IndiaPost-06-24-2011 by Ghanshyam Bisht

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Anantha P. Chandrakasan

Indian American to head largest Dept at MIT Details on page 20

Illinois firm to work on India's unique ID plan Details on page 20

VOL 16, No. 876

June 24, 2011

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DEADLINE TO DISCLOSE FOREIGN ACCOUNTS Indian Americans advised to avail amnesty

India Post News Service

voluntarily disclose them and avoid prosecution. A hornet's nest was stirred when a New Jersey-based Indian American businessman Vaibhav Dahake was indicted earlier this year and he later pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to defraud the US by using undeclared accounts in the British Virgin Islands and at HSBC India to evade paying his income taxes. Details on page 6

Idaho Christians protest display of Ganesha statue Details on page 12

Ackerman urges Hillary to review Krittika case Details on page 8

Fed to combat immigration services scams Details on page 34

Indian Americans honor Ald Debra Silverstein

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 24-25 Classifieds ------------------------- 47 Community Post -------------- 12-19

Details on page 15

Date Book -------------------------- 46 Edit Page --------------------------- 49

INDIA POST SURVEY

HealthScience Post --------- 38-40

survey@indiapost.com

Horoscope ------------------------- 41

This week’s question

Immigration Post ------------- 34-37

Did HSBC lure Indians to defy law?

Life Style ----------------------- 26-28 Philosophy ------------------------- 48

Last week’s result

PM Manmohan Singh should speak up on corruption? YES 82%

NO 18%

Publisherís Diary ------------------ 4

SPARKLING MINAR: Pedestrians and commuters pass by the illuminated Charminar in Hyderabad on June 14. Multicolor dynamic lighting has been installed to illuminate the historical monument in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh

Real Estate -------------------- 42-43 TechBiz Post ------------------- 20-22 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 29-31

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Romesh & Sunita Japra Publishers Subhash C Japra Co-Publisher Vikram Paul President Krishan Sharma Mg Director & Joint Editor Ranjana Sodhi Managing Editor Vinod Dhawan Senior Editor Naresh Sodhi General Manager Ghanshyam Bisht Supervisor Graphics SAN FRANCISCO & SILICON VALLEY Vijay Thapar CPRO & Advertising Sonia Sidhu Management Analyst Radhika Jhamb Correspondent Sudesh Kumari Correspondent Deepa Japra Youth Post Correspondent Rama Mehra Advertising Bhumi Bhutani Health Science Correspondent Jaya Gautam Correspondent Sujata Singh Correspondent Sirisha Chandraraju Correspondent Isha Patnaik Correspondent Raaj D. Photo Journalist LOS ANGELES Mrs Shashi Trivedi Bureau Chief J S Bedi PR & Marketing Mrs Prem Kishore Sr Correspondent Greg Heffernan Correspondent Ms Bobby Sharma Correspondent Babeeta Kaur Dhillon Correspondent Pavan Kaur Bhatia Correspondent CHICAGO Ramesh Soparawala Resident Editor A Q Siddiqui Correspondent ST. LOUIS Ashwin Patel Correspondent NEW YORK & NEW JERSEY Pinky Kaur Bureau Chief Srirekha N. Chakravarty Correspondent Nikita Japra Correspondent Sukhvinder Saini Circulation ATLANTA Sanjay Saggere Bureau Chief FLORIDA B K Madnani CANADA Firdaus Ali Correspondent BOSTON Gope Gidwani Bureau Chief DETROIT Ashok B Jain, M D Bureau Chief Gurminder Singh SAN DIEGO Neelu Bhardwaj Bureau Chief SACRAMENTO Madan Sharma Bureau Chief Janak Sidhra Correspondent Upen Shukla Correspondent

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Publisher’s Diary

hen will we be able to get out of this vicious circle? My wife lost her job. I had a 12% pay cut as a result of the first bailout. The new measures want to cut another 20% of jobs in the public sector. So if no one has money and we are just more in debt, who is going to drive the economy? We will live like slaves paying all our lives." That rant comes from one of the tens of thousands of Greeks protesting against their government's austerity measures, summing up precisely everything that ails Greece today. The Greek agitator's statement just in so many words describes our own situation here in the United States. I recently read one of our own bloggers giving a Doomsday warning that "Economic hell is coming." Statistically, unemployment rate in the US went up to 9.1%; more than 3 million homes are foreclosed - more than 1million in 2010 alone; nearly a quarter of the population has put off doctor's visits; at least 30% employers are likely to stop health coverage for employees over the next two years; one out of every 6 Americans is now enrolled in some federal anti-poverty program; and currently approximately 44 million Americans are on food stamps. If you aren't already scared, get this: A recent USA Today analysis shows the federal government took on $5.3 trillion in new financial obligations last year mostly for Medicare and Social Security, and now has $61.6 trillion in financial obligations that have not been paid for yet. This mountain of debt amounts to $528,000 per household, that is apart from all other loans a family may have already taken for cars, house, etc. The Greek tragedy, however, might soon be a global dilemma for, wanton mismanagement by governments has made the rich richer and the poor, poorer. These past few days I've been thinking the nationwide furor over Congressman Anthony Weiner's sexting indiscretions were a needless distraction from more serious issues facing the nation. But, you know what… I'd take that distraction anytime. At least I can laugh that one off.

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Dirty rash After shooting for a bathtub scene, Vidya Balan developed a skin rash so severe that she was rushed to doctor.

Cover Story: Foreign accounts Indian Americans holding foreign accounts have been advised to voluntarily disclose them and avoid prosecution.

Community: Christians protest

A band of Christians of Kootenai County in Idaho protested the display of a sculpture of Lord Ganesha in a city park.

Immigration: Combatting scams The US government unveiled recently a multi-agency, nationwide initiative to combat immigration services scams.

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Travel: Leh & Ladakh Leh, the capital of Ladakh province, is a favorite tourist destination located in the northernmost part of India.

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Deadline to disclose foreign accounts Indian Americans advised to avail amnesty India Post News Service

NEW YORK: With the August 31 deadline looming ahead to avail of the Internal Revenue Service's amnesty program for voluntary disclosure of undeclared overseas bank accounts, legal and tax experts are advising Indian Americans holding such accounts to come forward and voluntarily disclose them and avoid prosecution. A hornet's nest was stirred when a New Jersey-based Indian American businessman Vaibhav Dahake was indicted earlier this year and he later pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to defraud the US by using undeclared accounts in the British Virgin Islands and at HSBC India to evade paying his income taxes. An IRS probe revealed that at least 9,000 Indian Americans hold undisclosed accounts in HSBC India after the bank was served a John Doe summons. Despite the IRS announcing an amnesty program to bring such defaulters into the system, only about 1,000 of the 9,000 Indian Americans who have such accounts in India have come forward to disclose them, according to Parag Patel managing partner of Patel Law Offices in Iselin, New Jersey. "In just the past 100 days three people with HSBC foreign accounts have been convicted of tax crimes," Patel says. "The full list is expected to be turned over to the IRS shortly, and those on the list will likely face prosecution by the IRS." The IRS launched a program in February called the Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Initiative, or OVDI, which allows taxpayers who voluntarily come forward before the IRS is made aware of

them - protection from criminal prosecution for tax evasion. The OVDI is set to expire Aug 31, 2011. The program requires individuals to pay a penalty of 25 percent of the amount in their foreign bank accounts in the year with the highest aggregate account balance over eight years from 2003 through 2010. The taxpayers will also be required to amend their tax returns, and pay back taxes and interest, as well as accuracy-related penalties. "Since it is possible that other foreign banks could face the same subpoenas by the IRS, we strongly recommended that all Indian Americans with any undisclosed foreign accounts immedi-

Despite the IRS announcing an amnesty program to bring such defaulters into the system, only about 1,000 of the 9,000 Indian Americans who have such accounts in India have come forward to disclose them

spiracy to defraud the US by using undeclared accounts in the British Virgin Islands and at HSBC India to evade paying his income taxes. This brought about an increase in investigations into other American-owned HSBC accounts in India. According to papers filed in the US government petition, employees of HSBC India and its affiliates in the US have assured Dahake that all bank accounts maintained in India would not have to be declared to the IRS. Other non-resident Indian clients of HSBC have told IRS investigators that they were given the same assurance of being able

Report your Indian account by June 30 CHICAGO: Any individual living in the US for more than 180 days and has a foreign account in India and has more than 10,000 USD at anytime between 2003 and 2011, must report by June 30. Failure to do that, if Treasury Department finds out before you declare, there will be a criminal proceeding and the individual will be placed under

Amnesty and will have to pay 85% of the amount held in foreign accounts as Penalty. Depending on your individual situation you may have to amend tax returns for the years 2003-2010 to include interest income, dividend income and all other income including rental income, if any, in your amended tax returns. You may want to contact your tax preparer for further advice.

For those who has an account and the value is under 10,000 USD will also have to file the Amended Tax Returns for the last 8 years (Schedule B for Interest Income & Dividend) and fill the TD F90.22.1 for that year where you have crossed 10K USD and notify IRS for those years stating they had foreign accounts. The last date for reporting 2010 activity is June 30, 2011.

ately consider entering the amnesty program to minimize their risk of future tax complications," said Patel. Patel has extensive experience assisting and defending clients and their advisers to disclose and legitimize foreign accounts. His

firm currently represents over two dozen clients in this area and has represented more than a dozen others during the 2009 government amnesty program. Earlier this year, New Jerseybased businessman, Vaibhav Dahake was charged with con-

to invest in HSBC accounts in India without paying US income tax on interest earned and that HSBC India would not report these details to the IRS. HSBC has 470 branches in the US under HSBC Bank USA. In addition, the bank used to have

SURESH SHAH

two HSBC India representative offices in New York and Fremont, California to tap into the burgeoning non-resident Indian market. Both offices were closed down in June last year. But despite the closure of these offices, it is still possible for the non-resident Indian account holders to access their HSBC India accounts from the US. Due to growing indictments by the Department of Justice, more and more offshore account holders have been entering into the 2011 Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Initiative in hopes of receiving amnesty for previously undisclosed bank accounts. According to Kevin E. Thorn, Managing Partner of Thorn Law Group, a law firm that represents many taxpayers throughout the US and abroad with undisclosed offshore accounts, the IRS' 'John Doe' Summons against HSBC has been a useful weapon in the government's arsenal; information gathered is being used to build cases against US taxpayers. It is believed that HSBC has aided in the evasion of taxes. However, legal experts believe that HSBC may be more willing to cooperate with the government because it is not bound by strict Swiss secrecy laws (like Swiss or tax haven banks). There is a longstanding set of principles that guide the Justice Department in deciding whether to bring a criminal complaint versus a company, and one is cooperation. HSBC may be willing to "throw their clients under a bus" to avoid prosecution, they say.

Gates: US disappointed by failed raids in Pakistan WASHINGTON: US tipped off Pakistan about two militant bomb making facilities in the country's restive tribal region, but by the time the camps were raided, they were found empty. US Defense Secretary Robert Gates said as an act of faith to restore relations with Pakistan, US intelligence in recent weeks shared the location of two such compounds in Pakistan's tribal areas. But by the time authorities reached the facilities, they had been vacated. The Defense Secretary in an interview to AP said the Obama administration was disappointed by the unexplained failure of a US effort to share intelligence with

Pakistan. The soon-to-retire Pentagon chief said he was not certain how or why the effort went awry. He said "there was clearly disappointment on our part." Others have raised the possibility that Pakistan's intelligence service had tipped off the militants. Gates said Washington is disappointed and suspicious that militants in Pakistan apparently were tipped off that American intelligence officials had discovered two of their suspected bomb-making facilities. But he stopped short of concluding that Pakistani officials leaked the information to the al-

US Defense Secretary Robert Gates

Qaida-linked Haqqani insurgents. And Gates said such incidents must not derail US relations with Islamabad. A little over two weeks before

ending his 4 1/2-year tenure, Gates in the interview touched on a range of issues including his expectation of a smooth handoff to his designated successor, current CIA Director Leon Panetta. Gates will retire June 30; Panetta's Senate confirmation is expected shortly. The Pakistan intelligence breach has only fueled unease in the US, where officials worry about links between the intelligence service there and some militant groups. A US official said that after telling Pakistani intelligence about the location of the two compounds, US drones and satellite feeds showed the militants clear-

ing out the contents at both sites. "We don't know the specifics of what happened," said Gates. "There are suspicions and there are questions, but I think there was clearly disappointment on our part." Another US official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the assumption was that the Pakistanis had tipped off the Haqqanis. Asked whether it was time to take a harder line with Pakistan, Gates counseled patience and noted that the Pakistanis have not forgotten that the US abandoned them in the late 1980s after the Soviets pulled out of Afghanistan. -PTI

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Govt gets into a huddle as Hazare hits out NEW DELHI: Amid growing differences with civil society members on the proposed Lokpal Bill, the Government held a series of meetings to formulate a strategy to handle the ticklish issue. Union Minister Kapil Sibal and AICC general secretary Digvijay Singh met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh hours after Anna Hazare accused the UPA of "playing tricks" with people of the country and questioned the rationale behind sending two versions of Lokpal Bill to the Cabinet for consideration. However, both the leaders remained tightlipped on what tran-

spired in the meeting. The Group of Ministers on Media also met at noon and is learnt to have decided to follow a 'wait and watch' policy to the unfolding situation and not be hurried in its response. A day after the "deadlocked" meeting of the joint drafting committee on Lokpal Bill, Hazare alleged that government was "playing tricks" and he would have to restart protest if a "weak" anticorruption legislation is cleared by the government. After the government and civil society failed to achieve any common ground at the sixth meeting, it was decided to forward two ver-

sions of the Bill to the Cabinet for its consideration.

Dismissing suggestions that the government was pre-determined on the issue, he said that there would have been no joint drafting committee had this been the case Digvijay Singh, however, objected to the remarks saying the

government has an "open mind" but the civil society members should also understand that there is a Parliament that frames rules. Dismissing suggestions that the government was pre-determined on the issue, he said that there would have been no joint drafting committee had this been the case. "We are absolutely open and I think the so-called civil society members who have assumed the responsibility of the country's entire civil society have to understand this is a Parliamentary democracy," Digvijay Singh said. "There is a Constitution, a Par-

liament which frames the law and rules and which is accountable to people. So they should understand the nuances on this." Noting that there are eminent people in the Joint Committee to draft the bill, he said that the civil society members should not say that "either the Government is with them or against them. "This kind of attitude will not help," Singh said. The Congress leader also dismissed BJP chief Nitin Gadkari's barbs at Sonia Gandhi on the issue of fighting corruption saying "Gadkari is a person, who need not be responded to".-PTI

Ramdev to continue campaign for return of black money DEHRADUN: Yoga guru Ramdev was discharged from a city hospital after which he said he would continue his campaign for return of black money stashed away abroad. "We want that people with clean background should only go to Parliament and assemblies. We want that about Rs 4 lakh crore black money stashed away abroad should be brought back," Ramdev told reporters after being discharged from the Himalayan Hospital here. "We have not committed any sin by waging a war against corruption and seeking return of black money from foreign countries. The fight against corruption will continue with the help of all countrymen till the last breath," he said. 46-year-old Ramdev said the movement was started for the welfare of people so that children of poor farmers can also become doctors and engineers. Criticizing the government for the crackdown on his supporters at Ramlila Grounds in Delhi, he said

what his supporters faced during that "black night will not go waste". "In the corrupt system, there will be a sea change," he said, expressing support for Rajbala, who is battling for life after suffering

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;We have not committed any sin by waging a war against corruption and seeking return of black money from foreign countries. The fight against corruption will continueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; spinal injuries at Ramlila Grounds. The yoga guru ended his nineday-long fast on June 11 following appeals by Sri Sri Ravishankar and other spiritual leaders. He had gone on a hunger strike on June 4 demanding tougher anti-corruption laws. In a statement, Ramdev said

injustice being done to farmers and poor land owners in the name of land acquisition should stop. He also said that education in technical courses like medical and engineering should be provided in all Indian languages. Earlier, Dr S L Jethani Medical Superintendent, Himalayan Hospital, said, "We have advised Ramdev to abstain from yoga for two-three days and take rest. Once he has improved he can get back to his regular schedule. "Ramdev's health is stable. His blood pressure and pulse rate has improved," Jethani said. The yoga guru's close associate, Balakrishna, said, "We will continue our fight against corruption and black money till our last breath. The whole nation is with us. Ramdevji will teach yoga and also continue to fight corruption. "We are thankful to the people who supported us in our movement. We are determined to start this movement afresh with revised strategy. But for now he will take rest for about a week," he said. -PTI

Yahoo! India to take internet education program to schools LUCKNOW: Yahoo! India, the leading digital media company, plans to take its 'Learn with Yahoo' program to schools in the near future. Yahoo! India Senior Director (Marketing) Nitin Mathur told newspersons here that based on the findings of internal research, the company chose an educative route to help users discover the power of the internet and started its 'Learn with Yahoo program', which is running across 2,500 cyber cafes

across India and 185 in UP. "The program has received an encouraging response from people in the first phase and now

in the second phase, it would be run in schools also," Mathur said, adding that the plan is at a preliminary stage and details like the

eligibility of schools have to be worked out. Priority would, however, be given to schools having computer education, he said. "Our internal research indicated that new users are keen to learn more about the internet, specially when it comes to surfing the internet from their mobile. The research also indicated that 55 per cent of these new internet users begin their online journey at cyber cafes," he said. -PTI

MONSOON IN MUMBAI: Traffic jam at at water-logged road after heavy rains in Mumbai

78 clinics sealed in JK over sex determination tests SRINAGAR: Voicing concern over the declining sex-ratio in the state, the Jammu and Kashmir government has said it has sealed 78 clinics for conducting pre-natal sex determination tests in the last three months as a part of its drive to check the practice, "more prevalent" in urban areas. The government has sealed 78 diagnostic centers, for conducting pre-natal sex determination tests, so far from March in the

state, Health Minister Sham Lal Sharma told reporters here. "Sex determination tests are more prevalent in civilized (urban) areas of the state," he said, adding that effective steps have been taken by the government to curb the practice. As per Census 2011, the sexratio in Jammu and Kashmir has dropped alarmingly to 883 females per 1,000 males from 892:1000 in 2001. -PTI

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Ackerman urges Hillary to review Krittika case SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: New York Congressman Gary Ackerman has lent his support to the case of Krittika Biswas, the 18-year old daughter of an Indian diplomat who was wrongfully arrested for allegedly sending vicious emails to two of her teachers at school. Last month, Biswas, through her attorney Ravi Batra sued New York City for $1.5 million for her wrongful arrest and mistreatment by the police officers, alleging violation of her rights under the Vienna Convention. Biswas was arrested and led away in handcuffs from her school when the school principal and teacher called the police on accusations that she has been sending two of her teachers, hate-filled nasty emails. Biswas alleges that the police did not allow her to contact her parents of the Indian Consulate despite being told of her father's diplomatic status as vice consul at the New York Consulate. Biswas was released from

prison the following day after her attorney intervened. It was later discovered the offensive emails in question were in fact being sent by a Chinese-origin classmate of Biswas; but the school did not take any action against him. The school's actions notwithstanding, Biswas' case has since given rise to a debate on the provisions of the Vienna Convention that provide immunity to diplomats and their families serving in foreign countries. The US State Department has taken a firm stand that families of diplomats do not enjoy immunity privileges, while the Indian government believes otherwise. In a letter to US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, written June 6, Congressman Ackerman states, "I cannot help but agree with [Batra's] interpretation of the Vienna Convention." Ackerman's letter to Sec. Clinton further says: "I urge you to seek a legal review of the State Department's interpretation of the Vienna Convention, Articles 36, 40, 41 and 53 with regard to the

Gary Ackerman

The school's actions notwithstanding, Biswas' case has since given rise to a debate on the provisions of the Vienna Convention case of Krittika Biswas. Mr. Batra's concern is that on May 25, the State Department's Deputy

Spokesperson misstated the Convention's "International Miranda Rights" and privileges and immunities given to members of a consul's family." At the daily press briefing on June 14, US State Department's Deputy Spokesperson Mark Toner, reiterated the State Department's stand that Biswas did not enjoy diplomatic immunity. Responding to a question whether the State Dept was aware that she was an Indian diplomat's daughter and why she was not given consular access while in police custody, Toner said: "We were aware of her status. As I've said before, as a family member of a consular officer at the Indian consulate in New York, she did not enjoy immunity from arrest from criminal or civil jurisdiction under international law." Toner added, "Certainly though, we value our partnership with India and we attach great importance to the presence of all Indian diplomatic and consular representatives in the United

States. And we sympathize with Ms. Biswas and her family." Toner insisted that Biswas was allowed to contact her family and in terms of legal convention, he said, "I think it allows for notification of access without delay. But I believe she was only held for just the night and then released the next morning." When the questioning reporter informed Toner that Biswas was released the following afternoon (and not that morning) only after her lawyer came into the picture, the State Dept official said, "Well, what I can say is that, to our knowledge, she was allowed to contact her parents very soon after being taken into custody and she was released the next day." Congressman Ackerman, meanwhile, said in his letter to Sec. Clinton, "With all of the extraordinarily heavy international matters that have fallen simultaneously on your plate, I hope that somebody can take the time to remedy this injustice that has befallen this young girl and her fine diplomat family."

Coppery-red Moon leaves sky enthusiasts spell bound NEW DELHI: Moon's glow as an eerie, coppery red disk in the sky left the astro-enthusiasts spell bound during the century's longest and darkest total lunar eclipse in the small hours of June 15-16. Stunning shades of orange and red flitted across the sky as the Moon dipped into the Earth's

darker shadow leaving celestial observers captivated at the spectacle. Thousands of sky enthusiasts across the country gathered under the open skies, on roof tops and at planetariums to see the total lunar eclipse, which was the century's longest and darkest. This combination of 3 pictures shows a portion of the moon crosses into the Earth's shadow seen from Siliguri on West Bengal state on June 16

People perform Ganga Arti ahead of the lunar eclipse at Sangam in Allahabad

The awesome spectacle of the moon being eclipsed was visible all over the country, including the national capital. In a clear sky over the national capital, the full moon slowly slipped into the earth's darker shadow starting just after 22:54:34 PM. As the moon's bright white glow gave way to a coppery, luminescent orange, amateur astronomers armed with telescopes and cameras camped at the Nehru Planetarium here and took photographs of the celestial phenomenon. "It was a great experience. I took the photographs and they are simply amazing," Prateek, an amateur astronomer said. Nisha Gupta, a school teacher, said, "I have never seen a total eclipse like this. I was left speechless." This was the century's longest and darkest total lunar eclipse as the Moon immersed deeply inside the umbral (darker) shadow of the Earth, Nehru Planetarium Director

N Rathnasree told PTI. . The total phase of the eclipse lasted 100 minutes. The last eclipse to exceed this duration was in July 2000, she said. The next such eclipse will only take place in 2141.

Amateur astronomers armed with telescopes and cameras camped at the Nehru Planetarium here and took photographs of the celestial phenomenon The penumbral lunar eclipse began at 22:54:34 IST and ended at 04:30:45 IST, she said. The total lunar eclipse began at 00:52:30 IST and ended at 02:32:42 IST. While the partial eclipse began at 23:52:56 IST and ended at 03:32:15 IST.

