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US President Barack Obama addressing a function at Siri Fort Auditorium in New Delhi on January 27
Obama counsels religious tolerance
VOL 20, No. 1063
January 30, 2015
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Periodical Postage
OBAMA TURNS INDIA INTO 'BEST PARTNER' 3-day visit highly successful
Details on page 8
Obama assures Modi on concerns over H-1B visa Details on page 9
Nuclear deal sealed; more defense co-op Details on page 5
Details on page 5
US pleased with good progress on key issues Details on page 10
Grand R-Day celebrations by Indian Americans
Obama visit a superficial show: China
Details on page 16
Details on page 13
FIA celebrations highlight ideals of R-Day
CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 28-29 Classifieds ------------------------- 48
Details on page 24
INDIA POST SURVEY
Community Post -------------- 16-27
INDO-US HARMONY: US President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Narendra Modi wave in tune as they leave after the 66th Republic Day parade at Rajpath in New Delhi on January 26
survey@indiapost.com This week’s question
Modi has achieved the impossible with Obama visit? Last week’s result
Do you agree with Jindal remarks on Indian Americans? YES 37%
NO 63%
India Post News Service
NEW DELHI: In a landmark visit marked by remarkable chemistry between the two leaders, US President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Narendra Modi managed to agree on many important deals and committed that the two nations will be partners in economic progress. The highlight was the breakthrough in the civil nuclear
deal and renewal of 10-year defense cooperation between the two countries. Wrapping up the three-day visit, Obama said the United States could be India's "best partner. Ostensibly a visit high on symbolism for a US President participating in India's Republic Day celebrations was turned into a highly successful one with the two leaders showing intent on breaking many logjams and holding promise of further progress in relations. Details on page 5
Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”
Date Book -------------------------- 47 Edit Page --------------------------- 54 HealthScience Post --------- 32-35 Horoscope ------------------------- 49 Immigration Post ------------- 44-46 Life Style ----------------------- 50-52 Philosophy ------------------------- 53 Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate -------------------- 30-31 TechBiz Post ------------------- 36-39 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 40-43
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Publisher’s Diary
T
he world may have been witness to the visible brotherhood between the US and India this week - sealed by the very "bro-embrace" between President Obama and Prime Minister Modi, but apparently it's not enough for the ever condescending American media to accept that India could indeed be on a level-playing field with America. I remember when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had visited the White House in 2009 as the first state guest of the Obama Administration - at the joint press conference of both leaders in the East Room that was packed with more than 200 media representatives, only two questions were allowed - one question each to an American and Indian journalist respectively. While the Indian journo asked an appropriately framed question that concerned policies affecting US and India, addressing both Singh and Obama, the American journo thought it fit to ask only Obama a question that concerned local D.C. politics. To me, that spelled arrogance. This time around too, the visiting American media in India had some weird concerns. One of them wanted to know if as a Noble laureate for peace, the President was uncomfortable to sit in front of a parade of weaponry at the R-day parade. In the same breath, the same reporter asks since the weapons displayed were largely Russian, was the United States doing anything about it? This reporter should know that the US is about the largest weapons supplier to the world, so claiming to be a peace laureate is ridiculous; besides President Obama, was intently in India to sell defense equipment. Another reporter wanted to know if the poor air quality in Delhi was a concern before bringing the President there. The reporter should know that the US is among the largest CO2 emitting countries in the world. The general bon homie surrounding the President's visit to India notwithstanding, I find the American media still has a long way to go before they come out of their wells of ignorance and accept that the world as they paint it, has long changed its hue. Leadership aside, true partnerships happen only when the media reflects it with an open mind.
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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Got 'em? The iconic couple of Bollywood, Shahrukh Khan and Kajol are coming together to set the silver screen ablaze.
Cover Story: Obama visit In a landmark India visit, Barack Obama and PM Narendra Modi managed to agree on many important deals
Community: Community R-Day Celebrating the Indian Republic Day, the Indian community in US tried to do one better than what they did last year.
Challenging Obama A Republican-led House committee has passed legislation aimed at securing U.S. border with Mexico within five years.
Life style: Miss Universe Colombia's Paulina Vega was crowned Miss Universe for 2014 at the world's top beauty pageant in Florida.
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Business environment Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised an open business environment and a predictable tax regime in India
Ujjain A great devout center on the banks of river Shipra, Ujjain, in Madhya Pradesh is regarded as a sacred place
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Nuclear deal sealed; enhanced defense cooperation NEW DELHI: India and the US have broken the 7-year-old logjam in operationalising their landmark civil nuclear deal besides deciding to jointly produce military hardware including advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Barack Obama. In what Obama called a "breakthrough", the two sides resolved key hurdles pertaining to the liability of suppliers of nuclear reactors in the event of an accident and the tracking of fuel supplied by the US. "We have broken the logjam of the past few years. We have reached an agreement. The deal is done," Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh announced after extended discussions between Obama and Modi lasting more than three hours, marked by great bonhomie. The two countries renewed an enhanced Defense Framework Agreement for the next ten years and identified four key "pathfinder projects" for joint development and production including the next generation Raven mini UAVs and specialized kits for C130 military transport aircraft.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the luncheon meeting with the US President Barack Obama, in New Delhi on January 25
Both countries also agreed on a Working Group to explore aircraft carrier technology besides designing and development of jet engine technology.
A new chapter in defense ties
WASHINGTON: The Indo-US agreements on defense coopera-
tion announced by the two countries "promises to open a new chapter" in bilateral military ties and marks an "important milestone" in their strategic partnership, US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said here. Hagel said: "By finalizing the renewal of our 10-year framework for the US-India defense relationship,
we will continue to build on the growing momentum in our defense cooperation over the last decade." "This renewed framework will support stronger military-to-military engagement, including deeper maritime cooperation and increased opportunities in technology and trade," Hagel said in a statement.
Investment pact talks to resume; Obama lauds reforms NEW DELHI: In a significant move, India and US decided to resume talks on bilateral investment treaty during discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Barack Obama, who lauded reforms being undertaken by the new government. The two nations also agreed to resume talks on long pending 'Totalization Agreement' that will benefit millions of Indians working in the US with regard to social security taxes. As per estimates, Indian IT professionals in the US pay over USD 1 billion annually towards social taxes. The Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIT) aims at protecting investments in each other's country. The two nations have been discussing the pact since 2008. Addressing a joint press conference with Modi after the meeting, Obama said: "In the last few years, trade between our two countries increased by some 60 per cent, total record of USD 100 billion. We want to trade even more."
"... (We) welcome the reforms that the Prime Minister is pursuing to make it easier to do business here in India," Obama said, adding the trade and economic
cial Security Agreement and resume talks on BIT. "President Obama and I agree that a strong and growing economic relationship is vital for the
about our economic ties," he said. He also said the two countries have established a number of effective bilateral mechanisms to identify opportunities and also help their businesses trade and invest more. "We will also resume our dialogue on Bilateral Investment Treaty. We will also restart discussions on a Social Security Agreement that is so important for the hundreds of thousands of Indian professionals working in the United States," Modi said. Obama further said Modi also described his efforts to empower more Indians with bank accounts and to ensure clean water and clean air for Indian people and "we want Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Barack Obama at a joint press to be partners in these efconference at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on January 25 forts". Pacts on social security partnership must focus on im- success of our strategic partner- (Totalization Agreement) and inproving the daily lives of "our ship. Economic growth in our two vestment, when concluded, is expeople". countries is becoming stronger. pected to further boost bilateral Modi said India and the US will Our business climate is improv- trade and investment between the "restart" discussions on the So- ing. This gives me great optimism countries.-PTI
He said: "By establishing a new military education partnership, we will help shape the next generation of military leaders in both our nations, fostering relationships that will draw our defense establishments closer together for years to come." He said the agreements "promises to open a new chapter" in bilateral military ties and marks an "important milestone" in the strategic partnership between the two countries. Hagel said by agreeing under the Defense Technology and Trade Initiative to focus on four "pathfinder" projects, form a working group to explore aircraft carrier technology sharing and design, and explore possible cooperation on development of jet engine technology, the two countries will begin to realize the enormous potential of the US-India defense industrial partnership. "We have further strengthened this partnership with an agreement that will allow us to continue science and technology collaboration for the next 15 years," said the outgoing Defense Secretary, who visited India within the first 100 days of the Modi government. "Taken together, the President's announcements signal a new depth and sophistication in our defense and security cooperation, ensuring that it continues to be one of the strongest pillars of our nations' broad strategic partnership - a partnership that will help forge security and stability in Asia and across the globe," Hagel said.-PTI
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Promise of clean environment for future generation NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi ruled out India coming under pressure from any country on global climate pact as India and US announced steps to boost cooperation in clean energy and confront climate change is-
country. Pressure of any country or a person does not affect India. There is a pressure on this issue that what kind of environment we wish to provide for future generation. "Climate change is itself a pressure. Global warming is itself a
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the US President Barack Obama, during the Joint Press Interaction, in New Delhi on January 25
sues. Speaking at a joint press conference with President Barack Obama, Modi said that the challenge posed by global warming was enough reason for countries to take action and hoped there would be a "successful" agreement in the forthcoming climate conference in Paris end of this year. "President (Obama) and I expressed hope for a successful Paris Conference on climate change this year," Modi said. Acknowledging India's role in the climate change talks, Obama said, "India's voice is very important on this issue". "Perhaps no country could potentially be more affected by the impacts of climate change and no country is going to be more important in moving forward a strong agreement than India," he added. He said that the two countries have agreed to make "concrete progress" in phasing out major greenhouse gases apart from expanding solar energy initiatives and launching joint projects to improve air quality in Indian cities. Asked whether there was pressure on India to ink a pact similar to the one signed between the US and China on emission cuts, Modi said: "India is an independent
pressure. It is the responsibility of those, who are concerned about future generation, to become conscious about climate change and adopt policies so that we are able to give good future and good environment to next generation.
together to make concrete progress this year towards phasing out hydrofluorocarbons under the Montreal protocol". Hydrofluorocarbons are major greenhouse gases. The Montreal Protocol is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of numerous substances like hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) that are responsible for ozone depletion. Noting that both countries have agreed to a number of important steps to promote clean energy and confront climate change, Obama said the US supports India's goal for solar energy and it "stands to speed this expansion with additional financing". "We are also launching new joint projects to improve air quality in Indian cities. The US will share more data and develop tools to help India assess and adapt to the impact of climate change and help vulnerable communities become more resilient," he said. The two nations have also agreed to extend funds for existing research tracks of solar energy, building energy efficiency and advanced biofuels for five years and launching a new track on smart grid and grid storage technology. Both countries have agreed to deliberate on reducing environmental and emissions impact of heavy-duty vehicles and trans-
advanced cooling challenge to catalyze the development of super efficient, climate friendly and
cost effective cooling solutions optimized to perform in India's climate.-PTI
'Declaration of friendship' to elevate strategic partnership NEW DELHI: Signaling renewed intensity in ties, India and the US have decided to further "elevate" the long-standing strategic partnership by enhancing cooperation in a raft of crucial areas including defense, trade and commerce, technology transfer, counter-terrorism and climate change. Both the countries released a 'declaration
the declaration proclaimed a higher level of trust and coordination that will continue to "draw our Governments and people together across the spectrum of human endeavor for a better world." It said the two countries decided to hold regular Summits with increased periodicity as well as to elevate the Strategic Dialogue to a Strategic and Commercial Dialogue. The strategic elements of the dialogue would continue to be chaired by India's External Affairs
The two nations have also agreed to extend funds for existing research tracks of solar energy, building energy efficiency and advanced biofuels for five years and launching a new track on smart grid and grid storage technology "I feel that every government, every country and every person should have this pressure. We understand this pressure and are responding accordingly," Modi said. Modi asserted that clean and renewable energy is a "personal and national priority" for both the nations. "We also agreed to further enhance our excellent and innovative partnership in this area. I asked him (Obama) to lead international efforts in making renewable energy more accessible and affordable to the world," he said. President Obama said that the two nations "have agreed to work
portation fuels by working to adopt cleaner fuels, emissions and efficiency standards in India. Both the countries also agreed to expand partnership to the USIndia Joint Clean Energy Research and Development Centre (PACER), a 125 million dollars program jointly funded by the US and Indian government and private sector. The two countries also concluded negotiations on a five-year MoU on energy security, clean energy and climate change to carry the work forward and it will be signed as early as possible at a mutually agreed date. The US will also develop an
Modi having 'Walk the Talk' with Obama, at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi on January 25
of friendship' outlining broad contours of engagements after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Barack Obama held extensive talks during which they broke the 7-year-old logjam in operationalising the civil nuclear deal. The declaration title "Chalein saath saath; forward together we go" said India and the US agreed to elevate their long-standing strategic partnership and that each step being taken to strengthen the ties is a step towards shaping international security and regional and global peace. Reflecting the natural affinity,
Minister and the US Secretary of State while the Commercial components of the dialogue would be led by India's Minister of Trade and Commerce and the US Secretary of Commerce. This reflects the United States' and India's commitment to strengthen commercial and economic ties to advance mutual prosperity, regional economic growth and stability. They also decided to cooperate to develop joint ventures on strategically significant projects and build meaningful security and effective counter-terrorism cooperation.-PTI
January 30, 2015
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Obama makes pitch for religious tolerance NEW DELHI: Making a strong says all people are equally entitled Wisconsin where a man went into pitch for religious tolerance, US to the freedom of conscience and a Sikh gurudwara and "in a terPresident Barack Obama said here have right to freely profess and rible act of violence" killed six inevery person has the right to prac- practice and propagate religion. In nocent people which included tice his faith without any perse- both our countries, in all countries both American and Indians. cution and that India will succeed upholding with freedom of reli"In that moment of shared so long it is not "splintered" on religious lines. Addressing a Town hall event at the Siri Fort auditorium on the third and final day of his visit to India, Obama also said that America can be India's "best partner". Obama recalled Swami Vivekananda and his speech in Chicago where he addressed the gathering as "Sisters and brothers of America" and said he is going to address the audience likewise, and said "Sisters and brothers of India", and repeated it again in US President Barack Obama interacts with the crowd after addressing at a function in the middle of the Siri Fort Auditorium, New Delhi on January 27 speech. Obama told the audience comprising mainly young gion is the utmost responsibility grief, the two countries reaffirmed people during the course of his of the government but also the re- the basic truth that we must again 30-minute speech that, "Every sponsibility of every person," he today. Every person has a right to person has the right to practice said. practice the faith that they choose his faith without any persecution, Obama also said that around and to practice no faith at all and fear or discrimination. India will the world we have seen intoler- to do so free of persecution, fear succeed so long it is not splin- ance, violence and terror perpe- or discrimination," he said. tered on religious lines." trated by those who profess to be In his speech, attended by The President's comments standing for upholding their faith. young students, scholars and came against the backdrop of the "We have to guard against any others, Obama said such a propocontroversy over religious con- efforts to divide us on sectarian sition holds much importance in India. "And nowhere it is more important than in India. Nowhere is it going to be more necessary for that foundational value to be upheld," he said. Underlining the factors that unify both the countries, Obama said "our diversity is our strength" and cautioned that both India and the US have to be on guard against divisive efforts along sectarian lines or any other lines. "...If we do that well and if America shows itself as example of its diversity and the capacity to live and work together in common effort and common purpose and if India as massive as it is with so much diversity, so many differences, is able to continuously reaffirm its democracy so that is Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama meet with nobel laureate an example for every other counKailash Satyarthi and his wife Sumedha Satyarthi at the Siri Fort Auditorium in try. New Delhi on January 27 That's what makes us world versions and 'Ghar Wapsi" pro- lines or any other thing," he said. leaders. Not just the size of our grams by right wing Hindu outObama further said that no so- economies or the number of fits in India. ciety is immune by the darkest weapons we have but our ability Obama also cited Article 25 of impulses of man and that more to show the way and how we work the Indian Constitution dealing often religion has been used to together," he said. with the Right to Freedom of reli- tap into it. The US President picked Ingion. Obama recounted an incident dian heroes like actor Shah Rukh "Your (Constitution) Article 25 that occurred three years ago in Khan and sports icons like Milkha
Singh and Mary Kom and Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi to make a point that courage and humanitarian values unify both the nations. "By what Dr King (Martin Luther King Jr) called content of our character rather than the color of our skin or the manner in which we worship our god. In both our countries, in India and America, our diversity is our strength," he said. Recalling his own experience as a minority in the US, Obama said
that while he has had extraordinary opportunities, "there were moments in my life where I've been treated differently because of the color of my skin." He also referred to the persistent false rumors that he is a Muslim, not a Christian. Cont’d on page 9
Talks to be restarted on social security pact: PM NEW DELHI: Seeking to further strengthen bilateral economic relations, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India and the US will "restart" discussions on the Social Security Agreement and resume talks on Bilateral In-
sions on a Social Security Agreement that is so important for the hundreds of thousands of Indian professionals working in the United States," Modi said. India wants early conclusion of the tantalization agreement or So-
Modi in 'One on One' Talks on the tea with the US President Barack Obama, at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi on January 25
vestment Treaty. Addressing a joint press meet with US President Barack Obama, he said economic growth in the two countries is becoming stronger. "President Obama and I agree that a strong and growing economic relationship is vital for the success of our strategic partnership. Economic growth in our two countries is becoming stronger. Our business climate is improving. This gives me great optimism about our economic ties," he said. In addition, Modi said the two countries have established a number of effective bilateral mechanisms to identify opportunities and also help their businesses trade and invest more. "We will also resume our dialogue on Bilateral Investment Treaty. We will also restart discus-
cial Security Agreement with the US. The US has entered into agreements, called 'Totalization Agreements', with several nations for the purpose of avoiding double taxation of income with respect to social security taxes. Under these, professionals of both the countries would be exempted from social security taxes when they go to work for a short period in the other country. The two countries are also engaged in negotiations for a Bilateral Investment Treaty to protect investments between the two nations. The bilateral trade between India and the US is estimated at about USD 100 billion. FDI flows from the US to India have totaled USD 13.28 billion from April 2000 to November 2014. -PTI
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Obama assures Modi on concerns over H-1B visa NEW DELHI: President Barack Obama has assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he will look into India's concerns on the H-1B visa issue as part of his comprehensive immigration reform, US officials said.
work with Congress in pursuit of comprehensive immigration reform, we would be incorporating these types of issues in that process and would be in touch with the Indian government as that moved forward," Deputy National
Prime Minister Narendra Modi presenting a reproduction of telegram sent by USA to the Indian Constituent Assembly in 1946 to the US President Barack Obama, in New Delhi on January 25
Obama told Prime Minister Modi that his administration would be in touch with the Indian government on issues related to H-1B visas, popular among Indian techies. "I think what the President indicated is this is the type of issue (H-1B) that we have approached through the context of comprehensive immigration reform and so, given his ongoing efforts to
Security Advisor Ben Rhodes told US reporters traveling with Obama. Responding to a question on the bilateral talks held between the two leaders, Rhodes acknowledged that India's concerns over certain aspects of the immigration reform were raised at the highest level. "They (Modi and Obama) discussed the ongoing discussions
around immigration reform in the United States where there are so many Indian-American and Indian immigrants," he said. "The Indian government raised the issue, as they regularly do. It usually does include the H-1B visa issue. Indians are working in the high-tech sector in the United States, as well as broader India presence in the United States, people who are there on a temporary basis working," Rhodes said. In November last year, President Obama had bypassed the Congress to announce the most sweeping reform to fix America's "broken" immigration system to protect millions of illegal workers from deportation. The plan would let parents of US citizens and legal permanent residents remain in the country temporarily, without the threat of deportation. The measure would apply to those who have been in the US for last five years. The executive action, said to be one of the largest measure by a US President on immigration, is expected to help a significant number of Indian techies who currently have to undergo a painful and agonizing process of H-1B visas to get legal permanent status (LPR), popularly known as Green Card.-PTI
Obama for higher share for India in IMF, other institutions NEW DELHI: US President Barack Obama has affirmed his commitment to enhancing India's 'voice and vote' in global financial institutions like IMF. Obama and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of strengthening international financial institutions, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), said a joint statement issued after a meeting between the two leaders here. "The President also affirmed his commitment to enhancing India's voice and vote in international financial institutions and ensuring that resources are made available and used creatively through multilateral development banks for infrastructure financing," it said. India has been pressing for higher voting rights in IMF which would reflect its growing influ-
ence in world economy. The proposed quota reform in IMF, once implemented, will increase India's voting share from the current 2.44 per cent to 2.75 per cent, following which country will become the eighth largest quota holder at the IMF, up from the 11th position.
