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OCI, PCO CARDS TO BE MERGED
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City Council candidate Dinesh Lakhanpal
Community fundraiser for Lakhanpal Details on page 20
H1B, L1 visa fee hikes violate GATS law
VOL 16, No. 854
January 21, 2011
50¢
Periodical Postage
Nikki Haley being sworn in Governor of South Carolina
‘Proud daughter of Indian immigrants’ Details on page 11
5000 OCI cards awaiting collection in NY Details on page 11
Details on page 34
Surrender of passport being outsourced
IndiGo places 'largest ever' aircraft order
Details on page 11
Details on page 40
SEC charges Bhalla in Galleon case Details on page 12
CSIS establishes Wadhwani Chair on US-India Details on page 13
Mrinalani Mata succeeds Daya Mata Details on page 20
India aids hurricane hit St. Lucia Details on page 12
INDIA POST SURVEY survey@indiapost.com This week’s question
Will merger of OCI, PIO cards solve visa issues? Last week’s result
Do you support denying citizenship to kids of aliens? YES 13%
NO 87%
PRIDE OF DIASPORA: President Pratibha Devisingh Patil with the awardees of Pravasi Bharatiya Samman at the 9th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas-2011 in New Delhi on January 9. Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi is also seen. Among the awardees were GOPIO's Ashook Kumar Ramsaran and USAID administrator Rajiv Shah. (Details on page 6)
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has announced merging of the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) and the Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) cards into a single facility to simplify visa-free entry and participation of Indian Diaspora in business and other activities here. Singh also said that the government had decided to extend the facility of the Indian Community Welfare Fund
to all the Indian Missions from the current 42. Hailing the Indian Diaspora, he pointed out that the Government had introduced the OCI and PIO cards to facilitate visa-free travel of NRIs and Indian Origin people to India as well as to provide them rights of residency and participation in business and educational activities. Details on page 5
Industry leaders laud Narendra Modi GANDHINAGAR: Apart from showering mega invest- credit goes to the visionary, effective and passionate ments on Gujarat, captains of Indian industry, including leadership provided by Narendra Modi. We have a leader Ratan Tata and Mukesh Ambani, heaped praises on Chief here with vision and determination to translate this vision into reality," ReliMinister Narendra Modi ance Industries Chairand described him as a man and Managing Digreat visionary. rector Mukesh Ambani At a time when the Consaid. gress-led UPA government Speaking at the fifth at the Centre is struggling global summit of 'Vibrant to keep basic needs of 'aam Gujarat' here, Ambani aadmi' affordable, Modi got said Modi's efforts for full marks from corporate growth and development leaders for working towards in the state has been reuplifting the quality of life sponsible for alleviating of the common man. Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani greeting poverty. "Gujarat is shining like Chief Minister Narendra Modi at "Vibrant Gujarat" Summit a lamp of gold and the Details on page 41 Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”
Global forum of Indian docs launched Details on page 37
US cops cancel Unity Tour through Gujarat Details on page 12
CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 24-25 Classifieds ------------------------- 48 Community Post -------------- 14-23 Date Book -------------------------- 46 Edit Page --------------------------- 50 HealthScience Post --------- 37-39 Horoscope ------------------------- 47 Immigration Post ------------- 34-36 Life Style ----------------------- 26-28 Philosophy ------------------------- 49 Publisherís Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate -------------------- 44-45 TechBiz Post ------------------- 40-43 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 29-31
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January 21, 2011
January 21, 2011
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et another incident of mass killings - intentions marred by a crazed mind perhaps incapable of gauging the depth of its own evil. A lone gunman in Arizona kills six persons, injures 14, among them a local Congresswoman, who is, in fact, believed to be the prime target. This guy is believed to have expressed somewhere his angst against the targeted Congresswoman who was ostensibly a liberal in a state where the Tea Party movement began. The media is in a tizzy. Loud mouthed pundits did not pause while raising the political rhetoric to think if a 22-year old small town junkie would even know politics let alone have an opinion strong enough to pre-meditate a 'political assassination'. Mercifully, the killer has now been determined as a paranoid schizophrenic who scared the daylights out of classmates, teachers and neighbors, lessening the endless Democrats vs Republicans debate which somehow even made Sarah Palin responsible. There's talk of safety of lawmakers. There's talk of Obama winning brownie points for leading the country in its mourning. There's talk as if the country has 'survived' an alien invasion. There's talk of privacy laws preventing teachers/counselors from 'informing' parents about kids' weird behavior (!). There's talk of hate, intolerance; talk of heroes; sob stories of affected families; but in all this cacophony, I haven't heard many voices - at least not loud enough - against the ridiculous ease with which a mentally-ill junkie can obtain a gun in this country. Laughably, lawmakers are talking about enacting a law to allow legislators to carry guns for protection - yeah, I can picture them at public meetings, mike in one hand and a gun in the other, you never know who they might have to protect themselves from! But somehow, it doesn't occur to them to stop making guns so easily available. Americans talk of their many enemies like the Taliban and al Qaeda. Long before they even discovered these enemies, they have been nurturing their own crazies who buy and sell guns like candy, to kill their own people, that too for no darn reason.
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Happily married Bollywood's chocolate boy Imran Khan married long time girlfriend Avantika Malik in Mumbai.
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Cover Story: Single card Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has announced merging of the OCI and PIO cards into a single facility.
Community: Conference on corruption
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An awareness and fundraiser program was held in New Jersey towards organizing a conference on 'Corruption in India'.
Health: GAPIO launched A Global Association of Physicians of Indian Origin aimed at connecting Indianorigin physicians has been launched.
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Life Style: Star Screen Awards Vikramaditya Motwane’s Udaan won top honors at the Star Screen Awards bagging both Best Film and Best Director.
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Travel: Auli Cradled in snow-capped mountains, Auli is one of the very few places in India where skiing is a major pastime.
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PBD Special
January 21, 2011
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PM announces merging of OCI, PIO cards NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has announced merging of the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) and the Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) cards into a single facility to simplify visa-free entry and participation of Indian Diaspora in business and other activities here. Singh also said that the government had decided to extend the facility of the Indian Community Welfare Fund to all the Indian Missions from the current 42. Hailing the Indian Diaspora, he pointed out that the Government had introduced the OCI and PIO cards to facilitate visa-free travel of NRIs and Indian Origin people to India as well as to provide them rights of residency and participation in business and educational activities. "We have reviewed the functioning of these schemes, and have decided to merge the OCI and PIO cards into a single facility. We hope to iron out some of the problems that have arisen in the implementation of these schemes," he said addressing the 9th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas here. In a bid to encourage PIOs (Indians who have shifted migrated permanently to other countries over centuries) to visit and invest in India, such people were given PIO cards. A PIO card holder does not require a visa to visit India and the
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh lighting the lamp to inaugurate the 9th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas-2011, in New Delhi on January 8. Chief Guest New Zealand Governor General Anand Satyanand, Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi and the Union Minister for Mines and Development of North Eastern Region B.K. Handique are also seen
card is valid for 15 years. A PIO card holder enjoys several economic and educational benefits. On the other hand, the OCI card is a kind of lifelong visa and any India origin person can apply for it if his host country allows dual citizenship. Talking about the Indians who emigrate for work, Singh said their welfare is "a matter of special con-
cern for us". To improve the conditions for migration, India has signed Social Security Agreements with 12 countries and finalized Labor Mobility Partnerships with two others, he said, adding a generic arrangement is also being negotiated with the European Union also. "As a further measure, we have now extended the facility of the
Indian Community Welfare Fund to all Indian Missions," he said. At present, such funds are available in 42 Missions. Singh said the government has decided to establish new Indian cultural centers in the US, Canada, Saudi Arabia, France and Australia. "I urge the Indian communities in these countries to support and
patronize these centers so that they become effective instruments for projecting the diversity and splendor of Indian culture," the Prime Minister said. In his address, Singh invited the Indian Diaspora to invest in the Northeast and contribute in accelerating the pace of development in the region. "I represent Assam in Parliament and I know what boundless potential the region has to contribute to nation building given the right opportunities. "Providing gainful employment opportunities for the youth is a real challenge. I encourage the Diaspora to join hands with local and national efforts to accelerate the pace of development of this region," the Prime Minister said. The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, which organizes the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, had partnered this time with eight northeastern states and Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region to project the region as an attractive destination for investment. The Prime Minister said government has decided to start a 'skills initiative' for overseas employment of people from Northeastern states. "Towards this end, we will identify an institute of Excellence to promote technical skills in the region in the areas of hospitality and healthcare," he said. -PTI
'Efforts on to make systemic changes for transparency' NEW DELHI: Against the backdrop of various scams hitting the government, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said here efforts are underway to make "systemic changes" to ensure more transparency and safeguards in the governing processes. Addressing the 9th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas here, he said consensus would be needed to bring about far-reaching changes that may be required in governance and asserted that the government would "sincerely" work towards this end. "We are examining seriously how to make systemic changes that ensure more transparent procedures and safeguards in our governing processes," Singh told a gathering of around 1,500 NRIs and People of Indian Origin (PIOs) who have assembled here from across the world for the three-day event. He said the Indian "democracy and our systems are sturdy, vibrant and have their own inbuilt mechanisms for redressal
and course correction." Noting that "We need to build consensus on far-reaching changes that may be required in governance and in our legal or electoral systems," Singh said, "We are determined to work sincerely towards this end." The comments assume significance as the government has been hit by a number of scams like those related to the 2G spectrum allocation and Commonwealth Games. Talking about the country's progress, the Prime Minister told the Indian Diaspora that the economic recovery was progressing well despite "uncertain" global scenario and the growth is expected to be 9-10 per cent from next year. "In the last two quarters, our growth rate has been 8.9 per cent and we expect that for the entire year it will be around 8.5 per cent," he said. Singh underlined that high growth rate is vital to fund India's ambitious social development programs and create employment for its young population. .
Inviting the Indian Diaspora for deeper engagement in the country's development process, Singh asked them to share their expertise and experience in im-
system, particularly in higher education," he said. Drawing attention of the Diaspora to the Northeastern states, he exhorted them to join
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh delivering the inaugural address at the 9th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas-2011, in New Delhi
proving educational infrastructure here. "We hope to use the wisdom, experience and resources of the global Indian community to develop a world class education
local and national efforts to accelerate the pace of development of the resource-rich region. The Prime Minister noted that a law has been enacted to provide voting rights to NRIs and appro-
priate procedures are being framed to give effect to this new legal provision. "I have no doubt that your participation in the (electoral process) will be welcomed by the constituencies in which you do participate. You will bring a breath of global fresh air to our politics," he said. Singh, while addressing the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) in January last year, had promised that Indian passport holders living abroad could get voting rights. Subsequently, Parliament passed the Representation of People (Amendment) Bill in the last Monsoon Session to allow NRIs to vote in the elections, but differences between the Election Commission and the government on framing modalities has been holding up the process. Singh said government has now decided to merge the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) cards into a single facility. -PTI
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January 21, 2011
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Prez asks Diaspora to help India build better future NEW DELHI: Highlighting India's economic resilience, President Pratibha Patil has invited the Indian Diaspora to share their skills and finances in diverse sectors in the country including education and health and help it build a better future and ensure inclu-
in diverse sectors. "Our economy has been robust in the recent turbulent times, because of the contribution of services and manufacturing sectors, as also of the traditional sectors including, agriculture, animal husbandry and informal services," she said.
President Pratibha Devisingh Patil delivering the Valedictory Address at the 9th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas-2011, in New Delhi on January 9
sive growth. Addressing the valedictory session of the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas here, Patil asked the Diaspora for a rapid increase in the "number, size and scope" of their involvement in the country's developmental process while underlining the strong fundamentals of the economy. "Your expertise and skills will be a vital resource for India's efforts to forge inclusive growth for all its citizens. Your immense capacity in talent, skills, experience and finances are known to all," she said. Seeking increased investment from the Diaspora, Patil hoped that coming days will see more longterm projects involving the community that will have a significant positive impact on many lives. "We would like to measure such projects not in terms of the money spent on them, but in terms of the humans touched and improved by them," she said, noting that Government was focusing on expanding coverage of quality education, health services and infrastructure. "I call upon each and every one of you to participate to the best of your ability, in at least one endeavor in India for building a better future for the disadvantaged sections of society," she added. Calling for deeper two-way engagement, Patil said the country has a "gigantic task of nation building" and the overseas community can contribute immensely
"Government's efforts at reducing poverty, imparting schooling and skills, improving health and habitats, and increasing participation of women and socially disadvantage groups in economic activity, can only succeed with the help and co-operation of private initiatives and civil society," she said. As the final day of Pravasi Bhartiya Divas also marked the 96th anniversary of the homecoming of Mahatma Gandhi, Patil also paid tribute to the father of the
‘I call upon each and every one of you to participate to the best of your ability, in at least one endeavor in India for building a better future for the disadvantaged sections of society,’ she said nation. "Gandhiji's thinking had a tremendous impact in India and globally, making him one of the greatest personalities of our times," she said. The President said Regional Pravasi Bhartiya Divas is being organized every year in one of the countries which have a significant number of Indians for close-inter-
action with more and more overseas Indians. She also announced that the next Regional Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas would be held in Toronto this year. Patil also conferred Pravasi Bharatiya Samman to 15 eminent overseas Indians from different walks of life including Governor General of New Zealand Sir Anand Satyanand, Veena Harbhagwan Sahajwalla from Australia, Lata Pada from Canada, USAID administrator Rajiv Shah, British Minister Sandip Verma, leading Sri Lankan Industrialist Mano Selvanathan, Netherlands based philanthropist Saleh Wahid and former foreign service officer of Malaysia Dato Ajit Singh. In her speech, Patil complimented Satyanand, an Indian origin, and said the country was proud of his achievements. Satyanand was awarded for his "outstanding" contributions in public life. Earlier, summing up the outcome of the three-day event, Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi said the 9th edition of the event saw participation of 1,600 delegates, which is the highest number among all the PBDs. He said that the 9th PBD took forward the 'inclusive agenda' that was initiated last year. "The focus this year was on discovering innovative areas in which overseas Indians can benefit from the many opportunities that India offers," he said. Listing the outcomes, Ravi said the event provided an opportunity for the Diaspora to explore new areas for cooperation in the national priority areas of health and education. "The PBD this year focused on engaging with the young overseas Indian. The young Overseas Indian is in a way the driver of India's image abroad as a young, vibrant and high performing destination," he said. Ravi said the PBD has matured into a platform that sets the tone for the ways in which we can build a "reciprocal long-term strategic partnership with our Diaspora." "We need to work towards building a relationship that will see India emerge as an economic power in the true sense. The Indian growth story is an absorbing, inspiring and continuing one," he added "Backed by demographics where about 65 per cent of the population falls under the working age group, a paradigm shift is underway in India," he said.-PTI
Ramsaran, Rajiv Shah among 15 honored with Pravasi award NEW DELHI: President Pratibha Patil conferred here 'Pravasi Bhartiya Samman' awards to 15 eminent overseas Indians, including Governor General of New Zealand Sir Anand Satyanand, for their pioneering role in enhancing India's image globally. From United States those honored were GOPIO's Ashook Kumar Ramsaran and USAID administrator Rajiv Shah. Patil gave away the awards here at the valedictory session of the ninth Pravasi Bhartiya Divas India's annual event to connect with its Diaspora. Satyanand, 66, is New Zealand's first Governor-General of Indian and Pacific ancestry. He had a long career as a lawyer, judge and ombudsman before taking up the job in August 2006. Patil while complimenting Satyanand's contribution said the country was proud of his achievements. Satyanand has been honored for his outstanding contributions in public life. In October last year, a New Zealand radio presenter has stirred controversy by calling Satyanand a "large, fat man". Later, the presenter had to quit. The other Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awardees included:
• Prof. Veena Harbhagwan Sahajwalla (Australia) • Lata Pada (Canada) • Harindrapal Singh Banga (Hong Kong-China) • Mohammad Munir Nazir Hassan Ansari (Israel) • Upjit Singh Sachdeva (Liberia) • Tan Sri Dato Ajit Singh (Malaysia) • Saleh Wahid from (Netherlands) • Mohiaddin Syed Karimuddin (Saudi Arabia) • Mano Selvanathan (Sri Lanka) • Mohan Jashanmal (United Arab Emirates) • Baroness Sandip Verma (United Kingdom) • Ashook Kumar Ramsaran and Rajiv Shah (United States) They names were chosen by a panel headed by Vice President Hamid Ansari and announced just ahead of the formal investiture ceremony chaired by President Pratibha Patil as part of the concluding session of the three-day Pravasi Bharatiya Divas here Sunday. The final day of the three-day event also marked 96th anniversary of homecoming of Mahatma Gandhi. The father of the nation had come back to India from South Africa on January 9, 1915. PTI
Northeastern states ask Diaspora to invest in the region NEW DELHI: The Northeastern states here made a fervent appeal to the Indian Diaspora to invest in key infrastructure, particularly in education, healthcare and tourism sectors to help the region prosper on a par with the rest of the country. Addressing the 9th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas here, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi sought "wholehearted support" of the 25 million Diaspora in developing the region and help it achieve higher economic growth rate. "The law and order is no longer a problem in the region as all major terrorist outfits have come to the negotiating table, realizing futility of their hostilities against the governments. So, I invite you to my state as well as to region to explore its vast resources," Gogoi said. Northeast has received special focus at the three-day annual conclave, being attended by nearly 1,500 NRIs and Persons of Indian Origins
(PIOs), with the Centre projecting the region as an attractive destination for overseas investment. "Please come and help us develop the region. We are ready to provide you all the help and hospitality," Gogoi said. The conclave -- the country's annual event to connect with its Diaspora, is being held in partnership with the Ministry for Development of Northeastern Region (DoNAR) and the eight northeastern states. Showcasing the region as an ideal destination for investment, Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said the "time is ripe for the Diaspora to invest" in the Northeast. "Right policies are in place and now is the time to explore and participate in development of this region," he said. He said there was a huge demand for quality educational institutions and hospitals in the northeast and the Diaspora can invest in a big way in these two sectors.-PTI
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January 21, 2011
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NRI enrolment delayed as EC 'Diaspora youth should insists on physical verification join boosting growth' NEW DELHI: A year after Prime Overseas Indian Affairs MinMinister Manmohan Singh prom- ister Vayalar Ravi said it was up ised NRIs voting rights, the pro- to the EC to finalize the modalities posal is still stuck because of dif- but at the same time the guideferences between government lines should be practical. and the Election Commission on "The EC has been very posimodalities of the process of en- tive towards the issue and I hope rolment. the commission will be able to fiParliament in the Monsoon ses- nalize the modalities at the earlision had passed the Representa- est," he said. tion of People (Amendment) Bill, Ravi said NRIs, "who have not 2010 to allow NRIs to vote in the acquired citizenship of any other elections, but difference of opin- country and are living abroad ion on how the process should owing to employment, education be implemented is holding it up. or otherwise, are eligible to regis"The Election Commission has ter their names in the electoral been insisting on the physical verification of the NRIs wanting to get their names enrolled in electoral rolls. But we have opposed the proposal as it would be virtually impossible for our embassies to carry out such an exercise," highlyplaced government sources told PTI. They said top officials of both External Affairs Ministry Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi addressing at the inaugural session and Overseas Indian Affairs Ministry have held several rounds of dis- rolls" in their places as mentioned cussions with the Election Com- in their passport. mission but no consensus has An estimated 11 million NRIs been reached. are living in various countries Singh while addressing the across the world and voting rights Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) in has been a longstanding demand January last year, had promised of the community. that Indian passport holders livAccording to the amendment, ing abroad could get voting rights. an NRI will be able to exercise the The MEA has told the EC that franchise only if he or she is it would not be possible for em- present in the constituency on the bassies to physically verify the polling day. NRIs as in Saudi Arabia alone the As per the existing rules, an number of Indians would be NRI's name gets deleted from the nearly 1.5 million. voters list if he or she stays out-
side the country for more than six months at a stretch. The new law will allow an Indian citizen residing abroad to enroll in voters' list and exercise his franchise even if he or she remained away from place of residence in India for more than six months owing to employment, education or otherwise. Meanwhile a top official of the Overseas Indian Affairs Ministry said the government has been encouraging Indian origin people abroad to apply for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card as it will allow them to enter India without obtaining visa separately. He said the government has roped in private agencies in various US cities including Houston, Ohio and Washington to process application for OCI cards. Asked about complaints from Indian-American community on inordinate delay by the Indian embassy in issuance of visas, the official admitted that such delays do occur at times and said the authorities have to follow certain laid down procedures before issuing the travel document. "We are encouraging more and more people to apply for OCI card," he said. Authorities say that the strict enforcement of the new visa rules comes in the wake of lessons learnt from the case of David Coleman Headley, who was among the plotters of the Mumbai terror attacks. The Indian American community staged peaceful demonstrations at various Indian consulates in the US --Houston, San Francisco and Chicago -- last month.PTI
Canadian Member of Parlaiment Ruby Dhalla (right) with Mahatma GandhiĂs grand-daughter Ela Gandhi during the opening ceremony of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2011
NEW DELHI: Observing that India has emerged as a strong nation in the last 20 years with more promises and "optimism", Lok Sabha MP Jay Panda here invited the strong Indian Diaspora especially the younger generation to join hands in taking the growth process ahead. "In last 20 years we have emerged as a new India with a cando attitude," he said at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas here, asking the younger lot abroad to "engage" in nurturing this positive vibe. He also felt that in recent years the optimism level is high among majority of the Indians as they believe that their children can have a much better future then them. Prime Minister's adviser and telecom czar Sam Pitroda felt the younger generation abroad need to connect with their roots and
realize the potential India holds for them and for the rest of the world. "Send the younger ones from USA and other parts to India to experience the life and the opportunities available here," he said, asking the Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi to "take this agenda forward". He said that though things are still very "complex" in India for anyone to realize their dreams, the country is making progress despite several odds. Inviting the young Indians abroad to visit the country, Singapore's Deputy Speaker Indranee Rajah, who is of Indian origin, said it is the "emotional and cultural" connections with India that "tells them who they are". Ruby Dhalla, an MP from Canada of Indian origin, also spoke on the occasion. -PTI
2.5 lakh panchayats to be connected through broadband: Pitroda NEW DELHI: Empowering villagers to get better services, about 250,000 panchayats would be connected through fibre optics and broadband connections within the next couple of years, Advisor to the Prime Minister and telecom czar Sam Pitroda said here. "Our goal is to provide fiber to 250,000 panchayats. We have a plan in collaboration with BSNL, RAILTEL DoT, IT Ministry etc. Pretty soon we will have a detail plan which will be submitted to the Cabinet for approval," Pitroda, who is the Advisor to the Prime Minister on Infrastructure,
Innovation and Information, said. The connectivity will not only improve delivery of government schemes but will also empower people, he said while talking to reporters on the sidelines of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas here. As the Chairman of National Knowledge Commission, he wished the recommendations of the commission "should have been implemented earlier". "It has been delayed a little bit," he added. The NKC, which was set up by the Prime Minister in 2005 with the mandate to suggest measures to transform the country into a
knowledge society, has made several path-breaking recommendations, including a regulatory authority for education and setting up of 1,500 universities. Pitroda also felt that with the changing times, teachers' role must change. "Role of teachers must change. It cannot be the way it has been in the past. Teachers will have to be more of a mentor. I don't think the way we are thinking today is sustainable globally," he said. He said students should also have access to the best of the teachers globally and acquire knowledge relevant to the present time.-PTI
Adviser to the Prime Minister on Public Information Infrastructure and Innovation Sam Pitroda addressing at the 9th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas-2011
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January 21, 2011
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Chief Ministers seek investment from Diaspora NEW DELHI: Eyeing better investment flow from Diaspora, state heads showcased here the competitive business environment and investor-friendly policy initiatives of their governments while identifying education and healthcare as key areas for deeper two-way engagement. Addressing the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas here, Chief Ministers of various states sought active support of the 25 million Diaspora in enhancing infrastructure in their respective states, while highlighting India as a safe destination for investment. Making a fervent appeal for enhanced investment in his state, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi said inclusive growth should be the "mantra" of THE development process if India has to emerge in the right earnest. "This decade of Gujarat has been a decade of phenomenal growth. We have not only registered overall double digit GDP growth but our important sectors also have registered double digit growth," he said a gathering of around 1,500 NRIs and Persons of Indian Origins (PIOs). Showcasing the investment potential of his state in diverse sectors, he said the government has been trying to make people the partners in growth not just beneficiaries. "Our agriculture has grown at 12.8 per cent in the last five years and at 9.6 per cent over last seven years.