As the earth came in between the Sun and the Moon, its shadow first began sweeping across the moon blocking out much of its bright light and as the shadow descended gently, the Moon's face turned red. People living in eastern Africa, the Middle East, central Asia and western Australia were also able to watch the entire eclipse, from beginning to end, Arvind Paranjpye, scientific officer of Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, told PTI. At mid-eclipse, the Moon was overhead at Mauritius. Observers in eastern Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina also witnessed the totality. However, the eclipse was not visible from North America, he said. This eclipse was also one of the darkest due to the ashes thrown into the Earth's atmosphere by the recent eruption of Iceland's most active volcano, Grimsvotn, he said. -PTI

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ISI was eyeing retired Indian military personnel: Headley WASHINGTON: Pakistan's spy agency ISI was planning recruitment of retired Indian military personnel to penetrate into the system and then use them for its anti-India activities, according to LeT operative David Headley. Less than six months before the November 2008 Mumbai attacks, Major Iqbal, Headley's handler in ISI, asked him to put an advertisement in a Mumbai newspaper that an employment agency in Canada was looking

for people to work in Canada, the LeT operative said in his testimony before a Chicago court during the recently-concluded trial of Tahawwur Rana. This was to be a cover to hiring military personnel, at the direction of Major Iqbal who had earlier directed him to use the immigration business of Rana for the planning of 26/11 operation. "He (Major Iqbal) told me to put an ad in a newspaper, which was - like an employment agency looking for people to work in

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;We added that part in the ad where it said military service preferred,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Headley told the court Canada. And amongst those many various types of jobs, he wanted to put in security personnel because he thought retired military people would respond to that kind

Major Iqbal used US number to talk to Headley in India WASHINGTON: To deceive Indian security agencies, ISI's Major Iqbal used a US cell phone number to communicate with David Headley, a co-accused in 26/11 attacks, while the Pakistani-American was scouting for targets in India. As a star witness during the justconcluded trial of his childhood friend Tahawwur Husain Rana, Headley, 50, told the Chicago court that Major Iqbal gave him the New York cell phone number starting with 646 so that both of them could have unhindered communication while he was in India. "I had that (New York Cell phone number of Major Iqbal) before leaving for India. And these instructions that he was giving me on the last e-mail, he had already given them to me in person," Headley told the court. "What did he say about the 646 number, Major Iqbal, to you when you talked to him about it, in person?" prosecutor asked Headley. "He said he had a number, a United States phone number," Headley said. "Did he explain to you how he was able to do that?" the attorney asked. "No", he responded. "Did he provide to you the number?" he was asked. "He did," Headley said. "Did he provide or did he instruct you as to when to use it?" he was asked during the trial. Headley said that he was asked to call on that number to talk to Major Iqbal when he was traveling inside India. This was done, Headley, explained, because all calls between India and Pakistan were mostly monitored. Headley said after his trip to Mumbai in April 2008 he went back to Pakistan to meet his ISI and LeT handlers and brief them on his surveillances, in particular about the landing site. "He (Major Iqbal) agreed with

my selection, and he had also asked for another alternative, which was to take a fishing boat out and just meet the boat that

Headley said after his trip to Mumbai in April 2008 he went back to Pakistan to meet his ISI and LeT handlers and brief them on his surveillances was coming in and offload them into the Indian fishing boat and take them to Mumbai. Before leaving in April, he had already asked me to look into that possibility," Headley said referring to his con-

versation with Major Iqbal. Before leaving in April, Major Iqbal had asked Headley to check the possibility of him going out in an Indian fishing boat like he was fishing and meet the incoming Pakistani boat and then have them get on the Indian boat and then just bring the Indian boat back to the shore. "I had looked into that as well," Headley told the court. Headley told the court that he informed Major Iqbal that this was not possible. "Why not" he was asked. "Because he wanted the boats to go out many miles into the ocean, and foreigners who are not Indian needed special permits to go that far out into the ocean," he explained in response to the question. -PTI

of ad. "In fact, we added that part in the ad where it said military service preferred," Headley told the court in response to a question from the public prosecutor. "And why were you putting the 'military service referred' into the ad?" the attorney asked. "So that we might get a better response from retired military personnel," Headley said. "Was Major Iqbal asking you to engage Indian military, retired people?" the US attorney asked.

"Yes," he said. Headley said Major Iqbal gave him Rs 25,000 to place such an ad in the newspaper. At the direction of Major Iqbal, Headley returned to Mumbai in July 2008 and started the process of closing his immigration business in the city, while at the same time conducting the final round of surveillances of the sites given to him by his Pakistani handlers, which Headley said was approved by Major Iqbal. -PTI

LeT used Gujarat riot video to motivate Headley against India WASHINGTON: LeT used videos of the 2002 Gujarat riots to motivate David Headley, a co-accused in the 26/11 attacks, to carry out "jihad" against India, indicating how the incident is being used as a major recruiting tool by the banned Pakistani militant group. Headley, who was trained by LeT in terror operations, besides those from the ISI, had told the Chicago court last month that the Gujarat riots was very often the topic of discussion among them. "Yes", Headley said when the government prosecutor asked him if the Gujarat riot was motivating to him to carry "jihad" against India. "It was a massacre that had happened, and they showed people running, houses being burnt. And also since that time from 2002 till 2007, the Lashkar

office itself had received hundreds of letters from Muslims in Gujarat asking for help," Headley told the court in response to a question from the attorney. Headley told the court of having shown by the LeT leaders the hidden-camera interview of one Baba Bajrangi, said to be a VHP leader, who relocated himself from Mumbai to Gujarat during the riots. In the video Baba Bajrangi claimed that he had killed a lot of women and burnt houses and stuff. "That's available on YouTube and he showed it to me on disk," Headley said referring to his conversation with LeT leaders in Pakistan. "They're videos of the massacres that had taken place in Gujarat a few years earlier and the breaking of the Babri Mosque, other things like that," Headley said. -PTI

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Jayalalithaa seeks Chidambaram's resignation NEW DELHI: Accusing Home Minister P Chidambaram of getting himself elected to Parliament through "fraudulent" means, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa said his continuance in the Union Council of Ministers was untenable and sought his resignation. "Our party has always maintained that Mr Chidambaram's victory was through fraudulent means...his continuance in the Union Council of Minsters is untenable," Jayalalithaa told reporters at her maiden press conference in New Delhi after assuming office last month.

‘Mr Chidambaram was never elected to Parliament in 2009. He has played a fraud on the nation. Our party candidate won the election,’ she said. The Chief Minister alleged that Chidambaram was announced the successful candidate because of a fraud committed by a data entry operator’ Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa

"Mr Chidambaram was never elected to Parliament in 2009. He has played a fraud on the nation. Our party candidate won the election," she said when pressed further on the issue. The Chief Minister alleged that Chidambaram was announced the successful candidate because of a fraud committed by a data entry operator. She also said that Dayanidhi Maran should step down from the Union Cabinet over allegations of quid pro quo in the 2G scam and if he does not do on his own, the Prime Minister should drop him. -PTI

Not proper to meet Sonia as Cong, DMK still allies: Jaya NEW DELHI: Fresh from her electoral victory, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa gave indications that she could consider a possible tie-up with Congress if it makes an approach after severing ties with ally DMK. At a press conference after a meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here, she said it would not be appropriate for her to meet Sonia Gandhi because Congress and DMK are still allies and they continue to share power at the Centre. "If anyone wants my support, they have to ask me. You cannot ask on their behalf," Jayalalithaa said, answering a question by a reporter whether she was hesitant to tie up with Congress because it was "weak". Jayalalithaa, whom Sonia Gandhi called after the elections to congratulate her on her victory last month triggering political speculation, was asked a number

of questions on the possibility of Congress and AIADMK coming together. She was also reminded about her declaration of open support to the Congress Government at the Centre in November last and was asked whether it was still valid. "The offer was made seven months ago. The situation was entirely different. After that much water has flown down the bridge. The Congress has made it clear that its alliance continues with DMK. "Both are still partners in the UPA coalition government. So, the question of my offering support simply does not arise," she said. Initially when a reporter asked whether there was a possibility of realignment between Congress and AIADMK to which Jayalalithaa replied: "It is premature to comment on such questions. No one from the UPA have

asked me this." To another question whether she was open to the idea of aligning with Congress, she said she cannot answer to such "hypothetical" questions.

‘All pervasive corruption, nepotism, lack of governance and dominance of one family in every business are the reasons for the fall of the DMK government’ But, the Chief Minister was forthcoming later when she said "As of today, the Congress still has an alliance with DMK. Congress and DMK today continue

to be partners in the coalition government. "In such a situation, it would not be appropriate for me to call on Mrs Sonia Gandhi who is also the Congress President." Turning to DMK, she said the DMK supremo M Karunanidhi, his family and leading lights of the party are feeling the heat now because of the corruption in the previous regime and said a few DMK leaders were already in jail and "many more are likely to go to jail." "All the cases against DMK and its members have been initiated by the Centre of which DMK is a partner. None of the case were filed either by me or by party members," she said. On Karunanidhi's charge that she was vindictive, the Chief Minister rejected it and said "we are not looking for any opportunity and we are more interested in the development of the state." She demanded the resignation

of Textiles Minister Dayanidhi Maran, who is facing allegations of a quid quo pro in allocation of spectrum to Aircel, and said if he does not step down on his own, "the Prime Minister should drop him." Jayalalithaa said besides the extravagant style of functioning, "all pervasive corruption, nepotism, lack of governance and dominance of one family in every business" are the reasons for the fall of the DMK government. She said people felt they were living during the regime of Hitler or Uganada's Idi Amin and were "waiting for the right opportunity to punish them and did it through a silent revolution when they got the opportunity. This is why all your exit polls went wrong". To a question on her government's promise to nationalize cable TV operations in the state which is aimed at targeting Maran brothers, she said "we will be doing it very soon." -PTI

Pak commanders meet PM, US House panel imposes limits on Pak aid Prez on security situation ISLAMABAD: In what could be a prelude to a possible operation in North Waziristan against the al-Qaeda militants holed up there, Pakistani military commanders have met with the President as well as the Prime Minister, a move termed by a leading daily here as "far from routine". Pakistan's armed forces have also sought the government's support on a number of issues during the meeting held against the backdrop of increasing domestic and international criticism of the military. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani met the entire military leadership, including powerful army chief

Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, in the presidency to discuss the "security situation", an official statement said. However, the meeting was "far from routine" and discussed the political and security implications of a possible military operation in North Waziristan tribal region as is being demanded by the US, The Express Tribune newspaper quoted its sources as saying. The chiefs of the armed forces asked the civilian leadership to take up the possible operation in parliament, similar to the effort made when a campaign was launched in the restive Swat valley two years ago.

The meeting also discussed the political, monetary and security implications of such an operation, the report said. Following the May 2 US raid that killed Osama bin Laden in the garrison city of Abbottabad, the US has pressured Pakistan to launch an operation in North Waziristan Agency, described by Washington as a safe haven for Taliban and al-Qaeda elements that carry out cross-border attacks in Afghanistan. The Pakistani Army has said it will launch an operation in North Waziristan at a time of its choosing but analysts believe it will be unable to withstand the pressure from the US for long. -PTI

WASHINGTON: A key US Congressional committee has approved conditional aid of USD 1.1 billion to Pakistan, withholding 75 per cent of the fund till the Obama administration reports to Congress on how it would spend it. The approval of the conditional aid to Pakistan for its counter-insurgency operations under the defense spending bill reflects the US Congress' frustration with Islamabad's efforts in the war against terror. This is the first major approval of Pakistan-related funding by the Congress after the killing of Osama bin Laden in a safe house near Islamabad. The move reflects the chang-

ing mood of US lawmakers towards Pakistan as an increasing number of influential Congressmen are questioning the decision of the Obama Administration to give billions in aid to Pakistan as terrorist continue to operate in the country. The Defense Appropriations Bill passed by the House Appropriations Committee by a voice vote says that the Congress will withhold 75 per cent of Pakistan Counter-insurgency Capability Funds until the Secretary of Defense provides a report to Congress on a strategy and metrics for the use of these funds, said a press statement issued by the House Appropriations Committee. -PTI

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India must fashion Diaspora policies like China's: ex-MUL CEO NEW DELHI: One of the most distinguishing characteristics of China's economic rise has been the exploitation of its Diaspora and India should fashion more policies to attract the wealth and investment of its own expatriates, says Maruti Udyog Ltd's first CEO Upendra Kachru. "Unlike the Indians, the Chinese have viewed their Diaspora as a major resource to aid their country's economic development. They have fashioned policies to attract the wealth and investment of this group, and it has yielded handsome dividends," writes Kachru in his new book "India: Land of a Billion Entrepreneurs". The book examines what it takes to become a successful entrepreneur and explores the possibility of India emerging as an entrepreneurial nation. It delves into the history of entrepreneurship, examines the qualities required for it, presents the stories and experiences of many Indian inventors and entrepreneurs, and looks at opportunities that India can use to promote entrepreneurship. The author says that nearly 80 per cent of the massive foreign direct investment pouring into

China during the early years of reform came from the Chinese living overseas. "One of the most distinguishing characteristics of China's economic rise has been the exploitation of its 57 million nationals dispersed around the world. The results have been dramatic.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;In India the share of FDI of the Indian Diaspora in total FDI inputs between 1991 and 2007 was just around five per cent. Compare this value with China, whose Diaspora has FDI accounts for 40-45 percentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Two-thirds of China's FDIs come from overseas Chinese investors. This group has not only contributed monetarily but also has been involved in the modernization of China's industry, agriculture, science and technology, and defense," he writes. .

Sarabjit case: Pakistan court issues notice to Government LAHORE: A Pakistani court has issued notice to the federal government seeking its response within three weeks to a writ petition against the possible grant of a presidential pardon to Indian national Sarbajit Singh, currently on death row. Singh was convicted for alleged involvement in four bomb attacks in Punjab province that killed 14 people in 1990. Lawyer Rana Ilamuddin Ghazi filed the petition in the Lahore High Court in which he contended that Sarbajit was awarded death sentence by the trial court while the High Court and the Supreme Court rejected his appeals. Even former President Pervez Musharraf dismissed his mercy

petition, he said. Ghazi claimed Dalbir Kaur, the sister of Sarbajit, was currently on a visit to Pakistan and she had appealed to the President to commute her brother's death sentence into life imprisonment and release him from jail. He said the President could not exercise his power under Article 45 of Constitution without the consent of legal heirs of the persons who were killed in the blasts. Sarabjit's family has denied the charges against him, saying he had crossed the border in an inebriated condition. Sarabjit's execution was indefinitely put off following the intervention of Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani in 2008. -PTI

Diaspora contribution to their state of origin, according to him, has been made in various ways, through remittances, transfer of knowledge and entrepreneurial networks, and FDI. "The Indian Diaspora is investing in India, but not in the classic manner. Unlike China, where the Diaspora has focused on FDI, India has gained advantage from other avenues rather than from investments from the Diaspora. One of these is remittances, which has added to India's income. "In India the share of FDI of the Indian Diaspora in total FDI inputs between 1991 and 2007 was just around five per cent. Compare this value with China, whose Diaspora has FDI accounts for 40-45 per cent. This means China has hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs entering the country infusing capital into the local entrepreneurial base," the book, published by Pearson, says. Kachru finds this trend surprising, especially as the Indian Diaspora are an economic and political force to reckon with in a large number of nations and people of Indian origin constitute a global community of over 22 million people. It is bigger in number than populations of many countries of Europe. "Some explain the reason for India's failure to tap investments because of the different characteristics of the Chinese and the Indian Diaspora. They attribute this to the fact that most Indian expatriates are in professions such as education, health services, science and engineering, while the Chinese Diaspora is much more business-oriented." -PTI

Pak army chief is 'fighting to survive': US media WASHINGTON: Pakistan army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, under pressure from his colleagues to "reduce" ties with the US following the unilateral American raid that killed Osama bin Laden, is said to be "fighting to survive" and a colonels' coup, while unlikely, cannot be ruled out. Kayani, who has led the army since 2007, "faces such intense discontent over what is seen as

and almost all of them, if not all, were demanding that Kayani get much tougher with the Americans, even edging toward a break. Washington, with its own hard line against Pakistan, had pushed Kayani into a defensive crouch, along with his troops, and if the general was pushed out, the US would face a more uncompromising anti-American army chief, the Pakistani said.

To repair the reputation of the army, and to ensure his own survival, Kayani made an extraordinary tour of more than a dozen garrisons, mess halls and other institutions his cozy relationship with the United States that a colonels' coup, while unlikely, was not out of the question," The New York Times said, quoting a "well-informed" Pakistani, who has seen the General in recent weeks, as well as an American military official involved with Pakistan for many years. Another newspaper 'The Washington Post' quoted unnamed US officials as saying Kayani "is fighting to survive. His corps commanders are very strongly anti-US right now, so he has to appease them." The Times quoting unidentified Pakistanis who follow the army closely said the Pakistani army is essentially run by consensus among 11 top commanders, known as the Corps Commanders,

Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani

To repair the reputation of the army, and to ensure his own survival, Kayani made an extraordinary tour of more than a dozen garrisons, mess halls and other institutions in the six weeks since the May 2 raid that killed bin Laden. His goal was to rally support among his rank-and-file troops, who are almost uniformly antiAmerican, according to participants and people briefed on the sessions, the daily reported. During a long session in late May at the National Defense University, the premier academy in Islamabad, one officer got up after Kayani's address and challenged his policy of cooperation with the United States.-PTI

Desi News Dr Austin Prabhu gets new Lions honor SURESH SHAH

CHICAGO: District 1-A Mother District of Lionism held its Governors Installation and District Cabinet Awards Banquet at the Aviana Banquet Hall, Palos Hills with a colorful event. The program started with Wayne and Kathleen Messmer of Chicago Cubs fame singing patriotic song God Bless America. After dinner special awards were presented to a number of awardees. Of special interest to members of the Indian community was the instillation of Dr Ausin Prabhu as first Vice District Governor of Mother District. District Governor Steve Anton installed Second Vice District Governor Dave Hansen and First Vice District Governor. Details on page 14

Jalaram Mandir fundraiser a big success SURENDRA ULLAL

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

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India Post News Service

"Christians of Kootenai County should

NEW YORK: Calling it a "Hindu demon" and an "abomination", a band of Christians of Kootenai County in the City of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, protested the display of a sculpture of Lord Ganesha that is part of the city's new downtown art display in a city park. "Christians of Kootenai County should be dismayed at the appearance of a Hindu demon, Ganesh, statue that is currently found on Sherman Ave in Coeur d'Alene," said the Kootenai County Constitution Party on its website calling the managers of the art program, a "godless group of individuals" who approved this "abomination" by artist Rick Davis, and urged Christians to protest the display. Interestingly, according to local reports, there was a counterprotest of 'art lovers' at the venue who far outnumbered the antiGanesha protestors. Peaceful demonstrators on both sides

sign carried by counter-demonstrators supporting the sculpture said "Go away all intolerant hate mongers. We love art." The City of Coeur d'Alene on June 10, dedicated ArtCurrents,

ìRachel Weeping for Her Childrenî by Sondra Jonson

ìSt. Francis of Assisiî by Rick Davis

carried placards; one sign opposing the Ganesha sculpture read "The veneration of the idols is the worship of demons", while a

the city's newest art-on-loan program providing sculptures on loan from artists around the country and available for pur-

be dismayed at the appearance of a Hindu demon, Ganesh, statue that is currently found on Sherman Ave in Coeur d'Alene," said the Kootenai County Constitution Party on its website calling the managers of the art program, a "godless group of individuals" who approved this "abomination" by artist Rick Davis, and urged Christians to protest The Ganesha sculpture that brought Christian conservatives and art lovers head to head in Idaho

Rajan Zed honored at New York gurdwara SUDHIR VYAS

Details on page 18

Details on page 19

Idaho Christians protest display of Ganesha statue

Details on page 16

‘Today I met a man who wears a turban’

the display

chase. Fourteen art pieces have been sited in the downtown corridor and City Park for public viewing for one year, or until sold. The city receives 25 percent of the proceeds of any sales. The ArtCurrents program was commissioned by the Coeur d'Alene Arts Commission, which consists of a twelve-member panel that is appointed by the Mayor and serves a three-year term. The Public Art Ordinance, adopted in June of 1999, established funding of public art that provides public visibility and impact. According to The Spokesman, members of the Kootenai County Constitution Party believe only Christianity provides a world view "consistent with the framing of (the American) Republic. It quoted party Chairman Daniel Brannan as saying, "Many people in the party would tend to agree with opposing something like this. It is representative of a false god, of a particular religion other than the one on which our country is so solidly founded." However, Gary Odom, field director for the Constitution Party's national office in Penn-

sylvania, said a protest like that is "not something that has any great political value." Generally speaking, he said, "I gotta think there's a few more things more important than this. I can't believe it's something they felt was necessary." This year's sculptures on display come from artists in Washington, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska and Wyoming, and artists received $500 stipends. The metallic Lord Ganesha sculpture, sculpted by Spokane, Washington artist Rick Davis is priced at $35,000. "The committee just looked at everything as art," Steve Anthony the city's staff liaison to its Arts Commission told The Spokesman. "Our intent was to do something positive and nice for the city." The sculptures depict everything from a giant stand-up bass to a woman playing with otters. There are elk, moose and deer. Other subjects include St. Francis of Assisi and a NativeAmerican-themed "spirit bear," which in some tribes represents harmony and peace, according to the program description. Contíd on page 15

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June 24, 2011

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Indian Americans honor Ald Debra Silverstein A Q SIDDIQUI

CHICAGO: Members of the Indian American community with IADO (Indo American Democratic Organization) held a reception in honor of newly elect Alderwoman of 50th ward Debra Silverstein on Sunday, June 12 at Punjabi Dhaba Banquet Hall on Devon Avenue. The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) and other Indian community organizations also supported this event. Promi-

Dr. Gajjela urged Alderwoman Debra to use her offices to infuse funding to revamp and beautify the business district of Devon Ave. which houses large Indian retail businesses. He urged her to open a Senior Center for South Asians in the 50th ward and said that it was teeming with senior citizens that seek out such centers for assisted living nent community leaders and media persons were present during the nearly two-hour event. The first ever congratulatory event for the first female Alderwoman of 50th ward was arranged by Ranjit Ganguly, Harendra Mangrola, Dr.Ram Gajjela and Keerthi Ravoori which attracted a host of eminent

Honoring Debra Silverstein: Indian Americans (L-R) Dr Ram Gajjela, State Senator Silverstein, Ranjit Ganguly, Ald Debra Silverstein, Harendra Mangrola, Iftekhar Shareef and Keeerthi Ravoori

business and community leaders including Dr. Ann Kalayil, Iftekhar Shareef, Deepen Lakha, Balvinder Singh, Dr. Ann Kalayil, Satish 'Sunny' Gabhawala, Babu Marsha Patel, Sohan Joshi, Jayant Sukhadia, Bhavesh Patel [Sahil], Asish Sen, Pramod Shah, Rashid Ali Khan, Jitendra Diganvker, Salman Aftab and Special Guest Ira Silverstein, State Senator and Committeeman of the 50th ward. Dr. Ram Gajjela, who presided over the

evening's reception, gave out an overview of the Devon Ave. business districts and how the Indian retail business continues to make significant contributions to the tax base of the City of Chicago. Dr. Gajjela urged Alderwoman Debra to use her offices to infuse funding to revamp and beautify the business district of Devon Ave. which houses large Indian retail businesses. Dr. Gajjela urged Debra Silverstein to

open a Senior Center for South Asians in the 50th ward and said that it was teeming with senior citizens that seek out such centers for assisted living. Dr. Harendra Mangrola, President of IADO earlier welcomed the guests and outlined the role of Indo American Democratic Organization in providing the necessary impetus to the candidacy of Debra Silverstein. ContĂd on page 15

Vedic reverberations rent the air at Norwalk temple

India Post News Service

NEW YORK: A rare and sacred Athirudra Maha Yagnam was conducted by VEDA (Vedic Education Dissemination and Awareness) Circle with blessings of Sankaracharyas of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam and US-based Kanchi Kamakoti Seva Founda-

tion (KKSF) recently at Sanatan Dharma Temple in Norwalk, California. Eighteen priests and pundits six from India and 12 from the US/ Canada took part in the holy yagna. There were 145 Rithwiks (chanters) - all US residents consisting of young children in the age group of six to 15 and older

Ancient scriptures describe Athirudra Maha Yagna as the highest form of worship to Lord Siva

ones who are professionals working for US corporations. Over 2,000 people attended the 11-day event. Ancient scriptures describe Athirudra Maha Yagna as the highest form of worship to Lord Siva. It's considered a very rare opportunity to participate in or to even witness the Athirudra Maha

Yagna in one's lifetime. The purpose of the yagnam, according to the organizers, was Loka Kshema (global welfare) and Loka Kalyana (global prosperity). Sri Jayendra Saraswati Swami, Sankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam had sent a letter of blessings for the occasion. ContĂd on page 15

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Dr Austin Prabhu gets new Lions honor SURESH SHAH

New Executive Team Dr. Austin Prabhu, Wes Salsbury and Dave Hansen - ready to ride the bikes.

Prabhu is the first person to become District Governor for the second time. So far in the 94 years history of Lionism in District 1-A no person ran for District Governor for the second time.

also presented plaques to Cabinet Members for their service to the District. Dr. Austin Prabhu introduced his guest Past International Director Rosane Jahnke Vilatti from Bra-

Dr. Austin Prabhu is the first person to become District Governor for the second time. So far in the 94 years history of Lionism in District 1-A no person ran for District Governor for the second time Governor Steve Anton awarded Melvin Jones Fellowship to Kathleen Messmer for her service to humanity. Kathleen was really shocked to receive this award and was filled with tears of joy. Steve

zil who is visiting Chicago. In her speech she thanked the lions of District 1-A, her host Dr. Austin and all hard working cabinet members. The program concluded with benediction by Joan McMillan.