The statement also said that Modi appreciated the efforts of the US Treasury for co-operating with the Finance Ministry on the Task Force on Resolution Corporation, set up in pursuance of recommendations of the Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission.-PTI
President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the Chief Guest of Republic Day, US President Barack Obama First Lady Michelle Obama during 'At Home` reception, on 66th Republic Day celebrations, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on January 26
Obama makes pitch for religious tolerance Cont’d from page 8
"There have been times where my faith has at times been questioned by people who don't know me, or they've said that I adhere to a different religion, as if that were somehow a bad thing," Obama said. "The peace we seek in world begins in human heart," he added. On Indo-US relations, Obama said, "India and the United States are not just natural partners - I believe that America can be India's best partner."
exerting its influence in South China Sea, Obama said freedom of navigation must be upheld in the Asia Pacific and welcomed a greater role for India in the region. "United States welcomes a greater role for India in Asia Pacific where the freedom of navigation must be upheld and dispute must be resolved peacefully," he said in his town hall speech attended by a select audience comprising students, scholars and other eminent persons. Obama also said if the two countries wanted to be "true global partners" they must do more together globally. "So to ensure international se-
US President Barack Obama paying floral tributes at the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi, at Rajghat, in Delhi on January 25, 2015
"Of course, only Indians can decide India's role in the world," he said, adding, "But I'm here because I am absolutely convinced that both our peoples will have more jobs and opportunity, our nations will be more secure, and the world will be a safer and more just place when our two democracies stand together." Obama also said the US supported India's inclusion as a permanent member in the UN Security Council.
Role of women
Obama also touched on human rights and the important role of women in building homes, societies. "We must work for a society where everybody has a chance, everybody who can work, and that includes our women," he said. He mentioned Michelle when he said:" I am married to a very strong and talented women, Michelle is not afraid to speak her mind to me." He also said he was happy to see so many women commanding contingents in the Republic Day parade and specially mentioned the woman who commanded the guard of honor accorded to him at Rashtrapati Bhavan Jan 25.
Greater Indian role in Asia Pacific
Against the backdrop of China
curity and peace, multi-lateral institutions created in 20th century must be updated for the 21st. Therefore, I support a reformed United Nations Security Council that includes India as a permanent member," he said.
Anguish of terrorism
Underlining that both nations have known the anguish of terrorism, Obama said, "We stand united in the defense of our people. Now we are deepening our defense cooperation against new challenges". "We can be even closer partners in ensuring our mutual security. Both our nations have known the anguish of terrorism. We stand united in the defense of our people. Now we are deepening our defense cooperation against the new challenges," he said. The US President said goal for all of us should be a nuclear weapons free world. "Even as we acknowledge the world as it is, we must never stop working for the world as it should be. A world without nuclear weapons. That should be a goal for all of us," he said. The US President also said that with power comes responsibility and in this region India can play a positive role and help other countries forge a better future. -PTI & Agencies
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US pleased with 'tangible progress' on key issues NEW DELHI: The US has said it is "very pleased" with the "tangible progress" on key issues like the civil nuclear deal, defense agreements and clean energy cooperation reached with India during President Barack Obama's visit here. "We leave here tomorrow very pleased with both the tangible progress on issues like the civilian nuclear agreement, the defense agreements, the clean energy cooperation, but also I think feeling as if space is open for a much broader US-Indian collaboration on regional and global issues and on trade and commercial relations," US Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes told American reporters here trav-
eling with Obama. Noting that Obama and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have spent more time together than was initially planned, Rhodes said the close personal relationship between the two leaders is an important asset for India-US President Barack Obama and PM Narendra Modi recording Mann Ki Baat show in New Delhi
relations. "Having that close, personal relationship, that proves to be an important asset," Rhodes said. "Personal chemistry between the two leaders is "critically important," he said. "The US-India relationship is something that people have looked at for many years and thought this is a relationship that should go to a different level; that we have a lot of overlapping interests in counterterrorism and economic growth in the region," he said.-PTI
Pact signed for developing 3 smart cities NEW DELHI: India has signed three agreements with the US for developing smart cities in Ajmer, Allahabad and Visakhapatnam, with the government saying that the agreements would make significant contribution to building such cities in the country. The agreements were signed by the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) with state governments of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh in the presence of Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu. Speaking on the occasion, Naidu observed that India-US cooperation has acquired a new dimension with the signing of the MoUs which will make significant contribution to building smart cities. USTDA will contribute funds for necessary feasibility studies and pilots, study tours, workshops or trainings and other projects to be mutually determined. It will invite smart solutions for smart cities reverse trade mission delegation to the US, with delegates from the three states and will fund advisory services to support the development of smart cities. It will collaborate with other US government agencies like Department of Commerce, US Export-Import Bank and other trade and economic agencies and promote greater US-India infrastructure development cooperation and to support development of smart cities. The agency will enable US industry organizations to mobilize private sector expertise and resources to address important aviation and energy-related infrastructure connected to development of smart cities. The MoUs were signed by USTDA Director Leocardia I Zak and respective chief secretaries of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh, Alok Ranjan, C S Ranjan and I V R Krishna Rao. Under the MoUs, the respective state governments will provide resources in support, coordination and facilitation of development of smart cities including technical information and data related to smart cities planning, staff, logistical and travel support.-PTI
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Up to companies to decide on civil nuclear power: US NEW DELHI: A day after India and the US reached an understanding on resolving the logjam in implementing the landmark civil nuclear deal, a senior White House official said it is for private American firms to make their determination with regard to establishing atomic power plants in India. "The two governments have reached an understanding; they've reached an agreement about how to resolve the issues that have been I think a break and a logjam for the last several years," White House Deputy National Security Advisor, Ben Rhodes told US reporters traveling with Obama. "When you look at the administrative arrangement that we've reached an understanding on, this will provide for the necessary information sharing and contact between the two governments, for us to feel like we can move forward in implementing the 123
Agreement," he said. "On the issue of liability, the Indians have put forward an approach in which they're creating an insurance pool, and committed financial resources to that pool that will mitigate risk for companies that are doing business here
own determinations about whether and when to invest in India and to move forward," Rhodes said. "In terms of the work that the governments have done together through a contact group the two leaders empowered here, we be-
‘In terms of the work that the governments have done together through a contact group the two leaders empowered here, we believe that this was a significant breakthrough and we now have the framework to move forward’ in India," Rhodes said. "In terms of the two governments, we believe that we have reached an understanding on these critical issues that have been an impediment to moving forward in the last several years. At the same time, it's ultimately up to US companies to make their
White House met three times to resolve the impending issues related to the civil nuclear deal. "The Indians certainly came to the table with increased information-sharing and exchanges that met our concerns. I don't think this is a contest of wills, but I do think that it was important for these additional understandings to be worked out in terms of increased information-sharing and understanding of how information will be provided, and also this insurance pool that could mitigate risk.
"I think these are concepts that were fleshed out over the course of the last three meetings of this contact group," he said. Rhodes appreciated the leadership of Modi in resolving the issue. "We appreciate the leadership that Prime Minister Modi showed in getting this done, building on the work of the previous government but, enabling us to get over the hurdle.-PTI
lieve that this was a significant breakthrough and we now have the framework to move forward in implementing the 123 Agreement," he said in response to a question. A contact group formed by the two countries after the September 30 Obama-Modi meeting at the
Defense trade to grow in leaps and bounds WASHINGTON: With India and the US all set to renew their defense framework agreement for another 10 years, defense trade between the two nations is likely to grow in leaps and bounds, US
together on a whole variety of national security issues," Mac Thornberry, Chairman of the powerful House Armed Services Committee, told the defense writers group.
as essentially growing by leaps and bounds in years to come because the Indians have finally discovered that US military technology is second to none," Ashley Tellis of Carnegie Endowment for International Peace said. India, he said, is slowly overcoming the vestiges of suspicion about the reliability of US military hardware. In the last 10 years, India US bilateral defense trade has increased from almost none to USD 10 billion. With India headed for modernization of its defense forces running into several hundred billion dollars, US companies are targeting a major pie of that. US President Barack Obama inspecting the Guard of Honour, at the ceremonial Richard Fontaine, reception, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on January 25 president of the Centre for a New American Secuexperts have said. Thornberry, who visited India rity, said renewing the 2005 defense A top US lawmaker also as- a few years ago including the framework agreement, which exserted that defense is going to be places that were attacked by LeT pires this year, will provide an opthe key part of the India US stra- terrorists in Mumbai in 2008, said portunity for the US and India to tegic relationship. defense is going to be a key ele- reiterate their commitment to secu"India today is not only a key ment in ties. rity cooperation, including with a player in South Asia, but a key "There are a whole lot of op- defense co-production initiative player in the world. There are enor- portunities on things that we can and possibly India's approval of mous opportunities for the United do together," he said. stalled agreements on logistics and States and India to work closer "I see US in their defense trade communications.-PTI
Obama planting a sapling, at Rajghat, in Delhi on January 25. The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Power, Coal and New and Renewable Energy, Piyush Goyal is also seen
Senator congratulated Obama for clean energy agreement WASHINGTON: A top American Senator has congratulated US President Barack Obama for reaching an agreement with India to generate more renewable energy and thus reduce impact on the world's climate. "This agreement with India is significant progress toward the larger goal of a reaching a comprehensive global agreement on climate change in Paris later this year," said Senator Tom Carper, a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. In a statement, Carper said he is particularly pleased with the cooperation on the phase down of hydroflurocarbons (HFCs), that are used in millions of households for things like air conditioning and refrigeration, and contribute to a large share of the greenhouse gas emissions in the United States and around the world. "I'm also happy this agreement
outlines the implementation of the Environmental Protection Agency's AIRNow-International program and megacities partnerships," he said. "This partnership focuses on disseminating information to help urban residents reduce their exposure to harmful levels of air pollution, and enables urban policy planners to implement strategies for improving ambient air quality in cities," Carper said. These international partnerships are vehicles the US and its global partners can use to encourage real change and progress in preserving and protecting our environment for the next generation, he said. "I am very encouraged by the progress we've made with our partners in India. I believe this agreement will enable both of our countries to grow our renewable energy economies and clean up our air at the same time," Carper said.-PTI
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Nuclear deal dominates US media coverage WASHINGTON: The "breakthrough" achieved by India and the US over the landmark civil nuclear deal, six years after it was signed, dominated American media coverage of US President Barack Obama's unprecedented second visit to the country. 'Obama, (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi Say Progress Made on Civil Nuclear Trade', said a headline of The Wall Street Journal, while another in The Washington Post said 'Obama, India's Modi claim breakthrough on nuclear issues.' The New York Times said Obama swept aside past friction
with India to report progress on climate change and civilian nuclear power cooperation as he sought to transform a fraught re-
"Mr Obama's visit, his second as President, is a major event in India. Despite lingering distrust in many parts of the government,
The Wall Street Journal said after extended talks Obama and Modi informed they had resolved some of the issues that have prevented US firms from investing in nuclear power plants in India, but left unclear what sticking points remained lationship marked by suspicion into an enduring partnership linking the world's oldest and largest democracies.
largely over Washington's history of support for rival Pakistan, the United States enjoys widespread popularity among the general
Treat visa of IT professionals as trade issue: India NEW DELHI: India has asked the US to treat the issue of visa for IT professionals as a trade-related one rather than an immigration issue. During a meeting of the IndoUS Joint Working Group on ICT (Information, Communication and Technology), held in Washington last week, Indian and US officials discussed the issue of visa for skilled IT professionals. "During our meeting with the US officials we asked them to consider the visa for IT professionals as a issue relating to trade in services rather than an immigration issue," Department of Electronics and IT Secretary R S Sharma told reporters here. Indian software exporters TCS, Infosys, Wipro and others send employees to the US to service clients. The US accounts for about
65 per cent of their revenues. The proposed Border Security Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act 2013, requires firms to reduce their visa
"The declaration adds to the natural convergence between both the countries and will strengthen cooperation between industries in the ICTE sector," dependence workforce over the next few years. This will force Indian companies to hire local talent in the US at higher cost. Many fear that the Bill, if
passed in its current form, would hurt the margins of the Indian IT sector. Sharma met with the US Ambassador to India Richard Verma and signed a joint declaration of intent for cooperation in the field of Information & Communications Technology and Electronics (ICTE) between both the countries. "This step is likely to increase the partnership between both the countries on the Digital India program, electronic manufacturing, cyber security and other related fields," Sharma told reporters after signing the declaration. "The declaration adds to the natural convergence between both the countries and will strengthen cooperation between industries in the ICTE sector," the Ambassador said.-PTI
Progress on achieving full potential of ties: McCain WASHINGTON: Encouraged by President Barack Obama's visit to India and a series of agreements between the two countries especially on nuclear and defense, a top Republican leader has said that progress is being made towards achieving the full potential of India-US ties. "I am encouraged by the news over the weekend that the US and India have taken further steps to deepen our strategic partnership, including clearing the way to achieve the benefits of the 2006 civil nuclear agreement and expanding our defense cooperation," Senator John McCain said. McCain, Chairman of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee, said he is looking forward to reviewing the details of these agreements. "I am pleased that progress is
being made toward achieving the full potential of the US-India relationship," said McCain, who was among the first few American leaders to have met Prime Minister
Senator John McCain
Narendra Modi after he was voted to power in the May general elections. "I have long said that the
United States and India, two democratic great powers, can and should lead the 21st century in sustaining a liberal, rules-based international order, supported by a favorable balance of power," he said. "Building on the progress this weekend, our two nations can bolster security in the Indo-Pacific region by enhancing and expanding our maritime exercises, pursuing joint development and production of military equipment, and building a common operating picture of the region with other partners and allies," he added. PTI
population," said the daily. The Post reported that Obama and Modi said the two countries have made progress toward resolving nuclear issues at the start of a three-day visit that is heavy on pageantry and symbolism. "The understanding, though short on specifics, moves toward resolving one of a number of nuclear-related issues that have hamstrung the countries for years and has prevented the implementation of a landmark nuclear deal reached during the George W Bush administration," it reported. Major US dailies reported that Prime Minister Modi broke the protocol to receive Obama at the airport in New Delhi. "The trip is one filled with symbolism that they hope will translate to a stronger relationship between the two countries," the Post said. The Wall Street Journal said after extended talks Obama and Modi informed they had resolved some of the issues that have prevented US firms from investing in nuclear power plants in India, but left unclear what sticking points remained.
"The visit to India was expected to showcase the deepening relationship between the two countries, as well as a burgeoning personal relationship between the two leaders. "Their rapport was on display at a news conference Sunday, during which Mr Obama joked that Mr Modi had been received like a Bollywood star during his visit to the US and said that the two leaders had compared sleep patterns," the financial daily said. The New York Times said the display of friendship stands in stark contrast to the state of the relationship just a year ago after the arrest and strip search of an Indian diplomat accused of exploiting a housekeeper in New York. Both the leaders have made it a priority to move beyond that dispute, even though some advocacy groups fretted that meant Washington would turn away from serious human rights issues, the daily said. -PTI
Modi has set a different tone for bilateral ties NEW DELHI/WASHINGTON: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a different tone for the India-US ties as the two countries "articulated a different understanding" to break the logjam over civil nuclear deal, but companies need to assess their risks, US officials said. Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes said India and the US are moving past snags and toward a relationship in which they are stronger partners on the global stage. "It was a different tone that has been set by Prime Minister Modi," said Rhodes on the successful meeting between US President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi. "He wants to take the relationship beyond some of the issues we have been hung up on...That's our key takeaway here...We have opened up the door to do a lot more with India in the years to come," said the presidential aide. US Ambassador to India Richard Verma said on the civil nuclear deal "we think we came to an understanding of the liability" issue, and that it will operate "through a memorandum of law within the Indian system."
Verma said the governments agreed but that it's up to the companies to do their own risk assessment, and that it's not something that would "require at this stage a legislative undertaking." "It is up to the companies what to do," Verma said. He said Obama and Modi "articulated a different understanding" of the relationship between the US and India, with the civil nuclear deal being an important part of it. Since November, the contacts groups set in motion by Modi and Obama last September have been talking about the liability issue and also how to account for nuclear materials. The US ambassador said the group met three times and came up with an understanding on both subjects. He said the insurance pools will be part of the solution to the concerns about the liability issue and said that this is the understanding between the two governments. The US has gotten reassurances that the way they interpret liability in a way that "comports with international understandings." -PTI
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India needs Beijing as 'crucial' partner: China BEIJING: Showcasing the growing warmth in Sino-Indian ties, China has said the visit by US President Barrack Obama to India will have little impact on bilateral ties, asserting that New Delhi also needs Beijing as a "crucial" partner. In its second commentary in as many days on Obama's visit, the official Xinhua news agency said that while the US President prob-
ably is one of the most high-profile guests ever attending the Republic Day parade, his presence "this time is not expected to significantly impact the longstanding China-India relations." "For all that, the on-going Obama trip in India may succeed in propelling the US-India relationship forward, it could hardly change the ground reality that India also needs China as a cru-
Obama visit a superficial rapprochement: China BEIJING: US President Barack Obama's unprecedented second visit to India is a "superficial rapprochement" given their hard differences on issues like climate change and nuclear energy cooperation, a wary China said as it kept a close watch on the outcome of talks. Obama's arrival in New Delhi was sort of breaking news on state-run CCTV which showed live feed of him being received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the airport with questions on how it is going to impact China and whether it was part of US strategy of containment of Beijing's growing influence in the region. State-run Xinhua news agency in a commentary, said, "The shortened three-day visit is more sym-
bolic than pragmatic, given the longstanding division between the two giants, which may be as huge as the distance between them." "After all, only one year ago, US diplomats were expelled from New Delhi amid widespread public outrage over the treatment of an Indian diplomat in New York and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was then chief minister of Gujarat, was still banned from entering the United States," it said. "But that is not all to that. What lies under the superficial rapprochement is nothing short of a deal," it said. It said that Obama's 'Pivot to Asia' policy has been "distracted or even derailed" by the undying conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. -PTI
The tableau Ministry of Railways passes through the Rajpath during the 66th Republic Day Parade 2015, in New Delhi on January 26
Women Officers contingent passes through the Rajpath
cial cooperation partner," it said in a strongly-worded commentary. It said "many went as far as interpreting his presence there as a symbol of closer friendship between Washington and New Delhi,
Just as it is up to Indians to decide if such an opinion sounds flattering or demeaning, it is mostly up to the two Asian neighbors to decide the fate of their bilateral relations," it said.
‘The on-going Obama trip in India may succeed in propelling the US-India relationship forward, it could hardly change the ground reality that India also needs China as a crucial cooperation partner,’ a few, with their minds locked on the much-hyped myth of 'unavoidable confrontation' between China and the United States, went further as to speculate the underlying impact of the Obama trip on China-India relations." "They say the United States intends to turn itself into a vantage point for its dealings with China by wooing India.