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi (R) attends the third day of the Ninth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2011 (Overseas Indian Conference) in New Delhi on January 9
This is thrice the national average. The industrial sector has also grown at 13 per cent," Modi said. He said Gujarat contributes to 22 per cent of total exports and 30 per cent of the stock market capitalization of the country, which reflects the opportunities and dynamism of the state economy. Speaking on the occasion, Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda termed the Indian Diaspora as a "formidable global force" who represent
a "truly great resource" in the form of intellectual, technical, scientific and entrepreneurial excellence. Seeking investment for his state, Hooda described Haryana as a land of "opportunities and enterprise" and said it had grown at 8 per cent even during the worst period of economic meltdown. "Haryana has made rapid strides and carved a niche for itself. The state, which was largely an agrarian initially, is now one of the most industrialized states in the country with the manufactur-
ing and services sector contributing about 80 per cent of the gross state domestic product," he said. Both Hooda and Modi spoke about need for enhancing infrastructure in health and education. During the last five years, Hooda said the state has attracted investment to the tune of USD 11 billion (Rs 53,000 crore) from both domestic as well as international investors and investment worth Rs 1 lakh crore is in the pipeline. Speaking on the occasion,
Govt hopes 30 pc infra spend from overseas NEW DELHI: The government exuded hope here that a whopping 30 per cent of the targeted USD 1 trillion (Rs 45.37 lakh crore) investment towards infrastructure development in the next Five Year
per cent of the proposed investment will come from various overseas funds," Road Transport and Highways Minister Kamal Nath told reporters on the sidelines of 9th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas here.
structure during the 11th Plan Period (2007-12). Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had earlier said that the investment in infrastructure sector should be doubled to USD one
The Minister said that a special acceleratory program for improving roads in North East worth Rs 10,000 crore was currently going on and more contracts would be awarded in Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Kamal Nath addressing at the 9th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas-2011
Plan ending 2017 would come from overseas. "We aim to invest USD 1 trillion in the infrastructure sector in the 12th Plan Period. We hope 30
Aiming to provide a face-lift to the country's beleaguered infrastructure sector, government had pegged USD 500 billion investment for development of infra-
the next two years trillion during the 12th Five Year Plan to achieve 10 per cent GDP growth. Nath said that various pension and other overseas funds were
looking at India for long-term opportunities. "India is moving on a growth trajectory and we have many challenges. Bridging infrastructure deficits a huge challenge," Nath said. "The country faces huge deficit in roads and highways, port, airport. Urban transport will also be strengthened in major cities," he said adding that the country plans to launch USD 50 billion infrastructure funds. Meanwhile, the Minister said that a special acceleratory program for improving roads in North East worth Rs 10,000 crore was currently going on and more contracts would be awarded in the next two years. Asked about the targeted 20 km a day road development, he said that the country had been building 12.5 km roads per day now. Nath also said that Delhi metro would have 416 km of underground metro by 2017. This would also make it bigger than the London metro. -PTI
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi said the government has made a huge "turn around" in the state and it is now growing at 11 per cent. Listing the progress made by Bihar government in the past five years, he said, "all the mines went to Jharkhand but the minds are still with Bihar and to nurture that we have appointed more than two lakh teachers in government schools". He also said that the government has improved the law and order to great extent as neither a single case of death or a single incident of booth capturing occurred during the state assembly election last year. Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, while complimenting the NRIs for their contribution in development of the state, announced setting up of a Commission for NRIs to redress their grievances, especially related to property matters and other legal disputes. He said the commission would be headed by a retired judge of the High Court and Punjab would be the first state in the country to take such initiative to redress grievances and disputes of the NRIs. Badal said the Punjab Government has already set up dedicated police stations and exclusive fast track courts for taking up issues related to NRIs only. "The contribution of the NRI fraternity to the prosperity if the state is immense. Every village in the state carries the stamp of their contribution," he said calling for greater partnership between the state and the Diaspora. Giving account of major initiatives of his government to improve key infrastructure, Badal said within next couple of years Punjab will be a power surplus state and while another ambitious scheme to make all the major roads either four lane or six lane has been launched. "Punjab will soon become the first state in the country to have three international airports. International flights from Mohali airport will begin shortly," he said. In his speech, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, who could not make it to the program, said his government would soon come out with a policy to promote creation of key infrastructure while safeguarding interests of the farmers. Calling for better collaboration with the Diaspora, he assured them to speed up clearance for industrial and infrastructure projects. "Efforts are being made to ensure easy availability of land so that land conversion, land use change, plan approvals, etc take minimum time." -PTI
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India not after NRIs' money, Montek tells Diaspora NEW DELHI: Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia here dispelled the impression that India was after NRI funds saying that more than 95 per cent of investment comes from domestic sources. "I think we can get rid of the notion that we are connecting with the NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) because we want investment...we are not reaching out to NRIs because we need money," Ahluwalia said at the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas organized by the government in collaboration with industry chamber CII. "At least 95 per cent of investments in the country is domestic investment," Ahluwalia said adding, "If you feel your money is well spent here, you are welcome... If you think in another country you can do better... as an economist I will tell you that is exactly what you should do." Sharing the dais with Ahluwalia, Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Valyar Ravi said, "The NRIs share in the foreign direct investment (FDI) in the country is just 1.3 per cent." According to the latest government data, the cumulative FDI in the country since 1991 stands
Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia addressing at the 9th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas-2011. Chief Minister of Haryana Bhupinder Singh Hooda is also seen
at USD 179.45 billion. Although, the NRI investment in the country is not huge, but the remittances from workers are significant. India received USD 46.9 billion as remittances during 2008-09. Ahluwalia pointed out, "We are reaching out (to NRIs) because we value the long, socio-cultural footprint that we all share. "So, honestly I would tell you,
if you don't feel ready to invest in India, don't be apologetic. It's our job to get investors...Indian or foreigner doesn't matter," he added. India is planning to double the investment in infrastructure to USD one trillion in the 12th Five Year Plan (2012-17) compared to USD 500 billion in the current Plan. -PTI
Sushil Modi woos investors for Bihar NEW DELHI: Assuring the strong Diaspora from Bihar willing to invest in its home state of all support, Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi said here the single window clearance mechanism there will be made effective to the point that it "actually functions". "Though there is a single window act in the State, there are several small windows behind that single window. We discussed the issue with the Chief Minister last month and I can assure you before March 31 we will provide single window which will be actually functioning as single window," he said. It will be the responsibility of the Government to procure all types of clearances, Modi said interacting with NRIs from Bihar at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas here. His promise to potential investors came when one of the doctors currently based in United Kingdom expressed his frustration at having to run from one official to another to set up a super specialty hospital in the State.
Badal announces commission to redress grievances of NRIs NEW DELHI: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal has announced setting up of a Commission for NRIs to
in the country to take such initiative to redress grievances and disputes of the NRIs. Badal said the Punjab Govern-
Sukhbir Singh Badal
Badal said within next couple of years Punjab will be a power surplus state and another ambitious scheme to make all the major roads either four lane or six lane has been launched
redress their grievances, especially related to property matters and other legal disputes. He said the commission would be headed by a retired judge of the High Court and Punjab would be the first state
ment has already set up dedicated police stations and exclusive fast track courts for taking up issues related to NRIs only. "The contribution of the NRI fraternity to the prosperity if the state is immense. Every village in
the state carries the stamp of their contribution," he said addressing the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas function here. Giving account of major initiatives of his government to improve key infrastructure, Badal said within next couple of years Punjab will be a power surplus state and another ambitious scheme to make all the major roads either four lane or six lane has been launched. Badal said that to check any kind of harassment of the common man as well as of NRIs, the state has set in motion massive governance reforms. This will not only speed up the delivery systems in the state but would also considerably reduce the harassment that the common man has to face in government offices for getting routine things done, like securing driving licenses and getting complaints registered in police stations, he said. -PTI
Sushil Kumar Modi
Modi contended that things have changed for the better in Bihar and it is not the same as it used to be five years back. "About five years back people used to hide their Bihari identity. I know many people who used to say they belonged to some other place. Now things have completely changed," the BJP leader said. Riding high on the NDA's resounding electoral victory in the state, he said that although it was difficult to transform Bihar, the process of transformation had already begun. "There was lack of governance, though Government was there. What Nitish Kumar did was that he brought back governance in Bihar," he said. Modi underlined that credible leadership, inclusive politics taking all sections into confidence,
development and good governance and sincere effort played a pivotal role in this transformation process. "By end of 2011 or early of 2011 we will be holding this type of conference (on lines of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas) in Patna itself for those interested in development of Bihar. In 2005, the state had hosted the 'Resurgent Bihar' conclave," the BJP leader said. Modi said his Government was laying emphasis on creation of infrastructure like roads and improving the power sector, a goal which has become a major challenge for the state. He said that while investment proposals in power sector for generating a combined 28000 MW has been received by the State Government, the Centre should support the state in providing coal linkages to execute the projects. When Modi's attention was drawn to states like Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh which have attracted sizable investment, he said Bihar can woo good invest-
Modi said his Government was laying emphasis on creation of infrastructure like roads and improving the power sector, a goal which has become a major challenge for the state ment too provided it was declared a special category state like them where investors get excise and other exemptions. He said the ruling NDA in Bihar will also finalize a policy on renewable energy within the next three months besides a policy for technical institutes. Admitting that there was lack of civic amenities in Bihar, he said, "We have more mobile phones than toilets." However, he said the government has launched several schemes like Lohia Swachhata Abhiyan to improve sanitation facilities in the state. "We are providing Rs 2200 for constructing toilets for BPL families," he said, adding that the Nitish government has appealed to people in Bihar not to give their girls (in marriage) to families which don't have a toilet. -PTI
GOPIO Session
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Kolkata memorial as a tribute to indentured laborers ASHOOK RAMSARAN
T
here come certain times in life when we try to connect with the past in order to understand those circumstances of history that helped shape the present. Such yearning persists unless and until we can connect with those who came before us, those who paved the way for us and made it possible for us to stand tall on their shoulders. There is this belief among most of us -- that if we know about our yesterday, then our today and our tomorrow can be better understood and shared. Moments in history are unique and are rarely duplicated in their entirety. Specifically, for those of us whose ancestors came from India as indentured laborers, we bear a unique responsibility to document their special history - our history, in fact - for ourselves and for posterity. The fact that we, the descendants of Indian indentured laborers, are scattered across continents and oceans apart, speaking various languages and living among diverse populations and ethnic groups and cultures, further behooves us to document the realties of our past. Else, we would have failed in our obligation to past, present and future generations. Therein lies our obligation and duty to connect to our past and, in so doing, connect to ourselves, among ourselves from various countries globally and to the motherland of India. We share a common thread, one of the many branches of a huge tree with deep roots. We are now coming full circle by preserving the history of our forebears. The Kolkata Memorial The Kolkata Memorial project has meaningful significance to millions of descendants of those
persons of Indian origin (PIOs) in destination countries where Indian indentured laborers emigrated from 1834 thru' 1920. This will be a lasting legacy for present and future generations. "A noble effort indeed", said writer and historian Dr Anand Mullo of Mauritius; "An extraordinary service to the Indian Diaspora", said Indian emigration roots researcher Shamshu Deen of Trinidad & Tobago; "A commemoration tribute whose time is overdue", said Prof Mohan Gautam of The Netherlands; "We are all deeply indebted for the Kolkata Memorial which is a tremendous achievement", said prominent Indo-Caribbean Diaspora icon (Dr) Yesu Persaud of Guyana. The Global Indian Diaspora Heritage Society (GIDHS) has been established and registered in Kolkata, West Bengal. GIDHS is the Kolkata based organization to plan, coordinate and manage the museum/resource center to be constructed some time after the installation of the commemorative plaque as Phase 2 of project. An international team of GIDHS is being formulated with representation from all destination countries where Indian indentured laborers emigrated from 1834 to 1920. GIDHS membership will include prominent persons throughout the global Indian Diaspora as patrons and benefactors, as well as historians, researchers, planners and supporters. I feel so honored and privileged to be actively working in prominent leadership role to see the Kolkata Memorial become a reality. I have remarked previously that, "our ancestors who left those shores truly deserve their place in the annals of Indian history and the journeys
While our ancestors left those shores with barely the clothes they were wearing but emboldened with lots of hope, promise and courage, we, their descendants, can proudly walk today in those very same depots and docks, reminisce and marvel - while expressing our gratitude and, yes, become quite emotional -- at their courage and determination who left India as indentured Indian laborers from 1834 thru' 1920. The plan to begin with the installation of the inauguration plaque on January 11, 2011 followed by the memorial museum and resource center, has been received with overwhelming emotional sentiments and enthusiastic support from all corners of the global Indian Diaspora, in particular from
of people of Indian origin. We owe them due recognition and a lasting remembrance - and that is what the Kolkata Memorial will be". The vision of a single, suitably significant place of emotional and physical connection for the descendants of indentured workers is finally becoming a reality. The significance of the Kolkata Memorial transcends all
boundaries and can become an example for other groups who emigrated from India during and/ or subsequent to the 1834-1920 period. The message of the Kolkata Memorial should be disseminated to as many as possible
‘We are all deeply indebted for the Kolkata Memorial which is a tremendous achievement’, said prominent Indo-Caribbean Diaspora icon (Dr) Yesu Persaud of Guyana to inform others as well as generate support for its museum and resource center plans. Personal Perspectives My goal is to establish a commemorative memorial in Kolkata followed by a museum and resource center that would emotionally and physically connect the descendants of indentured workers with the history of their ancestors who left India from 1834 -- 1920. This will be a lasting legacy to present and future generations of their descendants, and I feel so honored and privileged - truly so fortunate and blessed -- to be doing this. My great grandfather left India in 1853 and it took him over 100 days by ship to reach Guyana (originally named Demerara, then British Guiana). By contrast, it took me less than 24 hours by airplane from New York to reach to Kolkata. During my journeys to Kolkata, I made several visits to housing sites, holding areas, processing offices and the docks that are still standing in Kolkata even more than 150 years later. All through those visits, it was on my mind that perhaps it was by beckon call and some special guidance I was being led to that place, doing what should be done as a lasting tribute to all those who left those shores. A personal quest was quickly transformed to a universal one, representative of the descendants of those who left India from the ports of Kolkata (Calcutta), Chennai (Madras) and Mumbai (Bombay). That gave me an enormous sense of courage and determination to succeed in installing the commemorative memorial plaque to be followed by the museum. There is an overwhelming sense of personal obligation and responsibility that I must make sure that quest is fulfilled. In that pro-
cess, I intend to use all available support, collaboration and good intentions of the governments of India and West Bengal, governments of countries with persons of Indian origin (such as Guyana, Trinidad, Suriname, Jamaica, Guadeloupe, South Africa, Fiji, Mauritius, Malaysia and others), indenturedship researchers and historians, authors, film and documentary producers, archivist, patrons and well wishers throughout the global Indian Diaspora". While our ancestors left those shores with barely the clothes they were wearing but emboldened with lots of hope, promise and courage, we, their descendants, can proudly walk today in those very same depots and docks, reminisce and marvel - while expressing our gratitude and, yes, become quite emotional -- at their courage and determination. Today we all stand tall on the broad shoulders of our ancestors who bore the initial burden and sacrificed so much for our well be-
ing. Our strength and freedom of spirit come from them who bravely made the journey, courageously walked ahead of us and cleared treacherous pathways so that we can live better lives today". On the long airplane return journey from Kolkata on July 12, 2010, with lots of emotion, vivid recollection and personal perspective in mind, (and, oh yes, with some wine and Kleenex), I drafted the following inscription to be placed on the memorial plaque, an inscription that reflects common feelings among the global Indian Diaspora: By thousands they journeyed from other parts of India by boat, bull cart and by foot to this port city, bound for their long and arduous journeys on the treacherous seas of the "kala pani" by ships to places unknown to them and despite many false promises, travail they did with unwavering spirit and hope for a better tomorrow. Cont’d on page 11
Ravi seeks greater Diaspora role in development NEW DELHI: Seeking greater involvement of the Diaspora in the country's socio-economic development, Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi said here there was a need to further intensify the two-way engagement between stakeholders in India and the expatriates. "We want strongest bond between you and the people of the country. There is huge scope for investment in diverse sectors and we will look for deeper engagement from your side," Ravi said addressing a function organized by Global Organization of People of Indian Origin. He said Indian-origin people living abroad have contributed immensely towards economic growth of the country and government will do its best to address genuine grievances of the communities and remove the hurdles for better cooperation. Addressing the function, Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda invited the overseas Indians to invest in his state saying that government has recently announced a new industrial and investment policy removing various bottlenecks for investment. He said the state has received investment proposals to the tune of nearly Rs one lakh crore and the government was doing its best to provide all kind of support to
the investors. "I invite you all to come to Haryana and exploit its investment potential," he said at the gathering attended by nearly 200 NRI businessmen. Prime Minister's Principal Secretary T K A Nair said he would convey to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh about genuine problems of the Diaspora so that they could be addressed. He also complimented them for their tremendous achievement while working abroad. Several Indian-Americans, while addressing the function, said that often Indian-origin people in certain countries particularly in US face difficulties in getting visas and also raised the issue of facing difficulties while investing in India. Indian-origin MP from Canada Ruby Bhalla complimented India's economic growth and said that the Indian-origin people living in Canada would do their best to help the under privileged people in India. The GOPIO has conferred Nair the lifetime honorary membership of the organization. The audience of the function were part of nearly 1,500 overseas Indians from 51 countries, including top businessmen, economists and scientists, participating in the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, the country's annual event to connect with its Diaspora.-PTI
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Proud daughter of Indian immigrants: Nikki Haley WASHINGTON: Daughter of Sikh immigrant parents from Punjab, Indian-American Namrata "Nikki" Randhawa Haley proudly recollected her Indian heritage while being sworn in as the first woman and non-white Governor of South Carolina. "I stand before you today, the proud daughter of Indian immigrants," Haley said in her inaugural speech on the State House's south steps on January 12. Several top Republican leaders including Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour, a number of Congressmen and a large number of Indian Americans from various parts of the country, and the Indian Ambassador to the US, Meera Shankar, braved some frigid weather to be present during the historic occasion. "Growing up in rural, small town South Carolina, my family
‘You see, my mother was offered one of the first female judgeships in her native country, but was unable to serve on the bench because of the challenges of being a woman in India. Now she sits here today watching her daughter become Governor of South Carolina’ experienced this state and this country at its best. No, not every day was perfect. No, we were not always free from the burdens faced by those who
Nikki Haley takes the oath as Governor of South Carolina Jan. 12, at the Statehouse in Columbia, S.C. Chief Justice Jean Toal, left, administers the oath of office as Haleyís husband Michael and children Rena and Nalin join her at the podium
look and sound different," said Haley who after Bobby Jindal from Louisiana, is only the second Indian-American Governor. She is also the first ever Indian-
5000 OCI cards awaiting collection at NY Consulate India Post News Service
NEW YORK: Over 5000 Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Cards are ready and awaiting collection at the Indian Consulate in New York, the Consulate said in a release on Jan 11. The Consulate processed several thousand OCI applications
and has more than five thousand OCI cards which are awaiting collection by the applicants. The Consulate has asked applicants to check their status online and the procedure to be followed after arrival of OCI documents in the Consulate on the Consulate's website. and arrange to collect their OCI cards
with the relevant documents in hand. The Applicants who sent deficient applications earlier were intimated of deficiencies by email. After the third reminder 417 applications were returned to them unprocessed. They may reapply with proper documents mentioned in the returning letter.
Indian Embassy, consulates now outsource passport surrender process India Post News Service
NEW YORK: Following the announcement about outsourcing the processing of the PIO and OCI cards for Indian Americans, the Indian Embassy in Washington DC has now announced that it has outsourced the process of renunciation of Indian citizenship. Effective Jan 11, 2011, the Indian Embassy is outsourcing the handling of renunciation of Indian citizenship services to Travisa Outsourcing, the same firm that will be handling the PIO and OCI card processing. Indian passport holders are required to surrender their passports to Indian Embassy/Consulates (as per appropriate jurisdiction) on acquisition of foreign citizenship. On surrender of their passports, they will be issued surrender certificates/renunciation certificate and their passport will be cancelled and returned to them. No renunciation certificate/surrender certificate will be issued if
latest Indian passport is not surrendered physically. Indian passport holders, who acquired foreign citizenship before 1st June 2010, will be required to pay miscellaneous fee of $20 for surrender certificate. Those, who acquired foreign citizenship
Effective Jan 11, 2011, the Indian Embassy is outsourcing the handling of renunciation of Indian citizenship services to Travisa Outsourcing on or after 1st June 2010, will be required to pay $175 as renunciation fee for the services. Indian passport cannot be used for travel beyond three months after acquisition of foreign citizenship. If the Indian passport,
the validity of which expired on or after Jan 1, 2005, is retained beyond three months after acquisition of foreign citizenship a penalty of $250 will be charged. In addition, a penalty of $250 will be charged in each case of misuse of the Indian passport for travel after three months of acquisition of foreign citizenship, which may go up to $1250. The areas that come under the consular jurisdiction of the Indian Embassy are Bermuda, Delaware, District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. The outsourcing arrangement in respect of areas falling under the consulate jurisdictions of the Indian Consulates in New York, San Francisco, Houston and Chicago will come into effect subsequently. The outsourcing of the PIO and OCI card processing at these four consulates comes into effect in February.
American woman governor in the United States. "But we counted our blessings, and my parents reminded me and my brothers and sister every day how blessed we were to live in this country. We saw the constant example of neighbours helping neighbours," she said after being administered the oath by the State Supreme Court Chief Justice, Jean Toal. "For us, happiness existed in not knowing what we didn't have, and in knowing that what we did have was the opportunity to better our lives through hard work and strong values," said Haley who was dressed in bright, white overcoat for the occasion. Her husband, Michael and their two children Rena and Nalin, were standing by her side during the swearing in ceremony. "You see, my mother was offered one of the first female judgeships in her native country, but was unable to serve on the bench
because of the challenges of being a woman in India. "Now she sits here today watching her daughter become Governor of South Carolina, the state she proudly calls her home. When you grow up with a mom like that, the word 'can't' is not in your vocabulary," Haley said. "I will always be the proud daughter of immigrants. I will always cherish our family's experience. And I will always strive in my actions and in my words to make South Carolina a place where all of our children, regardless of race or gender, know that unlimited opportunities for happiness and success await them," Haley said in her speech. Haley succeeds Mark Stanford, who has been South Carolina's Governor for the last eight years. The day started for Haley, who was born in a Sikh family, but later converted to Christianity, with a prayer service, during which she was asked to "be real and true" when she takes office to help restore trust in government. "We've grown cynical," said Pastor Pamela Pond of Greenville's First Presbyterian Church. "We've grown lethargic in fear. We've come to believe we can't trust our government officials." The Rev Jeff Kersey pastor of Mt Horeb United Methodist Church in Lexington urged Haley to return to the faith of the ancestors. The recent murders at an Arizona Congresswoman's public event, Kersey said, was evidence of the "greater spiritual and moral depression" facing the country and its leaders. -PTI
Kolkata memorial as a tribute to indentured laborers Cont’d from page 6
In honored tribute, with due recognition, gratitude and lasting remembrance of all those who left these shores from 1834 - 1920 as Indian indentured laborers to far away lands seeking better livelihoods for themselves and their descendants; for their pioneering spirit, determination, resilience, endurance and perseverance amidst the extremely harsh and demeaning conditions they encountered; for their preservation of sense of origin, traditions, culture and religion, and their promotion of the Indian culture; for their achievements and successes despite insurmountable odds; for the many sacrifices made individu-
ally and collectively; for the invaluable contributions they have made to the diverse culture and economic development of the lands they adopted and where they lived; and for triumph of the spirit of Indianness that they maintained and passed on to their descendants. Our ancestors who left those shores truly deserve their place in the annals of Indian history and the journeys of people of Indian origin. We should all be very proud of our ancestors who made the first journey that has become an integral part of our history as well. We certainly owe them a lasting tribute, recognition of their sacrifices and a truly worthy remembrance.
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US police officers cancel Unity Tour through Gujarat
SEC charges Bhalla in Galleon case; Goel and Kumar settle SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service
India Post News Service
NEW JERSEY: The much-publicized Police Unity Tour's bicycle tour in Gujarat India has been cancelled due to terror alerts in India. At least 50 American police officers including 30 officers from New Jersey were to take part in the inaugural Sardar Patel World Police Unity Tour in a 100-mile ride through Gujarat Jan 8-10 to commemorate fallen officers around the world. However, they backed out at the last minute reportedly due to heightened terror alerts in India, NJ.com reported. The Police Unity Tour rides every May from the World Trade Center to Washington D.C. to honor fallen officers. "It's terrible, but what are you going to do," said Harry Phillips, executive director of the Police Unity Tour. "Everybody is so disappointed. Everybody is just sick
about it." The Sardar Patel Unity Tour, with the Indian counterparts some 50 police officers and personnel from the Gujarat police
The Police Unity Tour had planned to ride along in the Sardar Patel World Unity Tour a 100-mile ride through the State of Gujarat. The American officers were to reach Gujarat Jan 7 along with volunteers from Ahmedabad Bicycling Club and just a couple of US police officers - did go ahead as scheduled. The Police Unity tour is based
in Florham Park, NJ. It began in 1997 when Florham Park Officer Patrick Montuore sought to raise public awareness for fallen officers. The Police Unity Tour had planned to ride along in the Sardar Patel World Unity Tour - a 100mile ride through the State of Gujarat. The American officers were to reach Gujarat Jan 7, meet and ride with their Indian counterparts, and leave on Jan 14. Gujarat is a rural area, Phillips said, and he didn't want the arrival of a group of American officers to put any additional pressure on the Indian police. "We did not want to put any of our people in any type of danger," Phillips said. "We ride for those who died. We don't want to get anyone hurt." The police officers were sponsored by hotelier Albert Jassani of the Royal Albert's Palace hotel in New Jersey.
OLD WARHORSES: Leander Paes (L) and Mahesh Bhupathi (R) pose with the doubles winnerís trophy after defeating David Martin of the US and Robin Haase of the Netherlands, during the menís doubles final at the ATP Chennai Open 2011, in Chennai on January 9. Paes and Bhupathi won the final 6-2, 7-6 (3), 10-7
‘NRI cell plan admission of failure’ India Post News Service
CHANDIGARH: Qila Raipur MLA Jassi Khangura has branded the proposed NRI cell in the CMO as a sham initiative. He stated "After presiding over the loot of thousands of crores of NRI assets and the registration of thousands of false cases against NRIs, how can this CM dare to claim that he is serving NRI interests?" Khangura added "Where does this leave the Minister for NRI Affairs S. Sewa Singh Sekhwan? He should resign!" Questioning the dubious record
of this government in serving NRIs Khangura stressed that the NRI portfolio was vested in the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister till October 2009 during which time they failed to redress a single NRI issue." "Moreover, what does the CM have to say of the thousands of NRIs declared as Proclaimed Offenders by this government?" Khangura stated. Khangura stressed that it is an insult for the 50 lakh Punjabi's living outside of India that this evil government has declared 6000 NRIs as proclaimed offenders, more than all the predecessor governments together.