Ajit Gandhi wins membership of prestigious association SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: Outstanding client insurance and financial services service, ethics and professional- professionals. With membership ism have enabled an Indian Ameri- from more than 80 nations and terrican financial planner Ajit Gandhi tories, MDRT members demonstrate of Prudential's Greater Fox Valley exceptional professional knowledge, Agency, to achieve membership in the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) - the Premier Association of Financial Professionals. Attaining membership in MDRT is a distinguishing career milestone achieved by less than one percent of the world's life insurance and financial services professionals. It requires Gandhi to adhere to a strict code of ethics, focus on providing topnotch client service and continue to grow professionally through involvement in at least one other industry association. Ajit Gandhi "MDRT members like Ajit are united in their commitment to help individuals, Attaining membership in families and business owners gain financial peace of MDRT is a distinguishing mind," says MDRT President Julian H. Good Jr., career milestone CLU, ChFC. achieved by less than MDRT provides continuing education and skills one percent of the world's improvement designed to help members provide the life insurance and finanbest in client service. It also cial services professionals helps members serve their community and maintain strong personal values. MDRT is the premier associa- strict ethical conduct and outstandtion of financial professionals. ing client service. MDRT memberFounded in 1927, MDRT is an in- ship is recognized internationally as ternational, independent associa- the standard of sales excellence in tion of more than 31,500, or less the life insurance and financial serthan 1 percent, of the world's life vices business.

Indian association to host business conference SURI SWAMY

CHICAGO: The Bruhan Maharashtra Mandal (BMM) has announced holding a one-day business conference on July 21 at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place in Chicago for promoting trade ties between Maharashtra and business entrepreneurs abroad, especially in North America. This event, according to Sujeet Vaidya, a BMU spokesman, is designed to bring together business leaders, academicians and government representatives, providing attendees an opportunity to network and explore business ideas and opportunities in Maharashtra. India is one of the world's fastest growing economies. Maharashtra is home to the city of Mumbai, the business and financial capital of the country. Major cities like Pune, Nagpur and Aurangabad offer expertise and

highly trained professionals in the services and software sector to serve global companies. Shilpa Thosar, Business Conference Co-

India." The two themes for the BMM 2011 Business Conference are "Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Green Technology," and

The two themes for the BMM 2011 Business Conference are "Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Green Technology," and "Women Entrepreneurs". Conference speakers and attendees include CEOs and founders of innovative companies working in cutting-edge areas such as green technology, alternative energy and nano-technology chair said, "The goal is to create a venue where business ideas can be shared and opportunities unearthed to benefit businesses and individuals in North America and

"Women Entrepreneurs". Conference speakers and attendees include CEOs and founders of innovative companies working in cutting-edge areas such as green tech-

nology, alternative energy and nano-technology. The session on women entrepreneurship will focus on the challenges and opportunities for women in business. Keynote speakers include Dr. Dilip Jeste, President-Elect of the American Psychiatry Association, and Dr. Amar Bhide, Professor at Tufts University and author of "A Call for Judgment," hailed as one of the best books about the financial crisis published in 2010. The distinguished panelists include C-suite executives, entrepreneurs and leading academicians noted for their expertise in solar energy, nanotech, and software development. The event will provide a forum for networking with business leaders and government representatives, leading to many opportunities for business and career enhancement.

June 24, 2011

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India Post 15

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Indian Americans honor Ald Debra Silverstein Contíd from page 13

Mangrola said IADO was the first political organization to endorse Debra Silverstein and then went on to provide grass-roots support to her candidacy during the primary and run-off elections. Iftekhar Shareef welcomed Alderwoman Debra Silverstein and State Senator Ira Silverstein for the event. He congratulated her to be elected as the first Alderwomen of the 50th Ward. Iftekhar Shareef presented an Indian shawl to the Alderwomen signifying the strong support from Indian-American community for her in moving forward. Iftekhar also presented a "Khandwaw" a typical wear generally worn by Indian politicians to Ira Silverstein and wished him a good-luck for his re-election bid in 2012. A jubilant, Alderwoman Debra Silverstein thanked the host committee including Ranjit Ganguly and Keerthi Ravoori for hosting the reception in her honor. Debra said she is actively working to address the infrastructural problems that ails the ward and assured the Indian community that she was committed to study all the issues and problems concerning 50th ward. Ald Debra Silverstein in her response acknowledged the support given by the Indian community not only in her election bid

but also in transforming the Devon Avenue into an International business place. She promised to do her best in addressing some of the concerns by the speakers. She said that she would have a peri-

A jubilant, Alderwoman Debra Silverstein thanked the host committee including Ranjit Ganguly and Keerthi Ravoori for hosting the reception in her honor. Debra said she is actively working to address the infrastructural problems that ails the ward and assured the Indian community that she was committed to study all the issues and problems odic 'Meet and Greet' with community members and leaders and would strive to install the Devon strip between California and Western Avenue "community identifier" thing.

Idaho Christians protest display of Ganesha statue Contíd from page 12

Mayor Sandi Bloem told The Spokesman that there were pieces of art on display that represent different cultures, which he thought was "totally appropriate." The Constitution Party's Brannan however, said government officials nationwide have been hypocritical about the separation of church and state when it comes to artwork. He said when Christians want to place public artwork depicting, for example, the Ten Commandments, those monuments regularly are turned away, but symbols of other religions are accepted. The protest, he told The Spokesman, was a "matter of religious solidarity, not a political one." Meanwhile, welcoming the display of the Ganesha statue, Nevada-based Hindu priest Rajan Zed, in a statement called it "a step in the right direction". Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, said that this public display of Lord Ganesha would bring more

inclusivity in religion and help create a unity that celebrated diversity. Moreover, Ganesha's presence is always considered auspicious, Zed adds.

He said when Christians want to place public artwork depicting, for example, the Ten Commandments, those monuments regularly are turned away, but symbols of other religions are accepted Coeur d'Alene, known as "Lake City", is home to the second largest metropolitan area in Idaho, and its Christmas lighting display during the Holiday season is claimed to be among the largest in the US.

Vedic reverberations rent the air at Norwalk temple Contíd from page 13

Six months of intensive training is required to become a rithwik, during which they have to commit to personal cleanliness, purity of thought, humility and devotion to Lord Siva. The rithwiks make a 'sankalpam' for doing their best in chanting Sri Rudram and Chamakam with proper swaras and intonations as prescribed in the Vedas and without any errors. Athirudram means reciting of 14,641 chants of Namakam and 1331 chants of chamakams. Vibrations from the chants of Namakam and Chamakam, by over 121 learned rithwiks reverberated in the air charging the atmosphere with spirituality and togetherness. Rudra Homams, Vasorddhara

Homams, Purnahuthis, Krama Archanas and Rudra Abhishekams were also performed by an august assembly of many learned priests, pandits,

"The four Vedas (Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva) are the roots of our religion and foundation for Sanatan Dharma” acharyas and rithwiks. There were spiritual discourses by scholars and cultural programs such as

dance, music, and children's programs followed by Veda Parayana. In his message, the Sankaracharya of Sri Kanchi Kama Koti Peetam said: "The four Vedas (Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva) are the roots of our religion and foundation for Sanatan Dharma. Krishna Yajur Veda, one of the 2 Samhitas (versions) of Yajur Veda is quite significant, of which Rudram and Chamakam is an integral part. Rudram is the most sacred means of worshipping Lord Siva. There are four kinds of rudra parayana and homas: Rudram, Ekadasa Rudram, Maha Rudram and Athi Rudram; each has greater significance than its preceding one. 'Athi' means "ultimate". Therefore, Athirudram is the highest form of worship of Lord Shiva.

Community Across America

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June 24, 2011

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Jalaram Mandir fundraiser a big success SURENDRA ULLAL

Jalaram Mandir volunteers and officials

CHICAGO: Faith and devotion of the devotees of Baba Jalaram was evident at a fundraising function held at India House Restaurant and Banquet Hall, Schaumburg recently to finance the expansion project of the temple, situated in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. Over 800 devotees thronged the Hall vying to be part of the project and offer their service in all three faculties of human personality, body, mind and material possessions and see the abode of Bapa in Schaumburg come up with all glory. The success in mundane monetary terms could be best measured if it is pointed out that $65,000 plus a number of pledges for donations were received. The function began with CL Shastriji, one of community's elder leaders and well known priest, lighting the sacred lamp in traditional manner praying to Lord Vigneshwar, known in Hindu pantheon as the eliminator of obstacles. He also delivered the benediction speech, which was followed by floral offerings to the Chief Guest, Mafat Patel, and Guest of Honor, Mayor William D.

McLeod of Hoffman Estates. The Mayor in his brief remarks appreciated the contribution of Asian Indians to the multi-cultural community of the Village and extolled the temple expansion as an ex-

Lamp lighting by Hoffman Estate Mayor William McLeod and Rajendra Prasad Ji. Looking on are Guest Jitendra Patel and CL Shastri

"Ashirvachan" (benediction) for constant and continuous grace of Bapa Jalaram to protect and bless the community at large for ever. In his opening remarks Chirayu

Superintendent of the village of Hoffman Estates, Hemant Purohit, Project Architect and all those who had contributed for the fulfillment of the project.

that graceful and well known Classical Dancer Mrugakshi Desai, entitled "Hanuman Chalisa" was performed by young artists. A musical entertainment program by

Over 800 devotees thronged the Hall vying to be part of the project and offer their service in all three faculties of human personality, body, mind and material possessions and see the abode of Bapa in Schaumburg come up with all glory A group of artists with their choreographer

tremely valuable addition to the landscape of Hoffman Estates. Rajendra Prasadji, who flew from India especially to attend this holy occasion, rendered the

Parikh, President of the Executive Committee thanked trustees, donors and volunteers for their support and especially mentioned the help of Don Class, Construction

Child artists performing

Simultaneously with the fundraising calls and declarations of the offers being made by the devotees and supporters, a cultural program choreographed and directed by

Jolly Mukherjee & Group added joy to the devotionally charged ambience of the Hall. ContĂd on page 19

India Post 17

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Civics Classes 6328 N. California (1 block south of Devon)

Chicago, IL 60659 Ph: (773) 974-4444 Fax: (773) 973-0157 www.indoamerican.org

Seniorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Program Monday - Thursday and Saturday 12 noon - 3 pm

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x Interview Practice x Question & Answers x Voter Registration

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Loknath Agarwal Ext. 108 or E-mail: lagarwal@indoamerican.org

English Classes x Reading, writing, listening, speaking x 3 levels

Monday - Saturday 10 am - 12 noon For more information please contact:

Other Services at the Indo-American Center

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Computer Classes

Monday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm Immigration Service

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Monday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm

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Monday - Saturday 12 noon - 5 pm For more information please contact:

Chirag Shah Ext. 107 or E-mail: scshah00@gmail.com For the purpose of compliance with Section 511 of Public Law 101-166 (the Stevens Amendment), approximately 45 % of federal funds are used to fund the above class. The Indo-American Center is a 501 (c) (3) Non-Profit Community Service Organization and EOE. Your generous donations allow us to provide many of our services free of charge

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June 24, 2011

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Jalaram Mandir fundraiser a big success ContĂd from page 16

A PowerPoint presentation on the life and times of Bapa Jalaram was made by Madhusudan Thakker, Chairman of the Executive Committee. Shri Jalaram, popularly known as Shri Jalaram Bapa was a saint from Gujarat, India. He was born

At the age of 18, Jalaram Bapa accepted Shree Bhojalram from Fatehpur as guru and was given a "Guru Malaa and Mantra" in the name of Shree Ram. With blessings of his guru, he started "Sadavrat" a feeding center, a place where all sadhus and saints as well as the needy could have food any time during 24 hours in Virpur, Rajkot district, Gujarat, India in 1799 to a pious Hindu couple Pradhan and Rajbai. Jalaram Bapa was inclined to completely withdraw from marital life. Fortunately his wife, Virbaima decided to follow the path of Jalaram. So, when Jalaram decided to go for a pilgrimage of holy places like Ayodhya, Kashi, Badrinath and several other sa-

cred places, Virbaima followed him. At the age of 18, Jalaram Bapa accepted Shree Bhojalram from Fatehpur as guru and was given a "Guru Malaa and Mantra" in the name of Shree Ram. With blessings of his guru, he started "Sadavrat" a feeding center, a place where all sadhus and saints as well as the needy could have

Rajan Zed honored at New York gurdwara SUDHIR VYAS

On the occasion of honoring Zed, from left to right, are Dayal Singh Vohra, Rajan Zed, Santok Singh Bajaj, Balwant Singh Lungani, and Kulraj Singh Lungani.

Idol of Saint Jalaram Bapa

food any time during 24 hours. Nobody returned from that place without food. All this he did single-handed with Virbaima assisting him. Soon his fame spread as an incarnation of the divine. Whoever come to Virpur, whether Hindu, Muslim or any Religion was fed by Bapa. This tradition of feeding people continues to this day in Virpur, Gujarat.

NEW YORK: In a remarkable interfaith gesture, Hindu community activist Rajan Zed was honored with a siropa (robe of honor) on June 12 at Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar of Long Island in Hicksville, NY. Siropa was presented by Gurdwara leaders. Rajan also had the distinction of being honored with a siropa on March 19 this year in Amritsar at the Golden Temple complex, which contains the holiest shrine and highest seat of Sikhism. Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar of Long Island celebrated Gurgadi Divas of Guru Hargobind on June 11 and a special kirtan darbar by multi ragi-jathas was held for the first time, who included Surjeet Singh (Long Island), Mukhtar Singh (Jalandhar), Kuldeep Singh (United Kingdom), and Satpal Singh (Fatehgarh Sahib). Responding to the Gurdwara gathering, Rajan Zed who heads the Universal Society of Hinduism,

stressed that all religions should work together for a just and peaceful world. Dialogue would bring us mutual enrichment, he added. Rajan was honored by Nevada (USA) Governor recently with a certificate for his work in interfaith dialogue, which stated: "For exem-

faith, religion, Hindu, environment, Roma and other causes all over the world. He is one of the panelists for "On Faith", a prestigious interactive conversation on religion produced by The Washington Post, and has been bestowed with "World Interfaith

Rajan also had the distinction of being honored with a siropa on March 19 this year in Amritsar at the Golden Temple complex, which contains the holiest shrine and highest seat of Sikhism plary service in building a dialogue between the various faiths in Nevada and around the world; for building unity and creating awareness about the diversity of our state; and for sharing those messages on behalf of the state around the world Rajan Zed has taken up inter-

Leader Award". He is Senior Fellow and Religious Advisor to New York headquartered Foundation for Interreligious Diplomacy, Director of Interfaith Relations of Nevada Clergy Association, Spiritual Advisor to National Association of Interchurch & Interfaith Families, etc.

HAF condemns India's proposed Communalism Bill India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) delivered a scathing critique of India's proposed Prevention of Communal and Targeted Violence Bill of 2011, recently. The National Advisory Council (NAC) of the Government of India recently announced its publication of a draft bill intended to

address the pressing issue of inter-religious and communal tensions and violence in the subcontinent. "Created to 'interface with civil society' with a 'special focus on disadvantaged groups', the National Advisory Council has failed miserably in carrying out its mandate by offering this bias-ridden, short-sighted, and ill-conceived measure," said lawyers for the

Foundation in a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chairperson of the NAC, Sonia Gandhi. HAF's legal team urged withdrawal of the Bill from legislative consideration on behalf of nonresident Indian members of the Foundation as well as Indian citizen relatives, friends, and colleagues of members. ContĂd on page 19

Community/California

June 24, 2011

India Post 19

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Today I met a man who wears a turban BY RUSTY KENNEDY, Executive Director OC Human Relations Commission

veryday of his 40 years in Fullerton he has faced the judging eyes of people who could not see beyond his turban and beard. And what they saw in the turban was all too often, terrorist. Even in retirement when he went to offer his services to the US Census, he felt he was not called back because of his turban. Why does he wear it? Does he support Osama Bin Laden? Is he a terrorist? Why is he in America? Why doesn't he go back to his own country? His son told me that he worries that many of his friends who wear the turban or Patka (scarf covered top knot of the younger kids)

eye on them because they looked different, who lashed out at them when 9/11 sent the country into panic mode. The first murder of an innocent American after 9/11 was a man who wore the turban. Today I met a man who offered his service to me, as did dozens of his friends, wanting to help teach what his turban means, or help protect other people who face injustice. As we settled into the Sikh Temple of neighboring Buena Park the faithful were just ending their worship service, and we were invited to join them in the "Langar" a meal that is shared with anyone who comes.

We sat on rugs on the floor, because when the Sikh religion was started, one of the fundamental tenets was that all people were equal, no one was above another, and to show this everyone sat on the floor at the same level and ate the same food. And this in India which was primarily Hindu and deeply committed to a Caste system that the Sikhs felt was unfair internalize the bigotry that comes their way from an early age. He wonders aloud whether there are things that can be done to help them to understand why they are targeted so unfairly, by people who do not know them. I learned that the turban was the mark that identified a man who would help anyone in need, at any time. Defend them, feed them, care for them, do anything for them, it is the obligation of he who dons the turban. Fierce warriors on the side of the USA in WWI and WWII, who came home to a country that systematically denied them jobs because of the turban, who cast a suspicious

I mean to all comers at every Sikh center, every Sunday, everywhere in the world, as part of a commitment to serve the needy. A wonderful meal prepared and served by volunteers. We sat on rugs on the floor, because when the Sikh religion was started, one of the fundamental tenets was that all people were equal, no one was above another, and to show this everyone sat on the floor at the same level and ate the same food. And this in India which was primarily Hindu and deeply committed to a Caste system that the Sikhs felt was unfair. After we ate together, we gathered in a classroom and sat on the floor or in chairs,

Dr. Arinder Singh Chada and Jasjit Ahuja, M.D. welcome OC Human Relations to the Sikh Gurdwara, (worship service).

Rusty Kennedy of OC Human Relations, (third from right) facilitating a Listening Session. (pics: OC Human Relations Commission)

and I asked the question, what is life like for you today, 10 years after 9/11 when so many Sikhs were attacked and even killed by angry, scared Americans striking out at the stereotype of terrorist implanted in their minds? A businessman shares that his company is chosen for first time contracts only after all alternatives have been tried. A teacher tells of having students call her terrorist, and administration dismissing it as "just kids". An elementary school student faced bul-

Gurpreet Singh Ahuja, M.D. Boardmember and Eli Reyna of OC Human Relations prepare for a Listening Session.

lies who call him names, humiliated him and beat him because he looks so different with his Patka. A university student who is ridiculed by a Physics professor for not cutting his hair, or shaving. A parent whose son is the only one in his group passed over for part-time employment in college. A medical doctor who faces suspicious looks and silence when he passes through the hospital where he works. An engineer who sees his colleagues smiling and jubilant at the death of Osama bin Laden, quickly mute their celebration when he enters the room. I suggest that, in that situation why not tell them that you are Sikh, not even Muslim, and he suggests he doesn't feel right saying he is not Muslim, because he knows that a person's faith doesn't have anything to do with whether you are a patriot or terrorist. In the Listening Sessions of the OC Human Relations Commission, the Sikhs share that few people here know anything about them. Even in their innocence the children ask; Are you a genie? So little understanding of this religion and its generous traditions born of the Punjab region of India. The fifth largest religion in the world, behind: Christian, Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist, is Sikh. Today I met a man thought to be a terrorist because he wore a turban and I now know him as a patriot, neighbor and helper. Courtesy Fullertton Observer

HAF condemns India's proposed Communalism Bill ContĂd from page 18

Amongst numerous fatal flaws, HAF argued, that on its face, the Bill unfairly singled out Hindu citizens and violated basic principles

of equality under the law, separation of powers, innocent until proven guilty, fairness, and due process. "Events throughout India's history have shown that communal

violence takes numerous forms, and has diverse culprits and countless victims. There has never been a single theme to these events and thus no one community should be sub-

ject to blanket culpability," stated HAF's letter. "The Bill, while arguably intended to protect against and prevent such violence, unfortunately ignores obvious historical and

contemporary realities, and, will consequently only serve to further instigate inter-religious and communal tensions as it wrongly singles out a particular community - the Hindu majority."

Tech News Tatas deny Bengal charges of not generating jobs NEW DELHI: Strongly refuting the West Bengal government's charges of not creating employment opportunities, Tata Motors said it had invested Rs 1,800 crore to set up the Nano plant in Singur that would have generated over 10,000 jobs. The company also said it would take appropriate steps after studying the Singur Land Rehabilitation and Development Bill, 2011 passed by the West Bengal government. The bill scraps land deal with the company and seeks to return 400 acres acquired by the company from "unwilling" farmers, an election pledge of state Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. "The company had invested nearly Rs 1,800 crore in establishing the plant. All the equipment had been installed in the plant and trial production had begun. The company still has buildings, sheds and infrastructure on the plot on which it has invested about Rs 440 crore," Tata Motors said in a statement. Besides, 13 vendors had constructed plant buildings, while 17 others were at various stages of constructions, and the vendors had invested about Rs 171 crore, it added. -PTI

Uttarakhand to start UN sponsored scheme in 5 dists. DEHRADUN: The tiny Himalayan state of Uttarakhand has drawn a plan to start a UN body's sponsored livelihood program in five districts of the state in the beginning at a cost of Rs 400 crore. The outline of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), a specialized agency of the United Nations, sponsored "Livelihood support and partnership program" has been prepared and it would be implemented in five districts in the beginning, Chief Secretary Subhash Kumar said. Fund would be made available for the scheme in the ratio of 90:10 in which 90 per cent would be grant and 10 per cent loan. The scheme would generate employment for youths of the hill state and add to their income, the CS said. In place of traditional mode of farming, newer technology driven agriculture would be promoted under the scheme besides promoting good breed of animals, Kumar added.-PTI

TechBiz 20 India Post

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June 24, 2011

Indo-Pak custom officials discuss easing of trade AMRITSAR: Lahore Custom Collector Khwaja Omar Mehdi and Assistant Collector Wagah Tahir Habib Cheema met with the Indian custom officials, including Custom Commissioner Amritsar Ranjit Singh here to ease the trade between the two neighboring nations. Giving the detail of meeting, Custom Commissioner Amritsar Ranjit Singh said that during meeting it was unanimously resolved that both departments of custom on both sides of international border would setup hotline of phone to ease problems faces during trade in day time. He said phone line would make better communication between the two nations and to discuss the various serious issues related to day to day trade through the land transit route of Attari/Wagah border. -PTI

Indian American to head largest Dept at MIT India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Anantha P. Chandrakasan, the Joseph F. and Nancy P. Keithley Professor of Electrical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), has been named the next head of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) of the prestigious institution. He will assume the new role beginning July 1. Chandrakasan will take over the role previously held by Eric Grimson, who was named MIT's chancellor in February. EECS is the largest academic department at MIT; nearly 30 percent of undergraduates major in the department's programs. "As the largest academic department in the School of Engineering, and at MIT, EECS and its faculty are involved in an exceptional range of intellectual,

educational, and research activities," School of Engineering Dean Ian Waitz said today (June 13) in an email to the EECS community.

Chandrakasan and his students have won a range of prizes and awards, and he has been honored with the Semiconductor Industry Association University Researcher Award (2009), and election as a Fellow of the IEEE Anantha P. Chandrakasan

"I welcome the new ideas that Anantha will bring to leading EECS and his dedication as he assumes this role." Chandrakasan earned his BS

Illinois firm to work on India's unique ID plan India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Yash Technologies, an Illinois-based leading technology services and outsourcing partner for global companies, has been selected as both a software solution provider and complete end-to-end solution provider by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) for its Unique Identity (UID) initiative, Aadhaar. UIDAI issued the first UID number in September 2010 with a long-term plan to enroll 600 million residents in the next five years. To accelerate the rollout, the numbers will be issued through various registrar agencies across the country. Last week, Yash made a presentation on unreserved railway ticketing UID integration at a workshop for engagement of

(1989), MS (1990) and PhD (1994) in electrical engineering and computer sciences from the University of California at Berkeley; he

Consultants and Software Solution Providers from the empanelled list of UIDAI at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. More than 100 government officials and stakeholders attended to discuss approaches for integration of Aadhaar and processes involved in various scenarios. Yash will begin a software development project for Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, the premier organization of the Government of India, to include the integration of Planning & Management System (PMS), Materials Management (MM) and Finance department via a webbased enterprise wide solution. Yash Technologies, headquartered in Illinois, also has offices worldwide including India, Europe and Asia.

joined the MIT faculty in 1994. His research interests include micro-power digital and mixedsignal integrated circuit design, wireless microsensor system de-

sign, portable multimedia devices, and energy efficient radios. As director of the Microsystems Technology Laboratories (MTL), Chandrakasan and his colleagues have conducted microsystems research in circuits and systems, microelectromechanical systems, electronic and photonic devices, and molecular and nanotechnology. Chandrakasan will step down as MTL's director, a position he has held since 2006. Chandrakasan and his students have won a range of prizes and awards, and he has been honored with the Semiconductor Industry Association University Researcher Award (2009), and election as a Fellow of the IEEE. He serves as the Conference Chair of the IEEE International Solid-State Circuits Conference, a position he has held since 2010.

