IndiaPost-6-10-2011 by Ghanshyam Bisht

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Priest Rameshwar Das

Hindu priest gets Person of Year Award Details on page 12

'US should invest in India infrastructure’

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VOL 16, No. 874

June 10, 2011

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INDIA, U.S. ASK PAK TO EXPEDITE TRIAL US-India Homeland Security Dialogue launched

Details on page 42

Atul Khare to lead UN reforms team Details on page 7

Merger of PIO/ OCI Cards soon, says govt Details on page 34

Desmond Tutu presented Chinmoy award

Top MEA team here to discuss visa issues

Details on page 7 Details on page 15

Beware of govt's motive, Hazare warns Ramdev

DoJ officials collaborate with Sikh teams

Details on page 7 Details on page 12

US court sets date for Kamal Nath trial

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 22-23 Classifieds ------------------------- 47 Community Post -------------- 10-19

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Date Book -------------------------- 45

INDIA POST SURVEY

JOINT FRONT: Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram meeting the US Secretary for Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, in New Delhi on May 27

survey@indiapost.com This week’s question

Has Indian govt broken the anti-corruption front? Last week’s result

Is New York police biased against Indians? YES 63%

NO 37%

India Post News Service

Homeland Security Dialogue - launched by Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano on her visit to New Delhi May 25-27 - a critical step forward in the ongoing partnership between the United States and India to strengthen homeland security and counterterrorism collaboration and ensure the safety and security of both nations.

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

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Edit Page --------------------------- 49 HealthScience Post --------- 38-41 Horoscope ------------------------- 28 Immigration Post ------------- 34-37 Life Style ----------------------- 24-27 Philosophy ------------------------- 48 Publisherís Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate -------------------- 20-21 TechBiz Post ------------------- 42-44 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 29-31

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Publisher’s Diary

heard someone say the other day that there was nothing "news-worthy" about what Sarah Palin does, but the media can't seem to get enough of her. That could be the irony of politics or simply the desperation of a media trying to find glamour in an otherwise staid political arena. Whatever it is, what amazes me more than Palin's uncanny knack for getting into the headlines is the way the media panders to her whimsies. She hasn't even decided whether she wants to run for President in 2012 when many of her Party-mates are already sweating it out in television debates - but she has the media panting after her as she zooms around on a Harley Davidson or 'tours' around the country in a mega bus for no apparent reason or hangs out with Donald Trump at a pizza joint in New Jersey. And all the frenzy for a few shots of her getting in and out of the bus, signing autographs, posing for pictures and talking about nothing in particular. While her whole gig could be a carefully choreographed strategy of whoever is handling her publicity or whoever is behind keeping her in the public eye as part of a larger agenda - irrespective of whether she actually runs for President or not - what surprises me is people actually turning out to see her, to meet her. What is it about Sarah Palin that draws people? She is neither an astute politician nor a statesman capable of running a campaign let alone run the country, nor even some kind of a messiah with solutions for the many ills facing America. What is it that people hope to get from her when all she's got are incredibly parochial and narrow critiques of the Obama government that offer neither alternatives nor assurances to the American people. Perhaps there is something to her… she makes for pretty pictures. But is that what America needs for what President Obama calls 'winning the future' - a pretty looking President? Nah, it's ugly out there, people, I'd give President Obama four more years.

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Cover Story: Napolitano in Delhi India and the US have called on Pakistan to move expeditiously in prosecuting those involved in the Mumbai terror attack.

Community: Swarnnim Gujarat

The nearly year long celebration of Swarnnim Gujarat culminated in a grand stage presentation organized by India TV.

Visa promise Vayalar Ravi promises rationalization of the various schemes for facilitating travel by Indian Diaspora in India.

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The rumors about a rift in the marriage of Arbaaz Khan and Malaika Arora Khan came as a surprise for many of their fans.

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Travel: Corbett National Park Home to a variety of flora and fauna, Corbett National Park is famous for its wild population of tigers and elephants.

June 10, 2011

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India, US ask Pak to expedite trial US-India Homeland Security Dialogue launched

US Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano addresses a joint press conference as Home Minister P. Chidambaram looks on in New Delhi on May 27 India Post News Service

WASHINTON/ NEW DELHI: India and the US have called on Pakistan to move expeditiously in prosecuting those involved in the Mumbai terror attack, while committing to each other a comprehensive sharing of information relating to the Mumbai attack. This commitment was part of the first ever US-India Homeland Security Dialogue - launched by Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano on her visit to New Delhi May 25-27 - a critical step forward in the ongoing partnership between the United States and India to strengthen homeland security and counterterrorism collaboration and ensure the safety and security of both nations. "The United States and India face common threats, and we must work together to develop common strategies to protect our mutual security," said Secretary Napolitano. "Through the Homeland Security Dialogue, we will continue to expand upon our work together on issues including protecting cyber networks, securing the global supply chain, and policing our largest cities in order to enhance the safety and resilience of communities and citizens in both of our nations." In New Delhi, Secretary Napolitano joined Indian Minister of Home Affairs P. Chidambaram in launching the first comprehensive bilateral dialogue on homeland security issues between the United States and India. During the Dialogue, Secretary Napolitano and Minister Chidambaram highlighted the efforts of both nations to secure the global supply chain, develop best practices and resources for

effective policing in large cities, eliminate the trafficking of illicit goods and materials, and continue to develop and protect critical cyber infrastructure. Chidambaram and Napolitano reaffirmed their governments' resolve to defeating the forces of terrorism and called for effective steps by all countries to eliminate safe havens and infrastructure for terrorism. The two countries agreed to share information and assessment on equipment, technologies and

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Through the Homeland Security Dialogue, we will continue to expand upon our work together on issues including protecting cyber networks, securing the global supply chain, and policing our largest citiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; systems for homeland security and counter-terrorism, and to facilitate bilateral technology transfer and trade in these items, in the spirit of the strategic partnership between the two countries. They discussed their cooperation in the investigations into the Mumbai terror attack in November 2008 and reiterated their governments' commitment to bring the perpetrators and the supporters of the Mumbai attack to justice. Napolitano and Chidambaram agreed that the two governments should maintain a regular dialogue to share information while noting

the role of the private sector in India and the US in providing technological solutions and equipment. They also agreed to explore engagement between the governments and the private sectors through appropriate forums. Further, the two leaders also agreed on a calendar of events, collaborative activities and initiatives to be implemented over the next twelve months. They also decided that the Home Secretary of India and the Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security should meet at the end of six months to review progress in their collaboration. Chidambaram and Secretary Napolitano committed to hold the Homeland Security Dialogue annually to set strategic directions for continued cooperation in homeland security. Chidambaram and Secretary Napolitano expressed satisfaction with the growth in counter-terrorism and related security cooperation between India and the United States. They noted the contribution of existing mechanisms such as the Joint Working Group on Counter-terrorism, established in 2000, the Defense Policy Group, the Joint Working Group on Information and Communications Technology and the Aviation Security Working Group and the Counter-terrorism Cooperation Initiative of July 2010 in advancing India-US cooperation. Committing to expand India-US cooperation to further strengthen their capacity to secure their countries and protect their people, the two leaders agreed to share ideas and experiences on the ongoing transformation of their countries' security-related organizational structures and systems as well regulatory framework, in a demo-

cratic and federal environment. They decided to strengthen agency-to-agency engagement, including in the areas of intelligence exchange, information sharing, forensics and investigation, access and sharing of data relating to terrorism, security of infrastructure, transportation and trade, conducting joint needs assessments, combating counterfeit currency, countering illicit financing and transnational crime. They agreed that the two sides shall designate points of contact and

Secretary Napolitano also met with leaders of the Indian private sector and attended an industry breakfast hosted by the US-India Business Council and the American Chamber of Commerce in India establish protocols for engagement. They decided to foster capacity building in areas including counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics, counterfeit currency, illicit financing and transnational crime, security of infrastructure, transportation and trade, coastal security and large city policing. They agreed on the need for appropriate government agencies to work together and share best practices to enhance the security and resilience of the global supply chain. They affirmed the importance of increased dialogue and cooperation in the area of cyber secu-

rity. They welcomed the decision of the two governments to negotiate a MoU between CERT-IN and US-CERT, the designated agencies for information exchange. They also decided to cooperate in capacity building and to work together, and with other countries, to advance cyber security standards. Napolitano's other engagements During her visit to Delhi, Secretary Napolitano called on Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Defense Minister A.K. Antony, Minister for Communications and Information Technology Kapil Sibal, Indian Minister of Civil Aviation Vayalar Ravi and Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao. Secretary Napolitano also met with leaders of the Indian private sector and attended an industry breakfast hosted by the US-India Business Council and the American Chamber of Commerce in India to highlight the Department's continued engagement with the private sector partners in India on issues including critical security infrastructure protection to ongoing US-India cyber security collaboration and best practices. Earlier, Secretary Napolitano visited Mumbai, where she commemorated Indian law enforcement personnel who lost their lives in the devastating Nov 26, 2008 terror attacks in a wreath laying ceremony at the Mumbai Police Memorial, and met with Indian officials, including Maharashtra State Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, Home Minister R.R. Patil, and Commissioner of the Mumbai Police Arup Patnaik, to discuss security best practices and continued collaborative counterterrorism efforts between the United States and India.

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Atul Khare appointed to lead Beware of govt's motive, Hazare warns Ramdev UN reforms team India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Atul Khare, currently an Assistant SecretaryGeneral at United Nations, has been appointed by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to lead the world body's Change Management Team. The Change Management Team will guide the implementation of a forward-looking reform agenda for the United Nations, starting with the formulation of a comprehensive plan to streamline processes, increase accountability and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Organization in the delivery of its mandates. The establishment of the Team is a further step in the efforts of the Secretary-General to strengthen the United Nations as it is called on to play an increasingly prominent role in a period of rapid change and financial constraint, and build a management culture focused on excellence and results. Under the direction of the Deputy Secretary-General, the Team will report to the Secretary-

General and work closely with departments and offices in the Secretariat and across the United Nations system, as well as with Member States. Khare has served since May 2010 as Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy to the Head of

The Change Management Team will guide the implementation of a forward-looking reform agenda for the United Nations, starting with the formulation of a comprehensive plan to streamline processes the Department of Peacekeeping Operations. Prior to assuming those functions, he was Special Representative of the SecretaryGeneral for Timor-Leste and Head of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste from December 2006 to December 2009.

Khare started his career as an Indian diplomat in 1984. He has served in various capacities in the Indian Foreign Service, including as Deputy High Commissioner of India to Mauritius, Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in New York and ChargĂŠ d'affaires of the Indian Embassy in Senegal with concurrent accreditation to Mali, Mauritania, Gambia, Guinea Bissau and Cape Verde. He was Chef de Cabinet of the Foreign Secretary of India and of Director of the United Nations Division in the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi and served as Director of the Nehru Centre and Minister (Culture) of the High Commission of India in London since 2005. Khare holds master's degrees in business administration and leadership from the University of Southern Queensland, Australia, as well as bachelor's degrees in medicine and surgery from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. Born in India in 1959, he is married to Vandna Khare, a writer.

Desmond Tutu presented Chinmoy Peace Prize India Post News Service

enowned peace luminary and Nobel Peace Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu was presented the first Sri Chinmoy Peace Prize in Tacoma, WA for fostering the ideals of peace worldwide. Archbishop Tutu delivered a talk entitled "Be the Spark" during which he encouraged 15,000 mostly young people "to be God's partner" in bettering the world. As part of the award presentation, one of Sri Chinmoy's students said, "From his first treasured meeting with you in 1995 while you served as Archbishop of Cape Town, Sri Chinmoy always loved, admired and treasured you. You are our supreme hero and most fitting person to receive the first Sri Chinmoy Peace Prize for your extraordinary courage, love for humanity and dedication to peace." The 79-year-old Desmond Tutu replied, "Thank you so much for this very special award which I shall treasure. Please pray for us. I wish to say that world has got very many ugly things - war and poverty and disease. But it also has beautiful thingsâ&#x20AC;Ś. Sri

File photo of Archbishop Desmond Tutu with Sri Chinmoy

Chinmoy was one of God's very best fellow workers, working for harmony and peace, and we thank God for his tireless service. We

pray for God's Blessings on all who follow his teachings to plant the seeds of peace and harmony throughout the world."

RALEGAN SIDDHI, Maharashtra: Anna Hazare has decided to associate himself with Baba Ramdev's hunger strike with a warning to the yoga guru that he should not be swayed by the overtures made by the government saying it plays "fraud" by first agreeing to demands and then backing out. Hazare, who rattled the government in April through his fast for a stronger Lokpal that generated widespread nationwide support, said all those fighting against corruption should not be satisfied with the oral assurances of the government. Hazare said he would join Ramdev at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi, where he is to sit on a fast-untodeath protest, emphasizing that there was no divide in the civil society on the issue of corruption. "I will support Ramdev so that the government does not do what it did when we were fighting. We will fight together against corruption," he said. Hazare criticized the extraordinary step taken by the government to send four senior ministers, including Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, to Delhi airport to receive Ramdev and talk to him there. "There was no need for so many ministers to go. One or two ministers would have been enough for the talks. When so many ministers go, it means there is a plan of fraud. Sign papers, make promises, all this is to pass time," he said. "Once the time passes, they (government) will do what they want to. When I went on fast, it reached such a stage that the government conceded all our demands to save itself. Now, they have backed out," Hazare said. He was referring to the question of bringing Prime Minister under the purview of Lokpal, which he claimed the government had agreed to earlier but now disfavors. Claiming that the government has "cheated" activists on the issue of Lokpal and people have realized the "betrayal" by the government, Hazare said, "it is a fraud if the government agrees on certain issues and says the Prime Minister will be accountable under Lokpal and later backs out." Hazare also noted that the yoga

guru has a standing in the public and wherever he goes people gather to hear him. "Baba Ramdev has been raising the issue of black money from so many days. Why did the government not think of doing something on the issue? People have now come to know what the intentions of the government are. "Now no more hollow assurances and oral promises. What we want is action and the fight against corruption will continue throughout the country till we get what we want," he said. He said the government was getting its act together now only after Ramdev made it clear that he

Baba Ramdev with Anna Hazare

would start his agitation from June 4. "For so many days we are demanding (immediate implementation of the Lokpal Bill), why did the government not listen to us. Now the government is running just because time has to come to sit on fast, he said. Asked about the bitterness that surfaced recently between government and civil society members of the Lokpal drafting committee, Hazare said he warned that if the draft of the proposed bill was not prepared in time and in line with their demands, they will part ways and hit the streets again. "Government is not bigger than people. People are bigger than people," he said. Hazare also made it clear that everybody should come under the ambit of the Lokpal Bill. "All the government officials should come under the ambit of the Lokpal," he said. -PTI

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2G scam: Court rejects plea against Ambani, Tata NEW DELHI: A Delhi court has dismissed pleas for a direction to the CBI to make Reliance ADAG chairman Anil Ambani, Tata group Chief Ratan Tata, corporate lobbyist Niira Radia and DMK chief M Karunanidhi's wife Dayalu Ammal, as accused in the 2G spectrum scam. Special CBI Judge O P Saini also imposed a cost of Rs 10,000 each on Delhi-based scribe M Furquan and Ghaziabad's scrap dealer Dharmender Pandey for filing complaints in this regard. "The applications are not only devoid of any substance but are

also contrary to law and deserve to be dismissed with heavy cost as application after application of this nature are being filed by third parties resulting into loss of precious time of the court. "However, I am inclined to take a little lenient view as far as cost is concerned. Accordingly, both applications are dismissed, subject to nominal cost of Rs 10,000 each," the judge said. The court also directed both the complainants to deposit the cost within three days failing which warrants shall be issued against them. The complainants

had earlier told the court that CBI was "deliberately" suppressing the facts against Ambani and "overlooking" the role of Tata and Radia in the scam. Furquan and Pandey had also alleged in their separate private complaints that CBI was not looking into the matter and trying to protect them. The court on May 25 had also slapped a fine of Rs 10,000 on a journalist seeking a direction for CBI to make some telecom companies like Videocon-owned Datacom, S-tel, Aircel and Maxis as accused in the case. -PTI

Afghanistan for stronger defense ties with India NEW DELHI: Afghanistan today said it aims to establish closer defense ties with India and will welcome any cooperation from it in training of its security forces. "We will welcome any cooperation (from India) in the field of training and helping of Afghan national security forces so that they are able to secure and defend the country," Afghan Defense Minister General Abdul Rahim Wardak told reporters here. He was asked about the nature of help Afghanistan has sought from India in areas of security and defense. Wardak, who arrived here on a three-day visit, was received at the South Block by his Indian counterpart A K Antony. On whether the enhanced cooperation between the two countries could result in India supplying military equipment to Afghani-

stan, Wardak said, "We will be discussing (it). There is a very genuine interest in strengthening our relations in all sectors including defense."

India has been actively involved in modernization programs in Afghanistan and is viewed as one of its trusted allies pushing for closer security ties with the war-torn nation The visit of the Afghan Defense Minister assumes significance against the backdrop of increasing terror activities in Paki-

stan and the killing of Osama bin Laden. India has been actively involved in modernization programs in Afghanistan and is viewed as one of its trusted allies pushing for closer security ties with the war-torn nation. There have been periodic defense exchanges between the armed forces of the two countries since General Wardak last visited India in April, 2008. The Afghan Chief of General Staff, General Sher Mohammad Karimi had visited India in October last year. India has carried modernization tasks worth over USD 1 billion after the Hamid Karzai government took over power there. The visit of the Afghan Defense Minister comes close on the heels of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's tour of that country earlier this month. -PTI

US gives Pak deadline till July for North Waziristan operation ISLAMABAD: The US has given Pakistan a deadline till July to launch a military offensive in the restive North Waziristan tribal region for capturing five most wanted al-Qaeda and Taliban terrorists, including Ayman alZawahiri, Mullah Omar and Ilyas Kashmiri. Pakistani security forces have been asked to capture al-Zawahiri, Omar, Kashmiri, Sirajuddin Haqqani and Atia Abdur Rehman either in a unilateral or joint military action within the deadline till July - the month when NATO and allied forces will begin withdraw-

Pakistani security forces have been asked to capture al-Zawahiri, Omar, Kashmiri, Sirajuddin Haqqani and Atia Abdur Rehman ing from neighboring Afghanistan. The US demand has set alarm bells ringing in Pakistani civil and military circles, The News daily reported today quoting unnamed sources. Pakistan's security forces had so far shown reluctance in launch-

ing a military offensive in North Waziristan despite sustained pressure from the US to do so. The Haqqani militant network, based in North Waziristan, "had not been any threat to Pakistan" and has served as "a vital contact between the Pakistani intelligence agencies and the Afghan Taliban," the report said. Another factor for the Pakistani military's reluctance to move into North Waziristan is the presence of "some very important progovernment" militant factions, including those led by Mullah Nazir and Hafiz Gul Bahadar.-PTI

US court sets date for Kamal Nath trial NEW YORK: A US federal Court here has set September 21 date for pre-trial hearing in a case against Urban Development Minister Kamal Nath and India's Congress Party in connection with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Judge Robert W Sweet of US Federal Court of the Southern District of New York issued an order in this regard. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, legal advisor to Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) which filed the suit seeking compensation, said the plaintiffs will present evidence showing how Congress party planned the riots that killed 3000 Sikhs. The case, which was filed last year in New York, initially targeted Kamal Nath. In March this year, the court had issued summons to Congress party, charging it with "conspiring, aiding and abetting" organized attacks on the community. The complaint against Nath stated that "the defendant was seen and heard by many on the scene of Gurudwara Rakab Ganj

(in New Delhi). In this particular incident defendant was leading and in control of a mob of about four thousand people." Nath has repeatedly denied any involvement and has been cleared by the Nanavati Inquiry Commission, which described the

Kamal Nath

minister's testimony as "vague" but concluded that there was no evidence that he had incited a mob. Adam Finkel, from the New York-based law firm, Sabharwal Nordin & Finkel is representing the defendants. The plaintiffs have asked for a jury trial. -PTI

Maj Iqbal asked Rana about Mumbai plot progress CHICAGO: Major Iqbal, be- LeT operative, had said that Iqbal lieved to be an ISI officer, had had given money to Rana to open asked Pakistan-born Canadian a business office in Mumbai which Tahawwur Hussain Rana about was used as a cover to zero in on the progress made on the Mumbai targets for the attacks. terror plot, FBI testified before a An e-mail sent from a Chaudhery court here, in another pointer to Khan, another name for Major Iqbal, the involvement of Pakistan's in- from chaudherykhan@yahoo.com telligence agency in the attacks. in which he gave his mobile numIqbal had telephonic talk with Rana and another co-accused in the An e-mail sent from a Mumbai attacks David Coleman Headley, a Pa- Chaudhery Khan, another kistani-American, and name for Major Iqbal, from exchanged e-mails with them, five FBI agents chaudherykhan@yahoo.com in testified during Rana's which he gave his mobile trial in the court hearing number for future contacts, was the 26/11 case. In an e-mail of July 7, shown in the court by 2008, Iqbal asked Rana prosecutor Sarah Streicker if there was any "progress made on the project". Prosecutors said he was ber for future contacts, was shown seeking an update on the prepa- in the court by prosecutor Sarah rations for the 26/11 attacks. Streicker. Defense attorneys, however, Another e-email from argued that any discussion Iqbal tahawwur@yahoo.com in which had with Rana was focused on Rana booked Headley's flight on their plans to work as partners in December 8, 2008, from New York to Rana's immigration business. Chicago with a stop at Atlanta, was In his deposition, Headley, an also placed before the court. -PTI

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Mayawati announces new land acquisition policy LUCKNOW: Under pressure over farmers' agitation, the Mayawati government in Uttar Pradesh has announced a new land acquisition policy under which its role in acquiring land for private developers would only be that of a facilitator. The chief minister, who held a farmers' panchayat earlier in the day to discuss their problems, announced that the new policy will be implemented with immediate effect. Facing flak over acquiring land for private companies, the government has decided that from now on, the developers would be acquiring land directly from the farmers. The chief minister also said that such acquisitions could only happen with the agreement of 70 per cent of the farmers in a given area. In case of disagreement, the project would be reviewed, she said. Giving details of the new policy, she said that in the affected villages where land has been acquired, the developer would have to construct a kisan bhawan as well as a model school. The chief minister clarified that areas where land has already been acquired and compensation distributed to farmers including Bhatta-Parsaul and Tappal will be out of the ambit of the policy. .

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati during a meeting with the farmers at Tilak Hall at Vidhan Bhawan in Lucknow

Mayawati said the new policy has been framed to safeguard the interest of farmers, adding that their suggestions during the daylong panchayat here, would be incorporated in the government order. Terming the new policy a historic one, she said efforts would be made to get it implemented at

the national level as the Union government also plans to bring a land acquisition bill during the monsoon session. She stuck to her threat of protesting outside Parliament if the Centre failed to bring a new bill in the monsoon session. This policy is even better than the ones being implemented in

Headley lied to law enforcement agencies: defense attorneys CHICAGO: David Coleman Headley, co-accused in the Mumbai terror attacks, lied to the law enforcement agencies and implicated Tawahhur Hussain Rana in the plot in a bid to save his life, defense attorneys said today. 50-year-old Headley, a Pakistani-American, has been crossexamined by defense lawyers of

Rana, a 26/11 co-accused and a Canadian of Pakistani-origin who is standing trial at a Chicago court here after being slapped with a dozen charges in connection with the Mumbai attacks in which 166 persons were killed. Headley, who pleaded guilty to avoid the death penalty and extradition, wrapped up testimony with prosecutors saying they ex-

pect to call up to eight more witnesses starting today. The FBI agents and Rana's relatives will be the next witnesses in the trial. The defense lawyers said Headley lived multiple lives and used his friend over the years. Rana and Headley, who are both 50, met as teenagers at a Pakistani military school.

