said. In a 33-page government response to the motion filed by Rana seeking revocation of his detention order, prosecutors have said his "casual speculation" that it would be easy to extradite him if he fled US and was ever caught again "should be more unsettling than reassuring to the court, considering his ties to terrorist organizations". The response was filed by prosecutors Daniel Collins and Victoria Peters on Jan 15, a day after Rana and co-accused David Headley were indicted by a grand jury on 12 counts of being involved in conspiracy to target

Mumbai and Denmark. It said in light of the superseding indictment returned against Rana, he now faces additional charges which are "actually much more serious than those he origi-

‘Prosecutors have said his “casual speculation” that it would be easy to extradite him if he fled US and was ever caught again “should be more unsettling than reassuring to the court, considering his ties to terrorist organizations’ nally faced". Rana was denied bail by Magistrate Judge Nan Nolan who said if released on bond, he could flee the country to escape a possible 30 year prison term.

However, now charged with supporting the conspiracies to commit murder and to bomb places of public use in India, "the maximum term of imprisonment now faced by Rana is life, giving him heightened incentive" to flee the country. . Rana is also arguing that because Headley is now in custody, "there is virtually no risk that defendant's (Rana's) alleged conduct could be repeated". To this the prosecutors contend that Rana was not just in contact with Headley but also was in direct contact with Abdur Rehman Hashim Syed (Pasha), who also is charged in the superseding indictment, but has not yet been arrested by US authorities. "Pasha was defendants' link to Ilyas Kashmiri, one of Pakistan's most wanted terrorists and a direct link to al Qaeda," the government's response said. Rana also was in direct contact with the individual identified as 'Person A' in the superseding indictment, who is an uncharged member of the conspiracy to carry out the Mumbai attacks.-PTI

Mumbai (2005), the 4th was in Hyderabad (2006) and the 7th in Chennai (2009). New Delhi, as a venue does offer several advan-

ing to look at other venues in future also. He did not agree that the PBD website was not being updated

The Secretary, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, A. Didar Singh with Union Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, Vayalar Ravi at a Press Conference

tages over other State Capitals. The facilities available at Vigyan Bhawan, for instance, are unique. International access is also very good. Our experience of holding these events at Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai was also enriching and we would be will-

and claimed summary records of the proceedings of various sessions, as also video-clippings and photographs were being hosted. The names of the 14 Samman awardees of PBD 2010 which were not available in the first few days, are now available.

Indian-origin executive among 22 held in FBI sting operation WASHINGTON: An Indian-ori- tre, Fox News said. gin British national is among 22 exThe indictments unsealed beecutives of military and law enforce- fore a US court allege that these ment suppliers arrested by FBI on arrested individuals engaged in a charges of attempting to bribe the scheme to pay bribes to the MinDefense Minister of an African ister of Defense for a country in country in what is being described Africa. The name of the country as the largest ever corruption ex- has not been revealed. pose of its kind in the US. 43-year-old Pankesh 43-year-old Pankesh Patel, Patel, Managing Director of a UK firm that Managing Director of a UK firm acts as a sales agent for that acts as a sales agent for companies in law en- companies in law enforcement forcement and military and military products industries, products industries, and two more Britons -and two more Britons -David Painter (56) and David Painter (56) and Lee Wares (43) -- were Lee Wares (43) -- were among 22 people ar- among 22 people arrested rested, the US Department of Justice said. The scheme was part of the unWares is the Chairman and Di- dercover operation, with no actual rector of a British company that involvement from any Defense markets armored vehicles. Minister. The defendants allegedly Of the 22 executives, 21 were agreed to pay 20 per cent "comarrested from Las Vegas. The 22nd mission" to a sales agent who they person was arrested in Miami. believed represented Defense None of the people arrested are Minister of an African state in orfrom Las Vegas, but all were in der to win a portion of a USD 15 town for the 2010 Shooting, Hunt- million deal to outfit the country's ing and Outdoor Trade Show, at presidential guard. In reality, the Sands Expo and Convention Cen- "sales agent" was an undercover FBI agent. -PTI

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January 29, 2010

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India-US discuss urban development Brown honors Amartya Sen challenges and Venkat Ramakrishnan India Post News Service

NEW YORK: On his visit to Washington DC, Jan 10-13, Dr. M. Ramachandran, Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development. Government of India, met with Shaun Donovan, Secretary, US Department of Housing and Urban Development, to exchange views on the challenges being faced by both countries in urban planning and development. The two secretaries agreed to deepen the engagement between the two departments to identify priority areas of cooperation in urban development sector. The areas they discussed included the municipal bond market, urban sanitation, energy efficiency, development of national building standards, capacity building, public private partnership, and safety and security of the urban transport systems. On January 11, Secretary Dr. Ramachandran met with Peter M. Rogoff, Administrator, US Federal Transit Administration and reviewed the implementation of the

India - US Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2007 between the US Department of Transportation and the Ministry of Urban Development of India. They agreed to strengthen cooperation in priority areas including on the safety and security of the urban transport systems. Secretary Ramachandran invited Ad-

The two secretaries agreed to deepen the engagement between the two departments to identify priority areas of cooperation in urban development sector ministrator Peter Rogoff to visit India to attend the Urban Mobility India - Conference and Expo to be held in New Delhi during December 3-5, 2010.

On January 10, Secretary Dr. Ramachandran addressed the 89th annual meeting of the Transportation Research Bureau of the US Department of Transportation held in Washington DC. On January 12, he delivered a keynote address on the 'Urban Renewal in India - Opportunities for the Private Sector' at a business event organized by the US India Business Council. During these meetings he highlighted the success story of Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JnNRUM) which has seen a catalytic investment of over US $ 10 billion in urban sectors such as transport, water and waste water management, solid waste management, housing and slum infrastructure across 63 'mission cities' in India. He also mentioned the National Urban Transport Policy (2006), which provides strategic guidance for an increasing number of regional and local initiatives to improve urban mobility across India's states and cities.

LONDON: British winners of the prestigious Nobel Prize, including Indian-origin biologist Venkatraman Ramakrishnan and economist Amartya Sen, were honored here by Premier Gordon Brown to celebrate their achievements. Ramakrishnan was awarded the 2009 Nobel Prize for Chemistry while Sen won the same for welfare Economics in 1998. They and other Nobel Prize winners from Britain were honored at a dinner reception hosted by Brown and his wife, Sarah Brown, at 10, Downing Street. The UK ranks top in Europe in terms of the number of Nobel prizes won, and is second globally only to the US. The Prime Minister said: "Britain was where the first novel was written, the theory of gravity was first formulated,

Indian student-cum-cabbie narrates ordeal MELBOURNE: Weeks after he was brutally stabbed in the chest and robbed by a masked man here, an Indian student-cum-cabbie said the attack punctured his right lung and left him traumatized and unable to work. 23-year-old Ravinder Singh, who was attacked in December outside his girlfriend's house, said he would never drive a cab again after being attacked by an armed robber despite handing over all his cash. "I was scared," he told reporters. "He (the assailant) kept saying like: 'Give me your wallet, give me your wallet, give me your wallet'." Singh, who came to Australia three years ago to study auto me-

School children perform a dance during a rehearsal for the forthcoming Republic Day parade in New Delhi. India celebrates Republic Day on January 26

Another Indian cabbie attacked in Australia MELBOURNE: An Indian cabbie received facial injuries after being assaulted by a man and a woman passenger, prompting police to release images of the couple involved in the latest in a slew of attacks on the community in Australia. The incident, which occurred in Melbourne's north, was the fifth such attack on Indian cabbies within a week.

The 25-year-old driver told police he called an ambulance and was treated for facial injuries at the Northern Hospital after the assault, which took place on Saturday. However, police came out with a statement on it only now. The cabbie had stopped at the Summerhill Hotel in Reservoir, where five people were asking for a ride. He refused to carry

them all, because of the car's legal capacity and instead only picked up a man and a woman from the group. Police said the woman became angry at the driver for refusing to take her friends with them. The man then punched him as he pulled over on Plenty Road and continued to assault him as the couple climbed out of the cab.-PTI

and penicillin was first created to save millions of lives. "All of you, the pride of our country, are heirs of that legacy who have nobly enlarged it. You stand on mountaintops of our time, of human aspiration and achievement," he said. Other guests at the event included former Northern Ireland politicians John Hume and Lord Trimble, who shared the 1998 Nobel Peace Prize. Also present were Sir Tim Hunt, winner of the 2001 Nobel Prize in Physiology, Sir Martin Evans, Winner of the Nobel Prize for Medicine 2007, and Sir John E Walker, who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 1997. The UK produces 9 per cent of the world's scientific papers and has a citation share of 12 per cent, second only to the US. -PTI

chanics, said he quickly handed over about 70 or 80 dollars from his pocket to the masked man but the offender still plunged a knife deep into his chest, puncturing his right lung, AAP reported. The youth spent two weeks in a critical condition in hospital after being attacked in wee hours on December 9 as he drove to his girlfriend's home along Collier Street in West Brunswick for dinner. But, as he pulled into a parking spot while speaking to his girlfriend on phone, a stolen blue Holden Commodore rammed his car, police said. The car's passenger pulled a black balaclava over his head, whipped out a large knife and walked towards his taxi. -PTI

Australia to tighten immigration process NEW DELHI: In the wake of continuing attacks on Indian students, Australia is planning to make immigration rules tougher so that only genuine Indian students go there for higher studies and not the ones who look for "backdoor" entry for employment. Canberra has also commissioned an external review to see how to tighten the process of weeding out private educational institutions that do not measure up to quality levels. "We want criteria for registration to make it tougher.

We have introduced legislation in Parliament to do that," Australian High Commissioner Peter Varghese told PTI. He was answering questions on what Australia was doing to cut down on students going from India for non-specialized courses and end up doing unskilled work. Varghese said a very large number of people go to Australia to train in institutions that are not run by government which fall short of quality and they were being closed down. -PTI

Desi News

IADO extends support to Quinn, Alexi & Raja SURESH BODIWALA

CHICAGO: A premier Indian American political body, Indo American Democratic Organization (IADO) has announced its endorsement to Governor Pt Quinn, Alexi Giannoulias and Raja Krishnamoorthi among others, seeking Democratic nominations during the Primary elections scheduled on February 2, 2010. IADO has also made a fervent plea to Indian American citizens in Chicagoland for registering themselves as voters so that they could have their say in the main stream politics and have their voice heard at the right places. Details on page 12

Ayyappa Mandala Pooja at Hindu Temple ASHWIN PATEL India Post News Service

ST. LOUIS: Hundreds of devotees of Lord Ayyapa flocked to the Hindu Temple of St. Louis on December 25 to take part in an elaborate pooja of Lord Ayyapa conducted with all detailed rituals by the priests. Lord Ayyapa has a huge mythological significance and the devotees are convinced that their wishes would be fulfilled with the climbing of 18 steps of stair case at the Ayyapa temple. Details on page 13

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

11 India Post

January 29, 2010

Details on page 17

NJ lawmakers commend Chivukula for Pravasi honor India Post News Service

NEW JERSEY: Assemblyman Upendra J. Chivukula returned to a standing ovation from his peers in the New Jersey General Assembly after receiving one of India's highest awards for expatriate Indians, the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, from the President of India Pratibha Patil in New Delhi recently. Members of the Assembly Democratic Caucus broke into applause after Assemblyman John F. McKeon rose to felicitate Chivukula on receiving the honor. "Assemblyman Chivukula has been an important voice for this state's Asian-American community, building bridges with this administration and the New Jersey Legislature," said Governor Jon S. Corzine. "It is fitting that the Indian government recognize him with their highest honor for international Indians for his dedicated

President Pratibha Patil

service to the Garden State's Indian-American community." "Upendra is one of the most intelligent, committed and principled individuals I have had the privilege of knowing.

Upendra J. Chivukula

Being singled out for an honor from a country of more than one billion is a matter of pride not only for him but for all of us who are his peers in the Assembly," McKeon (D-Essex) said.

Chivukula (D-Franklin) received the honor for excellence in his performance as a legislator and his outstanding contribution to the Indian-American community. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 13

Indian American woman survives Haiti earthquake India Post News Service

New cultural group set up in Skokie

www.indiapost.com

Census ad campaign to boost mail-back participation

NEW JERSEY: Sarla Chand's son may have called his mother's rescue in the devastating Haitian earthquake "dumb luck", but the Tea Neck, New Jersey Indian Ameri-

and two other employees had just finished a meeting at the Montana hotel on Jan 12 when the 7.0 earthquake hit. According to NorthJersey.com, Chand spent more than 48 hours under the rubble searching, on her

SURESH BODIWLA

SKOKIE: A new group 'Coming Together in Skokie' was formed last week here by a group of like minded people from the area with the sole objective of promoting more in-depth knowledge about the many cultures in our community After a few lunch sessions over the past few weeks among a small and diverse group of prominent community activists in Skokie. Details on page 14

Chand spent more than 48 hours under the rubble searching, on her hands and knees, for an escape route, until rescuers finally found her two days later can woman's story in one of the several miracle stories that are coming out of the rubble of Port-au-Prince. Chand, vice-president of Maryland-headquartered IMA World Health's international programs,

hands and knees, for an escape route, until rescuers finally found her two days later. Chand's son Shiraz Lall, also a Teaneck resident, did not know about his mother's predicament until she called him

A Haitian policeman stands guard outside a destroyed store after the earthquake in downtown Port-au-Prince.

the night she was rescued and told him about her two-day ordeal. She told her son about how she was able to move around underneath the remnants of the hotel,

trapped as she was along with her colleagues including her boss, Richard Santos, who distributed Motrin pills to the injured. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 13

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January 29, 2010

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IADO extends support to Quinn, Alexi & Raja SURESH BODIWALA

fashion, IADO favors the candidacy of Pat Quinn for the position of governor against Dan Hynes who is currently Illinois Comptroller. "Pat Quinn stands for clean and honest government and he believes in transparency. Also, he is a friend of Indian community," said Gajjela. For the US Congress 10th District it has supported Julie Hamos. Raja Krishnamoorthi is the only Indian American in the community, seeking a relatively high elective position as Illinois Comptroller. "He gets an unqualified support from IADO. He is not only qualified but has been a great advocate of ending

Raja Krishnamoorthi is the only Indian American in the community, seeking a relatively high elective position as Illinois Comptroller. "He gets an unqualified support from IADO. He is not only qualified but has been a great advocate of ending corruption in the state administration. He pitches for transparency in State contracts the primary elections. IADO has extended its support to Alexi Giannoulias, for the U.S. Senate seat that was vacated by President Barack Obama. Rolland Burris got appointed as Senator by ex-governor Rod Blagojevich in a controversial manner. Burris has opted out of the race but it looks to be a closely contested seat Dr. Ram Gajjela, IADO president said in a talk to this paper that his organization favored Alexi based on his proven track record as Illinois Treasurer and his upholding the values that the Indian American community stands for. "He is a friend of India and Indian community," he observed. In the same

corruption in the state administration. He pitches for transparency in State contracts," Dr. Ram said. It is interesting to note that he has received endorsements from two major Chicagoland newspapers - Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun Times which is a rare thing. "This speaks volume about his ability to occupy the potion of State Comptroller," Gajjela said. Among other position, IADO supports Terry Link, Lt. Governor of Illinois, Lisa Madigan, Attorney General of Illinois, Jesse White, Secretary of State and Robin Kelly, State Treasurer of Illinois. IADO's endorsement for Illinois State Senate is Heather Steans - State Senator,

Indian Americans with Gov Pt Quinn (L-R) Naren Patel, Sohan Joshi, Gov Pate Quinn, Iftekhar Shareef, Dr. Ram Gajjela and Yeshwant Amin

7th District. For Illinois State Representatives 17th District Daniel Biss, 18th District Eamon Kelly, 59th District Elliott Hartstein. For Cook County position, it has extended support to Joseph Berrios, Cook County Assessor, Larry Suffredin Cook County Commissioner, 13th District, Jesus Garcia - Cook County Commissioner, 7th District, Jennifer Bishop Jenkins - Cook County Commissioner, 14th District. For Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District it has urged to Vote for Three candidates: Stella B. Black, Todd Connor and Mariyana T. Spyropoulos. It has cast its support for judicial positions as under: James Epstein - 1st Appellate Court Sebastian Patti- 1st Appellate Court, Yehuda Leibovitz- Circuit Court, 9th Subcircuit, Michael Bender - Circuit Court, 9th Subcircuit A, Pamela M. Leeming, Circuit Court, 11th Subcircuit, Linda Pauel Full Circuit Court Punch No. 160. IADO has sought enlightening the vot-

ers about early voting and said that Illinois voters can cast their ballots before Election Day at designated locations without having to provide a reason or excuse. Casting ballot before Election Day makes voting more convenient, especially for the elderly and voters with busy schedules. Dates: Prior to the Tuesday, February 2, 2010 Primary Elections, early voting will take place Monday, January 11, 2010Thursday, January 28, 2010. One can find the nearest voting site by visiting all Illinois locations: http:// w w w. e l e c t i o n s . s t a t e . i l . u s / V o t i n g I n f o r m a t i o n / EarlyVotingLocations.aspx Voters need to Bring Photo ID as State law requires early voters to display valid identification to an election official before receiving a ballot to vote early. Valid forms of ID include: a current driver's license, state-issued ID card or another governmentissued ID with a photograph.

Toni Preckwinkle for openness in administration SURESH BODIWALA

CHICAGO: A group of Indian and Pakistani Americans headed by community activist Balwinder Singh hosted a press meeting here last week with Ald Toni Preckwinkle, who is running for Cook County Board president position. Among those present were Steven James Bernstein who is running 9th Subcircuit and Ald Joe Moore who represented 49th ward in Chicago. Meet the press took place at A One Carpet Office on Devon Avenue in Chicago. Salaman Aftab, a community activist introduced Preckwinkle and pitched for supporting her candidacy. The 4th ward Alderman Preckwinkle in her brief address outlined her broad plan for running the Cook County office with a greater degree of transparency and accountability. "As Cook County Board President, I will institute transparency and open-

ness in all County procedures. I will insist on monthly financial reports for the county health system (which constitutes more than 30% of the County budget), including benchmarks for both revenue and expenses. You deserve to know how your tax dol-

Asian countries losing their jobs and said that the ethnic diversity in the administration would be her hallmark. Steven Bernstein said that he has endorsements from prominent Chicago main stream politicians like Rep Jan Schakowski,

She pitched for zero-based budgeting to identify inefficiencies and waste in the County budget, in order to reduce the tax burden on all Cook County residents. She sympathized with the staff members from south Asian countries losing their jobs lars are being spent," she observed. She also pitched for zerobased budgeting to identify inefficiencies and waste in the County budget, in order to reduce the tax burden on all Cook County residents. She sympathized with the staff members from south

Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin and Ald Joe Moore. Host Balwinder Singh said that he was not given to making speeches but wanted Preckwinkle to be backed and elected as she would be the ideal choice for the Cook County residents. He then proposed a vote of thanks.

Ald Toni Preckwinkle

Community Across America

January 29, 2010

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Ayyapa Mandala Pooja at Hindu Temple

Devotees of Lord Ayyapa praying for Lord's blessings

ASHWIN PATEL India Post News Service

father to build a temple on hills of Sabarimala. The King built a temple with 18 steps which represent different vices a person can have. By climbing up the steps each year humans can conquer the vices and reach eternal moksha at the end. The devotees of Ayyappa take Vratham for 40 days starting in November which ends either at the end of December or 14th of January. On January 14th Lord Ayyappa comes in the form of Jyothi called Makarajyothi, which is witnessed by millions of people every year in Sabarimala. Climbing of the steps is pinnacle of vratham. Every devotee wants to do so by climbing up the Sacred 18 Steps. In USA there is only one Temple

Lord Ayyapa Pooja being done at St. Louis Hindu Temple

that has 18 steps - in Washington, D.C. Every year around 400 devotees visit this temple. Fortunately Hindu Temple of St. Louis Board of Trustees approved to build the Ayyappa Temple here in St. Louis. This is being done as extension on Lakshmi side and there will be Sacred 18 steps. The temple already has Ayyapa mulavirat which arrived about two years ago and the management is doing pooja for the vigraha on a regular basis. Every second Saturday 5.30 pm there is Ayyapa abhishekam in the Temple which everybody can attend. On every December 25th there is Ayyapa Mandal Pooja and it is a whole day celebration including Ayyapa abhishekam, bhajans and siveli.