Lagarde, Carstens shortlisted for top IMF post WASHINGTON: France's Christine Lagarde and Mexico's Agustin Carstens have been shortlisted to lead the International Monetary Fund, while Israel's Central Bank Chief Stanley Fischer, a last minute entrant in the fray, was ruled out on age ground. Lagarde, who has undertaken a massive campaign and who has the backing of Europe and the US appeared to be odds-on favorite for the new managing director which is to be announced by June 30. "The Executive Board will meet with the candidates in Washington and, thereafter, meet to discuss the strengths of the candidates and make a selection," the official IMF statement said. The two were the only ones named when the IMF released the list after nominations closed. The

IMF did not explain why Fischer, who only declared himself at the last minute, was not on the list. Two other possibles, a South African minister and Kazakhstan's central bank head, dropped out. While Lagarde, a French national, is Minister of Economy, Industry and Employment of France; Carstens is Governor of the Bank of Mexico. Carstens, 53, has also spent three years as IMF second deputy managing director from 2003-2006. Both have crisscrossed the globe seeking endorsements from the major economies, but only Lagarde, 55, has picked up major support, foremost from the powerful European bloc. The IMF's top post fell vacant unexpectedly after Frenchman Dominique Strauss-Kahn resigned on May 18 to fight sexual assault charges in New York. -PTI

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June 24, 2011

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Chinese, Indian students grabbing jobs: Obama WASHINGTON: Sounding an alarm bell over the challenge from "hungry" Indian and Chinese students, US President Barack Obama has asked Americans to focus more on science, mathematics and technology to ensure that "jobs of future" stay within the shores. Acknowledging that American firms are having a tough time finding the right candidates for jobs in science and technology, Obama, traveling to Durham in North Caro-

When it comes to science and hightech fields, the opposite is true. The businesses represented here tell me they're having a hard time finding highskilled workers to fill their job openings," he said lina, said it is not a good sign for the future of the country. "So these are the jobs of the future. These are the jobs that China and India are cranking out. Those students are hungry because they understand if they get those skills they can find a good job, they can create companies, they can create businesses, create wealth. And we're falling behind in the very fields we know are going to be our future," Obama said.

"So we can do better than that. We must do better than that. If we're going to make sure the good jobs of tomorrow stay here in America, stay here in North Carolina, we've got to make sure all our companies have a steady stream of skilled workers to draw from," he said. Obama said at present there are more than four job-seekers for every job opening in America. "But when it comes to science and high-tech fields, the opposite is true. The businesses repre-

sented here tell me they're having a hard time finding high-skilled workers to fill their job openings," he said. Obama said only four per cent of all undergraduate students enrol in the STEM subjects - science, technology, engineering, and maths. Of those students, one-third will switch out of those fields, and only about two in five will graduate with a STEM degree or certification within six years, he added. -PTI

Britain plans to stop aid to India LONDON: Britain plans to stop giving aid to India amid growing pressure on the cash-strapped government to explain the grants at a time of deep public spending cuts. The Indian program had been frozen "so for the first time this year since the war (World War II) it is not Britain's largest development program," said Andrew Mitchell, the International Development Secretary. Mitchell was quoted as saying by BBC 1 that he did not think that Britain would continue to fund programs in India "for very much longer". The David Cameron-led government has come under pressure to explain why British taxpayers are giving millions to countries like India at a time of public sector cuts. The criticism comes as public spending cuts have led to job losses in the UK. India has been

singled out because of increasing prosperity and the fact that it has a nuclear program. Several lawmakers have voiced public criticism to give aid to an

"India is a place where there are more poor people than the whole of sub-Saharan Africa," he said, adding "Britain's program shows how we can get more people into school, and women particularlyâ&#x20AC;? India whose economy is growing exponentially, and is now in a position to give aid to many African countries.

Mitchell said the aid programs are massively scaled up by the Indian taxpayer. "British know-how is making a huge contribution. Now is not the time to stop the program in India but I don't think we will be there for very much longer," he said in an interview. "India is a place where there are more poor people than the whole of sub-Saharan Africa," he said, adding "Britain's program shows how we can get more people into school, and women particularly." According to an earlier report, the Cameron government has decided to continue the present level of aid to India - 280 million pounds per year - until 2015 despite a welter of protests. The government has decided against any cuts to the aid which will amount to over 1 billion pounds until 2015. -PTI

GoM to take up AI restructuring plan NEW DELHI: Ailing Air India's turnaround plan, including restructuring of its massive debt, would come up before a Group of Ministers for approval in a few weeks. "The turnaround plan has been approved by the bankers. ... Now it needs to go to a Group of Ministers (GoM) and it should happen very fast ... within the next couple of weeks," Civil Aviation Minister Vayalar Ravi said here. To questions on further equity infusion by the government in the cash-strapped national carrier, he said his Ministry was holding "regular dialogue with the Finance Ministry. We will continue this dialogue and go to the GoM when necessary". Government has already set aside a provision of Rs 1,200 crore in the budget for infusing equity in Air India in this financial year. Till now, the government has injected Rs 1,200 crore and Rs 800 crore in two tranches in 2009-10, raising the national carrier's equity base to Rs 2,145 crore. Ravi said all issues, including routes from which Air India has withdrawn, were under discussion and would be taken up by the GoM. Asked about the oil companies restricting jet fuel supplies and putting the national carrier on a cash-and-carry payment mode over non-payment of dues, he said, "Everything has been settled and there is a regular supply (of aviation turbine fuel) now." In a relief for Air India, staterun oil companies were directed to meet the carrier's requirements for three months to allow it to fully restore its operations. Air India had been curtailing and combining about 15 per cent of its 320 daily flights for the past several

weeks due to fuel shortage. With the airline announcing plans to become operationally profitable in four years, nearly 20 of its lenders (banks) have indicated that they were willing to consider recasting its entire Rs 40,000 crore debt. Its annual interest payment on this debt is around Rs 1,800 crore. Under the turnaround plan, the cash-strapped airline has set a tar-

Government has already set aside a provision of Rs 1,200 crore in the budget for infusing equity in Air India in this financial year. Till now, the government has injected Rs 1,200 crore and Rs 800 crore in two tranches in 200910, raising the national carrier's equity base to Rs 2,145 crore get of enhancing revenues by Rs 5,000 crore and slash costs by Rs 4,000 crore per annum, making it operationally profitable by 2015. The airline is saddled with a debt of about Rs 40,000 crore, of which Rs 18,000 crore is working capital loans taken from a consortium of banks and the balance of Rs 22,000 crore is towards payment for new aircraft ordered. The ailing national carrier had in March accepted a corporate debt restructuring package prepared by SBI Caps and vetted by Deloitte. -PTI

22 India Post

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June 24, 2011

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Slovenian PM pitches for Indian investment

LUXURY SEDAN: Renault India Managing Director Marc Nassif and his Deputy Sudhir Rao at the launch of luxury sedan Fluence in Tamil Nadu, at Chennai.

BANGALORE: Prime Minister of Slovenia, Borut Pahor has wooed Indian investment back home and said his country is on the "safe-side" of the 17-member eurozone. Speaking at "Slovenia-India: Coming together" interaction here, Pahor pointed out problems in the eurozone, citing bailouts for Greece, Ireland and Portugal. But he said Slovenia is on the "safe side" of the eurozone and "will stay so". Pahor invited investment from India in different sectors, including in banking and tourism. Slovania is too small to finance itself to meet its goal of becoming one of the most developed countries in the European Union and worldwide, he said. "We desperately need foreign investment". He said no matter if he stayed in office of Prime Minister or someone else takes the job, business environment for investors would

be ensured. Pahor, accompanied by a highlevel ministerial and business delegation, said Slovania is a "strong and committed friend" of India.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Slovania is too small to finance itself to meet its goal of becoming one of the most developed countries in the European Unionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Karnataka's Minister for Large and Medium Industries Murugesh R Nirani invited Slovenian investors to invest in the State and assured all support for their ventures. -PTI

SCO finalizes rules for admitting new members ASTANA: The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has finalized its rules of engagement for expanding its membership, paving way for India to play a larger role in the regional body. The two-day summit, attended by Chinese President Hu Jintao, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and other SCO leaders, approved the Memorandum of Obligations to admit new full-fledged members to the Organization. "I think the present members of the SCO have framed certain rules and those countries who are right now Observers, their application would be processed and I am very optimistic that India will find an affirmative response from the SCO," External Affairs Minister S M Krishna told reporters accompanying him to Kazakhstan for the SCO summit. The SCO comprises China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. India, Iran, Mongolia and Pakistan are observers at the SCO. Krishna said the SCO membership would further strengthen India's linkages with Central Asia with whom it enjoys ageold cultural and trade relations. Making an intervention at the SCO summit, Krishna sought a "larger and deeper" role in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), saying it would like to bring to the table its technical expertise, markets and financial commitment. "Ten years since its founding, the SCO faces a historic moment. Like other successful multilateral organizations, it must choose the path of its evolution," he said. Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev voiced his strong support for India's membership to the SCO. Belarus and Sri Lanka's status in the SCO is that of dialogue partners.

Addressing the Summit, Medvedev said that the SCO was not an elite club and was in favor of expanding its membership. Afghanistan, which has been attending SCO meetings as a special invitee, was admitted as an Observer to the Summit. Afghan President Hamid Karzai said Afghanistan was determined to take full

and should play an important role in the regional development activities. On the sidelines of the Summit, Krishna met all the leaders of the SCO and its observer countries, including Zardari, Karzai, Pakistan Interior Minister Rahman Malik and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar. Earlier, addressing the Summit, Krishna said the draft of the Memorandum of Ob-

"One bottleneck to trade and economic activity among the SCO members and observer countries is the lack of viable transport linkages," Krishna said. "SCO can address the problem of limited connectivity through regional solutions and break barriers that inhibit trade and investment flows between our countries," he added External Affairs Minister S M Krishna

responsibility for security of their country by 2020 when foreign forces will scale back their presence. He told the summit that Afghanistan was pursuing peace and reconciliation with those Taliban who are willing to give up terrorism. Karzai noted that China, India and Russia were witnessing extraordinary growth

ligation being discussed by this Summit would pave the way for expansion of the organization in a natural process of its evolution. "India would be happy to play a larger and deeper role in the SCO when the rules and criteria for full membership are clear. We value the role of the SCO in bringing security, stability and development to our

region and stand ready to contribute more to the SCO for the common good of the people of our region," he said. . Krishna said SCO members and observers could cooperate more in the future on regional and global threats arising out of climate change, environmental security, food security, energy security, particularly non-conventional sources of energy and other emerging issues which require a joint response for sustainable development. "India stands ready to make a constructive contribution in these areas," he said. The Minister said connectivity among the SCO countries is in fact central. "One bottleneck to trade and economic activity among the SCO members and observer countries is the lack of viable transport linkages," Krishna said. "SCO can address the problem of limited connectivity through regional solutions and break barriers that inhibit trade and investment flows between our countries," he said. India is ready to cooperate with member countries to find viable solutions to this problem and contribute to the endeavor to build bridges between Central and South Asia, the Minister said. He said India attaches great importance to association with the SCO and values the consistent and mature contribution made by the organization to peace, stability and prosperity in the region. "We have friendly ties with all the member states and we wish to bring to the table our technical expertise, markets and financial commitment, all of which equip us to fulfill greater responsibilities in this forum," Krishna said. -PTI

June 24, 2011

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India Post 23

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Humko Pyaar Hua : Ready 2 Tere Bin Jiya Na Jaye : Love Express 3 Kutta : Pyar Ka Punchnama Shor In The City 4 Hare Jhande Ke Shehzaade :

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June 24, 2011

A Strange Love Story 5 Khoya Kya : Kashmakash 6 Khwab (Rock) : Kucch Luv Jaisaa 7

Zindagi : Shaitan

8 Ishq Da Keeda : Bheja Fry 2 9 Bhaag D.K Bose, Aandhi Aayi : Delhi Belly 10 O Yaara : Shaitan

Original Shaitan

idya Balan's first bathtub scene for Dirty Pictures, was a big fiasco. After shooting for a bathtub scene, the actress developed a skin rash so severe that she had to be hurried to a dermatologist. The skin disaster happened while Vidya was shooting for a bathing scene in Film City, Goregaon. Clad in a towel, the actress stepped into a tub filled with soap water. After some time, her skin started feeling rough. She ignored it initially. But when the rough patches gave way to red rashes, she raised the alarm. The crew had used only mineral water for the bathing scene. A leading dermatologist from Andheri (West) attributes the allergic reaction to the quality of soap used. "Like most other actresses, Vidya too must be using a soap with a lesser percentage of alkali. The soap used must have had a higher alkali content causing the skin to break out in rash. This happens when a person is exposed to soap water for a very long time," said the doctor.

anveer Singh was the original choice of the wild and extreme KC in Bijoy Nambiar's Shaitanâ&#x20AC;Ś However, the Band Baaja Baraat actor opted out due to the boldness of the character and only then did Gulshan Devaiah stepped in. A source from the crew reveals, "Ranveer was like any other struggling actor at that time. He hadn't signed BBB then. He was one of the first guys auditioned and selected for the role. Bejoy immediately decided to cast him. He loved the energy and spontaneity RS brought in front of the camera." The source adds, "Ranveer loved the part and agreed to do it. However, he chickened out later on as his character was supposed to be introduced in the movie in a sexually explicit scene. The actor told Nambiar he wouldn't be comfortable debuting with such a bold scene. His family also had their reservations against the role."

Bollywood

June 24, 2011

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Going nowhere

T A

hree years ago, Asin Thottumkal left her top ranking position in Kollywood to shift to the Hindi film industry. In the time since, she has managed Ghajini and Ready, two of the biggest hits in Bollywood. fter dishing out some hit flicks, Preity Zinta confidently shifted from being a Bollywood actress to a successful businesswoman as an owner of IPL team Kings XI Punjab. Now, she is back into some action in the tinsel town though not as an actress but as a producer. She has launched her own production banner, PZNZ Media. Her first flick will be a romantic comedy under the direction of Prem Soni. When asked why she chose Soni as her director when his last flick 'Main Aur Mrs Khanna' bombed at the box office, Preity clarifies, "I'd rather work with someone who's fallen down hard than someone who's at the top because he's driven to go out there and prove a point to the world. Even Imtiaz Ali's first film, Socha Na Tha, wasn't a blockbuster but today everyone wants to work with him." The actress has set a mediocre budget for the movie and is yet to finalize the cast. Preity is thoroughly happy and confident about her move and says, "It's an instinct for choosing the right movie that'd got me where I am today," she points out. Of course, after that I took a course at the Harvard Business School, asked a million questions and gave two years to the game. Film is my core competence and it should be easier focusing on it." "Suddenly, the sky is bluer, the birds are singing and life is so cool," Chirps the chirpy actress!!

Yet what does have to show for herself today? Says a trade source, "She has just one film, Housefull 2, in which she will share screen space with Jacqueline Fernandez and Zarine Khan." What's ailing this 25-something actress? She's a competent actress, pretty, has a good strike rate at the box office but seems to be going nowhere. Trade sources in Chennai are livid with her because she shortchanged them when she felt Bollywood was opening its doors to her. So, except for a dud Dasavatharam with Kamal Haasan and a hit Kaavalan earlier this year with Vijay (that too an old commitment), she has no Kollywood offers. In Mumbai, she turned down films with several top-ranking filmmakers like Ashutosh Gowariker, because after the debacle of London Dreams, in which Vipul Shah gave her a short shrift, Asin was pretty shattered. She actually sat at home for a year in the prime of her youth doing precious nothing. Now, Ready is creating records and though Asin (courtesy her friendship with Salman) is the leading lady, she still has no future projects with him. He is committed to doing Kick and Dabangg 2 with Sonakshi Sinha, Ek Tha Tiger with Katrina Kaif and nothing with Asin. A leading Mumbai producer says that he is keen to cast Asin but the actress has three things going against her. One, she is demanding to be paid as much as Kareena Kapoor and Katrina Kaif, two, there is reportedly too much interference from her close ones and three, though she is dependable, she brings no novelty to a project.

Most sought after

Preity producer

he one film wonder, Sonakshi Sinha is currently the most sought after actress in the Bollywood industry. The 24-year-old star's schedule is packed till early 2012. The upcoming films that will keep Sonakshi busy are: Joker, Vishwaroopam, Rowdy Rathod, Race 2, Kick and Dabangg 2. The actress recently wrapped the second filming schedule for Shirish Kunder's Joker with co-star Akshay Kumar. Vishwaroopam will have her act opposite actor Kamal Hassan. The shooting for the film will go on floors in the first week of July. August will see her filming for Sanjay Leela Bhansali production Rowdy Rathod with co-star Akshay Kumar. Abbas Mustan's multi starrer crime thriller Race 2 will begin filming in October. The film is a sequel to Race (2008). Shirish Kunder's remake of South romance action film, Kick, will have her acting opposite Salman Khan. Filming will begin in January 2012. The sequel to Dabangg that producer and director Arbaaz Khan says will bigger and better than the original will start filming early next year, taking the story forward.

PREM KISHORE

olly Singh, a Bollywood heroine takes centerstage in this hilarious story of eleven year old Dini, an Indian American girl from Maryland who is mad about "Fillums" and believes that not only a fantasy can come true but her Grand Plan can Fix Everything. Kismat ki Baat hai which means what is meant to be will be is the lief motif in this nimble, adventure and romance book that takes us to Swapnagiri, a tea plantation in the South of India. The pages romp through diverse mishaps, encounters, misunderstandings, the highs and lows of friendship and connections between soulmates and strangers. All this in a tiny sleepy little town where nothing ever happens. The book introduces us to Dini, short for Nandini, and her beloved American friend Maddie who have always been besotted with Bollywood films, music and dance. But it is Dolly, the star of many a Bollywood romantic film who has captured their heart with her "brown gold skin", her amazing musical voice as well as dancing moves. They pore over past and present issues of Filmi Kumpnee magazine which fills them in with chunks of tidbits of gossip and

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June 24, 2011

fortuitous than that? The two friends are very excited about going to a Bollywood dance camp for the summer when their world is turned upside down. Dini's mother has been of-

BOOK

REVIEW

fered a grant for a rural project in Swapnagiri and the family has to move leaving Maddie behind. On arriving at Swapnagiri Dini dis-

Bollywood adventures in young fiction watch Dolly's films over and over again after all language does not really get in the way of Hindi films, as box offices around the world have proved. And imagine Dolly's first film came out the day Dini was born! What could be more

covers to her delight that Dolly has left her Mumbai studio and the bright lights for a secret retreat in you guessed right - Swapnagiri. So Dini sets out to track down Dolly all the while keeping in touch with Maddie via email and phone. The

Jacket cover of ĂŤThe Grand Plan To Fix EverythingĂ by Uma Krishnaswami

Uma Krishnaswami

friendship of Dini and Maddie is one of the highlights of the book as this bond connects various strands of the plot as well as the need for loyalty and support through the complexity of the growing years. The fun is fast and furious as Dini and a new friend Priya wonder if life is full of coincidences, commonsense or is there something more to ponder about? Dini is funny, sincere, confident and fuelled by energy, marvelously at ease with the diverse characters she meets. There's Priya who sounds like a buzzy bird, irascible Sampy the local postman who entertains himself chewing on a strand of grass, Veeran the helpful driver who works at the garage aptly called Tune and Fix, Chikoo Dev a lovelorn tea planter, ambitious Soli Dustup of Mumbai Starlite Studios, and of

course Dolly with dangly silver earrings and a Presence! What's more, she has a love interest right there in Swapnagiri. Just like a Bollywood fillum! "Pyaar ki baat hai" ruminates Dini and so it is - a matter of love all round. The language is delightful sprinkled with Hindi isms...look look listen is the English version of "suno suno, dekho dekho" , chan , chan chan go Dolly's anklets and of course, Dolly's latest movie is Mera Jeevan , tera jeevan, My life , Your life or MJTJ for short! The author, Uma Krishnaswami, a prolific writer, works for the Vermont College of Fine Arts and lives in Aztec, New Mexico. Abigail Halpin, the illustrator of the book adds an exuberant style to the very enjoyable book.

June 24, 2011

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Gurmeet Sodhi invited to the White House South Asian Media community. Her invitation to the reception at the White House is a testament of that. She is recognized as a media personality and a household name with her unique style and execution of every episode. Gurmeet's talk show - GS with GS (Gup Shup with Gurmeet Sodhi) kickedoff its third successful season on April 1. Audiences of the show in India enthusi-

India Post News Service

WASHINGTON: Talk show host Gurmeet K. Sodhi has been invited by the President of United States of America Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama to attend the AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islanders Commission) reception at the White House which to be held on June 22. This is the first time an Indian Talk Show Host will be attending such an event at the White House. With almost a decade of experience as a talk show host, Gurmeet Sodhi is known as one of the most influential women in the

She is recognized as a media personality and a household name with her unique style and execution of every episode. Gurmeet's talk show - GS with GS (Gup Shup with Gurmeet Sodhi) kickedoff its third successful season on April 1 astically welcomed her in 2010 when she launched her first International Road Trip touring across various states and cities. Her show filmed episodes about social awareness, economic development, cultural richness, historical & religious landmarks amongst many other topics. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 28

India Post

June 17, 2011 www.indiapost.com

CBFC launches online film certification India Post News Service

MUMBAI: The Central Board of Film Certification promised to bring in more transparency in their operations and usher in a change from film certification to classification process that would enable film makers to reach out to a target audience group. This was stated by the new CBFC Chairperson Leela Samson at an interactive session Samvaad CBFC 2011 organized by CBFC and CII. ``We look forward to move to an atmosphere of complete transparency,'' said Leela Samson explaining that applying for classification of a film can soon be initiated online in various regional centers of the country. Samvaad CBFC 2011 also marked the inauguration of CBFC Online system that would enable producers to apply online for Film Classification Certificate. CBFC is also looking at introducing a new fee structure for documentary films and guidelines which are different from feature films. The interactive session was attended by leading film makers and representatives of the civil society deliberating on the much

needed changes to be adopted in The Cinematograph Bill 2010, which is to be tabled in the coming monsoon session of the Parliament. Majority of the film makers favored self regulation rather than censorship of films by CBFC. They also made it clear that once the film is certified and cleared by CBFC the film should not succumb to external forces in releasing in theatres.

“We look forward to move to an atmosphere of complete transparency,” said Leela Samson Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan endorsed the egovernance aspects of CBFC and pointed out that the state government of Maharashtra would work with film fraternity and welcomed CBFCs initiation to sensitize and familiarize regional officers of CBFC for film appreciation of world cinema. He wanted Samvaad to be institutionalized and made it an annual event.

CBFC Chairperson Leela Samson

Amit Khanna, Chairman of the CII National Committee of Media and Entertainment pointed out

that censor board has to be proactive and needs to have a complete rehaul of the decision mak-

ing process at CBFC. Industry veteran Yash Chopra supported Leela Samson's vision for CBFC and voiced for societal changes to get reflected in the Film Certification process of CBFC. Rajiv Takru, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, GOI said that the Ministry would consider CBFC chairperson's view of changing Central Board of Film Certifcation to Indian Board of Film Classification. The changes envisaged in the Cinematograph Bill aims that films be certified according to content so that it is viewed by different age groups or under parental guidance for those age groups rather than censor or cut scenes or insist on certain scenes deleted.

Gurmeet Sodhi invited to the White House Cont’d from page 27

With her personal touch and ability to connect with her viewers, Gurmeet has strived to ensure that her show informs, educates and above all entertains all ages and demographics. She brings humor and talent in the way she handles all her guests and focuses her topics to incorporate everyday

aspects of life. Gurmeet continues to empower women and give back to the community through her philanthropic work. She also engages and encourages viewers by filming episodes where she reaches out to community-based programs to assist underprivileged children, the homeless, soup kitchens and vari-

ous other needy organizations. Her invitation to the White House was initiated by Mr. Amardeep Singh who serves as a Commissioner on the White House Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, appointed by President Obama. Mr. Singh is the first Sikh ever to serve on this commission.