Headley was ready to double cross his terror friends CHICAGO: Confessed terrorist David Headley was ready to double cross his comrades-inarms after his 2009 arrest and had prepared to set up dreaded alQaeda commander Ilyas Kashmiri to be targeted in a US drone strike. Headley, for this task, offered to travel undercover to Pakistan's tribal areas to present Kashmiri with an ornate sword that could be fitted with a homing device to set up a US missile attack, according to his testimony before a Chi-

cago court. The Pakistani-American terrorist, who had done the recee for the audacious 2008 Mumbai attacks, was not only after Kashmiri but had also tried to lure Sajid Mir, an LeT militant and one of the brains behind the 26/11 attacks out of Pakistan so that he could be nabbed. However, the attempt had failed, Headley told the court and Mir remains a fugitive, ProPublica reported. Kashmiri remains on the most

wanted list of the US and carries a reward of USD 5 million on his head. The PoK-born terrorist was behind a plot last fall to carry out Mumbaitype shooting attacks in Britain, France, Germany and Denmark. Kashmiri has a far-flung network and is one of the most feared terrorist leaders today, especially after Osama bin Laden's killing. According to Headley, Kashmiri was planning to kill CEO of defense equipment manufacturer Lockheed Martin.

Congress-ruled states like Haryana, she claimed. Blaming the Opposition for instigating the recent agitations, she said that instead of putting pressure on the Centre to amend the existing policy, they enacted a "drama" in UP and created a law and order problem at some places in the state.

The chief minister said an assurance has been given to representatives from Bhatta-Parsaul that the government would compensate the damages. According to the new policy, Mayawati said that for purposes including National Highways, canals or other basic amenities, land acquisition would be through mutual agreement and farmers would get the benefits of state's rehabilitation and relocation policy. For setting up power and other projects, private companies would be negotiating directly with the farmers with the government just playing the role of a facilitator. She said two options would be given to farmers, adding that they can either take 16 per cent of the developed land along with annuity of Rs 23,000 per acre for 33 years or take cash for some portion of the 16 per cent land. Farmers would also have the option of taking a one-time payment in case they do not want annuity which otherwise would be paid in July with a hike of Rs 800 annually. Exemption on stamp duty will be given to farmers, she said adding that one member of the farmers' family being displaced, would get a job as per his qualification in the company. -PTI

Sonia launches free delivery scheme of Health Ministry MEWAT, Haryana: A national new borns till 30 days after their initiative guaranteeing free deliv- birth. ery, free medicines and diet for Gandhi said social health workpregnant women in government ers ASHAs will help in implementhealth institutes was unveiled by ing the scheme. "I hope all states UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi will implement this scheme with here today. full responsibility," she said, addIn an effort to tackle maternal ing the scheme will be under the mortality, the Ministry of Health National Rural Health Mission and Family Welfare is starting the which was started by UPA in 2005. scheme. The initiative aims at guaran"It is sad that 67,000 women die in childbirth every year and nine lakh Gandhi said all medicines children die in one and medical tests and month of birth. This provision for blood will be scheme will give right to all pregnant women free of cost. She said the govto have free delivery in ernment will also take care of government health organizations," Gandhi said the launching the program expenses if the patient is here. Gandhi said all medicines and medical tests and pro- teeing free delivery, including caevision for blood will be free of sarean operation for every pregcost. She said the government will nant woman accessing a governalso take care of the expenses if ment health institute besides prothe patient is referred to a bigger vision of free transport from home hospital. to health unit, facilities in case of Officials said the scheme will referral and drop back from health also include the treatment of sick centre to home. -PTI

Desi News DoJ officials collaborate with Sikh organizations India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Sikh community members in Charlotte, North Carolina recently met with Assistant Attorney General Tom Perez, US Attorney Anne Tompkins, and staff members from the Department of Justice to discuss important issues that affect the Sikh American community. Continuing to collaborate with federal law enforcement agencies across North and South Carolina to highlight challenges faced by the Sikh community, Sikh advocacy group United Sikhs and the Sikh Gurdwara of Charlotte hosted the DOJ officials for a discussion about the civil rights concerns of both the local and national Sikh community.

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

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Top MEA team here to discuss visa issues Details on page 15

June 10, 2011

Superb culmination of Swarnnim Gujarat by India TV

Details on page 12

Blind Association plans to help Indian blind SURESH SHAH

CHICAGO: Blind Foundation of India (BFI) based in Naperville recently held a meeting here at the Municipal Center, City of Naperville. It was attended among others by the Naperville Mayor George Pradel, Councilman Douglas Krause and the guests from India. Dr. Manu Vora, President of BFI welcomed all the guests in attendance and briefed them about the activities of the Foundation. He said that founded in 1989, the BFI's charter is to prevent and cure blindness besides educating the blind in India about the cures and help. There are over 15 million blind in India.

Lamp lighting by (a) businessman Bhagubhai Patel, (b) Scientist Dr Dayal Meshri (c) Physician Dr. Sherry Merchant

RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

Chicago : The nearly year long celebration of Swarnnim Gujarat (the Golden Jubilee of the establishment of the State of Gujarat within Indian Union) could not have a better ending or culmination than the stage presentation organized by India TV, aptly dubbed Purna Gujarat.

The mood was clearly reflected by a guest of honor Dr. Dayal Meshri who had flown from Tulsa Oklahoma to attend the show. "I had no idea what was in store before the performance began and I was wonderstruck that Gujaratis here could preserve the rich cultural heritage of Gujarat so well. I congratulated the organizers Mina and Kishore Purohit for bringing on the stage or giving a platform to the young and

dience. Everything was crisply organized. One item after the other - be it a dance, folklore or songs or poems - was presented captivating the audience to the core. There were 80 plus artists representing five dance academies and music schools and all were local. TV India Anchor Mina Purohit, Kruti Jain and Kishore Purohit emceed the show quite elegantly with Mina Purohit excelling in

The four hour show held last month at Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin had 900 plus members of the audience spellbound. The unanimous end of the show opinion was that they would drive miles to come to a show like this. The mood was clearly reflected by a guest of honor Dr. Dayal Meshri who had flown from Tulsa Oklahoma to attend the show

Details on page 13

Rajan gets Interfaith Award in Nevada India Post News Service

Guest Naren Patel began the ceremony accompanied by his wife Sumitraben Patel followed by ace Gujarati entrepreneurs Bhagubhai Patel, Gujarat raised scientist Dr. Dayal Meshri, Gujarati lady physician Ms Sherry Merchant and front ranking community activist Harendra Mangrola. Naren Patel incidentally, was instrumental in organizing similar cultural presentations during the Swarnnim cel-

Chief Guest Naren Patel (right) and Sumitraben Patel (middle) being honored by organizers Mina and Kishore Purohit

old artists for a vivid presentation of their talents. I would have regretted if I had not come to this show of the year," he told this paper. One of the features of the show was that there were not many speeches that would bore the au-

shayaris and ghazals while Kruti in describing the details of the presentation and Kishore Purohit thanking all those who helped make the show a great success. The show started with the traditional lighting of the lamp. Chief

ebration under the auspices of Vishwa Gujarati Samaj and he exclaimed that the Purna Gujarat could be easily described as the apt culmination of year-long celebration of Swarnnim. ContĂd on page 11

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Superb culmination of Swarnnim Gujarat by India TV

Chief Guest, honored guests Purohits and Jains on the podium ContĂd from page 10

Dr. Meshri in his chaste Gujarati said that Purohit couple live up to the oft repeated Gujarati maxim Yahom Karine Pado, Fateh Chhe Age- (Just jump with courage and you meet success). The dance academies Kalapadma, Nritya Kalashree,

India TV hosts (L -R) Mina Purohit, Kruti Jain and Kishore Purohit

Modi and Ajay Modi on tabla and Nehal Achaya on Keyboard. Ramesh Brahmbhat, a writer, sang a poem penned by him in praise of Gujarat and Gujarati spirit. Subhash Bhat and Indrajit Patel talked about Swarnnim coin, the sale of which would help raise funds for Sardar Patel memorial.

Singers rendering Gujarati songs and bhajans

Swarnnim Coin display (L-R) Hasmukh Patel, Bhailal Patel, Babu Patel, Vinod Patel and Indrajit Patel

Mudra and Tarana - with their member artists presented a variety of performances. There was Garba, Kathak and dances which brought repeated applause from the audience. Singers sang beautiful songs and excelled the expectations that were entertained by the members of the audience. They were Rohit Parekh, Ashwin Acharay and Gayatri Patel. Accompanying them were Kalpesh

Ending as usual was a thanking ceremony conducted aptly by Kishore Purohit and the beginning - may not be that usual - was serving delicious Gujarati food by Ashyana Banquet. Surinder Jain and Shashi Jain hosted the dinner that was tasteful to the last dish Ghughra and Kheer. Kudos to TV India for the wonderful Purna Gujarat organized to perfection the Purna way.

Performance by child artists

Performance by Nritya Kala academy artists

Performance by Kalapadma artists

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DoJ officials collaborate with Sikh organizations India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Sikh community members in Charlotte, North Carolina recently met with Assistant Attorney General Tom Perez, US Attorney Anne Tompkins, and staff members from the Depart-

At the meeting, Perez indicated that his department was reviewing several hate crime incidents, land use, and discrimination cases and stated that, "Security concerns can be addressed while maintaining respect for libertiesâ&#x20AC;? ment of Justice to discuss important issues that affect the Sikh American community. Continuing to collaborate with federal law enforcement agencies across North and South Carolina to highlight challenges faced by the Sikh community, Sikh advo-

DoJ staff with Sikhs

cacy group United Sikhs and the Sikh Gurdwara of Charlotte hosted the DOJ officials for a discussion about the civil rights concerns of both the local and national Sikh community. As part of its Protect Our Identity Campaign, United Sikhs has worked closely with the US Attorney's Office, specifically with US Attorney Anne Tompkins, who is one of the 94 US Attorneys across the 50 states. In addition to these local collaborations, the Sikh organization has been developing a relationship with Assistant Attorney General Tom Perez, who leads the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, through

quarterly inter-agency meetings in Washington, DC. At the meeting, Perez indicated that his department was reviewing several hate crime incidents, land use, and discrimination cases and stated that, "Security concerns can be addressed while maintaining respect for liberties. We can and must do both." He shared his own story of the importance of diversity in maintaining the fundamental values that make the US an example for civil and human rights. In his opening comments, Pushpinder Singh, United Sikhs Coordinator for North Carolina said, "Civil Rights are the corner-

stone of all modern nations, and protection of civil rights is an integral part of our mandate." Singh went on to highlight several civil rights challenges faced by the community including racial/religious profiling at airports, school bullying, workplace discrimination, and hate crimes. He also highlighted the collaboration between United Sikhs and the DOJ to address many of these issues. With support from Anne Tompkins and Fred Hudson (District Program Manager for Western North Carolina), the United Sikhs team in North Carolina has been able to reach out to the local

police department, Sheriff's office, FBI field office, Department of Homeland Security and Transportation Security Administration to raise awareness about Sikh issues in a short period of time. The team has also recently attended 2 daylong seminars on the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act in Greenville, SC and Asheville, NC. This visit to the Charlotte Gurdwara is testimony to the diligence with which the North Carolina sangat has reached out to lawmakers and government agencies in bringing attention to Sikh American civil rights concerns, the organization said.

Hindu priest gets Person of Year Award ASHWIN PATEL

ST LOUIS: Gitana Productions has named Rameshwar Das, a priest at the Hindu Temple of St. Louis, to receive their prestigious 10th annual "Extraordinary/Ordinary Person of the Year Award." Rameshwar Das was honored May 21during performance of Faultlines, a new play by Lee Patton Chiles. It focuses on domestic violence of women, particularly in the South Asian immigrant community and ran through June 5 at the Cardinal Rigali Center at Laclede Station Road, St Louis. Gitana Productions works to increase cross-cultural awareness in the St. Louis region through international music, dance and drama. Gitana's 2011 Extraordinary/Ordinary Person of the Year Award honors a volunteer who reaches across racial, cultural and religious lines to support victims of domestic violence. "Rameshwar Das is the humblest of men with less than most financially, yet he is always there to help with cases of domestic violence," said Cecilia Nadal, executive director of Gitana Productions. "He works hand-in-hand with Saweraa, a nonprofit organization that helps South Asian women who are victims of domestic violence. He

helps abused families from both a spiritual and therapeutic standpoint. He is an important example to our community, speaking up on behalf of women and children." Rameshwar Das currently lives with his

ing to India with dignity, he gave them money for the trip. In the US, one of every four women experiences domestic violence in her lifetime. The numbers are much higher for South

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rameshwar Das is the humblest of men with less than most financially, yet he is always there to help with cases of domestic violence," said Cecilia Nadal, executive director of Gitana Productions Priest Rameshwar Das

wife Bainti Devi at the Hindu Temple after a fire destroyed their home. Several years ago, the couple learned of a severe case of parental abuse and brought the parents to stay in their home. He rendered all help through the crisis and when they insisted on return-

Asian women. This year, several Gitana events will focus on domestic violence in St. Louis' South Asian community (immigrants from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Maldives.)

Forty-five to fifty percent of South Asian women, both in the US and in their homelands, are victims of domestic violence, according to Saweraa, a local organization that empowers South Asian women. And among those Indian women who are abused, 70 percent have attempted suicide. The problem in the South Asian community is well hidden because victims rarely seek help, are unaware of services available to them and are uncertain about their rights. Culturally, many South Asian women fear bringing shame to their family names or undue attention to themselves as new Americans. On Saturday, May 21 Saweraa, the women's empowerment group held a fundraiser and reception just before the show. Jasmine Huda, co-anchor for KMOV television spoke before the performance as did Saweraa President Dr. Ann Duncan Hively. Gitana Productions presented Rameshwar Das as the winner of their 11th Annual Extraordinary Person of the Year for his contributions in helping abused families. Gitana is supported by the Regional Arts Commission, Missouri Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.

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Hindu Temple organizes Blind Association plans to help Health Fair Indian blind ASHWIN PATEL

SURESH SHAH

Volunteers help patient

ST LOUIS: The annual health fair sponsored by the Hindu Temple of St Louis was held on May 7 at the Gandhi Center. It was an event well attended

checkups, eye checkups and many other specialty consultations. This is an event organized and participated by physicians and

Blood Drive at Hindu Temple

by people of all ages from the St Louis community. This year there were more registrants. The services offered were general physical exams, basic screening lab tests like cholesterol, sugar levels, PSA, hemoglobin etc, EKGs, bone density measurements, dental

non physicians of Indian community on a voluntary basis. The lab tests were sponsored by St Anthony's Medical Center and the cost of the fair was borne by the Humanitarian Committee of the Hindu Temple with the support of Mahatma Gandhi Center, St. Louis.

Health Fair in progress

Dr Manu Vora, Raj Bakshi, Mayor George Padrel, Councilman Douglas Krause and Avni Kothari

free cataract operations, donated 96 mobile vans for transporting doctors and patients for eye care work, and reached 400,000 school children for their eyesight checkup

from India were: Dr. Manu Kothari, Dr. Minoo Kothari and Dr. Lopa Mehta. From US: Dr. Paul Prabhaker, Associate Dean, College of Business at Northern Illi-

He said that founded in 1989, the BFI's charter is to prevent and cure blindness besides educating the blind in India about the cures and help. There are over 15 million blind in India, which equates to one out of 3 blind people in the world and provided glasses, and Vitamin A as necessary. Through BFI's efforts in India, over a million people got their eyesight checkup so far, Manu Vora said Special guests in attendance

nois University (NIU). Eight Chief Inspectors from the Ministry of Interior from Turkey, who are at NIU for a Leadership and Management Training Program, also attended.

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Rajan gets Interfaith Award in Nevada

Sikhs join Memorial Day celebrations

At the Award presentation, from left to right, Debbie McCarthy, Rajan Zed, Beth Williams, Dave Asher, and Sandy Bountis. India Post News Service

NEVADA: Religious statesman Rajan Zed has been awarded "Northern Nevada Interfaith Leadership Award". Citation of this Award, presented on May 31 at Reno (Nevada, USA) by Dave Asher, Executive Director of Reno-Sparks Local Business Co-Op & Green Chamber of Commerce, said: "to Inter-Religious Statesman Rajan Zed for his leadership efforts to create trust and mutual loyalty among various faith traditions in the region. We recognize his achievements through dialog and building a cohesive and harmonious community and offering Spiritual Enrichment to the region, country and world. We are proud to present this award." Rajan Zed has taken up reli-

gion, interfaith, Hinduism, environment, Roma and other causes all over the world. He has read opening prayers in US Senate, various state senates and houses of representatives, counties and city councils all over USA. He is panelist for "On Faith", a presti-

plomacy, Director of Interfaith Relations of Nevada Clergy Association, Spiritual Advisor to National Association of Interchurch & Interfaith Families, etc. This Co-Op and Green Chamber brings together community leaders, independent business

“We recognize his achievements through dialog and building a cohesive and harmonious community and offering Spiritual Enrichment to the region, country and world” gious interactive conversation on religion produced by The Washington Post. He is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, Senior Fellow and Religious Advisor to New York headquartered Foundation for Inter-religious Di-

owners, government officials, and social innovators to build a thriving sustainable local community. Its tagline is "Think Local-Choose Local-Live Local" and it aims to help provide a better quality of life for all, Asher pointed out.

Sikhs participate in Memorial Day celebrations

CHICAGO: More than 60 Sikhs from Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, participated in Memorial Day celebration in Schaumburg, a northwest suburb of Chicago Two Sikhs from World War II were the main attraction. S Gurdev Singh Bhattal and Mukand Singh Dhaliwal attended the function. Dhaliwal also participated in hosting the Color Guard accompanied by Thakar Basati who was one of the organizers for the event along with many veteran organizations of Schaumburg and Hoffman Estates Mayors of Schaumburg and Hoffman Estates Al Larson and William McLeod, attended the event and both addressed the gathering. Veterans also instituted an award to a young person who helps the veterans. This year's award went to Eagle Scout Michael

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Einig. Athena Saldhena, Junior at JB Conant High School was invited to talk about US Constitution. She is also from India. Sikhs donated money to the picnic that was enjoyed in beautiful weather at around 80+ degree. Veterans thanked the Sikhs for participation and for showing up to be part of the community. There are many heroic stories of Sikhs fighting in World Wars. Many medals were won by Sikhs, yet they got very little recognition. The younger generation has no clue. Sikhs put up banners depicting number of Sikhs killed in World Wars. Many books have been written about Sikh gallantry. Both Village of Schaumburg and Hoffman Estates invited the Sikhs to get more involved and participate next year.

Silver Jubilee of Chicago Hindu Temple RAGHU BADDI

CHICAGO: The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago in Lemont will celebrate its Silver Jubilee called Rajatotsavam from June 8 to June 12 in the temple complex. Elaborate religious, spiritual and cultural activities are being planned at different times of the day. Besides religious events starting with Ankurarpanam and Agniprathishta on June 7 and 8, Vishwakasena Yagam and Moolamantra Homam on June 9 and 10, Mahasamprokshan Kumbhabhishekam on June 11, culminating on June 12 with Sahasra Kalasabhishekam, there will be cultural events starting with a grand musical extravaganza on Friday, June 10. The event will be featured with well known Bollywood singers Kavita Krishnamurthy and Suresh Wadkar with live orchestra provided by Hitesh Master and his group, Saregama.

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Top MEA team here to discuss visa issues India Post News Service

SAN FRANCISCO, CA: Mr. Ajai Choudhry, Secretary Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Mr. Basant K. Gupta, Additional Secretary and Mr. T. Cherian, Under Secretary visited San Francisco Bay Area, on a 'fact finding mission' on current issues and hardships relating to the surrender certificate requirements, OCI, PIO cards and to learn the grievances of NRIs about visa issuance. Prior to visiting San Francisco, the MEA delegation had visited Houston Consulate. GOPIO Fremont chapter with NFIA and FIANC coordinated the Bay Area community meeting of MEA officials and community activists at the Sneha Banquet Hall on May 26. Consul General of India, Sushmita Thomas and Consul, community affairs Ashok Sinha also attended the meeting. Several members from various organizations and community activists attended the meeting and provided valuable input on the related issues. Haresh Panchal, GOPIO International treasurer opened the meeting by welcoming the guests while Inder Singh chairman of GOPIO International moderated the meeting. Shoba Vohra, President of Jain Temple asked about obtaining surrender certificate when the passport is lost or misplaced. "Once a person gets US citizenship, he/she finds no need to keep the Indian passport. Some of the people had their minor children as part of their passport but now the children can't obtain a visa because they don't have the Indian passport to prove their Indian background," said Shoba Vohra. Raj Bhanot of Sunnyvale Hindu temple raised his concern about those who can't read English and don't have the ability to use a computer to access the consulate website to comply with visa related issues. He also talked about cases where people had painful experience to obtain visa in an emergency situation. Dr. Suresh Mahawar of FIANC felt that the consulates must not ask for too many documents to prove their Indian background and suggested relaxing the rules. Chandru Bhambra, President of overseas BJP, recommended adding more offices in Fremont and San Jose to process visa related documents. Jeevan Zutshi, GOPIO San Francisco chapter President suggested that all the consulates in the United States should implement a uniform policy regarding passport surrender and visa issuance and have a common website. He also complimented the San Francisco consulate staff for working very hard in handling large number of visa, PIO and OCI card applications. Mr. Basant K. Gupta, Additional Secretary MEA applauded GOPIO for taking the lead in finding resolution to the problems related to issuance of visa. "The fees of $175 was reduced to $20 at the initiative of GOPIO under the leadership of Inder Singh," said

From left to right: Niraj Baxi; Rajeev Awasty; Ashok Sinha; Inder Singh; Sushmita Thomas; Ajai Choudhry; Basant Gupta; Haresh Panchal; Jeevan Zutshi; Ashok Madan; T. Cherian and Gursharan Nat.