"China and India do have their differences, with the most outstanding ones in relation to their border disputes. However, aside from China's repeated declaration of its intention to settle border disputes with India peacefully at an early date, there are other cases in point that could serve as testament of growing rapport between Beijing and
New Delhi, with the latest being joint New Year celebrations by the two sides at a bordering area on January 1," the commentary said. Last year also witnessed probably the most frequent exchange of high-level visits between the two neighbors in nearly 60 years, culminating in a state visit to India by Chinese President Xi Jinping in mid September, it said, pointing out that Premier Li Keqiang visited India first after he took over. It argued that the world's two most populous nations and also two largest emerging economies, despite their differences, share mutual benefits in so many different ways, making them natural partners in many different areas. China and India enjoy great economic potential for cooperation in investment, financial services and high technologies, it said.-PTI
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Desi News FIA celebrations highlight ideals of India's Republic India Post News Service
SANTA CLARA, CA: Republic Day is a major holiday in India, commemorating the day in 1950 when the post-partition democratic Constitution came into force. President Barack Obama became the first American leader in history to be Chief Guest at India's grand Republic Day celebrations Monday, an honor that underscored the growing warmth between the two countries. Federation of Indo-Americans Association (FIA) on Sunday 25th January celebrated Indian Republic Day at Santa Clara Convention Center Theater, Santa Clara.
COMMUNITY
Attachment of mind makes us experience happiness or sorrow
ACROSS AMERICA
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Details on page 26
January 30, 2015
Grand celebrations of Republic Day by Indian Americans RAMESH SOPARAWALA & ASIAN MEDIA USA
Details on page 24
Amitabh Bachchan to work with AAPI in healthier India India Post News Service
CHICAGO, IL: Even as the historic visit of President Barack Obama continues to make headlines across the world, Indian American physicians have recommitted to work to contribute to make healthcare in India affordable, accessible, and efficient to all of its 1.2 billion people. India has one of the highest accident rates leading to trauma and head injury. AAPI, in collaboration with leading healthcare institutions in India and the Indian Ministry of Health has embarked on a long-term project to create awareness on the need to prevent, treat, and provide special care and rehab services to those involved in accidents. Details on page 22
Get set for Valentine Bash at ICC Milpitas India Post News Service
MILPITAS, CA: Peter Sahjani and Dahya Mistry of Star Entertainment bring you Valentine Bash 2015, their signature event at ICC on Saturday February 14. A promise of a truly romantic singing, ravishing dinner, full of entertainment with Bollywood dances, Punjabi style singing, fashion show & DJ. The program will start at 7:45 pm with the live singing of SRGM fame Puja Purandare, Indian Idol 5 participant and also voice of Tamil Nadu GeeteshIyer and versatile Bay Area singer Vikas Singh, supported by popular singers Deepti Venkat & Jaya Satish. Details on page 27
Unfurling of Indian Tricolor at CG Office in Downtown Chicago
CHICAGO: There was an added incentive to celebrate the Indian Republic Day on a grander scale this year and it was because of the presence of US President Barack Obama as the Chief Gust at the Republic Day parade in New Delhi. Members of the Indian community could not outdo that but in their own way they tried to do one better than what they did last year. The Indian Consulate kept up its years long tradition of celebrating India's Republic Day at its Chicago facility in Downtown this year too with hosting a somber but warm event on Monday, January 26 marking the 66th Indian Republic Day celebrations. Leading Chicago-land elites and citizens had gathered to honor the sacrifices of India's Founding Fathers, for giving the country a decent constitutional set up where the dignity and individual freedom are fully assured. CG Dr Ausaf Sayeed extended his warmest greetings to all across the country and also to those living abroad saluting the Indian Flag as he held the rope to mark "Dhhwaj Vandan." This was followed by singing of Indian National Anthem. He read out the speech of Indian President, Pranab Kumar Mukherji, made on the eve of Republic Day on 25th January, in India. While addressing the countrymen, the President also notably recognized the contribution of the
Indians living abroad. He covered every aspect of India and Indians who are actively engaged in the progress of the country, their achievements, their gains and shortcomings. Underlining the importance of Republic Day in the Indian life, Mukherjee said that democracy
CG Dr Ausaf Sayeed with a group of guests
has become the cornerstone of India's efforts for peace in general and its economic regeneration from the swamp of poverty created by centuries of colonial rule. "From within the spacious provisions of our Constitution, India has grown into a beautiful, vibrant, and sometimes noisy democracy. For us, the
Bill Foster joins FIA celebration of Republic Day
The Lamp Lighting Ceremony during FIA Republic Day celebrations
ABDUL SIDDIQUI AND SURESH SHAH ADD:
T
he Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), the largest umbrella organization of Indian Americans in Chicago, celebrated India's Republic Day at Meadows Club on Friday January 23 in the evening. The event was combined with dinner and variety of Indian cul-
tural programs. The largest Banquet Hall at Meadows Club was packed to full capacity with guests, prominent Indian-American community members and other dignitaries. Senior FIA members and trustees greeted the guests. FIA president Keerthi Kumar Ravoori, Babu Patel, Sohan Joshi, Dr Indrajit Patel, Cont’d on page 19
democracy is not a gift, but the fundamental right of every citizen; for those in power democracy is a sacred trust. Those who violate this trust commit sacrilege against the nation," he observed. Dr Ausaf Sayeed radiated with hospitality, courtesy and humbleness along with the entire Consulate team. Concluding the reading of the President's address, the Consul General thanked all the attendees for participating in the Republic Day celebration. President Obama became the first American leader to be chief guest at India's grand Republic Day celebrations Monday January 26, 2015, an honor that underscored the growing warmth between the two countries. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Obama watched the military displays, musicians and decorated camels from inside a protective glass enclosure. Obama and first lady Michelle Obama received loud cheers as they took their places on the parade route at Rajpath, New Delhi's ceremonial boulevard. Thousands came out despite the inclement weather to see the festivities. Delicious snack items were served during the celebration, on behalf of the Consulate General. The attendance could have been much better but for the snow storm warning and very cold weather. The nearly an hour and half event in the morning was still quite enjoyable.
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January 30, 2015
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24 Mantra organic products making inroads in USA RAMESH SOPARARAWLA India Post News Service
CHICAGO: With two distribution centers and retail presence in 43 states, registering a nearly three times growth in sales
vast acreage of 120,000 acres brought under cultivation inducing over 20,000 farmers working on 30 plus projects. Unnikrishnan said that bringing more and more farm under organic food cultivation is a really challenging task and "we have to
Organic products 24 Mantra at doorstep
work from scratch to assure the farmers that they would be better off in the long run by switching from conventional to organic." They need to be assured that there is abundant market for their products and would definitely get higher return for their labor. "We are highly encouraged by the stupendous response that we are getting here and we have to assure our consumers that they would all the time get quality organic products without supply interruptions," he told this paper. The big evidence in the inThe big evidence in the increasing accepcreasing acceptance of 24 tance of 24 Mantra organic products here is Mantra organic that the company had increased the product products here range from 20 to 100 items during the past is that the company had inthree years and plans to keep up the trend creased the by introducing new products every year product range from 20 to 100 items during the past three years and plans sey, Georgia, Florida and Texas. With this and a higher choice in the prod- to keep up the trend by introducing new uct mix, the sales are expected to jump again products every year. The 24 Mantra prodthree fold this year and may be five fold by ucts include cereals, flours, dals ( all type), spices, spice powders, masala mix, rice, culi2016, observed Unnikrishnan. 24 Mantra is the premier most organic nary pastes, edible oils, health and breakfood producing company in India with a fast food, snacks, ancient grains and juices in the past two years in 24 Mantra organic products, Fyve Elements LLC is now set for further huge expansion of its sales and presence in this country. Unnikrishnan Nambiar, CEO of Fyve Elements LLC said that close on the heels of the full-fledged Chicago distribution centre last year, the 24 Mantra management plans opening up a similar facility in San Francisco this year. It already has a well represented presence through wholesalers in five big areas - Massachusetts, New Jer-
( recent introduction). The Indian market has much bigger list but in the US the management has to wade cautiously in the light of food and health regulations. "The management is highly encouraged by excellent response all around and
Founder of the Organic 24 Mantra Rajashekhar Reddy
cer patient. Both Unnikrishnan and Raj realized and felt convinced that the chemical ridden fertilizers used in inorganic food and farming could potentially trigger growth of cancerous cells in human bodies and it is important "to go back to nature" to nip the
Unni Krishnan Nambiar, CEO Washington DC facility
sooner than later it would tap into the main stream market which is way ahead in its awareness of organic products," Unnikrishnan said. Unnikrishnan like the founder of the 24 Mantra, Rajashekhar Reddy Seelam, was introduced to Organic food by the bout of cancer he suffered six years ago. In the case of Rajashekhar Seelam, his father was a can-
Consultant Amarendu Reddy
problem in bud. A common vision, life changing events and a passion for organic foods brought these two professionals together leading to the launch of Fyve Elements LLC to take care of the import and distribution of 24 Mantra organic products in the US. Cont’d on page 21
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January 30, 2015
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Devon India Town to benefit from Texas bank moving in RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service
CHICAGO: The mini Indian Town in Chicago on Devon Avenue is heading for a big lift in its stature this year as a premier bank of Texas (SBT) that has taken over National Republic Bank, plans moving its Chicago headquarter from Downtown Chicago Devon Avenue by February. The bank has its presence on Devon Avenue as a branch but the
move is now to shift its all activities to the Devon facility. The Devon area businessmen, a large number hailing from Indian subcontinent, have welcomed the management move to come to their area and look forward to increasingly use the facilities provided by the bank. The Devon area from Damen Avenue to California Avenue houses over 1000 small and big commercial houses - shops owned or run by people from Indian sub-continent. This would
include Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis and Sri Lankans as well. Chan (Chandrakant) Patel, president of SBT in a talk to this paper said that this is a part of the economic rationalization process that has been initiated right from the day the new management took charge two months ago and it reflects "our determination to turn the erstwhile NR bank from a losing proposition to a money making venture." The Downtown
Chandrakant (Chan) Patel with his sons Sushil Patel, Chief Lending Officer and Rajan Patel, Sr Vice President
headquarter is a rental one and in the process the management hoped to save thousands of dollars. The SBT team headed by Chan and his two sons, Sushil and Rajan, and the trio has already made its mark in effecting a fast upturn in the bank working. According to Chandrakant Patel, the bank is in the green making a profit of $1.2 million a year and by all account this uptrend would continue in the coming months, especially in view of the fact that the bad accounts are pruned down and the management is exercising extra vigilance while intending operations. The hospitality industry was
The SBT management has been successful in straightening out the loan portfolio and weeding out defaulters. Chandrakant Patel said, "We want to reshape our loan operations and cut down dependence on any single sector. For the time being, we would be chary entertaining applications from the hospitality sector but I want to assure that this is a short term phenomenon and we would not close our doors for ever. I am an hotelier too and SBT was started for helping small time operators," he said. Chandrakant Patel does visualize any adverse impact on the bank account while shifting head-
State Bank of Texas on Devon Ave in Chicago
probably the prime most sector getting loan from the bank and it is reported that one single borrower with multi-chain motels was topping the list with over $150 million in loans. There were a good number of small and medium sized hotel motel owners who had been getting the finance from the bank.
quarters to Devon Ave. "Online transitions - deposits and withdrawals - are gaining in more and more acceptance. Besides, my bank can rake in any amount large or small - in deposits though offering attractive interest rates. We will be doing just fine," he said with lot of confidence.
Community Across America
January 30, 2015
India Post 19
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Bill Foster joins FIA celebration of Republic Day Cont’d from page 16
Ajeet Singh, Syed Hussaini, Rajput Sher Mohammed, Minhaj Akhter, Vandana Valia, Hetal Patel, Babu Verma, Dr Harjinder Khaira and others participated for the event. Dr Ram Gajjela presided over the event.
speech outlined the program for the current year under his stewardship and pitched for veering away a bit from the traditional activities. He said that the FIA would host a health fair probably for the first time this year as health was one of the major issue of concern to Indian immigrants. He also men-
unity among all and indirectly pitched for the return of those who masquerade as FIA. Congressman Bill Foster was honored by Dr Patel with the presentation of a shawl. Bill Foster expressed his deep sense of gratitude for being honored h this way and praised the efforts of FIA in promoting
Air India Chicago Manager Nakul Singh Chand and his wife were requested to present a welcome bouquet to the Congressman Bill Foster. Nakul Singh Chand has recently taken over Air India Chicago office. He was introduced to Indian American community members through the social hour. FIA president Keerthi Kumar Ravoori invited newly elected president Dr Indrajit Patel to announce his elected team for the year 2015-2016. Dr Indrajit Patel thanked the community and FIA board of trustees for giving him
an opportunity to serve the Indian community in Chicago. He read the names of all FIA elected members for 2015 and emphasized that all will work for the welfare of Chicago Indian community. A variety entertainment program was presented by Trupti Patel of Payaliya Dance Studio. The music and dance entertainment program showcased the diverse ethnicity of Indian culture. Keerthi thanked all for joining the event. He also thanked sponsors Air India, Iftekhar Shareef, Syed Hussain and others.
Lt. Governor Sanguinetti opens FIA's dazzling event MOON KHAN ADDS: The FIA team with Congressman Bill Foster and guests
Congressman Bill Foster was the chief guest for the event. He was invited to the podium for the traditional inaugural lamp lighting ceremony. Dr Ram Gajjela, Keerthi Kumar and the newly elect president Dr Indrajit Patel joined him
tioned that as part of overall fitness and mental well beig, the FIA would also be hosting a picnic in summer and a kite flying festival, so popular in India. Dr Patel wanted to get more involved with mainstream society and hinted
FIA President Dr Indrajit Patel addressing the gathering
for the ritual. Singing of the Indian and American national anthems followed. Dr Indrajit Patel, the newly elect FIA president, in his acceptance
that FIA would consider celebrating American Independence Day July 4 just as it is celebrating India Day on August 15. He also fervently appealed for
The artists who performed at the FIA event with Congressman Bil Foster
community oriented activities. He touched upon the present visit of President Barack Obama to India and observed that this visit will bring both the countries still closer. Congressman Bill Foster congratulated Indian community for the 66th anniversary of India's Republic day that symbolized the great Indian democracy.
T
he Federation of Indian Associations, led by President Onkar Sangha and FIA founding president Sunil Shah, presented a memorable India's Republic Day events in the presence of Lt. Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti and several elected officials, scores of distinguished community leaders, a band of talented performers, singers, cheerful audience, and not to mention the dazzling and talented beauty pageant contestants,
who were directed by the famous Jewel of India team. Addressing the 300 guests, Lt. Governor Sanguinetti applauded the Indian community's contributions and pledged the full support of the new gubernatorial team. Thanking the Indian community leaders for supporting the FIA activities, FIA president urged the community to join the FIA in large numbers because it intends to organize several mega programs in coming months. Cont’d on page 20
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January 30, 2015
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Lt. Governor Sanguinetti opens FIA's dazzling event Cont’d from page 19
The next ambitious program will be a Holi Mela on March 21at DuPage Fairgrounds in Wheaton at an indoor facility that can accommodate more than 1,000 people. "Come on and enjoy the Holi festival as you did back home," FIA Vice President Moon Khan, who is organizing the event, said. In his welcome speech, Sunil Shah, stressed the importance of growing ties between the USA and India and noted that the visit of President Barack Obama to attend the Republic Day event in India is a historic moment. Banquet Chairman Brij Sharma, President of PowerVolt, stole the heart of the audience when he said that Indian Americans have two mothers: India and the United States of America. Among the elected officials who attended the Republic Day event were Schaumburg Mayor Al Larson Hanover Park Village President Rodney Craig, Hoffman Estates Village President Bill McLeod, State Representative Michelle Mussmann, State Representative
Club Rita Shah, and Delhi Association of North America President Ravi Kapoor, The following singers entertained the audience: Mahijit Virdi, Ashika Sachdev, Manmeet Kaur, Nipa Shah, Raju Bankapur, Pratibha Jairath, Sana Khan, Mona Bhalla with Manpreet Bhalla, Kiran
academy was also present in the audience. Equally mesmerizing performance was given by artists from Ye Cheeze Entertainment. Noman Khan, Tanya Sharma, Madhura Patil, Rahul Singh, Anand Bhatt, Anup Kilani, Suhana Syed, and Sweta Bhagwakar stole the show.
Telugu Association celebrates Sankranthi & Republic Day Asian Media USA
CHICAGO: Telugu Association of Greater Chicago (TAGC) celebrated Sankranthi and Republic Day on Saturday January 17 at the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago in Lemont, a southwest suburb of Chicago, attended by over 1000 guests from in and around the Chicago area. It was TAGC 44th year of service and dedication to the Chicago and surrounding areas. BhogiSankranthi is the annual festival celebrating the successful harvest. It is celebrated with great fanfare in the southern part of India.
lights of the cultural program were songs, dances and skit sequences presented by children touching upon Bhagavatham, Ramayanam events plus those signifying Bhogi and Sankrathi like "Muggula poti", "Bommala Kolu", Kuchipudi, bhartanatyam, Janapada. Fusion dances included classical, Tollywood performances and group songs on Sankranthi and Republic Day. Participants from young children, youth and adults, including CATS members presented showcasing the importance of Sankranthi with "Gobbillu" and "Kolatam". The finale was presented as "Swara Madhuri" a mix-
Lamp Lighting Ceremony at FIA (new) event in Rolling Meadows
Bhalla, and Simran Bhalla. The opening dance number titled "Pushpanjali" was performed by Mudra Dance Academy artists: Nirali Thakker and Neha Thakker; choreographed by Kshama Patel. Anila Sinha Foundation artists Medha Bhargaw, Puja Saha,
Shalini Saxena and Mona Bhalla successfully and professionally emceed the program. Based on the East Coast, Miss Jewel of India choreographed presented the dazzling beauty pageant in three categories: Miss Teen Jewel of India (age group between 13-18), Ms. Jewel of India (age group between 19-29), and Mrs. Jewel of India. The president of the Miss Jewel of India pageantry company Dr. Juhi Jagiasi was also present with her team members. In the Miss Teen category, Simran Bhalla, Jigna Sheith, Ritika Rawat, Manpreet Bhalla, and Madhura Patil participated. The Miss Illinois contestants were Sonia Modi and Tanya Sharma. Mona Bhalla, Rajie Modi, and FIA team with dignitaries Poonam Jha participated in the Mrs. Illinois category. Winners Fred Crespo, Water Reclamation Serena Daon, Shiwali Varshney, were: Miss Teen: Jigna Sheith, District Commissioner Frank Avila, and Kam Gupta performed two Miss Illinois: Tanya Sharma, and and many others. mesmerizing Kathak dances, cho- Mrs. Illinois: Mona Bhalla. (Note: The traditional lamp lighting reographed by Kiran Chouhan. Dr. There was a tie in the Miss Teen ceremony was performed with the category; another help of all the present elected offiwinner was Simran cials, representatives of the Indian Bhalla). associations, and FIA board memMakeup artists bers. On the stage, representing who poured their about numerous organizations hearts in preparing were Bihar & Jharkand Cultural the contestants were Association's President from Dimple Salon by Satyendra Kumar, Gujarati Samaj Dimple Gandhi. Outof Chicago President Urvarshi fits for the contesPatel, Minority Leadership Allitants were provided ance Vice President Khaja by Dilli Darzi by Moinuddin, GOPIO president Shilpi Srivastava. Gladston Verghese, MEDSTAR In the middle of President Nilesh Patel, Punjabi the program, a moCultural Society President Vick ment of silence was Singh, Rajasthan Association also kept in the President Ram Saini, Sher-e memory of the Late Winners of the Beauty Pageant Punjab Sports and Cultural Club Naren Patel, a great of Ohio President Surjit Singh community leader of Mavi, Director of Hindi Lovers Birendra Sinha, founder of the our time. He passed away recently.