29 India Post

Lapped in the snowcovered fringes of the Himalayas, Leh has been the center of Tibeto-Buddhist culture since ages. Its colorful gompas have attracted devout Buddhists from all over the globe

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eh, the capital of Ladakh province, is a favorite tour ist destination located in the northernmost part of India. Lapped in the snow-covered fringes of the Himalayas, Leh has been the center of Tibeto-Buddhist culture since ages. Its colorful gompas have attracted devout Buddhists from all over the globe. Besides, it is also a great hiking locale and is known for some of the best hikes in India. Ladakh, the land of jagged peaks and barren landscape is alluring and awe-inspiring. Hidden behind this harsh and forbidding faĂ§ade is an ancient civilization and captivating people. Beyond the old frontiers lies the land of wilderness with its unaltered character and overwhelming natural beauty beckoning the more intense and adventurous of travelers. The largest of the 10 provinces of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh is bordered by the Karakoram chain of mountains in the north and the Himalayas in the south. With the great Indus flowing right through Ladakh, the province is divided into Leh, Nubra, Zanskar, lower Ladakh and Rupshu. The many distinctive features of Ladakh are its uplands,

June 24, 2011

craggy, barren cliffs and plateaus. Tourist attractions: A miniature version of the Potala in Lhasa, the Leh Palace is one of the major attractions here. The palace was built in the 17th century and is now dilapidated and deserted. It was the home of the royal family until they were exiled to Stok in the 1830s. Above the palace, at the top of the Namgyal hill, is the Victory Tower, built to commemorate Ladakh's victory over the Balti Kashmir armies in the early 16th century. The Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, built in 1430, contains a three-story high Buddha image and ancient manuscripts and frescoes. The fort above this gompa is ruined, but the views of Leh from here are breathtakingly beautiful. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 30

India Post

Travel & Hospitality Post

June 24, 2011

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Leh & Ladakh: Rare co-existence of water, mountain and desert Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 29

The Sankar gompa is located a couple of kilometers north of the town center. The gompa belongs to the Gelukpa order and has an impressive idol of the Buddhist deity Avalokiteshwara Padmahari or Chenresig, with 1,000 arms and an equal number of heads. The Shanti Stupa was built by a Japanese order and was opened by the Dalai Lama in 1985. From the top, one can view the exotic locales nearby. The stupa is located at a distance of 3 km from the Fort Road. The Mughal emperor Aurangzeb commissioned the mosque at the head of the Leh Bazaar. The Soma gompa lies near the mosque. Ladakh Festival organized on a large scale is now a regular tourist event on the tourist calendar. There are several schemes to promote tourism to the Ladakh region. These include opening up of inner line areas such as the beautiful Pangong Tso lake on the Indo-China border, Baima, whose villagers trace their descent to the early Aryan settlers and Nubra Valley which is situated near the strategic Siachen glacier on the Indo-Pak border. Along with the Ladakh festival, adventure tourism figures prominently in the tourism package. A white water river rafting expedition along the 26-kilometre stretch from Fhey to Nimo along the mighty Indus River is a thrilling experience. It is the highest point where river rafting is possible in the world. The high altitude and mountains make it an ideal spot for paragliding, mountaineering, trekking and even skiing. The Ladakhis are keen sportsmen and archery contests are frequently arranged at the village level, which draws all aspiring marksmen. Another popular game, polo, is played with great gusto reminiscent of the Mongol horsemen. The no holds-barred, robust game is far removed from the watered down version seen in today's polo circuits. Places around Leh Seventy kilometers from Leh, on the banks of river Indus, is the Alchi gompa dating back to the 11th century. It is one of the largest and a famous monastery with a widely renowned collection of paintings. At a distance of 45 km south of Leh, Hemis is one of the biggest gompas in Ladakh. Built in 1630, it belongs to the red sect, Brokpa. It is also known as Chang Chub Sam Ling or "the lone place of the compassionate person." To commemorate the birth of the re-

amples of Ladakhi architecture. It belongs to the Gelukpa order. The 12-story monastery complex contains numerous stupas, statues, thangkas, wall paintings, swords and a large pillar engraved with the Buddha's teachings. Belonging to the Brokpa sect, the Phyang gompa was built in the 16th century. Located at a distance of 16 km from Leh, it houses hundreds of statues, thangkas, old manuscripts and some old weapons. The Bagso gompa is located 40 km downstream from Leh, and was the seat of power of a branch of the Namgyal family. It is here in

Nying-ma-pa order. Gum Rinpoche (Padma Sambhava) is said to have founded this monastery and the temple where he meditated is still to be seen here. Tu-Phuk houses the images of Guru-Tsan-gyet (eight forms of Padma Sambhava), Guru Takpo Tsahl and the 11-headed Avalokitesvara. The new monastery is built on ground level and contains the image of Guru Nang Srith Zilon in a central position. To its right is an image of Guru Dorje Dolo and on the left is an image of Guru Padma Gyalpo. There are seats for the Dalai Lama and Taklung Rinpoche (the incar-

regional favorite. There is a change of scene as the Festival shifts to the Nubra Valley. The sleepy pastoral countryside of Nubra which has recently been thrown open to tourism is located on the Indo-Pak border. A trip by helicopter overflies an intricate network of mountains including the Khardungla Pass, the highest motorable pass in the world. The mountains have a reddish hue. Nubra boasts of a more liberal and progressive attitude having been on the ancient silk route and thus open to outside influence. The people are educated and

Ladakhi religious calendar. Until the 16th century, the Shey gompa was the royal residence. It is located at a distance of 15 km south of Leh. This Palace Monastery has the largest statue of Maitreya Buddha (the Buddha to come) in Ladakh. Erected in the mid-17th century, worked out of gold and gilded copper sheets with blue hair, it stands 17.5 m high. At a distance of 8 km from Leh, standing majestically on top of a hillock overlooking the Indus Valley, lies the Spituk Gompa. It was built in the 15th century and houses a collection of ancient masks, antique arms, icons and

AD 1680 that invading Mongol and Tibetan armies were held in check over a three-year-long siege. Original 16th-century murals and other arts of Bagso are worth seeing. About 45 km from Leh, the Chernry gompa is situated in a picturesque valley leading to Changia. It was constructed upon Sengge Namgyal's death in 1645. A large collection of scriptures with title pages in sterling silver and the text in gold letters is kept here. Precariously perched atop a 200-meter-high crag, the Mulbekh gompa has an imposing rock carving of the future Buddha. On the

nate Lama of the monastery). The monastery stages two festivals every year. Thak Thog Tse Chu is held from the ninth to the eleventh day of the sixth Tibetan month. Thak Thog Wangchogis is held from the 26th to the 29th day of the ninth Tibetan lunar month. Near Leh, the town of Choglamsar is an important center for Tibetan Buddhism and the study of Tibetan study and culture. One can find here a Tibetan library, medical center, handicraft shops, study center, bookshops, plenty of restaurants and the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies. Places around Ladakh Visitors to Skara village near Leh are treated to a local archery

speak fluent Hindi. Nubra is also the home of the double humped Bactrian camel rarely seen elsewhere in Ladakh. It is in Nubra that one sees the co-existence of water, mountain and desert - a rare sight. But then as many will testify, Ladakh is indeed a rare destination. When to go: Best time to travel Leh-Ladakh is between July to September. How to reach Air - The nearest airport is Leh. There are flights from Delhi, Chandigarh and Srinagar. Road- It is a two-day journey from Srinagar to Leh (434 kilometers) with an overnight halt at

thangkas. Higher up the hill is the Mahakal Temple, containing the shrine of Vajrabhairava. About 20 km south of Leh, Thikse gompa is an imposing monastery and one of the finest ex-

other end of the valley is a phallus-shaped rock with a monastery at its base. At a distance of 50 km east of Leh, the Thak Thog gompa is the only monastery belonging to the

contest. As the contestants draw bow and arrow, bowls filled with the delectable apricot, apple and dry fruits are served to the visitors followed by chang, a heady brew made of barley and gur tea, a

Kargil. The road is open from June to October. There is also a road from Manali to Leh via Keylong open from June-October.

nowned Indian sage, Padmasambhava, the annual Hemis festival is held in the month of June/July. Situated on the opposite bank of the Indus across Thikse, the Matho gompa was established in the first half of the 16th century and has a valuable collection of old and beautiful thangkas, some in the form of 'mandalas.' Its annual festival of oracles in early March is an important event in the

Along with the Ladakh festival, adventure tourism figures prominently in the tourism package. A white water river rafting expedition along the 26-kilometre stretch from Fhey to Nimo along the mighty Indus River is a thrilling experience

June 24, 2011

Travel & Hospitality Post

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Roadshows to woo more foreign tourists to India NEW DELHI: Tourism Ministry has launched a series of roadshows abroad as part of the 'Incredible India' campaign to attract more foreign tourists. Besides showcasing tourist destinations including beaches, monuments, heritage and rural sites, the roadshows also exhibited India's booming medical and wellness facilities in the USA, Caribbean and England. "While roadshows were carried out in the US and Caribbean countries in the first week of this month, similar shows were held last month in Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam," a senior Tourism Ministry official said. Currently, Indian destinations are being showcased in Manchester, Birmingham, Durban

and Glasgow in England. Roadshows including cultural evenings were held in New York and Los Angeles in the USA and Trinidad and Tobago in Caribbean.

visit here. So we have decided to set up a committee with the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs to facilitate the visits of these people to India," said the official.

"There are many citizens in Trinidad and Tobago who have roots in India and they are keen to visit here. So we have decided to set up a committee with the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs to facilitate the visits of these people to India” Ministry officials and leading tour and travel operators were present in these roadshows. "There are many citizens in Trinidad and Tobago who have roots in India and they are keen to

Foreign tourist arrivals have touched 5.58 million in 2010 from 3.92 million in 2005. The Ministry is planning to launch the 'Incredible India' campaign in CIS countries in September. -PTI

Goa to tie up with French city on tourism initiatives PANAJI: Goa tourism department is planning to tie up with Nice, a picturesque city in France, to provide better facilities to tourists visiting the state capital. The tie-up would be done in specific areas such as rapid transportation system and solid waste treatment. Both the cities will collaborate on these issues on a time-bound program, senior officials said. Confirming the development, Goa Tourism director Swapnil Naik said that the state is definitely keen on partnering with France on this initiative. "We have invited a technical team from Nice, to study the conditions in Goa and to chalk out a feasible plan for execution." In the meantime, Goa is doing its ground work and planning. "In the coming weeks, we will be discussing the modalities of the exchange program with the Commissioner of the City of Panjim (CCP)," Naik said. A delegation from Goa is also likely to make a study tour to Nice. "Goa receives a large number

of tourists every year and a rapid transportation system is essential to cope with the growing number of domestic and international tourists." Nice city has worked out an effective model to tackle the trans-

During a recent seminar in Goa, Rudy Salles, Deputy Mayor of Nice said, initiatives like renting out cycles and fuel efficient cars including electric cars to tourists and pedestrian streets, were undertaken, to make commuting hassle-free portation issues. During a recent seminar in Goa, Rudy Salles, Deputy Mayor of Nice said, initiatives like renting out cycles and fuel efficient cars including electric cars to tourists and pedestrian

streets, were undertaken, to make commuting hassle-free. Spokesperson of Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) Ralf D'Souza said that being a premier tourist destination, there was a lot we could learn from the French. "Paris and Nice are some of the most frequently visited cities by tourists. Having been able to successfully preserve it culture and heritage, visitors are given an opportunity to blend in with the lifestyle of the city and its people in its true and natural form," he said. "This initiative with France will surely lead to a healthy exchange of ideas and better cooperation between countries to ensure mutual benefits," he added. The state tourism department is also working towards attracting French tourists to Goa and has sought support from the French delegation for the same. In recent years, Goa has received charter flights from France in addition to other European cities. -PTI

Indian tourists swamp Sri Lanka COLOMBO: Indian tourists have retained the number one position in Sri Lanka keeping the traditional market while Pakistan is also showing a marked interest in the country's tourism industry. Official figures showed that 68,830 Indians visited Sri Lanka in the first five months of this year, up 54.5 per cent from the 44,549 in the corresponding period last year.

The number of Britons visiting Sri Lanka grew at a slower 7.1 per cent to reach 41,474 in the first three months of this year, the Sri Lanka Tourism figures showed. Pakistan nationals were still a small segment of the 327,902 holiday makers who visited Sri Lanka from January to May of 2011, but tourists from Pakistan were showing a huge increase in percentage

terms by almost doubling this year. The number of Pakistan tourists jumped by 98.1 per cent to 6,027. Sri Lanka hopes the number of tourists visiting the nation will surpass 65,000. Tourism is booming after Sri Lankan troops defeated Tamil Tiger rebels in May 2009 and declared an end to decades of ethnic bloodshed. -PTI

Maha govt plans zoo and botanical park MUMBAI: Maharashtra Government is planning to construct a zoological park and botanical garden at Aarey Colony in suburban Mumbai. The directive was given by Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan at a meeting of Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Department recently. Aarey Colony is a vast stretch of land in western Mumbai which houses a government-run dairy apart from a few private ones. Minister of State for Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries, Gulabrao Devkar, told PTI that the proposal for setting up a zoological garden and a botanical park came from the Forest Department. The Park will come up through Public Private Participation (PPP) mode and a committee will be soon set up to study the feasibility of the project. "The project will help maintain the greenery of Aarey colony, will protect the place from encroachers, and generate some income for the government through tourist inflow," Devkar said. Similarly, the government is also planning to re-develop Aarey land in Worli, a prime central Mumbai

area. "The real estate prices are very high in this area and through redevelopment, the government can get revenue," he said. The Chief Minister had sought a report from an experts' committee on the proposal, Devkar said. He said that Chavan also directed in the meeting that en-

"The project will help maintain the greenery of Aarey colony, will protect the place from encroachers, and generate some income” croachments spread over 180 acres of Aarey Milk Colony land should be removed and the residents be rehabilitated via Slum Rehabilitation Authority scheme. Chavan also directed the authorities to prepare a plan to set up a state-of-the-art dairy with 10 lakh liter capacity at Kurla. -PTI

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In Brief Immigrants seek info about new GA immigration law CALHOUN, Ga.: Immigrant advocacy groups are among those reaching out to Georgia's immigrant communities to educate them about the state's new law cracking down on illegal immigration. They are holding information sessions around the state and are distributing leaflets outlining provisions of the new law. At an information session in Calhoun, about 70 adults showed up, many with small children. Even after explanations from Latino community leaders, representatives from the Mexican consulate and immigration lawyers, many were still scared. Soledad Leon, who cleans houses in the area, says she plans to leave the state. A federal judge is set to hear arguments June 20 on a request to block the law from taking effect until a lawsuit challenging it has been resolved. -AP

Superintendent: Schools will obey immigration law MONTGOMERY, Ala.: Alabama schools Superintendent Joe Morton says his staff is developing guidelines to share with local principals and teachers on what they need to do to comply with a tough new law cracking down on illegal immigration. A bill signed into law by Gov. Robert Bentley includes language requiring schools to report the immigration status of students. Morton said that state schools would comply with the new law. He said the law requires him to provide guidance to school officials before it takes effect Sept. 1. Exactly what the guidelines will be is still unclear because Morton is still studying the law. -AP

Del. Senate OKs bill to check immigration status DOVER, Del.: The Delaware Senate has approved a bill requiring state and local governments to verify that all their new hires are in the country legally, and to impose the same test for people seeking government benefits. The bill, which cleared the Senate on a 16-to-3 vote, also requires public agencies to contract for services only with contractors and subcontractors who pledge to use the government's E-Verify system or other federal database to check to make sure new workers are not illegal immigrants. Cont’d on page 36

Immigration 34

India Post

www.indiapost.com

June 24, 2011

Federal agencies to combat immigration services scams India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The US government unveiled recently a multiagency, nationwide initiative to combat immigration services scams, with the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security (DHS), and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leading this historic effort. This initiative targets immigration scams involving the unauthorized practice of immigration law (UPIL), which occurs when legal advice and/or representation regarding immigration matters is provided by an individual who is not an attorney or accredited representative. "We are dedicated to protecting vulnerable immigrants from those who seek to exploit them," said US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Alejandro Mayorkas. "Through our sustained outreach, enforcement and education efforts, and our close collaboration with our federal, state and local partners, we will provide the communities we serve with the help needed to combat this pernicious problem." This initiative is set upon

three pillars - enforcement, education and continued collaboration -designed to stop UPIL scams and prosecute those who are responsible; educate immigrants about these scams and how to avoid them; and inform immigrants about the legal immigration process and where to

connecting qualified lawyers with victims who are trying to navigate a complicated immigration system." The Department of Justice, through US Attorneys' Offices and the Civil Division's Office of Consumer Protection Litigation, is investigating and prosecuting

“Through our sustained outreach, enforcement and education efforts, and our close collaboration with our federal, state and local partners, we will provide the communities we serve with the help needed to combat this pernicious problem” find legitimate legal advice and representation. "This coordinated initiative targets those who prey on immigrant communities by making promises they do not keep and charging for services they are not qualified to provide," said Tony West, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division of the Department of Justice. "We are attacking this problem both through aggressive civil and criminal enforcement and by

dozens of cases against socalled "notarios." In the last year, the department has worked with investigators at the FBI, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and USCIS, and with state and local partners, to secure convictions - with sentences up to eight years in prison and forfeiture and restitution of more than $1.8 million. This is in addition to the many actions at the state and local levels that have been filed against individu-

als and businesses engaged in immigration services scams. ICE has also long been pursuing immigration services fraud cases in part through its 18 Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force offices across the country. In a recent case in West Palm Beach, Fla., ICE Homeland Security Investigations agents arrested an individual on May 26, 2011, who had posed as an attorney and processed more than 3,000 fraudulent immigration applications. "Notarios and other illegal immigration service providers take advantage of unsuspecting immigrants trying to navigate the immigration system," said ICE Director John Morton. "ICE will continue to work with our federal, state and local partners to combat notario fraud and protect the integrity of the legal immigration system." lic and dedicated outreach, we are bolstering our efforts toward growing a force of legitimate legal services providers and getting rid of fraudsters." To file a complaint one can visit the FTC's online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1877-382-4357).

B-1 in lieu of H-1B Visa in jeopardy CYRUS D. MEHTA & MYRIAM JAIDI

he "B-1 in lieu of H-1B" visa has been an impor tant and legitimate source of flexibility facilitating the needs of global businesses and business travelers, with significant benefit to the United States economy. The April 14, 2011 letter from Senator Charles E. Grassley to Secretary of State Hilary Clinton and Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano in light of the lawsuit against Infosys, may threaten the existence of this important category. We write to clarify its utility for American businesses in a globalized world, and strongly

urge that the "B-1 in lieu of the H-1B" not be eliminated as this will undermine US competitiveness. As we noted in a recent article on the B-1 category, the B-1 business visa remains one of the "most ill-defined" visas but plays a very important role in providing flexibility to business travelers. While the B-1 visa is associated with visiting the US to participate in meetings and negotiate contracts, the "B-1 in lieu of H-1B" was created to facilitate travel to the US of individuals who would otherwise qualify for an H-1B visa, but only needed to come

to the United States for a limited period of time. In the current controversy over the US of the B-1, scant attention has been paid to the "B1 in lieu of the H-1B," which permits broader activities than the regular B-1 visa, albeit for a short period of time. Indeed, many of the activities that have been alleged to be outside the scope of the B-1 may be permissible under the "B-1 in lieu of the H-1B." Hence, what has been alleged to be fraud may not really be the case if viewed under activities permissible under the "B-1 in lieu of the H-1B."

The "B-1 in lieu of the H-1B,", Mr. Macmanus points out that problems with the B-1 category usually result from misrepresentation in the visa application, not from a misapplication of visa law. In addition, Mr. Macmanus's letter makes clear that consular officers are carefully trained to determine whether issuing a B-1 visa or a "B-1 in lieu of H-1B" is appropriate. These categories are not taken lightly and have strict requirements, carefully enforced, with fewer than 1000 "B-1 in lieu of H-1B" visas issued each year worldwide. Cont’d on page 37

Immigration Post

June 24, 2011

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Alabama passes tough illegal-immigration law MONTGOMERY, Alabama: Alabama has enacted what is being called the most restrictive law in the U.S. against illegal immigration, requiring schools to find out if students are in the country lawfully and making it a crime to knowingly give an illegal immigrant a ride. Advocacy groups promised to challenge the sweeping measure, which like Arizona's law also allows police to arrest anyone suspected of being an illegal immigrant if the person is stopped for some other reason. In addition, it requires all businesses to check the legal status of workers using a federal system called E-Verify. ``It is clearly unconstitutional. It's mean-spirited, racist, and we think a court will enjoin it,'' said Mary Bauer, legal director for the Southern Poverty Law Center. It takes effect Sept. 1. Republican Gov. Robert Bentley, who signed it into law, expressed confidence it would withstand any legal challenges. ``We have a real problem with illegal immigration in this country,'' he said. ``I campaigned for the toughest immigration laws, and I'm proud of the legislature for working tirelessly to create the strongest immigration bill in the country.'' Alabama has an estimated

120,000 illegal immigrants, a nearly fivefold increase from a decade ago, according to the Pew Hispanic Center. Many of them are believed to be working on farms, at chicken processing plants and in construction. Alabama's Hispanic population more than doubled between 2000 and

The Alabama measure instantly puts the state at the forefront of the immigration debate. Organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union and the Southern Poverty Law Center agreed that it is the nation's toughest crackdown on illegal immigration 2010 to 186,000, or 3.9 percent of the state's nearly 4.8 million people, according to the Census. Figures were not available on their legal status. One of the legislation's sponsors, Republican Sen. Scott Beason, said it would help the unemployed by preventing illegal immigrants from getting jobs in the state. Alabama's unemployment rate stood at 9.3 percent in April,

Second lawmaker tables sweeping immigration bill BATON ROUGE, La.: A Belle Chasse legislator has withdrawn a bill that would mount a wideranging attack on illegal immigration after questions arose about the cost of enforcing it. Independent Rep. Ernest Wooton says his bill would help secure the borders by prompting federal officials to better enforce immigration restrictions. ``I don't want to line (illegal immigrants) up and send them home,'' Wooton said in a hearing by the House Appropriations Committee. But he added, ``I would love to see some of these federal laws enforced.'' Critics say his measure's $11 million estimated cost would strain state and local governments and lead to racial profiling. Before hearing public testimony, Wooton volunteered to defer the bill, scrapping the proposal for the current legislative session. He said he offered the motion at the request of committee Chairman

Jim Fannin, D-Jonesboro. ``This $11 million just so happened to not be in the budget when it left here,'' said Fannin. Wooton's measure would have created a series of new state crimes, such as a ban on illegal immigrants seeking work, and impose new requirements on certain employers, state officials and police officers. The bill would make it a crime to harbor, conceal, shelter, transport or hire immigrants. It would establish crimes for illegal immigrants seeking work and for willfully failing to carry a registration document. And it would make it a crime for anyone including public employees to fail to report fraud that is committed in order to obtain public assistance. The Louisiana Workforce Commission would be charged with investigating any violations of the new crimes. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 37

the most recent figure available. ``This will put thousands of Alabamians back in the work force,'' Beason said. The Alabama Business Council has not taken a public stand on the law. In neighboring Georgia, some farmers and business owners warned that a crackdown passed recently in that state would make it more difficult to hire the laborers they rely on many of whom are illegal immigrants. The Alabama measure instantly puts the state at the forefront of the immigration debate. Organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union and the Southern Poverty Law Center agreed that it is the nation's toughest crackdown on illegal immigration. Linton Joaquin, general counsel for the National Immigration Law Center in Los Angeles, said the Alabama law covers all aspects of an immigrant's life. ``It is a sweeping attack on immigrants and people of color in general. It adds restrictions on education, housing and other areas. It is a very broad attack,'' Joaquin said. Among other things, the law makes it a crime for landlords to knowingly rent to an illegal immigrant. Another provision makes it a crime to transport a known illegal immigrant. Arizona's law appears narrower: It includes language against human smuggling and makes it illegal to pick up laborers for work if doing so impedes traffic. Alabama's law also goes further in requiring schools to check the immigration status of their students. The measure does not prohibit illegal immigrants from attending public schools; lawmakers said the purpose instead is to gather data on how many are enrolled and how the much the state is spending to educate them. Jared Shepherd, an attorney for the ACLU, warned that because of that provision, some immigrant parents may not send their children to school for fear of arrest or deportation. Alabama's measure was modeled on Arizona's. A federal judge blocked the most controversial parts of Arizona's law last year after the Justice Department sued. The case appears headed to the U.S. Supreme Court. A less restrictive law in Utah also was blocked after a lawsuit was filed. Civil liberties groups have sued to stop Georgia's law as well. -AP