Basant K. Gupta. Both Susmita Thomas and Basant Gupta responded to the questions from the audience and clarified many of the points raised by the attendees. Mr. Chaudary, team leader heard complaints and took notes of input from the attendees. He promised to resolve several issues and streamline the visa process. GOPIO submitted a memorandum to the high level delegation offering suggestions based on community input: 1. All consulates and embassies should implement uniform policies regarding passport surrender and visa issuance and this

of the adopted country. If not surrendered within three months, charge full fee of $175. 4. Insert notation on each Indian passport that if the holder becomes citizen of another country, he/she must surrender the passport to the nearest Indian Mission abroad and obtain receipt for surrender. 5. Eliminate penalty fee being charged currently from those who have become citizens of other countries after January 1, 2005. 6. An applicant should not be required to send his original US passport with his/ her OCI application. Since the OCI application has been taking longer than three

Dr. Suresh Mahawar of FIANC felt that the consulates must not ask for too many documents to prove their Indian background and suggested relaxing the rules. Chandru Bhambra, President of overseas BJP, recommended adding more offices in Fremont and San Jose to process visa related documents information should be identical on consular websites. In fact, it is preferable that the Indian embassy website should post the set of policies and fees regarding passport surrender and visa issuance and all consular websites should have link to the embassy website. 2. Those who became naturalized citizens before 2001 need not obtain surrender certificates since their old passports are no longer valid documents. 3. Reduce the passport surrender fee of $175 to $20 if the new naturalized citizen surrenders his/her passport within three months from the date of becoming citizen

months to process, the applicant should send his/her passport on receipt of approval letter of his/her OCI application from the Indian Consulate or High Commissioner's Office. 7. An applicant who previously had a long term visa should be given short term visa in emergency without completing the lengthy formalities for surrender certificate. 8. Monthly visa camp in Los Angeles should be started again to reduce the number of people who have to travel to San Francisco for consular services. 9. Travisa Outsourcing has so far proven to be a failure. It has added another layer of

bureaucracy with inefficient and untrained staff. Neither Travisa office nor the Consulate takes responsibility of the status of the visa applications. Each blames the other for delay at the cost of the applicants. Element of sensitivity is lacking by both agencies. If Travisa has to be retained as the outsourcing agency, their staff should be trained. The staff also needs to change their attitude and behavior in dealing with the applicants. Inder Singh, GOPIO International chairman concluded by stating "during the last several years, efforts have been made to develop goodwill between India and her Diaspora. Organization of annual Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, Mini PBDs, grant of OCI Card and PIO card and establishment of a separate ministry for Overseas Indians are decisions in the right direction and are appreciated by the Indian Diaspora. However, the ambiguous rules of passport surrender are causing undue hardships and delays in obtaining visa for visiting India and consequently alienating NRI/PIO communities all over the world. We urge you to resolve these issues immediately. In the coming months of June and July, many parents will be applying for visa to visit India as the schools are closed in Canada and America during July and August. Prompt resolution will avoid crisis situation which might develop during the coming months." Niraj Baxi, past Chairman of the National Federation of Indian Associations (NFIA) thanked everyone for giving input. He also thanked the Consul General of India and visiting high ranking officials from India for their presence and commitment to address community concerns.

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Sant Nirankari Mission organizes Blood Drive PRAFULL LANDE

TRACY, CA: The Sant Nirankari Mission, a spiritual movement working towards universal brotherhood celebrated 'Manav Ekata Divas' (Human Unity Day) by organizing a Blood donation camp on Sunday, May 15 in Tracy, California. The Delta Blood Bank conducted this blood drive. Representatives from the Delta Blood Bank as well as volunteers of the Sant Nirankari Mission (sewadal) gathered at the Tracy Bhavan very early in the morning to set up the blood camp. Sewadal members had worked hard for last few weeks

spreading the word about this blood camp. The blood camp received an overwhelming response and total blood collected exceeded everyone's expectations. Although the timing for blood camp was announced for 10 am to 2pm, it had to be extended well beyond that timeframe and still there were a few who missed their chance due to time constraints. But they promised to visit again next year. One could see joy and sat-

isfaction on the faces of volunteers conducting the event as well as blood donors. Some of them had come from places as far as Reno, Fresno, San Jose, and Sacramento. Total blood collection was 34 units which saves 102 lives. Arrangements of snacks, water, fruits and juices were made for the blood donors. Apart from that Langar (community lunch) arrangement was also made. The Sant Nirankari mission

Arrangements of snacks, water, fruits and juices were made for the blood donors. Apart from that Langar (community lunch) arrangement was also made

celebrates human unity day and organizes blood donation camps and health fairs as a tribute to the supreme sacrifice of Baba Gurbachan Singh. A satsang program (spiritual congregation) was conducted from 11 am to 2 pm in the same hall and it concluded with screening of the message to mankind by the head of the Sant Nirankari Mission, His Holiness Baba Hardev Singh. He reinforced the impor-

tance of human unity. This message of human unity was not just listened to but being lived by the people who participated in the blood donation camp. The Sant Nirankari Mission today is one of the leading blood donating voluntary organizations in India. Scores of blood donation camps are organized in the month of April every year. ContĂd on page 19

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SAFF films shown at Yuba City festival

India Post News Service

YUBA CITY, CA: Sikh Arts and Film Festival (SAFF) in collaboration with the Punjabi American Heritage Society featured SAFF films at the Sikh Film Festival, Yuba City, during the Punjabi mela on Sunday May 29 at Yuba City's Sutter Fairgrounds.

signed up new members for their causes, all on a brisk day under brilliant sunny skies. SAFF's director Michael Singh screened "Prisoner's Song" and "Riding the Tiger," two of his Sikhpoint films produced by Bicky Singh. Michael then received a special commendation and plaque "for his dedication and produc-

"Michael, we loved your films," said event organizer Dr. Narinder Singh. "May I offer you my encouragement to finish your documentary about 1984. We should never forget, and with the help of filmmakers like you, we won't." "I came up from Los Angeles to see your films and meet you," said Jaz Kalkat, himself a budding feature film producer The PAHS-sponsored mela, attended by several thousand celebrants, offered Kamal Khan live on stage, as well as tented booths selling desi khanna from Five Rivers and other kitchens, jewelry by such artisans as Nirinjan Khalsa of Los Angeles, and desi women's clothing. Mehndi artists plied their trade, children danced to the music, and social activists like Maninder Saini of Sikh Women Now!

tion of documentaries about Human Rights and Sikh issues," presented by festival founder Dr. Jasbir Kang of Yuba City and Ravie Aujila and her husband Bhajan of the Punjabi American Heritage Society. "Your recognition means the world to me; thank you so much," said a grateful Michael to the event's organizers." Actually, it is you who deserves the

thanks," said Dr. Kang as he handed Michael a generous cheque to help fund his future projects, "We always look forward to your films." "Michael, we loved your films," said event organizer Dr. Narinder Singh. "May I offer you my encouragement to finish your documentary about 1984. We should never forget, and with the help of filmmakers like you, we won't." "I came up from Los Angeles to see

your films and meet you," said Jaz Kalkat, himself a budding feature film producer looking for a bit of guidance from Michael as he embarks on his first dramatic feature film, slated to start shooting in two weeks. Topping off the evening, Sikhlens donated a limited-edition, gilt-framed Singh Twins painting, "1984," to PAHS members, destined for their new Sikh Museum in Yuba City.

Community/California

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June 10, 2011

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Ahmadis celebrate 103 years of spiritual unity India Post News Service

CHINO, CA: Southern California area Muslims of the Ahmadiyya Community gathered on Sunday, May 22 at the Baitul Hameed Mosque in Chino to celebrate 103 years of continuous, non-political and purely spiritual leadership by Khalifas (Caliphs) in their Islamic sect. About 350 men, women and children from the Community's three So-Cal area chapters attended the afternoon meeting, which featured recitation of the Quran, an Urdu poem, and Imam Shamshad delivers address at Khilafat day event

Silver Jubilee of Chicago Hindu Temple ContĂd from page 14

This is the only ticketed event and music fans can get tickets. The other cultural events planned include a Kuchipudi ballet, a musical opera called Sri Rama Ganam, Kathak and Bharatha Natyam dances and a fusion ensemble of ragas on Saturday and a dance

drama called "Divya Chethana" on Sunday. There will also be a talk and a spiritual discourse in Telugu on Sunday by Dr. Medasani Mohan. All these events are free of charge. The Rajatotsavam committee is headed by Sri Bhima Reddy. Ms. Prasanna Reddy is the Temple president.

Abdur Rahim Hubbs expounds importance of Khilafat

several speeches detailing the history, significance and necessity of Khilafat (Caliphate) in Islam for the unity and success of Muslims, both spiritually and worldly. The closing address was delivered by Imam Shamshad A. Nasir. In recognition of this non-vio-

April 2003 following the passing of the 4th Khalifa, Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, who headed the Community from 1982-2003. Nowadays, the word "Caliphate" is used by some to instill fear in people - the fear of a radical and oppressive Islamic political tidal

Mosque officials at table (L to R) Asim Ansari, Dr Hamidur Rahman, Imam Shamshad

lent and unifying spiritual leadership in Islam (an exclusive feature of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community) in May Ahmadi Muslims in more than 190 countries celebrate the 103rd year of their Islamic Community's successive, divinely-appointed spiritual leadership known as Khilafat (Caliphate). The current and 5th Khalifa (successor), Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, was elected in

wave sweeping over their country, imposing Islamic Shariah law on all, Muslim or not. The truth is that Islam cannot be forcibly imposed on anyone, not even Muslims, and its shariah is entirely selfimposed by Muslims on themselves, much as devout Christians are expected to follow the New Testament as their shariah law. Hadhrat Ahmad claimed to be the long-awaited Promised Mes-

Audience listening to speech at Ahmadiyya Khilafat day

siah and Imam Mahdi for the Muslims. Upon his death, Hadhrat Maulvi Hakeem Nooruddin was elected the first Khalifa of the Community. Since that time, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, based originally in Qadian, northern India, has seen its influence and membership expand from 40 people at the birth of the Community in 1889, to tens of millions of members from virtually ever race and nationality across 198 countries of the world. And, as Imam Shamshad A. Nasir from the Ahmadiyya Community's Baitul Hameed Mosque in Chino explains, "It is this divinely-promised and protected institution of spirituallyguided leadership in Islam called Khilafat that is the foundation and source of strength that keeps the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community going and growing, stronger and stronger, even despite terrible acts

Nowadays, the word "Caliphate" is used by some to instill fear in people - the fear of a radical and oppressive Islamic political tidal wave sweeping over their country, imposing Islamic Shariah law on all, Muslim or not of murder and persecution from other Muslims because of some of our beliefs - none of which go against any actual teaching of Islam or the Holy Prophet Muhammad," he said. The Imam's reference to murder and persecution hits home with his fellow Ahmadis because while they are celebrating the blessing of spiritual leadership that distinguishes Ahmadi Muslims from all other Muslims, it is this very distinction (and some differing interpretations of Quranic verses) which raises the ire of many radicalized, extremist Muslims, who then take our their anger on members of the non-violent Ahmadiyya Community through verbal, written and often physical attacks. In fact, Saturday, May 28, the one-year anniversary of deadly attacks on two of their mosques in Lahore, Pakistan, when Taliban militants armed with AK-47s, suicide vests and explosives simultaneously attacked worshippers attending Friday Prayer services, killing 86 and wounding hundreds more.

Community/California

June 10, 2011

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Sant Nirankari Mission organizes Blood Drive

ContĂd from page 16

These camps are held as per the wishes of the present Spiritual Head of the Mission Baba Hardev Singh who said that donation of blood would be the best tribute to Baba Gurbachan Singh who sacrificed his life for the sake of Truth and human values. Moreover, blood donation is the best service one could offer to humanity. When transfused in human veins blood knows no religion, caste or nationality.

The Mission has organized more than 1247 Blood Donation Camps in India and abroad during the past one decade. It is estimated that the volunteers of the Nirankari Sewa Dal and other devotees have so far donated more than 248,000 units of blood. In 2006, 168 camps were held and 28,587 units of blood donated. Quite often, His Holiness, his esteemed spouse and other members of the gracious family also donate blood during these camps. The miracle is that the number of blood

In recognition of the Mission's efforts towards promoting voluntary blood donation, the Indian Red Cross Society conferred a special award on the Mission on June 14, 2006

donors always exceeds the capacity of the blood collecting teams. In recognition of the Mission's efforts towards promoting voluntary blood donation, the Indian Red Cross Society conferred a special award on the Mission on June 14, 2006. The Sant Nirankari Mission is essentially a spiritual movement. Its principal commitment to its followers is to make their minds conscious of the Eternal Reality and unite their Soul with the Creator, the Formless God. The Mission

believes that ignorance and superstition are the biggest obstacles in man's path to real progress and happiness. The narrowmindedness, hatred and pride brooded by them are the most vicious source of trouble for the mankind. The Mission endeavors to remove the same by making spiritual enlightenment within the reach of every man and woman-young or old, rich or poor, high or low, educated or illiterate, whatever the language, faith or culture, whatever the state or the nation.

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Plight of Hindus in Pakistan

r. Arvind Chandrakantan, a New York anesthesiolo gist and critical care physician, set up the Pakistan Hindu Empowerment Fund with Hindu Heritage Endowment last year. Recent torrential monsoon rains sent waters rushing into the flood plains of Sindh Province, home to the vast majority of Pakistan's 2.5 million Hindus. He used the fund to send $6,000 in immediate relief to stricken Hindu families. But much more is needed. The Indus River had spilled five to seven miles beyond its banks. The flood affected a quarter of Pakistan and made vivid the plight of Pakistan's Hindu minority. "Lots of long-term problems come with a disaster," Dr. Chandrakantan said. "Most Pakistani Hindus lack access to education. They are sons of the soil, and a catastrophe like this wipes away their lands, forces some into bonded labor, puts their legal status at risk, and brings on a state of lawlessness." He added that some Christian sects have taken advantage of the disaster to proselytize.

He said that he had been shocked to hear that twenty to twenty-five Hindu girls per month are kidnapped in Sindh Province and sold into prostitution. He had lamented widespread bonded labor among Pakistani Hindus and other poor, tantamount to slavery that is illegal but widely practiced. He added that Hindus, who have lived for centuries in what became Pakistan in 1947, struggle today with illiteracy, poverty and a complex history of MuslimHindu antagonism. Dr. Chandrakantan, the son of Indian immigrants, practices at Stony Brook University Medical Center. He compares his good fortune as a US resident and medical professional with the plight of Pakistani Hindus: "The contrast is striking and unfortunate." Dr. Chandrakantan, who serves on the executive committee of the Hindu American Foundation, is working with about six other Hindu-Americans to grow the Pakistan Hindu Empowerment Fund so it can create significant income. Their long-term goal is the cre-

ation of a nonprofit organization dedicated to Pakistani Hindus. Not many Pakistani Hindus live in the US, he explains, so he has used the floods to help the American-Hindu community feel more acutely the problems faced by their co-religionists. He cites the prosperity enjoyed by American Hindus and uses karmic reasoning - if one sows goodness, one will reap goodness - to encourage contributions to the Pakistan Fund. "Hindus are not the only group suffering in Pakistan," he admits, "I understand their issues better. I am after all a Hindu." He prays that this sense of oneness remains well after the flood waters have receded. Those who wish to join Dr. Chandrakantan in contributing to the Pakistan Hindu Empowerment Fund (fund #81) can do so by contacting Sannyasin Shanmuganathaswami at 808-822-3012 extension 244 or hhe@hindu.org, or giving directly at h t t p : / / w w w. h h e o n l i n e . o rg / donate.shtml . Madhu Patel Founder President, NRI Press Club, Chicago

Extortion by police in Mumbai

xtortion is not new to Mumbai police. Remember, Dawood is the son of a police constable and he and his siblings (Dawood's sister is also an extortionist) must have got inspired and got training from their dad. In Mumbai one is more worried about police extortion rather than pick pocketing. Unfortunately it is the state of Mumbai. People pay bribes to become Mumbai police for extra income. A constable makes at least Rs. 10,000 (salary) + 70,000 (extra) every month. I personally have gone through the same GRP checking/ extortion racket at Dadar station. Their modus operandi is 1. pick single male passengers 2. In the name of security check, they open your bags and wallet and make an assessment.

Disclaimer :- India Post does not endorse opinions expressed in the letters.

(ATM cards, large amounts of cash etc are attractive) 3. Ask for the nature of your job/profession to estimate your net worth and potential threats (you might be in police or have other connections) 4. Take the potential victims into a room and God knows what happens beyond that point. This case (Piyush of IIT Mumbai robbed by cops) came to light because the victim is an IIT student and contacted Dean after the incident and due to the IIT aura the case was pursued. What about a common man like you and I? I was threatened and looted by Dindoshi police PSO but I don't have a place to go and report. (I moved out of that area since then). Who is going to provide security post complaint? S Murthy

Realty Tidbits Godrej videos of projects on YouTube

Real Estate

odrej Properties, the real estate development arm of Godrej Group, has launched its YouTube Channel with an aim to offer viewers an easy access to videos of its upcoming and ongoing projects pan-India. Walkthroughs of projects including apartments will be posted to highlight various amenities and facilities that the project would provide thus giving viewers a chance to get an actual feel of the property. The company will be updating the bulletin board to notify viewers on any new videos uploaded on the channel and will gradually allow viewers to post any queries with the company thus making it an interactive experience, the company said in a statement here. "YouTube is an interactive portal and is all about sharing videos. This platform will help viewers and customers connect with us easily and in an interactive manner," Godrej Properties' vice president (sales & marketing) Girish Shah said.

20% decline in DFL's sales volume The country's largest realty firm DLF has sold 10 million square feet area worth Rs 6,658 crore in the housing segment during the last fiscal, lower by 20 per cent than that sold in the previous year. The company, however, said that the average sales realization was higher by 14 per cent in 2010-11. "…10 million sq ft sales achieved in FY'11 against 12.5 million sq ft in FY'10 … While sales booking in FY'11 was marginally lower, average realization was at Rs 6,500 per sq ft (up 14 per cent from FY10)," the company said in a presentation.

JP Morgan invests in Parsvnath project

P Morgan has invested $30 mil lion in Parsvnath Developers' residential project La Tropicana coming up in the Civil Lines area of New Delhi. The deal includes an additional funding for the real estate group through JP Morgan's local NBFC in India. According to a source close to the development, part of the funds raised has been used by Parsvnath to provide an exit to Red Fort Capital, which had invested Rs 115 crore in the project in 2009. Red Fort has made a 30% return on its investment in the project, sources in the know of the deal said.

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DB Realty defers financial results

ith its promoters facing probe in the 2G telecom scam, DB Realty has deferred the board meeting to announce the financial results for the year ended March 31, 2011, citing delay in the audit process and consolidation of the financial statements. In a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange, D B Realty said that the company's Audit Committee members reviewed and took stock of the compilation and consolidation of accounts and the audit process.

5 tips for hiring an interior designer SONYA STINSON

orking with an interior designer on a home improvement project can be a time- and money-saver if you plan the collaboration carefully. But first you need to understand that for all the expertise and creative ideas that an experienced interior designer can offer, there are two questions that only you can answer. What do you want, and how much do you want to spend? Once you've figured those things out, you'll be ready to begin the process of hiring a designer. Denver interior designer Gail Doby says the first step is to ask around for referrals. She is also cofounder of Design Success University LLC, a business mentoring service that offers a free report for consumers with tips on working with designers. "Real estate agents are great, (along with) your neighbors and friends ... whose homes you've seen that you like. Also, if you see something in a magazine or an article online, those are great places to start," Doby says. Once you have a list of interior designers you'd like to check out, head to the computer. Doby estimates that 75 percent of interior designers these days have websites, although the extent of the information they contain will vary. Pay close attention to the visual samples on each site. "With the photographs that are on the website, you can get a good idea about style and whether you like what the designer is doing," says New York interior designer Judy Sheridan, author of "How to Work with an Interior Designer." Consider hiring designers whose services fit your needs. Some specialize in renovations. Others prefer to work with new construction projects. Some designers offer nothing but window treatments. Others focus on kitchen and bath design. If you've never done an interior design project before, you'll need to do a little homework to determine a reasonable budget. Friends and neighbors who have done makeovers similar to what you have in mind -- and are willing to discuss what they spent -- can

provide a good basis for a ballpark number. Another helpful resource is Remodeling magazine's annual "Cost vs. Value" report on some of the most popular remodeling projects, based on a survey by the National Association of Realtors. The most recent report appears in the November 2010 issue and can be accessed from the magazine's website. On the midrange scale of luxury, a major kitchen remodel averaged $58,367, according to Remodeling. The average cost of an upscale

culty in getting clients to discuss their budgets is a frequent source of frustration for interior designers. "It's a real cat-and-mouse game," Sheridan says. "They leave it up to the designer to somehow, with a crystal ball, figure this out." Sometimes your vision for a design project will turn out not to match your budget. If you're dreaming of a custom kitchen but have a budget of only $20,000, it's probably not going to happen. An interior designer can help you pri-

Once you have a list of interior designers you'd like to check out, head to the computer. Doby estimates that 75 percent of interior designers these days have websites, although the extent of the information they contain will vary. Pay close attention to the visual samples on each site kitchen remodel was $113,464. The cost of a midrange bathroom remodel averaged $16,634, while the upscale version averaged $53,759. A master suite addition averaged $108,090 in the midrange and $232,062 for an upscale project. Doby and Sheridan stress the importance of being upfront about how much money you're willing to spend on your design project. But according to Sheridan, the diffi-

oritize your wish list, showing you what your budget will allow you to do now and how you can work toward your goal a little bit at a time. Sheridan says designers can provide you with ballpark figures on the cost of doing a particular kind of project, say a whole living room or a bathroom renovation. But with such a wide range in the quality and costs of materials, how

much you end up spending is mainly up to you. According to the Design Success University website, interior designers frequently charge an hourly fee, plus a markup for handling the purchase of furnishings and materials. Some provide access to a discount on retail purchases. A few designers simply bill by the hour with no purchasing services offered. There also are designers who charge a flat project fee. Be aware that if the interior designer does the purchasing on your behalf, you will be expected to pay 100 percent of the costs upfront. Many designers also require the payment of a retainer, ranging from $500 to $25,000, when you sign the contract, according to the Design Success University website. Make certain the designer you hire is selling the services you want to buy. For instance, if you are thinking about a do-it-yourself room makeover, some designers will offer consultation for an hourly fee to provide a few ideas or some planning assistance. But many won't take on these types of clients. "They're going to do a complete project ... from conception all the way through to execution," Doby says. Cont’d on page 21

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June 10, 2011

India Post 21

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Avoid falling into the dual-mortgage trap STEVE MCLINDEN

Dear Real Estate Adviser, We want buy a house in another city that's closer to our grandkids. Should we try to sell our house first? We could afford to pay two mortgages for a while, but with the uncertainty in the sales market, we are a little worried. What's the best way to handle this, typically? -- Louis W. Dear Louis, here are two distinctly different schools of thought here. One says you should avoid giving up your present home because you may have to put everything in storage and move into less-than-satisfactory temporary digs if the purchase of your new home is delayed or falls apart for any reason. That could be a headache if you have pets and lots of furnishing and other belongings. The other school of thought says

you should never commit to a new house before you sell the old one, especially if you have to use the equity from the old house to buy the new one. In a perfect world, of course, you would have enough cash to carry both mortgages indefinitely and the coordination of the buysell maneuver wouldn't be an ordeal. But if you aren't in that position, especially given today's market realities, I'd lean toward cementing the sale of that existing home first if possible. Because it's a buyer's market, you stand to have far fewer problems executing the buy side of the equation these days because sellers tend to be more motivated -- and grateful -that they have an offer. If you do feel compelled to buy a place near your grandkids sooner than later, there are a few financing options that can mitigate the

potential discomfort of carrying two mortgages. One is called a bridge loan, which gives you enough capital for a down pay-