NJ lawmakers commend Chivukula for Pravasi honor Cont’d from page 11

Besides representing issues and concerns, he has served as a crucial link between the state's expatriate Indians and state and federal lawmakers and public officials. Asian-Americans are New Jersey's fastest-growing immigrant community accounting for 7.5 percent of the state's total population.

ferred on one of its own and that a member of the Assembly was picked from more than 25 million expatriate Indians in the world for this honor," said outgoing Speaker Joseph J. Roberts Jr. "I know Upendra as a close friend and an outstanding legislator who has emerged as a leader in advancing New Jersey towards an alternative energy economy. His contribution

‘Service of our fellow human being is the highest calling of all and those of us in public office enjoy the rare privilege of being able to fulfill that mission,’ he said Chivukula is the first and only South Asian lawmaker in the New Jersey Legislature and the only Asian-American member in the General Assembly. "For the New Jersey Legislature, it is a source of great pride that such a distinction be con-

to putting issues and concerns of the Asian-American community on our legislative radar has been stellar." "In my capacity as Chairman of the NJ Democratic State Committee and a member of the Assembly, I have worked closely with

Upendra for many years. He has been a dedicated worker and a team player who has risen from the ranks to a leadership role," Cryan (D-Union) said. "When it comes to Asian-Americans, his direction has been invaluable in helping us get this important community more involved in mainstream politics - from the grassroots level to running for office. We owe him a great deal," he added. Chivukula said he was humbled at being selected for the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award. "Service of our fellow human being is the highest calling of all and those of us in public office enjoy the rare privilege of being able to fulfill that mission," he said. "Being able to make a difference in people's lives and help in advancing our state and our nation is what inspires me every day and offers ample reward. I am deeply grateful for being recognized in my country of origin by the Indian President. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

Lamp decoration in front of Lord Ayyapa idol

Indian American woman survives Haiti earthquake Cont’d from page 11

With no water and food, Chand told her son, she did not relieve herself for two days in an effort to keep from getting dehydrated. Others resorted to drinking their own urine to quench extreme thirst, Lall said. Chand, miraculously unhurt, thanked rescuers for saving her life and ate a cookie as she was checked by doctors, ABC News reported, and was later evacuated to the Dominican Republic. Chand's brother and sister, as also her colleagues at IMA World Health headquarters in New Windsor, Maryland, were elated at the news that she and her two colleagues were safe. "We're just beside ourselves," Douglas Bright, vice president for institutional advancement at IMA told Northjersey.com. "We are just so unbelievably happy. We weren't sure what was going to happen. We hadn't lost hope, but as time goes on, it just gets harder and harder for people to survive." Chand has been in charge of the organization's world programs for more than two years and was in Haiti, where the group also has

offices, for a conference on neglected tropical diseases. She travels much of her time and was scheduled for a trip to Africa next, Bright said. Chand has worked at the United Methodist Committee on Relief and Johns Hopkins University and the global health community considers her one of the leading people in strengthening health systems, Bright said. Chand

Chand, miraculously unhurt, thanked rescuers for saving her life and ate a cookie as she was checked by doctors and her colleagues were meeting with three representatives from the United Methodist Church's General Board of Global Ministries, who were also found alive, said Elliott Wright, press spokesman for the board. Chand's career with the church spanned 25 years, and she was considered a "very valued and treasured employee," Wright said.

Community Across America

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January 29, 2010

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New cultural group set up in Skokie SURESH BODIWLA

family, and I mean the family of Skokie." Van Dusen relayed how her lunches with four other women -- Niles Township High School District 219 Superintendent Nanciann Gatta, Skokie Public Library Director Carolyn Anthony, Indian Community of Niles Township President Usha Kamaria and Sheila Gilani of the Skokie Holiday Inn -- resulted in Coming Together In Skokie. "We appreciate and celebrate our diversity and we have the Festival of Cultures," Van Dusen said. "But we wanted to take it a step further.

The group's first project is the selection of a book, ‘Motherland,’ by Indian author Vineeta Vijayaraghavan. It is the coming-of-age story about a teenage girl living in New York and sent by her parents to India Skokie institutions dedicated to promoting more in-depth knowledge about the many cultures in our community." Or to put it another way, Coming Together In Skokie picks up where the lauded and successful annual Festival of Cultures leaves off. "This project came up because five friends lunched," said Susan Van Dusen, a community activist. "Through a series of lunches, we talked about a variety of things and one thing in particular was

The group's first project is the selection of a book, "Motherland," by Indian author Vineeta Vijayaraghavan. The coming-ofage story about a teenage girl living in New York and sent by her parents to India was selected by the new group as a community project. The book will be the subject of community book discussions and will be part of the curricula at District 219 and Oakton Community College between January and March. The author is

L-R Usha Kamaria, Sheila Gilani, Tom Hamel Nanciann Gatta, Caroly Anthony and Skokie Mayor Van Dusen

scheduled for visits to discuss the book as well. Carolyn Anthony, a founding member said "we proposed a dozen different books. It was fun to read them and to talk back and forth about them. The book that is selected is a wonderful book that seeks to explore pertinent topics from intergenerational relationships and discovering one's own culture and values." Nancianna Gatta, yet another member, said that the girl's story in "Motherland" reflects the stories of so many students that make up District 219's diverse enrollment. "They struggle with some

of the very same issues of identity as our protagonist," she said. Gatta said creating strong partnerships within the community is important for these and all high school students. Usha Kamaria, a group member, said that the Indian Community of Niles Township values its partnership with these other institutions. The group will host several events around the selected book and intends to invite neighbors into the homes of its members, she said, to discuss ways to come together. "For me this project is even more symbolic because I feel I have a lot of different ties to it," said Gilani, a

Niles West High School graduate. "As a Skokie resident and a member of the South Asian community, it's very exciting and humbling to see that the South Asian culture is being celebrated and recognized in this way." Gilani said that the new group is destined to take off and its excitement is in imagining five years from now the shape it will take. Susan Van Dusen's husband, Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen, noted at last week's press conference that 70 different ethnic groups live in Skokie and 75 to 100 different languages are spoken in local schools.

Sindhulogy launches Non Violence Program for students ANUPAMA PATEL

CHICAGO: American Institute of Sindhulogy (AIS) is introducing a new program "non violence project for elementary and secondary students" based on the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr Rev Martin Luther King Jr, President Mandela, Frontier Gandhi, and Aung San Suu Kyi. AIS is inspired by President Obama's reference to values and teaching of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther king Jr. in his welcome speech at the state dinner in honor of Prime Minister of India and repeated again at the Noble Prize ceremony awarded to him in Copenhagen. US Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Member of Congress and US Education Department, has encouraged and offered full-fledged support to promote the project. AIS has also created a web link to AIS and presents one stop easy access to the program for school children, families and general public. Dial Gidwany, a spokesman, said that AIS has received huge response and support for this project in response to its email December 25, 2009. Indians as

well as Indian American youth in USA came forward and in less than 30 days completed hosting the program outline on AIS website. He said that student lessons and teachers guide on Mahatma Gandhi and Rev Dr. Martin Luther King for age 5-14 years are already available. AIS has ap-

between parents and children. • The teachings will provide healthy environment for a family to communicate. • The teachings will provide an environment where you learn ways to accept peace and tolerance is the best way to resolve a conflict. • It is suggested that Parents/Teacher

AIS is inspired by President Obama's reference to values and teaching of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther king Jr. in his welcome speech at the state dinner in honor of Prime Minister of India and repeated again at the Noble Prize ceremony awarded to him in Copenhagen pealed to the educators to assist with lessons based on the teachings of Nelson Mandela and Aung San Suu Kyi. Non violence program in Elementary and Higher Schools is not just for children. It is a program that will benefit • Parents, families and society. Non violence curriculum will elicit a dialogue

can have discussion group on the subject AIS has appealed to parents and the school fraternity to encourage children to visit www.sindhulogy.org and have brain storming sessions with children on the subject to elicit interest and involvement in the process.

AIS has chosen city of Evanston/ Skokie for a pilot program in recognition of the support for Non Violence Program from Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky Gidwaney added that AIS felt grateful to Burgwell Howard, Dean of the student faculty of Northwestern University for his gesture to direct AIS's Non Violence program weblink to Universities as part of MLK Day observation on January 18. AIS wanted Indian American volunteers to form a committee with mainstream of America and work with local authorities to execute the program. The other dimensions of "Non violence program in elementary and higher secondary schools" are organizing international seminar on "Non Violence" from October 1 - 3, 2010 and starting in residence program for educators and teachers in consultation with Gandhi Trust. AIS hoped that every Indian will come forward to support, to invest their time and money, knowledge to educate and protect future generations from violence. "If we join hands we can overcome shootings in schools," it said.

Community Across America

January 29, 2010

India Post 15

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Navgrah Puja & Manav Seva new trustees ARVIND THAKKAR

Devotees performing Aarti

BENSENVILLE: First major festival of the New Year, Makarsankranti was celebrated at Manav Seva Mandir (MSM) with quite fanfare and gusto by devotees and MSM members. As kite flying done back home in Gujarat was not feasible, the festival was celebrated with the performance of a Navgrah puja in the evening. A large number of families performed the puja in the Hindu tradition urging the Grahas to bring peace and prosperity in

their lives. After the puja, the new office bearers for the two year term, 2010-2011 were sworn in by Dr. C.L. Shastri. As per the temple constitution, there are two bodies of the management - a Trustee Board and the Executive Board. The new Trustee Board sworn in includes Dr. Bharat Barai, Chairman, Dr. Shirish Shah, Vice Chairman, Dr. Manoj Shah, Vice Chairman, Dahyabhai Prajapati, General Secretary, Himanshu Patel, Comptroller. The new Board Members

Dr Bharat Barai, the Trustee Board Chairman, addressing the gathering.

As kite flying done back home in Gujarat was not feasible, the festival was celebrated with the performance of a Navgrah puja in the evening

are, Dr. Ishverbhai Patel, Rohitbhai Majmundar, Pradipbhai Patel, Dr. V.K. Patel, Dr. Jyotiben Shah, & Honorary Members are Arvindbhai Thakkar and Bhalchandrabhai Shah. The new Executive Board Members are Madhukant Shah, President, Manubhai Patel, Vice President, Naliniben Shah, Secretary, Rajubhai Chauhan, Joint Secretary, Jayesh Patel, Treasure and Pradipbhal Patel, Joint Treasurer. The Executive Board Directors are

Smt. Urmilaben Patel, Subodhbhai Gabhawala, Amarbhai Upadhyay, Keyurbhai Bhatt, Tusharbhai Chotalia and Coordinators are Ramanbhai Patel and Bhavnaben Parikh. The Navgrah Puja celebrations concluded after mahaprasad served to all devotees. Upcoming events at Manav Seva Mandir are Mahashivratri on Friday, February 12, Holidahan on Sunday, February 28 and Ramnavmi on Wednesday, March 24.

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Tambar takes over as SAYA Exec Dir India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The Board of Directors of South Asian Youth Action (SAYA!) last week named Udai Tambar as the organization's new Executive Director.

INDIA TREE: Members of the Metropolitan Asian Family Services show Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas a holiday season tree decorated to reflect the culture of India. The tree was part of "Holiday Trees from Around the World," an annual exhibit in Pappas' office. Some 90 Christmas trees and religious displays reflecting different cultures were part of the exhibit.

Harpreet Singh joins DoJ India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Harpreet Singh, former Legal Director of United Sikhs recently joined the US Department of Justice, Community Relations Service as the Regional Director of Region III. As Legal Director of United Sikhs, one of Singh's most important cases was of winning a groundbreaking kirpan (a religious sword worn as one of five articles of faith) case in 2005 in Detroit, where a Sikh student was arrested for wearing a 10-inch kirpan. He also worked on many other important cases, such as the recent US Airways settlement with the Sikh religious musicians, and a variety of profiling, hate crime, and employment discrimination cases.

In addition to his legal role, Singh represented the Sikh community's interest in pending legislative matters in Congress and partnered with various coali-

crimination, hate and bias crimes, school bullying, racial and religious profiling and immigration reform during meetings with White House officials, the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) and the State Department. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in building a strong relationship with the United States Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC), and has spearheaded several collaborative projects with them, which have increased the reporting of the Sikh community of incidents of religious discrimination in the workplace.

Additionally, he played a pivotal role in building a strong relationship with the United States Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC) tions of civil rights organizations to influence legislation. His advocacy duties included representation of the Sikh community's concerns regarding employment dis-

Beginning February 1, 2010, Tambar will lead the only organization in the nation that provides non-sectarian comprehensive youth development services to the South Asian American community. He is returning after serving as the

India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The Republican Indian Committee (RIC) recently met with Virginia's Lt. Governor Bill Bolling to discuss ways in which the State of Virginia can promote job creation. At the Jan 6 meeting hosted by RIC and TiE-DC (The Indus Entrepreneur - District of Columbia chapter), Governor-elect Bob

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experience in government and the nonprofit sector, along with his prior work with SAYA! makes him uniquely qualified for this position." Cont’d on page 19

RIC discusses job creation with Gov. Bolling

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organization's Program Coordinator in 1999. "SAYA! is fortunate to have Udai Tambar take over as Executive Director," said SAYA! Board Co-Chair Usha Saxena. "Udai's policy and program management

Beginning February 1, 2010, Tambar will lead the only organization in the nation that provides non-sectarian comprehensive youth development services to the South Asian American community

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McDonnell told the members that he has Lt. Governor Bolling in his Cabinet as the Chief Job Creation Officer. In fact, McDonnell's first executive order, that will be signed after he is inaugurated, will be a task force to promote entrepreneurship and job creation in Virginia. At an event on Jan 11, Lt. Governor Bolling observed, "Governor-elect McDonnell and I would like you [the RIC event participants] to not look in from the outside, but to look out from inside and help us lead this State to suc-

‘Governor-elect McDonnell and I would like you [the RIC event participants] to not look in from the outside, but to look out from inside and help us lead this State to success’ cess." Virginia businessman and RIC President, Puneet Ahluwalia remarked, "RIC is honored to offer ideas and solutions to Lt. Governor Bill Bolling about how to keep and attract new jobs in Virginia. Businesses create jobs that grow the economy, and one way the government can help is by lowering the tax burden so businesses can hire more people." Cont’d on page 19

Community/California

January 29, 2010

India Post

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Census ad campaign to boost mail-back participation India Post News Service

WASHINGTON: The U.S. Census Bureau has unveiled its national advertising campaign for the 2010 Census, which seeks to boost the national mail-back participa-

paign is to increase the number of people who mail back their forms when they arrive in March," Census Bureau Director Robert M. Groves said during a presentation at the Department of Commerce's Ronald Reagan Building. "For

The four-month 2010 Census advertising campaign officially started across television, radio, print, outdoor and the Internet on Jan. 18. More than half of the budgeted advertising will be targeted to media consumed by minority and ethnic audiences tion rate by increasing awareness and educating the public about the

each percentage point increase in the national mail-back response

Census Open House in El Segundo JS BEDI India Post News Service

EL SEGUNDO: The Census department held an open house at their office here Jan 12. The event was attended by a cross section of the community that reflected So Cal's diversity. Various community leaders includ-

ing the Mayors of El Segundo and neighboring cities addressed the guests. There was a sumptuous lunch featuring a collage of cuisines ranging from Japanese to Italian to Mexican. Like the gathering, this too was a reflection of Southern California's diversity. The Census South Asian Task Force

importance of participating in the once-a-decade headcount. The $133 million campaign builds on the success of the 2000 Census efforts, where the Census Bureau used paid advertising for the first time and reversed a threedecade decline in public response rates by mail. "One of the primary goals for our advertising and outreach cam-

rate, the Census Bureau saves taxpayers about $80 to $90 million in costs associated with having to send census takers to non-responding households for in-person interviews." The four-month 2010 Census advertising campaign officially started across television, radio, print, outdoor and the Internet on Jan. 18. With ads produced in an un-

precedented 28 languages, the 2010 Census advertising campaign will reach the average person 42 times with messages around the importance of participating in the census. More than half of the budgeted advertising will be targeted to media consumed by minority and ethnic audiences. From Super Bowl XLIV and the

2010 Winter Olympics, to popular prime-time shows, the 2010 Census advertising campaign represents the most extensive and diverse outreach campaign in U.S. history. The advertising rollout also included updates on other outreach efforts, such as the Census in Schools program, "Portrait of America" Road Tour, and the national and regional partnership

programs targeted at reaching hard-to-count populations. Other key elements of the 2010 Census Integrated Communications Campaign include: â&#x20AC;˘ A national road tour with 13 vehicles traveling to key events across the country, such as NASCAR races, the Super Bowl, parades and more. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 19

Search for mentally-challenged Artesia man India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department are seeking the public's assistance in locating a missing person, Michael Lobben, Michael Lobben

who lives on Artesia Boulevard in Artesia. He was last seen at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 16, 2010 prior to escaping from a secured facility. The missing person suffers from schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder and a diminished mental capacity. His family is very concerned

and is also asking for the public's assistance. Last seen wearing blue jeans, white shirt and white running shoes. His details are: Age 53, 5' 09", 167 lbs., gray hair, brown eyes, wears glasses. Scar: An approximate 4" scar on forehead along the hairline. Those with any information

should contact the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau, Missing Person's Detail marking Attention: Detective T. Abraham or Detective Diane M. Harris. File Number 010-01355-1348-400 Phone (323) 890-5500 Fax (323) 887-1160. L.A.S.D. Homicide Bureau, 5747 Rickenbacker Road, Commerce 90040.

India Post

Community/California

January 29, 2010

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Shopping Festival in Norwalk

JS BEDI India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: Lakewood based US-India Business Forum held a shopping festival at the Sanatan Dharam Temple in Norwalk Dec 17 to Dec 27 2009. Vendors from India and here set up booths to sell a variety of products ranging from garments to marble products, jewelry and accessories, footwear, decoration items and paintings. The expo was attended by local mayors and politicians. Orange County Sheriff Lee Baca cut the ribbon to open the festival. Consul General Sushmita Thomas and her husband also visited the expo. The pictures show a glimpse into the activities at the ten day long event.

When Afghan invaders begged for shelter from Mahraja Ranjit Singh SAWAN SINGH PRINCIPAL (RETD)

fghan invaders attacked India many times and not only killed thousands of innocent Indians, but also looted their property and violated their honor. In 1739 Persian King Nadir Shah conquered Delhi and left India for his home laden with enormous booty, which included the famous Koh-I-Noor, the bejeweled peacock throne and thousands of slaves. When Nadir Shah was murdered in 1747, his most trusted General, Ahmad Shah Durrani, ruled Af-

ghanistan and attacked India nine times. In 1748 he conquered and plundered Lahore. During his 5th invasion in 1761, he defeated Marathas in the Battle of Panipat. In February, 1762 he mercilessly killed 30,000 Sikhs at Kup near Malerkotla. He also blew up Harimandir Sahib at Amritsar with gunpowder. His attacks and loot are recalled to this day in the saying:Khada Pita lahe da, Rahnda Ahmed Shahe da. (What we eat and drink is our own; the rest will go to Ahmad Shah.)