NEW YORK: Yet another Indian American corporate insider has bitten the dust as the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) continues its investigation in the largest ever insider trading scam in the Raj Rajaratnam led Galleon case that was unearthed in 2009, and charged in that connection on Jan 10, a New York hedge fund manager, Wall Street professionals and other corporate insiders. Senior executive at Polycom Sunil Bhalla and Shammara Hussain, an employee at investor relations consulting firm Market Street Partners that did work for Google, tipped inside information that enabled the insider trading The SEC's complaint alleges by Robert Feinblatt, a co-founder and princi- that Bhalla tipped Khan to pal of New York-based inside information about hedge fund investment adviser Trivium Capital Polycom's 2005 fourth Management and Trivium analyst Jeffrey quarter earnings, and that Yokuty in the securities Khan traded on that informaof Polycom, Hilton, tion and tipped others Google and Kronos. The SEC has now charged 27 defendants in its Galleon-related enforcement traded on behalf of Galleon based actions that have alleged wide- on the information. The SEC's complaint seeks a spread and repeated insider trading at numerous hedge funds in- final judgment permanently encluding Galleon - a multi-billion joining the defendants from future dollar New York hedge fund com- violations of the federal securities plex founded and controlled by laws, ordering them to disgorge Srilankan American Raj their ill-gotten gains plus prejudgRajaratnam - and by other profes- ment interest, and ordering them sional traders and corporate insid- to pay financial penalties. The ers in the securities of 14 compa- complaint also seeks to permanies generating illicit profits total- nently prohibit Bhalla from acting as an officer or director of any reging approximately $69 million. In the complaint filed in a Man- istered public company. Additionally, since the Galhattan federal court, the SEC alleges that Feinblatt and Yokuty leon-related cases were filed, the traded on behalf of Trivium in SEC has entered into a settlement connection with two corporate with Rajiv Goel, a former managtakeovers and two quarterly earn- ing director in the treasury group of Intel Corp., whereby he is required to pay disgorgement totaling a little over $254,000. The Court will determine at a later date whether any civil penalty is apdia to the UN handed over the propriate as to Goel. Finally, Goel check Jan 7, to the Permanent is barred from acting as an officer Representative of St. Lucia to the or director of any public company. UN, Ambassador Donatus Keith Goel has agreed to cooperate with St. Aimee. the SEC in connection with this "The Government and people action and related investigations. of India received with deep sorThe SEC has also entered into row and sadness the news about a settlement with Anil Kumar, a the devastating effects of Hurri- former director at the global concane Tomas on the friendly nation sulting firm McKinsey & Co., purof Saint Lucia last year. India con- suant to which he is required to doled the loss of lives and prop- pay disgorgement totaling over erty suffered and expressed soli- $2.7 million. Kumar has agreed to darity with the people of Saint cooperate with the SEC in connecLucia in the wake of the Hurricane," tion with this action and related ina statement from the PMI said. vestigations.
India aids hurricane hit St. Lucia India Post News Service
NEW YORK: India has decided to make a cash donation of $500,000 towards assistance in recovery and rehabilitation to the Government of St. Lucia in the Carribbean, following Hurricane Tomas two months ago. The donation was made in response to a request from the Government of St. Lucia, through the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in New York. Ambassador Hardeep Singh Puri, Permanent Representative of In-
ings announcements based on material nonpublic information that Feinblatt and Yokuty allegedly received from Roomy Khan, an individual investor who had, herself, received such information from various sources. The SEC's complaint alleges that Bhalla tipped Khan to inside information about Polycom's 2005 fourth quarter earnings, and that Khan traded on that information and tipped others. The tippees included Feinblatt and Yokuty, who traded on behalf of Trivium based on the information. Bhalla also tipped Khan with inside information about Polycom's 2006 first quarter earnings. Khan traded on the information and tipped Rajaratnam, who
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January 21, 2011
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CSIS establishes Wadhwani Chair in US-India Policy Studies India Post News Service
NEW YORK: Reputed American think tank, the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) has established the Wadhwani Chair in US-India Policy Studies. Ambassador Karl F. Inderfurth, a former US assistant secretary of state for South Asian affairs, will serve as the inaugural chair holder. The chair is made possible by support of the Wadhwani Foundation, which is founded and led by CSIS trustee and Symphony Technology Group CEO Dr. Romesh Wadhwani. "The newly established chair will pioneer policies that expand political and economic ties with India," said Senator Sam Nunn, chairman of the CSIS Board of Trustees. "As a close US-India relationship is in both countries' interest, the chair's work will be vitally important. CSIS is grateful to Dr. Wadhwani for making this possible." "The US-India relationship is one of America's most strategically important partnerships of the twenty-first century," said John Hamre, CSIS president and CEO. "Dr. Wadhwani's generosity, and Karl F. Inderfurth's work as the Wadhwani Chair, will contribute to critical policymaking efforts to build a secure and sustainable
future for the relationship." The Wadhwani Chair will serve as an independent platform in Washington from which to assess major policies and strategic issues in the relationship between India and the United States. It will place special emphasis on policies to accelerate economic development in India, with a wide-ranging agenda including economics, en-
‘As a close US-India relationship is in both countries' interest, the chair's work will be vitally important. CSIS is grateful to Dr. Wadhwani for making this possible’ ergy security, climate change, regional security and India's role in the world. Ambassador Inderfurth will work closely with a partner chair holder at the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) in New Delhi to promote pragmatic policies conducive to India's economic growth and development,
bringing together public and private sector representatives in both countries. "The last decade has seen a remarkable transformation in USIndia relations," said Ambassador Inderfurth. "I believe the Wadhwani Chair will build on this solid foundation and serve as a key player and catalytic agent for unlocking the full potential of the US-India relationship in the years to come." Previously, Ambassador Inderfurth was John O. Rankin Professor of the Practice of International Affairs and the Director of the International Affairs Program at George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs. He served as US assistant secretary of state for South Asian affairs from 1997 to 2001; special representative of the president and secretary of state for global humanitarian demining from 1997 to 1998; and US representative for special political affairs to the United Nations, with ambassadorial rank, where he also served as deputy U.S. representative on the UN Security Council from 1993 to 1997. Ambassador Inderfurth has worked as a national security and Moscow correspondent for ABC News (1981-1991) and received an Emmy award in 1983. He has also served on the staffs of the Senate
Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committees and the National Security Council. "The importance of the strategic partnership between the US and India and the changing dynamic in both countries requires us to take policy thought leadership to the next level," said Dr. Wadhwani. "The Wadhwani Chair at CSIS is intended to be the
‘I believe the Wadhwani Chair will build on this solid foundation and serve as a key player and catalytic agent for unlocking the full potential of the USIndia relationship’ fulcrum for this and to develop creative new options for top policy makers in both countries to accelerate economic development. We are delighted to have a person with the stature of Karl Inderfurth as the first holder of the Wadhwani Chair at CSIS." Dr. Wadhwani is the founder, chairman, and CEO of Symphony Technology Group, a group of nine
software and services companies with combined revenue of over $ 2.5 billion and 15,000 employees. He is also the founder and chairman of the Wadhwani Foundation, which is devoted to accelerating economic development in India and emerging economies. The Wadhwani Foundation is currently leading and funding many ongoing large-scale economic development initiatives in India, including the National Entrepreneurship Network and the Opportunities Network for the Disabled. Earlier, he founded Aspect Development, Inc., a leading supply chain software company, where he was chairman and CEO until 2000, when the company merged with i2 Technologies in one of the largest software mergers ever. Prior to that he served as founder, chairman and CEO of Cimflex Teknowledge Corporation. Dr. Wadhwani received his B.S. degree from the Indian Institute of Technology in Bombay and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a bipartisan, nonprofit organization that seeks to advance global security and prosperity by providing strategic insights and policy solutions to decision makers.
World Education Culture Congress in Delhi India Post News Service
NEW DELHI: Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit inaugurated The World Education Culture Congress (WE-ASC 2011) here which is organized by the Shruti Foundation. The conference aims to influence the evolving culture of education and educational pedagogy with the objective of deep systematic change. The congress witnessed the likes of Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Dr Sonal Mansingh, Lord Bhikhu Parekh, Baroness Usha Prashar, Baroness Sandeep Verma, Mr Parsuramaen, Director, UNESCO India and Sri Lanka, among others who participated in the congress as plenary speakers. The WE-ASC movement seeks to facilitate the development of holistic pedagogies for socioeconomic empowerment and sustainable development with a special focus on cultural and traditional knowledge systems (TKS). The participants include education-
ists, artists, spiritual teachers, thinkers, cultural and educational institutions, administrators, policy makers industrialists and Government representatives from
Lady Shruti Rana
about 40 countries. WE-ASC Education Congress 2011 will work towards conclusions and resolutions on education policy, educational and cultural rights, collaborations, ethics, evaluation and accreditation, course and curriculum development. Subsequent congresses will be held in South Africa, UK and other countries. Shruti Foundation is a non-
profit that works towards facilitating world harmony and through authentic research, education, application and socio-economic empowerment with indigenous and Indic knowledge. It facilitates accessibility to native forms of spiritual, cultural, scientific. Philosophical and social knowledge and methodologies as well as their applications for facilitating of wisdom and knowledge systems for greater empowerment at the grassroots. The foundation has been documenting, disseminating and intellectually as well as experientially engaging major issues facing Indian civilization and culture in a wide range of projects for empowering underprivileged and privileged sections of society, while facilitating global knowledge, research, awareness and universal understanding. Shruti Foundation is headed by Lady Shruti Rana. In her role as an educationist, she has facilitated faculty training, integral education workshops with over 5000 thousand teachers worldwide.
STRATEGIC DIALOGUE: Foreign Minister S.M. Krishna (L) speaks with Joseph S. Nye (C), Former Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs and former Chairman of the National Intelligence Council, and Brent Scowcroft (R) former United States National Security Advisor under former Presidents Gerald Ford and George H. W. Bush, during the 15th session of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Aspen Strategy Group, an India-US strategic dialogue meeting at Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi on January 13
KRISHNA IN KABUL: Afghan President Hamid Karzai gestures as he speaks with Minister for Foreign Affairs S.M. Krishna during a meeting at The Presidential Palace in Kabul on January 9
Desi News NJ Community Solar Project helps homes India Post News Service
NEW JERSEY: GeoGenix, an established industry leader in residential and commercial solar installations in the Mid-Atlantic region, is celebrating the successful completion of a 10-home "community solar" project in the Somerset County 55+ adult development in New Jersey. A celebratory event being hosted by the company on Jan 19 will also honor the residents who have participated in the initiative. Franklin Township Mayor Levine's office will present the families who have elected to invest in the roof-mounted solar installations .
COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA
Community backs Lakhanpal for City Council at fundraising event Details on page 20
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January 21, 2011
Concerned community raises funds to fight corruption in India
Details on page 16
Diwali to be holiday in US school India Post News Service
NEW JERSEY: Passaic City School District, New Jersey, has declared Diwali as a school holiday gladdening the heart of Indian Americas here. According to 2010-2011 School Calendar, Passaic Public Schools will stay closed for one day in November for "Diwali Observance". Other religious closing days mentioned on 2010-11 calendar are "Rosh Hashanah" and "Three Kings Day". Passaic City School District is one of New Jersey's largest Abbott school districts, located about 12 miles west of New York City. It has over 13,000 students in its 19 schools, where school uniforms are mandatory.
India Post News Service
NEW JERSEY: About 100 people attended an awareness and fundraiser program held at Ramada Inn in North Brunswick, New Jersey, towards organizing a conference on 'Corruption in India' on March 2 and 3 in New Delhi. About $10,000 were raised at the event organized by Save India From Corruption and 5th Pillar, and sponsored by Global Hindu Heritage Foundation. Satya Dosapati from Save India From Corruption, Vijay Anand from 5th pillar gave passionate
the nation. Some of the audience became emotional as he showed in his presentation how there is an estimated $1.4 trillion stashed away in foreign havens while 80% of Indians are poor living on less than $2 per day, every second child in India is malnourished, nearly 200,000 farmers committed suicide in recent years, and India is facing both internal and external threat. Dosapati further displayed a slide charting out all the scams since India's Independence which amount to an estimated loot of 73 lakh crore rupees with govern-
Guruvayurappan temple in Ontario, Canada India Post News Service
Details on page 19
tion and other civic bodies. Lead India 2020 has officially announced during the event that they would be joining the effort. The conference will, for first time, bring together in India international and national experts to network and cooperate in bringing stashed wealth in foreign havens and bring in laws in the country for effective monitoring and curbing corruption without political interference. International experts invited to the conference include Global Financial Integrity, World Bank Governance, Tax Justice Network (UK), Basel Institute
Quoting a newspaper article he explained what was happening in India was not corruption, but plundering of India by politicians that is creating an existential threat to the nation
Details on page 18
ONTARIO: Indians are setting up a grand Guruvayurappan Hindu temple at Brampton in Ontario, Canada with the construction commencing this summer. To be built at an estimated cost of $6 million, Guruvayurappan Temple is said to be the first of its kind outside India to perform rituals as in the traditional manner of Guruvayur. Its building will be constructed according to ancient Vedic temple architectural traditions containing Kerala style Sree Kovils for Lord Guruvayurappan, Lord Ganapathy, Lord Ayyappan and Devi.
life to fight corruption in India, spoke about the 5th Pillar's successful efforts in bringing awareness to younger generations by addressing nearly 600 colleges/ universities, human chains with students against corruption during the various holidays in India such as Independence Day. The well known rupee note with a 'zero' denomination developed by 5th Pillar has been distributed to millions to use as a symbol not only to not take bribe but also to not give any bribe. Anand narrated stories of how citizens faced corrupt officials successfully and
presentations about corruption in India. Dosapati's presentation focused on corruption in high places, in light of the recent $40 billion 2G scam and $13 billion Commonwealth Game scam. Quoting a newspaper article he explained what was happening in India was not corruption, but plundering of India by politicians that is creating an existential threat to
ments taking a cut in every effort, from military procurement to mineral wealth. He concluded with a call for people to come together beyond regions, religions and other divisive factors to stop the corruption, bring the looted wealth back and make India a prosperous country. Vijay Anand, who gave up his career in the US to dedicate his
non-corrupt officials displayed the zero rupee notes as a symbol to show that they are not corrupt. Many in the audience were very impressed with his efforts and came forward to support the organization. The conference on Corruption in India is being organized by Transparency International India, 5th Pillar, Save India From Corrup-
of Governance (Switzerland), SHERPA (France) and others. Indian invitees include Supreme Court Chief Justice Kapadia, Baba Rama Dev, Dr. Subramanian Swamy, Janaagraha and India Against Corruption. More awareness and similar fundraising events are planned in different cities across the US in the coming weeks.
Community Across America
January 21, 2011
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Anderson Cancer Center to introduce Pranayam India Post News Service
HOUSTON, TX: Swami Ramdev, a world renowned yoga master, met with Dr. John Mendelsohn, President of M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) in Houston. A memorandum of agreement (MOU) was discussed to be formulated between MDACC and the University of Patanjali in Haridwar, India/ Patanjali Yogpeeth, USA. Swami Ramdev pointed out to Dr. John Mendelsohn that in order to dramatically reduce the incidence of cancer, pranayam and
categories: (1) combination of pranayam and meditation, (2) pranayam and herbal/ayurveda, and (3) herbal/ayurveda. Dr. Mendelsohn was very positive on this proposition. He instructed Dr. Lorenzo Cohen to work on the MOU. Dr. Mendelsohn commented that he wants the introduction of behavioral treatment (yoga, pranayam, and meditation) to be his legacy in treating cancer. Also present at the meeting were Dr. Sen Pathak (MDACC), Dr. Varsha Gandhi (MDACC), Dr. Lorenzo Cohen (MDACC), Dr.
Dr. Mendelsohn was very positive on this proposition. He commented that he wants the introduction of behavioral treatment (yoga, pranayam, and meditation) to be his legacy in treating cancer meditation should be added to chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery in treating cancer. It was suggested that in addition to chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, treatment of cancer should also include behavioral studies (interventions) like pranayam, meditation, and herbal/ayurveda treatments. The proposed project study includes analysis of three
Kapil Mehta (MDACC), Sushila and Durga D. Agrawal, Shekhar Agrawal (PYP USA), Braham Aggarwal (PYP USA), Sunita and Shravan Poddar (PYP UK). Swami Ramdev has dedicated his life to studying ancient Indian texts, dated as early as 3000 B.C.E., and in doing so has rediscovered a body of knowledge that until recently has largely been ignored.
John Mendelsohn, left, with Swami Ramdev
His goal is to teach what he has learnt to a contemporary society in a form that all individuals may benefit from, regardless of religion, class, or socioeconomics. His firm belief is that "good health is the birthright of all human beings." Over 20 million people around the world watch his daily yoga broadcast on TV channels. Viewers of the TV show and attendees at his camps have reported significant improvements in their health
- citing relief from many illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, thyroid problems, hypertension, stomach ailments and different types of cancer. M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, a nonprofit institution founded in 1941, has established an international reputation as one of the world's prominent centers for cancer patient care, research, education and prevention. A multidisciplinary approach
and dedication to translational research, education and prevention are hallmarks of M. D. Anderson, which also holds the distinction of being designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as one of the first three Comprehensive Cancer Centers in United States. It has been ranked the number one cancer center in the United States six times in the past eight years by U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best Hospitals."
New Year celebrated with non-stop Ram Jaap SURESH SHAH
Bagga, Vice President Brijlal Sharma, Secretary Rajiv Bharel, Treasurer Gopal Sharma, Public Relations Chair Deepak Sharma and Publication Chair Saurabh Shrivastav. Nirmal Bagga said the Mandir has been conducting Hindi classes as well as organizing celebration of festivals, and it would be great if the members of the community increasingly participate and support its activities.
Ayodhya Salwan seen addressing the gathering with Mandir officials
CHICAGO: Hari Om Mandir in Itasca, a north side Chicago suburb, celebrated the New Year in a unique way by organizing Akhand (non stop) Rama Nam Jaap beginning December 31 and ending noon Jan 1, 2011 The Mandir was beautifully decorated by Shastri Yogesh Pandya and Anil Joshi. Sponsors were the Suri family members of Shree and Chili restaurants in Chicagoland. Over 150 Mandir devotees and members attended
Ayodhya Salwan, the Trustees Board chairman, in his address pitched for an increasing participation by the second generation Indians
the event with great enthusiasm. Ayodhya Salwan, the Trustees Board chairman, in his address pitched for an increasing participation by the second generation Indians. He listed the various activities being organized by the Mandir for the benefit of the society. Outgoing president Indrajit Sarkar talked about the activities that were undertaken in 2010 and also announced the new Board that included President Nirmal
Devotees throng Hari Om Mandir in Itasca on New Year
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Community Across America
January 21, 2011
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Community Solar Project helps homes with discounted installations India Post News Service
NEW JERSEY: GeoGenix, an established industry leader in residential and commercial solar installations in the Mid-Atlantic region, is celebrating the successful completion of a 10-home "community solar" project in the Somerset County 55+ adult development in New Jersey. A celebratory event being hosted by the company on Jan 19 will also honor the residents who have participated in the initiative. Franklin Township Mayor Levine's office will present the families who have elected to invest in the roof-mounted solar installations with commendations for their dedication to the environment and to the state's progressive renewable energy goals. In order to reach out particularly to the Indian American community GeoGenix will be launching an educational radio series dedicated to the discussion of solar energy on EBC Radio's morning talk show. "We want to give the listener a well-rounded education on all facets of solar energy so that they're able to make an informed decision on whether this form of energy is right for their home or business," said Gaurav Naik, managing member of GeoGenix. "During our first show, I will explain how solar energy works,
who is a good candidate for solar, and how GeoGenix guides a customer before, during and after the installation process." Explaining the community solar initiative, Naik says, "Between generous state and federal incen-
easy as possible for the homeowner every step of the way, from design and installation to setting up the SREC account." Originating in California and now being pioneered in New Jersey by GeoGenix, "community
In order to reach out particularly to the Indian American community GeoGenix will be launching an educational radio series dedicated to the discussion of solar energy on EBC Radio's morning talk show tives and the volume discounts we offer through our community solar program, installing a solar system in your home is an excellent investment. We make it as
solar" is a strategy that allows residents of a community to band together to purchase solar for their individual homes at a discounted price. The discount is
made possible by operational efficiencies such as the streamlining of the permitting process and the deployment of installation crews. The discount is made possible not only by economies of scale in terms or labor and materials, but also by operational efficiencies, such as the streamlining of the permitting process - i.e. one trip to city hall instead of multiple trips. In addition, GeoGenix has expertise at working with homeowners' associations to promote community solar in condo settings. The community solar discounts, along with generous state and federal incentives, make solar a very attractive investment, especially for seniors whose re-
tirement nest eggs are typically invested in "safe" investment vehicles, such as certificates of deposit (CDs), which are now yielding low returns. "The payback period for residential solar in New Jersey is typically five years or less, which, since the life of a solar system is 25 years, means that homeowners can continue to reap the benefits of free electricity and state renewable energy financial incentives for years after their system has paid for itself," Naik says. "Solar offers one of the best returns on investment that a New Jersey homeowner can make." "While helping the environment was a major consideration in deciding to go solar, the return on our investment was really the deciding factor," said Allen Delevett who, with his wife Celia Hills, was the first homeowner in Somerset Run to go solar. "The systems installed in our community will each have a simple payback of less than five years, and, frankly, we see solar as a far more attractive, and safer, investment than the stock market or CDs." The systems will generate free electricity for at least 25 years and will also generate valuable SREC (Solar Renewable Energy Certificate) income. An SREC, which is a state renewable energy incentive based on the amount of electricity generated by the solar sys-
The systems will generate free electricity for at least 25 years and will also generate valuable SREC (Solar Renewable Energy Certificate) income tem, is earned each time a system generates 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity. SRECs, which represent an environmental benefit, are tradable certificates. New Jersey Assemblyman Upendra J. Chivukula, who is the chairman of the Assembly's Energy Committee and the originator of many of the state's robust renewable energy initiatives, will also be in attendance at the event in support of the community solar project. Cont’d on page 23
Community Across America
January 21, 2011
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Bharatnatyam Arangetram of 3 Chicago girls SURESH SHAH
CHICAGO: A Bharatnatyam Arangetram, performed by three Chicago residents Shagun Berry, Rithika Kapoor and Kanika Manchanda, demonstrated the beauty of one of the most scintillating Indian classical dance forms at the Hindu temple event in Lemont recently. As students of Rupal Parikh, Shagun, Rithika and Kanika per-
the audience as the girls continued to show their mastery of Bharatnatyam. To end the first half of the Arangetram, Shagun, Rithika, and Kanika, performed one of the most difficult dances, Varnam. They performed Varnam with immaculate perfection and with incredible grace and energy. The fast rhythms and strong musical
The dancers performed an item narrating the main events in Lord Krishna's life, Shankshipta Bhagavata. The trio explained the greatness of Lord Krishna's life solely through their emotion and movements formed eight intricate items. To begin with, they performed Ganesh Stuti, in which the dancers prayed to Lord Ganesh for a successful performance and to remove all obstacles. From the beginning, the three girls demonstrated their outstanding precision and passion. Next, they began Alarippu, in which they portrayed their grasp on rhythmic styles and infallible movements. The next item, Jatiswaram, continued to entice
background made this item one of the highlights of the entire performance. After intermission, the dancers performed an item narrating the main events in Lord Krishna's life, Shankshipta Bhagavata. The trio explained the greatness of Lord Krishna's life solely through their emotion and movements, making this item one of the best received by the audience.
Standing (left) Kanika Manchanda, Ritika Kapoor (center) and Shagun Berry (right)
The audience craved more and the next item, Ramachandra, gave them the ebullient performance they were looking for. The last two items, Meera and
Live concert as tribute to Mehdi Hassan AQ SIDDIQUI India Post News Service
CHICAGO: In keeping with its 'literary traditions', Urdu Times is presenting a tribute to Ghazal maestro Mehdi Hassan in Chicago on Friday, January 21 at Monty's Banquet Hall. King of Ghazals Mehdi Hassan is considered as a pioneer in Ghazal singing and had .the distinction of getting awards like Tamgha-i-Imtiaz from General Ayub Khan and the Pride of Performance by General Zia ul Haq. The live tribute concert here to the Ghazal legend is presented by his own talented sons Kamran Mehdi Hassan & Imran Mehdi Hassan. Kamran Hassan, a music teacher, is an excellent performer himself. He had already earned a name as Ghazal singer in Mehdi Hassan style. Imran Mehdi Hassan is classic Tabla player and versatile singer. Together, both sons are joining Chicago stage for presenting a live tribute to father, "Shahenshah Ghazals". Kamran Hassan and Imran Hassan will replay the famous Ghazals of Mehdi Hassan. Mehdi Hassan's most popular classic "Rafta
rafta woh mere" or "Ab ke hum bichde" or "Mujhe tum nazar se gira to na do" or "Ek sitam or meri jaan", "Zindagi main to sabhi pyaar" are expected to enliven the tribute concert. The event is organized by Urdu
Mehdi Hasan
Times Chicago as its yearly literary treat for its readers and Urdu lovers. The show is expected to continue till late hours in the night. The organizers have arranged dinner prior to the show.
Thillana, proved as captivating. From their elegant poses to their wondrous grace, both items were a success. From beginning to end, the
three synchronized every step with each other. The three girls received a standing ovation at the culmination of their amazing feat.
Hindi USA plans to build Hindi Bhavan in NJ India Post News Service
NEW JERSEY: Hindi USA, a pioneering organization launched 10 years ago, is planning to build Hindi Bhavan, a permanent building in Edison, New Jersey, for promoting Hindi language in the US. The largest Hindi volunteer organization in the world, which is helping promote Hindi and Indian culture at the grass root level, HindiUSA started teaching Hindi to two students about 10 years ago, and is currently providing Hindi education to more than 3,000 students in nine levels of time-tested syllabus tailored for American born children. An amazing success story, the organization that has grown over the past decade into 3,500 students, 30 Hindi schools across the US, 250 teachers and 70 volunteers. The building of the Hindi Bhavan is projected to cost $5 million, and towards that end, Hindi USA is organizing a fund-raising dinner on Jan 19. The organization believes that knowledge and progress in any field can only be sustained by encasing them in permanent structures that serve as repositories of achievements of the current generation, and source of inspiration, knowledge, and examples to emulate for the future generations. Currently, no Hindi Bhavan exists outside of India, and by establishing a Hindi center in the US, Hindi USA expects to not only preserve Hindi for many centuries to come,
Cont’d on page 19 but also export Hindi to India and elsewhere. The building will be a community center for use by all Hindi lovers, including for various cultural and other celebratory events. It will be a cultural institution and museum of Hindi related repertoire. With more and more Americans taking an interest in learning Hindi, Hindi Bhavan expects to generate the much needed attention to the language and Indian culture through genuine arts and Indian festivals.
The building of the Hindi Bhavan is projected to cost $5 million, and towards that end, Hindi USA is organizing a fund-raising dinner on Jan 19 The organization states that the main purpose of the Hindi Bhavan is to try to bring all Indians together and them a collective sense of pride. It also aims to increase attachment of Indian children growing up in the US, with the country of their parents and ancestors. Hindi USA also believes that Hindi is losing its flavor in India itself and Indian culture is diminishing there. By promoting Hindi strongly in the US through the Hindi Bhavan, the organization hopes to influence its promotion in India too.