Because it's a buyer's market, you stand to have far fewer problems executing the buy side of the equation these days because sellers tend to be more motivated -and grateful -- that they have an offer ment on the new place and perhaps enough to pay your second mortgage for a while. In most cases, you wouldn't have to close

on such a loan unless you needed it. A bridge loan, which is typically repaid when you sell the house, generally requires an appraisal. Plus, an origination fee will kick in when you start using the loan. Or you could take out a home equity line of credit, or HELOC, to use toward the down payment and closing expenses, although some lenders frown on this if you've already put your present home on the market. Arrange for your HELOC in advance of sales activity, but commit to leaving that credit line alone until it's needed. Financing and terms will depend largely on your income, of course. There are some contractual strategies that might help you avoid falling into the dual-mortgage chasm as well. You could add a "sale of buyer's home contingency" to your sales contract, sometimes called a "Hubbard" in

industry lexicon. That allows you a stipulated period, typically two to three months, to sell your current home before you have to close on the new one. There's also a "reverse Hubbard" that allows the seller a set period of time to find a replacement home after accepting a purchase offer. Both allow "outs" without repercussions with the proper contract language. The negative to the Hubbard is that other buyers can swoop in with no-contingency offers and grab the house you want, or in the case of the reverse Hubbard, they can drop your deal to buy another house that isn't saddled by such contingencies. These days, at least in my opinion, the sale of the present house trumps the purchase of the new one in order of importance. Good luck. Courtesy Bankrate.com

DLF switches to sale of Hospitality sector profitability goes up I developed properties In a significant shift in strategy, DLF plans to sell developed properties, including five IT parks and its hotel business, hoping to mop up 7,000 crore in the next two years and reduce its burgeoning gross debt of 23,990 crore. At 10:36 am, shares of DLF were trading 2.20 per cent up at Rs 230.15 on the Bombay Stock Exchange. India's largest real estate firm's tax dues are also on the rise touching 1,703.04 crore in the fiscal year 2011. DLF has received an additional tax demand of 546.85 crore from the income tax department in the last quarter of 2010-11, over and above the 1,156.19-crore demand made in the previous quarter, a senior executive in the company told ET on the condition of anonymity. The company has reported a consolidated net profit of 344.54

crore in the fourth quarter ended March 11, but that included an income of 93.73 crore brought into the books from the earlier years. Net profit in the corresponding quarter of last year was 426.38 crore. Fourth quarter revenues increased to 2,683 crore from 1,994 crore from the year ago period. Over the last one-and-a-half years, the real estate major had already sold some non-core assets

such as hotel sites in Delhi and Hyderabad as well as non-contiguous land parcels to rake in around 3,000 crore. But it has never sold its buildings and other developed assets. The company said it could sell non-core assets "like certain IT Parks that yield low return".

ndia's nationwide occupancy in 2010-11 was 68%, which matches the occupancy levels of 2007-08," says Kaushik Vardharajan, MD of the hospitality industry consulting firm, HVS Consulting & Valuation Services. What's more, revenue per available room, which indicates a hotel's profitability, grew 10.7% in 201011. Nationwide revPAR had dropped by 14% and 11.6% in 2008-09 and 2009-10 respectively. Hoteliers also say that demand for number of room nights grew by 15-30% on an average across the nation. Demand is a measure of the number of rooms sold, while occupancy is a ratio of demand and total rooms available. Crisil Research, the research wing of credit rating agency Crisil, says in its report that the AprilJune 2011 period is expected to witness an improvement in occupancy rates compared to the same period last year though average room rates are expected to be stable. Traditionally, occupancy during this quarter dips - as compared to winter. HVS's Vardharajan adds that he expects revPAR to also grow at 9-10% during the current fiscal year. As an industry patriarch, PRS Oberoi

5 tips for hiring an interior designer Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 20

One of the biggest ways an interior designer can save you time and money is by helping you find good construction and remodeling contractors.

"This is what we do all day long," Doby says. "Usually we have a group of contractors and subcontractors that we work with every day. We know they're going to show up on time, and they're

going to be respectful of people's homes and their personal possessions. They're going to have integrity and do what they say they're going to do for reasonable prices." Courtesy Bankrate.com

knows this best. Chairman of EIH Ltd, which owns and operates the Oberoi and Trident hotels, he said, "The winter has been reasonably good. Most hotels have met their budgets. Business will be better than expected. I am expecting the current months to be good as well." EIH will be putting out its quarter numbers on May 30. Most of the other big hotel chains including ITC and Indian Hotels Company (Tata's Taj group of hotels) have reported higher revenues in the fourth quarter ended March 30, 2011 and for the fiscal year 2010-11. IHCL says its net profit for the quarter grew 56.7% to 93.93 crore. The company attributed this to improvement in occupancies across most key markets driven by improved demand cutting across major customer segments. This began in October 2010, it added. ITC's hotel's business grew 17%. What is, however, in-

teresting is the fact that it wasn't the international business which drove growth; instead it was the ever growing domestic traffic. For luxury hotels, international guests contribute nearly 70% of the demand, while for mid-market hotels, nearly 90% of the demand comes from domestic travelers. Even Oberoi acknowledges that. He says that a decline in the global flow of foreign direct investments, especially into India, has slowed down foreign executive travel. Despite this, and the dip in tourist flow from some European countries, his hotels have maintained momentum in the last few quarters. Dilip Puri managing director-India and regional vicepresident (south Asia) for Starwood Hotels & Resorts, says, "Some of our big hotels in the country are still getting nearly 60% of their occupancies from international footfalls. But the domestic demand has seen higher growth in the past fiscal."

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 10, 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

rbaaz Khan and Malaika Arora Khan make one of the most adorable couples of Bollywood and it did come as a surprise for many of their fans when the rumors stating a rift in their marriage started rising now and then in the gossip columns. Some reports even stated that Malaika had shifted to her mom's place due to irresolvable dispute between the two. However, Arbaaz vehemently denied any trouble in his marriage and even expressed his anger and disappointment on such baseless rumors.

atrina Kaif is one actress who has made it to the top slot of Bollywood on the basis of sheer beauty and glamour because her acting skills and dialogue delivery is still a major target with critics. However, the pretty lady is all set to prove that she can impress her fans even without her oomph and glamour because she will be seen without any traces of makeup for Kabir Khan's next 'Ek Tha Tiger' where she is paired opposite Salman Khan. Kabir has strictly instructed Katrina to use no make-up at all before her shots as

"Let me clarify one last time that Malaika and me are very much togetherâ&#x20AC;Ś gossip mongers and stupid malicious reporting about us should stop," Arbaaz posted on his Twitter page. "It would be nice if over-enthusiastic journalists show a little responsibility before carrying personal news about people that is a lie," he posted. "Recently read and heard some ridiculous nasty rumors that Malaika and me have split. It's very disgusting to read such untrue news in media (sic)," he added. We hope and pray that theirs remains a happy marriage now and ever after!!

she plays a character of a girl-next-door who doesn't stand out in the crowd. Kats will not even be allowed to dab on some natural-colored lipstick or touch up her face before every shot, like a lot of actresses do while playing de-glam roles. Sources imply that the brief to Katrina from Kabir strictly read, 'Your only makeup would be face-wash before every shot." Though we have full confidence in Kabir Khan's visualization of his characters, how Kaif's fans react to her de-glam avatar is yet to be seen.

June 10, 2011

Bollywood

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he year 2011 seems to be an action packed year for seemingly fragile Kareena Kapoor for she has not one or two, but three action films in her kitty. Normally, Bebo has done roman tic, cute and bubbly roles in her career and this is the first time she will be seen in serious action roles. She plays a diverse range of roles as a college student, a super spy and a mother in her films to come which include Siddique's 'Bodyguard', Sriram Raghavan's 'Agent Vinod' and Anubhav Sinha's 'Ra.One'. Ra.One has her indulging into some serious fist fights and director Anubhav Sinha is thoroughly impressed with the way Bebo has indulged into preparations for her role. He says, "This is the first time Kareena is doing action scenes. She is the part of the serious action sequences including hand to hand combat. The film has several such sequences and she features in almost all of them." The action scenes for 'Ra.One' have been directed by Hollywood's ace action directors Andy Gill and Spiro Razatos of 'Fast and Furious' fame.

Badman Arshad

Beware politics A

ollywood actor Arshad Warsi, who feels that after a heavy dose of comedy he needs to do serious roles, is looking forward to playing a negative role in "Zila Ghaziabad". "I'm going to start a film called 'Zila Ghaziabad' in July. It's a film about the Ghaziabad mafia, that entire belt, politics and all that stuff. I'm playing a negative role for the first time, a complete bad guy with no justifications. The role is that of a guy who works for the politicians in that region," Arshad said. Newcomer Anand will direct the film. Sanjay Dutt and Vivek Oberoi are rumored to be part of the project.

ctor Saif Ali Khan, who is currently working on "Aarakshan", a film looking at caste-based reservations and the politics around it, doesn't like politics in real life. "I can't bear politics. I'm a little aware about it; I read the papers but I just feel that with the kind of politics this country has, it's so difficult to keep everyone happy... it's something very exhausting," said the 40-year-old. "I think I'm in the right profession for me. Things keep changing every now and then in acting, but at least there is no politics here," he added. Directed by Prakash Jha, "Aarakshan" also features Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Manoj Bajpayee and Prateik.

India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Lady Gaga released two Bollywood remixes of her hit single "Born This Way" in April. Now, along with it, she is releasing two Bollywood-inspired remixes of "Judas." One produced by top Bollywood producers Salim and Sulaiman and the other by Panjabi MC, both created in conjunction with fusion media company Desi Hits! "We are thrilled with the overwhelming response to the Born This Way remixes, and decided to create a special version of Judas for our Desi fans" said Troy Carter, CEO-Atom Factory, Lady Gaga's management company.

"When we started working on 'Judas' we felt like the song already had an incredible blend of emotion and aggression, so we wanted to create the same feeling, but with an Indian interpretation. The choice of bringing in sarangi and voice both from Rajasthan seemed perfect as they both complement Gaga's drama," said producers Salim and Sulaiman Salim and Sulaiman are best known for incorporating western, folk, Hindustani and Sufi influences into their music. The brother duo has won more than 10 industry awards, including an Emmy, and are sought after by some of the world's top talent.

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;When we started working on 'Judas' we felt like the song already had an incredible blend of emotion and aggression, so we wanted to create the same feeling, but with an Indian interpretationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

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June 10, 2011

"Good music is all about the emotional connection that an artist makes with his or her audience. Gaga is such a massive star, so her music will naturally transcend language barriers and reach audiences around the world," says Anjula Acharia-Bath CEO of Desi Hits, who is working closely with Gaga's camp on a strategy for the South Asian market. Her new record is the follow-up to her 2008 debut album "The Fame", which went on to sell more than 12 million copies and topped the charts. An extended play release "The Fame Monster" came out the following year.

June 10, 2011

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Zee's Subhash Chandra to receive International Emmy Award India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Founder of India's leading satellite television channel Zee TV, Subhash Chandra makes history as the first Indian to receive the 2011 International Directorate Award, as Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) approaches its 20th anniversary. Chandra, the media magnate behind India's Essel Group of companies and Founder of ZEE TV- India's first Hindi satellite channel, will receive the prestigious award at The International Emmy Awards Gala, in New York, on November 21. "Subhash Chandra is a one of a kind visionary - a self-made entrepreneur who made his mark on the Indian television industry by launching the first privatelyowned channel in India," said Bruce Paisner, President & CEO of The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. "We look forward to presenting him with our 2011 International Emmy Directorate Award as Zee Entertainment Enterprises prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary, in 2012." Acknowledging the award, Mr. Subhash Chandra, Chairman, Zee Entertainment En-

terprises Limited (ZEEL) said, "I thank the Academy for bestowing this honor on me. Our belief has always been to explore and capitalize on opportunities that arise in form

‘From being India's first private satellite broadcast company, Zee Entertainment has spread its wings to being an International Media Enterprise today. As a Company our endeavor will be to build-on our good work, achieve greater heights and in-turn play an important role as pioneers, in shaping the growth & the future of the media and entertainment industry’ of new businesses. From being India's first private satellite broadcast company, Zee Entertainment has spread its wings to being

an International Media Enterprise today. As a Company our endeavor will be to buildon our good work, achieve greater heights and in-turn play an important role as pioneers, in shaping the growth & the future of the media and entertainment industry." Mr. Chandra added. Launched in 1992 by Chandra, ZEEL is a pioneer of the television entertainment in-

dustry in India with 500 million viewers across 167 countries and a library of over 80,000 hours of television and 3,000 films. Zee's well known brands include Zee TV, Zee Cinema, Zee Premier, Zee Action, Zee Classic, Ten Sports, Ten Cricket, Ten Action+, Zee Cafe, Zee Studio, Zee Trendz, Zee Khana Khazana, Zee Salaam, Zee Jagran, Zing, ETC Music and ETC Punjabi. ZEEL is part of Chandra's Essel Group of Companies; one of India's largest conglomerates, housing a diverse portfolio of assets in media, packaging, entertainment, technology-enabled services, infrastructure, development and education. An influential philanthropist and sports aficionado, Subhash Chandra also heads up several non-profit organizations with a focus on access to quality education through distance and open learning. The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences is a membership based organization comprised of leading media and entertainment figures from over 50 countries and 500 companies from all sectors of television including internet, mobile and technology.

Shilpa Shetty's estate taken over by squatter gang

Artist T Anilkumarr, CMD, World Art Works India presents two portraits of AR Rahman to him in Bangalore

Woodlawn Cottage (circled) is one of many luxury homes on the private estate

into the abandoned three million pound, six-bedroom Woodlawn Cottage on the exclusive estate in April, and claim they were not acting illegally. The property was reportedly

private estate in Britain that is home to a host of celebrities -including Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty - is reportedly being taken over by a gang of squatters. The celebrity residents of the St. George's Hill community in Weybridge, Surrey, are now being asked to be "vigilant" following the arrival of the squatters, the Daily Mail reported. Former residents of the estate include singer Elton John, former Beatle Ringo Starr and Hollywood actress Kate Winslet. Six squatters reportedly moved

‘It does seem pretty extraordinary that the police can't do anything to get these people off the estate,’ a resident said abandoned six years ago and has since become derelict. The squatters say they plan to stay as long as possible. "It is legal for me to be here. I

found the place on Google maps so I came up to have a look and the place was open. The locks had been broken off, no one was living here, it was completely open - so why not?" a squatter named Stefan Cybulski said. Homeowners now say they want the illegal movers out. "It does seem pretty extraordinary that the police can't do anything to get these people off the estate," a resident said. "They have no right to be here, yet the law appears to be on their side - it's completely wrong." Properties on the estate are worth nearly 10 million pounds. A security guard is now being employed to keep the property under surveillance. Police have set up extra patrol of the area.

Shah Rukh upset over Chammak Challo leak

ust a day prior to the unveiling of the theatrical trailer of Ra.One, the much talked about song Chammak Challo was leaked on the internet. Many thought that leaking the song, which stars Kareena Kapoor and is rendered by Akon, was just another publicity funda to get maximum attention for Ra.One. However, Shah Rukh denied any such intention. Expressing his regret over the leak, he said, "I am very upset that the song was leaked. We have tracked the IP address and are hunting for the person who's responsible for the leak. Also, this is not the final version of

Chammak Challo. It's one of the initial recordings." Looking at the positive side, SRK said that he was happy by audiences' response to the song. "I am glad that people have liked this one. I am now sure the final version will be a hit."

26 India Post

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Pakistan PM Gilani is Aishwarya's ardent fan

ishwarya Rai Bachchan has a huge fan following worldwide and one of the ardent fans of the former beauty queen is Pakistani PM Yusuf Raza Gilani. That Gilani is a huge fan of the Bachchan bahurani came to know when an NGO from India visited the PM. While discussing various issue, some raised the issue of Hindi cinema. From the discussion, it was revealed that Yusuf Raza Gilani

is a huge fan of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. He wanted to know from them more about the beauty queen. He asked them about her likings and disliking and enquired many things about her. From his queries, it can be understood that Gilani is clean bowled by the actress. Well, after Lata Mangeshkar and Madhuri Dixit, Ash's charm smitten Pak's people.

Horoscope

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June 10, 2011

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Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar

JUNE 10TH - JUNE 16TH ARIES (MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20)

TAURUS (APRIL 21 TO MAY 20)

nowledge recently gained will help you move into right direction. You will make final payment on several bills. You will visit a nice place with family to meet an old friend. A child not doing so well in the past will make remarkable recovery. Enemies and opponents will try their best to hurt you but will not succeed.

oney will come and disappear fast but will go on good reasons only. You will learn some thing new and useful that can help and open new doors in career. Chances are you will be on the move throughout the week and also accomplish a lot. Avoid any argument at home or some one close. You will need to replace electric item in the house.

GEMINI (MAY 21 TO JUNE 20)

CANCER (JUNE 21 TO JULY 22)

oney wise you will do better from now but may have some concerns about health. You will make big change in food habits. You will pay lots of attention to some one who took care of you in the past. You will spend some time among politicians also. Stress at work place will come down and you will be assigned to an easier job.

ake a chance and listen to advice given by some one in powerful position. There will be some progress in a property related issue and things can come to a closure soon. You will continue to deal with strong opponents and ultimately win. Some one will call from distant place and give a pleasant news. People in business will have better sales.

LEO (JULY 23 TO AUGUST 22)

t will take few weeks to regain self confidence. You will take few courageous actions but will be nervous and scared at the same time. You will be making plans with children and spending more money on them. Uncertainty will disappear and stress will also reduce a lot at work place.

VIRGO (AUGUST 23 TO SEPTEMBER 22)

our talents will be recognized. Opportunity will come on a silver platter. It will be better to have the language changed and clause removed before you sign that contract. Some one from past will read the signs wrong and try to flirt with you. You have to be careful when driving or parking your vehicle. Business trip will be very fruitful.

LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 23 TO OCTOBER 22)

SCORPIO (OCTOBER 23 TO NOVEMBER 22)

ome one close will hurt your feelings. Do not let slow progress shake your self confidence. Some of you will start trying your luck in total different field. There will be victory in ongoing legal battle very soon. You will be making big plans with family for coming summer. You will be applying for credit or some kind of loan application also.

ncertainty and confusions could develop and you will be given limited options. You may be in touch with an expert for advice but any decision will be hard. You will spend a lot of time on writing mails and reaching out people. Some of you may travel long distance in connection with office work.

SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 22)

CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 19)

egal matter will come to an end and the wastage will stop. You will be getting ready for an upcoming trip. Money wise you will continue to stay very comfortable and have several chances to make extra bucks. You will have the opportunity to enjoy company of some beautiful people. Money will go on buying new cloths and expensive perfumes.

fforts made in the past will start bearing fruits from now and on. You will be assigned to a prestigious project. You may attend a get together with other people in similar profession. Business will also pick up suddenly and new vendor will help you save lots of money.

AQUARIUS (JANUARY 20 TO FEBRUARY 18)

PISCES (FEBRUARY 19 TO MARCH 20)

here is a threat to your reputation, so express your self in black and white very carefully and make correct choice of words to communicate. Planets will keeps hopes high about money and you are right there is a big chance to strike it rich or make big bucks this week. Risk will pay off and once again things will start moving your way in career.

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

o not fall for the false promises; it's a bait to get more out of you. If you can keep emotions under controls you have absolutely nothing else to worry about. Changes you had been waiting for will start taking place in career at fast pace. You may purchase some big ticket item for personal use. Value of your assets and stocks will appreciate.

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

29 India Post

Jim Corbett Wildlife National Park is a majestic place for nature and wildlife lovers. In this wildlife park you can choose the option of Elephant Safari or Jeep Safari. The park is situated on the bank of Ramganga River

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June 10, 2011

ocated in the foothills of the Himalayas is the majestic Corbett National Park. Home to a variety of flora and fauna, it is famous for its wild population of tigers, leopards and elephants. Corbett National Park was established in 1936, as the Hailey National Park. India's first national park and the first sanctuary to come under Project Tiger, Corbett supports a variety of vegetation making it the ideal habitat for the tiger and its prey. Jim Corbett Wildlife National Park is a majestic place for nature and wildlife lovers. In this wildlife park you can choose the option of Elephant Safari or Jeep Safari. The park is situated on the bank of Ramganga River. Forests of Sal are very famous for this area. In this park thrive more than 600 birds, 50 mammals, and 25 reptiles. It is also very famous for elephants and tigers. More commonly seen wildlife includes the wild elephant, langur monkey (black face, long tail), rhesus macaque, peacock, and several type of deer including chital (spotted deer), sambars, hog deer and barking deer. There are also crocodiles, the odd-looking gavial or gharial, monitor lizards, wild boars and jackals. Leopards (referred to as panthers in India) are occasionally seen. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 30

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June 10, 2011

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Corbett National Park: Famous for wild population of tigers, leopards, elephants Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 29

The Jim Corbett Wildlife Sanctuary is also a bird-watcher's paradise, and since the creation of the Kalagarah Dam on the Ramganga River, large number of waterfowl have been attracted here. Once a popular hunting ground of the British, this 201 square mile park was named in honor of the late Jim Corbett, the legendary hunter-naturalist turned author and photographer who most of his years in this area had contributed in setting up the this park. With the help of the World Wildlife Fund, Project Tiger was launched in Corbett National Park in 1973 and it is one of the first such tiger reserves in the country. Flora: The varied topography comprises hilly and riverine areas, temporary marshy depressions, plateaus and ravines. The lower areas are almost completely populated by Sal trees. In the Jim Corbett National Park are found 110 tree species. Major Wildlife Attractions Corbett is a haven for tigers as well as its prey, which include four kinds of deer, wild boar and some

dile. Also seen on the rocky hillsides is the Ghoral or Goat Antelopes. The Langur and Rhesus Monkeys are well distributed

campsite to the south, tigers are occasionally drawn in looking for prey. Two hour elephant rides explore this sea of grass, rarely pen-

through out the park and warning the whole Jungle with alarm calls when they see either a tiger or leopard from tree-top perches. Other Attractions Ramnagar: Situated in the rich farm belt of Terai, on the southeastern fringes of the great forests, the busy market town of Ramnagar

etrating far into the deep jungles beyond. Try to convince your Mahout or elephant driver to venture in, as they can be quite magical. Come at dusk or dawn; in the heat of the day you probably won't come across much more than deer among the tall grass. Tigersightings are few and far between,

within Corbett National Park, and can be rented for the park trips from Ramnagar, from the KMVN Tourist Lodge and other travel agencies. One bus each day goes to Dikhala from Ramnagar, stopping at the Forest Rest houses en route. Banking and other important tourist facilities are available at Ramnagar and Lucknow. Note: Bring binoculars, remain quiet, and don't wear bright colors or strong perfumes. Best Time to Visit: The best visiting season of Corbett is from November 15 to June 15. Corbett remains closed between June 16 and November 14, when the monsoons flood the river beds and cut the fragile road links. How to get there Air: Phoolbagh, Pantnagar at a distance of 50-kms is the nearest

Ramnagar. The turn off is some 7kms beyond Muradabad to the left, marked by a small board. The route from Lucknow spans Bareilly-Kichha-RudrapurDoraha-Kashipur. Ramnagar is served by frequent buses to and from Nainital and Ranikhet, 112kms north. Buses arrive every half

airport. Delhi at a distance of 300kms is the nearest international airport. Rail: Ramnagar is on the broad gauge track from where the road transport options have to be availed to reach the park. For faster trains and connections to other parts change at Moradabad. Road: Dhikala is 300-kms from Delhi, 145-kms from Lucknow and 51kms from Ramnagar. The route from Delhi spans HapurMurababad-

are pretty basic. Entry Inside: Visitors are advised to reach the gate half an hour in advance to complete the formalities for entry into the park. Tourist Information Centers: All visitors to Corbett National Park have to obtain permits from the park administration centre at Ramnagar. The closest of the various gates into the Corbett National Park, 1-m from central Ramnagar, is on the road to Bijrani camp, 11-km away, a base for day trips. Dhangarhi Gate, 18-kms along the highway north to Ranikhet, provides access to the northern and north western portion of the Jim Corbett Park along the Ramnagar River valley, and to the main camp of Dhikala.

hour or so after the eight hour trip from Delhi; Delhi Transport Corporation runs a semi deluxe service, and most of the alternatives

Once a popular hunting ground of the British, this 201 square mile park was named in honor of the late Jim Corbett, the legendary hunter-naturalist turned author and photographer lesser-known animals. Leopards are mostly found in the hilly areas of the park. Some nocturnal cats found here are the leopard cat, jungle cat and fishing cat. Sloth bear is found in the lower regions of the park while the Himalayan black bear is seen in the higher hills only. The dole or wild dog can be seen in the southern areas of the park along with the Jackal. Some of the smaller residents of the park are Himalayan Palm Civet, Indian Gray Mongoose, Common Otter, Blacknaped Hare and Porcupine. Elephants are among the main attractions of Jim Corbett Park. Along the Ramganga River shores, one can spot the long-snouted, fish-eating Gharial, Crocodile and the 'Mugger' Croco-

is the main administrative centre for Corbett National Park and Project Tiger. Ramnagar makes a fishing base camp. At Lohachaur, 15-kms north along the River Kosi, good anglers are in with a chance of landing the legendary Mahseer, a redoubtable battling River Carp. Permits to have a go must be sought from the Project Tiger office in Ramnagar. Most resorts also arrange all inclusive fishing trips. Wildlife Viewing: Chital, Sambar, and various other deer species find refuge in the Savannah grasslands known as the Maidan, behind the

but you may be rewarded with fresh pug marks. Jeep Safari: Jeeps Safari, is the most convenient way to travel

June 10, 2011

Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post 31

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Arunachal to popularize village tourism ITANAGAR: In a bid to woo tourists, Arunachal Pradesh government has said it will soon implement the concept of village tourism and make the northeastern state "a favorite tourist destination in the country." "The concept of village tourism will be implemented soon to make Arunachal Pradesh a favorite tourist destination of the country," state Tourism Minister and former Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu's son Pema Khandu said here. Pema, who was sworn in as a cabinet minister in the Jarbom Gamlin ministry on May 20 after the April 30 chopper crash in which Dorjee Khandu and four others on board died, said he would work to fulfill the vision and mission of his father to make Arunachal a developed state. "I am planning to create tourism infrastructure in selected villages in all the 16 districts with major facilities for comfortable stay of tourists," he said. "This will not only boost the tourism sector but will provide employment opportunities to local

youths," Pema told PTI. Many tourists prefer to stay in places far from the din and bustle of crowded areas and the concept of village tourism will suitably fulfill their need, he said.