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June 24, 2011

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Mormon Church: Immigration laws should be balanced SALT LAKE CITY: A statement from the Mormon Church about immigration could have an impact on Republican delegates at the upcoming state convention and help strengthen religious leaders grappling with proposed immigration laws in other states. Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said in the statement, which was posted to the church's official website, that state immigration laws should balance enforcement with programs that allow illegal immigrants to continue working in the state. ``Any state legislation that only contains enforcement provisions is likely to fall short of the high moral standard of treating each other as children of God,'' the statement reads. ``The (LDS) Church supports an approach where undocumented immigrants are allowed to square themselves

with the law and continue to work without this necessarily leading to citizenship.'' Although the church's position on immigration is not changing, it is being publicly reinforced

“Any state legislation that only contains enforcement provisions is likely to fall short of the high moral standard of treating each other as children of God,'' the statement reads _ especially to faithful members, which includes a strong majority of legislators that Mormon leaders want comprehensive immigra-

Mexico finds 210 migrants crammed in truck TUXTLA GUTIERREZ, Mexico: Mexican police discovered 210 mainly Central and South American migrants crammed inside a truck near the country's southern border, an immigration official said. The dehydrated and hungry migrants were found when the truck was searched at a highway checkpoint, said the immigration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk on the record. Police detained the truck's driver and his assistant, both of whom will be transferred to a maximumsecurity prison, the official said. The migrants were mainly from Brazil, Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua, but also from India. They were packed so tightly into the truck that they had to remain standing, official said. The official said the migrants had not eaten in 24 hours and were now being given food and water. They are being held at a Chiapas federal police station awaiting deportation. Each year, hundreds of thousands of illegal migrants cross Mexico's southern border on their way to the United States. They are often smuggled in brutal conditions, packed tightly inside tractor trailers on long journeys. They are subject to robbery, extortion and kidnapping along the way. Loa, a 23-year-old from El Salvador, was among the migrants detained. He was prohibited by immigration authorities from giving his last name. Visibly haggard, Loa was buy-

ing a meat-filled sandwich passed to him through prison bars from a street vendor. ``It was very hot and we had no water,'' he told The Associated Press about his trek. His plan had been to reach Los Angeles. The United Nations estimates that smuggling migrants into the United States is a $6.6 billion business annually. That doesn't include another $1 billion paid by thousands of non-Mexicans to

The migrants were mainly from Brazil, Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua, but also from India. They were packed so tightly into the truck that they had to remain standing cross from Guatemala into Mexico and then travel north toward the U.S. border, according to a 2010 U.N. report on transnational crime. In May, 513 people were apprehended in two trailers in Chiapas, bordering Guatemala. They represented a cargo worth at least $3.5 million. Another trailer filled with 219 people was discovered in January. William, 43, one of the 210 migrants picked up, said he paid $3,000 to smugglers to truck him from Guatemala to the United States to work. He knew that once he was caught there would be no refund. -AP

tion reform. The statement could play a significant role during the state Republican convention on June 18, when delegates will debate a resolution condemning House Bill 116. That law will permit illegal immigrants to continue working in Utah beginning in 2013. ``It appears the church wants to make certain that their position is absolutely clear,'' said Sen. Curt Bramble, R-Provo, one of the primary architects of Utah's reform package. ``They are saying they want a comprehensive bill that balances enforcement with reality.'' The bill was passed as part of a broader reform package that also included an enforcement measure. The entire package was signed by Republican Gov. Gary Herbert in March. The enforcement measure was put on hold by a federal judge May 10 because of constitutional concerns. The law would require police to check the citizenship status of anyone arrested on suspicion of a felony or Class A misdemeanor, while giving police discretion to check the citizenship

of those stopped for traffic infractions and other lesser offenses. Class A misdemeanors include theft, negligent homicide and criminal mischief, while felonies range from aggravated burglary

Georgia passed a comprehensive reform package similar to Utah in May, while Indiana and Alabama have recently passed enforcement measures. Both Georgia and Indiana have been sued to rape and murder. Five states have passed immigration bills in the last two years, beginning with Arizona's Senate Bill 1070 in 2010. That bill was sponsored by Sen. Russell Pearce, R-Mesa, who is an active Mormon. The enforcement-only bill served as a model for Utah and

other states, although some parts of it have been put on hold by a federal judge and is expected to be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court this summer. Georgia passed a comprehensive reform package similar to Utah in May, while Indiana and Alabama have recently passed enforcement measures. Both Georgia and Indiana have been sued by civil rights groups. While the Mormon Church doesn't have a strong influence in many other states, Angela Kelley, vice president of immigration policy for the Washington, D.C.-based Center for American Progress, said it provides cover for other churches. ``It gives strength to other religious leaders to speak. Even if there's not a strong LDS population, they're providing breathing space for others to step forward,'' Kelley said. It's also notable to national Republicans because Mormons are strong conservatives, so when they support things like a guest worker program ``it makes people's head spin,'' Kelley said. -AP

Del. Senate OKs bill to check immigration status Cont’d on page 34

State and local government agencies also would be required to verify the lawful presence in the U.S. of any person 14 or older who has applied for public benefits, such as housing assistance or Medicaid. Eligibility for benefits would be verified through the federal government's Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system, or other program designated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The bill, which now goes to the House and would take effect July 1, 2012 if it becomes law, includes exemptions to the benefit eligibility checks for people seeking short-term, noncash emergency relief, immunizations, treatment of symptoms of communicable diseases, and emergency medical treatment. It also includes exemptions for certain programs offering community-level services such as soup kitchens, crisis counseling and short-term shelter that are not based on the income or residency of the recipient and are necessary for the protection of life or safety. With Senate passage of the bill, Delaware becomes the latest state to tackle the issue of illegal immi-

gration. The vote came on the same day that Rep. Lamar Smith, R-Texas, introduced a bill in Congress requiring U.S. businesses to verify that new workers are in the country legally. Smith introduced the bill, which would give the agriculture industry three years to comply with the law, about three weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld an Ari-

“I keep thinking about our country, and it was founded with immigrants, slaves,'' said Henry, adding that she was concerned employers would not be able to hire people “to work the fields'' zona law requiring businesses to use E-Verify or face losing their business licenses. Senate attorney Rich Dillard noted that the Delaware legislation is not nearly as broad as Arizona's, which he said applies to all private employers, not just those contracting with state or

local governments. That led Wilmington Democrat Robert Marshall to suggest that Delaware was proposing a doublestandard, creating different rules for public and private employers. `Ìf you're a private employer and you're currently breaking federal law, that's to your own disadvantage,'' replied chief co-sponsor Sen. Joe Booth, R-Georgetown, suggesting that he would welcome a bill from Marshall extending the verification requirements to all private companies. Marshall was one of two Democrats who chose not to vote on the bill. Three others, including Margaret Rose Henry of Wilmington, voted no. `Ì keep thinking about our country, and it was founded with immigrants, slaves,'' said Henry, adding that she was concerned employers would not be able to hire people ``to work the fields.'' Republican Minority Leader Gary Simpson countered that the bill is simply an affirmation that Delaware is complying with federal law. ``Frankly, I can't see why anybody would be against it,'' said Simpson, R-Milford. `À `no' votes says I don't really care what the federal law is.''-AP

Immigration Post

June 24, 2011

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Texas Senate passes immigration bill AUSTIN, Texas: Texas police would have broader powers to ask people they detain about their citizenship status under a bill given preliminary approval by Senate Republicans over the fierce objections of Democrats and immigrant rights advocates who call it an open invitation to harass Latinos. Many Texas law enforcement agencies discourage their officers from asking people they detain in everything from routine traffic stops to serious criminal investigations whether they are in the country legally. The measure pushed by Republican Gov. Rick Perry and legislative Republicans bans agencies and local governments from adopting such policies for their officers and deputies. Agencies that do would be cut off from state grants. The initial 19-12 vote to pass the bill broke along party lines with all Senate Democrats voting against it. Senate Republicans were determined to give powers to individual police officers that many in law enforcement officials have said they don't want or need.

Critics, including police chiefs in Austin, El Paso, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio, worry the so-called sanctuary cities bill will be used by rogue officers to harass Latinos and lead to mistrust of police in immigrant communities.

The measure pushed by Republican Gov. Rick Perry and legislative Republicans bans agencies and local governments from adopting such policies for their officers and deputies Supporters dismiss those worries and say police officers need all tools to fight crime by illegal immigrants. Sen. Tommy Williams, R-The Woodlands, said police take an oath to uphold state and federal law and should be free to ask about detainees' immigration sta-

tus because they could catch criminals or terrorists who have slipped into the country. The bill is ``not about race or fear-mongering,'' Williams said. But Senate Democrats railed that white suspects will never be challenged on their citizenship and that Hispanics who are U.S. citizens will be harassed. At one point, the Senate's seven Hispanic members all stood as symbols of who may be asked to prove they are citizens. At the same time, a man in the Senate gallery unfurled a sign that read ``SHAME'' before he was apprehended by security and removed. Sen. Carlos Uresti, D-San Antonio, a former Marine, called the bill racist and offensive. ``This bill strikes at the hearts and souls of the Latino people of Texas. ... Any furtive glance or misstatement can put you under suspicion. All that matters is the color of your skin and if you have an accent,'' Uresti said. ``I shouldn't have to prove I'm a citizen.'' Senate Democrats blocked the bill during the regular session, but Perry, who is considering seeking

Second lawmaker tables sweeping immigration bill Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 34

Like a new Arizona law, now being challenged in the courts, Wooton's bill would also require officers to make a judgment call on whether ``reasonable suspicion exists that the person stopped is an alien and is unlawfully present in the United States.'' Critics say that provision would lead to racial profiling. Wooton said the $11 million cost of his bill isn't that high, com-

pared to the $24 billion annual cost of running the state government. He noted that Alabama on June 9 enacted a law that mirrors the Arizona legislation. Similar to Wooton's bill, the Alabama law requires police to make judgment calls in the field about whether they suspect someone of being an illegal immigrant. In addition, it requires businesses to check the legal status of workers and makes it a crime to knowingly trans-

B-1 in lieu of H-1B Visa in jeopardy Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 34

This restrictive view of the category is sometimes too carefully enforced to the detriment of companies that need individuals from their foreign entities to come to the United States entity for training that is unavailable at the foreign entity, and that is crucial to the global operations of the company as a whole. We hope that the DOS and DHS continue to recognize and defend the importance of the "B1 in lieu of H-1B" and other com-

panion "lieu of" categories to international commerce and the benefits that accrue to the United States economy, rather than eliminate it or read it out of existence as a knee jerk reaction to a Senator's objections, especially one who has generally been opposed to the existence of the H1B and L visa programs.

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

port or shelter illegal immigrants. But the Alabama law goes beyond Wooton's bill by requiring schools to report the immigration status of students. ``Alabama saw fit to buck the federal laws, to say `We're tired of these laws not being enforced,''' said Wooton. Just weeks ago, Rep. Joe Harrison, R-Napoleonville, deferred his own controversial immigration proposal. Both Harrison and Wooton's bills faced opposition from Catholics, police officers and immigrant rights advocates. Similar to Wooton's bill, Harrison's would have required law enforcement officers to keep anyone they book in jail until their citizenship status can be verified. -AP

the GOP nomination for president, added immigration enforcement issues to the call of the special session. Voting rules that helped Democrats block the bill last month don't apply in the special session. A House vote sending the bill

Democrats won a minor victory with an amendment that prohibits police from pulling someone over or searching a business solely to enforce federal immigration law to Perry to sign into law could come later. Perry has said federal immigration enforcement has failed and that Texas must protect its own borders. Supporters of the bill also note several cases of crimes, including murders and drunken-driving fatalities, committed by illegal immigrants. ``There are crimes being committed right now by people who

are in this country illegally,'' Williams said. An estimated 1.6 million illegal immigrants are in Texas, according to the Pew Hispanic Center in Washington. Several Democrats complained the term ``detention'' is too vague and could lead to immigration inquiries even in cases as simple as violating restrictions on watering lawns or a traffic stop for faulty brake lights. Democrats won a minor victory with an amendment that prohibits police from pulling someone over or searching a business solely to enforce federal immigration law. Opponents say crime victims fearing interrogations about their immigration status will be less likely to report domestic violence or activity by drug cartels and dealers. ``Immigrant communities will be driven further into the shadows,'' said Sen. Jose Rodriguez, D-El Paso. The bill also requires every person's name to be checked in federal immigration databases through a program called Secure Communities, and gives the Texas Department of Public Safety the authority to make sure someone is in the country legally before issuing a driver's license. -AP

Health

Line

Government lists formaldehyde as cancer causer WASHINGTON: The government says the industrial chemical formaldehyde causes cancer and that styrene, which is used worldwide in the manufacture of fiberglass and food containers, may cause cancer. The National Institutes of Health says people with higher measures of exposure to formaldehyde are at increased risk for certain types of rare cancers, including in the upper part of the throat behind the nose. The strong-smelling chemical is widely used to make resins for household items, including paper product coatings, plastics and textile finishes. It also is commonly used as a preservative in medical laboratories, mortuaries and consumer products including some hair straightening products. -AP

South River beach closed due to bacteria RIVA, Md.: Anne Arundel County health officials say they have closed a beach on the South River due to high bacterial levels. The county health department issued an advisory warning residents to avoid swimming, water skiiing and other direct water contact at Glen Isle in Riva. The department says high bacteria levels were found in water samples collected on June 7 and June 9. The department says the advisory will remain in effect until water samples show acceptable bacteria levels for at least two consecutive days. People who have come in contact with the affected water should immediately wash with soap and warm water and wash their clothing as well.-AP

Program offers free legal help on health issues BOSTON: A new Massachusetts program will offer free legal help on health issues to low-income patients. The Massachusetts Bar Association and the Medical-Legal Partnership Massachusetts network recently created the ``MBA Pro Bono Prescription,'' an initiative that brings together volunteer attorneys and medical professionals to promote the health and wellbeing of low-income patients. The program will support patients by providing direct legal services to them after referrals from health care teams.-AP

Health Science 38

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June 24, 2011

Health secretary criticized for Medicaid contract BATON ROUGE, La.: Louisiana Health and Hospitals Secretary Bruce Greenstein has acknowledged that his office rewrote a solicitation for bids for a lucrative Medicaid contract in a way that made his former employer eligible to do the work. Details on page 40

Health savings account plans see brisk growth INDIANAPOLIS: Enrollment in high-deductible health insurance plans that can help consumers save for medical expenses climbed 14 percent this year and has jumped 87 percent since January 2008, according to the trade association America's Health Insurance Plans. A total of 11.4 million people had enrolled in high-deductible plans that are eligible for health savings accounts as of January. That compares to 10 million people in January, 2010, and 6.1 million people at the start of 2008. High-deductible health insurance plans generally come with premiums lower than traditional coverage, but the patient or customer pays more out of pocket before coverage starts. If the deductibles are at least $1,200 for an individual and

$2,400 for a family, the plans can be paired with health savings accounts. Customers can deposit pretax savings in these accounts, along with employer contributions, to help cover medical expenses. Health savings accounts, or HSAs, entered the market in 2004,

Large-group employers, or those with more than 50 workers, were the fastest-growing market for HSA plans in the past year. California had the highest level of enrollment in HSA plans with nearly 1.1 million people. While enrollment is growing in these plans, coverage with health

Zirkelbach said these plans could be hurt by a new rule that started this year and essentially requires insurers to spend a certain percentage of premiums on medical care or offer rebates to customers and employers have shown growing interest in plans that offer HSAs as they search for ways to corral spiraling health care expenses and make their workers more aware of the costs.

savings accounts still makes up only about 7 percent of total health insurance enrollment for people under age 65. America's Health Insurance Plans spokesman Robert

Zirkelbach said the association is concerned about the health care overhaul's potential impact on these plans. The overhaul aims to cover millions of uninsured people, but it also imposes restrictions on insurers. In particular, Zirkelbach said these plans could be hurt by a new rule that started this year and essentially requires insurers to spend a certain percentage of premiums on medical care or offer rebates to customers. The association conducts an annual study to track growth in these plans, and this year's census involved 83 insurers. The study does not track all high-deductible health plans or those that come with health reimbursement arrangements, which involve only employer contributions to a savings account for medical expenses. -AP

NJ Assembly leader backs sunset for benefits bill TRENTON, NJ: The leader of the New Jersey Assembly is pushing for legislation that would require public workers to pay more for health insurance, an arrangement that would expire after four years to allow unions to negotiate future contracts. People who were briefed on the plan told The Associated Press that Speaker Sheila Oliver, a Democrat, is seeking a compromise that provides relief to taxpayers during the economic recovery but preserves collective bargaining. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because the talks are private and no deal has been struck. The legislation would sunset after President Barack Obama's national health care plan is to take effect. Gov. Chris Christie's proposed budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1 counts on achieving $323 million in savings from changes to the health benefits package. The budget also provides for a $506 million pension

Speaker Sheila Oliver

Sweeney and the governor, a Republican, brokered a deal on employee benefits that would shore up the pension and retiree health insurance systems by making public workers pay more for both payment. Christie said the payment would be made early if the changes are enacted.

A balanced budget must be adopted by July 1. There was no word on whether

Democratic lawmakers, who have been reluctant to interfere with collective bargaining, would go along with the speaker's proposal. The governor's office declined to comment, as did the office of Senate President Stephen Sweeney, a Democrat. Bill Lavin, who heads the state firefighters union, said the proposal won't gain organized labor's support. ``It certainly won't change the union's mind. I hope it doesn't sway any Democrats,'' he said. Sweeney has been moving ahead with a bill that would increase public worker contributions for health care and pensions. Sweeney and the governor, a Republican, brokered a deal on employee benefits that would shore up the pension and retiree health insurance systems by making public workers pay more for both. But Assembly Democrats balked, putting the legislation in doubt. Cont’d on page 40

June 24, 2011

Health Science Post

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VA says transgender vets are United Natural Foods plans to sell non-food lines eligible for hormones SAN FRANCISCO: The Veterans Health Administration has informed its hospitals and clinics that transgender veterans are eligible for hormones, care before and after gender change surgery, and mental health counseling as part of their regular benefits. In a directive, the VA reiterated that its facilities are not permitted to perform genital or breast surgeries on veterans in the process of changing genders. But the agency confirmed that transgender patients are entitled to routine health care that takes their special needs into account and to transgender-specific treatments such as hormone therapy and ``non-surgical, supportive care for complications of sex-reassignment surgery.'' In accordance with what it termed ``the respectful delivery of health care,'' the VA also instructed medical personnel at its 950 health care centers to refer to transgender veterans in conversation and on medical records by the gender pronoun they prefer, regardless of whether they have

undergone surgery. The policy also applies to veterans who appear to be one gender but whose sex chromosomes indicate they are another, a condition referred to as intersex.

"It doesn't create anything new. It just says to treat these veterans like you treat all veterans, but for trans vets that's really huge,'' National Center for Transgender Equality executive director Mara Keisling said Transgender activists have been pressuring the VA for years to make such a statement. They maintain care of transgender veterans varies too much from facility to facility, with some easily accessing the full range of care and others being denied all services.

``It doesn't create anything new. It just says to treat these veterans like you treat all veterans, but for trans vets that's really huge,'' National Center for Transgender Equality executive director Mara Keisling said. The VA quietly posted the directive on a section of its website reserved for new directives, but has not commented on it. Autumn Sandeen, a Navy veteran who lives in San Diego, has been happy with the treatment she has received through her local VA facility, but said she knows of other transgender veterans who were refused not only hormones and the psychological counseling that is a precondition for sex reassignment surgery, but regular checkups. ``It's going to be a huge boon to veterans who are not getting any care at all or are not getting appropriate care,'' Sandeen said. ``You have to be able to treat the whole person, and now the VA is telling them, you can't separate out the transgender component and you can't only give care that is not trans-specific.'' -AP

NEW YORK: United Natural Foods Inc. is getting out of makeup to concentrate on food. The Rhode Island-based company announced that it will sell its non-food lines, such as health and beauty products, to privately held L&R Distributors Inc. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. UNFI says the move will help it focus on its core business of selling natural, organic and specialty foods to supermarkets and other retailers. It got into the nonfoods lines when it bought Millbrook Distribution Services Inc. in November 2007. L&R Distributors said the purchase will help it grow its business with supermarkets. The New York-based company sells a variety of merchandise, including bathroom scales, reading glasses, and Scotch tape, to drugstores and other retailers. UNFI said it expects to incur restructuring and impairment charges of $11 million to $12.5 million by the end of October, as it closes a building in Harrison, Ark., cutting an unspecified number of jobs there, and makes other adjustments related to the sale. The

company said it expects the deal to close in its fiscal first quarter, which covers roughly August through October. The company lowered its pershare earnings forecast for the year to $1.55 to $1.59 per share, from $1.67 to $1.69 per share, as a result of the charges. Analysts

The New York-based company sells a variety of merchandise, including bathroom scales, reading glasses, and Scotch tape, to drugstores and other retailers surveyed by FactSet expect net income of $1.69 per share. Earlier this month, the company said that third-quarter revenue had risen 22 percent and that net income had risen 20 percent. UNFI said it expected the sale, excluding costs, to add $1.5 to $2 million to net income annually.-AP

Health Science Post

India Post

June 24, 2011

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Libby gets more health help Health secretary criticized for Medicaid contract for asbestos victims BILLINGS, Mont.: Asbestos victims in a northwest Montana town where hundreds have died will be eligible for new federal health care benefits starting July 1 under a pilot program. The effort involves the town of Libby, where a W.R. Grace vermiculite mine released asbestos that contaminated hundreds of households, businesses and surrounding forests. A first-ever public health emergency was declared in Libby in 2009 by the Environmental Protection Agency. More than $370 million has been spent by the agency

The program was inserted into the Obama administration's health care bill by U.S. Sen. Max Baucus, who helped author the legislation in its ongoing cleanup of the town. Despite all the attention Libby has received, the scale of the health crisis has severely strained

SC officials promote health during Obesity Month COLUMBIA, S.C.: State health officials want South Carolinians to get up and keep moving to help fight obesity. June is Obesity Awareness Month, and the state Department of Health and Environmental Control

wants people to make healthy decisions this month about what they eat and how they take care of themselves. DHEC's Erika Kirby says South Carolina's high rates of heart disease and diabetes are linked to poor nutrition and obesity rates. -AP

efforts to provide medical services. More than 1,750 people from the Libby area have been diagnosed to date with potentially fatal asbestos related diseases. Under the new program, the government will pay for services not normally covered by Medicare. Included are special home care, medical equipment, counseling, help with travel and drugs not covered by Medicare prescription plans. The program was inserted into the Obama administration's health care bill by U.S. Sen. Max Baucus, who helped author the legislation. Baucus said the pilot program would provide a level of health care that would help make up for the ``outrageous wrong'' inflicted on the town when the mine continued to operate even after the health problems were known. ``The people of Libby suffered a horrendous injustice in the name of greed, and we have a responsibility to help them heal however we can,'' Baucus said in a statement.-AP

BATON ROUGE, La.: Louisiana Health and Hospitals Secretary Bruce Greenstein has acknowledged that his office rewrote a solicitation for bids for a lucrative Medicaid contract in a way that made his former employer eligible to do the work. Greenstein's agency is proposing to hire that former employer, CNSI, for a more than $300 million contract. Under questioning about the arrangement, Greenstein told the Senate Finance Committee that there were changes made in the request for bids that made CNSI able to put in a proposal. Greenstein said the changes were made to allow more companies to seek the work, which is handling claims processing for the state's Medicaid program for the poor, elderly and disabled. ``I wanted the most open, competitive bid process,'' he told the committee. Sen. Karen Carter Peterson, DNew Orleans, blasted Greenstein for claims that he had put up a ``firewall'' between himself and the contract selection, saying there

couldn't be if Greenstein knew the bid solicitation was changed and knew CNSI would then be eligible for the 10-year contract. ``There were amendments offered to the process that made your former company eligible, and then they won the bid,'' she said. Greenstein, who worked for CNSI from June 2005 to September 2006, has insisted that he removed himself from the recommendation process and had no hand in choosing CNSI. The Department of Health and Hospitals released a stack of documents and emails involving the selection process, in response to a subpoena from a Senate committee. Greenstein had refused to reveal who was the winning bidder until senators pressured him in his confirmation hearing to unveil whether CNSI was tapped for the work. The contract hasn't yet been awarded, because the House and Senate health care committees haven't held a required hearing about the plans. CNSI was chosen by a contract selection committee to do the work. -AP

NJ Assembly leader backs sunset for benefits bill Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 38

That bill would require all public employees to pay a percentage of their health care premiums based on how much they earn and the cost of their plan. For example, someone making $65,000 would pay $3,610 for family coverage. That's 5.6 percent of their salary or 19 percent of the cost of the premium. Public workers now contribute 1.5 percent of their salary toward health care regardless of the cost of their plan. Sweeney said he's prepared to advance a single pension and health benefits bill, despite a letter from national union leaders urging Democrats not to support any measure

that changes health care through legislation. The unions want health benefits to continue to be collectively bargained. He's also gotten pushback from the Assembly majority. Members there want pension and health care changes voted on separately. Sweeney has refused to split the bills, and Christie had said he would not sign separate measures. There is broader agreement in the Assembly to raise workers' pension contributions to help ensure the solvency of the system, which is underfunded by $54 billion. One provision would require the state to also make its annual payment to the pension funds, which has mostly been skipped in recent years. -AP

Omaha University hosts health food forum OMAHA, Neb.: The University of Nebraska at Omaha is inviting the public to a forum that will explore the lack of affordable health foods in some areas. The forum at UNO's College of Public Affairs and Community Service Collaborating Commons will look at the phenomena of food deserts. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control defines a food desert as an area that lacks

access to affordable and health foods. Many believe food deserts may be related to wide-ranging, preventable health problems such as obesity and heart disease, particularly affecting lower-income communities. The forum will be facilitated by state Sen. Brenda Council, of Omaha, and will feature a panel of community activists and experts from a variety of perspectives. -AP

Horoscope

June 24, 2011

India Post 41

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Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar

JUNE 24TH - JUNE 30TH ARIES (MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20)

TAURUS (APRIL 21 TO MAY 20)

ou will be working extra hard to please the boss. Most of the conditions will be fulfilled and the loan will be approved in full soon. You will also recover from minor illness with the help of over the counter medication. Search for the right property may continue for some more time. You will do some cleaning work in or around the house.

ffer will come but way lower than expectations. People in business will deal with few new faces. Running around will not go waste and some of you will be traveling out of area for an important business meeting. A child not doing so well in the past will make remarkable improvement. A sibling may call you and ask for your help.