After his death in 1772, his son, Timur Shah, ruled Afghanistan for 21 years. He invaded five times, sacked western Punjab and killed many innocent persons. His son, Shah Zaman, attacked India four times, but could not reach Delhi due to confrontation by the Sikhs. He captured Lahore, but the Sikh army did not allow him to enter Amritsar. Ahmad Shah's sons began to quarrel among themselves and there was confusion and anarchy. Shah Zaman's step brother, Mahmud dethroned, blinded and imprisoned Shah Zaman in 1795. Another brother Shah Shuja overpowered Mahmud, took his place, firmly installed himself and also acquired Koh-I-Noor. Shah Shuja's success had been short-lived and Mahmud dethroned him in 1809. Shah Shuja with his wife Wafa Begam and other members of the family left Kabul for Punjab. Governor of Attock arrested Shah Shuja and sent him to his

After his death in 1772, his son, Timur Shah, ruled Afghanistan for 21 years. He invaded five times, sacked western Punjab and killed many innocent persons Mahraja Ranjit Singh

brother,Ata Muhammad Khan, governor of Kashmir who not only imprisoned him (Shah Shuja) in the fort of Koh-i-Maran, but also tortured him to get Koh-I-Noor. Wafa Begam with other members of the family and much of the treasury

including the Koh-I-Noor escaped. Shah Zaman who had attacked Punjab four times joined her at Rawalpindi and they went to Lahore where Maharaja Ranjit Singh gave them asylum in 1812. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 19

January 29, 2010

Community/California When Afghan invaders begged for shelter from Mahraja Ranjit Singh

India Post 19

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Tambar takes over as SAYA Exec Dir Cont’d from page 16

"I am thrilled to come back to SAYA!," said Tambar, "I look forward to working with the Board of Directors and staff in fulfilling this important mission to create meaningful opportunities for underserved youth." Founded in 1996, SAYA! works to ensure the successful economic, social and civic integration of South Asian American youth, thereby preventing them from being trapped in poverty. Services include academic preparation, sports activities and leadership development. Tambar will oversee a budget of $1.3 million and a staff of 40 full-time and part-time staff. Tambar is presently the Assistant Deputy Commissioner for Parent and Community Engagement at the New York City Human Resources Administration, managing child support programs that strengthen and develop strategies to help low-income fathers be more involved in the lives of their children. Prior to his appointment in 2008, he was Special Assistant to HRA Commissioner Robert Doar, acting as a policy liaison with Mayor Bloomberg's Office and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services. Tambar was a member of the Urban Policy committee for Obama for America.

RIC discusses job creation with Gov. Bolling Cont’d from page 16

Some of the other ideas proposed by RIC members at the meeting addressed health care, infrastructure, and information technology. Some highlights include: • Healthcare: RIC recommended ideas for reform and more funding for mental health facilities. • Infrastructure: RIC proposed unbundling and privatization of Virginia's port facilities. • Information Technology (IT): RIC proposed the creation of a software park in Virginia with special business tax credits, already being provided by the State, and work programs, internships, and certification programs with Virginia IT firms and local colleges. The RIC is a political action committee that was recently formed to coordinate and give voice to Indian-American Republicans across the United States of America. The organization will be announcing the formation of several State Chapters shortly. Dr. Kamlesh Dave is the Chairman of Virginia's RIC Chapter, and Puneet Ahluwalia is the President of the Chapter.

Cont’d from page 18

Afghan royal family (invaders of India) was on Maharaja Ranjit Singh's doorstep begging for help. They were living on the pension granted by him. Ranjit Singh paid Wafa Begam Rs.4,000 pm to meet the expenses of the whole family. In December, 1812, Wazir Fateh Khan of Afghanistan sought Ranjit Singh's military help to oust Ata Khan from Kashmir and offered to share with him the booty. Wafa Begam feared that her husband would be murdered if he fell into the Wazir's hands. She promised to give Ranjit Singh the KohI-Noor diamond if he rescued her husband from captivity and brought him safe at Lahore. Ranjit Singh sent a force of 12,000 cho-

sen troops under Diwan Mohkam hand over the Koh-I-Noor to Ranjit Chand to accompany the Wazir Singh. The Begam avoided partand also instructed him (Diwan) ing with the diamond and said that to secure the release of Shah Shuja it had been pawned to a moneyand bring him lender at safely to Kandahar. Shah Lahore. The Shuja also made Sikh army excuses. Ranjit reached the Singh underdestination stood her relucahead of Fateh tance and ofKhan, rescued fered to make a Shah Shuja and token payment escorted him to of 3 lac rupees Lahore. and a jagir of Rs. Shah Shuja 50,000 to the was given a family. Even this royal reception offer failed to The Koh-I-Noor Diamond at Lahore and bring the Begam delivered to his around. Now wife, Wafa Begam. She was asked Ranjit Singh got angry and placed to make good on her promise and a heavy guard on the Afghan fam-

ily lest someone should escape with the diamond. After some days, Shah Shuja invited Ranjit Singh to his house and handed over the fabulous diamond to Ranjit Singh on 1st June, 1813. Shah Shuja was not reduced to penury by this loss. He continued receiving allowance from the Sikh kingdom and owned considerable wealth in gold and jewels. These facts are based on the autobiographical sketch written by Shah Shuja himself. Some historians, inimical to Ranjit Singh, have distorted this episode. If Ranjit Singh had wanted to rob the Begam, none could stop him from doing so. He did not use any force and adopted an honorable course. Thus Ranjit Singh recovered the Indian treasure looted from Delhi in 1739 after 74 years.

Census ad campaign to boost mail-back participation Cont’d from page 17

• A 2010 Census Web site, located at 2010census.gov with indepth information on the 2010 Census, plus a social media component. • "Teach Census" Week in schools nationwide in February, part of the Census in Schools program. • Public service announcements airing nationwide. • The "Take 10" program to encourage every resident to take 10 minutes to fill out their form in an

effort to increase mail response rates in March and April. • Outreach activities launched by national and local corporate,

everyone living in the United States and is mandated by the U.S. Constitution. Census data are used to apportion congressional

‘The 2010 Census is important, easy and safe,’ Groves said. ‘When the forms begin arriving in March, we urge everyone to take a few minutes to fill them out and mail them back’ foundation, government and nonprofit organizations. The 2010 Census is a count of

seats to states, to distribute more than $400 billion in federal funds to tribal, state and local govern-

ments each year and to make decisions about what community services to provide. The 2010 Census form will be one of the shortest in U.S. history, consisting of 10 questions, taking about 10 minutes to complete. Strict confidentiality laws protect the respondents and the information they provide. "The 2010 Census is important, easy and safe," Groves said. "When the forms begin arriving in March, we urge everyone to take a few minutes to fill them out and mail them back."

Health

Line

Iowa hospitals ease visitor rules because of flu

DES MOINES, Iowa: Two major hospital groups in Des Moines are relaxing visitor guidelines enacted last fall because of the flu. Iowa Health-Des Moines and Mercy Medical Center said they were easing restrictions put in place last October because a significant number of Iowans have been vaccinated against H1N1 and seasonal flu. Officials also note that Iowa continues to see a reduction in H1N1 cases and confirmed cases of seasonal flu haven't been detected yet. Under the restrictions, children weren't allowed to visit most patients and only two people at a time could visit any one person. The Iowa flu season typically lasts into March. The hospitals say visitors will be asked to take normal precautions, including not visiting patients if they have flu-like symptoms. -AP

W.Va. lawmakers question health care cost figures CHARLESTON, W.Va.: A top lawmaker has asked the state to re-examine its estimate that federal health care legislation could cost West Virginia hundreds of millions of dollars. Delegate Don Perdue, chairman of the House Health and Human Resources committee, said that the state agency that produced the estimates has agreed to look at them again in light of questions over how the projections were reached. Earlier this month, Gov. Joe Manchin said the Department of Health and Human Resources estimated that the expansion of Medicaid envisioned by two different federal bills would carry a hefty price tag for West Virginia. -AP

No new reports of brain disease MADISON, Wis.: It was six months ago that the University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison notified some surgery patients they may have been exposed to contaminated instruments. The exposure left the patients with a low risk of contracting a deadly brain disorder. The hospital says as of mid-December, none of the 53 patients reported any symptoms of the disorder. The surgical tools were used on a woman who died of CreutzfeldtJakob disease. The other patients had surgery when the instruments were still in use. -AP

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January 29, 2010

AAPI conducts global healthcare summit India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Indian-origin physicians from the US, UK, Canada, Australia and other nations gathered in New Delhi last week for AAPI Global Healthcare Summit to discuss and improve healthcare delivery system in collaboration with their Indian counterparts. American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), which conducted the Indo-US Healthcare Summit for two years in 2007 and 2009 took the lead in putting together a two day summit inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Dinesh Trivedi. This year, AAPI roped in British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO) and topnotch Indian medical professional associations to make it truly a global summit. The Summit shared the best practices and experience from leading experts around the world to develop actionable plans for launching demonstration projects with focus on prevention treatment and management of priority disease states in India with define measurable metrics to ensure that action plans are economically viable. The Indian associations work-

Union Minister of state for Health and Family Welfare Dinesh Trivedi lights the traditional lamp to mark the inauguration of AAPI Global Healthcare Summit in New Delhi. Others in the picture are Dr Ketan Desai, president of Medical Council of India, Dr G Samaram, President of Indian Medical Association, Dr Vinod Shah, President of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) and Dr Ramesh Mehta, President of British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO)

The Summit shared the best practices and experience from leading experts around the world to develop actionable plans for launching demonstration projects ing in tandem this year are Indian Medical Association (IMA); AmeriCares India; Federation of Obstetric & Gynecological Societies of India (FOGSI), Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP); Association of Surgeons of India (ASI); Indian Society of Medical and Pediatric Oncology (ISMPO)

ICON and Urogynacology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Society of India. Healthcare companies like Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer are the global sponsors for the summit. The physicians will discuss project -based healthcare system and time-bound delivery mechanism.

The Summit brought together some of the world's most renowned experts to focus on priority disease states such as Allergy & Immunology, Cardiovascular, Diabetes, Infectious Disease (HIV/AIDS), Emergency Medicine, Mental Health and Maternal & Child Health. This year's summit had a wider global perspective with the addition of medical tourism and Health Information Technology. Dr. Vinod K Shah, AAPI President, welcoming the gathering, said advances in vaccination, antibiotics, minimum invasive surgery, robotic technology, diagnostic modality and understanding of genetics have shown a breakthrough results. "This is a stunning achievement we all can be proud of and yet the problem with access to healthcare is real, a striking contrast. The gap in health between poor and rich remains wide." India spends only six percent of its GDP on healthcare of which only 1.5 percent comes from government spending. The healthcare manpower and provider are extremely low. There are only 100 physicians for 100,000 populations in India and this is lower than what is required to assure adequate healthcare coverage. Cont’d on page 22

FDA debates tougher cancer warning on tanning beds WASHINGTON: Just as millions head to tanning beds to prepare for spring break, the Food and Drug Administration will be debating how to toughen warnings that those sunlamps pose a cancer risk. Yes, sunburns are particularly dangerous. But there's increasing scientific consensus that there's no such thing as a safe tan, either. This is a message that Katie Donnar, 18, dismissed until a year ago when, preparing for the Miss Indiana pageant, she discovered a growth on her leg - an early-stage melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. She can't prove tanning beds

are to blame, but started using them as a sixth-grade cheerleader, says she stepped under the bulbs about every other day during parts of high school, and at one point even owned one. No more. ``It seemed somewhat of a myth

the tanning bed. The World Health Organization's cancer division last summer listed tanning beds as definitive cancer-causers, right alongside the ultraviolet radiation that both they and the sun emit. They'd

Tanning beds do bear some warnings about the cancer link, but the FDA recently decided those labels aren't visible enough to consumers and don't fully convey the risk that I was putting myself at risk,'' says Donnar, of Bruceville, Ind., who found the melanoma before it spread. ``The warning label was so small, nothing to make me stop and think, 'This is real,' `` she said of

long been considered ``probable'' carcinogens, but what tipped the scales: An analysis of numerous studies that concluded the risk of melanoma jumps by 75 percent in people who used tanning beds in

their teens and 20s. Next comes the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which has long regulated tanning beds as ``Class I devices,'' a category of low-risk medical devices that includes bandages. Tanning beds do bear some warnings about the cancer link, but the FDA recently decided those labels aren't visible enough to consumers and don't fully convey the risk, especially to young people. So in March, the FDA's scientific advisers open a public hearing to explore stricter tanning bed regulation, both stiffer warnings and reclassifying them to allow other steps. Cont’d on page 22

Health Science Post

January 29, 2010

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Conjoined Arizona twins readying for separation MESA, Ariz.: Conjoined twins from Arizona have already defied medical expectations by living past their third birthdays. Now their parents hope the girls will become one of the first sets of twins sharing a heart to be successfully separated. Emma and Taylor Bailey, from the San Tan Valley area near Phoenix, were born connected at the chest, sharing a liver and a sevenchambered heart. Most hearts have four chambers. Their parents, Mandy and Tor Bailey, weren't expecting them to ever leave the hospital. Emma and Taylor exceeded expectations but now have heart failure. And their parents know the girls must be surgically separated to survive in the long term. The Baileys have been working with a team at Seattle Children's Hospital for about two years to prepare. The family said a medical team at the Seattle hospital has successfully separated twins before and is confident it can save both girls, even though it has

never separated twins with a shared heart. The girls had two preliminary surgeries and have a few more to go before they'll be ready for separation and heart transplants. The family hopes all the preliminary procedures will be done by the end of this year.

The girls had two preliminary surgeries and have a few more to go before they'll be ready for separation and heart transplants ``It feels like we were intended to go this direction,'' Mandy Bailey told the East Valley Tribune newspaper. ``We don't feel unnerved about it. We certainly understand the risks. We also understand the outcome if we don't do anything.'' The Baileys' story has drawn

an outpouring of support. The family is gearing up for its second annual fun run fundraiser on Feb. 13. Last year's event attracted 1,000 runners and 5,000 people who attended an accompanying festival with food booths and other activities. The family will eventually move to the Seattle area to be near the hospital. But for now, Mandy Bailey travels with the girls when they have a surgery or need to visit the medical team. The most recent visit was a surgery shortly before Thanksgiving. The procedure went well, but there was an added complication when the twins got swine flu. What was expected to be a 10-day hospital stay turned into three weeks, Mandy Bailey said. The girls were sedated during the worst of the flu and got home a few days after Thanksgiving, in time for a turkey dinner. Mandy Bailey said the hospital visits have become ``just kind of a normal routine'' for her family. ``It's just part of our life right now,'' she said. -AP

US surgery tech details stealing painkiller DENVER: A surgery technician who infected three dozen people with hepatitis C and may have exposed thousands of others by switching used syringes with ones filled with a powerful painkiller says she got careless and doesn't expect to be forgiven. Ahead of a hearing where she'll be sentenced to 20 years in prison, Kristen Diane Parker described for prosecutors how she slipped through a hospital's drug screening process and began stealing drugs as she coped with a heroin addiction. ``I can't ask for forgiveness,'' a tearful Parker, 27, told Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaime Pena during a videotaped interview Jan. 11. ``I don't expect anybody to forgive me for what I've done. You know, I'm human. I was a drug addict.'' Parker pleaded guilty to tampering with a consumer product and obtaining a controlled substance by deceit or subterfuge. She admitted stealing syringes filled with Fentanyl from operating carts while employed at Denver's Rose Medical Center and Colorado Springs' Audubon Surgery Center.

Fentanyl is 80 to 100 times more powerful than morphine. She told prosecutors she injected herself with the Fentanyl, then replaced it with saline. She said she intended to put the saline in clean needles but got careless. Parker maintains she didn't know she had hepatitis C. Prosecutors say her scheme exposed nearly 6,000 patients at the two

'I don't expect anybody to forgive me for what I've done. You know, I'm human. I was a drug addict' hospitals to the incurable liver disease. Thirty-six of them got infected. ``It really doesn't matter if it's one or 30,'' author and freelance writer Pat Criscito of Monument, south of Denver, said, adding she thought Parker should have faced attempted murder charges. ``There are some people who are not going to live as long as they were going to because of her.'' -AP

Health Science Post

India Post

January 29, 2010

www.indiapost.com

NH dentists emphasize prevention, fluoridation CONCORD, NH: New Hampshire dentists are encouraging primary care physicians to perform more oral health screenings and urging more communities to add fluoride to their public water supplies. In a report, the New Hampshire Dental Society outlines five goals aimed at improving oral health in a state where 39 percent of the population lacks dental insurance, less than half the public water supplies are fluoridated and many children don't get dental care. Encouraging partnerships with primary care doctors and expanding fluoridation fall under the first goal: demonstrating the importance of prevention. The society recommends that dentists work with hospitals, obstetricians and primary care doctors to educate parents about the benefits of early screening. For example, new parents who are taught at a hospital how to bathe their babies also could be taught about oral health care. The group also supports a bill before the Legislature that would create a commission to study how

to get pediatricians and other family physicians to do oral health screenings on children, administer fluoride varnish and refer patients to dentists when necessary. About 40 percent of New Hampshire residents on public water supplies receive fluoridated water, the lowest percentage in New England. Connecticut and

The society recommends that dentists work with hospitals, obstetricians and primary care doctors to educate parents about the benefits of early screening Maine have rates above 80 percent, Maine's rate is almost 80 percent and Massachusetts and Vermont are close to 60 percent, according to the report. The report's other goals include educating the public about the correlation between oral health and general health, supporting

and expanding nonprofit and school-based dental programs, enhancing the state's oral health work force and removing barriers to oral health care. The state has about 1,000 active licensed dentists, a 33 percent increase in the last decade. But the report notes that access does not depend only on the availability of dentists. For example, patients may lack transportation or may not speak English and therefore can't call to make an appointment. The report recommends creating central case coordinator positions, or ``oral health coaches,'' who would reach out to individuals and families to emphasize the importance of frequent dental care and to help overcome obstacles to making and keeping appointments. It points to a program run by Monadnock Community Hospital and area dentists that includes a coordinator who links available providers with children and adults. A recent study by the New Hampshire Center for Public Policy Study found that Hillsborough, Grafton and Coos

AAPI conducts global healthcare summit Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 20

The prevalence of coronary artery disease is alarming and will be number one cause for death and disability that can have a devastating economic impact. The prevalence of Diabetes, HIV/ AIDS, Mental Health, Cancer and Nutritional & Infectious Diseases also pose a grave challenge. AAPI would like to partner with union and state governments, NGOs and Foundations in improving the healthcare of the masses. The AAPI Global Healthcare Summit can be an answer to prevent those dire consequences on the economy and social fabrics and what we are starting today can be a true global partnership at much larger scale. "We deliberated on some of the issues of clinical relevance to develop a plan and specific recommendations to implement projects that are significant and yet economically viable and have a potential for broader scope." "Based on our experience and feedback from a strategic planning session, the 2010 Summit was the first truly Global Healthcare Summit that focused on India with the inclusion of BAPIO and physicians of Indian origin in the world, AAPI will continue to be the lead

organizer working with Indian organizations," he said. Dr. Ajeet Singhvi, presidentelect of AAPI, chaired the strategic discussion panel of the summit, said a separate panel of experts deliberated a concrete plan of practical action to combat H1N1 virus and ways to involve global experts to tackle the global endemic. The deliberations of the previous two Indo-US Healthcare