Disclosing that his department was contemplating to lease out tourist amenities like lodges and way-side cafeterias to local entrepreneurs on PPP mode, Pema also exhorted locals to help the government boost the sector The concept, he said, would be based on PPP (public-private-partnership) model. Stating that tourism industry cannot thrive without appropriate infrastructure, the Tourism minis-

SL's East province opening up to tourists PANAJI: Having put 30 years of conflict behind it, Sri Lanka now sees the earlier war-prone Eastern province as a suitable region for tourism promotion, as it is bestowed with very beautiful beaches. "Eastern is a virgin territory, it's a fantastic area with beach fronts where joint ventures or investments can work," said Prasad Kariyawasam, the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in India. He said there is lot of confidence amongst investors in Sri Lanka as a destination. "We have a board of investment, which is one-stop shop for this kind of needs," he said, adding that serious investors should visit the area and see for themselves. Kariyawasam said there are massive tax holidays offered by the government and 100 per cent foreign ownership is allowed, besides approval for 100 per cent profit repatriation. "Considering manpower shortage in the country, even foreign laborers are allowed in this sector," he added. Kariyawasam said areas of the country, both in the interiors as

well as the coast, that were inaccessible to tourists for 30 long years are now opening up. "This includes some of our best wildlife parks, and beaches on the East coast," he said. The High Commissioner pointed out that the interest of international chains of hotels in Sri Lanka is increasing.

Kariyawasam said there are massive tax holidays offered by the government and 100 per cent foreign ownership is allowed "The Shangri-La Chain has just gone into Sri Lanka. They paid upfront in convertible currency for the land that they purchased in the heart of Colombo," he added. Kariyawasam was in Goa to participate in the seminar organized by International Centre Goa on the quest for promoting tourism between Goa and Sri Lanka. -PTI

ter said that he would submit several proposals on adventure tourism, nature tourism and sports tourism to New Delhi for approval. "Arunachal Pradesh with abundant potential offers a vast scope in all forms of tourism and my thrust will be to exploit them all to the fullest," the young minister said, adding that the state's future depended on the tourism industry. Disclosing that his department was contemplating to lease out tourist amenities like lodges and way-side cafeterias to local entrepreneurs on PPP mode, Pema also exhorted locals to help the government boost the sector. Pema, who also holds the Water Resources Development portfolio, disclosed that many new projects for the department were in the offing and he would do his best to develop it into a major revenue earning source for the state government. "WRD mainly deals with irrigation and unless it is strengthened departments like horticulture and agriculture cannot progress," he added. -PTI

Nepal campaign to promote responsible tourism KATHMANDU: Nepal has launched a campaign to promote responsible and green tourism in high-altitude areas to conserve the Himalayan wetlands. Known as the 'Green Hiker' campaign, the program was formally launched by Tourism Minister K B Biswakarma to commemorate the 4th international Mt Everest Day. The campaign is an initiative by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to conserve the Himalayan high altitude wetlands. It has already been launched successfully in five Himalayan states in India. In Nepal, the campaign was launched in association with the Nepal Tourism Board. Targeted primarily at tourists and tour operators, it is primarily an awareness drive to promote responsible tourism in high altitude areas. Tourism is a strong revenue generator for Nepal and its communities, with Nepal's natural heritage being a major attraction for tourists. The campaign is aimed at encouraging tourists towards environment-friendly ways and contribute to local economies while traveling through this fragile eco-region, according to WWF Nepal. -PTI

'Focus on monuments in rural areas' NEW DELHI: Archaeological Survey of India should focus its attention towards monuments located in rural areas whose preservation would "infuse a new life" in the local people and also assist the tourism industry, Culture Minister Kumari Selja said here. Selja's suggestion to the ASI came at the 35th meeting of the Central Advisory Board of Archaeology where she also asked the heritage body to launch a massive public awareness campaign to sensitize citizens to the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains, Amendment and Validation (AMASRA) Act. The minister stressed that the ASI should pay more attention to monuments located in rural areas as well those that need immediate attention and preservation. "The monuments located in the remote areas of our country truly represent the heritage of the region concerned which is the pride of the locals. The betterment of these monuments would infuse new life for their survival and also assist in Tourism and local enterprises," she said. Selja said this will essentially connect the present to preserving

the past. "We need to create these symbiotic inter linkages which eventually lead to generation of jobs and sustainable livelihoods." As the ASI celebrates its 150th anniversary, Selja said ASI should host an international conclave to deliberate on the issues of humanity's shared cultural heritage. Referring to Culture Secretary

The minister stressed that the ASI should pay more attention to monuments located in rural areas as well those that need immediate attention and preservation Jawahr Sircar's suggestion of establishment of "Forum for Archaeology in the East" with countries like China and Japan, she said after 150 years, India can surely claim that archaeology in the country is mature enough to lead the way for many of the nations in the East. -PTI

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In Brief 108 illegal immigrants in Phoenix drop house PHOENIX: Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials say 108 illegal immigrants have been discovered in a drop house in west Phoenix and some may be human smugglers. The drop house was discovered near 91st Avenue and Encanto Boulevard. ICE spokesman Vincent Picard says among the people found in the drop house were five teenage boys and 14 women. He says the illegal immigrants came from Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. The Arizona Republic says authorities received a tip about 10:30 a.m. about suspicious activity around the home. Authorities suspected the vehicles were bringing in loads of illegal immigrants. -AP

Illegal immigration foe faces recall vote MESA, Ariz.: Critics of Arizona Senate President Russell Pearce say they're proceeding with plans to file petitions to force a recall election. Depending on how long various officials take to process and certify petitions and signatures, the election would be held in November or March. Recall supporters call Pearce an extremist who's out of touch with most voters' major concerns, such as jobs and housing. Pearce says he takes the recall effort seriously, but he's not worried. And Pearce says his critics in effect are launching an assault on the state - not him - by criticizing his efforts to combat illegal immigration. -AP

Limited police role urged in immigration plan LOS ANGELES: City leaders want Los Angeles to limit police participation in a federal deportation program where fingerprints of people arrested are shared with immigration agents. The Los Angeles Times says Councilman Bernard Parks, a former Los Angeles police chief, and Councilwoman Jan Perry support a council resolution that would limit participation in the Secure Communities program. San Francisco County is implementing a similar policy. -AP

Immigration 34

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June 10, 2011

Indian government to announce merger of PIO/OCI Cards soon India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Responding to a spate of complaints from the Indian Diaspora in the United States regarding India's visa and passport rules for NRIs, Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi on his recent visit to New York said his Ministry was embarking on several measures including rationalization of the various schemes for facilitating travel and stay of the Indian Diaspora members in India. At a reception hosted in his honor at the Indian Consulate in New York, May 26, Minister Ravi said that the Indian government was streamlining the issue of surrendering passports and penalties levied on PIOs for not surrendering their passports in time.

Minister Ravi said that the Indian government was streamlining the issue of surrendering passports and penalties levied on PIOs for not surrendering their passports in time The modalities for merger of the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) cards was also in advanced stage of consideration and the government would be able to announce it soon, he informed. The Minister also mentioned that a Welfare Fund, established in a few Indian Missions has now been extended to all Missions and Posts and would be of helpful in rendering assistance to Indians in distress in foreign countries. He elaborated on the evacuation efforts made by our Mission in Libya where all Indians were evacuated safely in record time. Referring to the various initiatives taken for the benefit of NRIs by his ministry, Minister Ravi pointed out to the granting of full voting rights to NRIs.

Ravi, who has recently taken over the portfolio of Minister of Civil Aviation, stated that he was trying to solve the long term problem of India's national carrier, Air India and improve its service. Florida reception for Ravi The issues regarding recent visa policies of the Indian government and problems relating to passport surrender certificate by naturalized American citizens of Indian origin

were brought up at a dinner reception in honor of Minister Vayalar Ravi hosted by Dr. Piyush Agrawal, national coordinator of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), in Miami, Florida, the following day. Several South Florida Indian Community members were present on the occasion to honor the minister and other government officials accompanying him.

Changes in OCI processing India Post News Service

WASHINGTON: The Indian Embassy in Washington DC has announced through its website, that effective June 15, 2011, applicants for the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card need not submit their US/Foreign passport at the time of submission of the initial application to the processing agency Travisa Outsourcing. The announcement said that applicants will be alerted by Travisa Outsourcing when their OCI card is ready and they will need to provide their original US/ Foreign passport only at that time. Detailed information about the OCI process and the contact details of Travisa Outsourcing are

available at https:// indiavisa.travisaoutsourcing.com/ oci/homepage. Any queries regarding OCI may be taken up with Travisa Outsourcing, the Embassy said. The current requirement that OCI applicants submit their original US passport along with the application was found to be problematic by many applicants as it was hindering them from traveling anywhere during the processing period, which runs into several weeks. Recently, Indian American community organizations had made representations to the various Indian Consulates that a practical solution should be found to this problem.

Speaking in the spirit of "let's not point fingers but let's talk change", Dr. Agrawal told the minister, "You know these issues and their implications better than anybody else. Please take appropriate actions to soothe the pains inflicted upon the Diaspora by these irritant policies," emphasized Dr. Agrawal. Organizations like the Indian Religious and Cultural Center, Kashmir Hindu Foundation, The Association of Indians in America, American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America, GOPIO, Asian American Hotel Owners Association, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, BAPS, Diwali Nagar and Trinidad & Tobago Diaspora were represented at the reception.

Although solutions to the issues cannot be "whipped up" in a day, they can be achieved through the awareness and persistent efforts of the community such as that in South Florida, he said Minister Ravi reiterated his assurances to the community that he would look into their concerns as his top priority. The minister pointed out that it was easy to sit back and pass judgment on whatever one feels is wrong with India. Many people succumb to this laissez-faire attitude but very rarely does one take a stand on change, he said. Although solutions to the issues cannot be "whipped up" in a day, they can be achieved through the awareness and persistent efforts of the community such as that in South Florida, he said. On the occasion, the minister was presented with a plaque with an embedded commemorative silver coin released on the first Diwali celebration at the White House.

Immigration Post

June 10, 2011

India Post

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Lessons from the fall of Strauss-Kahn CYRUS D. MEHTA

rom an immigration lawyer's perspective, the fall of Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the former head of the International Monetary Fund, who has been charged with attempted rape and other serious sex offenses against an immigrant hotel worker from Guinea in a posh New York hotel, resonates with important immigration themes. Most important, the word of an immigrant worker who was subject to attempted rape, imprisonment and other charges has been taken extremely seriously against one of the world's most powerful men. So seriously was her word taken that the NYPD actually arrested Strauss-Kahn while his Air France plane was about to take off from JFK airport. It is difficult for any victim of a sex crime to come forward, given that the defense will seek to turn the tables against her and undermine her credibility. It is even more difficult for an immigrant who has been a victim of a sex crime to come forward since this person's immigration status, or lack thereof, will also be put under the microscope. While media reports indicate that Strauss-Kahn's accuser was granted asylum, and as a result, is in a lawful status, there are many survivors (rather than victims) of domestic abuse and sex crimes who may not even be in a lawful status. Despite all the flaws in the US immigration system, one shining spot is that survivors of domestic violence and sex crimes do have recourse.

Dominique Strauss-Kahn

I have observed that many nonimmigrants, who are accused of crimes, even nonviolent white collar crimes, have a harder time to get bail after they have been arrested The battered spouse of a US citizen or lawful permanent resident, and in some cases of a nonimmigrant, can apply on their own for status without the help of the abuser. Those who are the victims of sex crimes, even though the perpetrator may not be a spouse, can apply for U or T visas if they are helpful to the investigation or prosecution. Once the application is approved, many of the grounds of ineligibility that would apply to other prospective immigrants ei-

ther do not apply to this group of vulnerable immigrants or can be more easily waived. Another lesson can also be drawn from the sordid StraussKahn saga. Even the alleged perpetrator, Strauss-Kahn, is not a citizen of the US and has been on a nonimmigrant visa, presumably a G-4 visa for officers of international organizations, while he was with the IMF. I have observed that many nonimmigrants, who are accused of crimes, even non-violent white collar crimes, have a harder time to get bail after they have been arrested. In many situations, the nonimmigrant visa status is linked to the employment in the US, which more often than not disappears after the defendant is accused of the crime. The prosecutor seizes upon this to argue that the defendant is more of a flight risk than a defendant who is a US citizen. While Strauss-Kahn is in a different league from a regular nonimmigrant who is charged with a crime, and poses additional flight risk considerations, the fact of the matter is that one who is on a temporary visa in the US has a harder time to get bailed out. Still, StraussKahn has done better than most other criminal defendants on a nonimmigrant visa because he just got bail. * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

Federal judge tosses Kansas immigration indictment WICHITA, Kan.: A federal judge has dismissed charges against a man accused of falsely claiming U.S. citizenship in a case that upholds the right of immigrants to remain silent under questioning from immigration authorities. U.S. District Judge Eric Melgren granted the government's motion to dismiss charges against Jose Manuel Ortiz-Del Rio with prejudice, meaning the same charges cannot be filed again. Prosecutors had sought the dismissal in the wake of Melgren's ruling last month that suppressed statements OrtizDel Rio made during question-

ing by immigration agents. The agents had gone to an apartment in November to arrest another man for deportation proceedings after a drug trafficking conviction. The agents did not have a warrant. The judge ruled in April that armed federal agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement lacked reasonable suspicion when they detained OrtizDel Rio in what amounted to custodial questioning after happening to find him in the apartment. Melgren noted that Ortiz-Del Rio was ordered out of a bedroom, asked to sit on the floor and repeatedly questioned about

where he was born. Any responses Ortiz-Del Rio gave at the time in the absence of the Miranda warning about selfincrimination must be suppressed, Melgren ruled. He also said any subsequent statements the suspect made when taken to the ICE station for processing must also be suppressed as ``fruit of the poisonous tree.'' ``In our view, the ruling in this case is based on a unique set of circumstances that are not likely to occur again in other cases,'' Jim Cross, spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office in Kansas, said in an email. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 36

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Immigration Post

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SC House approves illegal immigration bill COLUMBIA, S.C.: The South Carolina House approved a bill requiring law enforcement to try to check the status of people they suspect are in the country illegally. The House voted 69-43 to give the key second reading. The measure requires another perfunctory vote before returning to the Senate, which passed a different version. Republicans who control both the House and Senate have called the bill a top priority for the year. ``It has become abundantly clear that if we want something done about illegal immigration, we're going to have to do it ourselves,'' said House Speaker Bobby Harrell, R-Charleston. ``If the federal government refuses to enforce these laws, the South Carolina General Assembly will support state laws that do _ and over the past several years, that is exactly what your state lawmak-

ers have done.'' The bill specifies that the check must follow a stop or arrest for something else. Someone with a valid driver's license, military ID or passport would be presumed a legal resident. Unlike a law passed in Arizona last year, the South Carolina proposal says people can't be held on the suspicion of being an illegal immigrant. Opponents argued it flies in the face of American freedoms. Though the proposal specifies that suspicion can't be based on race, color or national origin, opponents contend that clause is meaningless. They argue the undefined ``reasonable suspicion'' clause will lead to abuse, turning the innocent-until-proven-guilty protection on its head and inviting lawsuits. ``There's no way this bill works

without racial profiling,'' said Rep. David Mack, D-North Charleston. ``This is not needed. I believe it's racist, it's mean and it's punitive.''

The latest measure would let the state's labor agency fine businesses up to $50,000 for repeatedly violating the law and refusing to comply with a temporary shut-down order The measure would also make it a felony to make fake photo IDs for illegal immigrants, and it creates a new law enforcement unit within the Department of Public Safety to enforce the state's immigration law. The Senate put $1.3 million toward

Lawmaker withdraws controversial immigration bill BATON ROUGE, La.: A Republican lawmaker has withdrawn his sweeping immigration enforcement proposal from debate this session, in the face of opposition from Catholic Church officials, law enforcement officers and advocates for immigrants' rights. After hearing testimony against the bill, Rep. Joe Harrison of Napoleonville deferred his proposal. It's the fourth year in a row that Harrison has failed to pass a similar bill, which he had hoped would spur the federal government to end illegal immigration across the U.S. border with Mexico. ``If we're a land of laws, we should abide by those laws and enforce those laws,'' Harrison told the House Judiciary Committee. He expressed concern about public health and safety problems caused by illegal immigrants, but he also said that undocumented workers are exploited in the U.S. marketplace. The bill would have required police to verify the citizenship of any arrested person before they are released. It would have required certain employers _ any state entity or the recipient of a grant totaling more than $50,000 __ to verify the citizenship status of their workforce. And it would have required colleges and social service providers to verify the citizenship of all applicants. People seeking public assistance in Louisiana would have had to verify their citizenship by executing an affidavit under penalty of perjury and have the sworn

statement notarized. But the state agency providing the benefits would also have to verify the applicant's status through the Department of Homeland Security. At the request of the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops, Harrison removed a provision to criminalize the transportation of illegal immigrants, which might have affected charity work. But the conference still opposed the bill,

In particular, Harrison also squared off in the committee hearing with Rep. John Bel Edwards, DAmite, who is proposing a narrower piece of legislation, targeting only employment on public works projects saying the church prefers comprehensive federal reform over enforcement-only state policies. Gary Bennett, the assistant director of the Louisiana Sheriffs' Association, said it would be impossible for law enforcement officers to carry out the mandate under the bill. ``Currently we have no way that I'm aware of to verify the citizenship electronically and immediately upon booking,'' said Bennett. ``And, not being able to do this, it

would create a tremendous backlog in our jails.'' And although the bill says it ``shall be enforced without regard to race, religion, gender, ethnicity, or national origin,'' several witnesses said implementing it would lead to racial profiling. In particular, Harrison also squared off in the committee hearing with Rep. John Bel Edwards, D-Amite, who is proposing a narrower piece of legislation, targeting only employment on public works projects. Edwards said that Harrison's bill would make applying for public benefits more costly for U.S. citizens and undocumented immigrants alike. He said the employment provisions would also likely place burdensome requirements on many more employers, landlords, charities and legal citizens than the bill intended to affect. ``The bill is not workable because it does so much more than you say you intend to do,'' said Edwards. In addition, he said Harrison's bill would impose open-ended sentences on misdemeanor violators of its provisions. Edwards' bill has a much narrower scope, requiring only contractors doing business with state government to verify that their employees are U.S. citizens. Contractors who fail to do so would face the possibility of losing their current state contract, lose eligibility for future deals for up to three years, and pay any costs caused by the contract cancellation. -AP

that unit in its proposed budget for 2011-12, which it passed and returned to the House. Opponents said it will also cost local governments. Rep. Bakari Sellers, D-Denmark, mocked Republicans by suggesting the bill require a fence - at least 15 feet high - along the state's borders that could be painted red, white and blue. Legislators quickly shot down his proposed amendment. The measure would also toughen a measure passed in 2008 that put the onus on businesses to check their employees' legal status. That law, considered one of the toughest in the nation when passed, began applying to businesses of all sizes last year. The latest measure would let the state's labor agency fine businesses up to $50,000 for repeatedly violating the law and refus-

ing to comply with a temporary shut-down order. Roan Garcia-Quintana, who heads an organization called Americans Have Had Enough, said the measure is about jobs in a state struggling for years with high unemployment. He said it's important to target the businesses that hire illegal workers. ``Maybe some jobs will open up. They will self-deport if we make it so they're not welcome and target employers. It's all about greed and selfishness,'' he said of businesses. The Cuban native immigrated to America in 1961, at age 10, as a political refugee. He said he resents any comparisons to the civil rights movement. ``Civil rights was about American citizens. This is not about American citizens or legal immigrants,'' he said. -AP