Lamp lighting performed by President, Executive Committee and members of the Chicago Area Telugu Seniors (CATS)
ture of melodious film and light music songs by invited artists. Over 40 children under the age of six were invited on to the stage to participate in the Bhogipalla Sambaraalu. The CATS members blessed the children by pouring Bhoggi Pallu on them while singing songs. Poti were presented with prizes. President Jagan Bukkaraju summarized the activities of 2014 and observed that TAGC has pledged to focus on youth related activities, Community serChildren performing on patriotic song vices and continued Over 200 children took part in importance to women's activities the cultural programs. The pro- in 2015. Upcoming events are Family grams ranged from prayer songs to patriotic songs; traditional Fun Bowling Tournament to be dances to Bollywood dances; held on February 21st followed by from skits depicting Lord Krishna Women's Day Celebrations on to dances enacting the entire March 8, before the Ugadi CelebraRamayana and invoking the tions. Malathi Damaraju, Joint SecrePanchabhootams (five elements) tary of TAGC, proposed a vote of was showcased. Many cultural presentations as thanks praising all the volunteers part of the event enthralled all and Board Members who made those in attendance. Some of high- this event a grand success. The evening was filled with activities for both the young and old. This year's President, Executive Committee and members of the Chicago Area Telugu Seniors (CATS) of TAGC inaugurated the event by lighting the lamp and welcoming the guests.
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January 30, 2015
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Symposium enjoys poems in praise of the Prophet AFZALUR RAHMAN AFSAR
ADDISON: Bazm e Muhibban e Sukhan (Urdu for "Poetry Lovers Association") hosted a mushaira (symposium) here at Addison Public Library to commemorate the birth of the Prophet Saturday January 18. Recognized local poets from the South Asian community recited naats, a genre of poems in praise of Prophet Muhammad. This Naatiyah Mushairah was presided over by Hamid Amrohavi and conducted by Hashmat Sohail. Cont’d on page 22
24 Mantra organic products making inroads in USA Cont’d from page 19
Unnikrishnan set up the first distribution center in Jessup, MD which has been the headquarters for the US operations since Jan 2013. The company grew rapidly and the second location was set up in Chicago in Jan 2014. He conceded that organic food products would be more expensive than conventional products. However one has to pay the price for good health and the health conscious public here and back home are slowing veering around this view to lead a healthier life, it is important to go organic. "We will try not to get heavily out priced but a blanket comparison of prices without the accruing benefits would be odious," he said. Amerender Reddy, close associate of Unnikrishnan, a no-nonsense chemist turned businessman from Dublin OH, who was on a short visit to Hyderabad just a few years ago also was instrumental in getting 24 Mantra come to this country. He had intuitively felt that the 24 Mantra products could decidedly have better markets in developed countries like US. This is primarily because the concept of organic food thru organic farming is getting ingrained with the health conscious mainstream society. Amerendra Reddy, who acts more as a consultant to the company, said that tapping the mainstream American market is a sin qua non for increasing sales here. "With high quality products and competitive prices, there should be no problem in making successful inroads in mainstream markets," he observed 24 Mantra is managed by people with extensive experience in agriculture, food processing, QA, sales, marketing and international trade. Sresta doesn't use preservatives even to store produce. It uses a technique where oxygen levels are kept low in the storage units, according to Rajashekhar Reddy. 24 Mantra farming projects are spread across Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal and Northeast. The plans are for at least a 20 per cent growth every year, if not more, said Rajashekar Reddy.
Recognized local poets participated in the Na'atiya Mushaira hosted by Bazm e Muhibban e Sukhan at the Public Library
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Amitabh Bachchan to work with AAPI in building healthier India India Post News Service
CHICAGO, IL: Even as the historic visit of President Barack Obama continues to make headlines across the world, Indian American physicians have recommitted to work to contribute to make healthcare in India affordable, accessible, and efficient to all of its 1.2 billion people. India has one of the highest accident rates leading to trauma and head injury. AAPI, in collaboration with leading healthcare institutions in India and the Indian Ministry of Health has embarked on a long-term project to create awareness on the need to prevent, treat, and provide special care and rehab services to those involved in accidents.
American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), realizing this urgent need have on a new journey, committing to work towards containing trauma and brain injury and make urgent care accessible to millions who suffer and die in road accidents, said Dr Ravi Jahagirdar, President of AAPI. "When President Obama is visiting India seeking to make a positive impact in several areas through mutual collaboration and cooperation between the two greatest democracies, we, the physicians of Indian origin stand with him, Prime Minister Modi and the people of India to do all that we can to work towards making healthcare affordable and efficient for all," he added.
Symposium enjoys poems in praise of the Prophet Cont’d from page 21
Following Quran recitation by Qari Irshad Ansari, naats were rendered by Tahiniyat Jafar, Masart Khan Monic, Samina Khursheed, Sultan Mohiuddin and Anwar Ahmed Khan. Eraj Ahmad gave the introductions and Dr. Afzalur
"exalted poetry" (na'at shareef) is found in Urdu, Bengali, English, Turkish, Persian, Arabic, Punjabi, Kashmiri and Sindhi. One early khawan was Hassan, also known as Shair-e-Darbaar-e-Risalat. Already a poet before embracing Islam, Hassan attained fame by turning his muse to writing na'ats
Hasan, Irshad Ansari, Waliuddin Wali, Nadeem Sharafi, Ghulam Mustafa Anjum, Sahid Alig and Dr. Afzalur Rahman Afsar. BMS organizers are Alig, Afsar and Ahmad. BMS has been conducting bimonthly mushaira and recitations (adabi mehfil) on second
Maharaja Gaj Singh II of Marwar-Jodhpur, addressing the AAPI delegates
In their efforts to make a lasting imprint in this campaign, AAPI has roped in Superstar Amitabh Bachchan to be part of this campaign. "I pledge my support for these campaigns and commit myself towards the achievement of
rapt attention. The superstar was the Chief Guest at the 9th edition of the Global Healthcare Summit (GHS) 2015 organized by the Association of American Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) in collaboration
Amitabh Bachchan, Chief Guest at the GHS 2015 in Mumbai, addressing AAPI gathering Organizers of the BMS Na'atiya Mushaira were (from left) Shahid Alig, Afzalur Rahman Afsar, Eraj Ahmad, Waliuddin Wali and Hashmat Sohail.-Pic Atiq Afzal
Rahman Afsar delivered the vote of thanks. Though deemed no more than the Messenger of God, Muhammad continues to be the foremost role model for Muslims around the world, to be emulated out of love rather than through fearful subservience to external norms. The significance of the na'at is therefore religious, moral and, of course, literary. This poetic genre is popular in Urdu and Punjabi in Pakistan and India. Reciters are known as Naat Khawan or Sana'a-Khua'an. Such
against rival poets who were attacking the new religion and its bearer. Subsequent poets followed his trend, some devoting themselves entirely to this genre. Tala'al Badru 'Alayna, sung to the Prophet Muhammad at the completion of his migration to Medina in 622 CE, is believed to be one of the earliest naats. Other participating poets were Sajid Chowdri (in Punjabi), Irfan Shariff (English) and in Urdu / Hindi Abdul Rahim Talib, Shah Naeem-uddin-Naimi, Nazar Naqvi, Sajid Chaudhry, S.Z.
Saturdays or Sundays at Glendale Heights Public Library for the last five years. It also hosts occasional literary proceedings (muzakarat), bait bazi and music programs and to bridge Urdu and American literature in greater Chicago. Bait Bazi is a rhyming game popular in South Asia where each poet has to reply to the previous stanza (bait) with a verse starting with its last letter. It is similar to Hindi Antaakshari, Sistanian Baas-o-Beyt, Malayalam Aksharaslokam and, more generally, the British Crambo.
AAPI's worthy goals. I am here with you for these campaigns and in any other campaign you might undertake and if my face and voice can be instrumental in propagating these efforts, I would gladly lend the same" the Bollywood Superstar, Amitabh Bachchan, declared reiterating his whole hearted support to AAPI's campaign to eradicate Hepatitis and create awareness about head injury and trauma during the Global Healthcare Summit organized by AAPI in Mumbai earlier this month. He was addressing more than 500 international and local delegates who listened to him in
with the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare from January 2nd to 4th, at the prestigious Trident Oberoi Hotel, Nariman Point, Mumbai, India. Also present as a Special Guest was His Highness Maharaja Gaj Singh of Jodhpur. In his opening remarks, Dr Ravi Jahagirdar, President of AAPI, expressed his sincere gratitude to Amitabh Bachchan. "Your presence at the Global Healthcare Summit has only added to the prestige of this monumental event and built the foundation for us to address the serious concerns of head injury, trauma and hepatitis. Cont’d on page 26
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January 30, 2015
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FIA celebrations highlight ideals of India's Republic India Post News Service
SANTA CLARA, CA: Republic Day is a major holiday in India, commemorating the day in 1950 when the post-partition democratic Constitution came into force. President Barack Obama became the first American leader in history to be Chief Guest at India's grand Republic Day celebrations Monday, an honor that underscored the growing warmth
ers and national leaders, who gave us the whole new world to enjoy and explore. Although India obtained its independence on August 15, 1947, it did not yet have a permanent constitution. The Republic Day of India commemorates January 26, 1950 as the date on which the Constitution of India came into force replacing the Government of India Act 1935 as the governing document of India. It is one of the most important
(L-R) Ritu Maheshwari, Deepak Chhabra, Dr Romesh Japra, Consul General Venkatesan Ashok, Ramana Annamraju, Dr KJ Srinivasan, Rajesh Verma, Vijay Thapar
between the two countries. Federation of Indo-Americans Association (FIA) on Sunday 25th January celebrated Indian Repub-
lic Day at Santa Clara Convention Center Theater, Santa Clara. Dr Romesh Japra, FIA Chairman, eminent social activist of Bay Area explained the significance of freedom and remembered the sacrifice made by our freedom fight-
days in Indian history. The Republic Day celebrations remind us yet again, that the foundations of the Indian Republic are based on the
ideals of justice, pluralism and democracy. Dr Japra said we are fortunate to have born in largest democracy in the World, India and live in oldest democracy of world, United States. It's obviously a great moment to have President Obama to visit India on Republic Day and have the world's attention turned towards us. It's very exciting, he said. Venkatesan Ashok, Guest of Honor It is apparent that the Indian community in the Bay Area has not forgotten its roots. This weekend, FIA organized an event to celebrate India's 66th Republic Day in the Bay Area. Shri Venkatesan Ashok, Consul General of India in San Francisco, was
the honorable guest for this grand event. Ambassador Venkatesan Ashok graduated in Civil Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi and joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1982. Ambassador Ashok has held diplomatic assignments in Hong Kong, Malaysia, China, Austria and Sri Lanka, apart from postings in the Ministry of External Affairs in different capacities. He was Director of External Relations in the Department of Atomic Energy between 1995-1998 following which he was appointed as India's Alternate Governor and Alternate Permanent Representative in the International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna. He was the Division Chief of Central Europe in the Ministry of External Affairs prior to his assignment as Ambassador of India to the Republic of Zimbabwe between March 2008-June 2011. Ambassador Ashok served as Ambassador of India to the Czech Republic from August 2011 - September 2014. He has taken charge
namely Deputy CG Dr. K.J. Srinivasa, Council member Ash Kalra (candidate for State Assembly 2016), Ro Khanna, Kansen
Chu, Anu Natarajan , Rishi Kumar, Teresa Cox. Well-decked up
ticipants, with more than 2000 people attending the event. The talent contest competition started at 3 pm. and featured a variety of talents, including India's folk dances, Bollywood dancing, singing and drawing competition. The talent contest was open to kids ages 4-11. The cultural show was conceived and emceed by Vijaya Aasuri, Cultural chair of FIA. Towards the end of the event, elected officials and dignitaries, including state senators, state assembly members and city council members presented trophies to the winners. On one level, the entire day's activities are a way to get children involved in the community, said Yogi Chugh, an Indian American member of the Fremont Planning Commission. "But in the bigger scheme, it is a celebration of democracy," Chugh said. "India is the world's largest democracy, and the U.S. is one of its oldest democracies. This is the day India transformed itself and chose to become a Republic, and we here who live in America want to celebrate that."
Chandru Bhambra, Dr Romesh Japra, Manorama Joshi, Ambassador Venkatesan Ashok, Rajesh Verma, Ashok Kapoor, Neena Kapoor and Veena Birla
as Consul General of India in San Francisco w.e.f. 21 November 2014. The celebrations were attended by eminent dignitaries
tableaux, and song and dance presentations by children added to the variety of the ceremony. This popular event has grown from 100 to over 280 contest par-
Dr Romesh Japra, Chairman of FIA, thanked the dignitaries, performers, sponsors and volunteers for making the evening a memorable one.
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January 30, 2015
India Post 25
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R-Day celebrations & Saraswati Pooja at Grayslake temple
R to L: President Dr Yoginder Kumar, Prof. Prabhakar Joshi and others starting the procession India Post News Service
GRAYSLAKE, IL: Grand celebrations for the Republic Day of India at the Hindu Mandir of Lake County, Grayslake, were completed here with tremendous enthusiasm. About 70 people were expected by the organizers but
harmonium was Kakoli Datta. The program started with a procession. The new president of the Hindu Temple, Dr Yoginder Kumar offered the opening remarks and then introduced main speaker Prof. Prabhakar G. Joshi. Joshi started with how the Constitution of India was born in 1950 and then ex-
were about 40 children and their parents. Prof. Prabhakar Joshi explained that Vasant means Spring is around the corner, environment is coming to new life and this festival has seasonal, economic and religious significance. Joshi also explained that Goddess Saraswati was born on the 5th day of the month of Maagh and she is known for giving knowledge and wisdom. Therefore children worship her every year. He further mentioned that Saraswati is also known for valor and courage which is evident from her act of killing several demons including Shumbha and Nisumbha. Saraswati has precious
Girls dancing on Sare Jahan se Achha
Vande Mataram by group led by Kakoli Datta
books called Vedas in her hand and Veena i.e. a violin in the other two
hands indicating that she is also in charge of art and music.
Gayatri Mantra & Gangajal at King Interfaith Service India Post News Service
Dr Prabhakar Joshi addressing
over 100 turned up. The three-hour program was packed with various types of activities: a dance Bum Bum Bole by Akshat Adsule, Raghav Verma, Keshav Shah, Shreyas Lyaga; another dance Des Rangeela by Ketana Gadde, Meghana Gadde, Saanvi Bibhuti, Riya Boratwar, Tejal Choudhari; and one Rang De Basanti by Riya Verma, Rishika Lyaga; singing of Sarey Jahan se Achha by Diya Koshti; a geet by Komal Taloo, and Neha Kulkarni; a medley of patriotic songs by Raviji; a song Ai Malik Tere Bandey Hum by Sangita Singh; a group song by Sheth, Gandhi and Dutta families and Vande Mataram by Kakoli Dutta, Dr Savita P. Joshi and party; and Maha Ganapati on a flute by Guruprasad Kathavate; Suryanamaskar by Guruprasad and a party of 14. On the
plained its importance. He did not forget to mention the uniqueness of this year's celebrations in India due to US President Barack Obama's presence as the Chief Guest at the Republic day celebrations in New Delhi. The acoustic system which was profoundly useful was well managed by Manoj Bhatt; Office staff under Mannaji's leadership assisted whenever needed. Dinner was cooked by Neelkantha Mishra, Kamal Gupta, the President and Savita Joshi. Kakoli Datta and Yashaswini Desai were the Masters of Ceremony and the food sponsors were Prof. Prabhakar G. and Savita P. Joshi and the Hindu Mandir. In the morning Vasant Panchami and Saraswati Pooja were performed under the guidance of Pandit Ganesh Ji. There
NEVADA: Interfaith Community Memorial Service for civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in Reno (Nevada, USA) on
Bhagavad-Gita-reading in Sanskrit and then translating into English. He sprinkled few drops of Gangajal before starting his prayer in the Service held at UnitarianUniversalist Fellowship of North-
ered by Second Baptist Church Choir and Greater Light Choir, while UUFNN Choir performed Prelude "MLK" and The Power of Love directed by Leon Smith gave Postlude. Congregational hymn
At the Inter faith service, from left to right, are: Jim R. Eaglesmith, Angela D. Taylor, Rajan Zed, Dolores Feemster, Gene Savoy Junior, Rebecca Willis, Michael Hernandez, Second Baptist Church Pastor Michael L. Randle
January 18 included Sanskrit mantras and sprinkling of drops of water from river Ganga of India, sacred to Hindus. Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, delivered the invocation from ancient Hindu scriptures-Rig-Veda, Upanishads,
ern Nevada (UUFNN). He also talked about Dr. King's visit to India, and his admiration of Mahatma Gandhi and his nonviolent resistance. Angela D. Taylor, a community leader, was the keynote speaker. Musical selections were deliv-
"Lift Every Voice and Sing" and a video-tribute presented to Dr. King also formed part of the Service. Reverend Onie Cooper Humanitarian Awards were presented on the occasion to Dolores Feemster and People First Foundation.