GEMINI (MAY 21 TO JUNE 20)

CANCER (JUNE 21 TO JULY 22)

ou will take time out to entertain yourself from a busy schedule. Health issues can be tacked by making change in diet and some walk. You may temporarily develop taste for hot and spicy food. Money will go on doing some work in or around the property. Spouse will need lots of moral support. A close relative will send an invitation.

ombination of Sun and Mercury will help in all career related matters but you may have to settle for lot less than what you really deserve. You may put your needs aside and help a real needy person. People in business will do better than past months. You will finally take the initiative and call an old and trusted person.

LEO (JULY 23 TO AUGUST 22)

ou may make some money through stocks. Business deal will finally happen and you will lay your hands on a big chunk of money. Decisions will need to be taken fast or chances are you may miss the boat and settle for less. Spouse will buy some fine and expensive item for the house. You will slowly get ready for an upcoming trip.

VIRGO (AUGUST 23 TO SEPTEMBER 22)

o not let your guards down and watch out for a person trying to drag you into unnecessary argument and hurt your image even. This week expenses will definitely exceed your income. It will be better to seek advice and help from an experienced person before you make any move. There will be some delay but ultimately money will be funded for project.

LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 23 TO OCTOBER 22)

SCORPIO (OCTOBER 23 TO NOVEMBER 22)

f you play your cards right and on time without involving emotions, the world is yours. Opportunity will come on a silver platter. Deal will materialize and you will make plans about the big upcoming move. Value of your assets and stocks will appreciate but will be better to hold on to them. You will be working with the best in trade.

ou will try to have conversation with a child and try to make him understand what's right for him. Hunt will continue for a better job. Trip will be fruitful but results will come at a later day. Your ventures will need more money and you will be exploring few ideas to tackle this situation. You may visit a holy place with family this week.

SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 22)

CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 19)

eek may start with headache but one by one you will resolve all issues once for all. Phone call will not go waste but will bring down financial pressure. People in business will need to work harder to make old clients stay. Waiting for things to happen is not going to help, its you who will need to take initiative. Expect lots of bills in the mail.

t will be a mixed week. You will be concerned about spouse and try to provide moral support. You will be buying new things for the house and personal use. Money wise things should start looking up. Dealing in stocks and playing lottery will be profitable. Throw all unnecessary fear out of your mind. There will be some major changes in career soon.

AQUARIUS (JANUARY 20 TO FEBRUARY 18)

PISCES (FEBRUARY 19 TO MARCH 20)

low progress and not getting quick response will cause slight frustration. Keep working on your plans and have patience, results will come and in big way soon. You need to spend more time with children and provide them guidance now. You will be successful in recovering some old payments also.

Pandit Parashar, CEO & COO Astro Scan USA is also available for individual consultations. He can be reached at: parashar@parashar.com

ou will continue to march in right direction. Help and ideas will come on their own. Some of you may be traveling long distance to attend to some important business soon. Legal issues should not be taken lightly and it will be better to seek the right advice. Strong Venus in angel will bring in much needed extra cash to play with.

925-833-7170 website: www.parashar.com

Â&#x201E;

Realty Tidbits

Law Minister to examine real estate bill

Real Estate

he draft of the new central Real Estate Regulation Bill 2011 has been sent to the union law ministry for its comments and clearance, SK Singh, joint secretary in the ministry of housing and urban poverty alleviation said at a CII conference. The original Model Real Estate bill has now been modified into the new Real Estate Regulation bill. The new bill excludes the subjects of land and colonization, as they are both state subjects. It deals with consumer interest, fraud and cheating, contractual obligation. Once this bill is in place, all developers will have to register with the regulator and provide all details of their projects, include land and clearances, before they can advertise to the public. "Transparency is the purpose," said Mr Singh. The original bill has been in the making for over three years now and it has seen about 8-9 modifications to date, based on close to 3,000 comments that the ministry got from the both consumers and developers. Since land and colonization are state subjects, it was felt by the ministry that it should be converted into a central bill instead.

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NEW DELHI: Facing criticism from opposition Congress for alleged widespread fake land deals in the hill state, the Himachal Pradesh government ordered a onemember judicial inquiry into benami land transactions since 2003. The probe panel, with its headquarter at Shimla, will be headed by Justice (Retd) D P Sood, Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, who is in Delhi, said in a statement.

June 24, 2011

Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 43

Rich Indians flocking to buy houses in London LONDON: Many rich Indians are among foreigners investing over 3 billion pounds every year in London's prime real estate market as the metropolis continues to attract the world's super-rich, latest industry figures show. Several estate agents have highlighted the fact of rich Indians flocking to buy property in London, thanks to a booming economy, favorable foreign exchange rates and increasing numbers of children of rich Indians studying here. Property in most areas in Britain have fallen substantially in the last three years, but foreign capital continues to buoy real estate prices in London. Latest research by estate agent Savills says, "There are more buyers coming from India and Pakistan than China, and they're spending more. It is this group that Savills identifies as most important to the London market among the emerging

Â&#x201E; 217 real estate projects scrapped in Dubai DUBAI: Dubai has cancelled 217 property projects in the past two years as of May 31, the Real Estate Regulatory Authority has said after completing a review of the industry. RERA reviewed more than 450 projects and expects 237 of them to be completed "in due course", according to information contained in the Dubai government's bond prospectus. The total value of property sale transactions plunged to USD 32.5 billion (119.5 billion dirhams) at the end of last year from USD 41.6 billion (152.9 billion dirhams) a year earlier, it said. Dubai, whose Emirates airline tapped debt markets this month, has set up a USD 5 billion Euro Medium Term Note Program. The bond prospectus, posted on the London Stock Exchange website, said the Dubai government had direct outstanding debt of USD 31.4 billion as of May 20, including 22 billion dirhams at main holding company Investment Corporation of Dubai. The emirate's economy expanded by 2.4 per cent in 2010 after contracting 2.4 per cent in the year-earlier period, the prospectus said. -PTI

HP orders probe into 'benami' deals

economies". The research, titled 'World in London', analyses international buyer activity in the prime London market since 2007, and estimates that a total of 16.5 billion pounds will have been invested over the five-year period by the

This cash injection means that prime London values now move more in line with other global real estate, commodities and investment markets than domestic UK housing markets end of this year (2011). This cash injection means that prime London values now move more in line with other global real estate, commodities and investment markets than domestic UK housing markets, it says. -PTI

Big hike in Delhi-NCR real estate prices

eal estate prices in some localities of the national capital skyrocketed by 20 to 27 percent in the first quarter of the current fiscal as compared to the corresponding period of 201011, an industry report said. "Property prices for Delhi have seen escalation if we compare per square feet prices of quarter (Q) 1-

are growing by 15 percent. "If the present trend continues we'll see price stability in Delhi going forward. But, as of now I do not see any price reduction happening in the Delhi market," said Vineet Singh, business head of 99acres. The report said that South Delhi locality Sarita Vihar's PSF prices increased by 27.60 percent at

Prices per square feet in sector 110 and sector 93 of Noida also moved up by 16 percent and 11 percent as compared to prices in the corresponding period of last fiscal, said the report 11 over Q1-10. Key localities Sarita Vihar and Rohini - have seen 27 percent and 20 percent appreciation in prices compared to prices over Q1-10," said a report by online real estate trade portal 99acres.com. According to the report, the upward price sentiment would continue as the prices on average

Rs.8,110 as compared to Rs.6,356 in the like period of 2010-11, while north Delhi-based Rohini's PSF prices appreciated by 25 percent. This is followed by Patparganj at a PSF price rise of 21.68 percent. Other localities like southwest Delhibased Dwarka sub city's PSF price also grew by 28 percent in sector-11 and sector-2. Realty prices in sub-

urban national capital region like Noida and Gurgaon also increased due to operationalisation of metro rail services. Prices per square feet in sector 110 and sector 93 of Noida also moved up by 16 percent and 11 percent as compared to prices in the corresponding period of last

fiscal, said the report. "Gurgaon witnessed an upward trend in property prices. Properties located on the Sohna Road and DLF City phase IV have seen the highest appreciation in prices by 46 percent and 42 percent, respectively, in Q1-11 over Q1-10," the report said.

Real Estate

June 24, 2011

India Post 43

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Husain's death a personal loss: 'Rationalize different taxes to promote housing' DLF's K P Singh NEW DELHI: Real estate magnate K P Singh has termed M F Husain's death as a personal loss and said their association dates back to the acclaimed painter's joining his group as an employee in 1960s. "I had a long association with him for almost 50 years. For me, it is a personal loss," DLF Chairman K P Singh told PTI over telephone from London after attending Husain's funeral. Husain (95) died at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London. "Our relationship went beyond patron and artist. He was simple soul who loved the basic things of life," he said. Recalling his association, Singh said he met Husain for the first time during one of his train journeys from Hyderabad to Delhi. DLF Chairman further said that the painter had sought a loan, but he offered him a job instead and

Real estate magnate K P Singh

Husain joined his group in 196162 at a salary of Rs 800 per month. The globally acclaimed painter remained associated with the com-

pany till late 1980s and also served as an art adviser. Singh said he has 15-20 paintings of Husain at home and office. -PTI

Starwood Hotels & Resorts to operate 50 hotels

ew York Stock Exchangelisted Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc expects to operate 50 hotels in India by the end of 2012 and the country is second only to China in its plans for future growth. The ambitious expansion plan will result in the company's presence in the country doubling within the space of just two years. As part of the strategy to grow its business in India, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide announced the opening of the Starwood India Customer Contact Centre (CCC) in Gurgaon. This would be Starwood's ninth global CCC and the fourth in the Asia-Pacific, it said in a statement. "Starwood Hotels & Resorts continue to remain bullish on the long-term growth opportunities

in the region. Already our fourth largest market, India is second only to China in terms of our future global growth. There is tremendous potential for us in both domestic and international travel," said Starwood Hotels & Resorts senior director, Customer Contact Centers, Asia-Pacific, Patricia Neo in a statement. "The Starwood India CCC will offer an enhanced level of service to Starwood's fast-growing customer base in the South Asia region," the statement said. Focused on opening the "right properties in the right places with the right partners", Starwood Hotels & Resorts remains on track with plans to open three additional hotels in 2011, growing its total portfolio in India to 35

hotels by the end of the year, according to the statement. The key openings in 2011 include the recently opened Sheraton Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway and the soon to open Le Meridien, Coimbatore. Starwood Asia Pacific Hotels and Resorts Managing Director, India and Regional Vice-President, South Asia, Dilip Puri said, "This 'India for India' contact centre will enable us to better connect with customers in the region, appreciate unique customer preferences and behaviors and provide a level of service that will drive long-term customer loyalty to Starwood brands." Starwood is looking at having this centre operate 24Ă&#x2014;7 to support both India and global operational needs.

HP orders probe into 'benami' deals Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 6

Dhumal said the panel will probe into the issues relating to benami land transaction in violation of section 118 of H P Tenancy and Land reforms Act, 1972 since 2003 till March 31, 2011, which have resulted in transfer of agriculture land to non-agriculturists. The HP Tenancy & Land Reforms Act, 1972 debars any nonagriculturalist or non state resi-

dent from buying agricultural land in the state. Under section 118 of the Act, the government holds discretionary powers about permitting sale of agriculture land to anyone for specified usage purposes. The probe panel will submit its report within six months. The CM said the judicial inquiry has been ordered in accordance with the announcement of the government in the state Assembly.

He said that opposition parties have been labeling "baseless" allegations and "spreading canards" regarding sale of land to the real estate and private universities to mislead the common man regarding alleged violation of the land Act to gain political benefits. Land purchase by Justice Nirmal Yadav of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in Solan district had also made national news. -PTI

NEW DELHI: Various taxes relating to real estate should be rationalized for affordable housing projects in order to tackle the rapid pace of urbanization in the Indian cities, according to a survey conducted by accountancy firm Grant Thornton and CII. "In view of the phenomenal pace of urbanization, residential real estate ought to be made affordable to accommodate the ever-increasing immigration into our urban centers," Grant Thornton India National Managing Partner Vishesh C Chandiok said in a statement. Pointing out that Indian cities will be short of more than 35 million housing units by 2012, Chandiok said that changes in the tax structure shall be the key to incentivise and promote affordable housing projects in the country. As many as 63 per cent respondents in the survey believe that "rationalizing various direct and indirect taxes under registration of property act, income tax act and

service tax is imperative to promote affordable housing and prevent an impending urban crisis". The respondents comprised of real estate professionals, government officials, architects, planners and academicians. "Turning around the state of Indian cities requires immaculate

Chandiok said that changes in the tax structure shall be the key to incentivise and promote affordable housing projects in the country planning, efficient governance and focus on developing quality infrastructure. A number of countries such as China, South Africa, Malaysia and others have been successful in transforming their cities with this approach," Chandiok said. -PTI

Perspective

India Post

June 24, 2011

www.indiapost.com

Sonia Gandhi and the hidden trail JOHN MACLITHON

(Australian Radio Journalist)

he Indian media has begun even doubting Manmohan Singh's integrity - mental, at least - as he must have been knowing for nearly two years that the Indian exchequer was defrauded of `1.76 lakh crores. But so far, Sonia Gandhi has been spared. Yet, if you are an observer of Indian politics, as I have been, since I landed back in India in the early 'Sixties, you have to come to the conclusion that most of the funds of scams end up in the coffers of political parties, particularly of the Congress. Today the DMK is taking the brunt of the blame, but actually political parties have been forced to follow suit after the grand old party of India's independence, began using percentages allotted by foreign companies on mega deals, military and otherwise, to secretly fund its election campaigns and give freebies to poor villagers. Of course, Bofors was the first one of the big scams to be uncovered. I remember in the mid-Eighties a Swiss radio colleague of mine from Radio Suisse Romande, telling me that Amitabh Bachchan's brother, Ajitabh, (when the Bachchan family was still close to the Gandhis), was one of the first safe keepers of the kickbacks of the Swedish canon makers. Exposes of Swedish newspaper, Dagens Nhyeter

further confirmed it, though Ajitabh went to court against them. There is no doubt, further says my Swiss friend, that part of the Bofors money is still in Switzerland. Indeed, we are all waiting for the Swiss banks to reveal (under US pressure) the names of all the dictators, thieves, dishonest rulers of so many countries in the world, who have stashed their ill-gotten money in UBS bank or Credit Suisse. Meanwhile, all roads seem to lead to Sonia Gandhi: she is the first Lady of India, although she is a simple MP like hundreds of others, the ultimate arbiter, and nothing of importance is decided without her caveat. The immense power she wields within the Congress cannot be only due to her charisma, of her having the Gandhi name or having brought cohesion in the Congress. It is also, and perhaps mainly, because she holds the purse strings of tremendous amounts of money. These party funds are overt: all the foundations, Rajiv, Indira, Nehru, etc, which store thousands of crores; and covert, starting with the Bofors scam. Where are the secret bank accounts where the scam money is stored? Under whose names are they operated? How is the money brought back to India? Who will

answer all these questions? We know that Quattrochi, the man who could have spilt the beans, was shamelessly let off the hook, not only by the CBI which today is conducting - two years late - the investigation on the 2G scam, but also by the then law minister who is today the governor who pretends to be after corruption in Karnataka! Not only was

The power is mainly because she holds the purse strings of tremendous amounts of money. These party funds are overt: all the foundations, Rajiv, Indira, Nehru, etc, which store thousands of crores Quattrochi spared, but was allowed to take the money he had looted from India and which was frozen in British banks, so that he would not talk. Will Raja talk, if he is arrested, as it is rumored? Surely he knows a lot of secrets, as some of the 2G, Adarsh CWG money, and other

unknown scams, must also have gone into the Congress coffers. That is the question that the Congress leadership should debate instead of going after 'Hindu terror', a misnomer if there is one. If you look at statistics for the last 1,000 years, it is Hindus who have been at the receiving end of terror - millions of them have died, including in Kashmir in the late 'Eighties, when Benazir Bhutto launched her 'Azad Kashmir' movement (I was there). Yet Sonia Gandhi remains a mystery for many of us, even for me who has known her for a long time. I found her quite likable when she was just Rajiv Gandhi's (the pilot) spouse, a loving wife, who had adopted the Indian way of life; a good daughter -in-law: Indira Gandhi died on her lap on the way to the hospital, after being shot by her Sikh bodyguards; and more than everything, a good mother, who doted on her children and tried all her life to protect them. I then knew that she had kept her Italian passport, even after taking the Indian nationality (India does not allow you to hold two passports), but I have met quite a few foreigners in Delhi who also retained their origin passports after having obtained the Indian one. I myself toyed for some time

with the idea of taking the Indian nationality, as I speak Hindi quite fluently, but it is too difficult to travel with an Indian passport. I do not mind also her remaining a Christian: after all, I am still one myself. Indeed, one of my Italian journalist friends told me that he prayed with her, along with Rajiv Gandhi, at a mass in Calicut with the bishop officiating - that is her private business. But after her husband was blown to pieces by the LTTE, I observed a drastic change in her: she did not seem to trust anybody anymore, became aloof and suspicious. I also watched with dismay how the Congress leaders, some of them men and women of substance, whom I knew personally, applied pressure on her to enter politics for years. Furthermore, I thought that in her fortress of Janpath, surrounded twenty-four hours by security, she gradually lost touch with the reality of India. Despite the fact that I met her a few times after Rajiv's death, I thus took discreetly my distances with her. It is then that I came up with my famous phrase on Sonia, for which she never forgave me: "the moribund and leaderless Congress party has latched on to Sonia Gandhi who is Italian by birth and Roman Catholic by baptism".

PNS Mehran attack: a survey of Pak media ANKITA SHREE

he attack on the PNS Mehran in Karachi has raised many questions about Pakistan's internal establishments. The Pakistani officials held the role of PNS Mehran and vital installations at the base as the main cause behind the attack. Pakistani journalists like Imran Ayub agree that the strategic location of Mehran in Pakistan's heartland Karachi and the stationing of a number of modern aircrafts and helicopters was the cause of assault. But others hold different views regarding the cause and motive behind the attack. Ayesha Siddiqa claimed that Bin Laden's death has been a shocker even for the 'friendly' militants and al Qaeda's local franchises are behind the attack. Though, a section of conservationists has withheld its allegations on India, backed by the US, as the real conspirator behind the

attack given its strategic interest in damaging Pakistan's P-3C Orion. In terms of implications, the attack comes as a rude shock for both the Pakistani people and its establishment. While the Naval Chief has denied all charges of security breach on the base and an insider hand in the attack, it has become apparent, that it could not have been carried out without such help inside such a high security area. Further, inconclusive figures about the number of attackers have also added to the sorry saga of Pakistan. Pakistan also stands embarrassed in terms of its security provisions at the international stage with international concerns emerging on the safety of nuclear weapons in Pakistan. All this has led to an outrage in the people against the armed forces who have lost their faith in their much trusted security forces. Qasim A. Moini views that attacks

like PNS Mehran have a psychological impact on people's minds and attacks like these constantly cavalcade negativity and take a heavy toll on people's mental health.