Neb. city's atty hails Ariz. immigration ruling FREMONT, Neb.: An attorney for the Nebraska city of Fremont is hailing a U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding an Arizona law that penalizes businesses for hiring workers who are in the United States illegally. Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach says the decision ``vindicates Fremont's position'' on its own ordinance governing illegal immigrants. Kobach is representing Fremont in a challenge filed over a

2010 law that bans hiring or renting to illegal immigrants. A trial is set for April. Kobach says the hiring restriction in the Fremont ordinance is similar to the Arizona law. The court ruled federal immigration law gives states the authority to impose sanctions on employers who hire unauthorized workers. Cecillia Wang of the ACLU Immigrants' Rights Project says the decision has nothing to do with local immigration laws. -AP

Federal judge tosses Kansas immigration indictment Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 35

Assistant public defender Syovata Edari said the judge determined that the statement was the product of an ``unconstitutional interrogation.'' She said in an email that her client's alleged statement was the sole basis for the charges in the superseding indictment. ``Since the statement was ordered suppressed the prosecution no longer had the evidence it needed to prove its case,'' Edari said. None of the facts presented by the government established that authorities had reasonable suspicion to believe any person at the apartment other than the man

they were seeking would be violating the law, Melgren wrote in his ruling. ``Moreover, the agents had no reason to suspect that Ortiz-Del Rio had committed or was in the process of committing a crime,'' the judge said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Any indicia of a consensual encounter ended when Ortiz-Del Rio was questioned five times, a clear indication that the agent was rejecting his prior answers, and ordered to answer a question about his birth place orally.'' Prosecutors noted in a filing earlier this month that even if the government moved to dismiss the criminal charges, Ortiz-Del Rio would go into ICE custody as his civil immigration case. -AP

Immigration Post

June 10, 2011

India Post

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Assembly limits using immigration check in arrests SACRAMENTO, Calif.: Democrats in California's Assembly joined other states in questioning the federal system that uses fingerprints to check the immigration status of people picked up by police. The Assembly approved AB1081 on a 43-22 party line vote after heated debate over public safety and whether the measure would help or hurt it. The measure would revise the state's agreement on use of the Safe Communities automatic fingerprint program to screen suspects for citizenship and criminal background. The proposed change would let counties opt out of the system. The bill now moves to the Senate. Several other states have taken similar steps amid complaints the program is supposed to help deport convicted felons but has also swept up crime victims, witnesses, and people who were arrested but never convicted. Assemblyman Tom Ammiano,

D-San Francisco, argued that his bill would protect public safety because immigrants would be more willing to report crime if they didn't fear deportation. The fingerprint program ``has actually harmed public safety and

The measure would revise the state's agreement on use of the Safe Communities automatic fingerprint program to screen suspects for citizenship and criminal background seriously undercut community policing strategies,'' he said. Comparing fingerprints with federal records under the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement fingerprint program led to deportation of nearly 36,000 undocu-

mented immigrants from California from October 2008 through February 2011, according to an analysis of the bill by legislative staff. But 27 percent were not criminals and 41 percent were considered low-level offenders. Opponents said the bill would leave criminals free who should be deported. ``This bill expands the concept of sanctuary cities to sanctuary counties,'' said Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, R-Twin Peaks, who helped found a Minuteman chapter in Southern California and introduced a bill that echoed major elements of Arizona's controversial immigration enforcement bill. That California bill was shot down this session in committee. Donnelly cited a 2008 San Francisco case in which three members of a family were shot to death by a gang member who was an illegal immigrant and had been released from custody as a juvenile The bill ``is going to lead to more deaths.'' he said. -AP

NC bill would track illegal immigrants in schools RALEIGH, NC: A bill that would require principals to keep track of illegal immigrants in their schools would intimidate parents and likely run afoul of federal law, opponents told a legislative panel. Members of the public spoke against a bill introduced by Rep. Dale Folwell, R-Forsyth, who says the legislation wouldn't bar anyone from attending school in North Carolina, but would be important for determining the costs of illegal immigration to the state. ``In this building, we're having to make decisions about who gets money and who doesn't,'' Folwell said. ``The people of this state deserve to know what their public education dollars are going for.'' The House Education Committee, which is considering the bill, didn't vote on the measure. Chairman Rep. Bryan Holloway, RRockingham said members would want to hear from the public and take time to think over the legislation first. None of the nine people who spoke were in favor of the legislation, including Ann McColl, a representative for the State Board of Education, who said the bill would risk putting school districts in the position of having to violate federal law. ``It truly is the role of educators to educate whoever comes through the door,'' she said.

In 1982, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that all children are entitled to a public education, including children who are in the U.S. illegally. Earlier this month, the federal Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights sent out a letter warning school districts not to let enrollment policies lead to

None of the nine people who spoke were in favor of the legislation, including Ann McColl, a representative for the State Board of Education the exclusion of students based on their immigration status. ``You must ensure that you do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national origin, and that students are not barred from enrolling in public schools at the elementary and secondary levels on the basis of their own citizenship or immigration status,'' the letter reads. Folwell's bill would require principals to ask the parents of new students to say whether the child is a U.S. citizen, and if not, to give the student's immigration status. The

language of the bill says the information will only be used for fiscal analysis, and not to deny admission to any student. The bill would also require parents to provide immunization records for their children. ``This is a very serious problem,'' Folwell said. ``We must get our arms around the unfunded mandate of illegal immigration in this state.'' But critics said the unintended consequence of such a law would be a chilling effect on immigrants, with some parents likely opting not to enroll their children in school at all. Viridiana Martinez, 24, of Durham said she came to North Carolina with her parents when she was in second grade, and graduated from high school here. Had such a law existed when she was in school, she said, ``I would not have felt safe. I would have felt targeted.'' -AP

US withdraws Mush's security & protocol while UK, UAE beef up ISLAMABAD: The US administration has withdrawn the security and protocol given to former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf after a UN commission report blamed him for not providing adequate protection to slain former premier Benazir Bhutto. But in contrast, Britain and the UAE have beefed up his security in light of threats following the killing of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. The US administration withdrew 67-year-old Musharraf's security and protocol after a UN commission's report on former premier Benazir Bhutto's assassination blamed the military ruler for failing to provide her adequate security. Musharraf is treated like an ordinary citizen who has to join queues at the immigration counter in airports and undergo a thorough body search at the departure lounge; The News daily quoted diplomatic sources in Washington as saying. "Musharraf, in the past, would have his immigration process expedited after landing at US airports," said a diplomatic source at the Pakistani embassy in Washington.

Instead of waiting in line, the American protocol staff would do this on Musharraf's behalf. "It has been stopped now," the source said. When Musharraf departs from the US, he stands in line, takes off his shoes and belt, has his hands up for a thorough search and only then is cleared for check-in, said a source. On the other hand, Britain and the UAE have increased his security cover. The reason for enhancing Musharraf's security in these two countries is the threats he has been receiving after the killing of bin Laden, according to his spokesman Chaudhry Fawad. Musharraf, who has been living in self-exile outside Pakistan since 2009, is usually based in London and frequently travels to Dubai. Fawad claims Musharraf is the only foreign leader in Britain who is provided more security than that granted to former premier Tony Blair. Adding to Musharraf's woes, a court conducting the trial of five suspects charged with involvement in Benazir Bhutto's assassination declared him a "proclaimed offender" or fugitive for failing to cooperate with investigators.-PTI

Health

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Maine governor touts new health insurance bill

AUGUSTA, Maine: Gov. Paul LePage says health insurance costs in Maine will soon be going down with the recently passed health care insurance bill. In his weekly radio address, LePage said more than 30 states have laws on the books that are similar to the bill he signed this month. LePage said despite what critics say, the law delivers what consumers have been asking for affordable health care insurance. He said it will allow companies to offer less expensive insurance products to younger people, but shouldn't result in higher premiums for older Mainers. -AP

New Mexico reports third hantavirus case SANTA FE, N.M.: The New Mexico Health Department reports a third case of hantavirus has been confirmed in the state. Health officials say a 39-yearold man from McKinley County is hospitalized in critical condition at University Hospital in Albuquerque. Both previous cases were fatal. The first was a 51-year-old woman from McKinley County who died in January. The second was a 35-year-old man from Torrance County who died this month. The Department of Health says case of hantavirus -- which is spread through rodent urine, droppings or saliva -- usually increase in spring and summer when rodents are more active. Health officials warn people to avoid contact with rodents and to use disinfectant when cleaning up nests or droppings. -AP

San Diego group challenges pot clinic restrictions SAN DIEGO: Opponents of new restrictions on San Diego medical marijuana dispensaries have filed more than 46,000 signatures with city officials, setting the stage for a possible referendum on the issue. The Citizens for Patient Rights group opposes a newly ratified law that it says amounts to a de facto ban on marijuana collectives. The San Diego Union-Tribune says the ordinance limits medical pot dispensaries to commercial and industrial zones and prohibits them within 600 feet of schools, playgrounds and other facilities. -AP

Health Science 38

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June 10, 2011

Mental health dominates online discussions Details on page 40

In shift, fed enforcers target top execs for health fraud WASHINGTON: It's getting personal now. In a shift still evolving, federal enforcers are targeting individual executives in health care fraud cases that used to be aimed at impersonal corporations. The new tactic is raising the anxiety level - and risks - for corporate honchos at drug companies, medical device manufacturers, nursing home chains and other major health care enterprises that deal with Medicare and Medicaid. Previously, if a company got caught, its lawyers in many cases would be able to negotiate a financial settlement. The company would write the government a check for a number followed by lots of zeroes and promise not to break the rules again. Often the cost would just get passed on to customers. Now, on top of fines paid by a company, senior executives can face criminal charges even if they weren't involved in the scheme but could have stopped it had they known. Furthermore, they can also be banned from doing business with govern-

ment health programs, a careerending consequence. Many in industry see the more aggressive strategy as government overkill, meting out radical punishment to individuals whose guilt prosecutors would be hard pressed to prove to a jury. The feds say they got frustrated with repeat violations and

companies that have been caught not once, not twice, but sometimes three times violating the trust of the American people, submitting false claims, paying kickbacks to doctors, marketing drugs which have not been tested for safety and efficacy,'' said Lewis Morris, chief counsel for the inspector general of the Health and

'People are alarmed,' said Brien O'Connor, a partner in the Boston office of Ropes & Gray. 'They want to know what facts and circumstances would cause the Justice Department to indict someone who hadn't even known about the misconduct' decided to start using enforcement tools that were already on the books but had been allowed to languish. By some estimates, health care fraud costs taxpayers $60 billion a year, galling when Medicare faces insolvency. ``When you look at the history of health care enforcement, we've seen a number of Fortune 500

Human Services Department. ``To our way of thinking, the men and women in the corporate suite aren't getting it,'' Morris continued. ``If writing a check for $200 million isn't enough to have a company change its ways, then maybe we have got to have the individuals who are responsible for this held accountable. The behavior of

a company starts at the top.'' Lawyers who represent drug companies say the change has definitely caused a stir, but the end result is far from certain. ``People are alarmed,'' said Brien O'Connor, a partner in the Boston office of Ropes & Gray. ``They want to know what facts and circumstances would cause the Justice Department to indict someone who hadn't even known about the misconduct. They are doing all they can to achieve compliance.'' Others say high-powered corporate targets won't go meekly. ``If the government does continue to press its campaign against individuals, we will see the limits of the government's theories tested,'' said Paul Kalb, who heads the health care group at the law firm of Sidley Austin in Washington. ``In my mind, there is a very important open question as to whether individuals can be held criminally culpable or lose their jobs simply by virtue of their status.'' Cont’d on page 41

Meditation helps veterans reduce stress disorders India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Veterans of the Iraq/Afghanistan wars showed a 50 percent reduction in their symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after just eight weeks of practicing the stress-reducing Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique, according to a pilot study published last week in Military Medicine. The study evaluated five veterans, ages 25- to 40-years-old, who had served in Iraq, Afghanistan or both from 10 months to two years involving moderate or heavy moderate combat. The study found that Transcendental Meditation produced significant reductions in stress and depression, and marked improvements in relationships and overall quality of life. Furthermore, the authors reported that the technique was easy to per-

form and was well accepted by the veterans. The Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) was the primary measure for assessing the effectiveness of TM practice on PTSD symptoms. CAPS is considered by the Department of Veter-

ates in Rockville, Maryland. Dr. Rosenthal was the first to describe seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and pioneered the use of light therapy as a treatment. "Even though the number of veterans in this study was small, the results were very impressive,"

'These young men were in extreme distress as a direct result of trauma suffered during combat, and the simple and effortless Transcendental Meditation technique literally transformed their lives' ans Affairs as the "gold standard" for PTSD assessment and diagnosis for both military Veteran and civilian trauma survivors. The paper's senior researcher, Norman Rosenthal, M.D., is clinical professor of psychiatry at Georgetown University Medical School and director of research at Capital Clinical Research Associ-

Rosenthal said. "These young men were in extreme distress as a direct result of trauma suffered during combat, and the simple and effortless Transcendental Meditation technique literally transformed their lives." The findings were similar to those from a randomized controlled study of Vietnam veterans

conducted by researchers at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. In that study, published in the Journal of Counseling and Development in 1985, after three months of twice-daily TM practice, the veterans had fewer symptoms than those receiving conventional psychotherapy of the day. In fact, most of the TM-treated subjects required no further treatment. "Even though the combat experiences of OEF/OIF veterans and Vietnam veterans are quite different, the fact that our study corroborates the results of the previous study tells us that this technique has the potential to be an effective tool against PTSD and combat stress, regardless of combat situation," explained Sarina Grosswald, EdD, co-researcher on the study. Cont’d on page 40

June 10, 2011

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WHO urges countries to tackle tobacco 'epidemic' India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: On "World NoTobacco Day", 31 May, The World Health Organization focused global attention on implementing the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). The Framework Convention is the world's first ever global public health treaty developed and adopted under the auspices of the World Health Organization and reflects the power of prevention. Globally nearly six million people die each year from tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke. The annual global death toll from the epidemic of tobacco use could rise to eight million by 2030. It is estimated that up to one billion people could die from tobacco use the world over during the 21st century. In the WHO South-East Asia Region over 240 million adults smoke tobacco and nearly the same number of adults use smokeless forms of tobacco in different forms. "WHO is urging governments to prioritize tobacco control, seek alternative methods to finance tobacco control and commit necessary human and financial resources to tackle the tobacco epi-

tries that are signatories to the WHO Framework Convention are Bangladesh, Bhutan, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Timor-Leste. Nine countries have formulated comprehensive national laws to implement the provisions of the Framework Convention. These laws include banning smoking in public places, prohibiting tobacco Kashmiri Madarsa students and Ulmas shout anti-tobacco slogans during an awareness rally to mark the World No Tobacco Day at Lal Chowk in Srinagar on May 2

demic in their countries", said Dr Samlee Plianbangchang, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia. "This is the only way that the WHO Framework Convention can live up to its promise of protecting present and future generations from the devastating health, social, environmental and economic consequences of tobacco". The Framework Convention embraces all elements of tobacco control. It entered into force and became an international law on 28 February 2005. It is one of the most rapidly and widely embraced treaties in the history of the United Nations in terms of number of signatories, with 172 Member States of the

World Health Organization being Parties to the Convention till date. The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control includes provisions for reducing demand as well as supply of tobacco products. It also recognizes the importance of international cooperation and helping low- and middle-income countries to meet their treaty obligations. It has catalysed actions across the globe, and elevated the importance of tobacco control as a global health and political issue. It has also stimulated policy changes at the national level and injected new public and private resources into the field. In South-East Asia, the coun-

The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control includes provisions for reducing demand as well as supply of tobacco products advertising, sponsorship and promotions, and making tobacco-related health warnings mandatory on the packs of tobacco products. The Framework Convention recommends 30%-50% coverage for health warnings on tobacco product packages. Some Member States in this Region have gone beyond the Convention's provisions. Thailand has recently up-

graded graphic health warnings to cover 55% of the front and back surfaces. The Convention has also led countries to change their tax policies to control this cause of disease and deaths. Some Member countries have demonstrated innovative ways of health financing using tobacco taxation. India has levied a 10% cess on tobacco for the National Rural Health Mission and Thailand is using 2% of its tobacco and alcohol tax for health promotion. However, all tobacco products are not covered under national tobacco control legislation in some Member countries, and big gaps exist in taxation levels on different tobacco products in many countries. Furthermore, the 100% smoke-free policy in public places has also not been enforced in many Member countries of the Region. WHO is at the forefront of coordinating and supporting Member States in their efforts at tobacco control. The UN health agency is providing technical support to Member States in implementing the treaty, especially in formulating and drafting legislation, adopting best practices and identifying well-known industry tactics.

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June 10, 2011

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Health group disputes SDakota Mental health dominates online discussions 3-day abortion wait PIERRE, S.D.: Planned Parenthood has filed a lawsuit in federal court seeking to block a South Dakota law that would require women seeking abortions to face the nation's longest waiting period - three days - and undergo counseling at pregnancy help centers that discourage abortion. The lawsuit asks a federal judge to suspend the law from taking effect until a final ruling on whether the new law, set to take effect July 1, violates a woman's constitutional right to abortion established under the U.S. Supreme Court's 1973 ruling in Roe v. Wade. The legal challenge was filed in Sioux Falls, where Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota operates South Dakota's only abortion clinic. During this year's legislative session, supporters said the measure was needed to ensure no woman has been coerced into having an abortion. The lawsuit contends the law violates a woman's legal right to abortion by imposing ``the most extreme mandatory delay in the country.'' The measure also interferes with a woman's right to privacy and violates the free-speech rights of women and their doctors, the lawsuit says.

``This law goes farther than any other in the country in intruding on the doctor-patient relationship and putting women and families at risk,'' Sarah Stoesz, president of Planned Parenthood, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, said in a written statement.

The woman also would have to consult with a pregnancy help center, all of which encourage women to give birth. The centers would determine if a woman is being pressured to have an abortion and tell her about services available to help her give birth and keep a child The private, nonprofit crisis pregnancy centers located in South Dakota's largest cities have delayed registering with the state to provide the counseling required under the law, partly because they expect the measure to be sus-

pended during the court battle. The law says an abortion can only be scheduled by a doctor who has personally met with a woman and determined she is voluntarily seeking the procedure. It cannot be performed until at least 72 hours after that first consultation. The woman also would have to consult with a pregnancy help center, all of which encourage women to give birth. The centers would determine if a woman is being pressured to have an abortion and tell her about services available to help her give birth and keep a child. Lawyers for the American Civil Liberties Union also took part in filing the lawsuit on behalf of Planned Parenthood. Brigitte Amiri, a senior staff attorney with the ACLU Reproductive Freedom Project, said the law plays politics with women's health issues. ``It is demeaning for the government to force a woman to visit a non-medical facility with a political agenda when she is making one of the most personal medical decisions of her life,'' Amiri said in a written statement. ``We hope the court will stop the law from going into effect.'' -AP

Trial opens for Ore. couple over child health care OREGON CITY, Ore.: A prosecutor charged that an Oregon City couple watched a growth over their infant daughter's left eye balloon into a golf ball-sized bulge but didn't seek medical treatment because that conflicted with their religious practices. In her opening statement, prosecutor Christine Landers said the child's father, Timothy Wyland, told a detective that ``sometimes God heals, and sometimes God lets children die.'' Timothy and Rebecca Wyland are members of the Followers of Christ, a congregation that relies on faith healing. They were charged with first-degree criminal mistreatment after the growth over their daughter Alayna's eye went untreated until a court ordered her taken to a doctor. Defense lawyer John Neidig told the Circuit Court jury that the couple are loving parents who became victims of overzealous child welfare workers at the Oregon Department of Human Services. He says the couple believed the

growth would shrink and then vanish as their daughter grew. The little girl, now 11/2 years old, has improved under courtordered medical treatment for a hemangioma, an abnormal buildup of blood vessels. She remains in state custody but lives with her parents. Doctors who testified at juvenile court proceedings last year said she would have lost vision in the eye if the condition was left untreated. The eye is still not properly set in its socket, Landers said. The state criminal mistreatment statute says it is a crime when a parent ``knowingly withholds necessary and adequate ... medical attention'' from a child, the Oregonian reports. Clackamas County sheriff's Deputy Emile Burley testified that he made a child welfare check at the family home on June 29, 2010, and instantly noticed a ``large bulging area'' on Alayna's left eye ``the size of a golf ball, maybe a little larger.''

Defense lawyer Neidig said the parents had been assured by family, friends and even strangers that the mass would eventually vanish. A relative had a similar growth that went away, Neidig said. In the past two years, Clackamas County has prosecuted two other couples from the same church whose children died from untreated ailments. Jeff and Marci Beagley were convicted of criminally negligent homicide last year and sentenced to 16 months in prison after their 16-year-old son, Neil, died of complications from an untreated urinary tract blockage. In 2009, the Beagleys' daughter, Raylene Worthington, and her husband, Carl Brent Worthington, were acquitted of second-degree manslaughter in the death of their young daughter, Ava, who died in 2008 of bronchial pneumonia and a blood infection. Brent Worthington was convicted of the lesser charge of criminal mistreatment and sentenced to 60 days in jail. -AP

India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: Data from the first Asia Pacific Digital Health Index has revealed mental health has been weighing down online discussions in India, dominating discussion above India's leading cause of death - cardiovascular diseases. Developed by Edelman and derived from Brandtology data, the quarterly Digital Health Index is the first such index of its kind that seeks to identify the types of health discussions that are taking place online throughout the Asia Pacific region. The data, which looks at the online environment in India from October - December 2010, has revealed depression, anxiety and stress were the leading mental health topics discussed or mentioned during the period. "Mental health is of significant concern in India, with depression, anxiety and stress being the most talked about online. This is understandable in a society undergoing rapid change where traditional family and social structures are breaking down and the certainties of the past, like job security, do not exist anymore. This is evident from online conversations and reinforced by the research data uncovered by the Digital Health Index. There is a great need for healthcare professionals to reach out online to those needing help," said Robert Holdheim, Managing Director India. Edelman conducted further analysis on the way in which individuals search for information

on depression and anxiety to reveal that while there were a number of online properties from reputable sources that came up in these searches, there was a real lack of engagement. Other highlights of the Digital Health Index in India include: - Infectious diseases are the second most discussed health condition, with discussions around AIDS, malaria and cholera outweighing other conditions

'Mental health is of significant concern in India, with depression, anxiety and stress being the most talked about online. This is understandable in a society undergoing rapid change where traditional family and social structures are breaking down and the certainties of the past, like job security, do not exist anymore' - Cancer, which is one of the leading causes of death amongst Indians, is further down the list as the seventh most talked about disease area Twitter India is the leading online channel for Healthrelated mentions online Over 18, 000 mentions pertaining to 17 disease areas, across 60 online channels were monitored in Singapore between October and December 2010.

Meditation helps veterans reduce stress disorders Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 38

Rosenthal hypothesizes that Transcendental Meditation helps people with PTSD because regular practice produces long-term changes in sympathetic nervous system activity, as evidenced by decreased blood pressure, and lower reactivity to stress. "Transcendental Meditation quiets down the nervous system, and slows down the 'fight-or-flight' response," he said. People with PTSD show overactive fight-orflight responses, making them excellent candidates for Transcendental Meditation. Rosenthal points out that there is an urgent need to find effective and cost-effective treatments for veterans with combat-related

PTSD. "The condition is common, affecting an estimated one in seven deployed soldiers and Marines, most of whom do not get adequate treatment. So far, only one treatment-simulation exposure to battleground scenes-has been deemed effective, but it requires specialized software and hardware, trained personnel and is labor intensive. "Based on our study and previous findings, I believe Transcendental Meditation certainly warrants further study for combat-related PTSD," says Rosenthal. Rosenthal is the author of a new book, Transcendence: Healing and Transformation through Transcendental Meditation, released by Tarcher Penguin.