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Attachment of mind makes us experience happiness or sorrow
I
n the last article (There is no real happiness in the world), you learned that the happiness of the world is not a fact, but is only a feeling of the mind, based on the intensity of the desire for a particular person or object. In other words, the greater the desire is for the object, the greater the happiness experienced. Desire for a person or an object corresponds to the degree of attachment for it in the mind. And attachment grows out of repeatedly thinking of a person or object as a source (or potential source) of happiness (chapter 2, shlok 62). Thus, the mind creates its own experience of happiness through its own thinking - positive hopeful thoughts about a person or thing create an attachment in the mind for that person or thing; and because of the subsequent attachment, the mind feels desire for that person or thing in the same amount; when the mind enjoys the association of that person or thing, happiness is felt in the mind in the same amount. Such happiness is fleeting, because as you go on enjoying, your desire goes on decreasing, until it finishes altogether. Thus, your happiness also decreases and ultimately finishes. Then you feel neutral or bored and want to find a new object of enjoyment. This is why we say that the happiness of the world is not real happiness. Then the question is - is the world only full of pain? If there is no happiness in the world, then is it full of pain? The answer can be understood through the very same philosophy. If the world were truly the form of pain and suffering, then everyone would experience it from the same things, in the same amount, all the time. But this is simply not the case. God realized Saints live in this world and experience only the Divine bliss of God in every particle - then how can we say the world is the source of pain? Even the rest of us cannot agree on what is a source of pain and suffering. One person suffers if exposed to cigarette smoke, yet another can't live without it. One person feels happiness when meeting a certain person, yet another can't stand the sight of them. The cause of this again comes back to our attachments. Just as the mind creates a positive attachment to a person or thing through repeated positive thinking about
SWAMI NIKHILANAND
them, in the very same way, the mind creates a negative attachment to a person or thing through repeated negative thinking about them. The positive attachment is called 'raag' and the negative attachment is called 'dvesh'. Both are two sides of the same coin. If you have dvesh for a person or thing, then when you are exposed to or associate with them, you suffer according to the degree of your negative attachment for them. For example, let's say a man dies of a sudden heart attack. His wife is so distraught that she faints due to the emotional pain. His son is also in pain, but not enough to lose consciousness - he merely sheds tears. His friend also feels sad, but not enough to cry. His neighbor, who only knew him as a casual acquaintance, doesn't feel anything. And a rival from work feels happy that he will now be getting a promotion to fill his position. Now let's say the man wasn't truly dead, and he miraculously starts breathing again and awakens. The wife, who had just regained consciousness, faints again, but this time from joy. The son also feels joy, but not enough to faint - he merely sheds tears of
got the most pain from him, because she had the greatest 'raag'. When you lose something to which you are positively attached, you will feel pain according to the degree of your attachment. The
Swami Nikhilanand
son's attachment was less, so he felt less pain, and the friend less than that. The neighbor had no attachment (neither raag nor dvesh), so he felt no pain. The rival from work had been humiliated on several occasions by this man who was his manager. Thus, he had developed a strong negative attachment to the man through repeated negative thinking causing him to feel happy upon his death. When the man awoke, the wife felt the most joy because she had the greatest attachment. The son had less attachment, so he felt less joy and the friend felt even less than that. The neighbor had no attachment (neither raag nor dvesh), so he felt nothing. And the rival who had dvesh for him felt disappointment. So we see that the very same
There is actually no happiness or unhappiness in the person or object. even the amount of happiness and unhappiness experienced from a thing varies from person to person, depending on their attachments. joy. The friend is also happy, but not enough to cry. When the neighbor hears the news, he again doesn't feel anything. And when his rival from work finds out, he is disappointed, because now he is still going to have to take orders from this man. If we were to ask these people whether this man is a source of happiness or pain, they would all give different answers, depending on their attachment to him. When he was presumed dead, the wife
thing that gives you happiness, also gives you pain when you lose it. This is due to your attachment. There is actually no happiness or unhappiness in the person or object. For the same reason, even the amount of happiness and unhappiness experienced from a thing varies from person to person, depending on their attachments. Due to all of this, Arjun was not attracted by the incentive of gaining worldly pleasures through fighting the war. However, Shree
Krishna also indicated that Arjun could earn entrance to swarg if he performed his dharm by fighting the war. Was this incentive effective in motivating Arjun? We will find out in the next article. Disciple of Shree Kripaluji Maharaj: Swami Nikhilanand Ji is a Canadian born Hindu spiritual leader based in Austin, Texas. He is a sanyasi disciple and pracharak of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj. Attracted to the teachings of Hinduism from a young age, Swamiji eventually let his deep spiritual longing lead him to India, where he was most fortunate to come under the guidance of Shree Kripaluji Maharaj. Thereafter, living in the ashrams of JKP, he extensively studied Hindi, the philosophy of the prime Sanskrit scriptures (Vedas, Darshan
Shastras, Gita, Bhagwatam), and practiced meditation in the tradition of raganuga bhakti. In 2003, he was given sanyas. Now, with the blessings of his Guruji, he offers satsang programs throughout America, engaging audiences with his clear explanations of Hindu philosophy coupled with inspired chanting of Sanskrit mantras and shlokas and charming nam sankirtan. His informative and compelling speeches provide practical insight into how to adopt the teachings of Sanatan Dharm into our daily lives, and inspire us to awaken our inner spiritual potential. To stay in touch with Swami Nikhilanand Ji, like his Facebook page at https:// w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / SwamiNikhilanand or follow him on twitter at https://twitter.com/ Swami_Nikhil.
Amitabh Bachchan to work with AAPI in building healthier India Cont’d from page 23
Thank you for your contribution towards creating awareness, preventing accidents and saving lives." Expressing confidence that the support and presence of the Bollywood star will result in the realization of the goals AAPI has set before itself, Dr Jahagirdar said, "With your good wishes, our next goal is to surge forward with innovations in medicine and academics, to build a better future, one step at a time." Millions of us in the country suffer from some of the disabilities and diseases that prevail, the Bollywood star told the delegates. Expressing confidence in the knowledge, skills and experiences of the Indian American physicians, the Bollywood Superstar said, "I am quite certain that with your expertise and the skills that you possess we shall be able to eradicate most of what you have come here for." In a similar manner, Bachchan expressed hope that the new initiatives by AAPI will succeed. "I am quite certain, with the kind of help and expertise that we have on hand, and with the kind of backing, and hopefully with my involvement as far as my face and my voice is concerned, we shall be able to handle the other pro-
gram that you have brought here: Hepatitis." His Highness the Maharaja Gaj Singh II of Marwar-Jodhpur, while lauding the efforts of AAPI, shared with the audience how his own son had suffered head injury and was able to stay alive and continue his active life after timely intervention and treatment along with prayers and blessings from God. He whole heartedly supported the AAPI initiatives and commented Superstar Amitabh Bachchan for his agreeing to be the face of AAPI's Campaign to create awareness of the need to eradicate Hepatitis and prevent trauma and head injury. Dr Seema Jain, President-Elect of AAPI, while proposing vote of thanks, stated that AAPI is taking on this challenge and will work together and do all that we can to eradicate Hepatitis and create awareness about and ways to prevent head injury and trauma. "Through his continued support for AAPI, the most admired and evergreen Bollywood star will promote the most innovative, efficient and cost effective healthcare solutions for India," Dr. Jahagirdar added. For more information on AAPI and GHS 2015, please visit www.aapighsindia.org or www.aapiusa.org
January 30, 2015
Community Across America
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Get set for Valentine Bash at ICC Milpitas India Post News Service
MILPITAS, CA: Peter Sahjani and Dahya Mistry of Star Entertainment bring you Valentine Bash 2015, their signature event at ICC on Saturday February 14. A promise of a truly romantic singing, ravishing dinner, full of entertainment with Bollywood dances, Punjabi style singing, fashion show & DJ. The program will start at 7:45 pm with the live singing of SRGM fame Puja Purandare, Indian Idol 5 participant and also voice of Tamil Nadu GeeteshIyer and versatile Bay Area singer Vikas Singh, supported by popular singers Deepti Venkat & Jaya Satish. The professional dances will be performed by Bay Area versatile and recognized artist Elena Elsoukov who has been performing in Bay Area for the last few years along with very popular
Sitting left: Peter (organizer) Nisha, Sonia, Charanjit, Anita, Jyotica, Jyotsna, Dahya (Organizer). Standing left: Lis, Deepak, Shilpy, Kam, Vikas, Jaya, Geetesh, Rav, Ro-Hini, Joshi & Amit
dances by Jyotsna Bendapudi and her team of "Dance Dil Se. To add more charm and romance, the event's Mallavi Hall of ICC is decorated and managed by Umesh Sharma of AppeningZ. The rapper Kam Shah and Jesh Raju will rock the event with their Punjabi type numbers and the
The Lead Emcee of the evening will be Nisha Gill with her Co-emcee Rav Sastre. The event tickets include mouthwatering lavish dinner which will be provided by Park Balluchi of Mountain View along the Veg & Non-Veg appetizers. The 'No-Host' bar service will be provided by Park Balluchi The Grand Sponsor The professional dances will of the event is Charanjit be performed by Bay Area Uppal of Uppal Dental. The Platinum Sponsors versatile and recognized for the event are Park artist Elena Elsoukov who Balluchi, and Sonia has been performing in Bay Walia of Stearns, the Loan Officer and the Area for the last few years Gold sponsor is Anita Ramchandani, the hall of fame realtor. Dhamaka DJ and sound system The other Sponsors include has been provided by DJ Edwin. Indian Chili, & Ray & Kay Walia. There will also be raffle draws with The event Media Partners are 1550 very good winning prizes. AM Radio Zindagi, U.S. Urdu The romantic Valentine special News, India Post and IND TV USA fashion show will be produced by Please join us for a wonderful Pooja Kaur along with designer evening of music, dinner and Jyotica Bhatia of Malabis Couture. dance. L-R: Nisha Gill, Anita Ramchandani, Sonia Walia, Peter Sahjani, Charanjit Uppal & Dahya Mistry
L-R: Vikas Singh, Dahya Mistry, Elena Elsoukov, Peter Sahjani & Puja Purandare
TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS
1 Khamoshiyan : Khamoshiyan 2 Tu Hai Ki Nahi : Roy 3 Sooraj Dooba Hain : Roy 4 Tu Har Lamha : 28 India Post
January 30, 2015
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T
he iconic couple of Bollywood, Shahrukh Khan and Kajol are again coming together to set the silver screen ablaze. The duo has been reportedly roped in to play lead protagonists in a 100-crore-club director Rohit Shetty's film. After the super-duper success of 'Chennai Express', Shahrukh and Rohit have teamed up for yet another blockbuster. The untitled film also stars Varun Dhawan in a parallel role. According to the latest gossip, Rohit is trying to convince Kajol to play the female lead. Kajol who was last seen in 'We Are Family' (2010) is yet to give her nod. The director has apparently approached the actress with the script. Says an industry insider, "Rohit wants Kajol to make her comeback with his film, which will go on the floors soon. He has had many rounds of discussions with the actress and is trying his best to rope her in the project." Kajol was supposed to star in Ram Madhvani's film but she opted out due to creative differences. Then there were reports that she would star in husband Ajay Devgn's home production but that too seemed to be uncertain. Kajol was last seen opposite Shahrukh Khan five years back in Karan Johar's 'My Name is Khan'.
A
fter impressing with her dance moves in 'Jumme Ki Raat' from 'Kick', Jacqueline Fernandez is turning out to be one of the mostsought after actresses when it comes to dancing. In her upcoming film, 'Roy', Jacqueline has tried a completely different style of contemporary dance form, a ballet on sand for the song, 'Boond Boond'. Director Vikramjit Singh wanted a sequence in the song, which is artistic, sensual and passionate. When he briefed choreographer Ahmed Khan, Ahmed knew exactly what he wanted. Jacqueline will be the first Bollywood actress to be seen attempting this dance form in 'Roy'. She suggested some moves to Ahmed who loved them and incorporated the same while on shoot. Jacqueline adds, "Ahmed gave a completely different, fresh touch to the kind of ballet we have always seen on screen. I too had ideas and together we put a piece together.
Khamoshiyan 5 Tharki Chokro : PK 6 Superman : Tevar 7 Dance Basanti : Ungli 8 Lovely : Happy New Year 9 Mileya Mileya : Happy Ending 10 Chaar Kadam : PK
S
hyam Benegal gave me Nishant' because of my bad looks, recounted Naseeruddin Shah in a conversation with veteran actor Girish Karnad at the Jaipur Literature Festival. "I lost a girlfriend because I wasn't good looking. And, I got a role in 'Nishant' because I wasn't good looking," said Naseeruddin Shah. Naseeruddin Shah spoke about his early days in Bollywood when he didn't get much work even after 'Nishant', which was a National award winning movie. He also discussed at length about his experience of teaching acting at various acting schools, disappointment for not being a commercially successful actor and about his close friend and fellow actor Om Puri. Naseeruddin Shah said he fell short of work after 'Nishant' and the roles he was getting were either of a union leader or a police officer who would s a y 'tumhe chaaro taraf s e gher '
l i a hai' or of a doctor whose expertise was in saying 'Maine injection de diya hai'. The actor expressed his resentment over the fact that he never became a celebrated star.
Bollywood
January 30, 2015
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K
alki Koechlin and Richa Chadha had been house-hunting for a while in Andheri and as luck would have it, the friends have found neighboring
houses. The versatile actresses had forged their friendship on the set of their film Jia Aur Jiah last year and strengthened it further, when they did a play together. Now that the two of them have moved into apartments close to each other, Richa, we hear, has been helping Kalki settle down in the new pad. In fact, the two can be seen hanging out at each other's houses quite frequently now, with Richa even sharing home decor tips with Kalki.
Now that the two of them have moved into apartments close to each other, Richa, we hear, has been helping Kalki settle down in the new pad
A
kshay Kumar, who has been in the film industry for over two decades, wants to be known for his acting skills. "I would like to be called an actor and not a superstar. That is not the tag I am looking for. I am doing 'Brothers'. It's about martial arts, then I have 'Gabbar' which is a different film again. So, as an actor I am looking forward to something different," Akshay told reporters. And now, Akshay is seen as an undercover agent in "Baby." "I do everything I don't think I will do. Only one film a year or so. If I like the script, I do it. I don't want to be typecast as an action hero or comedy hero," he says.
Nothing
‘SUPER’
J
azbaa has got a new ad dition in the cast. Being Sanjay Gupta's ambitious venture, this upcoming thriller will now have South actress Priya Banerjee debuting in Bollywood with this film. Priya who has previously acted in a handful of Tamil and Telugu films, got this opportunity, courtesy Twitter. According to the insider, Priya, who's born and brought up in Canada, fits the role perfectly. "Actually someone has tagged me in a video that had one of Priya's Tamil films and a short film. I watched it and thought she looked superb. Then, I asked my casting director to find the girl. We auditioned her and she was impressive there. She is a fine actor and plays an important role in the film", says Gupta. The details of her role are still under wraps. Jazbaa is a comeback film of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who along with Irrfan Khan and Shabana Azmi plays the lead in the film.
Priya who has previously acted in a handful of Tamil and Telugu films, got this opportunity, courtesy Twitter
India Post 29
„
Realty Tidbits
Govt's new housing policy faces challenges MUMBAI: The new government's 'housing for all by 2022' and liberalized FDI norms will boost the residential mortgage backed securities (RMBS) market, but challenges remain for development of the sector, says a report. Rating agency Moody's Investors Service in the report said as the funding needs of the domestic mortgage lenders grow in step with the government vision to provide 'housing for all', the RMBS market has scope to develop into a larger funding source, particularly for niche lenders focused on affordable housing. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'housing for all by 2022' goal will boost the emerging RMBS market, though challenges remain for the development of the sector," it added. In 2014, the RMBS issuances rose 75 per cent to Rs 5,300 crore, but the report notes that this growth was from a low base and the sector remains relatively small. It is estimated that the country faces a housing shortage of about 18.78 million units in urban areas. The government has liberalized the FDI regime for the low-cost housing sector by bringing down minimum investment to USD 10 million and removing the threeyear lock-in period for exit. Housing finance companies are expected to grow their loan books by 20-22 per cent in 2015 and will need a whopping Rs 2 trillion in incremental funding. -PTI
„ Baton Rouge area home sales increased in 2014 BATON ROUGE, La.: Baton Rouge area home sales increased by 3.2 percent in 2014, thanks to more activity in Livingston and Ascension parishes. There were 8,903 homes sold in the nine-parish area during 2014, compared with 8,625 in 2013, according to figures released by the Greater Baton Rouge Association of Realtors' Multiple Listing Service. Livingston had the biggest sales gain during the year, increasing by nearly 11 percent over 2013 figures. There were 1,639 sales in the parish during 2014, compared with 1,479 a year earlier. Ascension had a 3.2 percent sales gain, going from 1,667 in 2013 to 1,720 in 2014. The Advocate reports East Baton Rouge still accounted for the largest percentage of home sales in the region.-AP
Real Estate 30 India Post
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January 30, 2015
Alliance Group raises Rs 200 crore CHENNAI: Bangalore-based real estate developer Alliance Group has received Rs 200 crore funding from a consortium of institutions, a top company official said. "Alliance Group has raised Rs 200 crore funding by nonconvertible debentures from Indostar Capital Finance Ltd and Reliance Capital Ltd. We will be using these funds to our upcoming projects," Alliance Group Chairman and Managing Director Manoj Sai Namburu told reporters. -PTI
Smart cities progress to hinge on power, infra and others NEW DELHI: A successful development of proposed smart cities across the country will depend on five critical elements such as power, infrastructure, funds, technology and social capital, property consultant Cushman & Wakefield has said. The Centre plans to develop 100 smart cities as satellite towns of larger cities and by modernizing the existing mid-sized ones. In the Union Budget last year, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had allocated Rs 7,060 crore in the current fiscal for the scheme. In a report, C&W said these five elements "need simultaneous growth to ensure that India is able to create 'smart cities' as per the plan. The consultant noted that smart cities propose a solution to mitigate the problem of urbanization. These cities would integrate information and communication technology, energy efficiency and sustainability to support future generations. "India is rapidly urbanizing and the urban population in 2031 is expected to increase to 600 million, which will be crucial to the country's economic growth and
they will require massive restructuring to support the future population," the report said. Stating that smart cities require
need for innovative and viable mechanisms to secure funds for developing smart cities. Strategies to engage multiple
clean and continuous supply of power, C&W said that there is a need to develop alternative energy sources to make the cities financially and ecologically viable. "Both physical and social infrastructure developments will be crucial. In addition to this up gradation and maintenance of the existing infrastructure is necessary," it suggested. The consultant stressed on the
stakeholders will be necessary. "Finally, smart cities require technology advancements that can support the overall objective of the initiative. Promoting innovations in technology and providing skilled human capital that can create, engage and sustain the future cities will be an integral element," C&W said. The report further states that
irrespective of the categorization, all smart cities integrate ICT into different components. These components include energy, transportation, smart buildings, governance, and social infrastructure. However the scope and extent of this integration and application may greatly vary between cities. "The government plans to develop 100 smart cities over the next 20 years which will require the government to look at New cities, satellite towns near mega cities, upgradation of mid-sized cities as well construction of settlements along industrial corridors will be undertaken," C&W Executive Managing Director South Asia Sanjay Dutt said. Dutt said Smart cities depend on non-renewable resources for generating power and these cities provide seamless integrated public transportation that allows efficient and swift mobility across the city. "While there is a need to address these challenges, there is political will and commitment of the central government to bring in large scale reforms," Dutt added. PTI
Priority sector lending benefits for housing NEW DELHI: In order to boost real estate development, government is planning to extend priority sector lending benefits to the housing sector and work on bringing down the interest rates to 7-8 per cent. "We are for the entire housing sector to come under priority sector lending and working towards it. I have met the Prime Minister on this and the PM is going to have a meeting of banking and housing secretaries to discuss the proposal," Urban Development and Housing & Poverty Alleviation Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said here while releasing a report on the Smart City project organized by
PHDCCI. NDA government is currently working on a mission to create 100 Smart Cities across the country which will be equipped with 24-
Naidu said the interest rates should also be brought down to 7-8 per cent to boost the housing sector. At present, the interest rates are generally in double dig-
hour water and power supply, quality education, clean air, efficient urban transport system among other services.
its. Naidu will be holding a two-day meeting beginning from January 30 with all state governments to
firm up the final concept of Smart Cities. "I am calling all states to finalize the Smart City concept. It is broadly ready and we have discussed with various stakeholders. There are also discussions with foreign countries interested in the project. We held deliberations at various levels. "The views of industry have also been taken into account. Now we will have a final view with states and then we will take it forward. There will be a meeting with state secretaries on January 30-31," Naidu said. Naidu stressed that housing is an essential part of Smart City project. -PTI
Real Estate Post
January 30, 2015
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Scalia could be surprise vote in Supreme Court housing case WASHINGTON: The Obama administration may need the vote of a frequent conservative antagonist on the Supreme Court to preserve a decades-old strategy for fighting housing discrimination. Justice Antonin Scalia appeared at times to side with the administration and civil rights groups during arguments over the reach of the landmark Fair Housing Act of 1968, a case that otherwise seemed to split the court along ideological lines. Scalia seemed to agree with the court's four liberal justices that the law can be used to ban housing or lending practices without any proof of intent to discriminate. The court is considering a challenge from Texas officials to the use of so-called disparate impact lawsuits, which allege that even raceneutral lending or housing policies can have a harmful effect on minority groups. Scalia said Congress seemed to have such lawsuits in mind when it passed the law in the 1960s, and later amendments in 1988, to eliminate segregation in housing. ``I find it hard to read those two together in any other way than there is such a thing as disparate
impact,'' Scalia told Texas Solicitor General Scott Keller. Civil rights organizations have speculated that conservatives on the court took up the case to knock out such lawsuits, which lower courts have uniformly allowed for 40 years. Their only hope is that Scalia or, perhaps Justice Anthony Kennedy, who is sometimes a swing vote, will side with the court's four liberals to uphold the practice. Later in the hour-long argument, Scalia made comments critical of disparate impact when he told Michael Daniel, lawyer for a Texas fair housing group, that ``racial disparity is not racial discrimination.'' ``The fact that the NFL is largely black players is not discrimination,'' Scalia said. The issue has galvanized critics, including banks, mortgage companies and conservative groups, who say federal housing law should punish only intentional acts of discrimination. Two similar cases out of Minnesota and New Jersey reached the court in recent years, but those were settled in 2012 and 2013 just weeks before oral argument - in one case at the
behest of the Obama administration. The latest case involves an appeal from officials accused of awarding federal housing tax credits in a way that steered low-income housing to mostly poor, black neighborhoods in Dallas
Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs in Austin, Texas. The Obama administration may need the vote of a frequent conservative antagonist on the Supreme Court to preserve a decades-old strategy for fighting housing discrimination.
and generally kept the units out of wealthier white enclaves. A Dallas-based fair housing
Developer renovates 'eyesores' into chic living spaces HUNTINGTON, W.Va.: Developer Shane Radcliff just keeps going, in terms of renovating downtown buildings. While he finishes up the Renaissance Building at 831 4th Ave., he also has work underway at the Angel Building at 918 4th Ave., which will be renovated into highend rental apartments, and he's developing the first floor commercial space at 419 9th St. Radcliff also is in the process of buying 813 4th Ave., where he already has a commercial prospect for the 3rd and 4th floors. He's also the broker for Realty Exchange, a brokerage that got off the ground a year and a half ago, and now has 30 real estate agents. When Radcliff started his first big downtown residential project in 2012, folks didn't seem too sure about it, he said. ``They were skeptical, but I've sold all of these without even advertising, just by word of mouth,'' he said.