Community Across America
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January 21, 2011
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Diwali to be holiday in US school India Post News Service
NEW JERSEY: Passaic City School District, New Jersey, has declared Diwali as a school holiday gladdening the heart of Indian Americas here. According to 2010-2011 School Calendar, Passaic Public Schools will stay closed for one day in November for "Diwali Observance". Other religious closing days mentioned on 2010-11 calendar are "Rosh Hashanah" and "Three Kings Day".
ster is Superintendent, while Dr. Lawrence E. Everett is Assistant Superintendent. Passaic, fastest growing city in New Jersey, was first settled in 1678 by Dutch traders. Prominent persons affiliated with it include: David Grisman (musician), Paul Rudd (actor), Mark DeRosa (baseball), Jack Mulhall (actor), David Packer (actor), Millie Perkins (actress), Dave Szott (football), etc. Dr. Alex D. Blanco is the Mayor while Gary Schaer is City Council President.
Indian holiday season tree in Pappas' office
Diwali Festival of Lights
According to Rajan Zed, president of President of Universal Society of Hinduism, the move by Passaic school is a step in the right direction in as much as Hinduism is the oldest and third largest religion of the world Passaic City School District is one of New Jersey's largest Abbott school districts, located about 12 miles west of New York City. It has over 13,000 students in its 19 schools, where school uniforms are mandatory. Its "mission" includes "multicultural educational environment", while its "Core Beliefs" include "There is strength in diversity" and "Schools should be the catalyst for positive societal change". Ronald Van Rensalier and Richard Diaz are President and Vice President respectively of the School Board. Dr. Robert H. Hol-
According to Rajan Zed, president of President of Universal Society of Hinduism, the move by Passaic school is a step in the right direction in as much as Hinduism is the oldest and third largest religion of the world and has about one billion adherents. Sohan Joshi, a veteran Indian community activist in Chicago, also welcomed the move by the New Jersey school and felt that many more school districts and even the federal government should be considering to give due recognition to the festivals of Indians in USA.
Snehlata Shah (left) and Promila Mehta (center), of the Metropolitan Asian American Family Services, show Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas a holiday tree decorated to reflect the culture of India. The tree was part of "Holiday Trees from Around the World," an annual exhibit in Pappas' office. Some 90 Christmas trees and religious displays reflecting different cultures were part of the exhibit.
Indian physicians in Ohio organizing Medical Yatra CLEVELAND: The Association of Indian Physicians of Northern Ohio (AIPNO) has been organizing Medical Yatra to India for providing health care to needy. In 2009-2010 it had organized one such Yatra with help from Rotary International that offered a matching grant of $35,000 for a primary health care camp in Gandevi
Since 1992, AIPNO has organized an Annual Endowment Fundraiser "Chiraag" and has targeted this fundraising event to local charities that are in need of funding
(Gujarat India) In the year 2010-2011 the Rotary Club of Cleveland has already approved $3000 for Medical Yatra 2011 in Rishikesh India, according to Ramesh Shah, one of the organizers in Ohio. AIPNO is a nonprofit organization founded in 1983 to bring together physicians of Indian origin practicing in Northern Ohio. The Association has
Standing: Dr Jaya Shah-Chairperson, Ramesh Shah-Manager Sitting (L-R): Dr Clare Walker, Dr Gita Gidwani, Melvin Rosenthal
more than 300 physician members. They have done humanitarian work locally as well as in Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Peru, Uganda, Kenya and India. Medical Yatra is their annual humanitarian work during months of Jan/Feb, in which 20 physicians plus 10 volunteers go to Indian rural villages. Since 1992, AIPNO has organized an Annual Endowment Fundraiser "Chiraag" and has targeted this fundraising event to local charities that are in need of funding and who will benefit greatly from the contributions. This event is made possible through the support of AIPNO members, and continuous gener-
ous contributions of leaders and members of the business community. At Philanthropia 2010 fund raising event at Landerhaven, Lyndhurst on Dec 13, following Rotarians were present Marilyn Herman, Gayle Schwartz, from Chagrin Highlands, Susan Schwartz, Jerry Jarzabek, Birkett Gibson, Jeff Sopko from Cleveland Downtown AIPNO Medical Yatra had four Diamond tables with support from major donor Ahuja Foundation & Cleveland Rotary Club. AIPNO-Medical Yatra charity was recognized amongst 132 charities in front of 1,100 guests from Northern Ohio.
January 21, 2011
Community Across America
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Gurgaon conference on Gayatri Mission Guruvayurappan temple in Ontario, Canada Janakbhai Pandya from Vapi, Vivek Shukla from Gaunda, Krishnababu Sachan from Kanpur, Ramtraj Singh from Banda, Banvarilal Swami, Navalgath from Rajasthan, Dr. Tauumiriji from Fatehpur, Arun Shukla from Lucknow, Raj Dahuya, Dr K D Joshi and Dr Kamleshji from Delhi. Fulchand Sharma was master of ceremony. Over 50 parijans (par-
India Post News Service
Kusumben Patel, the chief organizer of Chicago Gayatri Pariwar, conducted an extensive threeweek tour of India recently in order to promote Global Gayatri Pariwar, its ideology, its philosophy and more importantly, celebrating in a befitting manner the 100th birth anniversary of the founder of the organization, Acharya Sriram Sharma. Pandit Sriram Sharma Acharya, popularly known among his followers as Gurudev, was born on 20 September 1911 at Anvalkheda,
Dist. Agra, India. A global conference was held on Sunday December 12, 2010 at Gurgaon near Delhi to chalk out among other things the grand celebration of Gurudev's birth anniversary. Kusumben Patel was one of the hosts of the conference that was attended by personalities from across the country including Shalini Vashistha from Bombay, B. M. Singh from Patna, Bharat Singh from Bharatpur, Mohansingh Parmar from Haridwar, Rajendra Singh Badhoria from Unnav, Mohanlal Mahavar from Ajmer, Sunil Acharya from Delhi,
Kusumben Patel was one of the hosts of the conference that was attended by personalities from across the country ticipants) discussed about the mission of the Pariwar, its progress and how best they can celebrate Gurudev's 100th birthday starting from Sept. 2011 to Sept. 2012. Gayatri Pariwar Chicago has announced celebrating Vasant Punchami as Pt. Shree Ram Sharma Acharya's birthday on February 13 at Gayatri Shakteepith in Chicago. It would be termed Pragya Jayanti at Gayatri Shaktipeeth.
India Post News Service
ONTARIO: Indians are setting up a grand Guruvayurappan Hindu temple at Brampton in Ontario, Canada with the construction commencing this summer. To be built at an estimated cost of $6 million, Guruvayurappan Temple is said to be the first of its kind outside India to perform rituals as in the traditional manner of Guruvayur. Its building will be constructed according to ancient Vedic temple architectural traditions containing Kerala style Sree Kovils for Lord Guruvayurappan, Lord Ganapathy, Lord Ayyappan and Devi. As a part of fund-raising drive, organizers have minted 1500 pieces of exclusive "Guruvayurappan Medallion" containing the image of Guruvayurappan created in intricate detail and plated with 24 carat gold, which are available with a donation of $1000. It is accepting bookings for weekly Udayasthamana Pooja, costing
Lord Guruvayurappan
$5,000 each, which will start in January 2012, and will entertain only first 50 such pooja requests. Besides the sanctuary, it will also have a community center, which will organize various cultural, religious and social activities; provide help to needy and new immigrants irrespective of their country of origin; etc. Organizers term it as a "model temple of tomorrow". Cont’d on page 23
Community/California
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Community backs Lakhanpal for City Council at fundraising event
Dinesh Lakhanpal
From Left to Right - Raman Chadha, Bobby Kumar & Vineet Puri
India Post News Service
LOS ANGELES: Dinesh Lakhanpal's campaign for L.A. City Council's 12th District got a shot-in-arm when a huge fundraising event organized by Vineet Puri, Raman Chadha, Rakesh Thukral & Bobby Kumar was held January 9, Sunday at the Royal Delhi Palace in West Hills, Ca. The event was a big success and attracted more than 100 supporters along with a broad press and media coverage. Lakhanpal, who emigrated from Punjab to the United States in 1970, earned his Masters Degree in Systems Engineering in 1973 from University of Southern California, said he is running for Los Angeles City Council to give Indian Americans a voice in City Hall. Dinesh sits on the Board of Directors for BID Chatsworth and the Department of Human Resources Advisory Committee. He is also a member of the Federation of Indo-Americans and the Granada Hills Chamber of Commerce. "From an education point of view, (Indian Americans) are among the most edu-
cated. Yet, in city and state politics, we do not have a 'yes' or a 'no,'" he said. "We do not have representation, but it is needed. Whenever we need something, there is no one there to help us. The time has come for us to have that help." An engineer by profession and an insurance broker, Lakhanpal outlined the vision
ment, he said he would actively promote businesses to invest in green energy projects, which would foster job creation. He said, "As a local businessman for over 20 years, I know how to create quality jobs for residents of District 12. I have built a successful company from the ground up and put people to work. I plan to apply my ex-
‘From an education point of view, (Indian Americans) are among the most educated. Yet, in city and state politics, we do not have a 'yes' or a 'no,'" he said. "We do not have representation, but it is needed. Whenever we need something, there is no one there to help us’ he hopes to implement if elected and listed lowering unemployment, reducing taxes, and improving civic expenditures as top priorities of his candidacy. During his tenure as councilman, Lakhanpal pledged to cut the city's unemployment levels in half, which he claimed has skyrocketed to 15 percent in District 12. To reduce unemploy-
perience and expertise in the City Council, helping my constituents find jobs and expanding business in the Valley". Chairman of India Association of Los Angeles, Mr. Raman Chadha emceed the event. Raman urged the local Indian community to stand up behind Lakhanpal and support him. He said "We need our voices to be heard in
the local governmental institution, we need someone to take up our issues and bring it to the attention of the higher authorities". Vineet Puri, one of the organizers and a keynote speakers of the event, said, "Today more than ever it is very important for Indo-Americans to have greater power through elected offices." He added that "As a long time resident of San Fernando Valley, Lakhanpalji clearly understands the needs of the local community. We are gathered here to demonstrate to the city of Los Angeles, our community's strength and to show them that Dinesh Lakhanpal is not alone in his campaign; he has the wholehearted support of the entire Indian community of San Fernando Valley". According to Dinesh Lakhanpal, the district is home to some 10,000 registered voters of Indian descent. Lakhanpal stated that the District 12 seat is currently represented by incumbent Grieg Smith. The city's primary elections will be held March 8 2011, with the general election scheduled for May 17 2011. Candidates are listed as nonpartisan on the ballot.
Self-realization fellowship names new president India Post News Service
Sri Mrinalini Mata
LOS ANGELES: The Board of Directors of Self-Realization Fellowship, the non-profit international society founded by Paramahansa Yogananda in 1920, has announced the election of Sri Mrinalini Mata to the position of president of Self-Realization Fellowship/Yogoda Satsanga Soci-
ety of India. She succeeds Sri Daya Mata, one of Paramahansa Yogananda's foremost disciples who, after 55 years of serving as the society's president, passed away on November 30, 2010. Born Merna Brown in Wichita, Kansas in 1931, Mrinalini Mata was a close disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda and one of those chosen by him to help
guide the Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) work after his passing. She entered the SRF monastic community in 1946, at the age of 15. In reflecting on the purpose of SRF, she said, "We have to change ourselves because we have to change the world. It is not going to be possible for any human being to survive if man
continues in his present trend….Unless man becomes more spiritual, unless God and God's divine laws, principles, and ideals are brought back into this world, the forces that are drawing humanity into conflict, one with another, will destroy man and his world. Cont’d on page 21
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Punjab MLA Khaira visits Southland
Sukhpal Singh Khaira addressing the guests
JS BEDI India Post News Service
LOS ANGELES: January 4 was indeed an exciting day for the So Cal Punjabi community when one of our own, Sukhpal Singh Khaira visited the Southland. Khaira is the current MLA from Bholath in Punjab and the son of S Sukhjinder Singh, former Education Minister Punjab. Khaira won this seat on a Congress ticket
Sartaj Dhaliwal with Khaira and other guests
beating Bibi Jagir Kaur of Akali Dal. It was a hectic day for the visiting dignitary. There was a lunch reception at Rancho Cucamonga hosted by brothers Sartaj and Hartaj Singh at their Italian restaurant. The event was attended by the Mayor, senior city officials and community members. This was followed by a private reception at the home of S. Parmjeet Singh Nijjar in Diamond
Bar. This reception was attended by the entire Walnut Gurdwara committee along with leading community members. Dinner was at the Diamond Palace and the hosts were the Ghotra brothers who own Diamond Palace along with other businesses. In his address to the audience, Khaira spoke on the current economic and social crises in Punjab. He said that India can learn a lot from USA and also praised the rule
Self-realization fellowship names new president Cont’d from page 20
This is the message of Self-Realization Fellowship…it is possible, here and now, to make a divine kingdom of God within yourself. And as our Guru said so beautifully, 'Finding God within, you will find him without, in all people and in all conditions.'" According to Mrinalini Mata, the way to begin to spiritualize one's life is through Raja Yoga, the science of knowing God through its techniques of yoga meditation
world; its publications division; and the many spiritual and humanitarian activities and services the society implements each year. Paramahansa Yogananda personally trained Mrinalini Mata to prepare his manuscripts and talks for publication after his passing, and to oversee their translation into other languages. She has served for many years as editorin-chief of Self-Realization Fellowship books, lessons, and periodicals. Sri Yogananda's masterful commentary on the four Gospels
Paramahansa Yogananda personally trained Mrinalini Mata to prepare his manuscripts and talks for publication after his passing, and to oversee their translation into other languages and principles of right living. Prior to assuming the presidency, Mrinalini Mata had served as vice president of the society since 1966. She continues to also serve as editor-in-chief for the society's publications. In her new position, Mrinalini Mata is responsible for the overall guidance of the society's monastic order; the operations of its more than 600 temples, meditation centers, and retreats around the
(entitled The Second Coming of Christ: The Resurrection of the Christ Within You); his critically acclaimed translation and commentary on the Bhagavad Gita (God Talks With Arjuna); several volumes of his poetry and inspirational writings; and three anthologies of his collected talks and essays have been published under her direction. Mrinalini Mata-whose name refers to the lotus flower, an an-
cient symbol of spiritual unfoldment-has made a number of visits to India to assist Sri Daya Mata in guiding the spiritual work of Sri Yogananda's society there and has lectured on his teachings in principal cities of the subcontinent. Her talks on a variety of subjects have been published in SelfRealization magazine as well as released in audio and video formats.
SS Khaira and Paul Ghotra
of law in this country. Coming back to Punjab, he spoke about
In his address to the audience, Khaira spoke on the current economic and social crises in Punjab. He said that India can learn a lot from USA and also praised the rule of law in this country the state's colossal debt. "Today the state's debt is about Rs 70,000
crore and rising," he said. He also spoke on issues like drugs and alcoholism in Punjab, lack of Industry and subsequent unemployment, medical services, top heavy political system, traffic chaos, education etc. He appealed to the community to contribute their time and talent towards development of Punjab. This opened a Pandora's Box when I questioned him saying this could happen only if the Indian government gives us a visa to visit our motherland. On this issue, one had to agree with Khaira that as an MLA, such issues are a little beyond his domain. Cont’d on page 22
22 India Post
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January 21, 2011
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Bristol-Myers Squibb hosts liver awareness reception KAVITA ARORA India Post News Service
B
ristol-Myers Squibb, a global pharmaceutical com pany, hosted a Liver Awareness reception at the Sheraton Hotel in Palo Alto featuring California State Assembly Woman Fiona Ma, Katy Wong, and several in-language physicians to discuss chronic Hepatitis B in the Asian-American community. Well-Known Stanford University physician, Aijaz Ahmed, M.D. joined other key speakers, Stephen Lee, M.D., Chris Wong, M.D., Huy Trinh, M.D., along with Bristol-Myers Squibb Medical Host, Hong Tang, M.D. The purpose of this event was to help educate the Asian American community about the potential health impact of chronic hepatitis B, to destigmatize the disease, and clarify existing misconceptions. Dr. Ahmed, Associate Professor of Medicine and Medical Director, Adult Liver Transplant Program at the Stanford University School of Medicine told India Post, "Hepatitis B most significantly impacts people of Asian descent and people coming from India or those born in India should
(L-R) Dr. Hong Tang, Dr. Aijaz Ahmed, Dr. Stephen Lee, Dr. Huy Trinh, Dr. Christopher Wong
at least get screened." Dr. Ahmed added that "the majority of the Indian population does not get the standard of care, there is either high risk behavior, or blood donation, dialysis, and also blood contamination issues in India and the general population rarely gets tested." Even for those entering the U.S. the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommend screening, but do not require it as compared to HIV screening which is mandated.Screenings are recommended once immigrants or visitors enter the U.S. since 78% of all cases occur in Asia, 16% of
Hepatitis B is one of the most common forms of hepatitis, a group of serious diseases that cause inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus. It is caused by a virus that affects the liver
all cases occur in Africa, and 6% of all cases occur in South America, Europe, North America and Oceania combined. (Blood Safety Surveillance and Health Care Acquired Infections Division, Health Canada) Among the Asian population, Pacific Islanders and the Indian Subcontinent, approximately 50% of the population has had hepatitis B. The global prevalence is 300 to 400 million people in the world. "There are approximately 6 billion people in the world and out of that number, 2 billion or one third of the world's population has seen
Hepatitis B and recovered from it," said, Dr. Ahmed. Of that 6 billion, 400 million are chronically affected by an active infection. In the United States, approximately 1.25 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis B, over half are of Asian descent, and an estimated one in ten Asian Americans is chronically infected with Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is one of the most common forms of hepatitis, a group of serious diseases that cause inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus. It is caused by a virus that affects the liver. Adults who get hepatitis B usually recover. However, most infants infected at birth become chronic carriers i.e. they carry the virus for many years and can spread the infection to others. Hepatitis B can be hard to diagnose or can be easily misdiagnosed because symptoms can be vague or there may be no symptoms in some people or symptoms can be similar to other diseases. It can result in complications of the liver, such as cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure, and an increased risk of developing liver cancer. Cont’d on page 23
Punjab MLA Khaira visits Southland Cont’d from page 21
Punjab. Articulate, soft spoken and extremely humble, Khaira took pains to talk to each guest individually. This is in total contrast to most Indian politicians who carry their baggage with them when visiting the US. It
But having said that, Khaira assured the guests that this was not the first time he was hearing this and that he will work with other like-minded leaders like Amrinder Singh (Patiala ) and Jassi Khangura to redress this grievance. He also assured the guests that the MOS External Affairs Praneet Kaur (Patiala) is also working on this issue with the various ministries concerned. So, it seems that in due course this discrimination and the Black Lists will be a thing of the past and the Punjabi Diaspora will be free to reconnect with its roots. The Indian government is perhaps the only one in the world that discriminates against its own people. A white person with a valid American passport will get a visa in a second whereas Gary Grewal, SS Khaira, PS Nijjar and Saab Singh Bhullar 67 year old Mrs Usha Patel will be made to run in circles on flimsy pretexts. is high time that the old guard in Punjab Sukhpal Singh Khaira is not your stereo- moved on to make way for this new edutype neta. Educated in BCS Simla and PU cated generation of leaders like Khaira and Chandigarh, Khaira is a man who does not others. shy away from harsh realities. He is perAt some point there comes a time when haps the first Indian politician who did not the biggest threat to development is not the talk about how easy India has made it for party but the mindset. The Indian political NRIs to send money to India. Rather than system is still dominated by the so called paint a rosy albeit fake picture of the condi- "stalwarts" and "veteran leaders" most of tions in Punjab, Khaira was bold and hon- whom are well into their 80s. Some cannot est about the grim realities of present day even walk!
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January 21, 2011
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Guruvayurappan temple in Ontario, Canada Cont’d from page 19
A well known temple architect from Kerala (India) Vezhaparamban Brahmadathan Namboothiripad has been enlisted. The temple planning started in 2002. It is currently functioning at a temporary leased location in Brampton. It has adopted a city park for maintenance and offers free tuition to 10-11-12 grades in chemistry, physics and mathematics. It also provides the services of a visiting astrologer, Narayanan Namboothiripad. Dr. P.K. Kutty is President, while Gopinathan Menon and Bhaskaran Menon are Vice President and Executive Director respectively of the Temple Board. Divakaran Namboothiripad is the Chief Priest and Thantri. Guruvayur Devaswom, abode of Lord Sree Guruvayoorappan at Bhoolokavaikundam, about 29 kilometers from Thrissur (Kerala), is a well known pilgrimage site in India, where the presiding deity is Mahavishnu. According to the legends, the idol worshipped here is more than 5000 years old. Guruvayur is a form of Krishna. Incorporated as village in 1853, Brampton in Greater Toronto area is 11th largest city in Canada and one of its fastest growing. Besides various denominations of Christianity, it is also home to a considerable number of Sikhs, Hindus, Muslims, and nonbelievers. Punjabi is the mother tongue of about 28 percent of its residents.
NJ Community Solar Project helps homes Cont’d from page 16
"It is intensely satisfying to see these grassroots solar initiatives in which, in this case, seniors join together to reap the financial and environmental rewards that solar brings to a household and a neighborhood," said Chivukula. "Community solar projects are a great complement to my work in the statehouse. I hope to see this trend continue as it brings great efficiencies to the solar installation process, essentially making a green practice even greener." The 10 homes that comprise this project total 80 kilowatts (kW) of generating capacity and are expected to produce nearly 100,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. This carbon footprint reduction eliminates the production of more than 150,000 pounds of CO2, which is the equivalent of reducing the amount of miles driven in a car by 189,000. CO2 is among the harmful greenhouse gases that contribute to air pollution and to global warming. GeoGenix has a proven track record in residential and commercial solar installations. The firm's many achievements include the first "Net Zero" electric commercial building in the nation.
Bristol-Myers Squibb hosts liver awareness reception Cont’d from page 22
Early symptoms may include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, muscle aches and jaundice or other symptoms such as pain in the upper right abdomen (due to an inflamed liver). There is no cure for hepatitis B. Treatment includes rest, ensuring good nutrition, and antiviral medications in some cases. For serious cases in which liver damage or liver failure has occurred, hospitalization may be
necessary. Treatment in the hospital may include medications and other diagnostic testing and liver transplant. Hepatitis B is spread but one cannot get hepatitis B from hugging someone, holding hands, having someone sneeze or cough on you, breastfeeding your baby, eating food or drinking water or casual contact (such as a social or office setting). Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood or fluids contaminated with blood. That means blood transfusions with contami-
nated blood, tattoos, from infected mothers to infants, body piercing, needle sticks, IV drugs with contaminated needles, manicures that made you bleed (instruments are not sterilized), sharing razors, toothbrushes, anything that could pass infected blood to your blood such as undergoing dialysis for kidney disease. Even doing IV drugs once could have given you the virus or sharing straws with someone that had nasal sores or bleeding. Kavita Arora is Anchor & CoProducer of Sitaarre TV
TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS
1 Sheila Ki Jawani : Tees Maar Khan 2 Yeh Des Hai Mera: Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey 3 Tarkeebein: Band Baaja Baaraat 4 Shakira : No Problem 5 Chamki Jawani :
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January 21, 2011
Yamla Pagla Deewana 6 Kaare Kaare Badra : Mirch 7 Teri Parchhaiyan : Tera Kya Hoga Johny 8 Aali Re: No One Killed Jessica 9 Wallah Re Wallah : Tees Maar Khan 10 Isi Umar Mein : Isi Life Mein
B
ollywood's chocolate boy Imran Khan finally bid adieu to bachelorhood and married long time girl friend Avantika Malik here. He said he is very happy. The couple was off to Thailand for their honeymoon. Imran, who had been dating Avantika for the past eight years, had a registered marriage at his superstar uncle Aamir Khan's house in Pali Hill. After the wedding, Imran came to his house with his newlywed wife in a black Porsche decorated with white flags with "Just Married" written on them. The house was decorated with flowers and lights Both wore beautiful traditional wedding costumes - Avantika was wearing a light grey lehenga choli with a red border and gold work and Imran was dressed in a black bandhgala. "I'm not feeling married right now, it will take some time to sink in. I'm very happy" Imran told reporters after reaching home. Asked how he felt after breaking the hearts of his female fans, the 27-year-old said: "I've been in a relationship for the past eight years so the point of breaking hearts doesn't arise. Everyone always knew that I'm dating and was never single, so getting married is nothing new." Imran's maternal uncle, Aamir was dressed in black sherwani with self-print and a maroon churidar and his wife Kiran Rao went traditional too, donning a purple-gold lehenga choli. "We are very happy for both of them and all our blessing are with them. I hope they have a happy married life and have lots of kids," said a visibly elated Aamir.
Vivek's wisdom V
ivek Oberoi is one actor in tinsel town who's quite sure of where his priorities in life lie. Reportedly the actor of Prince has refused a very lucrative offer by a liquor brand in endorsing their product which was ready to offer him double the amount than the original amount that was offered. According to the buzz, the actor was initially offered an amount of Rs 3 crore to endorse the brand which specializes in beer. However, not ready to trade his good image with money, the actor refused the offer. The brand officials did not give up on the idea of bringing Vivek as the Ambassador as he has quite an amazing fan following in the youth segment of the country. Thus the actor was offered double the amount for a year which was Rs.6 crore. Sachin Tendulkar had also recently refused a liquor brand offer of Rs 3 crore. Vivek follows the master blaster's footsteps and refused to endorse the product despite the high financial bait it had to offer. Vivek is certainly very conscious of his image and the message that he gives out to his fans. This one from the actor truly deserves a standing ovation.
January 21, 2011
Bollywood
India Post
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Naughty @ 40
C
H
rithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif have topped Times 50 Most Desirable Men and Women poll with more than 3.1 lakh voting online. Hrithik Roshan - with his Greek God looks sits at the top spot for men and Katrina Kaif's sway as Sheila catapulted her to No 1 on the women's list, for a second consecutive year, which has never happened in the past.