The Summit discussed strategies to educate, prevent and manage the disease with the help of Government of India summits have created awareness with AIMS and other medical universities starting post graduate course in emergency medicine with the help and guidance of US experts in the field, he added. The physicians also chalked out a definitive plan to use Health Information Technology as a tool to improve efficiency, effectiveness in delivery and access to care. The physicians also discussed on how to make use of profits from

medical tourism to help the poor get better treatment in India, he said. India is on the way to become diabetes capital of the world and brings with it cardio vascular diseases. The Summit discussed strategies to educate, prevent and manage the disease with the help of Government of India. Recommendations from the previous Summits would be used to create an effective module. AAPI and Johnson & Johnson are leading the efforts along with Indian Academy of Pediatrics to reduce Infant Mortality which came in for praise from the Government of India. Encouraging Indian medical universities to start a certificate program in allergy and immunology, tackling malnutrition problems, Vitamin- D deficiency, and mother and child healthcare initiatives, setting up of health desk at hospitals for better patient management, cancer prevention and awareness will be some of the deliberations at the Summit. Johnson and Johnson along with Pfizer has been a key supporter of the Summit from its inception and believe the company can make a difference to help improve access, quality and delivery of healthcare system.

counties had 6.3 dentists per 10,000 residents, compared with a national rate of 5.5. Belknap County had a rate of 4.9 and Carroll County's rate was 4.4. Sullivan County had the fewest provider

at 3.3 dentists per 10,000 residents. The New Hampshire Dental Society has more than 800 members representing more than 85 percent of the state's practicing dentists. -AP

FDA debates tougher cancer warning on tanning beds Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 20

``We don't recommend using them at all, but we know people do use them so we want to make them as low-risk as possible,'' says FDA UV radiation specialist Sharon Miller. The Indoor Tanning Association, already fighting pending legislation that would tax tanning salons to help pay for Congress' health care overhaul, argues there's no new science to justify increased FDA regulation. Any risk is to people who overdo it, says ITA President Dan Humiston, arguing that's easier to do in the sun. The industry is open to some change in warning labels, Humiston says, to ensure customers ``understand the whole process, so there's no chance they could be overexposed, no chance they could get a sunburn.'' But the FDA also says some people go too often, using tanning beds three times a week, for example, when its research shows once a week would provide visually the same tan. The tanning bed debate isn't an excuse to roast in the sun instead. Nor is melanoma the only risk. Also linked to UV exposure are basal and squamous cell carcinomas, which affect more than 1 million Americans a year. They're usually easily removed but the American Cancer Society counts 2,000 annual deaths. Melanoma is more lethal: Nearly 69,000 US cases were diagnosed last year, and about 8,650 people died. Fair-skinned people who don't tan easily are at highest risk. Melanoma is particularly linked to sunburns at a young age, and while it usually strikes in the 40s and 50s, doctors are seeing ever-younger cases like Donnar. A good tan provides the equivalent of a sunscreen rated just SPF-4, and even good tanners can get melanoma, says Dr. Margaret Tucker of the National Cancer Institute. Their risk, like

everybody's, increases with increasing UV exposure. Why? ``If there was enough (UV) to give you a tan, it had to have triggered DNA damage,'' says Dr. David Fisher of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and a spokesman for the Skin Cancer Foundation. Here's how: A protein called p53 is activated by genetic damage from UV rays. Its main job is to mend such damage, but it also sets off a chain reaction _ triggering production of a hormone that filters down to pigment-producing cells called melanocytes and orders them to color the skin's surface, Fisher explains.

Fair-skinned people who don't tan easily are at highest risk. Melanoma is particularly linked to sunburns at a young age, and while it usually strikes in the 40s and 50s, doctors are seeing ever-younger cases like Donnar In other words, ``the very pathway for tanning is directly biochemically linked to the same pathway of carcinogenesis,'' says Fisher. He acknowledges it's impossible to predict if a drop in indoor tanning might translate into less cancer because everyone gets sun. ``We don't want people to become indoor cave-dwellers,'' says NCI's Tucker. So be out in the early morning and late afternoon, when those UV rays penetrate less, and use sunscreen. In Indiana, that's Donnar's new lifestyle, plus some spray-on tanners for pageants. ``My friends call me 'snow princess' now but I feel comfortable in my own skin.'' -AP

Realty Tidbits

Mauritius to finalize bidder for building new city NEW DELHI: Mauritius says it expects to award contract by March for the construction of new city, for which Indian firm Mahindra Lifespaces, along with Abu Dhabi-based realty firm Bloom Properties, is also in race. "We are having serious negotiations. A decision is expected by March on the award contract ... The construction of the new city is expected to commence by January 2011," Raju Jaddoo, Managing Director of Board of Investment (Mauritius) told reporters here. -PTI

Sunil Mantri to invest in Bangalore project MUMBAI: Real estate major Sunil Mantri Group has said it will invest Rs 250 crore to build an integrated housing project in Bangalore, which is close to the offices of major IT companies and the Electronic City. Christened as Mantri Premero, the project will be a large-scale residential township spread over 3.25 acres, a company release said here. The project boasts of proximity to nature apart from meticulous planning, landscaping, privacy and use of quality building materials. "Bangalore being one of the most prominent landmarks on the world map, inspired us to develop good quality homes and spaces that are at par with world-class standards," Group Chairman Sunil Mantri said. -PTI

BlackRock buys Helix Financial Group

NEW YORK: Global fund house BlackRock has acquired the assets of the US-based Helix Financial Group, which has operations in India, for an undisclosed amount. Helix Financial provides advisory, valuation and analytics solutions to commercial real estate lenders and investors. The transaction, which would strengthen the commercial real estate presence of BlackRock, closed on January 15, BlackRock said in a statement. Helix Financial has an office in Gurgaon and employees about 100 people. Post-deal, Helix Financial would be fully integrated into BlackRock Solutions, a unit of the fund house that offers a range of tools and services to institutions to manage their capital markets exposures and risks.-PTI

Real Estate T

Govt rejects proposal to drop FDI realty lock-in

23 India Post

www.indiapost.com

January 29, 2010

he finance ministry has rejected a proposal by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promo tion (DIPP) that had suggested dropping the mandatory three-year lock-in for foreign direct investment in the real estate sector, affecting the prospects of the sector raising funds from overseas. The finance ministry has rejected the proposal from DIPP seeking to remove this (lock-in on FDI) clause, a government official confirmed.

India among top five emerging markets F

oreign investors in real estate continue to repose their faith in US markets as they believe the country provides the best opportunity for capital appreciation, while India is among the top five emerging market in this space, a survey says. According to a survey conducted among the members of the Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate (AFIRE) "In 2009, foreign investors in real estate say they remain committed to the US as their preferred real estate investment opportunity." The United Kingdom emerged as the second-best country for capital appreciation, receiving 30 per cent of respondents' votes followed by China which received 10 per cent. The survey further said the top five emerging markets are China, Brazil, India, Mexico and

Turkey. China was considered as the top emerging market, followed by Brazil and India. "New money is becoming available and the AFIRE survey points to an increased focus and interest in a few select markets for 2010, especially London and in the US,

respondents planning to increase their investment in the US in 2010 as compared to 2009. In the June 2009 mid-year survey, half the respondents said they expected recovery by or before the second quarter of 2010, while in the 2010 annual survey, half the

The United Kingdom emerged as the secondbest country for capital appreciation, receiving 30 per cent of respondents' votes followed by China which received 10 per cent. The survey further said the top five emerging markets are China, Brazil, India, Mexico and Turkey where prospects appear to be brightening," AFIRE's newlyelected chairman Werner Sohier said. Optimism about the state of the US real estate market remains strong, with nearly two thirds of

respondents said they expect the recovery by or before the fourth quarter of 2010. Globally three cities emerged as clear targets for investors' real estate dollars. London surged onto first

place with a significant lead over both Washington and New York in second and third places respectively. Paris and Tokyo were placed as distant fourth- and fifthplace cities. The survey was conducted in the fourth quarter of 2009 among the association's nearly 200 members. The respondents own more than USD 842 billion of real estate globally including $304 billion in the US. As many as 51 per cent of respondents identified the US for providing the best opportunity for capital appreciation, against 37 per cent in 2008, the survey said. Moreover, as a portion of global real estate, the US 2010 allocations for debt represented 80 per cent of the global pool and allocations for equity represented 49 per cent, the survey added.

Builders eye 1,000 km expressway projects KOLKATA: The Indian government says it will award four expressway projects, stretching up to 1,000 km, by the end of the year. The Transport Ministry had in November 2006 proposed four Expresways-the VadodaraMumbai, Bangalore-Chennai, New Delhi-Meerut and KolkataDhanbad- totaling 1,000 km, to

be developed under the National Highways Development Project. "We will award these four projects by December," Transport Secretary Brahm Dutt told reporters here. He also said the qualification norms for bidding for these projects would be simplified to enable larger participation by do-

Rise in Kolkata commercial real estate segment

fter a lull last year, demand for commercial property is steadily rising. Realtors and developers feel market conditions should return to normal, although no one knows how long it will take. "It is definitely en route to revival. There may not be many transactions, but enquiry levels have increased around 30 per cent compared with January. It is a good sign. There is more demand for commercial spaces in the non-IT

sphere," said Abhijit Das, joint managing director of Lemongrass Advisors. Jitendra Khaitan, CEO, Pioneer Property Management, said, "Demand for commercial property is rising. There are large transactions. Prices for commercial property in central Kolkata have already appreciated," he said, adding that there used to be 10-20 transactions per month six months ago. However, there are about 100 transactions a month now.

mestic firms. "At present, the domestic firms have to join hands with international players to bid for bigger projects. We will make the bidding norms easier for domestic infrastructure firms to bid on their own," Dutt said. He, however, did not give specifics of the norms. The Ministry had last year planned 10 mega highways projects of 4,000 km each to be developed through public-private-partnership mode. He also said the Ministry is look-

ing at ways to develop real estate along another 18,000 km of the expressways that it plans to build. The government had earlier proposed a nationwide network of expressways. The final master plan submitted for these stretches by the official consultant envisaged construction of 18,637 km of expressways at a cost of Rs 18 crore per km for a four-lane project and Rs 25.5 crore per km for a six-lane project.

1 Noor E Khuda - My Name Is Khan

6 Phir Se - Toh Baat Pakki!

2 Taali - Veer

7 Tu Jo Jaan Le - Dulha Mil Gaya

3 Zoobi Doobi - 3 Idiots

8 Hey Ya! - Karthik Calling Karthik

4 Dil To Bachcha Hai - Ishqiya

9 Maa Tera Jaisa - Bolo Raam

5 Just Do It - Chance Pe Dance

India Post

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10 Remote Ko Baahar Phek - Rann

January 29, 2010

ver since voluptuous Zarine Khan stepped into Bollywood, she has been talk of the town due to her resemblance to sexy Katrina Kaif. Zarine who is playing princess of 18th century in the magnum opus Veer paired opposite Salman Khan has altogether a different view on this. She explains, "I have always taken the observation as a compliment and indisputably she is one of most beautiful women we have in the film fraternity today. However, as far my resemblance to her is concerned I don't share the opinion with others and same goes for Katrina. Katrina too agrees with me on that." She goes on to add, "Katrina and I are two different individuals and personas good in their own way. And she has already made her presence felt and I am on the threshold and have a long way to go." So, the statements about resemblance are baseless with due respect to people who feel so," Zarine says with a smile. However the buzz in Bollywood refuses to die. Filmmaker Vikram Kumar says, "My first thought on seeing Zarine was that she must be Katrina's sister. There is such a strong resemblance." Designer Charu Parashar explains the possible logic behind her similar style of dressing. "Zarine knows that she looks like Katrina, so she is trying to ape her dressing style. The saris that she is wearing are very `Katrina' -plain colors, chiffon, sequins with slinky blouses."

t Rs 8 crore per film, Kareena Kapoor has become the highest paid Bollywood actress. She has charged a whopping Rs 8 crores for her next film and reportedly charges Rs 5 crore per endorsement. Bebo's latest earnings surpass that of contemporaries Priyanka Chopra and Katrina

Worth 8 cr or e cror ore

Kaif by quite a margin. While Priyanka was reportedly paid Rs 6 crore for Yash Raj Films' Pyaar Impossible, Kat is said to charge Rs 5 crores per film. "I get what I deserve," says Kareena proudly, when asked about these figures. "I don't think actors should talk about their prices as it is not for the world to know. It is between my bank and me. The important thing is that I get what I should, as I fit the mould. As long as my bank is getting full, I don't care about the number game," said the actress.

Bollywood

January 29, 2010

India Post

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kshay Kumar's daredevil lifestyle and love for the adrenaline rush seems to be taking a toll on his health. The actor, who is known to perform his own stunts and jump off great heights for almost all his films, has badly hurt himself and sprained his back. The macho hunk was gravely injured while shooting a stunt sequence for his production `Patiala House`. Concerned over Akki's condition, the filmmakers were left with little choice but to wrap up the shoot. Confirming the news, a source said, "Since he performs stunts on his own, it takes a greater toll on the back. And he's had a back problem for a really long time. The pain wasn't getting any less. Akshay decided to wrap up the shoot. The doctor has advised the actor physiotherapy and adequate rest." But more than his health, the workaholic actor was worried about the film. However, being the film's producer, Akshay realized that the only one who stood a chance to lose money because of his absence was him. "No-one else lost money by his canceling the shoot, so Akshay didn't think twice. He's had a record of working in the industry without ever canceling a shoot, only because he doesn't like the producer to suffer losses at his expense," adds the source. Director Nikhil Advani said, "Yes, Akshay hurt his back while shooting. His back got strained earlier in the day during his exercises, but after the shoot, it got further aggravated."

he hottest couple of 2009, Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif, are to pair up again in Imtiaz Ali's Rock Star. After the super success of Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, they have become the hottest onscreen pair in Bollywood. And now, Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif are ready for an encore. They will star in Imtiaz Ali's next, his long-in-the-pipeline project Rock Star. The film has passed through the hands of many potential rock stars. Imtiaz first offered it to John Abraham. Excited as hell, John had begun to prepare for the part and even started to learn the guitar in

2008. Then, Imtiaz found an option - Saif Ali Khan seemed perfect for Rock Star because he was almost one in real life. If he played the role, he didn't even need to start learning the guitar. However, Saif and Imtiaz did Love Aaj Kal instead. During the making of the film, Rishi Kapoor, who also starred in it, was so impressed by Imtiaz that he swore he would make the director work with his son Ranbir.

T Nandita succumbs

here aren't very many Delhi-based Bollywood actors, but Nandita Das certainly figured high on the list. Even Aamir Khan - her co-star in 1947 Earth - had tried to convince her to move from Delhi to Mumbai to pursue her acting career, but she held strong. Now, Nandita has finally made Mumbai her home, post her recent marriage to environment entrepreneur Subodh Maskara. Confirming the news, she sighs, "What I resisted doing for 13 long years has finally been done. I couldn't imagine shifting to Mumbai for my career, but love did it." Subodh was introduced to Nandita by her friend Shahana Goswami (whom she directed last year in Firaq) and her boyfriend Milind Soman. "Milind and Shahana kept urging me to meet Subodh. But I'm the last person to believe in blind dates. But look at destiny, now I completely believe in instant love.

Sonakshi

one-take actor

alman Khan is taking his role as Sonakshi Sinha's guardian angel very seriously. The actor and Shatrughan and Punam Sinha's daughter have been shooting together for Abhinav Kashyap's Dabanng in Wai, Maharashtra. Salman is said to be monitoring every shot with hawk eyes to make sure Sonakshi lives up to everyone's expectations. The Sinha and Khan families are getting closer by the day, thanks to the paternal interest Salman is taking in Sonakshi's career. For New Year's, Shatrughan and Punam were at Salman's farm in Lonavala along with Sonakshi. Salman's also spreading the good word on the debutante actress' talents to other producers, one of them being his new producer-compatriot Boney Kapoor. Last week, Boney drove to Wai to see Sonakshi shoot and has apparently decided to cast her either in Mr India 2 or Wanted 2, both featuring Salman.

26 India Post

www.indiapost.com

January 29, 2010

www.indiapost.com

India Post 27

Announcing Air India’s All-INDIA service from Chicago Experience a new generation of aircraft. All of Air India’s ﬂights from the U.S. operate with new, state-of-the-art Boeing 777s. From the six foot-plus ﬂat beds in First and Executive Classes to the generous seat pitch in Economy Class, these luxurious aircraft offer a whole new dimension of comfort. On board our 777s you will also enjoy outstanding Indian cuisine and a large selection of current Indian films, music, and reading materials. And our gracious, multi-lingual flight attendants will see to all your needs.

Our new, direct ﬂights to Mumbai put virtually all of India within easy reach. Flights depart daily from O’Hare International Airport, make a brief stop in Frankfurt, and continue to Mumbai and Hyderabad. From Mumbai, Air India offers seamless connections to over 40 cities in India – including same-terminal connections to Bangalore, Chennai, Kochi, and other major locations. And in Frankfurt, you can also connect to our daily ﬂights to Delhi and Ahmedabad. No other airline makes getting from Chicago to your destination in India easier and more convenient. For details and reservations, see your travel agent, or call 1-800-223-7776.

Have you tried the new Air India? www.airindia.in

Sports Track Nothing to do with IPL, says govt NEW DELHI: Rejecting Pakistan's charge that its players were snubbed for IPL at the behest of India, External Affairs Minister S M Krishna has said it should draw a line between government programs and private events. "Government has nothing to do with IPL, on selection of players and various exercises that are connected with it. So, Pakistan will have to draw a line between where Government of India is connected and where Government of India is an actor," he said. Krishna said this when reporters sought his comments on Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik's remarks that the manner in which the players were "insulted" showed that India was not serious about the peace process. -PTI

SPORTS 28 India Post

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January 29, 2010

Kieron Pollard

Pollard, Bond costliest players at IPL auction

IPL advances match timing on FIH request MUMBAI: Acceding to a request from International Hockey Federation (FIH), the Indian Premier League has decided to advance the March 13 tie between Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals by one hour to provide a clear window for the hockey World Cup final. "It's a matter of pride for all of us in the BCCI and IPL that India is hosting the World Cup. To give a clear window for the March 13 final (in New Delhi) we will start the IPL match between Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals (at Mumbai) at 3 pm instead of 4 pm," IPL Chief Lalit Modi announced here. Modi's announcement came in the presence of FIH President Leandro Negre, who flew down personally to thank him for the gesture and said the World Cup final will be held between 6:30 pm and 8 pm on the same day. -PTI

Aussi govt reviewing Shiv Sena threat NEW DELHI: Taking serious view of Shiv Sena's threat to Australian cricketers not to participate in the lucrative IPL, Australia has said it will carry out a thorough "analysis of security" situation and advise its cricket board accordingly. However, Australian High Commissioner to India Peter Varghese made it clear that the government has nothing to do with individual players taking up private contracts. "In the course of time we will do our analysis of security situation and we will share that with the Cricket Australia. -PTI

Shane Bond

Commissioner of the Indian Premier League Lalit Kumar Modi, co-owner of 'Kings XI Punjab' Priety Zinta and co-owner of 'Rajasthan Royals' Shilpa Shetty attend a press conference after the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction in Mumbai on January 19

MUMBAI: Explosive West Indian all-rounder Kieron Pollard and ageing Kiwi paceman Shane Bond turned out to be the most expensive players, sold for a whopping USD 750,000 (app Rs 3.42 crore) at the third Indian Premier League auction here. But 11 Pakistanis, including Shahid Afridi with a base price of USD 250,000, in a 66-strong pool of players found no takers at the glitzy auction, attended by corporate bigwigs like Vijay Mallya and Nita Ambani and Bollywood stars

like Preity Zinta and Shilpa Shetty. Pollard, who started with a base price of USD 200,000, was expectedly one of the most sought

the 22-year-old. Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders also wanted

11 Pakistanis, including Shahid Afridi with a base price of USD 250,000, in a 66-strong pool of players found no takers at the glitzy auction, attended by corporate bigwigs after but was ultimately bought by Mumbai Indians with a 'silent tiebreaker bid' after four franchises ended up bidding the maximum on

to grab the big-hitting all-rounder but couldn't match Mumbai's undisclosed tie-breaker bid. "The tie-breaker bid amount

Pakistani cricketers angry, disappointed at IPL snub KARACHI: Pakistani cricketers, who were ignored by the Indian Premier League franchises in the auction, have reacted angrily to the snub with Twenty20 captain Shahid Afridi saying that the IPL's attitude was disappointing. Afridi, who was supposed to be the main attraction for franchises at the IPL auction in Mumbai, said from Brisbane he was disappointed and upset with the way things panned out. "The way I see it, the IPL and India have made fun of us and our country by treating us this way," Afridi said. "We are the Twenty20 World

Champions and for me the attitude of the franchises was disappointing. I feel bad for the Indian people who I am sure wanted to see us play in the IPL this year," Afridi said.