Now, all but one of the 10 highend, custom-built units in the Renaissance Building are sold. ``I sold three of the last four this week,'' he said on Jan. 15. The final unit is the largest, with 5,200 square feet, including a sweeping
Now, all but one of the 10 high-end, custom-built units in the Renaissance Building are sold. ``I sold three of the last four this week,'' he said on Jan. 15. staircase and elevator. Radcliff is confident the trend of downtown living is a growing one. ``Ask me if I like my house, and
group, Inclusive Communities Project Inc., sued the Texas Department of Housing and Community Development in 2008. The group alleged that agency policies were keeping Dallas neighborhoods segregated and denying blacks a chance to move into safer
I'll say, `Yeah, I like it,' `` he said. ```Ask anyone here (in the Renaissance Building) if they like where they live, and they say, `I love it.' You can see it in their eyes.'' Dr. Meghan Elkins, an optometrist at the Huntington VA Medical Center, is one of them. She led the way in moving into Radcliff's Renaissance Building and said it's exciting to be part of the downtown's renaissance. ``I like being really close to all the restaurants and Pullman Square. It's been helpful and easy,'' she said, adding that she's anxiously awaiting a downtown market or grocery store. Another resident of the Renaissance Building who is excited about the downtown revitalization is Sherry Houck, senior vice president of commercial lending at First Sentry Bank. She and her husband are empty-nesters who had lived in northern Wayne County and were tired of mowing and all the upkeep of having more property.-AP
neighborhoods with better schools. The housing advocacy group couldn't prove Texas officials were intentionally biased. But a federal appeals court said the group could use statistics to show that the policies still harmed black residents in violation of the Fair Housing Act. Chief Justice John Roberts was among those expressing serious doubts about the tactic. ``It is very difficult to decide what impact is good and what impact is bad,'' Roberts said. What if one community wants to build low-income housing to revitalize minority neighborhoods, while another wants to integrate white areas, he asked. ``Which is the bad
thing to do?'' Solicitor General Donald Verrilli, who argued in favor of disparate impact, said both plans may ultimately pass muster. As in the Texas case, Verrilli said a community still has a chance to justify a race-neutral policy that has a negative impact on minorities. But Roberts pressed Verrilli with the same question three times, complaining that he wasn't getting an answer. Verrilli said such cases were outliers and said typical cases ``in the heartland'' such as zoning restrictions or occupancy rules are more straightforward. In his only comment, Justice Anthony Kennedy said it seemed ``very odd to me'' that disparate impact could apply to either case. Scott Keller, the Texas Solicitor General, stressed there was no clear language authorizing discriminatory-impact lawsuits when the housing law was passed in 1968. While employment discrimination laws seem to allow it, he said it is not explicitly covered under the Fair Housing Act. But Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg called that argument ``a little artificial'' because the theory was not mainstream until the Supreme Court approved its use for employment discrimination cases in 1971. Justice Stephen Breyer noted that every appeals court to consider the question for the past 40 years has found disparate impact acceptable in the housing context. ``Why, when something is so well-established throughout the United States, should the court come in and change it?'' he asked Keller. Keller said disparate impact claims would essentially force the state to make race-conscious decisions to avoid liability. -AP
„ Health
Line
116K Utah residents pick health plans SALT LAKE CITY: Federal officials say more than 116,000 Utah residents have enrolled in health insurance plans through the government-run online marketplace this enrollment season. U.S. Health and Human Services Department figures include those who signed up for 2015 coverage between Nov. 15 and Jan. 16. The updated enrollment figures show 89 percent of those who signed up in Utah are eligible for federal help to reduce their monthly premiums. Across the country, nearly 7.2 million people have signed up for insurance through HealthCare.gov. The website offers a place to find insurance for those who don't get coverage through their jobs. It's a key component of President Barack Obama's health care overhaul. The deadline to sign up for coverage is Feb. 15. -AP
„ 28,000 sign up for HealthSource in RI PROVIDENCE, R.I.: More than 28,000 people have signed up for coverage on Rhode Island's health exchange with less than one month left to enroll. HealthSource RI was set up as part of the federal Affordable Care Act. Enrollment figures show that about 28,800 people renewed their coverage for 2015 so far, or 81 percent of those who were
Health Science
ties up with US firm Curis
32 India Post
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January 30, 2015
Details on Page 34
MSF warns US pressure on India could impact access to drugs NEW DELHI: Ahead of US President Barack Obama's visit to India, international aid organization, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) expressed deep concern over the US government's heightened efforts to undermine access to affordable medicines from India. Millions of people across the globe rely on Indian low-cost generics, just as MSF relies on these to carry out its medical work across the world. "The US has been scaling up pressure on India and increasing visits to the country over the last several months in order to aggressively campaign against India's patent law," MSF said in a statement. "The country's law sets a high bar for what merits a patent in an effort to prevent abusive pharmaceutical patenting practices. The US is pushing for India to adopt intellectual property (IP) measures similar to those common in the US and EU, which would ultimately result in unaffordable medicine
prices for India," the statement said. "The alarm bells should be going off for the new Indian government. The US is pushing India to play by its rules on intellectual property, which we know will lead to medicines being priced out of reach for millions of people," said Dr Manica Balasegaram, Execu-
country - an action recommended by a Health Ministry to increase access to affordable versions. A compulsory license' issued by the patent controller in 2012 for an unaffordable cancer drug brought its price down by 97 per cent almost instantly, Balasegaram said. The statement by MSF said
TB. The Obama visit comes in the wake of a critical decision by India's Patent Controller to deny a patent to pharmaceutical company Gilead for the hepatitis C drug sofosbuvir lowering generic competition, said Rohit Malpani, Director of Policy and Analysis of MSF's Access Campaign. "The drug is priced in The US is pushing India to the US at US$84,000 for a three-month treatment play by its rules on intelcourse, although studies estimate its production for lectual property a three-month course could be as low as $101 (about $1 per pill). The UK's National Health Service is delaying introduction of the drug because tive Director of MSF's Access that the new intellectual property of its cost, and protests have Campaign. 'think tank' draft policy is already erupted in Spain over the drug's "US pressure already appears showing alarming trends, as the rationing as a result of its price," to be having an impact: the new draft emphasizes patent monopo- said Malpani. Indian government has been de- lies as the key driver of innovaDiscontent is already being laying a decision to allow generic tion, when experts at WHO have expressed and the patent rejection production of an exorbitantly- found innovation for medicines is likely to be brought up by US priced patented anti-cancer medi- desperately needed by develop- officials accompanying President cine that is unaffordable in the ing countries for diseases such as Obama, he added. -PTI
Modi makes emotional appeal for girls, denounces feticide PANIPAT, Haryana: Making an emotional appeal for saving
covered in 2014. About 7,600 people signed up for the first time and about 600 small employers completed applications. Enrollment for 2015 ends Feb. 15. Last year more than 25,000 people signed up for coverage. Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, United HealthCare and Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island are offering plans through the exchange. -AP
DRL arm
for which he blamed the "mental illness" in society and attacked
daughter)' scheme in this district of Haryana, a state with one of
(From R to L) Haryana Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki, actress Madhuri Dixit and Union ministers Ravishankar Prasad and Birender Chaudhary taking the pledge, administered by PM Modi to save the girl child, at Beti Bachao Beti Padhao programme.
the girl child, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has denounced the practice of female feticide
doctors for the same. Launching 'beti bachao, beti padhao (save daughter, educate
the poorest sex ratio, Modi said discrimination against the girls shows a mindset which is worse
than that in the 18th century and harmful for the future of the nation. Joined by Bollywood diva Madhuri Dixit, Modi pleaded for ending the evil practice, saying he had come as a "beggar" begging for the lives of daughters. "Mein aaj aapse kuch mangnein aaya hoon..ek bikshuk ban ke mein aapse betiyoon ki zindagi ki bheekh maang rahan hoon (today, I have come to seek something from you...I have come as a beggar to plead for saving the lives of the girls)," he said. He invoked Kalpana Chawla, first Indian woman who hailed from Haryana who had traveled in space, saying that it was very painful to see "other Kalpana Chawlas are killed in the wombs of their mother". Cont'd on Page 35
January 30, 2015
Health Science Post
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Antibiotic use by travelers may cause superbug spread LONDON: Taking antibiotics for diarrhea may put travelers visiting developing world at higher risk of contracting superbugs and spreading these drug-resistant bacteria to their home countries, according to a new study. The study authors call for greater caution in using antibiotics for travelers' diarrhea, except in severe cases, as part of broader efforts to fight the growing public health crisis of antibiotic resistance and the spread of highly resistant bacteria worldwide. "The great majority of all cases of travelers' diarrhea are mild and resolve on their own," said lead study author Anu
bacteria. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has called ESBL-producing bacteria a serious concern and a significant threat to public health. The bacteria can cause severe infections that are harder and more expensive to treat and more likely to be fatal. The Finnish travelers completed surveys about their trips, including questions about diarrhea and antibiotic use, which can disrupt the gut's balanced ecosystem, sometimes allowing resistant bacteria to become incorporated into the intestinal ecosystem. Overall, 21 per cent of the travelers to tropical and subtropical areas in the study had unknowingly contracted ESBL-producing bacteria during their trips. Significant risk factors for colonization were travelers' diarrhea and treating it with antibiotics while abroad. Among those who took antibiotics for diarrhea, 37 per cent were colonized, Taking antibiotics for diarrhoea may put travellers visiting developing researchers said. world at higher risk of contracting superbugs and spreading these drugThose travelresistant bacteria to their home countries. ing to South Asia faced the highest Kantele, associate professor in infectious risk of contracting the resistant bacteria: diseases at Helsinki University Hospital 80 per cent of travelers who took antibiin Finland. otics for diarrhea while visiting the reResearchers collected stool samples gion were colonized with ESBL bacteria. for testing from 430 Finns before and afSoutheast Asia, East Asia, and North ter they traveled outside of Scandinavia. Africa together with the Middle East, in Their goal was to determine if their guts order, were next highest in risk. became colonized by a resistant type of Even if colonized travelers do not debacteria from the Enterobacteriaceae fam- velop infections themselves, they may, ily that produces a key enzyme, extended- after returning home, unknowingly spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), which spread the superbugs to their own deconfers resistance to many commonly veloped countries, where today these used antibiotics. bacteria are less prevalent, researchers The researchers looked for risk factors said. in the travelers' behavior that may have The study was published in Clinical facilitated colonization by these resistant Infectious Diseases. -PTI
US closer to goal of 9.1M enrolled under health law WASHINGTON: The Obama administration is moving closer to its goal of 9.1 million people signed up for private coverage under the President's health care law. The Health and Human Services Department says at least 400,000 people signed up last week. That brought total enrollment in the 37 states served by HealthCare.gov to more than 7.1 million. National figures should be significantly higher because the federal count doesn't
include major states such as California and New York that are running their own markets. Florida leads the federal marketplace states, with more than 1.2 million people enrolled. Texas has nearly 920,000. The administration is expecting a surge near the Feb. 15 sign-up deadline. The law offers subsidized private coverage to people who don't have health insurance on the job. -AP
Bill Gates Foundation to support Pak on polio PESHAWAR: Pakistan, one of the worst Polio-hit countries, has received an assurance from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation that it will fully back the government's efforts to eradicate the crippling disease. A two member delegation of the USD 42 billion foundation, one of the main contributors for Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) in Pakistan, here called on Senior Minister for Health Shahram Khan Tarakai and assured all out support to the government on behalf of the foundation in polio eradication. The delegation called on the Khyber Pakhtunwa Minister at the newly established Emergency Operation Center (EOC). The delegation comprising Waqar Ajmal, Senior Program Advisor BMGF and Sue Gerber appreciated the government for playing the lead role in polio eradication that was putting the future of the country at stake. The prime objective of establishment of EOC was to provide a common platform to all the stakeholders to pool in their energies for polio eradication. The delegation underscored the need
for closer coordination among all the stakeholders with government leading the program from the front to achieve the required objectives. Speaking on the occasion, Tarakai welcomed and thanked BMGF delegation for construction and refurbishment of EOC and vowed to personally lead the program so as to ensure the optimum results. Earlier, the delegation visited various sections of the center and met with the staff placed at EOC by government, United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) and World Health Organization (WHO). Pakistan now accounts for 80 per cent of global cases and is one of only three countries at risk of exporting the disease outside its borders, according to the WHO. The country has recorded 296 cases last year, the highest number of cases reported in the country since 1998. Majority of the cases have been reported from areas that are inaccessible due to security related issues such as North Waziristan agency, Khyber Agency, FR Bannu and parts of South Waziristan agency. -PTI
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DRL arm ties up with US firm Curis HYDERABAD: Aurigene, the biotechnology arm of Dr Reddy's Laboratories, has announced a drug development and commercialization pact with Curis Inc to
Ali Fattaey
treat cancer that could fetch the Indian firm over USD 250 million in payments, while also picking up 19.9 per cent stake in the US firm. The exclusive collaboration agreement will be focused on immuno-oncology and selected precision oncology targets, the two companies said in a joint statement. As per the agreement, Aurigene will be responsible for conducting all discovery and preclinical activities, while Curis will be responsible for all clini-
cal development, regulatory and commercialization efforts worldwide, excluding India and Russia. "The collaboration provides for inclusion of multiple programs and Curis retains the option to license compounds once a development candidate is nominated within each respective program," it added. The partners have already identified four programs. For the first two programs, Curis has agreed to make payments of up to USD 52.5 million per program, including USD 42.5 million for approval and commercial milestones, plus pre-specified approval milestone payments for additional indications, if any, to Aurigene. "Curis expects to exercise its option to obtain exclusive licenses to both programs and file IND applications for a development candidate from each in 2015," DRL said. For the third and fourth programs, Curis will pay up to USD 50 million per program, including USD 42.5 million for approval and commercial milestones, plus pre-specified approval milestone payments for additional indications, if any. The companies further said for any program thereafter Curis will pay up to USD 140.5 million per program, including USD 87.5 million for the other issues, if any.
As part of the agreement, Curis has also agreed to issue to Aurigene approximately 17.1 million shares of its common stock, or 19.9 per cent of its outstanding common stock immediately prior to the transaction, in partial consideration for the rights granted to Curis.