Superstar and braveheart Salman Khan is at No 2 - a stunning climb-up post Dabbang. He's followed by Ranbir Kapoor (last year's winner) at No 3. Shahid Kapoor makes it to No 4 for his sheer boyish appeal and his bare act in Kaminey, while hunky John (the 2008 winner) comes in at 5. Beating out Shah Rukh (6), Akshay Kumar (7), Arjun Rampal (8), Imran Khan (9) and Saif Ali Khan in the Top 10 slots. For the Women, the eternally lovely Aishwarya Rai Bachchan beats off hot competition to make it to No 2. Priyanka Chopra is at 3 while Deepika and Kareena follow at 4 and 5 respectively. At 6 is the vivacious and hotly desired Genelia D'Souza, followed by the well-styled Sonam Kapoor (7), Bipasha (8), Kangna (9) and the newly crowned Miss Earth Nicole Faria closing out the Top 10 women. Not too many surprises in the Top 10s, but the 50 sees some surprise entries. While beauty and power polls could remain unchanged for years, the 'Desired' and the Desirability Quotient (DQ) changes radically. Something like Yana Gupta's 'No Panty' act. Or Ranveer Singh winning hearts with Band Baja Baraat; Sonakshi's sizzle in Dabangg; Malaika's Munni ... holding more sway than even bigger stars who may not have done much in the past year to add to their DQ.
omedy king Govinda stuck to a strict fitness regimen to look fit at 47
for his forthcoming film "Naughty @ 40". "Govinda has reduced nearly 8 kg to match up with his young costars Yuvika Chowdhary and Sayali Bhagat. Govinda worked very hard to get into good shape and he also did Yoga to get fitter," said sources. Govinda has also embraced a new look in the comical film, with blonde highlights on his hair for a youthful look. The actor is set to tickle the audience's funny bone once again with the movie, directed by Jagmohan Mundhra and produced by Anuj Sharma. It is expected to release in mid-February.
Big-fat no
K
angna Ranaut believes in the saying, "Once bitten twice shy." And for this reason, she has said a big-fat no to playing a pivotal part of Krrish 2. The lead female role will still be played by Priyanka Chopra and thus, Kangna would simply play a supporting, but essential, role. However, after what the Roshans did to Kangna in Kites, she simply isn't willing to take any risks and thus, has opted not to be a part of the sequel. In fact, both Rakesh and Hrithik spoke at length to Kangna and
insisted she reconsider as they thought she would do complete justice to the role. Sources claim the role was written keeping Kangna in mind but she refused to budge. She simply will not play "second fiddle" to an actress. The actress is keen on doing more roles that are beyond being glamorous especially since her last few films have done nothing for her. She will be seen next in Tanu Weds Manu, Rascals, Game and Dhamaal 2. For this reason and more, she feels she does not need to be seen in supporting roles anymore.
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January 21, 2011
Payal Saha
A
small film about youthful dreams made a big impact in 2010. Vikramaditya Motwane's coming-of-age tale, Udaan, won top honors at the Karbonn Mobiles 17th Annual Star Screen Awards at the MMRDA Grounds in Mumbai's Bandra-Kurla Complex, bagging both Best Film and Best Director. That debut director Motwane beat veterans like Milan Luthria and Prakash Jha to the big Award was proof that ultimately it's the idea that makes the movie. If this edition of the Star Screen Awards proved anything, it's that the Indian audience has matured enough to accept good cinema, regardless of the budget or star cast. Sharing space with biggies such as Dabangg, Raajneeti, Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai and My Name is Khan, were smaller films like Udaan, Peepli [Live], Ishqiya, Phas Gaye Re Obama and Band Baaja Baaraat. As jury chairman Amol Palekar said, "This is an occasion to congratu-
larger-than-life masala movies. Dabangg also won its leading lady Sonakshi Sinha the Award for Most Promising Newcomer Female. Dabangg's other Awards included Best Action and Best Choreography for the rollicking Munni Badnaam Hui. Vidya Balan, who is proving to be a consummate performer and bankable star, won Best Actor - Female for the second year running for her stunning portrayal of a scheming widow in Ishqiya. Her co-star Arshad Warsi won Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Male, while Gulzar won Best Lyrics for the film's popular Ibn-e-Batuta number. Ronit Roy won Best Actor in a Negative Role, another achievement for Udaan. An emotional Roy dedicated the Award to "being written off as an actor and to being resurrected as an actor". Most of Bollywood turned up for the show, in the audience and on stage. Katrina Kaif grooved to Sheila ki Jawani, spiced up with a few new belly-dancing moves. Priyanka Chopra and Bipasha Bollywood actors Salman Khan and Vidya Balan arriving for the 'Star Screen Awards' ceremony Basu sizzled on stage. late the new talents on finding such confident voices. So-called bouShah Rukh Khan returned as anchor along with Shahid Kapoor, tique cinema has found audience patronage and it was truly a privilege repeating their act of mentor and acolyte, with SRK ribbing Shahid to be able to select our nominations from such an eclectic mix of mov- over his 'relationship' with Priyanka. The pair's banter was one of ies from different genres." the most entertaining parts of the evening, along with a celebraThe big winner of the evening was Dabangg, which bagged a total tion of yesteryear heroines Asha Parekh, Zeenat Aman, Hema six Awards. Salman Khan, who won Best Actor - Male for his portrayal Malini and Rekha. of a swashbuckling cop, proved that offbeat cinema cannot nudge out Cont’d on page 27
Kati Roll craze sweeps through the US India Post News Service
NEW YORK: Open the menus of any self-respecting Indian restaurant and you are sure to find a version of a kati roll on the menu. Over the past few years, the simple paratha wrap has proliferated every modern Indian eatery across the US with its amalgamation of rich spiciness all wrapped up in one easy and portable package. Kati roll's popularity within the States can be directly attributed to one woman; an entrepreneur named Payal Saha, the founder of the nation's first and most famous kati roll establishment, The Kati Roll Company. Payal, who originates from Kolkata, started her business with a very simple concept. "I tremendously missed Kati Rolls and there weren't any in New York when I first moved here," she remembers, "I just wanted to have a place where I could enjoy Kolkata's street foods. I thought if I missed it so much, other people must too." The Kati Roll Company (TKRC) first opened its doors in New York City's eclectic Greenwich Village in 2002. The space was small and the menu was simple, offering a handful of kati rolls ranging from beef, lamb, chicken, to egg and vegetarian. Unable to afford a full staff and unsure of the acceptability of this new fast food, initially Payal along with Dona, her Tibetan domestic helper, were the only two working the eaterie. From grinding fresh spices, to making the bread from scratch and barbecuing the fillings, the two worked side by side serving up the fresh and tasty rolls. Word caught on about the delicious fare and with the help of positive New York press and the loyalty of its South Asian and mainstream patrons, soon The Kati Roll Company was on its way to becoming NYC's epicurean staple. In 2005, the eaterie opened a second and larger location in midtown catering mostly to a lunch crowd. Cont’d on page 27
January 21, 2011
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Kati Roll craze sweeps through the US Cont’d from page 26
Recognizing the strengths of its cuisine and the needs of its patrons, both locations of TKRC operate during normal mealtimes, but also stay open to the early hours on the weekend serving up rolls to the long line of customers returning from the bars and clubs. "Having a kati roll at the end of a night out has become an urban rite of passage," adds Payal. "So many people line up at both locations starting around 2am on the weekends. It's perhaps our most busiest time." But it's not all fun and food at the Kati Roll Company. "When you are first and successful," explains Payal, "you always have to deal with copycats." Although kati rolls originated in Kolkata back in the days of the British Raj, it was The Kati Roll Company with its signature orange color and classic Bollywood posters that brought the
Unfettered by her competitors, Payal continues to focus on the strength of her company, growing the brand by opening a third location in London which, since its opening in 2008, is also garnering a loyal following concept to the US. Since then, many imitators have not only tried to copy the flavors of the original, some have even gone so far as to mimic the brand's logo and décor. Unfettered by her competitors, Payal continues to focus on the strength of her company, growing the brand by opening a third location in London which, since its opening in 2008, is also garnering a loyal following. "Our research shows that people prefer the taste of the original Kati
Small films make big impact Cont’d from page 26
Adding youthful energy to the celebrations were fresh couple of the year, Anushka Sharma and Ranveer Singh, who also gave a star turn as hosts. They brought to life their palpable chemistry from Band Baaja Baaraat to the stage. It was an especially memorable evening for debutant Singh, who picked up the Most Promising Newcomer - Male award. In a year of memorable music, there were two winners each for both Best Music and Best Playback Singer - Female. Sajid-Wajid (Dabangg) and ShankarEhsaan-Loy (My Name is Khan) shared the Best Music Award, while Shreya Ghoshal shared her Best Playback Singer - Female award for Bahara from I Hate Luv Storys with Mamta Sharma for Dabangg's Munni Badnaam Hui. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan won Best Playback Singer - Male for Dil toh bachcha hai ji. The Ramnath Goenka Award went to My Name is Khan. The film also won leading man Shah Rukh Khan the Best Actor - Male in the popular category. In the same category, Katrina Kaif picked up Best Actor Female. If star power is any indication of how
successful an awards function is, then the Karbonn Mobiles 17th Annual Star Screen Awards was a megawatt hit. The who's who of Bollywood - yesteryear stars, current heartthrobs and up-and-coming young guns - walked down the red carpet laid out at the MMRDA Grounds in Mumbai's Bandra-Kurla Complex. There was a slight nip in the air but that didn't keep the guests away, nor did it tone down the gleeful celebrations that started once the awards were announced. The Udaan team arrived in full force director Vikramaditya Motwane was accompanied by actors Rajat Barmecha, Ronit Roy, Ram Kapoor and little Aayan Boradia. The team sat together right in front of the stage and their joy when they nabbed the two top awards of the evening - Best Director and Best Picture were infectious. Another group that was in high spirits was the Dabangg team, which took home six awards. A nervous-looking Arbaaz Khan was accompanied by sisters Arpita and Alvira, and later by superstar brother Salman Khan. The evening was an especially memorable one for the Khan family, as Salman won his first ever Best Actor award.
Roll Company and that is something we are proud of. We are currently looking to open franchises all over the United States because we know there is a demand for
the product." Today, The Kati Roll Company continues to offer its basic menu of 11 rolls, but has added an option of a healthier whole wheat roti (as the wrap) in addition to the original paratha. Both South Asian and mainstream epicures have taken wholeheartedly to India's latest fast food crossover and, like all great ideas, it started simply with one woman's nostalgia for the food she loved from her hometown of Kolkata. The rest as they say is history.
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January 21, 2011 www.indiapost.com
World cricketers star with Akshay in Patiala House India Post News Service
P
repare to be bowled over by Indian superstar Akshay Kumar in an on-screen avatar that's never been presented to audiences before as he spearheads the stellar cast of 'Patiala House', a universally appealing family drama that speaks of the cross-generational conflicts that arise from migration, resonating with today's multicultural society. Produced by Hari Om Entertainment Company, People Tree Films and T-Series, 'Patiala House' is an affecting tale of family ties and duty, a yearning to follow one's dreams, and trying to make sense of the dichotomies that life presents when one's family has migrated to another land. Akshay Kumar juggles the contradictory
role of a shop keeper from Southall, London respecting his traditionalist father, played by vet-
eran of Indian cinema Rishi Kapoor, while pursuing his dream to play cricket for England.
Bollywood goes to South Africa
Directed by Nikhil Advani (Kal Ho Na Ho, Salaam E Ishq), other leading talent in the film
include starlet Anushka Sharma and veteran actress Dimple Kapadia. The film also features cricketers from the England, Australia, South Africa, India and Pakistan teams including three former England Captains - David Gower, Nasser Hussain and John Emburey - and an array of British Asian talent including rapper Hard Kaur and actors Armaan Kirmani, Ankush Khanna and Selina Hotwani. 'Patiala House' is set in Southall, London with 80 per cent of filming having taken place across the UK. The film extends far beyond the cricket pitch - the game is just a catalyst, a tool adopted to touch upon the real message of the film, namely to fulfill one's dreams and seize the second chance that life offers us, if we missed it the first time round.
Shweta wins Big Boss and a crore MUMBAI: It was party time for Shweta Tiwari as she walked away with the winner's trophy on a reality show that has gripped TV viewers for weeks. While Shweta's mom and daughter Palak were present to share in her joy, also present behind-the-scenes was friend Abhinav Kohli who delighted with her at the turn of events. In fact most other contes-
emony not too far away. Shweta is on cloud nine after winning the reality show and a cash prize of one crore rupees. The actress said that prize money is exclusively for her daughter Palak's education. "I know for sure that it will be totally reserved for my daughter's upbringing. I want her to get the best opportunities," Shweta said.
Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra and Shahid Kapoor perform at a show after the Twenty20 cricket match between South Africa and India at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban Anil Kapoor and Malaika Arora Khan are handed flowers by a young fan Bollywood actor Salman Khan (R) looks on as Shweta Tiwari (C) celebrates her win over Khali (L) in the television reality show 'Big Boss' in Mumbai
tants, past and present, also brought along family for the finale. Veena Malik and Ashmit Patel had a reunion on the sets while Aanchal Kumar and Rahul Bhatt seemed comfortable in each other's company. Samir Soni walked away with a car for his style and boldness on the show. Khali, who lost out the winner's mantle to Shweta, was cheered by wife Harminder's presence. Sara Khan, however, came minus Ali Merchant, Later host Salman Khan left the sets heading to Imran Khan and Avantika Malik's wedding cer-
With her win on Bigg Boss 4, Shweta expects to get offers from Bollywood and has expressed her deep interest for working for the film industry. According to sources, Shweta's ex husband Raja Chaudhary had assaulted the actress's current boyfriend, to which Shweta replied "I'm single and I don't know who this current boyfriend is, I don't know about the incident." The actress added that right now she wants to celebrate her win on the show, with no time for love and marriage.
29 India Post
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Auli is situated in the north of Uttar Pradesh and forms a part of the Garhwal mountain range. It is 16 km from Joshimath, on the Badrinath route
A
uli is one of the less explored hill stations in India. Located in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, Auli is a new entrant in the tourist map of India. Cradled in snow-capped mountains, Auli is one of the very few places in India where skiing is a major pastime. Gradually Auli is growing like other hill stations in India. The bitter cold winds, the vast snow-covered landscape, the sylvan mountains, all add up to make Auli a skier's paradise. Representing man's constant endeavor to triumph over na-
January 21, 2011
ture, Auli is an ideal locale for the daring. Auli is situated in the north of Uttar Pradesh and forms a part of the Garhwal mountain range. It is 16 km from Joshimath, on the Badrinath route. The slopes, which are as high as 9000 feet above sea level, are covered with dense deodar and oak forests and this often reduces the velocity of the chilly winds to the minimum. The slopes offer a panoramic view of many a famous Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Kamet, Mana Parvat and Dunagiri. Best time to visit: If one is an adventure freak, the best time to visit Auli is during the winter season. The period from late November to late March is considered ideal for skiers. As the winter sets in, the mountains seem to extend to the firmament with arms of snow. From December to March, the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam conducts 7-day and 15-day courses for both amateurs and advanced learners. History: In the 8th century AD, the great Guru Adi Shankaracharya is said to have trod on these fields. The temple built by him at Joshimath still exists. For hundreds of years, the colorful semi-nomadic tribes of the Bhotiyas, of e Mongolian stock, traversed the trails at Auli, locally called Thatauli. Their longhaired yaks, laden with an assortment of goods, assisted them in conducting a flourishing trade with nearby Tibet. Before Auli was developed as a ski resort, its slopes were the training ground for men of valor and courage - the ski-equipped men of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force. Cont’d on page 30
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57 million Chinese set to visit abroad BEIJING: Over 57 million cash-rich Chinese tourists will travel abroad this year, spending a staggering USD 55 billion, and Indian tourist officials are making preparations to woo them. The 'Namaste India campaign' is doing the rounds in China as part of this move, Shoeb Samad, Director of India Tourism office in Beijing told PTI. "We have held 25 shows like in different Chinese cities under the Namaste India campaign which include road show, seminar and food fairs," Samad said. The China Tourism Academy, a think tank to the tourism authorities in its annual report said the travel boom will send three million more Chinese travelers abroad this year, with a larger amount of outbound tourist spending. "China remains Asia's largest source of outbound tourists as the number of outbound travelers continues to soar," Dai Bin, head of the academy told China Daily. The flourishing outbound tourism market is sending the wealth of China's wellheeled tourists beyond the country's borders, he said. The Indian tourism office here has a dedicated team of artists and agents mostly comprising Chinese who have been trained to highlight India's cultural and tourist themes. The traffic is picking up for resorts, yoga and religious tourism, Samad said. The business tourism is also picking up as the bilateral trade this year set to cross USD 60 billion this year. "Signifying the increase in traffic there was a drastic increase in flights from different cities of China to their Indian counter-
parts," he said. According to the report it is estimated that last year income from 132 million inbound tourists in China reached USD 46 billion, while the 54 million Chinese outbound travelers spent around USD 48 billion aboard. Li Meng, deputy manager of the outbound tourism department of China International Travel Service, told China Daily that in 2010 the agency's outbound tourism business almost doubled in terms of the number of tourists and the amount of revenue and profit.
The flourishing outbound tourism market is sending the wealth of China's wellheeled tourists beyond the country's borders, he said Although sales for tour packages during the Spring Festival are not yet drawing to an end, Li estimated that the numbers of outbound tours will increase 20 per cent year-on-year. Shi Xiaojuan, assistant general manager of the Beijing office of the China Travel Service, told China Daily that tour packages during the Spring Festival accounted for almost one-third of the agency's annual outbound business. "For instance, our packages to Tahiti, a Pacific island, have been almost sold out at a price of 30,000 yuan (USD 4,500)," she said. -PTI
MP tourism inviting pvt investments KOLKATA: Madhya Pradesh is inviting private sector investment for the promotion of tourism and has created a land bank for private players to set up properties at various locations in the state, a senior official said. Be it in the field of water, adventure or caravan tourism, "we are inviting private players for the promotion of tourism which can be a driver of growth. We are complimenting each other and not competing with private sector", the Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation H R Rao said here. "We have created a land bank which already had 500 hectare," Rao said. He said land was provided to private sector either on lease or private players were given development rights where investments can be recovered over a period of time. Rao said the corporation will redefine its commercial activities and play a major role in attracting private sector investment by acting as a facilitator. The corporation had a turnover of Rs 60 crore last year with a profit of Rs five crore, he said, adding, this fiscal the target was set for a Rs 75 crore turnover. The corporation was eyeing a profit margin of Rs 7-8 crore this financial year. Rao said the tourism policy of the state announced a lot of concession to enable investors to take up various projects for promoting tourism. He said to improve connectivity between different cities, private players were invited to operate small aircraft and there was good response. Commercial operation will begin in three to four months, he said.
To encourage private players operate a small 9-seater or 14 seater aircraft, the government has assured them that certain number of seats would be underwritten, he said. He said another initiative was to convert forts and palaces in Gwalior and Bundelkhand region to hotels to attract tourists. "Rajgarh fort overlooking Panna National park will be developed by a large hotel chain", he said. Rao said other areas where private investments were invited were water and caravan tourism. Water tourism was being pro-
Land was provided to private sector either on lease or private players were given development rights where investments can be recovered over a period of time moted in Indira Sagar, Gandhi Sagar and Ban Sagar and Bargi. "At present we are operating three large vehicles to promote caravan tourism which is affordable and gradually getting popular. We are now inviting private players to pitch in this area", he said. As part of its efforts to promote adventure tourism, the corporation has launched "go camping" campaign where tented accommodation was provided. -PTI
Auli: New resort where skiing is major pastime Cont’d from page 29
Among the awesome, legendary peaks ranged round Auli, the 23,490-feet-high Trishul (literal meaning, the strident of Lord Shiva) was the scene of a unique expedition in 1958. The mountaineers took four days to climb the peak and only 90 minutes to ski down to the base camp. Tourist attractions: Skiers are
months of February and March, Auli often hosts the National Winter Games. In a planned move, the Government and local authorities have involved the local Garhwali people to explore the slopes that rightfully belong to them. By eight in the morning, one can see the first of the skiers and other adventure seekers. Until about four o'clock in the evening, when it gets chilly, cold and dark, the
By eight in the morning, one can see the first of the skiers and other adventure seekers. Until about four o'clock in the evening, when it gets chilly, cold and dark, the skiers make most of the slopes. For the best part of the winter season, Auli is blessed by an unusually large number of sunny days naturally provided with clean stretches of 10-20 km of snow-covered mountain slopes. Besides, there is a descent of 500 m from the ridge over a stretch of 3 km. The forests on the slopes also seem to help the skiers by reducing the wind velocity. In the
skiers make most of the slopes. For the best part of the winter season, Auli is blessed by an unusually large number of sunny days, but there are times when it snows heavily. In the evenings, the activity shifts from the slopes to the bukhari-warmed huts and resorts
(bukhari: a quaint, wooden stove). People then generally pass their time listening to folklore and reveling in the local music of Garhwal in the lamp-lit rooms or besides the bonfires.
How to reach Air - The nearest airport is Dehradun, about 298 km away. Rishikesh, about 235 km away, is the nearest railhead. Road - Regular road services are
available from Delhi, Dehradun, Rishikesh and Hardwar to Joshimath, 16 km away. From Joshimath one can hire jeeps to Auli. One can also trek the five kilometer between Joshimath and Auli.
Travel & Hospitality Post
January 21, 2011
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Switzerland to woo small town Indian tourists NEW DELHI: Switzerland Tourism has said it expects 25 per cent increase in the number of Indian tourist arrivals in the country this year and will increase its promotions in tier II and tier III cities as it looks to woo people from smaller places in India. "Last year, we saw a growth of 25 per cent in the number of Indian tourist arrivals. India's economy is growing and we expect the same growth this year as well," Switzerland Tourism India Michael Maeder told reporters here. Switzerland Tourism is the representative body that promotes the country's tourism across the world. He said around two lakh Indians visited the nation in 2010. As part of the plan to achieve a 25 per cent increase this year, the board will organize road shows and other promotional activities, especially in smaller Indian cities.
"Understanding the importance of the tier II and tier III cities, Switzerland Tourism will also undertake specific sales tours to train
‘After China and Russia, India is a potential market for us. Our investments are significant here. We plan to spend an additional 35 per cent towards marketing expenditure to boost growth in India,’ he said the travel agents," he said. It is also planning to focus more on promotion of Switzerland as a
MICE (Meeting and Incentive groups) destinations, besides introducing more travel destinations of the country in India. "We have received some very good feedback from tour operators, meeting planners and guest alike and are committed to grow both the Free Individual Travelers (FIT), MICE and honeymooners segment," he said. Maeder said India is one of the top three emerging markets for Switzerland Tourism, and it is planning to increase its investment by 35 per cent for the Indian market. He, however, did not disclose the kind of investment the country puts in India. "After China and Russia, India is a potential market for us. Our investments are significant here. We plan to spend an additional 35 per cent towards marketing expenditure to boost growth in India," he said. -PTI
Lanka, India ink ferry service pact COLOMBO: India and Sri Lanka have inked a pact to launch a muchawaited ferry service between Colombo and Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu and also re-introduce the Thalaimannar-Rameswaram route after a gap of over 25 years, officials here. As per the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the two sides, the ColomboTuticorin service will commence first, the Sri Lankan officials said, without giving the dates. Sea passenger transportation
between India and Sri Lanka is being established consequent to the Joint Declaration of June 9, 2010 following the talks between President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi. The ferry service between the two countries would be resumed for the first time since 1982. It was suspended in the wake of the LTTE conflict in the island nation. Passenger transportation by sea is being established for the benefit of a large number of busi-
nessmen, holiday makers, pilgrims and students who travel regularly to and from Sri Lanka and India. According to the Sri Lankan Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), the largest number of visitors to this country come from India. The number is increasing with the restoration of peace in Sri Lanka. The SLTDA figures showed that 111,129 Indians had come to Sri Lanka in 2010 prior to December, with a monthly average of nearly 10,000. -PTI
Nepal eyes spa and wellness sector KATHMANDU: With Nepal dedicating 2011 as a year for tourism, the country is eyeing for a greater share in global spa and wellness market to attract more foreign tourists, including Indians. "South-east and South Asia have now become centre for spa and wellness tourism and Nepal should exploit this opportunity by building infrastructure and adding facilities," said Prakash Shrestha, president of Spa and Wellness Association Nepal (SWAN). Shrestha believes that since countries like Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Korea are popular among American, European and Japanese tourists for spa and wellness facilities, Nepal can also take advantage of such foreign client. "We are also targeting rich Indian tourists in the spa and wellness sector as they have both affordability and interest," said
Shrestha. Nearly a million tourists are expected in the country during the Nepal Tourism Year (NTY) 2011. Due to the unique climatic condition and the availability of dif-
We are planning to offer massage, health cure, water therapy and meditation under spa and wellness, he explained ferent kinds of herbs Nepal can be the best place for spa and wellness tourism, he said. If we can provide enough facilities for spa and wellness busi-
ness it can attract 25 per cent of the total visitors or 250,000 people, he added. At present there are around a dozen international standard spa facilities being operated in Nepal, he said. Spa business can increase the length of tourists stay in the hotel and it can make good income for them, he said. We are planning to offer massage, health cure, water therapy and meditation under spa and wellness, he explained. He advised the government to introduce proper criteria and regulations to check the wrong trend of mushrooming of low quality massage parlors in order to promote spa and wellness tourism in the country. If hotels can add facilities for spa and wellness then it will also enhance their prestige and image, he added. -PTI
Snow Days at the L.A. Zoo
The Los Angeles Zoo will transform the Asian elephant, American black bear, Sumatran tiger and snow leopard habitats into snowy winter wonderlands on Saturday and Sunday, February 5 and 6. Visitors will enjoy the rare experience of seeing these amazing animals play in the snow.