'The way I see it, the IPL and India have made fun of us and our country by treating us this way' Afridi said Afridi was the first player to be put on auction with a base price of USD 250,000 but no franchise was interested in buying him. Franchises preferred West In-

dian, South African and Australian players while ignoring the 11 Pakistani players who were available in the auction for sale. The franchises said Pakistani players' availability was not certain and they couldn't risk their money on them. Afridi was among the batch of Pakistani players who played in the first IPL season for Deccan Chargers. Senior all-rounder Abdul Razzaq, who was also among the players in the auction, said he saw the snub to Pakistani players as a joint strategy between the IPL and Indian government to insult Pakistan players. -PTI

remains with me and the team owners, it won't be disclosed," said IPL commissioner Lalit Modi. Like Pollard, the 34-year-old Bond (base price USD 100,000) also attracted a keen bidding war between Kolkata Knight Riders and Deccan Chargers but the Shah Rukh Khan-owned Kolkata walked away with the Kiwi after out-bidding Deccan in the tie-breaker. Bond, an Indian Cricket League returnee, had had an injury-marred career but Kolkata justified buying him saying that the pacer's experience would be valuable. "He is not playing Tests anymore. He is injury prone but his coach has told us that he is in good shape right now. We wanted a fast bowler and an experienced one. Shane fulfills the criteria," said KKR joint owner Jay Mehta. West Indians were also among the hot picks at the auction with paceman Kemar Roach becoming the second costliest player, sold to Deccan Chargers for USD 720,000. Both Pollard and Roach featured in the West Indian domestic side Trinidad and Tobago, which won the Champions League Twenty20 last year. "It was a team strategy decided by Sachin Tendulkar and Robin Singh to have Pollard. I go by their judgment," said Mumbai Indians owner Nita Ambani when asked why she chose to exhaust all the money on just one player. South African Wayne Parnell, a 20-year-old hard-hitting all-rounder, also fetched a lot more then his base price of USD 200,000, bought for USD 610,000 by Delhi Daredevils. Rajasthan Royals picked retired Australian Damien Martyn, also an ICL returnee, for USD 100,000 apart from securing the services of pacer Adam Voges for USD 50,000. "We were constantly on phone with our captain Shane Warne. He decides all this and we have got exactly what we wanted. Voges is a good player and so is Martyn," said Rajasthan stakeholder Shilpa Shetty. Chennai Super Kings recalled South African hard-hitter Justin Kemp by paying USD 100,000 and also bought emerging Sri Lankan batsman Thisara Perera for USD 50,000. -PTI

rajbhoomi comprises the twin cities of Mathura and Vrindavan. It is not just the sacred land where Lord Krishna was born and performed his cosmic leela, but a place full of divine reminiscences. Mathura lies 141 km south of Delhi and is the center of Brajamandala-the traditional name for Krishna country. Within it are located Gokul, Nandgaon, Barsana, Govardhan and Vrindavan, the important sites where Krishna grew up. It was in this area that Krishna grazed his cattle, killed demons, and played on his melodious flute at-

Brahmand Ghat is where Yashoda witnessed the entire universe in Krishna's mouth, when she chastised him for eating mud. On the way to Gokul is Ravalgaon where Radha was born tracting milkmaids whom he bullied for butter. It was here that he ultimately found Radha, his inseparable companion. Virindavan, 15 km from Mathura, however, was the favorite romantic haunt of the divine couple. The lotus-eyed, dark skinned Krishna is the complete and perfect man of Indian mythological traditions. That makes Krishna a major non-Aryan god in the Hindu pantheon. He was the eighth incarnation of Vishnu, the Preserver of the Universe. He took the human form to redeem mankind from

India Post

evil forces. Tourist attractions: Mathura: The tour of Brajbhoomi begins with the Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple at Mathura. This is the place where Krishna was born in a prison cell. Krishna's parents are said to have been imprisoned here. Near the Janmabhoomi is the Potara Kund where his baby clothes were washed. Located at Katra Keshav Deo, the temple is thronged by pilgrims from all over the world. The Dwarkadesh Temple, built by Seth Gokul Das of Gwalior in 1814, is situated in the heart of the city. It has some

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January 29, 2010

Brajbhoomi Birthplace of Krishna, full of divine reminiscences very fine paintings all along the walls depicting the life of Krishna. The Vishram Ghat on the bank of Yamuna is where Krishna rested after killing Kansa. Gokul: Gokul, 16 km from Mathura, is the place where Krishna grew up under the care of his foster parents, Nanda and Yashoda. The most notable structure in Gokul is the Chaurasi Khamba (84 pillars). It is also known as Nand Maharaja's

house. Mud temples dot the hillside marking the places where Krishna killed demons. A little distance away is Utkhal where Yashoda tied the child Krishna to a mortar for stealing butter. Brahmand Ghat: Brahmand Ghat is where Yashoda witnessed the entire universe in Krishna's mouth, when she chastised him for eating mud. On the way to Gokul is Ravalgaon where Radha was

born. Bhandirvan, 31 km from Mathura, is where Radha and Krishna were married under a banyan tree. On the sprawling sands of Raman Reti, the duo tossed and frolicked before proceeding to Vrindavan. Seven kilometers away is Toshgaon where Krishna's friend, Tosh taught him to dance. In Viharavana close by, Krishna learnt dancing from Radha. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 32

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January 29, 2010

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Rs 10cr eco-tourism project for Dehra-Ki-Gali JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir government has envisaged a project for eco-tourism development of Dehra-Ki-Gali and adjoining areas along Moghal road, and submitted it to the CenIf You are looking For the BEST & the MOST AUTHENTIC VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT IN TOWNCome to One and Only One Place

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tre for its nod. "Owing to its magnificent forests, splendid view and proximity to holy shrine of Shahadra Sharief, as well as Mughal road, a project proposal of Rs 9.3 crore

on eco-tourism development of Dehra-Ki-Gali (DKG) and adjoining area has been formulated and submitted to the Centre for approval," the Minister for Forests, Mian Altaf said here. The project, which includes construction of eco-friendly huts, trekking routes, nature interpretation centre, cafeterias, and children park, has been proposed to be implemented in five years, Altaf said. The project area once developed would attract a lot of tourists and this would provide employment avenues to unemployed youths, he added. -PTI

Govt's decision to censor 'bikini babes' welcomed PANAJI: The Goa Tourism industry has backed the government's decision to censor all advertisements showing 'bikini babes' as part of its fight against the growing image of the state as a sex-tourism destination. "Tourism will not be affected if bikini clad women disappear from the posters. In fact, it may help to get good tourists," Travel and Tours Association of Goa (TTAG) president Ralf De Souza told reporters here.

(Rates apply to only new clients)

‘Tourism will not be affected if bikini clad women disappear from the posters. In fact, it may help to get good tourists’ Advertisements showing scantily clad women project wrong impression of the state, he said. Talking to PTI last week, Goa Tourism Minister Fransisco Pacheco had announced that "bikini-clad babes" would vanish from advertisements promoting Goa tourism. Pacheo had said such advertisements were portraying the beach destination wrongly. The move had received the backing of Chief Minister Digamber Kamat, who said, "We should go for clean tourism. Government will try its level best to ensure that Goa is spared from the scar of bad tourism." -PTI

January 29, 2010

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Ladakh to come up as spiritual tourism destination LEH, Ladakh: Ladakh, the world famous trans-Himalayan land of myriad culture which houses ageold monasteries, is all set to become a spiritual tourism destination with the Centre sanctioning a multi-crore project. "Apart from being a foreigners' paradise and an ideal place for trekkers, Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir would now come up as a spiritual tourism destination," Minister of Tourism and Culture Nawag Rigzin Jora told PTI. The Centre has recently sanc-

tioned a Rs 25-crore project for Ladakh. "Here Buddhism is our USP. Under the project, Buddhist culture, heritage, way of life and landscapes would be promoted and infrastructure developed for starting spiritual tourism in the region," Jora said. Ladakh has always attracted foreigners who have outnumbered the domestic tourists. As many as 78,573 tourists including 41,000 foreigners visited Ladakh in 2009.

Thrust will also be on promoting adventure tourism like water rafting, trekking and mountaineering, the minister said. "Tourism is the life-line of Ladakh," he said, adding "for this we hope that 104 virgin peaks in restricted areas would be opened for the mountaineers and trekkers from across the world". Ladakh does not invite advisories from the foreign countries and since it is militancy-free it attracts tourists from all over the world, he said. -PTI

Tourism disrupting ecosystems, says UN NEW YORK: Increased tourism worldwide is disrupting ecosystems and displacing the indigenous people from their traditional lands, a UN study says. "Tourism is undeniably an immensely important industry, with almost 900 million visitors generating USD 856 billion in 2007, but it takes vast amounts of fossil fuel to transport such a large number of individuals to their destinations," a United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues report (2010) said. "The expansion of tourism in the relatively pristine areas where indigenous peoples live brings a great deal of waste and disruption to local environments, economies and cultures" it added.

"As indigenous peoples and their cultures and territories are increasingly seen as desirable tour-

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The expansion of tourism in the relatively pristine areas where indigenous peoples live brings a great deal of waste and disruption to local environmentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ist attractions, tourism has opened the further commodification of in-

digenous cultures, something that affects many indigenous communities". The rise of ecotourism has particularly been promoted as a viable development model for indigenous peoples, but it is frequently not environmentally friendly, the report said. According to the authors, with ecotourism, indigenous peoples have experienced eviction from traditional lands, overuse of habitat related to increased tourist demand and the destruction of habitat to create tourism infrastructure. In fact, the driving forces of ecotourism - clean untouched nature and authentic indigenous cultures - are often severely compromised by the influx. -PTI

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Brajbhoomi: Birthplace of Krishna, full of divine reminiscences Since Gokul was regularly disturbed by demons, Krishna and the cowherds moved to Nandgaon, Barsana and Vrindavan, 50 km from Mathura. The Nand Yashoda Kund is where the family came for a daily bath. Close by is the Nand Yashoda Temple that also marks the site of Nanda's house. Govardhan: Forty kilometers from Mathura is a hill called Govardhan. Krishna is credited to have held aloft this hill as a canopy. This was done in order to vanquish the pride of the rain god, Indra. In 1520, Saint Vallabhacharya constructed a temple on the summit of the hill to commemorate the event. Barsana: Barsana, 21 km from Govardhan, has four hilltops that represent the four faces

Forty kilometers from Mathura is a hill called Govardhan. Krishna is credited to have held aloft this hill as a canopy. This was done in order to vanquish the pride of the rain god, Indra

of Brahma the Creator. Each hilltop is associated with some incident from Krishna's life. On Mor Kutir top, he danced guised as a peacock to win the love of Radha. The house of Radha's father is atop the Brahma Hill in Barsana. On this site is the Larily Lal (an endearing name for Radha) temple. Vrindavan: Vrindavan, 15 km from Mathura, was the favorite romantic haunt of the divine couple. According to legend, the entire place was a tulsi (ocimum sanctum) grove at one time. According to another tradition, it was named after Vrinda Devi, one of Krishna's playmates. Vrindavan is primarily a place of temples. Nearly 4,000 in number, which include several private shrines, the temples are spread on a 10 km stretch. The Rangaji temple is an architectural marvel. The earliest known shrine in Vrindavan is said to have

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Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 29

been built by the local gosains in a large garden called Nidhiban, later named Seva Kunj. Nidhiban is where the divine couple performed the rasa. According to tradition, Emperor Akbar was taken blindfolded inside the grove where he had some kind of a spiritual experience. The four temples, which were built in honor of his visit, are Govind Deva, Madan Mohan, Gopinath and Jugal Kishore. At Nikunja Van, there is a beautiful room decorated with glass paintings called Rangmahal. The riverfront has a succession of ghats that cover a distance of 2.4 km. At one end is Kaliya Mardan Ghat with a kadamb (Anthocephalus indicus) tree from which Krishna is said to have plunged into the water to demolish the serpent Kaliya. The Madan Mohan Temple stands on a high cliff near the Kalia Mardan Ghat. Another important temple is that of Radha Ballabh built by Sundar Das in 1626. The temple of Krishna Chandra, also known as Lala Babu temple, was built by one Krishna Chandra Sen of Bengal. The Ranganath temple was founded by the Lakshmi Chand brothers. The temple of Radha Manohar was built by Ram Narayan Singh of Bikaner on the site of an older shrine where Mirabai is said to have worshipped. The temple of Radha Gopal was built in 1860 by

ral pond but was later enclosed with masonry walls and flights of steps. A third masonry tank lies in the grove known as Kewarban adjacent to the Madan Mohan Temple. Among the modern constructions, there is the 10-storied Pagal Baba and the Gita Mandir. The latter has beautiful paintings and carvings. The entire Bhagwad Gita is inscribed on a pillar called the Bhagwad Stambh. The International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has its the Krishna Balaram Temple, built in white marble and is dedicated to their founder Swami Prabhupada. Fairs & festivals: According to the lunar calendar, Hinduism celebrates Krishna's birthday as Janmashtami on the eighth day of Amavasya (the darker half of the month) in July/August. For Mathura, Janmashtami is the biggest festival held on a grand scale. Plays based on the life of Krishna are staged. Devotional songs blare from loudspeakers. As the hour of Krishna's birth approaches, the atmosphere becomes charged with frenzied dancing and singing in the temples. Brajyatra, which commences a day after Janmashtami and lasts for 50 days, deserves special mention. During the yatra (pilgrimage), devotees observe 30 rules. They have to walk barefoot, sleep on the floor, abstain from sex, intoxicants,

the Maharaja of Gwalior and the temple of Radha Indra Kishore by Hetram, a zamindar (landowner) from Bihar. It has a copper shikhara (temple top). The temple of Radha Raman, commonly known as Shahji Ka Mandir, was built by Shah Kundal Lal, a resident of Lucknow. It is made of white marble with a colonnade of spiral marble pillars flanking the front. The Bankey Bihari Temple was constructed by Swami Hari Das. Of the two tanks that are considered sacred, one is the Brahma Kund, now in ruins. The other is Govind Kund near the Mathura Road, which was originally a natu-

greed and anger, have ritual baths and listen to Krishna's exploits. They sing devotional songs and visit the tirthas (there are 2,500 tirthas within Mathura itself!). How to reach Air - The nearest airport is at Kheria in Agra, 62 km from Mathura. Rail - There are a number of tourist coaches from Delhi leaving for Mathura and Vrindavan everyday. Mathura is 57 km from Agra and 141 km from Delhi. Road - Mathura is well connected by road to Delhi and other cities of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana.

January 29, 2010

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'Talks with China in progress over border disputes'

NEW DELHI: With reports from Jammu and Kashmir indicating Chinese hold over Indian territory in Ladakh, Minister of State for Defense M M Pallam Raju has said India "need not be alarmed" as talks were in progress to settle the border disputes. He also gave the benefit of doubt to China on reports of Chinese produced arms finding their way to militants in the North-Eastern states. "As long as the border dispute is being worked on and debated between the two countries, we need not be alarmed about all these incidents, whether actual or reported," Raju told reporters here. -PTI

Â&#x201E; HC grants time to Ktk police to probe love jihad BANGALORE: The Karnataka High Court has granted another six weeks time to the state police to submit its final report on the "love jihad" movement allegedly involving luring of girls from other communities by Muslim youths and converting them to Islam. A special cell formed to probe the so called "love jihad" movement, headed by DIG Central Investigation Department (CID) Malini Krishnamurthy, was granted time by a Division Bench following a plea by the state government. The Bench, comprising Justices K Sreedhara Rao and Ravi B Mallimath, also took note of the Kerala High Court judgement of December 9 last on love jihad which was placed on record. -PTI

Â&#x201E;

BSF foils infiltration bids along Indo-Pak border JAMMU: The BSF has foiled two infiltration bids by militants along Indo-Pak border here, officials said. A group of at least 5 militants entered the Indian territory and came close to border fencing in Suchetgarh forward defence location along the International Border in R S Pura sub-sector of the district, they said. They were trying to cut the fencing when the BSF patrol party fired at them, the officials said, adding the militants managed to escaped. The BSF foiled another infiltration bid by a group of militants in Tent Border Out post in Kanachak belt of Jammu this morning, they said. -PTI

India News 35

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January 29, 2010

Junior ministers complain to PM that seniors not giving work NEW DELHI: Ministers of State have complained to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that they were not being given adequate work by their seniors and were assured that the matter would be looked into. Out of 36 junior ministers, 33 attended the meeting and at least 12 of them gave vent to their grievances. S S Palanimanickam, Minister of State for Finance of the DMK, was the only one who said that he was "satisfied", according to those present at the meeting. -PTI

Govt lifts ban on pre-paid mobile service in J-K NEW DELHI: The ban on new pre-paid mobile connections in Jammu and Kashmir has been lifted by the Government which unveiled fresh guidelines for the telecom operators limiting the number of connections to a household to six. The ban, imposed on November one last year, stands lifted with immediate effect, an official notification issued by the Department of Telecom said here. With this, a massive exercise to re-verify nearly 38 lakh pre-paid phone subscribers would be undertaken by the telecom operators which will have to follow the revised guidelines for issuing a new connection. "It has been decided to restore issuance of pre-paid mobile services in Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with the revised guideline. Upon completion of re-verification, existing pre-paid subscriber shall be allowed the facility of recharge," the DoT notifica-

tion said. In the fresh guidelines, it was stated that though no customer shall be given more than one prepaid or post-paid connection but if an individual desires to avail more connections, he will have to give reasons for it.