"The collaboration provides for inclusion of multiple programs and Curis retains the option to license compounds once a development candidate is nominated The shares to be issued to Aurigene will be subject to a lock-up agreement until January 18, 2017 with a portion of the shares being released from such lock-up in equal installments between now and the end of the period. Commenting on the development, Aurigene CEO CSN Murthy said: "This unique collaboration is an opportunity for Aurigene to participate in advancing our discoveries into clinical development and beyond and mutually align interests as provided for in our agreement." PTI
Coffee may protect against skin cancer NEW YORK: Drinking four cups of coffee a day may protect against malignant melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer, a new study has claimed. Study participants who drank four or more cups of coffee daily were 20 per cent less likely to develop malignant melanoma than non-coffee drinkers, researchers said. "Our results, and some from other recent studies, should provide reassurance to coffee consumers that drinking coffee is not a risky thing to do," said study researcher Erikka Loftfield, a doctoral student at the Yale School of Public Health and a fellow at the National Cancer Institute. "However, our results do not indicate that individuals should alter their coffee intake," Loftfield
told 'Live Science'. Loftfield and her team used data from a huge study run jointly by the National Institutes of Health and the American Association of Retired Persons, which tracked 447,357 retirees over 10 years, on average. Ultimately, in this group, there were 2,904 cases of malignant melanoma (a cancer that has spread beyond the top layer of the skin), and 1,874 cases of earlystage melanoma, which remains only on the top layer of the skin. The participants reported their coffee consumption as well as other factors that might influence their cancer risk, including exercise, alcohol intake and bodymass index. To estimate people's UV exposure, the researchers used NASA
data on the amount of sunlight in each participant's hometown. After the researchers controlled for the other factors, coffee drinking turned out to be a boon: There were 55.9 cases of melanoma yearly per 100,000 people among those who drank at least four cups a day, versus 77.64 cases yearly per 100,000 people among the people who didn't drink coffee. The findings specifically applied to caffeinated coffee, not decaf. It's possible that caffeine itself could be the protective factor, but there could also be some other compound in coffee that protects against malignant melanoma that is more abundant in caffeinated coffee than in the decaffeinated variety, the researchers said. -PTI
Complete transformation of health sector planned NEW DELHI: The government aims complete transformation of health sector through research, use of latest technology and innovations, and was committed to proper health of the children, who are the future of the country, a senior official said here. "Complete transformation of the health sector through research, latest technology and innovation is the aim of our government," Union Health Secretary Lov Verma said here. "Children are future of the country and we are committed to ensure that their health is taken proper care of through rational health policies, healthy lifestyles and most importantly, the doctors who are skilled and updated with the latest advancements," said Verma while inaugurating the 52nd Annual Conference of Indian Academy of Pediatrics, PEDICON 2015. The four-day conference would discuss the gaps that exist in implementation of healthcare
policies, lack of interface between public and private players, child survival strategy in a tribal set up etc. Also, 40 scholarships to encourage young talent would be awarded to young pediatricians presenting their free papers. Over 8000 delegates are attend-
Lov Verma
ing the conference, thus, making PEDICON the largest conference on Pediatrics in India. "We have over 800 free paper presentations, 150 free paper oral presentations, 650 poster presentations and this year we have introduced E posters too," said Dr Ajay Gambhir, Organizing Chairperson of the Conference.-PTI
Chhattisgarh govt to penalize public smokers RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh government has decided to take stringent legal action against those found smoking at public places in the state. State Additional Chief Secretary Ajay Singh has directed officials to initiate strict action against persons found smoking at public places, an official statement said here. The decision has been taken for the effective implementation of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003. Singh issued the directions during a meeting of the state level coordination committee held here. The ACS also asked the officials to take action against those who install hoardings and billboards depicting tobacco products at public places. Penalty of Rs 200 will be imposed on those who are found smoking at public places, whereas
penalty of Rs 1,000 or a jail term of two years will be imposed on those, who violate the prohibition on advertising cigarette or other tobacco products for the first time and penalty of Rs 5,000 and imprisonment of five years will be imposed on those who repeat the
offence, he said. Singh also asked the officials to put signboards at public places and government offices prohibiting smoking and warning of punishment under the rules. -PTI
January 30, 2015
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Twitter can predict rates of heart disease WASHINGTON: Popular microblogging site Twitter can accurately predict a community's rate of coronary heart disease, the leading cause of death worldwide, researchers, including those of Indian-origin, have found. Studies have identified many factors that contribute to the risk of heart disease: traditional ones, like low income or smoking and also psychological ones, like stress. Twitter can capture more information about heart disease risk than many traditional factors combined, as it also characterizes the psychological atmosphere of a community, said researchers from the University of Pennsylvania. They found that expressions of negative emotions such as anger, stress and fatigue in a US county's tweets were associ-
ated with higher heart disease risk. On the other hand, positive emotions like excitement and optimism were associated with lower risk. The study was led by Johannes Eichstaedt, a graduate student in the School of Arts & Science's Department of Psychology, and included Margaret Kern, an assistant professor at the University of Melbourne, Australia. As there is no way to directly measure peoples' inner emotional lives, the researchers drew on traditions in psychological research that glean this information from the words people use when speaking or writing. The researchers wanted to see if they could show connections between emotional states and physical outcomes rooted in
them. They chose coronary heart disease, the leading cause of death worldwide. Drawing on a set of public tweets made between 2009 and 2010, researchers used established emotional dictionaries, as well as automatically generated clusters of
Modi makes emotional appeal for girls, denounces feticide
words reflecting behaviors and attitudes, to analyze a random sample of tweets from individuals who had made their locations available. There were enough tweets and health data from about 1,300 US counties, which contain 88 per cent of the country's population. They found that negative emotional language and topics, such as words like "hate" or expletives, remained strongly correlated
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While administering a pledge to the gathering that they will work to end female feticide and discrimination against girls, he said, "We cannot call ourselves citizens of 21st century by practicing such a crime. By our mindset, we belong to 18th century when daughters were killed soon after they were born. "..We are in fact worse than that. In those times, (in 18th century), girls would be allowed to be born and live for some time. We kill our daughters in the wombs of their mothers... In the root of this is our mental poverty." Noting that in the Indian society, sons are considered very important, he said there is a belief that "daughters are a property of some other house where they would be married. This disease is not of Haryana alone but this mental illness ails the whole country." He slammed doctors indulging in female feticide, saying their "sin" was a "betrayal" against society. The 'beti bachao, beti padhao' scheme provides for small deposits for girl child, which would fetch an interest rate of 9.1 per cent and provide income tax rebate. 'Sukanya Samridhi Account' can be opened at any time from the birth of a girl child till she attains the age of 10 years, with a minimum deposit of Rs 1000. A maximum of Rs 1.5 lakh can be deposited during the financial year. Pitching for a nationwide initiative to end discrimination against girls and improving the sex ratio, Modi appealed for a united approach to fight the scourge irrespective of political affiliation. Unless it is tackled, the country would be facing a huge challenge ahead, he warned. "Not only are we doing harm to ourselves but through such actions (killing girls inside wombs), we are inviting a big problem for our future generations as
well," Modi said at the event in this historic town here, which registers one of the highest incidents of female feticide in the country. Beti bachao beti padhao is the fourth major initiative of the Narendra Modi government after Jan Dhan Yojna, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Make in India. Haryana has been chosen to launch the scheme as it is one of the States which has
A reward of Rs 1 crore will be given for the innovative village which attains a balanced sex ratio and District Commissioner or ambassadors of the campaign will be suitably rewarded adverse sex ratio, with districts like Jhajjar, Rewari, Rohtak, Ambala, Panipat and Sonepat, among the worst doing ones. A reward of Rs 1 crore will be given for the innovative village which attains a balanced sex ratio and District Commissioner or ambassadors of the campaign will be suitably rewarded by the Government. Union Ministers Maneka Gandhi, J P Nadda, K P Gujjar, Birender Singh, Rao Inderjit Singh, Haryana Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki, Chief Minister M L Khattar, a number of Haryana Ministers including BJP's women MLAs, Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit, who has associated with the campaign, were among others present on the occasion. Borrowing lines from famous poet Altaf Hussain Hali in which he had written in praise of the girl child, Modi said even in our Shastras our forefathers used to give blessings when a daughter was born in a family. -PTI
with heart disease mortality, even after variables like income and education were taken into account. Positive emotional language showed the opposite correlation, suggesting that optimism and positive experiences, words like "wonderful" or "friends," may be protective against heart disease. "The relationship between language and mortality is particularly surprising, since the people tweeting angry words and topics are in general not the ones dying of heart disease," said H Andrew Schwartz, a visiting assistant professor in the School of Engineering and Applied Science's Department of Computer and Information Science. "But that means if many of your neighbors are angry, you are more likely to die of heart disease," he said. Sneha Jha and Megha Agrawal of Computer and Information Science, along with Raina Merchant of Penn's Perelman School of Medicine, also contributed to the study published in the journal Psychological Science. -PTI
Tech News Bill and Melinda Gates get Padma Bhushan NEW DELHI: Microsoft founder Bill Gates and his wife Melinda Gates, who are also big philanthropists, have been chosen for Padma Bhushan award this year under the social work category. In the trade and industry discipline, Karim Al Hussaini Aga Khan, whose domicile is France/ UK, has been selected for Padma Vibhushan award, the country's second highest civilian honor. Former Infosys board member T V Mohandas Pai and Indian American economist Nandrajan Raj Chetty have been selected for Padma Shri under trade and industry discipline. Ashok Gulati, former chairman of Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), also gets Padma Shri in the public affairs category, according to an official statement.-PTI
Samsung to make Tizen phone in India NEW DELHI: Buoyed by the market response to its Tizen OSbased smartphone in India, tech giant Samsung plans to manufacture the 'Z1' at its Noida facility soon. The South Korean firm, which is the world's largest smartphone player, had launched the device earlier this month in India. "The compelling proposition of an easy to use and clutter free interface (of Z1), along with premium design has met wide consumer acceptance... The Z1 will be manu-
factured in company's Noida plant in UP," Samsung India Vice President Marketing (Mobile and IT) Asim Warsi told PTI. The Noida facility has a capacity of producing over four million mobile phones a month and manufactures both affordable and highend devices here. India is the first market globally, where the Z1 was launched at Rs 5,700, targeted at first-time smartphone buyers. "The phone will soon be launched in Bangladesh," Warsi said.-PTI
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WikiLeaks slams Google for handing over data to US GENEVA: WikiLeaks has lashed out at internet giant Google for handing over its staffers' emails and digital data to the US authorities without swiftly informing the whistle blowing site, terming it "an attack on journalism and journalists especially those working on security issues". Baltazar Garzon, Director of WikiLeaks' cofounder Julian Assange's defense team, referred the handing over of data "an attack on journalism and journalists especially those working on security issues", saying the dangerous implication is that "anything that has to do with whistle blowing is being differentiated from journalism".-PTI
Modi pledges open business environment; Obama raises IPR issue NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised an open business environment, predictable tax regime and to remove "remaining uncertainties" as President Barack Obama raised issues of trade barriers and intellectual property while seeking ease of doing business in India. Modi asserted that his government has removed some of the "excesses of the past" and said "we will now soon address the remaining uncertainties", an apparent reference to the retrospective taxation law of the previous government that put off global investors. Pledging USD 4 billion in lending by US banks, Obama said the US is ready to help India grow by working with it in development of infrastructure like railways, ports, roads and clean energy power plants. Both the leaders were addressing a meeting of the US-India Business Council on the second day of the US President's visit that was attended by top corporate leaders of both the countries. Earlier, addressing a meeting of India-US CEO Forum, Modi said that he would personally take charge of implementation of big projects and monitor them. "You will find environment that is not only open, but also welcoming. We will guide you and walk with you in projects. You will find a climate that encourages investment and rewards enterprise. It will nurture innovation and protect your intellectual property. "It will make it easy to do business.... You will find a tax regime that is predictable and competitive. We have removed some of the excesses of the past. We will now address the remaining uncertainties," Modi said at the USIBC meeting. In his speech, Obama said specific things that need to be done by two countries is to make it easy for doing business in both the countries. "There are still barriers," he said adding there was a need to streamline regulations, cut the red tape and jump through bureaucracy. The US President announced USD 4 billion investment in India
including USD 1 billion for financing exports from US to aid Makein-India program here, a similar amount for small and medium industries and USD 2 billion in renewable energy projects. Appreciating Modi's reform initiatives to bring investments, he said, "We need to incentivise
Reviewing his visit, Obama said the two countries have "a number of concrete" steps for more investments and referred to breakthrough in civil nuclear agreement, defense cooperation, renewable energy and bilateral investment protection treaty (BIPA). "When leaders make agree-
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing at the India-US Business Summit, in New Delhi on January 26. US President Barack Obama is also seen
trade rather than stifle. We need to be transparent, consistent and protective of intellectual property rights." "We can work together to develop new technologies to help India leap forward and partner in next generation clean energy projects and upgrade railways, roads, ports, airports and broad-
ments, our agencies and bureaucracy will follow through," he said. "We can grow and we can prosper together." Obama referred to the current bilateral trade of USD 100 billion and compared it to US-China trade of USD 560 billion saying, "it can give you idea of what potential India can unleash."
US President Barack Obama addressing at the India-US Business Summit in the presence of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in New Delhi
band connectivity to provide best connectivity to the world," he said. He also referred to the three smart cities that US would be helping India in setting up and upgrading infrastructure.
"We have to make sure that growth remains inclusive and is sustained. Growth has to make people's life better in tangible way," he said adding growth cannot be measured in GDP figures
a n d bottomline of balance sheets. "In the past eight months, we have worked tirelessly to fulfill the mandate (of the people) - not just to increase our economic growth... Our task is huge and it won't happen overnight. We are conscious of our challenges but also inspired by our successes, "Modi said. He said the business sentiments in India were among the strongest among major Asian markets. Consumer confidence has turned positive after three years. "Growth in 8 core sectors of economy has increased sharply. Inflation is at a 5-year low. 110 million new bank accounts have been opened in last four months. Investments from the US have jumped by 50 per cent in first six months of my government," he said. "And I know that some of the pledges made in September in Washington have begun to flow in. Yes, I do keep track of these things," he said as the audience cheered the remarks. Prime Minister said the scale of India's dream was vast and therefore the opportunities it offered were huge. He said prosperity of India will be an important anchor of stability for the global economy and an engine for its growth. "Above all, a prosperous India will be a force for peace and stability in the world." Referring to the cooperation in new areas like civil nuclear and renewable energy and defense equipment, Modi said economies resurgence in both countries gives us greater optimism of future of bilateral ties. "As the two largest democracies, we have fundamental stake in each other's success for the sake of our values and shared interest. Working by ourselves, we can still advance our common interest. But, if we work together, we can achieve greater success," he said.-PTI
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CEOs from India, US discuss IPR, piracy among other issues
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Barack Obama at the India-US CEO Forum Meeting, in New Delhi on January 26
NEW DELHI: Issues related with intellectual property rights, including piracy of films and software, figured prominently during the India-US CEO Forum here attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President
edged that there is piracy both in IT software as well as in films and we have to tackle this and take strong legal actions...," he said. Tata Sons Chairman Cyrus Mistry and David M Cote of Honeywell were co-chair of the
"BIT is going to be an important building block for expanding the relationship. The point that was made in the CEOs Forum was to say that we take feedback from both the sides before really concluding the treaty so that the treaty becomes meaningful" Barack Obama. Talking to reporters after the meet ended, HDFC Chairman Deepak Parekh said Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger raised the issue of film piracy. "...they (Walt Disney) have lots of investments in India but lot of films are pirated. The laws are there but implementation is difficult. "Even Finance Minister (Arun Jaitley) said that we have to look into it. Mr Modi also acknowl-
high-profile meeting. Biocon Chairman and Managing Director Kiran MazumdarShaw, who also participated in the Forum, too said that the US industry has raised its concerns on IPR related matters. She further said there are many areas where the businesses of both the sides can increase cooperation and collaboration such as in renewable energy, smart cities and health-care.
Other issues that were discussed include the proposed bilateral investment treaty (BIT), social security pact or Tantalization agreement, lack of expeditious dispute resolution. "BIT is going to be an important building block for expanding the relationship. The point that was made in the CEOs Forum was to say that we take feedback from both the sides before really concluding the treaty so that the treaty becomes meaningful," ICICI Bank chief Chanda Kochhar told reporters. Kochhar said that issues related to visa also come up for discussion. Among industry leaders who participated in the meeting were Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, Bharti Enterprises chief Sunil Mittal, Reliance Group Chairman Anil Ambani, Adani Group head Gautam Adani, Mahindra & Mahindra Chairman Anand Mahindra and Sudhir Mehta of Torrent Pharma. SBI Chairman Arundhati Bhattacharya, ONGC Chairman and Managing Director Dinesh K
$4 billion investments, loans for India NEW DELHI: US President Business Summit here. Barack Obama has announced The visiting US President also investments and loans worth said Overseas Private Investment USD 4 billion by American agencies as part of measures to bolster trade with India. "Over the next two years our Export-Import Bank will commit up to USD 1 billion in financing made President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Narendra in America exModi with Tata Group Chairman Cyrus Mistry and ports to India... Honeywell Chairman and CEO Dave Cote during India And our US US CEO Forum in New Delhi on January 26 Trade and Development Agency will aim to le- Corporation will "support lendverage nearly USD 2 billion in- ing" worth about USD 1 billion to vestments in renewable energy small and medium businesses in India," he said at the India-US across India in under-served rural
and urban markets. Obama also said the two countries are moving forward to realize the true potential of economic relations. "...there is new momentum, new energy, new hope that we can finally begin to realize the potential of our economic relationship," Obama said. Stressing that India and the US are true global partners, he said, "We can grow and we can prosper together and establish a set of global norms in terms of how business is done that will not just benefit our two countries but people around the world". On the second day of this three-day visit, Obama along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi also participated in the India-US CEO Forum.-PTI
Sarraf and BHEL head B Prasada Rao also attended the meet. The US team includes Indira Nooyi of Pepsico, Harold McGraw, Chairman McGraw Hill Financial and Ajay Banga, CEO Mastercard. Talking about the meet, Jubilant Organosys Co-Chairman and Managing Director Hari S Bhartia said one of the things that was discussed was ease of doing business and stability of taxation. There were also discussions on technology sharing and facilitation between the countries, he added. During the meeting, Indian side reiterated that no retrospective changes in taxation regime would happen. On tantalization agreement, Parekh said that: "we need a time bound program so that there is a
definite agreement reached within some time". On visa related issues, he said that: "skilled workers and knowledge workers we have said that freer access between the two countries must be there and also for healthcare workers was raised. About the meeting, Adani group chairman Gautam Adani said: "it was a very good meeting. It was a satisfactory meeting." Meanwhile, CII welcomed the comments made by both Prime Minister Modi and President Obama at the US-India Business Summit. Agreeing with Obama's observation that the economies of the two countries are interlinked, the chamber stated the real need of the hour is to diversify the bilateral trade basket. -PTI
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Obama pitches for 'simplicity' in tax environment NEW DELHI: US President Barack Obama has sought "consistency" and "simplicity" in regulatory and tax environment in India besides redressal of issues relating to intellectual property rights to significantly increase trade and business between the world's two largest democracies. In an address to India-US CEO Forum in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Obama said
ing a knowledge based economy. He said "absence of an effective IP protection" in India was affecting business. "We tend to operate at the higher ends of the global value chain," he said. Obama said often software companies which are doing significant business in India talk about absence of effective intellectual property rights protection
major one and said the people across the world have to find a solution to it. He said that a joint working group formed between India and the US can push for greater trade in the two countries. He also said there was huge untapped potential in the tourism sector. On the agricultural sector he coined the term "per drop more crop" saying adopting such a
President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during India US CEO Forum in New Delhi on January 26
there was huge scope for improving infrastructure in India and enhancing the road network and broadband connectivity will help the business grow significantly. "There is great interest on part of US companies to find consistency, clarity, greater simplicity in regulatory and tax environment in India. If that occurs I think we are going to see lot more business in India. That is consistent with many of the reforms Prime Minister Modi has articulated," he told the meeting of select group of CEOs.