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Indiana fails report card on kids' dental health INDIANAPOLIS: A new report gives Indiana a failing grade when it comes to children's dental health. The report from the Pew Center on the States gave Indiana an F. Four other states also earned failing grades in the report. The Indianapolis Star reported that Indiana got credit for having nearly 95 percent of residents drinking fluoridated water and for having 47 percent of Medicaid patients receiving dental care, better than the national average of 38 percent. But the state was dinged for having Medicaid reimbursement rates below the national average for dentists' retail fees, and for not meeting Pew's standards for dental sealants, which are plastic coatings that go on children's molars to prevent cavities. Some Indiana officials wondered whether the state deserves an F, but said the report can help the state. ``This provides a lot of good information for us to look at and try to improve where we can,'' said

James R. Miller, director of the Indiana State Department of Health's oral health program. ``But there are other sets of benchmarks that could have been used, and the grade might have been different.''

James R. Miller said maintaining the fluoridation rate and increasing the number of dental sealant programs top the state's list of dental health priorities Shelly Gehshan, director of the Pew Children's Dental Campaign, said untreated tooth decay is five times more common than asthma and can lead to other health problems. ``Dental care is the biggest unmet health need among children,'' Gehshan said.

Not all of the benchmarks Pew used in compiling the grade contribute equally to dental health, said Doug Bush, executive director of the Indiana Dental Association. ``If we were going to receive an A in any of these areas, I think the public water fluoridation is where we have to have the A the most. Its impact on kids' dental health far outweighs probably all of these other factors,'' Bush said. Miller said maintaining the fluoridation rate and increasing the number of dental sealant programs top the state's list of dental health priorities. Seal Indiana, a program run by the Indiana University School of Dentistry, provides mobile dental care to about 2,000 low-income children a year within 120 miles of Indianapolis. About half of the children have untreated decaying teeth and 15 percent have an urgent need for dental care, said Karen Yoder, director of the division of community dentistry at the Indiana University School of Dentistry. -AP

In shift, fed enforcers target top execs for health fraud Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 38

Although the Obama administration has increased scrutiny of corporate America generally, this shift in health care enforcement seems to have come up from the ranks, government and corporate attorneys say. Investigators and lawyers at the HHS inspector general's office, the Justice Department and the Food and Drug Administration started moving more or less independently toward holding executives accountable. Morris outlined the inspector general's position in congressional testimony this spring, saying his office will use its power judiciously. A test case is playing out with an 83year-old drug company chief executive, Howard Solomon of New York City-based Forest Laboratories. Forest makes antidepressants, blood pressure drugs and other medications. Last month, the inspector general's office notified Forest that Solomon could potentially be banned from doing business with federal programs. The power to ban or ``exclude'' an individual rests with the inspector general. It's routinely applied to low-level violators, but rarely to people of Solomon's rank. In the industry, they call it the ``death penalty.'' Last year, a Forest subsidiary pleaded guilty to criminal charges as part of a settlement with the Justice Department in which the company also agreed to pay $313 mil-

lion to resolve long-running investigations. Prosecutors charged that Forest deliberately ignored an FDA warning to stop distributing an unapproved thyroid drug, promoted the use of an antidepressant in treating children although it was only approved for adults and misled FDA inspectors making a quality check at a manufacturing plant. The company said it had considered the case closed. But then came the inspector general's letter. ``No one has ever alleged that Mr. Solomon has done anything wrong and excluding him would be completely unjustified,'' Herschel Weinstein, Forest's general counsel, said in a statement. ``In prior cases where a senior executive has been excluded, that individual has been accused of wrongdoing and ultimately has either been convicted of or (pleaded) guilty to a crime.'' Forest is fighting the move to ban Solomon. The inspector general's office refused to comment on the case, and no final decision has been made. In congressional testimony, Morris said that when there is evidence an executive knew or should have known about misconduct, the inspector general ``will operate with a presumption in favor of exclusion of that executive.'' Separate from the inspector general's power to ban, the FDA has resurrected something called the ``Park Doctrine,'' which makes it easier for prosecutors to bring criminal charges against an executive. -AP

US agency approves new drug for hospital infection WASHINGTON: The US Food and Drug Administration has approved a new antibiotic to treat an intestinal infection that afflicts more than 700,000 patients each year in the United States and sometimes can prove fatal. Optimer Pharmaceuticals Inc.'s Dificid tablets were approved to treat Clostridium difficile, an infection that usually affects older patients and can cause symptoms ranging from diarrhea to potentially life-threatening inflammation of the colon. It is most common in hospitals and nursing homes where the bacteria spores can be found in bed linens, bathrooms and medical equipment. Clostridium difficile recently surpassed a type of staphylococcus bug as the most common hospital-acquired infection, according to researchers at Duke University Medical Center. Optimer's twice-a-day tablet is the first new drug approved for the infection in nearly 25 years, according to the company. In recent decades, some varieties of germs have grown immune to popular antibiotics like penicillin, creating anxiety about the

dwindling number of new antibiotics available. The new drug, known generically as fidaxomicin, is only the third antibiotic cleared by the FDA since 2006, according to Optimer. ``When we started out, this was a relatively small segment of the market, and it was not clear how a drug could be better than

Clostridium difficile recently surpassed a type of staphylococcus bug as the most common hospital-acquired infection vancomycin,'' said Optimer Chief Executive Pedro Lichtinger, referring to the currently prescribed antibiotic. ``But our scientists were able to see the growth of this market and the weakness of the current treatment.'' In company trials, Dificid worked as well as vancomycin in treating the infection. -AP

Tech News Govt committed to achieve fiscal targets: Pranab NEW DELHI: Buoyed by better-than-expected performance on government finances' front in 201011, the Union government has said it will keep a tab on public expenditure to ensure that Budget targets for this fiscal too are achieved. "Efforts to get the economy on the path of fiscal prudence are on track... The government is committed to achieve the fiscal targets," an official statement quoting Indian Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee at a meeting of Consultative Committee said. He further said that to ensure that scarce resources of the country are productively deployed, "it is extremely important to measure outcomes." In the Budget for 2011-12, the government had set fiscal deficit target at 4.6 per cent of the GDP and the revenue deficit target at around 3 per cent. Now the government has also started providing, along with the Budget and revised estimate of current year and Budget estimates of the ensuing year, the details of actual expenditure incurred on each scheme "for a better analysis of the budgetary provisions and the trend in expenditure". Mukherjee said the government has been able to contain the fiscal deficit and revenue deficit well within the revised estimates in 2010-11. -PTI

Chinese hackers break into Gmail accounts WASHINGTON: Internet search giant Google has said "bad actors" from China, in a sophisticated phishing attack, hacked into hundreds of Gmail accounts, including those of senior US officials and Chinese political activists. Google has uncovered a "phishing campaign," which "appears to originate from Jinan, China" in which access was gained to Gmail user passwords and emails, its Security Team's Engineering Director Eric Grosse said in a blog post. "Through the strength of our cloud-based security and abuse detection systems, we recently uncovered a campaign to collect user passwords, likely through phishing," he said. The "bad actors" hacked into personal Gmail accounts of hundreds of users including, senior US government officials, Chinese political activists, officials in several Asian countries (predominantly South Korea), military personnel and journalists, the US internet giant stated. -PTI

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From left, PM Telang, Managing Director- India Operation, Tata Motors Ltd., Ralph Speth, CEO, Jaguar Land Rover, Ravi Kant, Vice Chairman Tata Motors and Carl Peter Forster, Group CEO and MD during the Jaguar Land Rover Pune assembly plant inauguration, in Pune.

June 10, 2011

'US should not miss boat in India infrastructure investment' SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The $1 trillion infrastructure story is the big investment story from India over the next five years, of which US investors have at least a $300 billion opportunity if they care to not miss the boat, was the message that came out of the opening session of SUITE 2011, the second summit of the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce held at Hotel Pennsylvania in New York City May 25-26. The two-day event brought out the scope of further Indo-US collaborations focusing on potential areas of mutual interest and facilitating matchmaking sessions between companies of the two countries. While India seems to be saying that American companies need to adapt to Indian circumstances to be able to partake in its growth story, American investors appear to be hesitant to enter the Indian market more aggressively without the right policy mechanisms in place. Consequently, although it is the second most populous nation in the world, India ranks 17th as a US export partner. Still, the increase in Indo-US bilateral trade from $34.4 billion in 2009 to $45.01 billion in 2010 - an impressive 30% growth - reflects the ongoing success of the strategic partnership between these two leading economies of the world. Speaking on the sidelines of the conference, Chief Guest Suresh Kumar, Asst Secretary and Director General of US and Foreign Commercial Services, US Dept of Commerce, told India Post there was tremendous interest of US businesses in India post-Obama India visit. But while there was tremendous amount of engagement on the ground, the government can only provide the infrastructure for furthering trade but it was for the businesses to consummate trade. Kumar further said there was no hesitation at all in the minds of American businesses over investing in India. "The extent of US FDIs in India is obviously many

times more than what India has in the US. But if you need to see more investments, India needs to open markets in different sectors. American firms are ready, willing, able and want to engage (with India), but India's policy mechanisms should be able to attract American businesses." Kumar said he has met with several Indian ministers of various sectors such as oil, civil aviation, etc. "Investments follow business opportunities and there are business opportunities in India… so why wouldn't companies engage or invest… they would if the circumstances are such that we are

flexible packaging company. The US, Mahajan said, has a great opportunity to be part of the $1 trillion investment opportunity in infrastructure. "The US always misses the boat by often changing their rules of overseas investments," he observed. "By the time they get their act together others would have taken their business to India. Further, he said, America can easily get $300 billion of India's infrastructure requirements if they can come up with the "next practices" by coming up with ideas for building Indian cities in the next 15 years. "Sell us the "next prac-

Indians, he said, have become hyper active and restless and India was on a growth path. To take advantage of India's growth story, global investors need to look at its unique aspects that work in that country, Mitra felt Suresh Kumar, Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Director General US and Foreign Commercial Service

allowed to invest and engage in an open manner. That is something the Indian government needs to introspect on and look at how they will create the circumstances or build policy mechanisms that will attract greater trade." Addressing the inaugural session of the conference, IACC president Gautam Mahajan said Indian investors are realizing that that trade and investment is a twoway street and that they can't be global players without investing in America. Indian investors have been, over the past few years, making significant investments in the US, the latest being the $200 million Greenfield investment in Kentucky by Uflex, India's largest

tices" and beat other countries who are selling the "me too" practices," Mahajan said challenging potential American investors. "There was a time when India was looked at as only a country that takes money," said vice president IACC S.K. Mitra, in his brief remarks. "But now we are into major acquisitions and mergers across the world and Indians are all over the place; it's now truly a two-way traffic." Indians, he said, have become hyper active and restless and India was on a growth path. To take advantage of India's growth story, global investors need to look at its unique aspects that work in that country, Mitra felt. "American

businesses always talk about what's not there in the rule book… one of the beauties of investing in India is one always makes a profit; if they don't it has to be really an exception," he said. Saud Siddique, Joint MD of SREI Infrastructure Finance Ltd., said India was undergoing remarkable transformation and the reform process has by no means ended. India's infrastructure investment needs in the next five years are $1 trillion and even if that amount is debatable, arguably the figures are enormous, he said. "The (Indian) government believes these investments will happen," he stressed. "They are not figures on the fly. Infrastructure investment in India today is akin to the industrial revolution of the '80s. There are indeed issues and challenges in this sector like land acquisition, but overtime they would be tackled successfully and these investments would become sustainable, he said. Several European and Asian countries are already taking advantage of these opportunities in India and it would make tremendous sense for American companies to come in since they have the experience and expertise, Siddique pointed out. Challenges in infrastructure sector As a veteran of the infrastructure industry, Saud Siddique said there were many challenges in the Indian economy, still "there must be something right or we wouldn't have the average 8% growth rate over the last decade." Siddique said corruption and enforceability of law are the two biggest challenges, but they were not unique to India as many developing countries like China, Mexico and Brazil also faced the similar challenges. "By no means," Siddique warned, "entering the Indian market is not for the faint of the heart. But the opportunities are there for the innovative, the street smart, and those investors who can think out of the box." Contíd on page 44

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Quality will build Brand India: Dr Kalam India Post News Service

BANGALORE: Appreciating CII's efforts of injecting quality into all products and services for its members right from 1986, Chief Guest Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, Former President of India, delivering the 10th Anniversary Day Lecture "Vision 2020 : Leading the Change India Needs: New Imperatives for Quality" noted that "the nation needs branding for its products and services". While it was imperative that Indian products met all the performance and quality parameters promised by the manufacturer, it was his experience that over 60% of the efforts needed to be devoted to design, 20% to development and 20% to testing by a team of

mechanisms, standards, procedures and documentation. Quoting his conversation with the President of Finland, he said that it was Education, life long learning and women empowered with education that was the reason for her country to top the competitiveness index. He added that "real quality in education is fundamental to the quality of the human resource of the nation as a whole which is responsible for delivering the products and services to the community". Commenting on the improvement of Primary Health Centers, he said that CII-IQ could undertake, with the help of pharma companies, doctors and para-medical personnel, the important task of ensuring that spurious drugs did

Dr Kalam also suggested that CII-IQ could consider designing and implementing a mechanism through which total quality consciousness could be brought about in various infrastructural segments yet at the same time implementing a feedback system to continuously improve the quality of service dedicated personnel to be able to create a successful brand. He further discussed his experiences in evolving a quality culture and the quality interventions needed in agriculture and food processing, the education and medical systems. Stressing the need for seed productivity and quality in food production, he suggested that CII-IQ could consider certifying quality seeds to avoid reduced output and related losses. He also spoke of his experiences in evolving quality culture in organizations touching upon innovative concepts of quality

not infiltrate the market. Dr Kalam also suggested that CII-IQ could consider designing and implementing a mechanism through which total quality consciousness could be brought about in various infrastructural segments yet at the same time implementing a feedback system to continuously improve the quality of service. Calling upon business leaders to become creative leaders, he analyzed how national economic development was linked to creative leadership. "Creative leaders are concerned about quality which will derive a brand for Indian products

Former President of India, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, inaugurates CII Institute of Quality: 10th IQ Anniversary Day Celebrations, in Bangalore on Wednesday. Also seen are Chairman, CII Institute of Quality, N. Kumar, former Chairman, K.N. Shenoy and former Chief Mentor, CII, Tarun Das.

all over the world," he concluded. Dr Kalam also released a workbook titled "Self Assessment for Business Excellence" on this occasion. This publication will enable organizations to self- assess their standing across different facets of their business so as to plan for improvements on their journey towards Excellence. CII- IQ has, at the national level, been propagating the adoption of the EFQM based Business Excellence Framework. This holistic tool will be crucial for enhancing the competitiveness of Indian Industry." Mr Tarun Das, President, Aspen Institute and Former Chief Mentor, CII delivering the Special Address recalled all the initiatives since1986 taken by CII in establishing the roots of the quality movement in India which was looked upon with respect and

India Economic Summit 2011 moves to Mumbai India Post News Service

NEW DELHI; The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the World Economic Forum (WEF) will host their annual India Economic Summit 2011 in Mumbai, India, on 20- 21 November. Under the theme, "Linking Leadership and Livelihood", this year's summit will focus on the critical governance reforms and innovative public private partnerships needed for India's rapid and inclusive growth. Announcing this move, the CII Director General, Chandrajit Banerjee said that "Our two organizations - CII and WEF, together started a journey more than 26 years ago. This partner-

ship based on trust, confidence, teamwork and friendships has

The CII and WEF think it's an appropriate time to build on the enthusiasm of the key stakeholders and capitalize on the opportunity by positioning other centers in India to the world helped to Promote, Position and Project India Globally. The India

Economic Summit, which has always been a highlight of the year's calendar, will, in its 27th edition, for the first time, be held in Mumbai. The CII and WEF think it's an appropriate time to build on the enthusiasm of the key stakeholders and capitalize on the opportunity by positioning other centers in India to the world". In their statement the World Economic Forum said that "Coming to Mumbai is a reflection of the Forum's intent to show not only what the national government and central policies mean for regional growth, but to also demonstrate how the regions of India contribute to the success of the national agenda,"

credibility. According Dr Kalam as his role model who had driven home the point of the "importance of developing indigenous technology" and his vision for the youth which had spun off the hugely successful Young Indian program of CII which had 12,000 volunteers and led by a 32 year girl leader, he noted seven positive factors benefiting the country. India's stable democracy with the second highest growth rate, its evolving mixed economy, its Election Commission, skilling 500 million people and its entrepreneurship talent was something that the world was looking at very positively. In his welcome remarks, Mr N Kumar, Chairman, CII Institute of Quality noted that CII had been privileged to work closely with Dr Kalam earlier and had always been

inspired by his pioneering thought leadership and his dedication and commitment to realizing a grand vision for India a role which he continued to play after demitting the office of President of India. Extending a warm welcome to Mr Tarun Das, Former Chief Mentor, CII he recalled his instrumental role in initiating the Quality movement in India. He also recognized the outstanding leadership of Mr K N Shenoy, Former Chairman, CII Institute of Quality in making in making the Institute an eminent partner for industry and government in the quality movement. "The DNA of quality had not only inculcated itself in industry where it had made a vast difference, but needed to be extended to social, governance and innovation and creativity spheres as well", he noted.

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Alcatel & Percept bring digital entertainment to India India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: Percept Knorigin (PK), a digital media company incubated by Percept Limited, and Alcatel Lucent has signed a collaboration agreement to expand the distribution of digital entertainment content to subscribers across India. PK will use Alcatel-Lucent's Digital Media Store (DMS) to enhance its web and mobile entertainment service, which is offered to consumers through partnerships with telecom service providers such as BSNL, MTNL and Airtel. With more than 1.2 billion people, India provides an enormous potential audience for PK's entertainment content - everything from Hindi Movies to Re-

gional language spectacles and live TV on mobile. PK's services like Adchakra, Cinecurry, HelloTV and 51010 dial-a-video has experienced rapid growth - nearly 300 percent last year, and to meet this increased demand they needed a robust digital media platform that could meet the demanding requirements of Mobile and Web service providers. Alcatel-Lucent's Digital Media Store simplifies the distribution of applications and multimedia content across any network to any connected device - PC, Mobile Phone or TV. With DMS, PK now has a cost-effective and secure solution that is easy to expand, and gives service providers the flexibility to offer video, audio and games to their subscribers - over wireless or wireline networks, eas-

ily and profitably. As importantly, DMS will en-

While DMS will provide both PK and service providers increased earning potential, it will also aid bottom lines by reducing content pilfering through the use of a digital-rights-management mechanisms able the service providers offering PK services to establish cus-

tomized and personalized storefronts and portals, supported by merchandizing tools that include the ability to cross-recommend and cross-sell content based on subscriber interests and buying behavior. While DMS will provide both PK and service providers increased earning potential, it will also aid bottom lines by reducing content pilfering through the use of a digitalrights-management mechanisms. Commenting on the deal, Mr. Viraj Malik, MD & CEO, Percept Knorigin said, "Content will be key to building internet penetration in India. We were looking at a scalable service which can keep pace with the great growth we experienced last year; one that can provide us with the capability to create services across mo-

bile phones, tablets and laptops. Our deployment of AlcatelLucent's Digital Media Store will provide an all-in-one solution to the challenges service providers face in terms of content, platform and business operations." Mr. Munish Seth, President and Managing Director, AlcatelLucent India noted, "Our Digital Media Store will enable Percept Knorigin to introduce very attractive services, and enable them to keep pace with changing market demands - driven by the need for an 'it's-all-about-me' user experience. Building on this cooperation, Indian consumers will soon be able to move from place to place and device to device freely, getting their multimedia content whenever and wherever they want it."

Govt's overdrive to check black money yield results NEW DELHI: Amid the threat of Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev to go on hunger strike on the issue of black money, the government says the series of steps taken by it to unearth unaccounted wealth have started yielding results. The income tax department, sources said, has detected unaccounted income of Rs 18,750 crore in the last two financial years and collected an additional Rs 22,697 crore as taxes by stepping up vigil on cross border transactions. Besides, they added, the government detected mis-pricing of goods to the tune of Rs 33,784 crore in the last two years. Called as transfer pricing in tax parlance, the mis-pricing has emerged as the main method of transferring illicit funds outside

the country. The success achieved in checking the menace of black money, sources said, can be attributed to the focused strategy adopted by the Finance Ministry. The focus of the strategy includes stopping the transfer of funds to other countries; better realization of taxes through special attention to cross broader transactions; unearthing the black money in the country and enhanced flow of information from foreign jurisdictions. The income tax department, sources further said, has collected 7,704 pieces of information related to tax evasion and money laundering from different countries and is going ahead with investigations. Referring to information re-

ceived in respect of LGT Bank of Liechtenstien from Germany, sources said, the government has

Pointing out that generation and detection of black money is an ongoing process, sources said, the government has adopted a fivepronged strategy to deal with the issue already launched prosecution proceedings against several individuals and raised a tax demand

of Rs 75.86 crore. Besides, the government has made 175 requests to seek specific information about tax payers from the countries with whom India had signed tax treaties. Pointing out that generation and detection of black money is an on-going process, sources said, the government has adopted a five-pronged strategy to deal with the issue. The elements of the strategy include joining global crusade against black money, creating an appropriate legislative framework, setting up of institutions to deal with illicit funds, developing systems and imparting skills to officers for effective action. As part of the drive, the government had also constituted a

committee under Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) chairman to examine legal and administrative framework and suggest steps to strengthen laws to curb generation of black money. It has also set up Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) to deal with tax crimes related to illegal activities. The other important initiatives include commissioning of a study by economic think-tanks to estimate the quantum of black money held within and outside the country. The estimates of such funds range from USD 500 billion to USD 1,400 billion. The study, to be undertaken jointly by NCAER, NIPFP and NIFM, will also suggest steps to bring back unaccounted money kept outside the country. -PTI

'US should not miss boat in India infrastructure investment' ContĂd from page 42

Land acquisition, he said, was another major challenge since displaced farmers whose farmlands have been acquired do not find employment in the absence of labor intensive industries. These are the different issues that the government is seriously thinking on, Siddique said. Throwing an entirely different light on Indo-US trade challenges, Glenn Stone, Principal, Head of Infrastrcuture, Grant Thornton, threw interesting insights which drew out the similarities and dissimilarities in the nature of the two economies. "Both countries are facing an infrastructure deficit running into trillions of dollars," he said. "But the similarly ends there." Recognizing that infrastructure was the bedrock of growth the Indian government came up with the extremely innovative Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) model opening up the largest infrastructure market in the

world. The US, meanwhile, was not investing in infrastructure, he said. "It's going backwards. They haven't invested in 30 years in this sector and the country is facing a real infrastructure crisis." While about 100 countries across the world use the PPP mode of investment, the

frastructure because the federal government's involvement in these services is minimal," Stone added. Another big difference in the US as against countries like India was that there is a lot of money chasing very few projects. "In India it's the other way around," he

Recognizing that infrastructure was the bedrock of growth the Indian government came up with the extremely innovative Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) model opening up the largest infrastructure market in the world. The US, meanwhile, was not investing in infrastructure, he said US came into this very late, with only 30 of its states having passed the PPP legislation, Stone said. The federal government in the US was not involved in the delivery of public services, including education. "The US is facing some very big problems in in-

pointed out. "In the US, there is at least $100 billion in infrastructure fund sitting with no projects to spend on." Adding to these observations, Siddique said the reason for this complacent situation in the US was because infrastructure was not a

matter of life and death. "So there are no hard decisions being taken unlike in India and China where infrastructure is a matter of life and death for their developing economies." India, Siddique said, needs to educate potential investors in the US to get them out of their mindset about ground realities in India. Symbiosis for Success A research publication titled 'Symbiosis for Success: India-US Bilateral Trade and Economics' by Grant Thornton, released on the occasion, summarized that winds of change in America would further open up its economy, rationalize tax and regulatory structures and embrace Indian companies more candidly, more positively. The dire need of investment in sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare and education would essentially invite participation from private companies and the time was apt for both US and Indian companies to make the most of these opportunities early on.