-- TERM. "In case of a negative report from the authorities about any customer, the connection shall be disconnected within two hours of receipt of the report," the DoT said. The notification stated that "if a subscriber provides false informa-

A massive exercise to re-verify nearly 38 lakh pre-paid phone subscribers would be undertaken by the telecom operators which will have to follow the revised guidelines for issuing a new connection. Under no conditions, one household in the state shall be entitled to more than six connections, it said. The new mobile connections would be issued only against documents having photographs of the customers and at the end of every month, a list of fresh connections would be submitted to state police and telecom watchdog

tion and obtains a mobile telephone connection, the mobile telephone connection shall be liable to be connected without prejudice." While the punishment for the operators violating the ban was not mentioned in the notification, official sources said that higher monetary penalties, cancellation of dealership and a possible jail term for telecom company officials

have been suggested. The Union Home Ministry had imposed the ban on pre-paid mobile phone services and Home Minister P Chidambaram had recently said that if the service providers come up with a fool-proof plan of 100 percent verification and the ministry was satisfied with it, then the issue may be revisited. Jammu and Kashmir government as well as Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had been taking up the issue with the Centre asking it to work out a solution at the earliest. The state government had favored a policy for the telecom operators for resuming pre-paid mobile services in the state which should include stringent action besides financial penalties for firms not complying with verification process. The state had maintained that it did not have any issue over the pre-paid ban and wanted the telecom operators to behave in a disciplined manner. -PTI

Veteran journalist Thakkar honored in Nashik FRANK FERNANDES India Post News Service

NASHIK: Veteran journalist Mahendra Thakkar was honored recently by Maharashtra Rajya Marahti Patrakar Sangh (MRMPS) Nashik for his meritorious contribution in the field of journalism. Thakkar who turned 78 recently was one of the half a dozen honorees but was the only journalist this year to be so honored. Others who were recognized were in the filed of education, social services and politics. Mahendra Thakkar represents an old and established newspaper of Mumbai. Recently he has agreed to work for India Post as its representative in Nashik and Western Maharashtra. The chief guest of the event held on January 6 was noted film actress Priya Berde and film hero Pradeep Patwaardhan. Priya and Pradeep

Journalist Mahendra Thakkar being presented with the Award by Priya Berde

distributed the awards. Among the noted personalities present were Ad. Uttamrao Dhekle, Dr. Kailash Kamod, former

Mayor of Nashik Prakah Mate, Mayor Nayana Gholap, Dy. Mayor Devyani Farande. Secretary Vivek Deshpande welcomed the guests

while Dr. B.N. Shinde proposed a vote of thanks. MRMPS is one of the oldest organizations of journalists in the area.

In Brief No progress in RI immigrant prison release program PROVIDENCE, R.I.: A federal program allowing illegal immigrant inmates to get out of prison if they agree to be deported hasn't resulted in a single person leaving jail early in Rhode Island. The program was trumpeted by Gov. Don Carcieri as a way to save money. Similar programs have saved millions of dollars in Georgia and Arizona. But a year and a half after Rhode Island signed up, no one's been deported early because of the relatively small population of imprisoned illegal immigrants and the strict program criteria. Prison officials say the program works but they haven't yet found an eligible inmate. -AP

Ex-Border Patrol agent in Texas wants retrial HOUSTON: A former Border Patrol agent in El Paso who went to prison over the 2005 shooting of an admitted drug smuggler wants a retrial. Ignacio Ramos, who now lives in the Houston area, told the Houston Chronicle that he believes new evidence surfaced while he was in custody. He offered no details. The 40-year-old ex-lawman says that his attorney, within two months, plan to seek a new trial. Ramos and Jose Compean were released Feb. 17, 2008, weeks after then-President George W. Bush commuted their sentences. Both agents were convicted over the shooting of Osvaldo Aldrete Davila. Investigators said the agents never reported the shooting and tried to cover it up. -AP

Schumer wants NYC immigration jail to stay open NEW YORK: US Sen. Charles Schumer has asked federal officials to reverse their decision to close an immigration detention center in Manhattan. The New York Democrat says the plan to transfer detainees to a jail in New Jersey could deal ``a crushing blow'' to their legal rights. The New Jersey facility is in Hudson County, only seven miles away. But Schumer says moving detainees across the Hudson River will make it more difficult for relatives and lawyers to see them. Manhattan's Varick Federal Detention Facility holds many immigrants who have been in New York for many years, but have been ordered deported for a variety of reasons. -AP

Immigration 36

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Labor, student groups push for immigration reform LAS VEGAS: A coalition of labor, student and immigrant rights groups has gathered in downtown Las Vegas to push for comprehensive immigration reform. -AP

January 29, 2010

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Report highlights benefits of immigration reform India Post News Service

WASHINGTON DC: As the U.S. slowly pulls free from a deep recession, a groundbreaking new study concludes that comprehensive immigration reform would provide just the type of boost the economy needs. The Center for American Progress (CAP) and Immigration Policy Center (IPC) released a joint report, Raising the Floor for American Workers: The Economic Benefits of Comprehensive Immigration Reform, which shows that legalizing the roughly 12 million unauthorized immigrants in the US through comprehensive immigration reform, as well as making future flows more flexible, would grow the economy by $1.5 trillion over 10 years. The stark number cuts into the credibility of claims by immigration restrictionists that immigration reform during an economic recession is implausible.

According to research by Dr Raúl Hinojosa-Ojeda, founding director of the North American Integration and Development Center at the University of California, Los Angeles, creating a legalization process for unauthorized workers would, in the long term (10 years), yield $1.5 trillion to the

gram not only raises the wage floor for all American workers, but is an economic necessity. Conversely, the deportation prescription that is offered by immigration restrictionists would poison the already anemic U.S. economy by draining $2.5 trillion in GDP over 10 years, even before

‘If Congress and the President want to create better jobs and stimulate the economy, then comprehensive immigration reform should be very high on their agenda’ US Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and in the short term (3 years) generate $4.5 to $5.4 billion in additional tax revenue and consumer spending sufficient to support 750,000 to 900,000 jobs. Dr Hinojosa ran several different economic scenarios and found that enacting a comprehensive immigration reform plan which creates a legalization process for unauthorized workers and sets a flexible visa pro-

factoring in the costs of deporting 12 million people and permanently sealing the border. "These are stark and significant numbers that lawmakers should commit to memory," said Angela M. Kelley, Vice President for Immigration Policy and Advocacy at CAP. "We have got an issue where we know we can improve the economy. It would be to their peril for lawmakers to be short-sighted

and not pass comprehensive immigration reform legislation that will reverberate across the economy and help all Americans." "This report underscores an important opportunity for positive input into an economy that needs it," said Benjamin Johnson, Executive Director of the American Immigration Council. "The report further highlights the need for immigration reform that is focused on what's good for the American economy and what's good for American workers." As Dan Griswold, Director of Trade Policy Studies at the libertarian Cato Institute, noted during today's press conference, "Enforcement-only is a policy that has not only failed, but has imposed significant costs to Americans as taxpayers. If Congress and the President want to create better jobs and stimulate the economy, then comprehensive immigration reform should be very high on their agenda."

Fate of derivative family members discussed CYRUS D MEHTA

S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) sometimes approves a Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) for a principal applicant, but the derivative family members' (spouse or minor children) I-485 applications remain pending. While in some cases this may be due to missing evidence, security clearance difficulties, or some other legitimate reason, the file may just be separated from the principal's, the USCIS ombudsman noted recently. If a family member's derivative adjustment of status application has been pending in excess of 30 days from the approval date of the principal applicant's I-485, the ombudsman asks that the following be e-mailed to cisombudsman.public affairs@dhs.gov: • DHS Form 7001;

• A copy of the principal applicant's I-485 approval notice; • A copy of the I-485 receipt notice for the derivative; • A copy of the approved immigrant visa petition notice (if employment-based); and • Any other evidence that is pertinent to the case.

cation Worldwide The Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs recently announced that it plans to deploy a fully Web-based Form DS-160 (Nonimmigrant Visa Application) worldwide. The Visa Office said that the DS-160, the first component or module of the Consular

Sixty-four hours of development time are required to deploy a new translation of the DS-160 at a cost of $8,000 per language, which the Visa Office noted limits how quickly the DS-160 can be deployed The subject line of the e-mail should include: "Unapproved Derivative I-485." The ombudsman said it will look into such cases "and review how we may be of assistance." The notice is available at http:/ /www.dhs.gov/xabout/structure/ gc_1221837986181.shtm#1. State Dept. To Deploy WebBased Nonimmigrant Visa Appli-

Electronic Application Center (CEAC), "has been used with great success at 24 posts so far" and will be expanded in phases, with the goal of worldwide usage for all nonimmigrant visa applications, except K visas, by April 30, 2010. TheDS160 will replace the Electronic Visa Application Form (EVAF). The Visa Office noted that although the target completion date

is still five months away, it faces a technical challenge in meeting this deployment goal, involving development and testing of new foreign language translations. Sixty-four hours of development time are required to deploy a new translation of the DS-160 at a cost of $8,000 per language, which the Visa Office noted limits how quickly the DS-160 can be deployed to posts where English is not widely spoken. On October 29, Consular Affairs approved translation of 22 languages. The Visa Office said it will monitor this process carefully and will request additional funding and resources if necessary to avoid implementation delays. The Visa Office strongly encouraged consular posts to consider developing an outreach plan to advise applicants and other stakeholders of the CEAC implementation. Cont’d on page 39

Immigration Post

January 29, 2010

India Post

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US Shiites tentatively make a home in America DEARBORN, Mich.: Sayyid Haider Bahar al-Uloom paces before his students seated in two neat rows men in one, women in the other. They meet each week in a small but growing office in an old storefront downtown, its shelves lined with Arabic texts on Islamic jurisprudence. Tonight's lesson is on justice, but Bahar al-Uloom's lecture ranges wide of Muslim teaching. He cites The Federalist Papers, slavery in US history and spirituality in ``The Audacity of Hope.'' A 37year-old Iraqi Shiite, he consumes books on American culture and religion, analyzing the work of megapastors Rick Warren, Joel Osteen and others, to learn their appeal. ``We should not fear introducing people to other ideas,'' says Bahar al-Uloom, whose title sayyid is for those who trace their lineage to the Prophet Muhammad. On this night in Michigan, he ends his lecture with the same message he brings to Shiite groups around the country: Your ideals, rooted in Islam, are not alien here. ``We call them Islamic values, but they are universal values,'' he says in near accentless English. ``If it's a principle or act that would help all Americans, all I need to do is speak it in a language that is universal.'' Shiites comprise less than 15 percent of the 1.5 billion Muslims in the world and an even smaller percentage of the Muslims in the US. Within the wider Muslim world, they are often persecuted for their beliefs and way of worship. Islamic law governs even the smallest issues for devout Shiites. Can they wear cologne? Listen to popular music? Sit at a table where alcohol is served? New interpretations are needed for life in nonMuslim countries. Pious Shiites have seen threats to their faith from the permissive American way of life and what for many is their first experience of a non-Muslim government. Worried that voting or other civic involvement would violate Islamic law, many have opted instead to turn inward, focusing on preserving their traditions. But the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terror strikes, the war in Iraq and other world events have prompted

some significant changes in the U.S. Shiite community in recent years. Shiite clerics and activists are pushing community members beyond the protective walls they built, encouraging them to fully embrace their American citizenship. At the forefront of the effort is the nonprofit that Bahar al-Uloom helps represent, called I.M.A.M., which tells Shiites they can vote, participate in the 2010 US Census and hold public office without abandoning their faith. ``In the United States, the law here is not against Islam,'' said Sheik Mohammed el-Ali al-Halabi, a Syrian who came to the US a decade ago, sitting in his bare-bones office at I.M.A.M. ``I can be a good Muslim and a good American.'' Half a world away from Dearborn lies the inspiration for this drive, an unexpected source for dramatic change: an elderly holy man who rarely leaves his home in the old quarter of the Iraqi holy city of Najaf and who will probably never visit the United States.

‘We call them Islamic values, but they are universal values,’ he says in near accentless English. ‘If it's a principle or act that would help all Americans, all I need to do is speak it in a language that is universal’' Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani isn't widely known in the U.S. outside public policy circles, but he should be. He is one of the most revered thinkers in global Shiism, a moderate in outlook and a powerful force in Iraq. His behind-the-scenes interventions were key to guiding the country's fledgling democracy. The grand ayatollah and his advisers lead lives dedicated to religious tradition, but they are also pioneers in using the Web to reach the globally dispersed faithful. They teach that good Muslims must be active citizens of whatever country they call home. As Shiites emigrate around the world, al-Sistani sends his representatives along to guide them on

how to remain devout in a foreign culture. I.M.A.M., the Imam Mahdi Association of Marjaeya, is the liaison office for al-Sistani and his advisers in America. The organization's lecturers and scholars crisscross the country to support fledgling Shiite institutions. Al-Sistani is far from the only marja, or top-level religious authority, with American followers, but he is one of the most prominent, and through the Dearborn office, he is helping shape American Shiism. ``It's kind of a status symbol that you are recognized and trusted by the office of the ayatollah,'' said Liyakat Takim, author of ``Shi'ism in America,'' and professor at McMaster University in Canada. ``It builds your credibility.'' I.M.A.M. opened a year ago under the leadership of Sayyid Mohammad Baqir Kashmiri, a cleric who works in Dearborn and Los Angeles on behalf of al-Sistani and his advisers. The Dearborn area has the biggest concentration of Shiites in the United States. The city is home to the headquarters of Ford Motor Co., which started attracting Arab and Muslim immigrants in the early 1900s with above-average assembly line wages. Now, the city bordering Detroit is filled with mosques, Islamic schools, Lebanese restaurants and food markets that follow Islamic dietary laws. Inside I.M.A.M., poster-size photos of al-Sistani and his late mentor, Ayatollah Sayyid AbdulQasim al-Khoei, hang above the office reception desk. It is one of the rare portraits that the reclusive al-Sistani ever allowed of himself, as he, like many of the Dearborn staff and volunteers, consider it a sign of humility to avoid photographs of themselves. Bahar al-Uloom, I.M.A.M.'s vice chairman, graduated from Dearborn's public high school and Wayne State University, but his seminary education has been by correspondence with scholars from Najaf, Iraq, and Qom, Iran _ prominent centers of Shiite learning. For years, teachers mailed him sackfuls of cassette recordings of their lectures, which he would play in his car as he drove the streets

around Dearborn. He and his cousin, Sayyid Hassan al-Hakim, a 26-year-old graduate student in public administration, often arrive early in the morning to study before the deluge of calls and e-mails with questions about Islamic law and requests for help. Staff cell phones buzz all day with questions sent by text. ``How far off can u be from the Qibla?'' reads a query on alHakim's cell phone, about facing in the proper direction, toward Mecca, for prayer.

‘Muslims should be essential participants in their respective societies while maintaining the beauty of Islam as their code of conduct’ Volunteers, mostly in their 20s and 30s, share computers crammed into a small room off the library. Among them are the editors and designers of I.M.A.M.'s glossy educational magazine, Reflections. They have a policy of publishing in English, except for religious references that require Arabic, to reach a younger generation of American Muslims, along with non-Muslims. ``Muslims should be essential participants in their respective societies while maintaining the beauty of Islam as their code of conduct,'' reads a recent article titled ``Being American and Being Muslim.'' Al-Sistani ``is known to have repeatedly called for integra-

tion with preservation of identity,'' the author writes. The same article indirectly addresses the threat of extremism, condemning ``so-called `Muslims' who endanger innocent lives.'' The author urges Muslims and non-Muslims to report any potential threats to civil authorities and ``hold fast to the principles of Islam and protect those around them.'' In the spirit of the Najaf scholars, and their embrace of new technology and thinking, I.M.A.M. uses contemporary management tools to aid its cause. Bahar al-Uloom quotes from the corporate success book ``Good to Great.'' Al-Hakim collects evaluation forms for feedback on programming. The office uses customer service software to monitor response time for calls to 1-888SISTANI, the toll-free line. In side rooms, al-Halabi and other clerics offer counseling on personal and religious issues. Sayyid Mehdi al-Ameen, a resident scholar at I.M.A.M., had been a judge in a religious court in Lebanon, hearing cases on divorce, child custody and other issues. Three days a week he teaches a class on ethics and another on the Quran, and provides marriage counseling. Down a winding staircase into the basement is the organization's video production arm, AscentTV.net. It was created by Aous Asfar, a veteran branding executive, and targets young people under age 35. The shows are in English and include lectures on Islamic teaching, the importance of interfaith relations, and discussion of workplace and family issues. -AP

Immigration Post

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January 29, 2010

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About 250 march to support immigration bill

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EVERETT, Wash.: About 250 people marched in Everett to support an immigrant bill soon to be debated in Congress. Immigrants from Mexico, Guatemala, Kenya and Laos were among the crowd. They support a new attempt at immigration reform is expected to stir up debate in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill aims to strengthen border security with better resources and communication for law enforcement. But it also would offer undocumented workers a way to legal status, allowing them to become permanent residents after undergoing a criminal background check and paying a fine for being here illegally. Eventually, they could become citizens. Marina Margarito of Lake Stevens came from Mexico 10 years ago. She told The Herald newspaper she now feels more attached to the United States than to her native land. “We passed through difficult times, and we stayed here,'' she said in Spanish. ``After 9/11 we

remained here to defend (this) country.'' Some people are not happy with the part of the bill introduced by U.S. Rep. Luis V. Gutierrez, D-Ill., that would allow immigrants who broke the law to enter this country, to stay and work in the US. Douglas Kerley of Lynnwood was one of two men who held a sign reading ``No Amnesty!'' at the

She told The Herald newspaper she now feels more attached to the United States than to her native land corner of Rockefeller Avenue and Wall Street as the larger crowd marched past on the other side of the street. “At our core, we are a nation of laws,'' Kerley said. ``If you do not respect these laws, you are not respecting our nation.'' The march by US Rep. Rick Larsen's downtown Everett office

was organized by One America, a Seattle nonprofit formerly called Hate Free Zone that advocates for justice “for all people especially immigrants,'' according to its Web site. The rally was part of a week of activities with stops at other congressional offices in Washington state. It was coordinated with nationwide rallies led by Reform Immigration for America of Washington, DC, a campaign supported by the nonprofit Tides Advocacy Fund of San Francisco, a lobbying group that supports liberal causes. While Larsen has supported some aspects of the new legislation in previous bills, but he has concerns with other parts, said his chief of staff, Kimberly Johnston. Specifically, the path to citizenship may be too lenient and the visa provisions for seasonal and highly skilled workers may be too restrictive, Johnston said. Larsen also wants a guest-worker program, which the proposed legislation lacks. -AP

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BOULDER, Colo.: Last summer, Kevin Mann came to Boulder from the United Kingdom with a startup and a 90-day visa. His idea software that transforms publishing materials, notably comic books, into digital media landed Mann's company among a handful of participants in the Boulder-based TechStars, a startup boot camp program. That company, now known as Graphic.ly, has since raised more than $1 million, is growing its local work force and its reach across the comic book industry. Mann, however, remains in the United Kingdom. His visa expired on the last day of the 2009 TechStars session. “Now, the only way to get him over here is we have to, in essence ... hire the founder of the company,'' said Micah Baldwin, a TechStars mentor who joined Graphic.ly as its chief executive officer. Mann's situation is something some technology investors a wellknown Boulder venture capitalist among them want to change. During the past few months, Boulder investor and TechStars co-founder Brad Feld and a handful of venture capitalists and entrepreneurs have lobbied for measures to make it easier for foreignborn entrepreneurs to start U.S.based companies.