HP to make tourism key earning sector SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh which received a record number of 1.33 crore tourists during 2010 is planning to make tourism a key revenue earning sector by 2015, a top state official said here. "The growth of tourism sector has been phenomenal during past three years and if the same tempo is kept up, this sector is set to add Rs 300 crore annually to the GDP," state Tourism Director Arun Sharma
said, adding the government is planning to make tourism key revenue earning sector by 2015. The tourism department put up exhibitions at Macau and Dubai and participated in 25 tourism fairs in India to promote the state tourism during the year 2010 and plans to undertake extensive publicity campaign by participating in international and domestic tourism fairs and festivals during 2011. -PTI
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In Brief Groups want to block portions of immigration law PHOENIX: A federal judge who already blocked the most controversial portions of Arizona's new immigration law from taking effect is now being asked to put on hold two other elements of the law. Civil rights groups asked U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton to prevent authorities from enforcing the law's ban on blocking traffic when people seek or offer day-labor services on the streets. The groups argue the ban is an unconstitutional restriction on freespeech rights of day laborers to express their need and availability to work in a public place. Bolton let the ban take effect, but put on hold another day-labor provision in the law that prohibits illegal immigrants from seeking work in public. -AP
Immigration fraud trial begins for Cuban militant EL PASO, Texas: Jury selection in the trial of Cuba's public enemy No. 1, anti-Castro militant Luis Posada Carriles, has begun on charges he lied to federal immigration officials after he sneaked into the U.S. in 2005. The 82-year-old began facing charges of perjury, obstruction and naturalization fraud, and is accused of making false statements five years ago, when he was under oath during immigration procedures and was asked about a string of 1997 bombings of Havana hotels. Cuba and Venezuela accuse Posada of masterminding the 1976 bombing of a Cubana Airlines passenger plane. Both governments also say Posada was behind bombings which rocked Havana hotels in 1997, killing 32-year-old Italian tourist Fabio di Celmo. -AP
DomRep to continue deporting migrants SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic: The Dominican Republic's top immigration official said here the nation will keep deporting Haitian migrants despite criticism by human rights groups of stepped up efforts to catch illegal border crossers. The government sent roughly 1,000 Haitians back to their earthquake-shattered homeland last week, deploying soldiers and immigration officials to set up border patrols and surprise checkpoints last week along highways, asking people aboard public buses and vans for their papers. -AP
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Man sentenced for impersonating ICE officer GREENBELT, Md.: Federal prosecutors say a Germantown man has been sentenced for impersonating an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer as part of a fraud scheme.-AP
H1B, L1 visa fee hikes violate US' GATS commitment SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service
NEW YORK: India may yet have a strong case against the United States under the World Trade Organization's purview over the steep hike in H1-B and L-1 visa fee enacted by the US last year. New research by the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP) finds that high skill visa fee increases would likely violate US Trade Commitments and carries implications for WTO Trade Dispute and future legislation on H-1B and L-1 visas. According to a new study released by the Foundation Jan 6, the significant increases in H-1B and L-1 fees enacted by Congress in August 2010, likely violate US commitments under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). The NFAP is a non-profit, nonpartisan public policy research organization based in Arlington, Virginia focusing on trade, immigration and related issues. The Advisory Board members include Columbia University economist Jagdish Bhagwati, Ohio University
economist Richard Vedder, former US Senator and Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham and other prominent individuals. The legal analysis was performed by Stephen Claeys, an expert in trade matters related to US commitments under the World Trade Organization (WTO) and a former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Antidumping and
subject to these new fees to include companies that employ a smaller percentage of H-1B and L1 visa holders in their workforces, the United States would still be restricting the availability of H-1B and L-1 visas to a greater extent than they were available when the US joined the GATS in 1994," according to the legal analysis. "As a result, the United States would
The money from the new fees goes into the US Treasury and was part of legislation to increase border security personnel, equipment, technology, infrastructure Countervailing Duty Operations in the US Department of Commerce. The legislation increased the filing fee and fraud prevention and detection fee by $2,000 for H-1B visas and by $2,250 for L-1 visas, but only for employers that employ 50 or more employees in the United States and more than 50 percent of the employees are in H1B or L-1 status. "Even if Congress were to expand the number of employers
continue to be in violation of its GATS commitments." The money from the new fees goes into the US Treasury and was part of legislation to increase border security personnel, equipment, technology, infrastructure, and other resources along the United States southwestern border. However, the ultimate purpose of the new fees is not to cover expenses for increased border security. Senator Charles Schumer (NY-
D), who introduced the amendment to include the higher fees in the legislation, explicitly stated that the purpose of the fees is to restrict the availability of L-1 and H-1B visas. Thus, Congress' overall intent was reducing the visas' availability, not budget neutrality. Retaliation The Foundation warns that such violation of GATS provisions could result in retaliation against US exporters, limit US service companies' access to other member countries' markets, increased duties on US goods and diminish the United States' reputation on trade matters. While the Foundation does not take a position on whether increasing these visa fees constitutes a sound immigration policy, Stuart Anderson, executive director of the National Foundation for American Policy says, "Since Congress may look to raise such fees on the same or a broader set of employers in the future, the finding of a likely inconsistency with US obligations under the GATS may be particularly important." Cont’d on page 36
Deemed export certification on new form delayed CYRUS D. MEHTA
T
he new edition of Form I129, Petition for a Non immigrant Worker, took effect on December 23, 2010, as previously announced by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The form is used to file nonimmigrant petitions for employees in categories such as H1B, L-1 and O-1. The new edition has a revision date of November 23, 2010. Part 6 of the new I-129 contains a new "Certification Regarding the Release of Controlled Technology or Technical Data to Foreign Persons in the United States." The employer must certify, with respect to any technology to which the employee will have access on the job, that a license from the Departments of Commerce or State
is not required to release the technology to the foreign national (or, in the rare case that a license is required, the employer will restrict the beneficiary's access to the technology until a license is obtained). Until February 20, 2011,
as an export the release of controlled technology or technical data to a foreign national working in the United States, even if the company does not export anything overseas. Technology or source code is considered re-
Such exports of controlled technology or technical data must be authorized through an export license issued by the Commerce or State Department before release to the nonimmigrant foreign national petitioners may leave Part 6 blank. As background, U.S. law prohibits the export of controlled technology and technical data to certain foreign nationals located within the United States without a license to do so. U.S. law treats
leased for export when it is made available to foreign nationals for visual inspection (such as reading technical specifications, plans, or blueprints), when technology is exchanged orally, or when technology is made available by prac-
tice or application under the guidance of persons with knowledge of the technology. Such exports of controlled technology or technical data must be authorized through an export license issued by the Commerce or State Department before release to the nonimmigrant foreign national. To properly complete the new I-129 form, an employer must first classify the technology or technical data that will be released to, or be accessed by, a prospective foreign national employee to determine whether an export license may be required. The Commerce Department lists items subject to export licenses at access.gpo.gov/bis/ ear/ear_data.html#ccl. Cont’d on page 36
Immigration Post
January 21, 2011
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Brash congressman won't lead immigration panel WASHINGTON: Republicans eliminated a potential liability with Latino voters by refusing to give the top spot on an immigration subcommittee to a congressman who once proposed stopping illegal immigrants with an electrified fence. The expectation was that Rep. Lamar Smith of Texas, House Judiciary Committee chairman, would choose fellow Republican Rep. Steve King of Iowa to be the next chairman of the Judiciary Committee's subcommittee on immigration, citizenship and other related issues. Instead he chose California Rep. Elton Gallegly, who is considered an immigration hawk, but who is less likely to make explosive comments that make him an easy target for critics. Michael Steel, a spokesman for House Speaker John Boehner, said the choice for the subcommittee chairmanship was Smith's. He said Boehner did not make a recommendation. By choosing Gallegly, Republicans get a subcommittee chairman whose public comments are less likely to be incendiary and won't GOP hurt efforts to become more Latino-friendly, while depriving Democrats of an easy target in the run-up to the 2012 presidential elections.
Alfonso Aguilar, executive director of the Latino Partnership for Conservative Principles, said the decision is a clear message Republican leadership doesn't want to antagonize Latinos. King was the top Republican on the same immigration subcommittee in the last Congress and was expected to be in charge when Republicans took control of the House.
Gallegly is quieter than King on his immigration views, ‘but his restrictionist roots are very clear and they run very deep’ He once suggested on the House floor that an electrified fence could be put on the border to stop illegal immigrants. ``We do that with livestock all the time,'' he said then. King also accused President Barack Obama of favoring blacks and referred to settlement of a discrimination lawsuit filed by black farmers and Native Americans as ``reparations.''
But he has his supporters for his tough talk on illegal immigration. He has introduced a bill to deny U.S.-born children of immigrants automatic citizenship. Smith has said he only wants to advance legislation that has widespread support from Americans. Angie Kelley, an immigration expert at the Center for American Progress, said Gallegly is quieter than King on his immigration views, ``but his restrictionist roots are very clear and they run very deep.'' Gallegly helped create the pilot program that led to the EVerify system, got an amendment passed in the House to deny education to children of illegal immigrants and other tough measures. But in 1995, he sponsored a bill that would have given legal status to agricultural workers. Roy Beck, president of Numbers USA, which lobbies for tough immigration laws, said his group has given Gallegly an ``A'' for his career work on immigration and is happy with his appointment to the chairmanship. But he said King will continue to be a force as vice chairman of the committee. ``If this was about trying to muzzle an outspoken member,'' Beck said, ``it is not going to be very effective.'' -AP
Lawmakers receive reports on immigration issue TALLAHASSEE, Fla.: A threehour workshop briefing for lawmakers on complex U.S. immigration law raised doubts as some questioned the impact on the state's tourism industry if the state legislature sides with new GOP leaders who favor a tougher stance against illegal immigrants. New Gov. Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi both favor stronger immigration laws akin to one in Arizona, although one speaker warned that a similar measure in Florida could damage public relations and likely hurt the state's tourism industry. ``We're frustrated,'' said Sen. John Thrasher, R-St. Augustine, ``What's a state to do?'' Sen. Mike Bennett, RBradenton, has filed an Arizonastyle bill that would let police, during a legal stop or arrest, ask for a detainee's immigration documents if an officer suspects the individual is in the country illegally. The American Civil Liberties
Union of Florida, meanwhile, issued a statement saying it strongly opposes such legislation. The ACLU also is against requiring businesses to use a federal database to check the status of new hires and subjecting ille-
Lawmakers were told that as many as 725,000 unauthorized immigrants live in Florida, three times more than in 1990 gal immigrants who commit crimes to harsher penalties than legal immigrants or U.S. citizens. Lawmakers were told that as many as 725,000 unauthorized immigrants live in Florida, three times more than in 1990. The state prison system houses 5,641 of those undocumented immigrants and 80,000 are en-
rolled in public schools. Robert Lord, vice president and chief legal officer for the Martin Memorial Health System in South Florida told about the millions of dollars the hospital spends treating undocumented patients. Thrasher and two other Republican colleagues, Sen. Alan Hays of Umatilla and Bennett, zeroed in on the presenters. ``My sense right now is we have a real need for some quick action,'' Hays said. ``More questions than we have answers,'' conceded Sen. Anitere Flores, the Senate's Judiciary Committee chair. She moderated the session designed to provide information on the subject before lawmakers attempt to tackle policy issues. ``This is such an emotionally charged issue,'' Flores said. ``We should not make hasty decisions.'' Bennett asked about the possibility of jettisoning felons early from prison via deportation to reduce the state's costs. -AP
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H1B, L1 visa fee hikes violate US' GATS commitment Cont’d from page 34
In fact, even since the passage of the Law in August, Congress extended the fees an additional year, until 2015, in legislation aimed at funding healthcare for 9/11 first responders. Irrelevant arguments The Foundation dismisses the many arguments in support of the visa fee hike as "not convincing". One argument is that the fee increases can easily be borne by those companies applying for the visas, so they do not constitute much of a restriction. However, the fact that the increased fees were explicitly imposed to restrict the availability of certain L-1 and H-1B visas undermines this argument. Other arguments raise the policy reasons for changing the availability of L-1 and H-1B visas and ending the alleged abuse of the visas by certain companies. These arguments, regardless of whether they have merit, are irrelevant as to whether the United States is violating its GATS commitments. Finally, some supporters of the higher H-1B and L-1 fees argue that the WTO Members who are more likely to assert that the higher fees violate GATS may not themselves be fulfilling their obligations under GATS or other WTO agreements. This argument is likewise not rel-
evant. The fact that some believe another WTO Member may not be living up to its commitments under GATS or another WTO agreement does not allow the United States to unilaterally violate its own commitments under GATS. US commitment under GATS The United States made a commitment under the GATS to allow the temporary admission of (nonimmigrant) specialty workers under the H-1B and L-1 visa provisions. This commitment generally reflects US law as it existed in 1994 when the GATS and other World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements were finalized. Because the United States is bound by this commitment under GATS, it may not now adopt or maintain measures that would conflict with that commitment, or nullify or impair the benefits accruing to WTO members under the commitment. Accordingly, restricting the availability of H-1B and L-1 visas through the increased fees could violate this commitment under GATS. Moreover, the additional visa fees may violate the United States' general commitment under GATS to ensure that "all measures of general application affecting trade in services are administered in a
The increased fees could violate GATS if they nullify or impair benefits to a WTO Member reasonable, objective and impartial manner" the Foundation says. The increased visa fees cer-
tainly affects the provision of services, but the justification for the fees (restricting the availability of L-1 and H-1B visas) is unlikely to be found reasonable. Further, the increased fees could violate GATS if they nullify or impair benefits to a WTO Member under the terms of a sector-specific commitment. This violation is likely because the fees are targeted at only those companies with 50 or more employees in the United States and
if more than 50 percent of those employees are non-immigrants working on H-1B or L-1 visas. The combination of the amount of the fees and their limitation to certain companies makes it possible that they impede, if not entirely preclude, a company from a WTO Member from supplying services in a particular sector through the presence of natural persons, or establishing a commercial presence in the US.
Deemed export certification on new form delayed Cont’d from page 34
The State Department's export regulations are at pmddtc.state.gov/ regulations_laws/itar.html. The Commerce Department has a series of six training modules, "Essentials of Export Controls," at bis.doc.gov/ seminarsandtraining/ essentials_of_export_ctrls.htm. The training modules may also be downloaded in PDF format at bis.doc.gov/seminarsandtraining/ training-modules/ essentials_of_export_controls_modules_1_6.pdf. A two-page fact sheet focusing on universities, which includes suggested questionnaire content for the new export controls certification, is available at http://xa.yimg.com/kq/ groups/15854395/2106905181/ name/I129%20AUECO%20Practice%20Tips.pdf. A related USCIS announcement is available at uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=ef1ee46afc5fc210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=e7801c2c9be44210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD. For additional advice on the new I-129 and deemed export attestations, contact your local Alliance of Business Immigration Lawyers (ABIL) attorney. To locate an ABIL attorney, go to http://www.abil.com/ and click on "ABIL Attorneys" or "Global Attorneys." File H-1B petitions now, CDMA advises; USCIS plans proposed rule
to establish electronic H-1B pre-registration H-1B filings may increase as the 65,000 numerical limit (cap) approaches. CDMA recommends filing petitions now. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reports that as of December 31, 2010, it received 57,300 H-1B cap subject petitions and 20,000 petitions towards the Master's cap. Once the caps are reached, no new H-1B capsubject petitions will be accepted until April 1, 2011. In related news, USCIS plans to propose a rule to establish electronic pre-registration for H-1B petitions. Reportedly, this would mean that an employer would first register online and wait for an H-1B number before filing the full petition with documen-
WHD said common violations include the employer's failure to post notice of the filing of labor condition applications at every worksite where an H-1B worker may be employed tation. The idea is to reduce the burden on both employers and the agency in preparing and submitting petitions, entering data, and returning non-selected petitions. Details of the proposed rule and a date of publication have not yet been released. WHD orders companies to pay back wages, penalties for H-1B violations The Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (WHD) announced on December 7, 2010, that it had obtained a consent order to recover $638,449 in back wages and interest from Peri Software Solutions, based in Newark, New Jersey, and its owner, Saravanan Periasamy, for H-1B violations. The company sponsored H-1B nonimmigrant pro-
grammer analysts to work in various locations in the U.S. The company and its owner also were fined $126,778 in civil money penalties and interest for failing to provide notice of the labor condition applications at each job site and for filing lawsuits against H-1B workers for early cessation of employment. The company and Mr. Periasamy also were debarred from participation in the H1B program for one year. WHD said common violations include the employer's failure to post notice of the filing of labor condition applications at every worksite where an H-1B worker may be employed, and failure to pay nonimmigrant workers the required wage rate for all nonproductive time caused by conditions related to employment, such as lack of assigned work, lack of a permit, or studying for a licensing exam. In another recent case, the Law Offices of Sergio Villaverde PLLC, a New York City law firm, was disqualified from the H-1B program for a period of two years for willfully violating prevailing wage requirements. The firm also has been ordered to pay a penalty of $2,250 and to pay one employee back wages totaling $31,954. In 2003, the firm hired a nonimmigrant attorney from India as a full-time legal assistant and filed an H-1B labor condition application to allow the attorney to work legally in the U.S. An investigation by the WHD's New York District Office determined that the firm paid the legal assistant less than the required prevailing wage from January 1, 2004, to June 30, 2006. In a recent decision and order, Labor Department Administrative Law Judge Jonathan Calianos ruled that the firm, having advertised its expertise in immigration law, willfully violated the H-1B prevailing wage requirements. * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com
Health
Line
Bid to stop parts of federal health reform
LINCOLN, Neb.: A state legislative proposal would block implementation of key elements of the federal health care overhaul law. State Sen. Beau McCoy, of Omaha, introduced a bill that would prohibit the state from forcing people to buy health insurance or fining people for not obtaining insurance. The federal overhaul law passed last year would require most Americans to carry health insurance, either through an employer, a government program or by purchasing their own. McCoy's measure is similar to one he introduced last year that did not advance. That proposal was a constitutional amendment that would have put the question of opting out of the federal law to voters. -AP
State Health Department calls for radon testing
ST. PAUL, Minn.: The Minnesota Department of Health is reminding residents to test their homes for dangerous radon gas during January, which has been designed Radon Action Month. The department says it has distributed to about 3,500 radon test kids to 30 local public health agencies around the state, which will distribute them to homeowners. For details on how to get a kit, contact your local public health agency. The department has published a list of participating agencies on its web site. MDH estimates that about onethird of Minnesota homes have radon levels that a pose a risk to health if exposure continues for many years. -AP
Health Science
RICHMOND, Va.: Virginia health officials are seeing a rise in flu activity in the far southwest part of the state. -AP 37
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January 21, 2011
Global association of Indian physicians launched India Post News Service
NEW YORK: Global Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (GAPIO) aimed at connecting Indian-origin physicians including US physicians and from all over the world was launched in New Delhi last week. Vayalar Ravi, Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs inaugurated GAPIO and its first annual convention. Indian physicians heal the global population in every country around the world, in the best healthcare institutions and in every specialty. They have proven their clinical excellence which the world well recognizes. GAPIO was formed to leverage that recognition and act as a catalyst in global health agenda. There are over 1.2 million Indian-origin physicians providing healthcare in about 180 countries. Dr. Pratap C. Reddy, founder of Apollo Hospital group and chairman of GAPIO in his address said physicians with origins in India are transforming lives of patients with their now well recognized clinical excellence. "We have been nurturing the need of common platform for all of us to be able to collectively influence global health in a positive
(L to R): Dr. Ramesh Mehta, Dr. Pratap Reddy, Vayalar Ravi, Dr. Sanku Rao and Dr. Vinay Agarwal at the inauguration of Gapio
ing Health globally". GAPIO will facilitate professional networks for knowledge sharing, initiatives for research and healthcare education, working towards the Millennium Development Goals of the United Nations, involvement of the medical students and young medical professionals in shaping future healthcare and promoting ways and means of use of Information Technology in healthcare, Dr.
healthcare, to contribute to local and regional community development; and thereby help to reduce inequalities and alleviate suffering globally. Dr. Sanku Rao, former president of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) and vice president of GAPIO said there are hardly any countries where Indian doctors are not serving the people. Indian physicians have become syn-
Nevada mine deaths increased by 1 in 2010
ELKO, Nev.: Statistics from the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration show Nevada had two mining fatalities in 2010, one more than the previous year. The Elko Daily Free Press reported that 47-year-old Daniel Noel and 38-year-old Ethan Schorr of Spring Creek died in August while working in the ventilation shaft at the underground Meikle Mine. The mine was run by Barrick Gold Corp. MSHA hasn't released the final report on the accident at Meikle, but Barrick reported the men were inspecting a large pipe when it fell into the shaft, hitting the cage carrying the two workers. -AP
Va health officials see rise in flu activity
British High Commissioner to India Sir Richard Stagg, US Assistant Secretary Suresh Kumar, Dr Hemant Patel, Dr Dinesh Trivedi and Gapio President Dr Pratap Reddy
and constructive manner. Envisioned as an association by the Indian medical Diaspora, of the Indian medical Diaspora, for the cause of global health care, GAPIO has the vision of "Improv-
Reddy said. Commensurate to its vision, the mission of GAPIO is to empower physicians of Indian origin to achieve highest professional standards, to provide good quality
onym with excellence. GAPIO will represent the Indian medical Diaspora that has seen some spectacular growth over the years and these collective brains will work for the improvement of global
healthcare. Dr. Rao said GAPIO will work with governments, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, centers of excellence, foundations and lend its expertise and also work closely in improving the health of common man. The focus will revolve around best practices, patient care and ultimately a disease free world. Passion for India has brought the non-resident physicians together and soon it will have branches, affiliates and presence in many countries. Indian doctors living abroad have always been supportive of healthcare initiatives in India and provided their time and expertise. GAPIO has ambitious plans to involve and facilitate networking of young physicians from Diaspora nations with India. These young physicians will be the driving force behind the organization to take it to next level and lead the change in the healthcare delivery system Dr. Rao added. GAPIO will work to establish a platform where both Indian physicians as well as patients from abroad can come together for a common cause and provide opportunities for young graduates to obtain the highest quality training. Cont’d on page 38
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US abortion rate stalls after years of decline NEW YORK: The long-term decline in the U.S. abortion rate stalled as the recession took hold, according to the latest comprehensive survey of America's abortion providers. The Guttmacher Institute, which periodically surveys U.S. abortion providers, reported that there were 1.21 million abortions in 2008 and a rate of 19.6 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15-44. Both figures were up slightly from the previous 2005 survey, ending a steady decline since 1990, when U.S. abortions peaked at 1.6 million and the abortion rate was 27.4. One possible factor was the recession that hit in 2008, altering the financial prospects for many families. ``Abortion numbers go down when the economy is good and go up when the economy is bad, so
the stalling may be a function of a weaker economy,'' said University of Alabama political science professor Michael New. ``If the economy does better, you'll see numbers trending down again.'' The Guttmacher Institute supports abortion rights, but its surveys are widely considered to be the most comprehensive available because federal agencies rely on incomplete data from state governments. Sharon Camp, the institute's president, said the stalled numbers should serve as an ``urgent message'' to policymakers that access to contraceptive services should be increased to prevent unintended pregnancy. Many anti-abortion activists have opposed this approach, saying abortion rates can best be lowered through abstinence-only sex education and tougher state-level
restrictions on abortion. Many states have expanded restrictions in recent years, and others will be considering such steps in the aftermath of conservative gains in legislatures in the
Elizabeth Nash, a Guttmacher public policy associate, said the restrictive state laws tend to have little impact on affluent and middle-class women Nov. 2 elections. For example, lawmakers in several states would like to emulate Nebraska
Global association of Indian physicians launched Cont’d from page 37
The organization will also facilitate young physicians to take part in international exchange programs and also provide a network for them to do social work in India. Dr. Ramesh Mehta, president of British Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO) and Secretary General of GAPIO, said Indian doctors abroad are keen to work in a variety of ways, including voluntary work, support in collaborative research and medical education. More than 40,000 doctors of Indian origin were working in the UK's National Health Service (NHS), a publicly funded healthcare system. Approximately 10,000 doctors are retired or retiring and 15,000 doctors are in training and they are looking for opportunities in India. There is scope for a reverse brain drain, Mehta said. He suggested NHS-like health care system for India and said government should invest in public health as the burden of disease causes loss of productivity. Vayalar Ravi, Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs, in his inaugural address, admitted that Indian government spending on healthcare was not up to the mark and advocated public private sector partnership to improve healthcare in rural areas. He said there is a great divide between the urban and rural areas in accessing quality healthcare and the federal government is keen to work with GAPIO in bridging the gap. Indian
healthcare sector is expected to grow to $14 billion in 2012 and medical tourism is expected to touch $2 billion very soon. He invited foreign players to play a positive role. Dr. Dinesh Trivedi, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, addressing the concluding session of the convention, said interventional technology and access to better healthcare combined with provision of good drinking water and sanitation would create a disease free world with better
Approximately 10,000 doctors are retired or retiring and 15,000 doctors are in training and they are looking for opportunities in India. There is scope for a reverse brain drain, Mehta said productivity. "We need to adopt a hybrid model to ensure better healthcare and telemedicine will play a lead role in this." The intentions of the government may be good but things get bogged down in the bureaucratic mess. "Give a jolt to the government and there is no point in fooling ourselves that everything is rosy," he said. Dr. Vinay Agarwal, chairman of Indian Medical Association (IMA)
said his organization will work with GAPIO in making a positive change in people's life. The role of Diaspora physicians will be valuable in this task, he said. Suresh Kumar, assistant secretary and director general of US Foreign and Commercial Services, a high-ranking Indian-American in Obama administration, said the goal is to ensure wellness and good health than better diagnosis and treatment to create a healthier population. British High Commissioner to India Sir Richard Stagg praised the Indian-origin physicians in the UK for their stellar service to the community. Dr. Narendra Saini spoke on the objectives and logistics of various workshops and Anwar Feroz, advisor of GAPIO outlined the strategies of breakout sessions such as role of medical students and residents chaired by Dr. Raj Patel; research and global importance in healthcare chaired by Prof. NK Ganguly and application of health information technology chaired by Sangita Reddy. Dr. Dinesh Trivedi presented GAPIO-2011 awards to those organizations and individuals for their contributions - BAPIO for improving healthcare in UK; IMA for service to 1.2 million Indian physicians; Dr. Hemant Patel, former AAPI President and a resident of New Jersey for initiating first ever Indo-US healthcare summit and Dr. Anand Pandurangi for creating awareness on mental health.
in outlawing abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy based on the premise that fetuses can feel pain after that point. ``We know that it makes a difference what the law says in any particular state,'' said Charmaine Yoest, president of Americans United for Life. ``You can see dramatic decreases in abortion.'' Elizabeth Nash, a Guttmacher public policy associate, said the restrictive state laws tend to have little impact on affluent and middle-class women. ``What they end up doing is targeting the most vulnerable women the ones without resources to go other places,'' she said. The new Guttmacher report documented sharp variations by state with abortion rates over 30 per 1,000 in Delaware, New York and New Jersey and at or below 6 per 1,000 in Wyoming, Mississippi, Kentucky, South Dakota and Idaho. The report also documented a significant increase in early medication abortion, entailing use of the so-called abortion pill. The number of such procedures performed in clinics which provide 94 percent of all abortions _ rose from 161,000 to 199,000 between 2005 and 2008, accounting for about 17 percent of abortions.