The Dawn in its editorial points out that Pakistan needs to come out of its denial mode and need to identify the enemies within itself The most important development however is the self reflection and internal assessment. In the aftermath of the event, the print media has analyzed the flaws in both civil government and military es-

tablishment which fell short of fulfilling its responsibility. Mohshraff Zaidi holds that civil government of Pakistan has been diseased with corruption and thus is incapable of good governance. Imtiaz Gul suggests that there is compelling evidence that civilian and military institutions have worked in isolation of each other, with civilians usually reluctant to treat what is considered "army assists". Such lack of coordination between civil and military institutions is responsible for Pakistan's present condition. The newspapers have also called for reforms in both civilian government and military. The Daily Times in its editorial stressed on the need for a better professionalized army to counter terrorism in Pakistan. The print media has also tried to draw attention towards WikiLeaks' exposure of funding of radical Madrassas by Saudi Arabia and

UAE and demanded attention to stop further radicalization of fundamentalist forces in Pakistan. Though some newspapers like The Nation are adamant on proving an external hand in the attack pointing towards India and USA, others have dismissed such claims. The Dawn in its editorial points out that Pakistan needs to come out of its denial mode and need to identify the enemies within itself. Farukh Saleem in a similar vein holds that Pakistan suffers from an autoimmune disease which is difficult to treat when the host body is in complete denial, where large segments of population are ideologically aligned with the disease itself, and where opinion makers are confused. In such condition scapegoating India or the US will just not help. The writer is Research Intern, IPCS

Perspective

June 24, 2011

India Post

www.indiapost.com

The battle of Kaliyuga has begun FRANCOIS GAUTIER

reviously, the Congress was able to brazen out scandalous truth through bullying, deceit, lying and political cunning. Now it hopes that by slandering Ramdev and the RSS, it will be able to put a lid on mounting allegations of corruption against the party and the Government The world is a battlefield. All great gurus and avatars have incarnated themselves throughout the ages to help the forces of good, which in India are called 'dharmic', against forces which are inimical to the Evolution of Humanity and which are called 'adharmic', or even asuric. The concept of the asura in India is very different from the West. There is no such thing here as the black and white renderings of American cartoons or the Christian idea of a benevolent god and a cruel devil. Keen observers of human history may have noticed that very often asuric forces take on the face of goodness and charity, or use half truths or semi-lies to appear good. But in the end, the harm they do should make them recognizable to all. In this light, we can discard Mr Digvijay Singh: He incarnates the world of sycophancy, which is a perversion of the Indian bhakti tradition. Or even Mr Kapil Sibal, a more intelligent man, but who got so perverted by a lawyer's mind that lying has become a second nature to him. History will probably judge Mr Manmohan Singh as a weak man, who was ready to close his eyes on everything just to stay

in power. But what about Ms Sonia Gandhi? What are the forces which are using her, maybe even in spite of her? Let us discard all those evil avatars attributed to her, such as her being a KGB or a Vatican agent, rumors about which have been floating around for a long time. We should not also look at her personality, what she projects, or what people say about her, not even at her deeds. No, it is the visible consequences of her overt and covert actions which should tell us a story. What are the consequences of her being the unelected supreme authority in India since many years, one whose one word or glance can have innocent people teargassed and beaten up? Well the first sign is the increase in terrorist onslaughts since she came to power; the 26/11 terror attacks and the inability of the Government to respond to them - on the spot, and later - are the best symbols of her presence at the top. There has also been a tremendous increase in Christian conversions since she came to power, a radicalization of Islam in India and a galloping Westernization, which is fast eradicating Indian culture in cities and major towns. But to my mind, it is the attack on Hindu gurus, which is the most representative sign of her adharmic reign. For in Ms Gandhi's India, Hindu gurus are not only mocked at, but they can also be imprisoned, attacked, killed one day. Nobody would dare touch an imam if he preaches secession, nor even a Christian bishop, but gurus are fair

game today. Now Swami Ramdev, who incarnates an old tradition of spirituality in India, of all these gurus who throughout the ages have come to teach and preserve this ancient knowledge which takes the form of hatha-yoga, pranayama, meditation or Ayurveda. Is he perfect? How to judge a guru, who is to grade them? Sri Aurobindo, in one of his aphorisms,

What are the consequences of her being the unelected supreme authority in India since many years, one whose one word or glance can have innocent people teargassed and beaten up said something like this: "Even if god were to manifest himself in front of thy very eyes, you would not recognize him." I am not able to judge Ramdev, but I can say with confidence that what he teaches is good, because it has benefited thousands of people. Why then is he run down so much by the Congress whose leaders have gone as far as calling him a thug? Well it's an old British tradition which has been taken up by the Congress and part of the media. French historian DaniĂŠlou summed it up well in his History of

India: "The British-controlled Congress utilized to the hilt its Englishspeaking Press to present the Hindu Mahashaba, which attempted to counterbalance the Muslim League's influence, or the even more maligned Ram Rajya Parishad, as barbaric, fanatical, ridiculous; and the British media in turn, took-up, as parrots, the cry of their Indian counterparts." (Histoire de l'Inde) In the case of Swami Ramdev, there are also accusations of an 'empire' worth hundreds of crores and even an island. Well a guru has to decide: Either he stays in a cave and looks after his own salvation, or if he has come to help humanity, he will have first a few disciples, then a few hundreds, eventually thousands. He has to feed them, organize courses, satsangs, launch sewa projects. You need money for all that. Donations come, bigger and bigger, as the good work of this particular guru comes to be known. The funds have to be managed, more and more money is needed and gurus end up being like the head of a multinational corporation, with a hundred projects, all sewa-oriented, to manage. I have seen it at close hand. The fact that Ramdev got manhandled is nothing new. Gurus come to save humanity, but men either mock them or even crucify them. That is also in the nature of things. So who will win this battle of Kaliyuga? Sri Aurobindo came to announce the Supramental: He said that as there was man after the animal, so would there come a super-

man after man. Not the superman of the Hollywood series, but a man who is closer to beauty, love, compassion. One of the main attributes of the supermind, he stated, would be truth. This is why at the moment in India, the magnifying glass of truth is put upon men and events and falsehood comes out in the form of the stupendous scams that have happened in the last few years. Previously, the Congress was able to brazen it out, through bullying, deceit, lying and political cunning. Will it be able to do so this time? We have seen how it hopes that by slandering Ramdev and his very nice assistant, planting rumors, using the eternal scarecrow of the RSS (those old fuddy-fuddies, who most of the time could not harm a fly), it hopes to put a lid on all the suspicions which are hanging over their head. For the first beneficiary of the 2G or the CWG scams, is not the DMK, but the Congress. They are the ones who have institutionalized political corruption, the bribing of parliamentarians and elections which cost hundred of crores to elect a single MP. If truth does triumph, then Ms Gandhi's role will also come in the open, along with the truth about Italian middleman Ottavio Quattrocchi and the enormous covert funds the Congress is believed to be controlling. It may take time, but karma is inevitable. That is also an ancient Indian truth. The writer is a French journalist

Kung Fu Panda: Invasion of Chinese culture? BHAVNA SINGH

hen the sequel to the much-awaited Kung Fu Panda hit the theatres, nobody expected it to lead to a fullfledged controversy on Chinese culture. The recent protests from many sections of Chinese society about the 'Western depiction' of its cultural heritage demonstrate a struggle between states to capitalize on soft power expedients like the panda, China's national animal and kung fu, one of its most popular martial art forms. This debate around cinematic representations begs the question as to what the nature of this controversy is. The most primitive concern is whether one should seek a deeper reading from cinematic representations or treat them merely as

works of entertainment. Second, who will determine the belongingness of a cultural object and its availability for public absorption and how; do they need to be enumerated under mechanisms like Intellectual Property Rights? Third, such debates might often be advertising gimmicks to give prominence to the work itself and raise its viewership. Several Chinese activists have dubbed the production of movies like Kung Fu Panda (both parts) as an attempt by the West to undermine China's national treasure. Most notably, Peking University Professor Kong Qingdong, who says that Chinese symbols have been harnessed to promote American culture, told Xinhua, the state news agency, that the movie 'is a

cultural invasion'. Thereafter, the controversy has spread to numerous Chinese social networks and is garnering a robust response. This derives from the fact that this DreamWorks Animation venture has lavishly drawn upon traditional Chinese practices of meditation, fortune-telling and the concept of inner peace. On the other hand, a huge number of Chinese citizens also believe that this debate has been blown out of proportion. They allege that the boycott called for by renowned artists is a ploy to draw attention to their own artwork on pandas. For instance, the CNN exposes how Zhao Bandi, an avant-garde artist in Beijing who castigated the movie by placing advertisements in newspapers,

had previously lobbied for ostracizing Kung Fu Panda I; a proposition rejected by most Chinese. This reaction might also be instigated by fears of competition as the Chinese film industry does not have as much of an audience as Hollywood. In a poll relay conducted by China Daily, Chinese netizens have overwhelmingly refused to buy these ultra-nationalist arguments with a 14/86 per cent divide (approximately) as on 9 June 2011, the latter supporting free expression and fair play. On the contrary many have dubbed this as an opportunity to broadcast Chinese culture through the use of best technological know-how. A blogger remarked, "Don't use Kung Fu Panda to hype your own

workâ&#x20AC;ŚIf you want to boycott American culture, you should cast out McDonald's and KFC." Similarly, others consider it as an opportunity for the Chinese film industry to learn from others and improve its own expertise. However, a more neglected side of the entire debate is the way the movie is a subtle satire that juxtaposes Chinese military warfare and China's discourse on harmony and peace. The opulent didacticism of the movie is evident in its plea for renouncing warfare, finding strength through realizing and accepting one's own being, the significance of unity and brotherhood in the face of difficulties and the doom of self-seekers. The writer is Research Officer, IPCS

Datebook

India Post

June 24, 2011

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NEW YORK

ILLINOIS

Upcoming

NEW JERSEY

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

Wed June 29

Fri June 24

• Shaan Se

• Chicago Global Runway Fashion Show

Sat June 18 to Sat June 25

Venue: Main Stage Theatre, University of Buffalo, 103 Center Art Center for the Arts, Buffalo, New York Contact: 716-308-5325

Fri June 24

Venue: Chicago Cultural Center, 78 East Washington Street, Chicago Time: 7:30pm Contact: 847-250-7303

ï YFS Cricket For Charity

• Aladdin: Movie Musical Sing-Along

Thurs June 30

Mon July 18

• Indian Artist, Santanu Santan Kumar, Featured in NYC Exhibition

• Bhasshic 2011 (Free 10-Day Summer Hindi Camp)

Venue: Agora Gallery, 530 West 25th St, Chelsea, New York Time: 11am to 6pm Contact: 212-226-4151

Venue: Chinmaya Mission Chicago - Yamunotri Campus, 30877 N. Fairfield Road, Grayslake, Illinois Time: 9am to 5pm Contact: 847-537-4710

Sat Oct 8 • Rhythm For Relief Venue: Haven NYC, 244 East 51st St, NY Time: 6pm Contact: 347-307-1378

Venue: Lincoln Park, Jersey City, New Jersey Contact: 201-844-8937

Fri June 24 • The Science Of God - Realization Venue: Durga Mandir, 4240 Route 27, Princeton, New Jersey Time: 7:15pm to 8pm Contact: 201-848-0680

Venue: Smith Center Amphitheatre at Ohlone College, 43600 Mission Boulevard, Fremont Time: 8:30 pm Contact: 510-659-6031 Highlights: See this great Disney classic again on the big screen. Imagine you¹re on a magic carpet ride under the stars as you watch (and sing along) with Jasmine and Aladdin as they discover a whole new world.

Sat June 25

Sat July 30

ï Shaan Se

Sat June 25

• Surtarang Music Competition

Venue: Ritz Theater, 1148 East Jersey St, Elizabeth, New Jersey Time: 8pm Contact: 732-921-2070

• Tagore Festival : 150th Birth An-

Venue: Naperville Community Concert Center, 104 E. Benton Ave., Naperville,Illinois Time: 11am to 4pm Contact: 630-355-5468

WASHINGTON DC

Upcoming Fri June 24 • Art of living course Venue: Art of Living Ashburn center,Virginia, 43618,Millay Court, Ashburn, Virginia Time: 6:30pm to 9:30pm Contact: 703-723-8181

Mon July 4 • Rathyatra, Festival of India Venue: National Mall (in front of Air & Space Museum), Washington, DC Time: 10:30am to 9pm Contact: 301-299-2100

Mon Aug 22 • Shri Krishna Janamastami Venue: Hare Krishan Temple, 10310 Oaklyn Drive, Potomac, Maryland Time: 4:30am Contact: 301-299-2100

niversary Venue: Amador Theater, 1155 Santa Rita Road, Pleasanton, California Time: 11am to 9pm

Thurs June 30 • Global Change - A Spiritual View Venue: The Palace Of Fine Arts Theater, 3301, Lyon Street, San Fracisco, California Time: 6:30pm to 9pm Contact: 415-563-4459

Sat July 2 • Devotion to Our Lady of Good Health (Vailankanni) Venue: St James the Apostle Catholic Church, 34700 Fremont Blvd, Fremont, California Time: 7pm to 9pm Contact: 408-506-4474

Sat Nov 12 • Hello Namaste Salaam Satsriakal Masti Venue: Chandni Restaurant, 5748 Mowry School Rd, Balentine Plaza, across Hilton Hotel, Newark, CA 94560 Time: 7pm Contact: 510-299-1138

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Upcoming Thurs June 23 • Art of Living Course Venue: Art of Living Los Angeles Center, 948 West Adams Blvd., Los Angeles Time: 6:30pm to 3pm Contact: 310-820-9429

Sun June 26 • Pan IIT Picnic Venue: Camp Liberty Shelter, Liberty Park, 19211 Studebaker Road, Cerritos, Alabama Time: 11:30am to 5pm Contact: 562-299-9212

Thurs July 7 • 2011 Western Regional Family & Youth Conference Venue: St. Thomas Orthodox Church of Los Angeles, 14121 Coteau Dr. Whittier, California Time: 4pm to 2pm Contact: 714-342-5196

Sun July 17 • Indian Cruise to Mexico from Long Beach Venue: Carnival Splendor, 231 Windsor Way, Long Beach, California Time: 4:30pm Contact: 858-925-7806

Fri July 22 • Into The Bollywoods Venue: Ford Amphitheatre, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East, Hollywood, California Time: 8:30pm Contact: 310-876-2513

Mon Aug 1 • Yogalicious! Venue: Art of Living Center Los Angeles, 948 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, California Time: 6:30pm to 9pm Contact: 310-820-9429

June 24, 2011

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Philosophy

India Post

June 24, 2011

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Page Sponsored by Sahanis KABIR

Friend! hope for Him whilst you live, know whilst you live, understand whilst you live: for in life deliverance abides. If your bonds be not broken whilst living, what hope of deliverance in death? It is but an empty dream, that the soul shall have union with Him because it has passed from the body: If He is found now, He is found then, If not, we do but go to dwell in the City of Death. If you have union now, you shall have it hereafter. Bathe in the truth, know the true Guru, have faith in the true Name! Kabîr says: "It is the Spirit of the quest which helps; I am the slave of this Spirit of the quest." *** Within this earthen vessel are bowers and groves, and within it is the Creator: Within this vessel are the seven oceans and the unnumbered stars. The touchstone and the jewelappraiser are within; And within this vessel the Eternal soundeth, and the spring wells up. Kabîr says: "Listen to me, my Friend! My beloved Lord is within." *** To Thee Thou hast drawn my love, O Fakir! JEAN-PAUL SARTRE

theistic existentialism, which I represent, states that if God does not exist there is at least one being whose existence comes before its essence, a being which exists before it can be defined by any conception of it. That being is man. If man, as the existentialist conceives him, is indefinable, it is because at first he is nothing . . . Man is nothing else but what he makes of himself . . . man is responsible for what he is. . . .when we say that a man is responsible for himself, we do not only mean that he is responsible for his own individuality, but that he is responsible for all men. . . I am responsible for myself and for everyone else. I am creating an image of man of my own choosing. . . The man who involves himself and realizes that he is not only the person he chooses to be, but also a lawmaker who is, at the same time, choosing all mankind as well as himself, cannot escape the feeling of his total and deep responsibility. . . For every man, everything happens as if all mankind had its eyes fixed on him and were guid-

I was sleeping in my own chamber, and Thou didst awaken me; striking me with Thy voice, O Fakir! I was drowning in the deeps of the ocean of this world, and Thou didst save me: upholding me with Thine arm, O Fakir! Only one word and no second-and Thou hast made me tear off all my bonds, O Fakir! Kabîr says, "Thou hast united

ceremony of the lamps of love. Kabir says: "Listen to me, friend: he understands who loves. If you feel not love's longing for your Beloved One, it is vain to adorn your body, vain to put unguent on your eyelids." *** Tell me, O Swan, your ancient tale. From what land do you come, O Swan? to what shore will you

deeply immersed, and desires no other joy *** O Lord Increate, who will serve Thee? Every votary offers his worship to the God of his own creation: each day he receives service-None seek Him, the Perfect: Brahma, the Indivisible Lord. They believe in ten Avatars; but no Avatar can be the Infinite Spirit,

Break your bonds while you are alive Kabir

Kabir says: "Listen to me, friend: he understands who loves. If you feel not love's longing for your Beloved One, it is vain to adorn your body, vain to put unguent on your eyelids

Thy heart to my heart, O Fakir!" *** I played day and night with my comrades, and now I am greatly afraid. So high is my Lord's palace, my heart trembles to mount its stairs: yet I must not be shy, if I would enjoy His love. My heart must cleave to my Lover; I must withdraw my veil, and meet Him with all my body: Mine eyes must perform the

fly? Where would you take your rest, O Swan, and what do you seek? Even this morning, O Swan, awake, arise, follow me! There is a land where no doubt nor sorrow have rule: where the terror of Death is no more. There the woods of spring are a-bloom, and the fragrant scent "He is I" is borne on the wind: There the bee of the heart is

for he suffers the results of his deeds: The Supreme One must be other than this. The Yogi, the Sanyasi, the Ascetics, are disputing one with another. Kabîr says, "O brother! he who has seen that radiance of love, he is saved." The 571st birth anniversary of Saint Kabir will be celebrated on June 26

ing itself by what he does. . . When a military leader takes upon himself the responsibility for an attack and sends a number of men to their death, he chooses to do it and at bottom he alone chooses. No doubt under a higher command, but its orders, which are

of these, they realize that it has value only because it is chosen. Now it is anguish of that kind which existentialism describes, and moreover, as we shall see, makes explicit through direct responsibility towards other men who are concerned. It is not a cur-

trary, thinks it very distressing that God does not exist, because all possibility of finding values in a heaven disappears along with Him; there can no longer be an a priori Good, since there is no infinite and perfect consciousness to think it. . . Indeed,

Man is nothing but what he makes of himself

Jean-Paul Sartre

more general, require interpretation by him and upon that interpretation depends the life of ten, fourteen or twenty men. In making the decision, he cannot but feel a certain anguish. All leaders know that anguish. It does not prevent their acting, on the contrary it is the very condition of their action, for the action presupposes that there is a plurality of possibilities, and in choosing one

Indeed, everything is permissible if God does not exist, and as a result man is forlorn, because neither within him nor without does he find anything to cling to tain separating us from action, but is part of action itself. When we speak of "forlornness" - a term Heidegger was fond of - we mean only that God does not exist and that we have to face all of the consequences of this. The existentialist is strongly opposed to a certain kind of secular ethics which would like to abolish God at the least possible expense. The existentialist, on the con-

everything is permissible if God does not exist, and as a result man is forlorn, because neither within him nor without does he find anything to cling to. . . There is no determinism, man is free, man is freedom. . . Excerpted from "Existentialism is a Humanism" The 106th birth anniversary of Jean-Paul Sartre is being celebrated on June 21

Without a worshipper, how can God assume a form and accept service? The one makes the other beautiful, as a gold setting shows off a jewel. -Sant Tukaram To learn the scriptures is easy, to live them, hard. The search for the Real is no simple matter. -Lal Ded Whenever you are confronted with an opponent. Conquer him with love. -Mahatma Gandhi Yo u h a v e t o g r o w from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul. - Swami Vivekananda Just as a flower gives out its fragrance to whomsoever approaches or uses it, so love from within us radiates towards everybody and manifests as spontaneous service. -Swami Ramdas If you sell diamonds, you cannot expect to have many customers. But a diamond is a diamond even if there are no customers. -Swami Prabhupada

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June 24, 2011

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Adapt to Af-Pak game or seek to change it? D SUBA CHANDRAN

n his recent article, C Raja Mohan has reviewed the situation in Af-Pak, and based on the premise that the game is changing for Pakistan, he has made four specific recommendations for India. Is the game really changing in Pakistan? Should the proposed military action by Pakistan's military in North Waziristan be considered as change or a mere tactical response by Gen Kayani to ease American pressure? Can this change be seen as Gen Kayani's strategic maneuvering? Yes, there is American pressure - both political and military. The anti-American sentiments within Pakistan and the rhetoric of the violation of Pakistan's sovereignty have not cut much ice in the White House. Obama seems to be sternly maintaining his strategy of applying political pressure on the Pakistani polity and military, and militarily continuing with the American drone attacks. However, the change in Pakistan's military, if there is one, cannot be attributed to American pressure alone. More than the killing of Osama bin Laden, the attack on PNS Mehran is likely to be the game-changer for Pakistan's military vis-Ă -vis the militants, including the Taliban and al Qaeda. According to recent reports, especially those since the fatal one penned down by Saleem Shahzad, which cost him his life, the attack on PNS Mehran is not a revenge attack (for killing OBL), as the political and military establishment in Pakistan want the rest of the world to believe. Rather, it seems to be the beginning of the manifestations of the reach of radical elements in Pakistan's security forces. Now getting back to the original question - is the game changing? If yes, who is changing it? Of course, there is American pressure, but one should not discount attacks by radical groups (led more by the Pakistani Taliban than the Afghan Taliban or the al Qaeda) and pressure from within the Pakistani military to control the TTP backlash. A cursory look into the recent history of Pakistan will reveal that this has been the game for the last few years - defined in terms of American political and military pressure, the Taliban backlash and Pakistani military operations. What has changed now? From an Indian perspective, what needs to be analyzed in the above game is Pakistan's response. Are the change and Pakistan's mili-

tary operations tactical or strategic? Is there a change in the GHQ's long-term objectives (and even strategies) in Afghanistan? From New Delhi's perspective, the question of a suitable strategy will be more important, irrespective of the game. Should it be aimed at adapting to changing game, and pursuing strategies to the changing environment? Or should it be aimed at pursuing a strategy which will change the nature of the game itself? This is where C Raja Mohan's recommendations are pertinent. First and foremost, a long-term commitment to the Afghan people (more than the Karzai regime), irrespective of who rules Kabul. The

Ashfaq Parvez Kayani Under pressure

Prime Minister's recent visit and his statement in the Afghan Parliament should be pursued as a long-term strategy to change the game, and not to adapt to the changing environment. If the international community and Afghan people are convinced that talking to the Taliban (Good, bad or moderate) will help them achieve stability (if not peace!), so be it. Besides financial commitments, New Delhi should also look for an opening with the Taliban. Of course the Taliban may not have given a visiting card to the Indian embassy or a postal address, as many in India will criticize. But the Taliban is not a monolithic entity; it is a deeply divided umbrella organization, with the Quetta Shura, Huqqani network and various warlords using the Taliban banner. However, the real challenge in what C Raja Mohan has prescribed is reaching an understanding with China on Afghanistan and Pakistan. Are the recent activities of

Beijing vis-Ă -vis Pakistan based on bilateral concerns, or are they a manifestation of Chinese fears over the Indo-US nuclear deal and growing strategic partnership between the two democracies? How will Beijing be convinced that Islamabad and the GHQ are using the Beijing card successfully visĂ -vis Washington? This is where a trilateral dialogue between India, China and the US on the future of Afghanistan, Pakistan and the latter's nuclear assets will be productive and fruitful, more so than a bilateral dialogue with the US and China separately. If New Delhi and Washington are able to convince Beijing that the Indo-US strategic

A trilateral dialogue between India, China and the US on the future of Afghanistan, Pakistan and the latter's nuclear assets will be productive and fruitful, more so than a bilateral dialogue with the US and China separately partnership is not targeted against China, the Karakoram Highway and Gwadar port may not remain issues that are higher than the Himalayas and deeper than the oceans! Anyway, other than the investments in Pakistan's nuclear program and infrastructure, Chinese assistance to Islamabad has been totally exaggerated by the Pakistani public. Does the common Chinese see Sino-Pak relations the same way? Especially those who share borders with Pakistan? Finally, as has been suggested, it is important to ensure that there is no military tension along the Indo-Pak border. However, this will have more to do with how Pakistan reacts or responds to the game. India could shape this response by engaging Afghanistan, the US and China, rather than hoping to directly influence Pakistan. Perhaps the road to Islamabad goes through Kabul, Washington and Beijing! The writer is Director, IPCS

India Post Coercing the govt

he Congress party is rubbing its hands in glee at having divided the anti-corruption movement. The same Pranab Mukherjee, the redoubtable finance minister, who till the other day was scurrying with three other ministers to the airport to placate a saffron clad Yoga teacher, is now proclaiming with all the dignity at his command that "no one - individual, body or movement - could dictate terms to Parliament. Composed of elected representatives of the people, it is the supreme lawmaker of the country." Therefore no terms and conditions can be laid down for Parliament. This was true a few weeks ago too, then why this sudden change in mood and force of assertion? Apparently the opposition parties, composed of the same set of MPs thriving in the present atmosphere of corruption, have come to his rescue. The government had sought their views on the Lokpal Bill presently being discussed with a team of civil society leaders headed by Gandhian activist Anna Hazare. Sanctimoniously, the parties from BJP, CPM, SP to BSP have declared that they would deal with the issue when the bill is brought before Parliament. Which means that even if the government agrees to the terms and clauses demanded by the Hazare team, there is no guarantee that the bill would be passed by Parliament. The government has found allies where it had thought it had none. Even a diluted form of the bill will not be passed by the present Parliament. So the government is emboldened to assert the status quo. Many flaws have been pointed out in the civil society movement. That they are unelected and none of those spearheading civil society represents the people or is accountable to them. Their methods to press their demands have an element of coercion. They have adopted an authoritarian approach. And the Jan Lokpal Bill proposed by them gave overriding powers of investigation and punishment to a group of people. The problem of centralization of authority has not been addressed by the Bill. All these points are valid and can be debated and rectified. The "unelected" would not have come into the picture if the government was on its own dealing with corruption. Anna Hazare and Baba Ramdev would not have drawn nationwide support had the UPA government done the job it was elected to do. If the government doesn't do its job, it is voted out in five years. But what of the lack of governance and deliberate misgovernance in the interim? It falls on the citizens, at whose behest the government discharges its constitutional obligations, to protest misgovernance. Indian civil society must have taken heart from the changes that civil society movements have brought about in Middle East and Africa. In defense of the government it is being pointed out that one cabinet minister, the daughter of an extremely powerful politician, and several top managers of important companies are already behind bars and some more are under investigation. Earlier, the man suspected of corrupt practices during the Commonwealth Games was arrested even though he had strong political connections. These examples are cited to suggest that existing laws can deal with and take action against even people who are important and powerful. It needs to be stressed that action against these powerful people was taken only after strong voices were raised by the media and civil society. Charges against Union Minister A. Raja had been made two years back but nothing was done about it. In fact the Prime Minister went about defending him. The fact is that the government has been coerced into action by civil society. And once this pressure is allowed to relax, the government would go back to its good old bad ways.

50 India Post

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June 24, 2011

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June 24, 2011