Datebook

June 10, 2011

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NEW YORK

ILLINOIS

Upcoming

NEW JERSEY

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

Fri June 10

Sat June 11

• Pune Highway

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Sat June 11

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Venue: Roy Arias Studios and Theatres, 300 W 43rd St # 506, New York Time: 8pm to 5pm Contact: 212-594-3685

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

• Sonu Nigaam Live In Concert

Fri June 24 • The Science Of God Realization

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WASHINGTON DC

Upcoming Fri June 10 • Upakar Foundation Presents Emerging Artist Series: Aparna Nancherla Comedy Shows Venue: The Heritage Center at the United States Navy Memorial, 701 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington Time: 7pm to 11pm

Upcoming Sat June 11 • Meera Jasmin Mega Show 2011 Venue: Excelsior High School Auditorium, 15711 Pioneer Blvd, Norwalk, California Time: 6pm to 10pm Contact: 818-399-0638

Sat June 18 Venue: San Jose State University, Event Center, 290 south 7th street, San Jose, California Time: 8pm Contact: 408-368-6865

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Sun July 17 • Indian Cruise to Mexico from Long Beach

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Perspective

June 10, 2011

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The future of nuclear non-proliferation MAJ. GEN. (RETD.) DIPANKAR BANERJEE

hile the death of Osama Bin Laden closes one chapter of recent history against the global war on terror, the risk of terrorism merging with nuclear weapons poses the greatest threat today, even more starkly than a nuclear holocaust. Pakistan, representing the triangulation of a rogue military, terrorism (with suicide terrorism as a norm) and the world's fastest growing nuclear arsenal, remains the world's highest concern and the deepest source of anxiety. Conversely, India as one of the three de-facto nuclear weapon powers, maintains an excellent record at adhering to international laws and global norms pertaining to nuclear weapons. Till date, the parameters of India's nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament policy have remained consistent. In June 2008, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh restated India's policy as "fully committed to nuclear disarmament that is global, universal and non-discriminatory in nature" and that for India, "the only effective form of nuclear disarmament is global nuclear disarmament"; nuclear disarmament cannot be "regionalized." India's principled opposition to the NPT is well known and has been often stated. India does not participate in the NPT preparatory or Review conferences. Besides being a discriminatory treaty with no clear balance of responsibilities between the nuclear haves and have-nots, the NPT has done comparatively little over four decades to further the cause of nuclear disarmament in the world. It has instead led to a vast vertical proliferation, which even decades after of the end of the Cold War, does not quite seem to go away. The New START is a welcome development, but it does not meet global aspirations and is of limited disarmament consequence. The New START will not entice the other nuclear powers to even consider reducing their arsenals. It is pertinent to ask at this stage whether it is the nonproliferation treaty or the nonproliferation regime which is in crisis. Despite its opposition to the treaty, India's nuclear policy is in fact in compliance with the objectives and goals of the NPT. Given its excellent nonproliferation record and the NSG approval to the India-US civil nuclear agreement, India will not have difficulty in the future to accede to the NPT as a nuclear weapons power and for-

Some creative thinking is required towards modifying the NPT to accommodate India, Pakistan and Israel in the system rather than keeping them outside. One possibility is to introduce a third category of ‘state with nuclear weapons’ or ‘advanced states with nuclear technological capability’ to be added in the NPT mally accept all the responsibilities that go with it. But in view of the country's security environment, joining the NPT as a non-nuclear weapons state is not an option that any Indian government will contemplate now or in the future. Therefore some creative thinking is required towards modifying the NPT to accommodate India, Pakistan and Israel in the system rather than keeping them outside. One possibility is to introduce a third category of "state with nuclear weapons" or "advanced states with nuclear technological capability" to be added in the NPT. In keeping with certain carefully considered benchmarks, such as nonproliferation track record, civil control over arsenals, nuclear doctrines and such, exceptions can be made. No treaty should be embedded in stone and as circumstances call, should to be amended, howsoever difficult the process. It is also time to consider fresh approaches towards global elimination of nuclear weapons. India is aware of the new proposals that are currently being debated and hurdles that they face. In a landmark declaration at the Conference on Disarmament (CD) in February 2008, India formally proposed two multilateral agreements and two

global conventions in a detailed framework for nuclear disarmament and laid out a seven point agenda: 1.Reduction of the salience of nuclear weapons in security doctrines 2.Negotiation of an agreement on no-first use of nuclear weapons among nuclear weapons states 3.Negotiation of a universal and legally binding agreement on non-use of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapons states 4.Negotiation of a convention on the complete prohibition of the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons 5.Negotiation of a nuclear convention prohibiting development, stockpiling and production of nuclear weapons, moving towards a global, non-discriminatory and verifiable elimination of these weapons 6.Unequivocal commitment of all nuclear weapons states to reduce risks and dangers arising from the possibility of accidental use of these weapons 7.Adoption of additional measures by nuclear states to reduce accidental use In early May 2011, India's Acting Permanent Representative to the CD in Geneva reiterated India's strong support to the UNSC Resolution 1540 on preventing proliferation of WMD and their means of delivery. India is not yet a member of PSI as there are concerns about its consonance with international maritime law and the artificial distinction it makes with regard to rights and responsibilities of nuclear weapons states and non-nuclear weapons states. However, India has no problems with the purpose and the strategy of the initiative; and there is a growing belief that India should join the PSI and support its expanded mandate as envisaged by President Obama. This fits in very well with India's own concern over clandestine proliferation, especially in its own neighborhood, which could facilitate the acquisition of nuclear weapons or fissile material by terrorist or a jihadist groups. Excerpts from a presentation made at the Conference on the Atlantic World and Rising Global Powers at Berlin, Germany on 15-16 May 2011 organized by the Council on Foreign Relations, USA and the Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik, Berlin The writer is Mentor, IPCS

Time for Americans to review US Pakistan policy SHALLI KUMAR & SHRI CHANDAK National Indian American Council Contíd from last week

Here is what Mr. Curmudgeon wrote in an editorial piece in the Tea Party Tribune on May 3rd, 2011: "Only the more gullible among us believes Pakistan's military and ISI intelligence service knew nothing of Bin Laden's hideout in Abottabad, where he lived his last five years. It's well known that Pakistan provides weapons and intelligence to Taliban fighters in Afghanistan so as to kill American forces fighting there." Now to fully understand why Pakistan's military establishment and ISI aids the terrorists, we turn back once again to Mansoor Ijaz. After Mansoor ran into a road block when negotiating the behind the scenes deal between India and Pakistan on the issue of Kashmir, he wrote: "The key problem was finding a way to get the ISI on board for a wide-net ceasefire by reigning in its insurgents operating in the Valley. But I am now convinced that the ISI does not have an interest in ending the militancy in Kashmir. War is big business for ISI intermediaries and the money trail that funds their illicit activities leads well beyond the borders of Pakistan." If anyone knows ISI well, it is Mansoor! A wise man once said: "follow the money trail" whenever you are trying to investigate or solve a problem. Forget about the radical ideology everyone talks about, no-

body is going to solve the terror problem until you deal with the money issue so well written by Mansoor Ijaz. Whereas prominent congressmen and senators as written above, have called for cutting foreign aid to Pakistan, the Administration, as well as the Washington old guard, both Democrat and Republican, with a behind the scenes immense lobbying effort by Pakistan, is hesitating in tak-

It is high time that Indian Americans in the US band together to have their voices heard in Congress to stop all aid to Pakistan until it takes concrete action to unequivocally join the fight on terror ing any serious action to safeguard the interests of American public and tax-payers. We, the tax-payers, have given almost $20 billion dollars in foreign aid to Pakistan since 9/11 and in return Pakistan hides and protects Osama Bin Laden and other terror masterminds fighting American forces all around the world and

terrorizing American civilians. How do you explain to the families of our service men and women killed in Afghanistan that they pay Pakistan to get their sons and daughters killed! It is insane. If there ever was a question as to Al Qaeda links to the Mumbai terror attacks in India, just consider that Mohammad Ilyas Kashmiri, the most wanted terrorist in India as well as US, widely known for plotting the Mumbai attacks, is on the short list of contenders to succeed Osama Bin Laden as head of Al Qaeda. Pakistan has blood on its hands for the attack on Indian parliament in 2001 as well as the Mumbai terror. It is high time that Indian Americans in the US band together to have their voices heard in Congress to stop all aid to Pakistan until it takes concrete action to unequivocally join the fight on terror. As a starter, we should demand that Pakistan turn over #2 Al Qaeda leader Al-Zawahiri, Taliban Head Mulla Omar and Mohammad Kashmiri, over to the US, and stop supporting the Haqqani network operating out of Quetta in Pakistan, if Pakistan was to ever get another dime from us. We call upon you to send the attached letter to your Congressman and Senator, and please spread the word, so that all of 3 million Indian Americans can speak with one voice.

June 10, 2011

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Philosophy

India Post

June 10, 2011

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n the Spring of 1982, Suzanne Segal, pregnant and 27, was living in Paris and waiting for a bus to take her home from a birthing class. As the bus approached, she took a place in line with other commuters. Suddenly she felt her ears pop, and was at once enclosed in a kind of bubble which cut her off from the rest of the scene, and left her acting and moving in the most mechanical way. She says, "I lifted my right foot to step up into the bus and collided head-on with an invisible force that entered my awareness like a silently exploding stick of dynamite, blowing the door of my usual consciousness open and off its hinges, splitting me in two. “In the gaping space that appeared, what I had previously called 'me' was forcefully pushed out of its usual location inside me into a new location that was approximately a foot behind and to the left of my head. 'I' was now behind my body looking out at the world without using the body's eyes." Walking home from that bus ride, she felt like a "cloud of awareness" following the body. The cloud was a witness located behind and to the left of the body and completely separate from body, mind and emotions. The witness was constant and so was the fear, the fear of complete physical dissolution. The witnessing continued for several

months, even during sleep, and Segal had to endure the fear and the accompanying stress, finding relief in long and frequent sleeps. The 'benefit' of the presence of the witness was that it retained some sense of the personal self, the 'me'. But after a few months the witness disappeared, and with it all traces of a personal self, of the 'me'. "When the personal self disappears, there is no one inside who

can be located as being you. The body is only an outline, empty of everything of which it had previously felt so full." Now there was no one who thought, felt or perceived, yet these functions continued smoothly and nobody noticed anything strange. Yet she struggled to understand who was living and why her body carried on its functions. "Life became one long, unbroken koan, forever unsolvable, forever mysterious, completely out of reach of the mind's capacity to

ing, just as there was no one who was awake. "What had vanished was the reference point of a personal self that felt the feelings personally. Emptiness was consistently copresent with all emotional or mental states, and this co-presence precluded any personal quality from existing. No thoughts, feelings, or actions arose for any personal purpose anymore." "The mind's hypervigilance was exhausting. Because it was constantly engaged in rejecting

sense of an individual identity." Segal had sought out a variety of therapists and teachers, and worked with them, to no avail. After ten years she began to explore the spiritual perspective on the emptiness of the no-self. She found volumes of material in Buddhism on anatta (no-self) and shunyata (emptiness). Now she learned that not only was her experience understood, it was sought by those on the spiritual path. Excerpted from 'Collision with the Infinite'

RAM DASS (RICHARD ALPERT)

know it sounds like a funny thing to do, but it reminds me of how far I have to go to see the Beloved in everybody. Mother Teresa has described this as "seeing Christ in all his distressing disguises." When I realized that Mother Teresa was actually involved in an intimate

pects of seeing the Beloved in this way is that it doesn't require the other person to see him - or herself as the Beloved. All that's necessary is that I focus on my own consciousness properly. It's interesting to notice, though, how warmly people respond to being seen as the Beloved, even if they

is another soul, just like me, who has taken a complicated incarnation, just as I have. I don't want to be in this incarnation any more than he wants to be in mine. But since I want to rest in my soul and not in my ego, I would like to give everybody the opportunity to do the same."

he most important aspect of love is not in giving or the receiving: it's in the being. When I need love from others, or need to give love to others, I'm caught in an unstable situation. Being in love, rather than giving or taking love, is the only thing that provides stability. Being in love means seeing the Beloved all around me. I'm not interested in being a "lover." I'm interested in only being love. In our culture we think of love as a relational thing: "I love you" and "you are my lover." But while the ego is built around relationship, the soul is not. It wants only to be love. It's a true joy, for example, to turn someone whom you didn't initially like into the Beloved. One way I practice doing so is by placing a photograph of a politician with whom I intensely disagree on my puja table - my altar. Each morning when I wake up, I say good morning to the Buddha, to my guru, and to the other holy beings there. But I find that it's with a different spirit that I say, "Hello Mr. Politician." I

comprehend." With the witness gone and, also gone, all vestiges of a familiar 'me', a heightened level of fear arose. She called it terror. She knew a continuous shaking of the extremities and constant and copious perspiration. Now sleep was not a blessed drug, for there was no one to sleep. It brought no relief. She could not identify anyone who gained rest by sleep-

the experience of emptiness, there was very little attention available for anything else. My life was filled with seeing no-self, and raising questions about no-self. “Even in sleep the emptiness of personal identity continued unperturbed. No mental activity ever changed the experience of no-self in any manner, and none of the attempts to figure out, organize, or evaluate it ever brought back a

'Cloud of awareness' following the body Suzanne Segal

‘When the personal self disappears, there is no one inside who can be located as being you. The body is only an outline, empty of everything of which it had previously felt so full’

I'm interested in only being love Ram Dass (Richard Alpert)

love affair with each and every one of the poor and the lepers she was picking up from the gutters in India, I thought to myself, "That's the way to play the game of love." And that is what I have been training myself for the last past quarter century: to see and be with the Beloved everywhere. One of the interesting as-

Being in love, rather than giving or taking love, is the only thing that provides stability. Being in love means seeing the Beloved all around me don't know what's happening. (Of course, it all assumes that all your feelings are genuine and that you aren't compelled to act on them or to lay any sort of trip on the other person. The idea is simply to live and breathe among the Beloved. The way I work at seeing others (like the politician), as the beloved is to remind myself, "This

If I can see the soul that happens to have incarnated into a person that I don't care for, then my consciousness becomes an environment in which he or she is free to come up from air if he or she wants to. That person can do so because I'm nit trying to keep him or her locked into being the person that he or she has become.

All the powers in the universe are already ours. It is we who have put our hands before our eyes and cry that it is dark. -Swami Vivekananda Do not wish to be anything but what you are, and try to be that perfectly. -Saint Francis de Sales Desire is poverty. Desire is the greatest impurity of the mind. Desire is the motive force for action. Desire in the mind is the real impurity. Even a spark of desire is a very great evil. -Swami Sivananda Freedom from the desire for an answer is essential to the understanding of a problem. -Jiddu Krishnamurti Although you may spend your life killing, You will not exhaust all your foes. But if you quell your own anger, your real enemy will be slain. -Nagarjuna By hating that person, you have lost something very sweet in yourself. -Sri Chinmoy Life finds its purpose and fulfillment in the expansion of happiness. -Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

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A war within Pakistan's security establishment? D SUBA CHANDRAN

he kidnapping and subsequent killing of a Pakistani journalist - Saleem Shahzad, along with the testimony made by Headley, raises a pertinent question relating to a widely prevalent hypothesis: Is a section of the security forces, including the ISI, influenced by radical elements within? For long, there has been a fear within India and elsewhere at the international level that radical elements are well entrenched in Pakistani security forces. This fear emanates from two primary sources - those who want Pakistan to fail, giving rise to bizarre theories without any factual substantiation, and from those who fear that Pakistan might fail, thus constantly analyzing happenings at the most coherent institutions within Pakistan. Both sources could not present a case, based on facts and evidence, of the radicalization of the Pakistani security establishment. These accusations and fear were based more on an inbuilt bias (in the first case) and conjecture (in the second case). Two events during the last few days confirm the fear. First, the murder of Saleem Shahzad, a Pakistani journalist and the bureau chief of Asia Times Online, who recently (in May 2011!) published a book titled: Inside al-Qaeda and the Taliban: Beyond Bin Laden and 9/ 11 (London: Pluto Press, 2011). More than the book, his recent article in Asia Times Online on the attack on PNS Mehran was revealing and damning in its immediacy. According to him, "Several weeks ago, naval intelligence traced an al-Qaeda cell operating inside several navy bases in Karachi, the country's largest city and key port." Worse, Saleem Shahzad, in his report, quoted a senior navy official who said that, "Islamic sentiments are common in the armed forces…We never felt threatened by that. All armed forces around the world, whether American, British or Indian, take some inspiration from religion to motivate their cadre against the enemy… “Nonetheless, we observed an uneasy grouping on different naval bases in Karachi. While nobody can obstruct armed forces personnel for rendering religious rituals or studying Islam, the grouping [we observed] was against the discipline of the armed forces. That was the beginning of an intelligence operation in the navy to check for un-

scrupulous activities." Following the above, action was initiated by the Navy, which was not appreciated by the al Qaeda. According to Shahzad, "At least 10 people - mostly from the lower cadre - were arrested in a series of operations." Following the detention, the al Qaeda wanted these members to be released; however, when the negotiations between the Navy and the al Qaeda failed, the latter at-

that had the al Qaeda chief not been killed, there would have never been an attack on the PNS Mehran. Second, the attack on the PNS Mehran was targeted at the US, especially the American reconnaissance aircraft, P 3C Orion. This was intended to affect the American supply line to Afghanistan via Karachi. Clearly, Shahzad's reports prove that the attack on PNS Mehran would have taken place

The siege of PNS Mehran in Karachi

tacked the PNS Mehran. The fact of the existence of the al Qaeda's sympathizers within the Navy gave them a blueprint to target the PNS Mehran with precision. If the above account by Shahzad is true (which seems to be the case, for he would not have been murdered otherwise),

More than the book, his recent article in Asia Times Online on the attack on PNS Mehran was revealing and damning in its immediacy. According to him, "Several weeks ago, naval intelligence traced an al-Qaeda cell operating inside several navy bases in Karachi, the country's largest city and key port” then it blows away two significant rhetoric often repeated within Pakistan on the PNS Mehran attack. First, it was a revenge attack for the killing of Osama bin Laden, which implies

irrespective of the killing of Osama bin Laden. In this case, the attack on PNS Mehran is less to do with anti-American sentiments and the disruption of the pipe line to Afghanistan. It appears that a section within the armed forces is under the influence of radical elements and that the top brass are unaware of what is happening within their forces. This should be read along with Headley's recent statement that the ISI chief may not have known what the Lashkar handlers were doing in terms of planning the terrorist attack in Mumbai. This is a war within Pakistan's security establishment, which should be seen differently from the war within Pakistan. From a regional perspective, what does this mean for Pakistan and Afghanistan? Clearly, such a siege within the security forces and intelligence agencies is not in the interest of Pakistan. Neither will it help regional and international security. The exit of international troops at this juncture will further complicate the situation, for this will be seen as a victory for the radical groups. Worse, after the exit, the international community may even ignore the region. From an Indian perspective, this will only make the situation worse and the resumption of the Indo-Pak dialogue precarious. The writer is Director, IPCS

India Post Soft power

akistan is wary of Indian influence in Afghanistan. For years it has been trying to keep that big, volatile mountainous country in its pocket as a "strategic depth" against India. As if the people of that country do not matter and they do not have a choice to decide their friend or foe. To keep its sway, Pakistan uses violent means and keeps in its pay militants of various varieties, ranging from Taliban, al Qaeda and the Haqqanis. It believes that all coreligionists will do its bidding in Afghanistan and elsewhere. If ever there was a myth that all those professing the religion of Islam will unite for a cause then the benighted country of Pakistan is an example of that failure. India has not gone to Afghanistan for "influence." As Prime Minister Manmohan Singh made it clear during a recent visit to Kabul that India has no "agenda" in Afghanistan. However it is well known India's primary goal in Afghanistan is to ensure that the country doesn't emerge as a hotbed for the anti-India Taliban and other extremist groups. The Afghans look to India with lot of respect and gratitude. As a leading donor, India had pledged to spend $1.5bn on helping rebuild the country's shattered infrastructure, making it the sixth largest bilateral donor. The Indian Prime Minister pledged a further $500m to Afghanistan over the next six years. Funds have been committed for education, health, power and telecommunications. There has also been money in the form of food aid and help to strengthen governance. India is building the country's new parliament building, erecting power transmission lines in the north, and building more than 200km (125 miles) of roads. Manmohan Singh and Afghan President Hamid Karzai held discussions about regional stability, counter-terrorism and the IndiaAfghanistan strategic partnership, built on what is largely a shared mistrust of Pakistan. On his recent visit to Washington, Afghan Education Minister Farooq Wardak said his country was highly appreciative of India's help in developing its education sector. He would rather have Afghan students studying in India than coming to the US for education. During his meetings with USAID and the Education Secretary, he requested for allocating special funds to provide scholarships to Afghan students to study in Indian educational institutions. He argued that it would be too expensive to have Afghan students in the US for scholarship. "Also the fear is that these people would not return to Afghanistan, some of them would wish to settle here in the US. So in order to prevent that worry it is always better to train them in India. It is cost effective, it is good quality, it is easier for us because the language and culture is friendly to the people of Afghanistan and they are not stranger in India," he elaborated. The minister also said that Kabul is negotiating with New Delhi to establish an information technology college in the war-torn nation. There can't be a better certificate for the success of "soft power" that India exercises in Afghanistan. And this is not counting the influence of Bollywood and Indian television content which is eagerly lapped up by the Afghans. The angry response of Pakistan to Indian strategy has been violent attacks on Indians in Afghanistan and on Indian institutions. These were apparently planned by the notorious intelligence agency ISI and carried out by its proxy militants. They are always on the prowl and Kabul has ensured additional security for Indians working there and for Indian establishments. The attacks did temporarily stall Indian efforts in Kabul but it should now be clear to Islamabad that violence doesn't pay as much as "soft power" does.

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