Initially known as RU-486, the pill was approved for use in the U.S. in September 2000. Affording women more privacy than a surgical abortion, the pill marketed as Mifeprex now accounts for about one-quarter of U.S. abortions performed in the first nine weeks of pregnancy. ``U.S. government reports have shown that abortions are increasingly occurring earlier in pregnancy, when the procedure is safest,'' said Rachel Jones, lead author of the Guttmacher study. ``Increased access to medication abortion is helping to accelerate that trend.'' According to the new study, the number of abortion providers changed little from 1,787 to 1,793 between 2005 and 2008. As was the case before, 87 percent of U.S. counties home to 35 percent of women of reproductive age had no abortion provider. The new report did not provide demographic details on the ages, ethnicity and socio-economic status of women obtaining abortions, but Sharon Camp said it was clear that African-American and Hispanic women continued to account for a disproportionate share of abortions because they had relatively high rates of unintended pregnancies. -AP
Heart group: Require students to get CPR training DALLAS: Learning CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation) at school has given 14-year-old Olivia Frierson more confidence when she babysits or helps out at a church nursery. ``I'm not as worried if something would happen,'' said Olivia, a ninthgrader at Shaker Heights High School in suburban Cleveland. The American Heart Association thinks there should be more students like Olivia. It wants states to require high school students to learn how to give CPR and use an automated external defibrillator before they graduate. That would ``create a generation that could be trained, ready and willing to act,'' said Mary Fran Hazinski, a professor at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing in Nashville, Tenn. She's one of the authors of an advisory that the heart group developed with the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Emergency Physicians. It calls for state legislatures to require students to get CPR and AED training before graduating from high school.
At least 36 states either require or encourage cardiopulmonary resuscitation training in schools, according to the heart group. However, that ranges from suggesting that students recognize the steps of CPR to requiring certification. Sudden cardiac arrest when the heart suddenly stops beating is a leading cause of death in the U.S. The heart association says an estimated 300,000 cardiac arrests occur outside the hospital each year. Survival, which varies greatly from region to region, is estimated to be only about 8 percent on average. ``Bystander CPR can double or triple survival,'' said Hazinski. By teaching students CPR and how to use a defibrillator, ``they'd be available to respond at home, in public places like malls and health clubs,'' she said. At Shaker Heights High School, students learn those skills during a four-week program that's part of a physical education class, said Stuart Gilbert, head of the school's health and PE department. They also learn how to help choking victims. -AP
January 21, 2011
Health Science Post www.indiapost.com
Docs urge shots as flu season grabs the South, NYC
WASHINGTON: Flu season's arrived European health authorities warned the bug with lots of coughing and fever in the South was sure to reach the continent next and and New York City, and it's sure to spread urged a last-minute effort at boosting vacto the rest of the country. The good news: cinations in countries like France and GerThere's still plenty of vaccine for procrasti- many where protection historically is low. nators. This year's vaccine does offer triple proBut don't wait much longer it takes tection against the swine flu known forabout two weeks for the vaccine's protec- mally as Type A H1N1 flu, the worrisome tion to kick in. H3N2 strain, and the Type B flu that tends ``Take the opportunity while you've got to be less severe. the chance,'' advises Dr. Daniel Jernigan of And the U.S. produced more than 160 the Centers for Disease million doses this year, a Control and Prevention. record amount. Last year, This year's vacIf this seems like a late nearly 114 million doses of start for influenza, not so: cine does offer seasonal vaccine were We're just getting back to used, but lots of the special normal after the swine flu triple protection swine flu vaccine went to pandemic that made the against the swine waste because it didn't ar2009-10 flu season hit unrive until that outbreak was flu known usually early. waning and people had lost January and February formally as Type interest. typically are the worst flu The challenge is getting months, and it can drag A H1N1 flu more people to use this pleninto March. And this wintiful supply in a year that so ter, a well-known nasty strain of Type A far hasn't made much news about illness flu is causing most of the illnesses so far that can drive vaccination, says Dr. in the US. This so-called H3N2 branch of Jonathan Temte of the University of Wisthe flu family tends to trigger more pneu- consin and the American Academy of Fammonia and other complications than other ily Physicians. He pushes his own paforms of influenza. tients to be vaccinated, and this year had It's a different story overseas, where so many shot-haters flock to the nasalswine flu has returned to hit Britain hard spray FluMist version that he had to orand vaccine again is running low there. der a second batch. -AP
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Tech News Citi fraud: Police examining records of brokers GURGAON: Deepening the probe into the Rs 400 crore Citibank fraud, the police will investigate records of Norman Martin Brokers, which employs Raghuraj Puri, the father of Shivraj Puri, the alleged mastermind of the scam. Police sources said Norman Martin Brokers, which has its parent company in Europe, was used to channel about Rs 50 crore by Shivraj Puri, a relationship manager with Citibank. Raghuraj Puri is one of the directors of Norman Martin Brokers which has its office in New Delhi. A local court will hear tomorrow his plea for anticipatory bail. -PTI
Govt trying not to hike crude prices: Deora SINGAPORE: Indian Petroleum Minister Murli Deora has said the government is trying its best not to hike prices of fuels like diesel, but is faced with a challenging task due to the unpredictable movement of crude oil rates in international markets. "We want the people of India to get fuel at the right prices," he said at a press conference in Singapore when asked about a likely increase in diesel rates in light of a surge in global crude prices. "We are hopeful of finding a right solution to the current situation of diesel prices," Petroleum Secretary S Sundareshan added. The assurances from India's top energy officials come amid a surge in oil and energy costs across the globe. -PTI
Apalya Tech raises $7.5 million in funding India Post News Service
NEW DELHI: Apalya Technologies, pioneers and leaders of interactive, on demand Mobile TV services in India, have announced raising USD 7.5 million in Series B funding. Apalya plans to use the funds to broaden its portfolio of services and technology platform to leverage the vast mobile TV opportunity being presented by the upcoming large scale rollout of 3G services in India. The investment in Apalya was led by Bangalore based IndoUS Venture Partners (IUVP), a leading venture capital firm. IUVP is a first time investor in Apalya Technologies.
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January 21, 2011
Chief Minister of Bihar state Nitish Kumar (R) discusses with World Bank President Robert Zoellick (L) during a conference on Bihar Kosi Flood Rec o v e r y Project lone agreement at Patna on January 12, 2011. Zoellick opened a four-day visit to India on January 11.
US-India discuss trade in run up to US trade mission to India India Post News Service
NEW YORK: Over 70 US companies have applied to participate in the upcoming high technology business development trade mission to India, February 6-11, to be led by US Commerce Secretary Gary Locke. Secretary Locke met with India's Ambassador to the United States, Meera Shankar, Jan 11, to discuss bilateral trade and investment issues as he prepares to lead the mission, which will make stops in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, in order to promote US exports of high technology products and services in key economic sectors: civil-nuclear trade, defense and security, civil aviation, and information and communications technology. During the meeting, Locke advocated for US fighter aircraft manufacturers, emphasizing that the U.S. government views high
Secretary Locke met with India's Ambassador to the United States, Meera Shankar, Jan 11, to discuss bilateral trade and investment issues as he prepares to lead the mission, which will make stops in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore Gary Locke
technology defense sales as a cornerstone of the US-India strategic partnership and that the United States is a willing and capable defense partner. US exports of goods to India are up 15.2 percent through the
Meera Shankar
first 10 months of 2010 and projected to surpass $19 billion for the entire year - an all-time high. Advanced technologies, including aerospace, specialized materials, information and communications technologies, electronics and flex-
ible manufacturing systems underpinned this growth. Overall US exports to India were $16.4 billion in 2009, making India the 17th largest export market. Exports to India through October 2010 reached approximately $16.1 billion.
IndiGo places 'largest' aircraft order in aviation history NEW DELHI/PARIS: In the single largest aircraft deal in global aviation history, no-frill carrier IndiGo will acquire 180 A320s worth an estimated USD 15.6 billion from European plane manufacturer Airbus. The premier airline, which would launch international services later this year subject to government permission, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus at Toulouse in France last evening for the 180 single-aisle aircraft. Of these planes, 150 would belong to the eco-efficient 'neo' series, which are yet to be produced, and the remaining 30 are the standard A-320s. They are expected to be delivered between 2016 and 2025. Engine selection for the aircraft would be announced by the airline at a later date, an Airbus spokesperson said. Though the value of the deal was not announced, but according to Airbus catalogue price
the sale is worth USD 15.6 billion or 12 billion euros. "It is the largest single firm order for large jets in commercial aviation history," she said, adding it also makes IndiGo a launch customer for the A-320neo. This is the second time that IndiGo has placed such a massive
rate more efficient engines and large wing tip devices called Sharklets that would deliver significant fuel savings of up to 15 percent and reduce emissions and engine noise, the spokesperson said. "This order for fuel efficient aircraft will allow IndiGo to continue to offer low fares," said Rahul
IndiGo President Aditya Ghosh said the additional aircraft "will enable us to take our low fares and courteous, hassle-free service to more customers and destinations and will create more job opportunities aircraft order, after its first agreement with Airbus in 2005 to buy 100 A-320s when the total order was worth USD six billion. That order, the planes under which is currently in the process of being delivered, too was one of the highest by any domestic carrier at that time. The A-320neos would incorpo-
Bhatia, Group Managing Director of InterGlobe Enterprises that runs IndiGo, and Rakesh Gangwal, its co-founder. IndiGo President Aditya Ghosh said the additional aircraft "will enable us to take our low fares and courteous, hassle-free service to more customers and destinations and will create more job opportu-
nities and growth for several other aviation related businesses". The airline has already sought government's permission for launching global operations from the middle of this year when it completes five years of domestic service. Ghosh had earlier said that the global operations would be launched to several destinations in West Asia, besides Bangkok, Singapore, Kathmandu and the Maldives. IndiGo recently tipped Air India for the third position in domestic market share, after Jet Airways and Kingfisher Airlines respectively. "This order positions IndiGo to take full advantage of the predicted growth in Indian air travel and we are delighted that they continue to build their future with Airbus", Airbus Chief Operating Officer (Customers) John Leahy said in a statement. ContĂd on page 43
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Industry leaders all praise for Narendra Modi
Gujarat state Chief Minister Narendra Modi (C) and participating members, wave during Vibrant Gujarat 2011 at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, some 30 km from Ahmedabad.
GANDHINAGAR: Apart from showering mega investments on Gujarat, captains of Indian industry, including Ratan Tata and Mukesh Ambani, heaped praises on Chief Minister Narendra Modi and described him as a great vi-
for working towards uplifting the quality of life of the common man. "Gujarat is shining like a lamp of gold and the credit goes to the visionary, effective and passionate leadership provided by Narendra Modi. We have a leader
summit of 'Vibrant Gujarat' here, Ambani said Modi's efforts for growth and development in the state has been responsible for alleviating poverty. "Given Gujarat's commitment towards the quality of life and
Ratan Tata (C) Chairman Tata Group, shakes hand with participating officials
Anil Ambani exhorted other states to take a cue from Modi for development. "Gujarat is a role model for other states to learn from ... Narendra bhai has single handedly transformed the state into a power state," he said
sionary. At a time when the Congressled UPA government at the Centre is struggling to keep basic needs of 'aam aadmi' affordable, Modi got full marks from corporate leaders
here with vision and determination to translate this vision into reality," Reliance Industries Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani said. Speaking at the fifth global
Indian bollywood actress Preity Zinta takes a photograph with her mobile phone.
prosperity of the people, I have no doubt that Gujarat will be the first state to vanish poverty in In-
dia," he added. Expressing similar sentiments, Tata Group Chief Ratan Tata said: "The leadership of Narendra Modi has proved that Gujarat is not only seeing industrial growth but is also witnessing rural development."
Mukesh Ambani, Reliance Industries Limited Chairman and Managing Directors, speaks during Vibrant Gujarat 2011.
Anil Ambani exhorted other states to take a cue from Modi for development. "Gujarat is a role
model for other states to learn from ... Narendra bhai has single handedly transformed the state into a power state," he said. Gujarat today is the power capital and power hub of the country and stands out in a sharp contrast to other states in the country, Ambani added. It may be recalled that in the last edition of the summit held in 2009, Anil Ambani and Bharti Group chief Sunil Mittal had said that Modi should be the next Prime Minister of India. ICICI Bank Managing Director and CEO Chanda Kochhar said Gujarat is seen as the country's growth engine. "Today when the world looks at India to drive world's growth, India looks at Gujarat to drive India's growth...the state has the potential and the ability to drive this growth," she added. Godrej Group Chairman Adi Godrej gave full marks to Modi for his government's sustainable and inclusive policies. -PTI
Reliance Industries Group President, Parimal Nathwani (L), Chairman, Torrent Group Sudhir Mehta (2L), Essar Group CEO and Essar Energy Vice Chairman - Prashant Ruia (2R), Adani Group's Founder and its Executive Chairman - Gautam Adani (R)
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India refuses to back US on remanufactured goods GENEVA: India has refused to play ball with the US and other developed countries on a controversial proposal for opening up developing markets to remanufactured goods under the Doha trade talks, apprehending this will lead to dumping of substandard goods. In a proposal issued to World Trade Organization members, India maintained that it is "gravely concerned on various aspects of the revised text..." "The subject of trade in remanufactured goods requires extensive groundwork before one can look at the specific contours of any commitments, whether it be soft or hard or on a best endeavor basis," India said in its proposal. "Without this understanding," said India, "there is a fear specifically among many developing members that the current text of the proponents could be used as a conduit for dumping of sub-standard products into their markets." "Members must look at only a work pro-
gram without pre-judgment of its final outcome... Any decision can be taken only at the end of this work program and India remains wary of any early harvest of elements of the work program," India maintained. Among other things, the proposal put forward by developed countries like the US,
remanufactured goods..." India is not alone in its opposition to the remanufactured goods proposal, as several other developing countries have refused to buckle to pressure from the developed world. Besides India, Brazil, South Africa and
In a proposal issued to World Trade Organization members, India maintained that it is "gravely concerned on various aspects of the revised text..." "The subject of trade in remanufactured goods requires extensive groundwork before one can look at the specific contours of any commitments Japan and Switzerland calls for "creation of an upfront definition, onerous commitments on market access and reviews of NTBs (non-tariff barriers) and the creating of a Working Group on Trade in Remanufactured Goods with a view to raise and discuss specific trade concerns on
China -- among other countries -- have conveyed their opposition to opening up their markets to remanufactured goods to the chair of the WTO panel on industrial goods, but the US, Switzerland and Japan continue to mount pressure in the hope of achieving an unambiguous outcome.
The chairman of the Doha industrial goods panel, Ambassador Luzuis Wasescha, convened a meeting with select members of the international community to prepare a draft text on remanufactured goods. During recent meetings of small groups under the Doha talks, key industrialized countries -- especially the US and Japan -have insisted that market access for remanufactured goods is as central as sectoral tariff reductions to the success of the trade negotiations. India said it held extensive consultations with domestic stakeholders, who have stated their opposition to opening up the market to remanufactured goods. In this regard, the work program proposed by India includes a series of workshops on both general and thematic issues. WTO members began intensive negotiations to accelerate the stalled Doha trade talks, which they hope to conclude in 2011. -PTI
Moser Baer's plant attracts SBI investment India Post News Service
NEW DELHI: MB Power (Madhya Pradesh) Limited (MBPMPL) has announced that the Macquarie SBI Infrastructure Fund (MSIF) and the State Bank of India (SBI) on behalf of the SBI Macquarie Infrastructure Trust will together invest Rs. 580 crore (approx US$130million) in MBPMPL's Anuppur Thermal Power Plant. MBPMPL - a step down subsidiary of Moser Baer Projects Private Limited is developing a 2,520 MW thermal power plant in multiple phases at Anuppur, Madhya Pradesh with an investment of Rs. 13,700 crore (USD$ 3 billion). With the current investment from MSIF and SBI, the first phase of 1,200 MW which is anticipated to cost Rs 6,240 crore is fully funded.
MBPMPL has already tied-up debt of Rs 4680 crore for the first phase of the project in Nov 2009 with SBI and Axis Bank as the lead banks. The 2520 MW Thermal power plant is expected to be commissioned in phases by the end of 2014. The EPC contract for phase 1 of the project has already been awarded to Lanco Infratech Ltd and construction at the site has commenced. This project is strategically located near major coal fields of South Eastern Coalfields Limited and is close to power deficit markets of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. Elaborating on the investment, Ratul Puri, Director, MBPPL, said "We are very proud to be associated with both SBI and MSIF. MSIF is one of leading infrastruc-
ture funds investing in India which primarily focuses on infrastructure development. Their in-
The EPC contract for phase 1 of the project has already been awarded to Lanco Infratech Ltd and construction at the site has commenced. This project is strategically located near major coal fields of South Eastern Coalfields Limited depth understanding of the infrastructure sector and long investment cycles make them an ideal
partner for our thermal business." Lajpat Shrivastav, CEO, Thermal Business, MBPPL said "Since Madhya Pradesh today faces a 17.7% power deficit, our power project will significantly address the state's requirement of power and will additionally create large employment opportunities and augment the socio-economic development in district Anuppur and in the region." MSIF is an India focused infrastructure fund that is managed by a joint venture between Macquarie Capital (Macquarie) and the State Bank of India (SBI). IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is a minority shareholder in the joint venture management company and a cornerstone investor in MSIF. SBI Macquarie Infrastructure Trust is a domestic fund being es-
tablished by the SBI Macquarie joint venture, which is expected to be established soon Varun Bajpai, CEO, SBI Macquarie Infrastructure Management Pvte Ltd, said: "We are very pleased MSIF has secured this investment. Given the significant power deficit in India, we believe the power sector offers considerable opportunities." "Moser Baer has a successful business track record and this project is being implemented by an experienced team." Mr Bajpai added that having successfully completed investments in Adhunik Power and Natural Resources, VIOM Networks Limited and other investments, MSIF and SBI (on behalf of the proposed Domestic Fund) have committed over US$600 million in year 2010.
India, SACU to sign preferential trade agreement: Sharma JOHANNESBURG: India and South African nations are expected to sign a trade agreement by the middle of this year, which aims at reducing tariffs on certain items traded between the nations, Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma has said. "We both are pushing it (PTA agreement) very hard and want to complete it at least by the middle of the year," he said. The India-Southern Africa Customs Union Preferential Trade Agreement will help the countries sign the pact by reducing tariffs for certain products. Tariffs are customs duties on merchandise imports. The Southern African Customs Union (SACU) consists of Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Swaziland. South Africa's Minister of Trade and Industry Rob Davies said, "We are confident that we will be able to reach a mutual beneficial agreement in not too distant future."
The PTA is slightly different from the free trade agreement (FTA). In FTA, the two sides reduce or elimi-
The minister said the agreement should provide an enormous boost to ongoing levels of bilateral trade, especially in products such as pharmaceuticals, machinery, automobiles, where India enjoys a competitive advantage
Anand Sharma
nate duties on maximum number of products they trade in, whereas in PTA, the tariffs are not necessarily eliminated, but they
are lowered than the countries not party to the agreement. The minister said the agreement should provide an enormous boost to ongoing levels of bilateral trade, especially in products such as pharmaceuticals, machinery, automobiles, where India enjoys a competitive advantage. The exchange of lists is expected to take place soon. "I think we have made some progress and specific exchange of list will take place within the next two weeks," Sharma said. India's exports to South Africa comprises mineral fuels, automobiles, iron, steel, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, cotton yarn and fabrics. The country's import include gold, aluminum, phosphoric acid, coal, pulp and waste paper, precious stones, including diamonds. -PTI
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Commerce Secy promotes AAPI entrepreneurship India Post News Service
MOUNTAIN VIEW: Commerce Secretary Gary Locke delivered the keynote address at the Summit on Entrepreneurship and Small Business Growth as part of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). As co-chair of the Initiative, Locke highlighted the significant contributions minority businesses have made to the U.S. economy and discussed Obama administration policies that support small business growth and hiring, emphasizing how business owners
can better access and take advantage of federal programs to become
Locke also participated in a breakfast roundtable discussion with business leaders from the AAPI community more successful. Small businesses have created 70 percent of all new jobs in the past decade, and nearly
1.1 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders own small businesses. Prior to the Summit, Locke also participated in a breakfast roundtable discussion with business leaders from the AAPI community and local officials. Summit attendees included business leaders from Silicon Valley and officials from the White House Initiative on AAPI and the White House National Economic Council, as well as representatives from the Department of Commerce, the Department of Treasury, the Small Business Administration and the Export-Import Bank.
India invites Chinese investment in infrastructure BEIJING: India has extended an invitation to Chinese companies to invest in fast-paced infrastructure projects like dedicated freight corridors, subway lines and SEZs being created in the country under a public-private partnership model. With about a trillion dollars of investment expected in the Indian infrastructure sector over the next five-six years, a plethora of business opportunities are available for Chinese companies to invest in India, the Consulate General of India in Shanghai said at an investor meet in Shanghai. These include infrastructure projects such as dedicated freight corridors, subway lines and SEZs, which are being created through public-private partnerships, Consul General Riva Ganguly Das said.
Addressing an India Investor Forum jointly organized by the CII and Indian Consulate General in
Riva Ganguly Das
Shanghai, Das said India has become the fourth largest country in the world in purchasing power parity terms, representing a great investment opportunity for foreign
investors. "With a combination of factors such as macro-economic stability, consistent growth, abundant skilled manpower, a well-developed banking and judicial system, a vibrant capital market and its large-scale investment absorption capacity, India offers attractive returns to prospective investors," a press release by the Consulate quoted her as saying. Addressing the forum, Zhao Kangmei, the Vice Chairman of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce and the Vice-President of the Shanghai Foreign (Overseas) Investment Board, said the overseas investment policy of China assists Chinese companies in "Going Global" through speedy approval and financial assistance. -PTI
IndiGo places 'largest' aircraft order in aviation history ContĂd from page 40
"The A320 Family is the recognized market leader. The A320neo, offering maximum benefit for minimum change, will ensure that this continues to be the case for many years to come", Leahy said. IndiGo chief Ghosh said "our environmentally friendly fleet of the A320neo will set a benchmark by significantly reducing the impact on the environment and lead the way to a more sustainable mode of flying". The A-320 family of aircraft, comprising A-318s, A- 319s, A320s and A-321s, is recognized as a benchmark in the single-aisle aircraft family. Over 6,800 Airbus A-320 family aircraft have been ordered and over 4,500 delivered to more than 310 customers and operators
worldwide in the last two decades. IndiGo would later decide on the engines it wants to power the A-320neos with, industry sources said. They said the Airbus was likely to offer them and other airlines who place orders for the 'neos' a choice of the latest engine model from CFM International, a joint venture between France's Safran and General Electric of the United States, and an American Pratt & Whitney engine. The A-320neo is Airbus' bid to counter rival aircraft such as Canada's Bombadier CSeries and China's C919, as well as the medium-haul B-737s of Boeing. Airbus is also the manufacturer of the world's largest aircraft A380s, which faced engine trouble in November last year when a superjumbo of the Qantas made a
safe emergency landing at Singapore after its engine developed major trouble mid-air. The IndiGo deal has been dubbed as the largest aircraft deal in global aviation history in terms of number of planes ordered in a single go. So far, the largest order in terms of number of planes include IndiGo's 100 aircraft order in 2005, a year before it started domestic operations. Other large aircraft orders include Dubai carrier Emirates' decision to buy 32 A-380s last year at a list price of USD 11.5 billion, taking its total order for the superjumbo to 90. Air India had in 2006 placed orders for 68 Boeing planes of different types, while Mideastern carrier Etihad ordered 55 planes from Airbus in 2008. -PTI
CFR book says Asia lacks 'software of innovation' India Post News Service
NEW YORK: As the United States struggles to emerge from recession, India and China's continued robust growth is the subject of much interest and concern. In his new book, 'Advantage: How American Innovation Can Overcome the Asian Challenge', Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) Senior Fellow Adam Segal analyzes Asia's technological rise, questions assumptions about the United States' inevitable decline, and explains how America can preserve and improve its position in the global economy by optimizing its strength of moving ideas from the lab to the marketplace. Segal explains that Asia's growth has been fueled by its "hardware of innovation" - growing middle classes that will eventually outstrip the spending power of Americans, a cheaper labor force, more students studying to become engineers, and increased money pouring into research and development. However, Segal maintains the region lacks a "software of innovation" - a cultural, social, and political framework that enables and sustains new idea generation. As an example, he cites a survey conducted by China Daily that found sixty percent of graduates with doctorates admitted they had copied someone else's work. "A member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, a president of a university, and a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering were involved in prominent plagiarism cases, and all kept their jobs." India's main problem, he writes, is a decrepit educational system. "A 2007 government study rated two-thirds of (India's eighteen thousand colleges and universi-
ties) and found that 90 percent of the degree-granting colleges were poor or middling quality." Through his research, Segal concludes the United States has an advantage over Asia in the realm of the software of innovation. "In America, your ideas can make you rich. Intellectual property is protected, and individual scientists are able to exploit their breakthroughs for commercial gains," he writes. "It is time to realize that software in its most expansive sense offers the most opportunities for the United States to ensure its competitive place in the world." The challenge is "to recover a culture of innovation
Segal explains that Asia's growth has been fueled by its "hardware of innovation" - growing middle classes that was driven underground, overshadowed by sexy credit default swaps and easy spending." Drawing the connection between national security, trade, and innovation, Segal notes "For the United States, the basic equation is simple: economic strength and national security depend on innovation, innovation thrives only with openness; thus policies must defend and nurture openness." Foreign policy decisions should reflect this, especially with regard to foreign investment in the United States and immigration access for scientists and entrepreneurs, he says.
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Realty Tidbits
Delhi Police recovers 1000cr from frauds
Real Estate
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he economic slowdown re sulted in large-scale frauds in the capital's real estate sector and investigations led to recovery of over Rs 1,000 crores, Delhi Police said. "A slow down in real estate sector led to large scale frauds with innocent investors wherein major builder companies defaulted on their commitments thereby causing huge losses to these investors," Delhi Police Commissioner B K Gupta said. The Economic Offences Wing of Delhi Police's Crime Branch took "stern action" against "unscrupulous" developers and builders to protect the interest of investors.