Lawmakers very well could hear some of those efforts and arguments this year. As US Congress members went back to work last week, one of the bills on target to be tackled this session is a comprehensive immigration reform bill that includes a new class of immigrant investor ``Startup Visa'' initiative. Two of the 2009 TechStars participating teams were comprised of foreign-born founders. During the summer, Feld said he

Two of the 2009 TechStars participating teams were comprised of foreign-born founders and others struggled to find ways to get those companies visas, adding that all of the proposed approaches were ``expensive, risky and tiresome.'' The ``young, talented entrepreneurs ... are in the final process of raising their first rounds of financing. Post-financing, they will be creating U.S.-based high-tech jobs,'' Feld wrote in an e-mail. ``If they are successful, they will create a lot of jobs. “Plus, they are young, so they will do this multiple times in their

lifetime.'' Being thousands of miles apart has made the day-to-day work very hard, stressful and costly, Mann said, adding that a lot of time also is spent on setting up video conferencing between the 10-employee U.K. office and the Boulder headquarters. “It would be much easier for the company, if I were there,'' he said. The Startup Visa push gained further steam last month when Boulder entrepreneur-turnedlawmaker Rep. Jared Polis, DBoulder, incorporated the visareform initiatives into House of Representatives Bill 4259. Those initiatives subsequently were included in the proposed Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America's Security and Prosperity Act of 2009. Polis said his efforts have fared well across party lines, noting support from former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, a Republican. Polis' proposed initiatives include modifying the EB-5 immigrant investor visa, which is one of five employer-sponsored visas. To qualify for an EB-5 visa, one must start a business or invest in a business, invest at least $500,000 in that business and create jobs for at least 10 US workers. -AP

Immigration Post

January 29, 2010

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Haitians seeking US refuge will be returned MIAMI: US authorities are readying for a potential influx of Haitians seeking to escape their earthquake-wracked nation, even though the policy for migrants remains the same: with few exceptions, they will go back. So far, fears of a mass migration have yet to materialize. However, conditions in Haiti become more dire each day and US officials don't want to be caught off guard. Between 250 and 400 immigration detainees are being moved from South Florida's main detention center to clear space for any Haitians who manage to reach US shores, according to the Homeland

Security Department. The Navy base at Guantanamo Bay could house migrants temporarily far

‘Please do not have us divert our necessary rescue and relief efforts that are going into Haiti by trying to leave at this point’ from suspected terrorists also being held there and a Catholic church is working on a plan to ac-

Fate of derivative family members discussed Cont’d from page 36

Posts listed in the Visa Office's cable have been identified as priority posts to implement the DS160 by March 1, 2010. The cable is available at http://travel.state.gov/ visa/laws/telegrams/ telegrams_4601.html. Additional information on the DS-160, including frequently asked questions, is available at http:// www.travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/ forms/forms_1342.html. State Dept. Announces Centralization of Prevailing Wage Determinations As of January 1, 2010, the Department of State's Office of Foreign Labor Certification's National Prevailing Wage and Helpdesk Center (NPWHC) in Washington,

DC, will receive and process prevailing wage determination requests for use in the H-1B, H-1B1 (Chile/Singapore), H-1C, H-2B, E3 (Australia), and permanent labor certification programs. The notice also includes information about processing CNMI prevailing wage determinations. The NPWHC will only process prevailing wage determination requests received by mail in hard copy. The Department said it is developing an electronic means for the submission of such requests. The notice is available at http:/ www.foreignlaborcert.doleta.gov/ pdf/E928963_120409.pdf. * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

cept Haitian orphans. Homeland Security spokesman Sean Smith said that orphans who have ties to the US such as a family member already living here and Haitians evacuated for medical reasons are among those who can gain special permission to remain in the US. The mass migration plan, known as ``Operation Vigilant Sentry,'' was put in place in 2003 because of previous experiences with Caribbean migrations, said Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Chris O'Neil, spokesman for the Homeland Security Task Force Southeast that would manage any Haitian influx. The message was underscored by Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano during a weekend appearance at Homestead Air Reserve Base south of Miami, a key staging area for Haiti relief flights. “This is a very dangerous crossing. Lives are lost every time people try to make this crossing,'' Napolitano said, addressing Haitians directly. ``Please do not have us divert our necessary rescue and relief efforts that are going into Haiti by trying to leave at this point.'' Some immigration advocates say the US should shift away from stopping migrants and ease safe passage. They say those on approved waiting lists should be able to join spouses or relatives in the US. The Obama administration's decision last week to grant temporary protected status to Haitians in the US illegally as of Jan. 12 does not extend to those attempting to enter the US after that date. -AP

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Tech News Mauritius warns firms misusing treaty with India MUMBAI: Mauritius Government has said it would revoke the licenses of the island-based companies which misuses treaty with India to evade taxes. Regulators of both countries have agreed to work on the issue, where companies channel funds through Mauritius to avoid capital gain tax, Mauritius Vice-Prime Minister Ramakrishna Sithanen said on the sidelines of a function here. "There are some concerns raised by India...we have agreed to look at these concerns as it is not in the interest of either country to continue to have these issues," he said. The Mauritius Government has not received any complaints from India regarding firms routing money through his country to evade taxes, he said. -PTI

Fujifilm's 3D camera most innovative

ujifilms India Pvt. Ltd., the wholly owned subsidiary of Fujifilm Corporation, Japan, one of the world's largest photographic solutions company, has announced that its revolutionary 3D camera, FinePix REAL 3D W1, yet another world's first from the Company, has been conferred with two awards recently - 'Most Innovative Product of the Year' by Better Photography magazine and 'Most Innovative Compact Camera of the Year' by Asian Photography magazine. Both the magazines are leading and authoritative publications on the domain and enjoy considerable readership and circulation.

IBN18 reports loss at Rs 10.6 crores

BN18 Broadcast Limited has re ported consolidated loss at Rs 10.6 crore for the quarter ended December 31, 2009. IBN18 Broadcast (erstwhile Global Broadcast Network) manages operations of English news channel CNN-IBN and Hindi news channel IBN7. It also comprises of Viacom 18 (JV with Viacom Inc.), IBNLokmat (50% JV with Lokmat Newspapers Ltd) and its 100% subsidiaries IBN18 Mauritius Ltd, Jagran TV Pvt Ltd and RTV Media Pvt Ltd. The company's consolidated net sales for the third quarter increased 40.80% at Rs 192.2 crore versus Rs 136.5 crore, quarter-onquarter, QoQ.

TechBiz 40 India Post

www.indiapost.com

January 29, 2010

HT Media's revenues soar

T Media Ltd, the leading media firm having its flagship publication as the English daily Hindustan Times, has posted a consolidated net profit of Rs 358 million for the third quarter ended December 31, 2009. This was increased against the consolidated net loss of Rs 128 million in the same period last year. The total consolidated revenues for the company increased by 6% to Rs 3661 million during the quarter. The profitability for HT Media has been driven by lower input costs and cost rationalization initiatives. The EBITDA margin increased to 21% at Rs. 764 million from 8% at Rs. 268 million. The publications from the stable have witnessed sharp growth of 30% in circulation revenue.

India raises defense export license concerns with US NEW DELHI: India has raised serious concerns relating to defense trade with the US, including export license restrictions on its PSUs and DRDO by including them in the American 'Entity List'. During a meeting between Defense Minister A K Antony and US Defense Secretary Robert Gates here, India also informed the US that its bilateral defense relations should grow from sellerbuyer to a comprehensive cooperation rooted in transfer of tech-

defense related requirement of the armed forces and also regarding the inclusion of some Indian defense PSUs and DRDO labs in the 'Entity List' of the US government," a Defense Ministry spokesperson said in a statement. "Antony expressed the view that such restrictions were anomalous in the context of the steady improvement in the bilateral defense relations between both countries," he said. Gates, during the meeting, re-

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Antony conveyed to Gates the Indian concerns regarding denial of export licenses for various defense related requirement of the armed forcesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; nology and co-production of equipment and weapons. Indicating its hesitation in going ahead with three defense agreements, it stressed that these pacts, including Communication Inter-operability and Security Memorandum of Agreement (CISMOA), being pushed by US, would have to be studied for their benefits before signing them. "Antony conveyed to Gates the Indian concerns regarding denial of export licenses for various

ferred to President Barack Obama's initiative on a comprehensive reform of US export control regulations and assured that it would involve facilitation in the supply of defense technology and equipment to India. . "The bilateral defense trade relations between India and the USA should move from a purely buyerseller relationship to a more comprehensive relationship covering transfer of technology and co-production," Antony told Gates.

Indian Defense Minister A.K. Antony greets his visiting US counterpart Robert Gates in New Delhi on January 20.

Referring to the US government's proposal to conclude certain umbrella agreements like CISMOA, Antony expressed the view that the proposed agreements would "need to be assessed from the view point of the benefits," which would accrue to India. Apart from defense trade, the two sides exchanged views and perspectives on issues concern-

ing the regional security situation and global challenges. Both Antony and Gates expressed satisfaction over the improvement in defense relations since the signing of the bilateral cooperation agreement in 2005. Both sides were positive on the prospects for enhancement of bilateral defense relations in all areas, including military-to-military interactions and defense trade. -PTI

High speed data network to connect 1,500 institutes NEW DELHI: About 1,500 institutions across the country will now be connected to a high speed data communication network that would encourage sharing of knowledge, specialized resources and collaborative research. The Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure, chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, accorded in principle approval for the establishment of the National Knowledge Network (NKN) which will be implemented by the National Informatics Centre. The network will consist of an ultra-high speed core which shall be complemented with a distribution layer at appropriate speeds. The participating institutions can

connect to the NKN at speeds of 1 GBPS or to the distribution layer through a last mile connectivity bandwidth, an official spokesperson said. One of the recommendations of the

announced that it would set up such a network. An initial amount of Rs 100 crore was also allocated to the Department of IT in the Ministry of Communications and IT for the establishing the NKN.

The network will consist of an ultra-high speed core which shall be complemented with a distribution layer at appropriate speeds. The participating institutions can connect to the NKN at speeds of 1 GBPS National Knowledge Commission (NKC) to inter-connect all knowledge institutions, the NKN is expected to be completed in two years time. The government had in 2008

The NKN will provide nationwide ultra high-speed backbone or data-network highway. Various other networks in the country can take advantage of this ultra high-

speed backbone, with national and international reach to create independent and closed user groups. The physical infrastructure is expected to be completed in two years time, the spokesperson said. NKN will enable scientists, researches and students from diverse spheres across the country to work together for advancing human development in critical and emerging areas. It is expected to encourage a larger section of research and educational institutions to create intellectual property. NKN would enable use of specialized applications, which allow sharing of high performance computing facilities, e-libraries, virtual classrooms and very large databases. -PTI

January 29, 2010

TechBiz Post

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Veronafiere joins hand with 3D Technology is the priority for ITU Lotus Exhibitions India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: Veronafiere in partnership with Lotus Exhibitions and Marketing Services (Lems) has introduced Veronafiere Lems India Private Limited, the first Indian company owned by an Italian exhibition organiser. The Verona Exhibition Authority upgrades direct promotion tools for the Italian company system in India, one of the most important markets for "Made in Italy" with enormous potential for development. The company, of which 51% is held by VeronaFiere, aims to organise and promote exhibition events, conventions, b2b workshops and all other initiatives ensuring effective support for Italian companies and institutions in a geo-economic area that boasts a middle class of 300 million people (out of 1 billion inhabitants, a sixth of the

world population) and a GDP growing at an average annual rate of 8.5%. Priority will be given to promotion in sectors where VeronaFiere organises leading events on an international scale: Vinitaly, Agrifood and Sol (food); Marmomacc (marble-natural stone); Abitare il Tempo (quality furnishing); Samoter (construction, earth moving, building and site machinery); Fieragricola (production systems for agriculture and animal farming); Siab, Eurocarne, Acquacoltura (food technologies); Progetto Fuoco, Bionergy World, Solarexpo, Greenbuilding and Re-Energy (renewable energy, from photovoltaic systems to bio-masses). "The Indian exhibition market is growing at annual rates of 50% and turnover is currently estimated at 100 million dollars," said Ettore Riello, President of VeronaFiere.

ood news for television viewers as the real life visual experience on television is not the milestone far away with the International Telecommunications Union has declared a blueprint for the advanced broadcasting systems. According to the statement by ITU came, 'Stereoscopic 3D' would be the enjoyable format for viewers to watch their favourite programmes and feature films. The proposed roadmap has been outlined by the Study Group 6 of ITU's RadioComm-unication Sector (ITU-R) in a newly released report paving way for the implementation of upcoming 3D TV. 'Profiles' as said in technical Terms, three successive generations will be the deciding factors in rolling out of 3D TV Technology. These first generation 'plano stereoscopic television' will allow the viewing of programmes in both the 3D and normal patterns. Normal TV set will allow the same viewing, whereas, on wearing spe-

cial glasses one can enjoy the viewing in three dimensions. Through this viewers would be able to see in depth in the picture. The second generation will also facilitate the viewers with changing views facility as one can enjoy the multiple views with his/her head movement. On the other hand, the Third Generation would comprise of features such as systems recording frequency, amplitude and phase of light waves. All this will enable this format in creating exactly the replica of human beings and their natural atmosphere. "These kinds of highly advanced systems are technically some 15-20 years away," ITU said. "This new ITU report establishes a clear framework for the development of new types of systems that will totally change the way we experience broadcast and multimedia content," Director, ITU's Radiocommunication Bureau, Valery Timofeev, said.

Horoscope

42 India Post

January 29, 2010

www.indiapost.com

ARIES Mar 21-Apr 20 Problems will be followed by easy and excellent solutions. Strong Saturn in sixth will keep you way ahead of your competitors. There will be considerable improvement in affairs related to a child and the goal is not too far off. Some of you will be going on an interesting business trip. Meetings will take you closer to someone important.

LEO Jul 23-Aug 22 It will cost you dearly but at least the job will be done. Weather may have some negative effect on health. Business partners will come up with a new deal but take your time to go through it before you make the commitment. You will be in market to change an old vehicle with a newer model. Good advice coming from a matured person.

SAGITTARIUS

January 29 to February 4

Nov 23-Dec 22 You will spend money on some fine quality items for personal use. Boss may assign you additional work. You will spend more hours on computer writing mails to different people and organizations. Some of you may even decide to take a short term course to update your knowledge and improve your chances in challenging field.

Lakhvi moves LHC against court's dismissal of plea ISLAMABAD: Pakistan-based LeT's operations chief Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, one of the seven suspects facing trial for involvement in Mumbai attacks, has filed a petition in the Lahore High Court, challenging an anti-terrorism court's dismissal of his plea for acquittal. A Rawalpindi-based division bench of the Lahore High Court will shortly take up for preliminary hearing the petition filed by Lakhvi's lawyer Khwaja Sultan. An anti-terrorism court that is conducting the trial of Lakhvi and six other suspects had recently dismissed their plea for acquittal. In his petition, Lakhvi claimed that the proceedings against him should be quashed and he should be acquitted under the Criminal Procedure Code on the grounds that there was no evidence or witness against him that could get him convicted in the case. Referring to the anti-terror court's dismissal of his plea, Lakhvi claimed the judge had failed to appreciate the fact that there was no witness against him and no incriminating material had been recovered from his custody or on

his information by investigators. Lakhvi also alleged that he had been implicated in the case because of information provided by India on the basis of the confession made by Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone attacker arrested alive during the 2008 Mumbai strikes. Lakhvi contended that under Pakistani law, Kasab's confession

He claimed the prosecution had no evidence that he trained Kasab for terrorist activities or hatched a conspiracy to carry out the Mumbai attacks was inadmissible against him because Kasab had not been named as an accused or proclaimed offender in three separate chargesheets filed by Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). He claimed the prosecution had no evidence that he trained Kasab for terrorist activities or hatched a conspiracy to carry out the Mumbai attacks. -PTI

TAURUS Apr 21-May 20 You may be entangled in cleaning up the mess created by others. If you are not careful you will be blamed for mistakes. You will continue to make progress on your effort to buy a property. New friend you make this week will be very helpful in the future. Spouse may buy some artistic item for the home. You may try to cut down on caffeine.

VIRGO Aug 23-Sept 22 Business will be slightly slow and you will be making some desperate moves to obtain new contracts. Going cheap is not the way out. Try to make good use of extra time on hand and stay in touch with friends and close relations. A child will finally make up his mind and declare the field he wants to go after graduation.

CAPRICORN Dec 23-Jan 19 Your talents will be recognized and you will be surrounded by admirers at the event. Friend will call and invite you for get together. You will attend an important business meeting this week and exchange lots of information with other side. Spouse may not keep well and may need little rest. Children will be a source of happiness.

GEMINI May 21-Jun 20 You may become little uncertain about a relationship started recently. Expenses will not leave you alone and you may be charging on your cards heavily. Be very diplomatic when dealing with a close relative otherwise there will be unrest in the house. Hard will pay off in long term and you should continue to work on this new idea.

LIBRA Sept 23-Oct 22 Things will once again start rolling into right direction. You will overcome many hurdles and make it a very fruitful week. Some of you may get offer from a distant place. You will meet all financial commitments and still have some left. You will miss someone who was at one time very close to you in life.

AQUARIUS Jan 20-Feb 18 You will enjoy company of a new person. Park your vehicle at proper place and avoid taking chance with law for next few weeks. You will start paying more attention to yourself and may buy new cloths also. People looking for job will have better luck and will be called for second interview. Too many bills coming in mail.

CANCER Jun 21-Jul 22 You will continue to make progress in your efforts to find a better job. Results will come positive and will cause big excitements in the family. In laws will send some nice and expensive gifts. You will give the final touch to some important paperwork and wait few days to file them. Little exercise will bring the desired change.

SCORPIO Oct 23-Nov 22 Do not sign any paper in a hurry and try to be little diplomatic if you want to get the job done. You will take some very courageous actions in professional life. Results will be instant and positive. There is some money coming through stocks or lottery. You will continue to help number of people with your expertise.

PISCES Feb 19-Mar 20 You will call a close relative who recently returned from trip overseas. You will be working with a new colleague who is just starting his career. Irregular food habit will cause burning sensation in stomach all the times. You may start helping spouse in the house also. A child will need more attention and help with studies.

January 29, 2010

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Classifieds

India Post

January 29, 2010

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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 their beautiful daughter,

and well educated. Kindly respond with photo and biodata to P.O.Box # 340, India Post, 29274 Union City Blvd., Union City, CA - 94587, USA.

PARENTS FROM LOS

suitable match for their handsome, tall, non-

ALLIANCE FOR THEIR

smoker, non-drinker,

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IN ACCOUNTING

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Match For "Hindu Punjabi" girl, 29, 5'5" working. Boy Should Be Tall, Good Looking, Well Educated, Professional And Financially Stable. Please Email At vivah4ca@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 Groom required for Indian girl 35,5'-5" slim,whitish complaxion. Divorcee may also contact. Contact at 09646687876 or email at palphull@hotmail.com

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

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match for Punjabi

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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.

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 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

Nai Sikh 5.1’ 25 Girl B.M.I.T.; P.G.D.C.A., from India.

area. Please contact:

M.B.A (I.T) From USA. Has Student Visa and work

hsnba@sbcglobal.net

Brahmin boy, ( from well-educated family of engineers ) 27 yrs, 5'10",very attractive personality ,from top-tier MBA + B-Tech from US, born/bred in India, US citizen, worked as Sr. consultant in Big four, great sense of humor, respectful in line with Indian culture seeks attractive match willing to settle in SF bay. Caste no bar. Please contact asharmacalishaadi@gmail.com

Notice is hereby given that sealed competitive bids will be accepted at the Alameda County Area Agency on Aging, 6955 Foothill Blvd., 3rd Floor, Oakland, CA 94605 NETWORKING/NORTH COUNTY BIDDERS CONFERENCE RFP ñ Supportive Services, Thursday, February 4, 2010, 9:00 a.m. ñ Alameda County Area Agency on Aging, 6955 Foothill Blvd., 3rd Floor, Oakland, CA 94605 NETWORKING/NORTH COUNTY BIDDERS CONFERENCE RFP ñ Supportive Services, Friday, February 5, 2010, 1:30 p.m. ñ Alameda County Area Agency on Aging, 6955 Foothill Blvd., 3rd Floor, Oakland, CA 94605 Responses Due by 5:00 pm on March 5, 2010 County Contact : Sandra Braxton at (510) 577-1907 or via email: sbraxton@acgov.org Attendance at Networking Conference is Non-mandatory. Specifications regarding the above may be obtained at the Current Contracting Opportunities Internet website at www.acgov.org. 2/5/10 CNS-1781066#

permit Trying for H-1B Visa Brother Dentist in India. Father & Mother in USA

OWNER OPERATORS WANTED WITH OR WITHOUT

Seeks Suitable Immigrant boy from USA or CANADA.