„ HDIL sells Mumbai plot for 800 crore
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n perhaps the largest land trans action beyond Bandra, a sevenacre plot in Andheri (East) was sold for around Rs 800 crore last week. The 30,000 sq m (approx 3,23,000 sq ft) Popular Car Bazar on Andheri- Kurla Road, owned by Mumbai- based real estate company HDIL, sold it to the Kanakia Group a few days after Christmas last month. The land once belonged to the Thakur family, which sold it to HDIL two years ago for over Rs 400 crore. It was earlier used as a garage. Today, about 20% of the plot is covered by slums. Kanakia is likely to get about seven lakh sq ft to develop here. Sources say the Kanakia Group already has a large commercial project adjoining Popular Car Bazar, and it made
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Rising property prices lead to growth in Mumbai rental market H
ome prices in the city and ad joining areas have shot up by 30% over the last six months, making it more difficult hane and using the money to expand their hospitality business. They sold their flat for Rs 1.5 crore and are paying Rs 35,000 as rent for an apartment in Hiranandani Estate, Thane. "The same apartment cost roughly Rs 2.2 crore. If I had to repurchase it at 9% interest, I would have to pay an interest of not less than Rs 1,65,000 a month. By staying on rent, I am saving substantially," said Ahuja. According to Vakilfor most to own and maintain a house. But, renting a house is a more financially viable alternative. Property consultants believe there is a growing trend to stay on rent rather than purchase an apartment under the present circumstances. The mathematics is simple. If you buy a 2-BHK flat for approxi-
mately Rs 1.2 crore in Goregaon, you pay an EMI of around Rs 90,000 (assuming 85% is the loan at the rate of 9%). But if you take that apartment on rent, you could pay Rs 20,000-22, 000 a month, including society and maintenance
charges. "If you take away society and maintenance charges of Rs 5,000, the rent works out to Rs 15,000-20, 000. It clearly shows you are saving Rs 70,000 a month by staying on rent," said a seasoned broker.
Gurgaon turning important financial hub
„ L&T bags big projects in Gulf
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he global slowdown has helped Larsen & Toubro (L&T), India's largest construction and engineering major, to prepare ground for winning big projects in Gulf countries. It has signed more than Rs 2,500 crore worth of projects in the region after the slowdown hit their ambitious projects, Financial Chronicle reported. "We have won some important projects in Oman and the Saudi Arabia especially related to airports, bridges, power transmission and distribution related businesses. Most important of them is the Al Salalah airport and the Interchange or the flyover work in Oman," a senior L&T official said.
Leniency urged on revenue recognition
G
urgaon is fast developing as an important financial hub and emergence of such new centers always helps in de-congesting the finance market, said C Rangarajan, noted economist and financial advisor to the PM. Academicians and economists spoke on the future of Indian finance market, with comments on the rapid development of Gurgaon as a corporate and real estate hub, at the FINCON 2011 here. Speaking to management students at MDI Gurgaon, they also
highlighted the need to bring about awareness among the public on how to avoid the dreaded bubble that arises out of such a fast pace of development. Rangarajan further added that we need to expand to the larger masses with innovative financial products, and yet make sure that there are efficient regulations in place to maintain stability. Dr Chinmoy Ghosh, HOD, Department of Finance, University of Calicut Business School, remarked, In Gurgaon, much of the
growth that happened in the last two decades has penetrated to the middle class, which is a major reason behind the accelerating growth witnessed by the city. However, now people have started looking at real estate Gurgaon solely as an investment, and not as something that should be consumed. He further added that the cost of an average 3 to 4-bedroom accommodation in the city has crossed Rs 1 crore, whereas the average salary of an executive is not more than Rs 12-15 lakh. The gap has pushed a chunk of the population towards the outskirts of Gurgaon, where basic infrastructure is far lagging behind.
Also, during this period, if property prices correct marginally, your savings increase manifold. That was what made Aruni Sinha, an exarmy captain now involved in film production, decide against purchasing a flat. "It makes no sense," said the newly married Sinha, who has a monthly income of Rs 50,000. "Contrary to developers' claims, rates are high and no flats are available within my budget or close to my workplace at Goregaon or Andheri," Sinha added. As per market dynamics, property rates normally rise, or tend to rise, when the annual rental income is 5-6 % of the property price, as under these circumstances clients prefer purchase over rent. If a Rs 1-crore property earns a rent of Rs 20,000 a month, annual returns from the property works out to less than 2.5%. Under such circumstances, clients prefer rent. However, if the monthly rent from the Rs 1-crore property is Rs 50,000, people would rather purchase the apartment as the annual returns have shot up to almost 6%. Pranay Vakil, chairman of Knight Frank, global real estate consultants, said, "With rental income having dropped to 2-3 %, some investors either prefer to sell their apartments if they have earned a decent profit or lease them out as it is better than lying vacant. Rental rates have dropped at places as a good number of flats are available in the market." Low rentals led Ruma Ahuja and her husband to take a gamble and stay on rent, by selling their 3-BHK apartment at Hiranandani Meadows in T, staying on rent will continue to be a preferred option in a city with a large floating population (transferable jobs) of 30-35 %.
Real Estate
January 21, 2011
India Post
45
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Bookings for 'Godrej City' in Ahmedabad G
odrej Properties Ltd has announced that it is opening bookings for phase III in its project in Ahmedabad, Godrej Garden City. Phase III of Godrej Garden City will offer contemporary 2 and 3 BHK apartments in sizes ranging from 1,100-1,350 square feet. Godrej Garden City, spread over 250 acres, is located within the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation limits, and will house over 13,000 apartments and villas, 40 acres of scenic landscaping and open areas, and significant commercial spaces, according to a company press release. Godrej Properties plans to create facilities for education, healthcare, recreation, hospitality, retail and banking within the development. There will also be civic fa-
cilities and public utilities. The master plan has been created by world-renowned architects Skidmore, Owings and Merrill
(SOM) and the project's construction will be carried out by L&T. Godrej Garden City will be sustainably developed and has
Promoters increase stake in Unitech
T
he shareholding pattern of real estate major Unitech has undergone a change, with promoters increasing their stake to 48.57 per cent upon conversion of warrants into equity. Promoters Ramesh Chandra and his sons had pumped Rs 380 crore into the company in December to convert the last tranche of warrants held by them into equity, which increased their combined stakeholding to 48.57 per cent. Unitech's shares fell by 5 per cent and the scrip closed at Rs 61.80, compared to the previous close of Rs 65.05. Unitech is a widely held company, with over 600,000 shareholders. FIIs' holding in the company stands at 34.24 per cent and remained constant during the previous quarter. Asked whether the shareholding of other
categories of investors, like retail investors, has also undergone a change in view of the promoters increasing their stake, sources
FIIs' holding in the company stands at 34.24 per cent and remained constant during the previous quarter. Asked whether the shareholding of other categories of investors said retail investors and domestic institutions' stake may have gone down by about 0.25 per cent each. Marquee investors like HSBC,
Platinum, Morgan Stanley and Mathews International hold a considerable stake in Unitech. According to sources, HSBC has maintained its shareholding in Unitech at the same level since the last quarter, while Platinum, an Australia-based Mutual Fund, bought a 2.84 per cent stake in the company from the open market during the previous quarter (October-December, 2010). Morgan Stanley has also increased its stake from 1.39 per cent to 1.44 per cent during this period, company sources said, adding that Copthall, a part of JP Morgan, also bought a 1.26 per cent stake from the open market in the third quarter of the current financial year. Asked about the company's debt-equity ratio, sources said it continues to remain at 0.5 per cent.
CREDAI Orrisa issues 'Code of Conduct'
C
ustomers sore over the al leged fraudulent deals of the real estate players can hope for better times now. The Orissa chapter of the Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Association of India (Credai) has come out with a 'Code of Conduct' for its 40-odd builder members which will ensure fair and transparent deals to the customers in the real estate sector. Addressing media persons here, D S Tripathy, general secretary of Credai-Orissa said, "All members of Credai-Orissa will have to adopt the Code of Conduct for all upcoming projects from January 15. Apart from other provisions, the Code has envisaged a Grievance Cell where a consumer can complain for any deficiency or problems in dealing with a real estate developer. The real estate
developers will also have to furnish all the details to the customers, including the status of various clearances like building plan approval and environmental clear-
we have 40 members in our association and 30 of them have given a written undertaking that they will abide by the Code of Conduct. The members who don't adhere to the Code of Conduct will be expelled from Credai", he added
ance. Presently, we have 40 members in our association and 30 of them have given a written undertaking that they will abide by the Code of Conduct. The members who don't adhere to the Code of Conduct will be expelled from Credai", he added. The proposed Code of Conduct will ensure clear and marketable property title, transparency in information sharing with the customers by the real estate players, standardization of built-up area and presentation of the proper plan of the project to the customers by the builders.Credai-Orissa is also organizing a property exhibition in the city from January 1518 to help customers find their dream homes. The expo will showcase the latest innovations in building products.
been selected as one of sixteen projects from around the world to partner the Clinton Climate Initiative in the goal of creating a Cli-
mate Positive development. Godrej Properties' is developing this project under a joint venture development model. Godrej Properties' joint venture partner for this project is Shree Siddhi Group, the press release added. Pirojsha Godrej, executive director, Godrej Properties says, "We are very happy to announce the launch of the third phase of Godrej Garden City. We have already sold about 1200 apartments at Godrej Garden City in the first two phases and look forward to sustaining the strong momentum with this launch. We are making every effort to ensure that the residents of Godrej Garden City are provided with a well planned outstanding living environment."
Leniency urged on revenue recognition
R
eal estate companies may be exempted from the new stricter international accounting norms with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India-the regulator of accounting and auditing profession--pushing for the continuation of the prevailing lenient regime that recognizes revenue in line with progression of construction and not at the time of delivery. ICAI feels that international norms would impact the financial statements of real estate companies and not offer a true measure of their operations. "Various entities from the real estate sector have sent their views against the international norm as it would require the developers to recognize revenue in their financial statements based on the completion method i.e. only in the last year of the completion of the project. In that case, the profit and loss account of the developers will not truly reflect the performance of the business since no revenue will be recognized during the years when the project remains under-construction. In other words, profit and loss account will not reflect the proper performance of the business," ICAI president Amarjit Chopra said. India Inc. is gearing up for convergence with global accounting norms and this will happen in a
phased manner beginning April 2011. In the first phase, companies which will convert their opening balance sheets with the new accounting standards include those part of NSE Nifty 50, BSE Sensex 30 and companies whose shares or other securities are listed on stock exchanges outside India, or companies-whether listed or not-which have a net worth in excess
of Rs 1,000 crore. The second phase, which kicks off in April 2013, will cover companies (whether listed or not) with a net worth exceeding Rs 500 crore but not exceeding Rs 1,000 crore. Listed companies, which have a net worth of Rs 500 crore or less, will convert their opening balance sheet on April 1, 2014. Chopra said that in case of realty firms, the norms treat construction of real estate as sale of goods.
46
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January 21, 2011
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Horoscope
January 21, 2011
India Post
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Your Weekly future January 21 - January 27 by Pandit Parashar
S
eek outside help if you can not decide an important issue invoving a relationship or partnership. New expenses could shake your budget. If you maintain patience you will soon overcome your opponents. Some of you may decide to go ahead with the law suit to prove your point. Promising week for people looking for a job.
M
oney wise you will do better this week. You will have more than one chance to make fast money. Speculation or lottery could be profitable too. Try not to take some one's words for granted and use your intellect. You may play some trick on a friend or a colleague. Spouse will be full of some bright and non failing ideas.
C
Y
ou may hit some kind of financial jackpot. Money may come through stocks or lottery. Bold actions will take you close to your goals quick causing lots of excitement in the family. A female from another nationality will be really helpful. You will be travelling to a costal area to meet an important person and seek advice.
Y
ou will regain confidence as the ideas will start working and you will be able to see things more clearly. Presence of Sun in your sign will make you more popular. You will receive many valuable gifts from people you like. Financial juggling will reduce the pressure immediately. You will benefit from a tall and fair skin person.
S
T
ake it easy and try to relax in spare time. Watch out for people trying to take undue advantage of your generosity. Some of you will be tarveling away from home for business purpose. You will be spending money towards children. People in business will make new clients. A sibling may need your advice and help.
T
here will be some interesting and postive developments in career. The seat you were trying will be assigned to you will added benefits and authority. Every body at home will enjoy the new gadget you purchased. You may visit an interesting place with some very close friend. You will meet an famous dignitary this week.
P
Y
A
D
ou have some easy money coming this week. Email you write will get the job done quickly. Money will go towards children and making final payment on an old debt. You will hear some very good news from far off place. An old family member will need extra medical care. You may postpone or cancel a trip completetly.
surgery may be the sure way out to tackle the problem that keep coming back. You will need to take an important business decision, you will have couple of choices but you will adopt the little longer but the right path only. Some of you will be getting ready to make a smooth switch to another job closeby.
Pandit Parashar, CEO & COO Astro Scan USA is also available for individual consultations. He can be reached at: parashar@parashar.com
olleague may try to involve you into unnecessary argument by putting the blame on you. You may finally get some kind of clearance from a government agency. Be little careful when it comes to matter of heart and try to understand other person's emotions. You may also give final shape to a very short please trip with family.
tress could take a toll and you may be adviced to relax and take it easy for few days. Presence of Mars in first will make you impulsive and as a result you can end up making some decisions that will put you under lots of financial pressure in near future. A close relative will call to invite you to a big party.
resence of strong Sun in house of luck will help you achieve goals easily. Rewards will start pouring in for the work done in the past and you will have several good size contracts in your hands. Some of you will be adjusting in new home this week. You will take family to a social event and meet old friends also.
iplomacy will help you overcome a tricky situation in career. Spouse may feel exhausted and need extra rest. You will be spending money on children. You will hear from an old friend after long time. You will make good use of time on hand and clean up the things gathering dust in the house. You will paticipate in a social event.
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Philosophy
January 21, 2011
India Post
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O
ne of man's important mistakes, one which must be remembered, is his illusion in regard to his I. Man such as we know him, the 'man-machine,' the man who cannot 'do,' and with whom and through whom everything 'happens,' cannot have a permanent and single I. His I changes as quickly as his thoughts, feelings and moods, and he makes a profound mistake in considering himself always one and the same person; in reality he is always a different person, not the one he was a moment ago. Man has no permanent and unchangeable I. Every thought, every mood, every desire, every sensation, says 'I.' And in each case it seems to be taken for granted that this I belongs to the Whole, to the whole man, and that a thought, a desire, or an aversion is expressed by this Whole. In actual fact there is no foundation whatsoever for this assumption. Man's every thought and desire appears and lives quite separately and independently of the Whole. And the Whole never expresses itself, for the simple reason that it exists, as such, only physically as a thing, and in the abstract as a concept. Man has no individual I. But there are, instead, hundreds and thousands of separate small I's, SWAMI CHIDANANDA
G
od, not only being transcendental, but also being immanent, not only being immanent but also being a specific indwelling divine principle within each and every body, why is there so much difficulty in attaining that which is nearer to us than anything else in all the universe? Even if the most proximate thing is by your side, if you turn your head the other way and look in the opposite direction, you will not be able to see it. That is the trouble. That is the problem. There is nothing wrong with God, nothing wrong with His immanence, nothing wrong with His immediacy. What is wrong is that our gaze is elsewhere. So everything is wrong with the direction we have decided to turn our gaze to. Therefore, all the saints and mystics have prayed, "O Lord, bless me and grant that I may constantly remember You. Let my mind be constantly thinking of You. Let my entire being look only in Your direction, and may I have no eyes for anything else, no ears for anything else. Therefore, we pray to the Supreme Being every morning to bless us that we may have the abil-
very often entirely unknown to one another, never coming into contact, or, on the contrary, hostile to each other, mutually exclusive and incompatible. Each minute, each moment, man is saying or thinking, 'I.' And each time his I is different. Just now it was a thought, now it is a desire, now a sensation, now another thought, and so on, endlessly. Man is a plurality. Man's name is legion. Religion is doing; a man does
One must learn to pray, just as one must learn everything else. Whoever knows how to pray and is able to concentrate in the proper way, his prayer can give results. But it must be understood that there are different prayers and that their results are different. This is known even from ordinary divine service. But when we speak of prayer or of the results of prayer we always imply only one kind of prayer-petition, or we think
Every branch of science endeavors to elaborate and to establish an exact language for itself. But there is no universal language. For exact understanding exact language is necessary.‌ This new language is based on the principle of relativity; that is to say, it introduces relativity into all concepts and thus makes possible an accurate determination of the angle of thought-making it possible to establish at once what is being
Man has no permanent and unchangeable I
G. I. Gurdjieff
Man has no individual I. But there are, instead, hundreds and thousands of separate small I's, very often entirely unknown to one another, never coming into contact
not merely think his religion or feel it, he 'lives' his religion as much as he is able, otherwise it is not religion but fantasy or philosophy. Whether he likes it or not he shows his attitude towards religion by his actions and he can show his attitude only by his actions. Therefore if his actions are opposed to those which are demanded by a given religion he cannot assert that he belongs to that religion.
that petition can be united with all other kinds of prayers.‌ Most prayers have nothing in common with petitions. I speak of ancient prayers; many of them are much older than Christianity. These prayers are, so to speak, recapitulations; by repeating them aloud or to himself a man endeavors to experience what is in them, their whole content, with his mind and his feeling.
said, from what point of view and in what connection. In this new language all ideas are concentrated round one idea. This central idea is the idea of evolution ‌ and the evolution of man is the evolution of his consciousness. The 127th birth anniversary of G. I. Gurdjieff was observed on January 13 Excerpted from In Search Of The Miraculous
ity and strength to so do. We pray to Him. This leads us to another quandary. All religions, all scriptures, all prophets have declared that God is omniscient. Does He not know our predicament? When He is omniscient and He thus knows our situation, why should we pray? Does He not know? Can He not set it right? A baby knows nothing; it cannot express itself. But the
bring anything to His notice, as though He doesn't know it? Does He need to be told? He is the eye of our eye, ear of our ear, heart of our heart, mind of our mind. So what is the purpose of prayer, the meaning of prayer? This is the paradox and question that faces us when we say, "Prayer can overcome all things." A cloth gets soiled. We wish to make it clean, white and shining
tact with the water and soap. And it comes out clean, white, completely free from all dirt. It is restored to its original purity. That is the logic behind prayer. Not because the Lord needs to be told, not because He does not know. He knows everything. It is because the one who prays is benefited, is blessed by the contact he creates through prayer. Prayer has gained an essential
The very act of prayer elvates us, sanctifies us Swami Chidananda
mother, through her love and care, intuitively grasps, "Oh, something is wrong with baby's tummy. It's feeling discomfort; therefore it is crying." God is more than father and mother. He is everything to us, ten times more than any earthly mother that Brahma has ever created. That being so, where is the need to
There is nothing wrong with God, nothing wrong with His immanence, nothing wrong with His immediacy. What is wrong is that our gaze is elsewhere once again. So we put it in a bucket of hot water and add soap powder. We clean it. The water is not in need of the cloth, nor is the soap. They can serve many other purposes, yet we bring them together. Why? Because the cloth is in need of water, it is in need of soap. Therefore, it goes into the proximity, into an active, dynamic con-
place in the context of the mystical aspects of all the living religions of the world. They all emphasize prayer. Not because we are telling Him something that He does not know, that He has to be told, but because the very act of telling Him elevates us, sanctifies us, blesses us. Therefore it is that we pray.
God expects but one thing of you, and that is that you should come out of yourself in so far as you are a created being made and let God be God in you. -Meister Eckhart A friend should be a master at guessing and keeping still: you must not want to see everything. -Friedrich Nietzsche Always recognize that human individuals are ends, and do not use them as means to your end. -Immanuel Kant Almost all of our sorrows spring out of our relations with other people. -Arthur Schopenhauer If I take death into my life, acknowledge it, and face it squarely, I will free myself from the anxiety of death and the pettiness of life - and only then will I be free to become myself. -Martin Heidegger A person cannot approach the divine by reaching beyond the human. To become human, is what this individual person, has been created for. -Martin Buber
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January 21, 2011
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Four implications of Salman Taseer's assassination D SUBA CHANDRAN
A
voice of reason against the abuse of blasphemy law in Pakistan has been brutally silenced. What are the implications? If his assassination is a loss to the moderate voices in Pakistan, who stands to gain? What does this loss and gain mean for the future of Pakistan? I. End of the campaign against the abuse of blasphemy law? The first and foremost implication will be on the campaign against the blasphemy law led by moderate voices of the Pakistani society. While the human rights organizations and a few well meaning individuals have been highlighting this concern since the 1990s, during 2010, there were signs of these scattered voices of reason mobilizing into a movement. Ever since the November 2010 verdict of death sentence for Aasiya Bibi (a Christian woman who was accused of blasphemy by her fellow villagers), a section of Pakistani civil society campaigned in the local electronic and print media against the abuse of this law for narrow political and economic benefits. Sherry Rehman, a PPP member of the National Assembly and a former Minister, even submitted a draft bill to amend the blasphemy law. The above mentioned activism to amend the law will decline now, if not come to a complete halt, after Taseer's assassination. There is no support at the highest level, even within the PPP, to which Salman Taseer belonged and Sherry Rehman is a representative of. There were no statements of outright condemnation from either Zardari or Gilani; instead there was a muted 'political conspiracy' theory purposefully floated by the PPP, as neither the President nor the Prime Minister had the courage to stand up and face radicalism within the country. After his assassination, even as rhetoric, there was no vow against those who oppose any amendments to the blasphemy law. II. "Thank you, I'm here to stay, continue and be abused: Blasphemy law" As a result, the second most important implication will be the continuation of the blasphemy law with all its abuses, as one sees in Pakistan today. Forget about making any positive amendments to the blasphemy law, there will not be even an effective debate within Parliament. By now, every legislator in Parliament would have got the message, even within the PPP, that opposing the blasphemy law will not only affect their physical
security but also will cost them politically. Amendments to the blasphemy law will be violently opposed even outside Parliament. According to a Dawn report, there were no Public Prosecutors to file a legal case when the assassin was brought to court and apparently the police officials, who apprehended the assassin, submitted a case against
ous franchisees of the Taliban within Pakistan, and sectarian organizations are likely to continue their violence not only against the minority communities but also against Sufi Islam. This in fact is the greatest threat that looms large on the Pakistani horizon - a war within Islam inside Pakistan. In fact, the war has already begun, and the initial battles have already
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Pakistan lawyers greet Mumtaz Qadri, right, alleged killer of Punjab Governor Salman Taseer, as he arrives at an Anti-Terrorist Court in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
him! With Parliament and legal institutions afraid to pursue any amendments, the fight against the abuse of the blasphemy law will be relegated to occasional opinion articles in newspapers and panel discussions in the electronic media. For all practical purposes, civil society activism will turn into an academic discussion. III. Islam: The war within The third implication of the assassination will in terms of those who will gain from the incident. Religious political parties led by the JI and JUI-F are likely to be the
The international community is increasingly likely to engage itself (more in terms of academic discourse, of course) in the security of nuclear installations and the process of radicalization amongst Pakistan's security forces clear winners. They now have an internal issue to discuss in Parliament which will clearly pose benefits for them. In the streets, they are likely to get bolder and expand their sphere of influence against minority communities such as the Shias and Ahmediyas. The radical groups, led by vari-
been won by radical groups. The recent attacks on Ahemdiya mosques, growing sectarian violence and suicide attacks against Sufi shrines in Karachi and Lahore are signs of this internal Islamic war in Pakistan. It is unfortunate that even a section of the middle-class educated elite is unwilling to clearly oppose this rising fracture within Islam. How does one explain the showering of rose petals by lawyers, when Qadri, the assassin of Salman Taseer, was brought to the court? IV. Renewed "academic" debate on the safety of Pakistan's nuclear assets The final implication will be in terms of international reactions. Ignoring the above internal implications, the international community is increasingly likely to engage itself (more in terms of academic discourse, of course) in the security of nuclear installations and the process of radicalization amongst Pakistan's security forces. Qadri, the assassin of Salman Taseer belonged to the elite guard. The argument will thus be: what if those who guard Pakistan's nuclear installations emulate Qadri? A section of the nuclear ayatollahs might expand the argument that nuclear weapons in the hands of such failing states ought to be rolled back. Alas, the moderate voices of reason in Pakistan are unlikely to garner support - either from within or from outside. The writer is Director, IPCS
he coolness and the equanimity of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in high office has won him praise from leaders in the West, and elsewhere. But this very equanimity in the face of corruption in his government and rising inflation becomes insufferable for his own countrymen. He gives the impression that he is not bothered when his own partymen and allies are looting the exchequer or when rising prices are neutralizing gains of the economy. He doesn't even give the impression of wanting to do something about it. In fact, it seems, he doesn't know what to do. Having been the perfect bureaucrat, he is used to carrying out the wishes of his masters. If he continues to be in the good books of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, his life's purpose is fulfilled. But this time his boss is also in trouble. The Bofors gun kickbacks case has come back to life thanks to revelations of tax liability of those who had benefited including Sonia Gandhi's relative Ottavio Quattrocchi. The credibility of the government has suffered such blow that everybody knows nothing will come out of the meetings upon meetings now being held for executive clean up plans and inflation control. Far from facing the truth, the government has put into action its denial brigade. Minister Kapil Sibal had been giving a good account of himself in the education portfolio until he was given the additional responsibility of carrying the burden of disgraced DMK ally A Raja's telecom ministry. Now he has come up with extraordinary spin to claim that there had been no loss to the exchequer by dubious selling of 2G spectrum. And all that in the face of the Supreme Court case on the scandal and the CBI inquiry against Raja and the CAG indictment of the minister. As in the case of the original scam, the prime minister's role in the Sibal denial is acquiescence. And silence. In the first five years of the UPA government, the Sonia GandhiManmohan Singh combination was being lauded for effective governance. Sonia's were the plans and Manmohan Singh was the obedient implementer. This combination is now unraveling with the Prime Minister saddled with accountability but no power and Sonia Gandhi having all the power but no accountability. In fact, the Congress party itself seems to be at loggerheads with the government with the likes of Digvijay Singh coming up with outlandish claims like Hindutva brigade's hand in police chief Karkare's killing during the Mumbai terrorist attack. Digvijay functions with the blessings of Sonia Gandhi and functionaries like him keep taking potshots at the government. There seems to be a cold war between the forces of the Prime Minister and those of the UPA Chairman. And all pretence of effective governance has gone out of the window. Sonia Gandhi's popularity has also plummeted to all time low with the first family's refusal to come clean on the Bofors kickbacks story which keeps resurfacing despite government handmaiden CBI's attempts to bury it. This has given enough fodder to the Oppositon BJP to accuse Manmohan Singh's government of being the most corrupt ever. The BJP noise over corruption sounds a bit hollow considering how its own chief minister BS Yeddyurappa in Karnataka faces charges which he is only denying and laying blame on his predecessors. The party is also tarnished by now emerging revelations of RSS men involved in several bomb blasts and acts of terrorism which were so far thought to be the handiwork of Islamic terrorists. When the credibility of both the national parties has taken such a beating what hope for the future of governance in India?
January 21, 2011
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