TRAILER, WEEKLY SETTLEMENT, DEDICATED OVER

Contact at Email: shoti53@yahoo.com

THE ROAD. CALL

with Bio data and Photo

888-827-7525

Classifieds

January 29, 2010

India Post 45

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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

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

Quiznossub1@hotmail.com or

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

call (909)851-5395 5.30pm to 7.00pm only.

RESTAURANT HELP WANTED

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

(510) 441-8462 OR VISIT THE LOCATION AT 2625

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

DECOTO RD., UNION CITY.

HELP NEEDED

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

Wanted Motel Manager Couple or Wanted Single Person for Motel Work Experience Preferred. Accommodation Provided & Good Salary Please Call (314)-922-8190 or (213)-926-2727

FINANCING YOU NEED MONEY? CALL US! FAST CASH- SBA LOANS HOTELS MOTELS,

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

925-785-3694 for interview.

BARS, FRANCHISES, GAS STATION & C STORES LEASING MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT PURCHASE & REFINANCE CONSTRUCTION LOANS. LOW INTEREST RATES BAD CREDIT OK CONTACT MAHESH JANI:

(845)735 -0183

“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.

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

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

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January 29, 2010

Datebook

January 29, 2010

India Post

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NEW YORK Upcoming Fri Jan 29 • Bolly-Fusion

ILLINOIS Upcoming Sat Jan 30 • Kirtilals...Diamonds and Jewelry

Venue: Kemia, 630 9th Avenue, New York Contact: (212) 582-3200

Venue: Marriott, 1401 W. 22nd Street, Oakbrook, Illinois Contact: 630-573-8555

Fri Jan 30

Sat Feb 13

• Russell Peters: Green Card Tour Venue: Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Avenue of the Americas, New York Time: 8pm Contact: 212-930-5180

Sat Feb 6 • Thyagaraja Aradhana Venue: Ps 115, 8051 261st St, Floral Park, New York Time: 3pm Contact: sreenadh@shrutilaya.org. Highlights: This will consist of group singing of the Pancharatna Krithis, followed by three one hour concerts by our local artists Smt. Saavitri Ramanand, Smt. Meena Malladi and Smt. Shobana Raghavan. They will also be accompanied by local artists Sri.Balaskandan on the violin, Sri. Murali Balachandran on mridangam and Sri.Balaganesh on the morsing.

Sat Feb 27 • 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

Venue: The Best Westren Hotel, 5105 S. Howell Avenue Airport, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Time: 8:30pm to 1am Contact: 414-336-5982

Wed 17 • Festival Offer Venue: Chantilly, 42856 Golf View Dr, Chantilly, Illinois Contact: 703-340-6222

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

Sun May 2 • 9th Muslim Matrimonial Hosted by MillanUS.com Venue: Adria Hotel & Conference Center, 220-33 Northern Blvd., Bayside, New York Time: 3pm to 9pm Contact: 516-840-0396

Wed Jan 27

• Open MIC Karaoke

• Robin Sukhadia: "What Next for Global Cinema, Politics and Culture?

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

Sun Feb 14

Fri Jan 29

Venue: Ramada Inn, 999 Route 1 South, North Brunswick, New Jersey Time: 6:30pm Contact: 732-233-3499

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

Sun Feb 21 • Abhishek's 7th annual Bridal Showcase

• Rasa: Heart and Soul

Venue: Royal Albert's Palace, 1050 King Georges Road, Fords, New Jersey Time: 11am to 6pm Contact: 917-440-5110

WASHINGTON DC Upcoming Fri Jan 29 • Art of Living Course

Sat March 27 • Marathi Vishwa-Vasantotsav 2010 Venue: Crosroads Middle School- South, 195 Major Road, Monmouth Junction, New Jersey Time: 3pm to 8pm Contact: 732-355-9844

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.

Sat March 27

Sat Jan 30

Sat May 29

Venue: Hindu Temple, Virginia Beach, Virginia, WDC Time: 6:30pm to 10pm Contact: 757-382-7777

Sat Feb 6 • Bengali Samaj Cultural Program Venue: Hindu Temple, Virginia Beach, Virginia, WDC Time: 4pm to 10pm Contact: 757-382-7777

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

• 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.

Sat March 20 Fri Feb 12

• Naach Revolution

• Maha Shivratri

Venue: Union County Arts Center, 1601 Irving Street, Rahway, New Jersey Time: 6pm to 9pm Contact: 732-763-0118

Venue: Shri Mangal Mandir, 17110 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland Contact: (301) 421-0985

Time: 7pm Venue: Saint Mary's College of California, Soda Center Activity Center, 1928 St. Mary's Rd, Moraga, CA Contact: 925-631-4222

• Valentine's Day Dinner & Live Music Show

Fri Feb 19 Venue: Hamlin Park Fieldhouse Theater, 3035 N. Hoyne, Chicago, Illinois Time: 7:30pm Contact: 773-363-9303

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA Upcoming

Sat Jan 30

• Valentine Party

• Republic Day Celebration

Sat May 1

NEW JERSEY Upcoming

• Sarode Concert with Ben Kunin

Sat Jan 30 • Carnatic Saxophone Concert with Prasant Radhakrishnan Venue: Sangati Center, 3049 22nd Street, San Francisco, California Time: 7:00PM

Sat Jan 30 • Kitty Party Venue: kitty party, Sunnyvale, California Time: 7:30pm to 10pm Contact: 650-669-0281

Sun Jan 31 • Bharatanatyam Dance workshop Venue: PAMPA Dance Academy Studio, 520 Lawrence expressway, Suite 311, Sunnyvale, California Time: 11am to 3:30pm Contact: 408-318-2873

Fri Feb 4 • Young Audiences School Demonstration/Performance Venue: Santa Rita School, 700 Los Altos Avenue, LA, CA Time: 10:30am Contact: (408) 871-5959

Sat Feb 6 • Bollywood Berkeley Venue: Zellerbach Hall, University of California, Berkeley, California Contact: (949) 439-5365

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.

Fri Jan 29 • Biggest Desi Party in Orange Venue: 210 Dance Club, 32124 Paseo Adelanto, Orange County, California Time: 10:30pm Contact: 714-200-9086

Sat Jan 30 • India's Republic Day 2010 Venue: Royal Delhi Palace, 22323 Sherman Way #11, Canoga Park, California Contact: 661-349-3437

Sat Feb 6 • Russell Peters's Stand Up Comedy Show Venue: Nokia Theatre, 777 Chick Hearn Ct, Los Angeles Time: 8pm Contact: (213) 763-6020

Sat Feb 6 • Music Concert with Shujaat Khan & Abhiman Kaushal Venue: Herrick Chapel, Occidental College, Los Angeles Time: 8pm Contact: 626-449-6987

Mon Feb 1 • The Political Economy of India After Liberalization Venue: 10383 Bunche Hall, Los Angeles, California Time: 2pm to 4pm Contact: 310-531-6865

Philosophy

48 India Post

January 29, 2010

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Page Sponsored by Sahanis technique and probably the most advanced - it takes perseverance and persistence. This exercise is going to give us the tool to identify and deal with one thought at a time. This exercise is not about prioritization. It is not giving advice about which thoughts to choose. It is about choice. Goal:

Contd from last week Exercise 4: Dropping All Thoughts he next step is Mind Control. This technique is going to be a hallmark of all future techniques. So, it needs to be practiced as much as possible in your life. The idea is to drop any and all thoughts that come through. You don't have to be discriminating in this - any and all thoughts should be dropped. Some thoughts may reappear repeatedly. You need to drop them as many times as they appear. Just the fact that you can drop any thought at will gets you one step closer to controlling your mind. Indiscriminate dropping of thoughts is vital. This exercise is also meant as a half hour to one hour session at the most. Exercise 5: Processing of thoughts The 3rd step of this meditation

magine that you have only a few minutes, maybe an hour left to live; somehow you have discovered exactly when you will die. What would you do with this precious hour of your stay on Earth? Would you be able to complete all your things in this last hour, do you have a conscious

with positive energy for 5 to 10 minutes. Step 4: Dropping of the Thought At the end of this period the processed thought has to be dropped. The drop should be complete. It is as if the processing never happened. If it tries to come back, it has to be dropped again and again.

Indiscriminate dropping of thoughts is vital DR KRISHNA BHATTA

You just pick up any thought that comes to mind. Then start dropping all other thoughts. Just play with the one thought you have chosen

1. Directing mind to a particular thought (brain storming) 2. Processing thoughts 3. Generating Positive Energy a. Positive Thinking b. Positive Imaging c. State of Positivity 4. Getting familiar with the Supermind 5. Having an undercurrent of thought themes 6. Understanding the basics of non-attachment 9. Begin the practice: Step 1: Pick up a thought Thoughts are traversing as usual in your mind. The idea is to pick up a random thought and then stay with it for five to ten minutes.

providing energy to the thought for processing purposes. You are not allowing the thought to get attached to you. You will go through all the 'ifs' and 'buts', but you are going to maintain a distance between the 'you' (self) and the thoughts. Step 3: Process the thought with positive energy This exercise is about processing any thought. You need to be able to process all kinds of thoughts, good or bad, right or wrong. Once you are able to process the thoughts that you randomly pick up, it becomes easier to process a thought of your choice. So random thoughts have to be picked up and processed

This thought is not picked up again during this half-hour block and preferably never again in future exercises. Also, it is important that the thought is not allowed to attach to you. The next random thought is then picked up, processed and dropped. There should not be more than 5-10 thoughts that are picked up and processed in the half-hour block. Also important is the fact that no thought is processed for more than 10 minutes. If you are keeping a thought for over 10 minutes, it may mean that you are getting close to getting attached to that thought. (To be continued)

thing has its beginning and its end. In the Real World everything is always present and one beautiful day you will be allowed to forget everything and leave the world "forever". Freedom is worth a million times more than [political] liberation. The free man, even in slavery, remains a master of himself. For example, if I give you some-

on the same fuel my car is working on. I suggest to you only the primary material. You have to get from it what you can use. So, more bravely, sit down at the steering wheel. The organic life is very fragile. The planetary body can die at any moment. It is always one step from death. And if you could manage

all your life affairs, even in your last hour. But how can anyone know exactly his last hour? For the sense of security make up your things with nature and yourself in every hour given to you, then you will never be met unprepared. The man has to be taught this starting from the [esoteric] school: how to breath, to eat, to move and to die right. This has to become a part of an educational program. In this program it is necessary to include the teaching about how to realize the presence of "I" and also how to establish consciousness. Now you do not know much about yourself. But with each day you dig deeper and deeper into this bag of bones and start knowing more and more details. Day by day you will be finding out what you should have done and what you have to redo among the things you have done. A real man is one who could take from life everything that was valuable in it, and say: "And now I can die". The 126th birth anniversary of Gurdjieff fell on January 13.

Preparing for the perfect death G I GURDJIEFF

idea about how to do it? And letting go your last breath would you feel satisfaction from knowing that you have done everything possible in this life to fulfill that you are constantly present, always vibrating, always waiting, like the son is waiting for the father-sailor? In the manifested world every-

The important part is the randomness of choice. You just pick up any thought that comes to mind. Then start dropping all other thoughts. Just play with the one thought you have chosen. Step 2: Non-Attachment It is important to understand the fact that you are just picking up the thought randomly and

thing, let's say, a car, in which there is no fuel, the car cannot move. Your car needs a special fuel, but it is only you who is able to define what kind of fuel is needed and where to get it. You have to define yourself how to digest my ideas to make them yours, so that they belong only to you. Your car cannot work

The organic life is very fragile. The planetary body can die at any moment. It is always one step from death to live one more day, it is only a chance accidentally given to you by nature. If you will be able to live even one more hour, you can consider yourself to be a lucky person. From the moment of conception we are living on borrowed time. Living in this world you have to feel death each second, so settle

A man can reach the roof of a house by stone stairs or a ladder or a rope-ladder or a rope or even by a bamboo pole. But he cannot reach the roof if he sets foot now on one and now on another. He should firmly follow one path. Likewise, in order to realize God a man must follow one path with all his strength. -Ramakrishna Paramhamsa My daily activities are not unusual, I'm just naturally in harmony with them. Grasping nothing, discarding nothing... Supernatural power and marvelous activity - Drawing water and carrying firewood. -Layman Pang-yun The heart is always right-- if there's a question of choosing between the mind and the heart-- because mind is a creation of the society. It has been educated. You have been given it by the society, not by existence. The heart is unpolluted. -Osho You are the one observer of all, and in reality always free. Your bondage is this: You see the other - not yourself - as the observer. -Ashtavakra Gita Generosity is giving more than you can, and pride is taking less than you need. -Kahlil Gibran

You Insure all your Valuables, all are replaceable except YOU! So Insure yourself FIRST. Call Sahanis, (Arish, Priya or Shiv) for your Insurance needs 718- 271- 0453. Serving for last 35 yrs

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January 29, 2010

India Post 49

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Chinese Naval ambitions Concern for India? KRITI SINGH

s Chinese interests continue to amplify, China is reaching out to upgrade its ability to protect its interests beyond the Great Wall. Last year witnessed a three dimensional approach from Beijing to increase its area of influence across land, in the sea and into space. International concern was triggered by an interview published on a Chinese Defense website. Yin Zhuo, a retired Admiral, now a senior researcher at the navy's Equipment Research Centre, came up with a proposal to set up a permanent base to support ships on anti-piracy missions in the Gulf of Aden. This has raised international concern in general and in India in

not need to send its navy everywhere. Although it was published on a Chinese defense website, Chinese authorities were quick to detach themselves from the proposal. Later on, Chinese Defense Ministry clarified that, "An overseas supply base might be an option in the future, but it's not being considered at this time." However, the Ministry asserted that the PLA Navy would continue its existing practice of supporting its Gulf of Aden operations through the use of maritime resupply at sea and temporary access to a French base at Djibouti. From the Chinese analyst point of view, the need of overseas bases has risen from increasing expecta-

Soldiers of Chinese Navy special force carry out an anti pirate drill on the deck of DDG-171 Haikou destroyer in Sanya, capital of South China's Hainan Province.

particular that China was preparing to build naval bases far from its shores. Yin's proposal came in the backdrop of the release of a Chinese cargo ship with a 25 member crew from Somali pirates after the payment of a 3.5-million-dollar ransom. While highlighting the need of an oversea naval base, Yin Zhuo said, "I feel that it would be appropriate if we could have a relatively stable, fixed base for supplies and maintenance." In support of his argument he stated that the first of the four PLA Navy task forces sent to the Gulf of Aden had to spend 123 days at sea without calling at any port, leading to resupply, medical, and morale problems. He stressed that a naval base would provide Chinese sailors with assured access to fresh fruit, vegetables, and water, as well as communications, repair, medical, and other facilities. Further he noted that these bases would facilitate the fulfillment of mounting global expectations on Beijing as a global stakeholder. But, he was also quick to assert that he foresaw the need for only a few bases and China did

tions placed on Beijing, its growing interest in foreign countries, and its ability to protect those interests. Besides, the proposal is in itself an indication of change in the PRC's existing doctrines. Till date China does not have any permanent base of operations outside its own territory. Yin's proposal further reinforces the Chinese defense analysts' arguments on modifying the "no foreign bases" doctrine. However, if media reports are to be believed, China is reportedly interested in establishing naval bases in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Thailand and the South China Sea to protect its sea lines of communication. From a strategic point of view, owning an overseas naval base near the Middle East and Africa will give China an advantage to exhibit its military might and maintain forward military operations in other military contingencies. The region holds great value for Beijing as it imports much of its oil, natural gas, and other raw materials from here. Moreover, if China is successful in making one

overseas base, then the future can witness more such developments Elaborating on the implications on India if China establishes foreign bases, an Indian analyst Pankaj Kumar Jha, at the Institute for Defense Studies and Analyses, observed that," If the bases are closer to its coastline then it will have some implications but it would be US which would be more perturbed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;India will be disturbed only if the bases are close to Andamans like Rondo, Coco Islands or western coast of Malay Peninsula. More so only bases are not enough; one must have power projection capabilities like aircraft carrier. China does have sea denial and deterrence capability be-

If the bases are closer to its coastline then it will have some implications but it would be US which would be more perturbed. India will be disturbed only if the bases are close to Andamans cause of nuclear submarines but lacks projection capabilities." In response to a question as to how should India counter this threat, Jha said, "To my belief there is no such thinking. But if India has to devise something then it can act on building an axis with Vietnam and Indonesia. One must understand that Vietnam and Indonesia can act as a counter balance to China if India organizes its military diplomacy in a proactive and productive framework. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Also with increasing closeness between US and Vietnam as well as Indonesia being an old ally of US this looks feasible. The other option is to closely cooperate with Japan and Australia with regard to naval co-operation, which is very much on the cards." Words like expansion and encroachment are not new for the Dragon, but every time it is used it sounds alarm bells around the world and in India. But, the question of China's growing naval presence in the Indian Ocean remains a serious concern to India. The writer is Research Associate, IPCS

India Post Sports & terror

akistan is paying a heavy price for its love of the Taliban. But it is not willing to let go of the deadly embrace. If no international sporting event can be held inside Pakistan it is because of this single reason - soft corner for terrorists. If India's eight IPL teams have played safe by not picking up any of the 11 Pakistanis on offer for the third season of the league starting in March, it is for this reason. If the top cricketers of Pakistan are unable to play any international match in their own country, it is for this reason. If no country is willing to risk sending its sportsmen to Pakistan, it is for this reason. If innocent Pakistanis are subjected to humiliating extra security checks at international airports, it is for this reason. Chafed cricketers and administrators of Pakistan are blaming "politics" behind India's refusal to touch the Pakistani cricketers. They are not willing to look at their own government's condoning of the politics of murder in full play in Mumbai in November 2008. Instead of confronting the cause of its own unsavory reputation, it seems, according to Indian intelligence, Pakistan is keen to show to the world that India too is an unsafe place for sports. To that end, a terrorist attack from Pakistan to disrupt the Commonwealth Games is a distinct possibility. In such an atmosphere, if the franchises of the IPL teams refused to touch the Pakistanis, the reason should have been clear to them. It has nothing to do with the acknowledged skills of the Pakistani cricketers, who are world T-20 champions. The IPL being a business proposition, no one was willing to take a chance with the Pakistanis. As one franchisee put it, if there was even one incident involving a Pakistani player, the whole league would come under a cloud. Pakistani players and administrators are saying India should not mix politics with sports. If they look into the mirror they will find that their own country mixes terror with sports. They need to ask their government, can Pakistan continue to feed the Taliban and also enjoy its cricket? Have any of the responsible people in Pakistan condemned sponsoring of Mumbai type of attacks? Has there been any serious move to punish the masterminds behind the Mumbai attack? What message does it give to Indians when the known chief of Lashkar e Toiba Hafez Sayeed, who spreads the message of hate and terror against India and organizes training camps for terrorists, is repeatedly let off by the courts? Instead of controlling and punishing such founts of terror, there is evidence that more terrorists are being trained and sent to Jammu & Kashmir to keep the state on boil. Even after such stark evidence, the Pakistanis complain that Indian sporting bodies do not welcome them; they must have their eyes examined. Playing cricket, or any other game, requires a peaceful atmosphere. That cannot be guaranteed in Pakistan for a long time to come because Pakistan is not serious in combating terror. It loves the benefits terror-sponsoring brings like humiliating India with Mumbai-type attacks or capturing power in Afghanistan. Since no foreign team is willing to tour Pakistan for fear of meeting the fate of visiting Sri Lankan cricketers, the top cricketers of Pakistan go round the world looking for places where they can show their skill, and earn their bread. Their home series against New Zealand could not be played in Pakistan for obvious reasons so the hosts turned visitors. At least for the sake of their cricketers and other fine sportsmen, Pakistan should turns its back on all kinds of terrorists.

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