which is detrimental to innovation as they are not being "adequately protected". He also referred to US film production company Disney's investment in Bollywood and called it "pretty exciting". In his address, Prime Minister Modi said he himself will monitor implementation of the big projects and assured that he would be available to address any issues. "I am always available. I will listen to you," he told the Forum. "There was a good suggestion
"What I am excited about is the fact that not only do we have a lot of US business interested in investing in India but we also have a lot of Indian companies which are already investing in the US and want to do more business," he said. Obama said Modi has brought new energy and vigor in redesigning the "architecture" in India to facilitate greater growth and investment. "Modi has brought new energy and vigor to redesigning the architecture here in India so that more business, greater growth, greater investment can take place," he said. According to the American president, US exporters are "very concerned" about issues like intellectual property rights as US economy was increasingly becom-
that big projects should be monitored at the level of the PMO. I agree with the suggestion. I take the responsibility of monitoring the big projects. I will monitor them myself," he said. Modi said he will take along the state governments and talked about importance of India's federalism. "There will less possibility of variations among the states. There will be closeness among the Centre and the state governments. There will be solutions to small conflicts," he said. Modi called the IPR issue a
policy will address issues relating to climate change and well as increase agricultural products. On infrastructure, Obama said there was also greater interest in finding ways to finance and improve infrastructure in India specifically referred to roads and broadband sector. "What I am excited about is the fact that not only do we have a lot of US business interested in investing in India but we also have a lot of Indian companies which are already investing in the US and want to do more business," he said. He told the Indian CEOs that they are going to see sustained engagement from his administration in each of the issues raised by them. "In last few years we have increased trade by some 60 per cent which is nearing a record 100 billion dollars. US exports to India is up by 35 per cent and exports from India to US also up," Obama said. Noting that there is enormous potential in economic engagement between the two sides, he said both the countries are moving in the right direction. "There is lot more work that's need to be done. We want to see more trade. We want to see more investment. And that kind of sustainable growth will benefit both Indians and Americans," he said.-PTI
Clean energy: US to place investment officer in India NEW DELHI: To mobilize priThe Department of Commerce vate capital in the clean energy will also launch a trade mission sector, the US has agreed to on clean energy, it said, adding place a field investment officer that Overseas Private Investin India apart from hosting a se- ment Corporation (OPIC) plans ries of events to overcome stra- to build on its existing portfolio tegic barriers in accelerating in- of 227 million dollars in renewstitutional and private financing. able energy and continue to iden"USAID will install a field in- tify potential projects to support vestment officer in India this utility scale growth and off grid summer backed by a transac- energy access. tions team to help mobilize priBoth the nations also revate capital for the clean energy newed their commitment to the sector. "In February, the United States "The renewal includes exwill host the Clean tending funding for three exEnergy Finance Forum and a govern- isting research tracks of solar ment-to-govern- energy, building energy effiment Clean Energy ciency and advanced bio-fuFinance Task Force to help overcome els for five years strategic barriers to accelerating institutional and pri- US India Joint Clean Energy Revate financing," an Indo-US joint search and Development Centre document on clean energy said. (PACE-R), a 125 million dollar It said that the Export-Import program jointly funded by the Bank is also exploring potential US and Indian governments and projects for its MoU with the private sector. Renewable Energy Develop"The renewal includes exment Agency (IREDA) for up to tending funding for three existone billion dollars in clean en- ing research tracks of solar energy financing. ergy, building energy efficiency These were agreed after a and advanced bio-fuels for five high-level delegation- years and launching a new track level meet between on smart grid and grid storage Prime Minister technology," the document said. Narendra Modi and US Strengthening their joint comPresident Barack mitment to promote super effiObama. cient off grid appliances that can Modi emphasized dramatically extend the range of India's ongoing efforts energy services available to to create a market en- those lacking electricity, both vironment that will India and the US agreed to suppromote trade and in- port the deployment of these revestment in this sector sources to help meet India's enin the meeting. ergy access goals. -PTI
Prasad woos US cos to start 'making in India' NEW DELHI: Offering lucrative incentives, Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has invited US technology companies to start manufacturing in India, for meeting domestic needs and exports, under the 'Make In India' initiative. "When we say Make in India, I invite big American companies to manufacture in India. (We will) give all benefits that are available for Indian companies. Make for India and make for exports," Prasad said at 'India US Dialogues' event organized by The Observer Research Foundation and Network 18. Prasad said there are a lot of incentives available for electronics manufacturing in India that can be
availed by US companies as well. "In plain terms, if you invest USD 100 here, we will give you USD 25. Then state incentives are also available," Prasad said. The government is making efforts to boost electronics manufacturing in the country. India imported telecom products worth Rs 69,516.37 crore in 2013-14 while exports of such items were at Rs 20,475.17 crore during the year, leaving a significant deficit of Rs 49,041.20 crore. The Telecom Minister said government has opened up Electronic Development Fund worth billions of dollars to support electronics manufacturing in the country. -PTI
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Taxation, IP basic impediments 'Make in US vs Make in India can be a win-win' in India: Banga NEW DELHI: Taxation and intellectual property rights issue are some basic starting point impediments for US businesses in India, a top Indian-American CEO said here. "The fact is that there's basic starting point impediments," Ajay Banga, CEO Master Card and chairman of the US India Business Council told reporters at a news conference. "The first one is on taxation issues. The fact that they've said they're unlikely to get new retrospective tax actions is a very good sign. We take that well. But there's a whole lot of pending cases. And for a CEO and an investor having hundreds of millions of dollars of pending cases in your balance sheet is not a nice place to be," Banga said. American companies would love to get some resolution on those, love to see progress on the transfer pricing agreement and the general sales tax, the GST, which unifies all the taxes across the country, making it easier, not just for us but for Indian investors and
Indian companies to do business in India. "It's useful for everybody," he argued. There is progress happening in all of those and that's one of them, he noted. "The next big one is to move
Ajay Banga
on with a conversation that's actually going to get covered through the intellectual property area. There's a lot of discussions going on between parties on both sides, governments and individuals, on how to make progress,' Banga said "India is looking at a new IT policy, and all we're saying is con-
sult with investors and companies so when you do produce your policy it represents the best of both sides and the best of both ways of thinking," he said. Banga said Prime Minister Narendra Modi got elected on the idea of creating a million jobs a month and improving the quality of life of the people in the country, and "we think there are three ways to do that. US companies bring capital, technology and IT people to help in all three: manufacturing, tourism, and infrastructure". "In a short span of time, Modi has taken a number of initiatives to improve business climate in India. We've got new announcements on foreign direct investment, on railways, defense and insurance," he said. "We've got the beginnings of land and labor reform that are critical to expanding for all American companies.� -PTI
NEW DELHI: Conflict of interest between US President Barack Obama's pitch for Make in America and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Make in India may arise but a 'win-win' situation can be fashioned if manufacturers on both sides embed themselves in each other's supply chains, according to Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra. "The fact that there could be a conflict between the desire to Make in America and Make in India is a very real sort of possibility...You cannot pretend that the conflict may not arise. The question then is how does one fashion a win-win?," Mahindra told PTI here. Outlining the solution, he said one of the ways would be to take a sectoral approach. "In certain sectors it may make sense in Make in India approach and in others it may make more sense for Make in America," he said. Mahindra said President Obama had tried to create the "win-win situation" during his trip with his
announcements of USD 1 billion dollar credit line for American companies exporting to India and USD 2 billion facility for financing renewable energy initiatives in India. "In essence, he is financing Make in India. It was an attempt to fashion win-win by saying in this sector it benefits America, because American companies provide technology and American suppliers get into the (Indian) market... "This is one approach that you can be even handed and you say in this area 'I am going to support Make in India, finance renewables here and the other I am going to make in the US. The key here is that the American suppliers will supply to renewables developers here (in India)." Stressing on the need for becoming a part in each other's supply chains, Mahindra said: "The goal has to be both India and America embed themselves in each other's supply chains. As long as trade between the two countries improves, even if they are making in America, if Indian companies are getting a chance to export components in America and sub-assemblies to them, we gain."-PTI
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great devout center on the banks of river Shipra, Ujjain, in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, is regarded as a sacred place since time immemorial. A holy city, which found its mention in the ancient Hindu scriptures as Avantika, Ujjain is positioned in equal terms with other major religious centers. Later the name was changed to Ujjayini, which literally means the glorious conqueror. One among the seven sacred cities of the Hindus, Ujjain has been a high-flying center of spiritual activities for over 2,000 years. The sacredness of this township is attributed by the mythological legend that during 'Sagar Manthan', one drop of nectar spilled over Ujjain, which makes it a sacred place. Whatever be the truth behind this, Ujjain has got a considerable mention in the Vedas and it is believed that two parts of Skanda Purana, are supposed to have been composed here. Ruined sculptures and monasteries have been found scattered around Ujjain, leading to the credence
that Buddhism thrived here in the 4th century. A glut of these, along with ruined temples and old remnants of houses found in the district take the visitor to the historic reign of the Mauryan Empire. Ujjain's relevance is not constrained to the small circle of a religious place. Apart from that, this city was a haven of astronomers, and great poets. Besides this, Ujjain was ruled over by many great rulers who have given out their best to this historic city. The illustrious kings of the Gupta dynasty whose reign is considered as the
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golden rule of India belonged to Ujjain. Festive occasions and fairs play a significant role in the lives of people in Ujjain and tourists should book Ujjain tour package during this time. An ancient religious centre, Ujjain is famous for the Kumbh Mela, Ardha Kumbh and Shivaratri. Today the city presents a unique blend of glorious past with the vibrancy of modernity. A plethora of ruined temples, damaged sculptures, ancient monasteries along with attractive monuments and a serene ambience, Ujjain provides unlimited opportunities of exploration. Cont’d on page 42
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Sharp inflow of tourists in country after VoA facility NEW DELHI: Union Minister Mahesh Sharma has said the country has seen a sharp inflow of foreign tourists after the government rolled out Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)-enabled Visa-onArrival (VoA) facility. "The implementation of Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)enabled Visa-on-Arrival, for 43
countries, is showing excellent results. As many as 41,114 Tourist Visa on Arrivals (TVOAs) have been issued till January 21 this year," Sharma, the Minister of State for Civil Aviation, said. He stated this at an "Interaction between Tourism and Airlines," organized by the Ministry of Tourism, and Ministry of Civil
Aviation in association with Federation of Association in Indian Tourism and Hospitality (FAITH), an official release said. Sharma said these numbers were achieved in less than months
of the roll out of the facility, adding that the government was hopeful of extending the facility to all remaining countries in the near future. Asserting that the coordination
I write on travel with my left hand: Theroux JAIPUR: Celebrated travel writer and novelist Paul Theroux has revealed he uses different hands to write in different genres! "I write with my left hand when I am writing a travel book but I use my right hand while writing fiction," Theroux said at the ongoing Jaipur Literature
Paul Theroux
Festival here. He was in conversation with authors Charles Glass, Samanth Subramaniam, Sam Miller, Brigid Keenam and William Dalrymple, about "Wanderlust and Art of travel writing." "When am writing fiction I will begin with something, I will write and rewrite and keep on wondering unless I reach a conclusion. Where as a travel book is all about trying those things and then penning them down. So I need my right hand free!," he said. The American author, who is best known for his travel writing in books such as "The Great Railway Bazaar" said, "Good travel
writing doesn't require good writing skills but it definitely requires excellent traveling skills." "When you are writing a travel book, you have certain notes, you sit with a cup of coffee and jot them down to be converted into a book with fancy glossy cover. There is much more to travel writing which is defined by the way you travel. "It is not just the ability to take trips but take risks too for discovering the most inaccessible and infamous places and admiring minute details of its beauty and importance," he added. The 73year-old author whose pieces of fiction have also been adapted in movies, said, "The way people traveled and perceived traveling changed around the 1970s when airfares went down and so did the world travel writing." "As years progressed there was too much information available that the area became more challenging but satisfying," he said. Theroux, said he admires travel writing. "There are whims and fancies of novel writing too but they are meant for a particular section of readers. They aren't for everyone. Travel books are accessible for all and hence open to revisions and discoveries," he said.PTI
Union Minister Mahesh Sharma
between tourism and airlines industries was crucial for promoting tourism in the country, he said "the government believes in bringing all stakeholders together to discuss how the air transport industry can best contribute to the development of tourism". Expressing happiness over positive growth of both international and domestic tourism, he said the growth in foreign tourist arrivals rose by 7.1 per cent in 2014 at 74.62 lakh compared to the 69.68 lakh foreign tourists in 2013. Over 90 per cent international tourists use airline services to come to India, he said, adding that the growth of aviation depends on good commercial decisions, quality and capacity of airports among others. Sharma also assured all stakeholders that the issues discussed during the interaction will be addressed in a time-frame manner.PTI
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Ujjain Cont’d from page 40
Attractions Bhartruhari Caves: Bhartruhari Caves in Ujjain is believed to be the place where Bhartrihari, the step brother of Vikramaditya, lived and meditated after renouncing worldly life. His famous works, Shringarshataka, Vairagyashataka, and Nitishataka, were possibly written here. Kalideh Palace: Situated on an island in the river Shipra, Kaliadeh Palace was built in the year 1458 AD by the Sultans of Mandu. The palace was demolished at the time of the Pindaris and was restored to its former glory by Madhav Rao Scindia in 1920. The central hall, which is surrounded with galleries, presents a classic example of Persian architecture. Though lost in the loneliness of the torrents of
lossal statue of the elephantheaded God. The elephant head of the deity signifies wisdom, discretion and foresight that the Hindus attribute to divinity. Chaubis Khamba Temple: An impressive structure, which be-
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Famous for Kumbh Mela, it is one of 7 sacred cities manifestation. Kal Bhairav temple is believed to be associated with the Tantra cult, a heretical secret religious group with brawny black magic nuances. The temple premises are mottled with holy men with ash smeared body and long
planet exercises an influence on the lives of people. Patal Bhairav Temple: A legendary temple, which holds an astounding story about the power of the mother Goddess, Patal Bhairav Temple has acquired a
Gomti Kund
Ram Mandir: Dedicated to Lord Ram who is flanked by his consort Sita on one side and brother Lakshman on the other, Ram Mandir is an eye catching spectacle. Built in the 17th century, this fabulous shrine is a fine example of structural brilliance. The walls of the pretty shrine are decorated with beautiful paintings. Ram Mandir Ghat: Ram Mandir Ghat, located near the Harsiddhi Temple, is famous for its Kumbh Mela. Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years. Ram Mandir Ghat is the most ancient bathing ghat in connection with the Kumbh celebrations. Sandipani Ashram: The ancient Indian tradition of Gurukul imparts education to students irrespective of their wealth or poverty. Besides a variety of subjects and ancient scriptures, in Gurukul students
Kalideh Palace
Ram Janardhan Mandir
Shipra River, even now, this water palace holds some religious significance. People from the nearby villages take a dip in one of the tanks, which is called as Surya Kund. Pir Matsyendranath: Pre-Islamic India held peers and saints with great respect and it is believed that they have attained spiritual awareness through stern atonement. Matsyendra, a peer belonging to the Natha sect of Shaivism lived in the outskirts of Ujjain, and Pir Matsyendranath is dedicated to the memory of this great leader. Gomti Kund: The legendary place where Lord Krishna is believed to have summoned the holy rivers from all the pilgrim centers so that his old Guru could peacefully do all the rituals. Gomti Kund is a steeped water tank, which is situated near the Sandipani Ashram. Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir: Situated near the tank of the Mahakaleshwar Temple, Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir holds a co-
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longs to ninth or tenth century AD, Chaubis Khamba Temple presents an architectural marvel. The majestic entrance gate of the magnificent Mahakala-Vana, the remains of which provide an amazing spectacle. Two splendid images of goddesses are depicted on each side of the gate with the inscription of their names on the foot steps. Gopal Mandir: Dedicated to Lord Krishna, Gopal Temple in Ujjain presents a classic example of Maratha architecture. Built in the 19th century, by Bayajibai Shinde, this huge temple is placed in the middle of a big market. Its strategic position in the heart of the city is attributed to the popularity of the temple. Kal Bhairav Temple: Bhairav is a fierce materialization of Lord Shiva, and the city of Ujjain has numerous shrines dedicated to this ferocious
matted hair. Mahakaleshwar Temple: Mahakaleshwar Temple, cited by the great poet Kalidasa in his works, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. The temple is a five-storied massive structure and its carved motives display the Rajput style of architecture while screens and pavilions combined with marble colonnades speak of the influence of Mughal style. Navagraha Mandir (Triveni): A unique temple dedicated to the planets of our solar system, Navgraha Mandir in Ujjain indicates that the planets need to be propitiated to avoid a negative influence. In India, Astronomy and Astrology adorned a pivotal role in the life of people of ancient times and the popular belief is that each Bhartruhari Caves
prime position. Hindu mythology states Bhairav Nath, a selfish demon, chased a young girl Vaishno Devi, who was none other than the incarnation of the Mother Goddess. Ram Janardhan Mandir: Constructed by Mirza Raja Jaisingh in the seventeenth century, Ram Janardan temples present an eyecatching look. Presenting an outstanding structural elegance, these temples depict masterpieces of Maratha paintings on their walls. The Maratha Kings added some of the structures in the temples in the eighteenth century. The imposing pictures on the walls of the temples add to the charm of the temples.
were taught battle techniques and spiritualism. From the Vedic period itself, Ujjain was a reputed center of learning. Best period to visit Ujjain is from October to March. How to reach By Train: Ujjain Junction is an important railway station in Western railway zone. It is well connected to all major railway stations in India. By Air: Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore is the nearest to Ujjain, which is situated 55 km away. Indore is air connected to major cities in India by public and private domestic airlines. By Bus: Ujjain is well connected by state road transport public bus services. Regular bus services are available from Indore (55 km), Gwalior (450 km), Ahmedabad (400 km) and Bhopal (195 km) to Ujjain. Super fast and Deluxe A/C buses are also available on these routes.
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Travel restrictions lifted in Gurez valley in JK JAMMU: In a significant development aimed at boosting tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, the government has lifted restrictions on travel to various places in the state, including the Gurez valley. The opening of these areas would also give a boost to the socio-economic development in these remote areas, an official spokesman said. "The government has issued an
order by virtue of which domestic tourists would now be permitted to visit places beyond Panamik up to Warshi, including Yarma-Gompa and Yarma-Gonboo monastery in Ladakh region," he said. "Keeping in view the enormous tourism potential of Gurez valley, the government has recently lifted travel restrictions for Indian citizens to visit 24 villages, namely, Koragbal, Gulshanpora,
Kanzalwan, Badwan, Wanpora, Khopri, Khandiyal, Dawar, Mastan, Markoot, Shahpora Balla, Shahpora Payeen, Zedgy, PTL, Jurniyal, Jawdera, Neeroo, Budugam, Saradad, Gundgul Sheikh, Malangam, Buduab, Gujran and Abdullan," the spokesman said. "The opening of these places will substantially expand the opportunities for creation of employment to locals," he said. Tourists and people visiting these areas and villages would be required to submit a copy of valid document issued by any government agency or Public Sector Undertaking, as proof of their identity. The natives of Gurez valley have been exempted from such process and they would not be required to submit any such document, he said. Over the years, Ladakh has emerged as an important tourist destination and many areas of Ladakh region have been opened for tourism, the spokesman said. PTI
Tourists get knockout selifie with Stallone PHILADELPHIA: A group of tourists who ran up the ``Rocky'' steps got a knockout photo at the top - a selfie with Rocky himself. Peter Rowe said he and two friends had just finished racing up the staircase at the Philadelphia Museum of Art when they saw Sylvester Stallone. ``He said to us, `Man, you guys are fast. You're making me look bad!''' Rowe said. Stallone then posed for a selfie with the trio, putting up one fist. ``Look tough, guys!'' he said, according to Rowe. Stallone made the art museum's steps famous in his first turn as fictional boxer Rocky Balboa, who used them as part of his training regimen. Thousands of people now visit the steps each year to re-create the run and to take pictures with a Rocky statue, which originally was a prop in ``Rocky III.'' Rowe's friends, Jacob Kerstan and Andrew Wright, were visiting him from Azusa Pacific University in greater Los Angeles. Rowe re-
cently graduated from the university and moved to the Lancaster area, about 60 miles west of Philadelphia.
he said of the Stallone encounter, calling it ``an unreal experience.'' Stallone is in Philadelphia for the shooting of ``Creed,'' the latest
Indians can carry only Rs 25,000 to Nepal, Bhutan MUMBAI: The Reserve Bank has allowed Indians to carry high value denomination notes while traveling to Nepal and Bhutan
with a cap of Rs 25,000 on the total amount. Indian citizens can now travel to the neighboring countries
with Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denomination notes as well, RBI said. Earlier, they were allowed to carry notes of only up to Rs 100 denomination, but there was no limit on the amount of money one could carry. The necessary amendments have been carried out in the regulations to permit this, the RBI said in a statement. Under the Narendra Modi administration, there is a stronger focus on the engagement with the neighbors. Among the first foreign visits by the Prime Minister was to Bhutan and Nepal. PTI
2 Indianapolis attractions saw record crowds INDIANAPOLIS: Two major downtown Indianapolis attractions say they saw record attendance during 2014. The Indianapolis Zoo says nearly 1.25 million people came through the turnstiles last year, topping the 50year-old zoo's old record set in 2007 by about 85,000 visitors. Last year's crowds were propelled by the opening in May of the new Simon Skjodt (scott) International Orangutan Center. The zoo hopes to draw big crowds again this year when it will host two Queensland
koalas from May 23 to Sept. 7. The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art says it drew 161,000 visitors in 2014, topping a record set in 2011.
The Indianapolis Business Journal reports the museum had its most-attended show ever with a five-month long Ansel Adams photograph exhibit. -AP
Apostle Island ice caves still inaccessible
Peter Rowe (right) takes a selfie with friends Jacob Kerstan (left) Andrew Wright (third from left) and actor Sylvester Stallone on the famous 'Rocky' steps in Philadelphia
Yet in all the time spent in L.A., Rowe said, they never saw a famous person. ``What are the chances of meeting him, that celebrity, right there?''
installment in the series. It stars Michael B. Jordan, who appeared in ``Fruitvale Station,'' as the grandson of early Rocky foe Apollo Creed.-AP
BAYFIELD, Wis.: Businesses that cater to tourists flocking to the Apostle Island ice caves say this season so far has been very different than last year. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore says there's little hope for an early ice cave season because of ice conditions. Last winter at this time, 3,000 people viewed the ice caves in one weekend. The owner of the Village Inn in Cornucopia, Cheryl O'Bryon, tells
WDIO-TV that this year ``it's a totally different world.'' She says it's ``very, very quiet.'' The locals say last year's business was unprecedented because of the amount of media attention given to the spectacle of the caves. Before the unusually long and cold winter of 2013-14, the ice caves hadn't been accessible for four years. In the years prior to that, the caves had usually been open for at least a couple of weeks in February. -AP
In Brief Gang providing illegal immigration busted LUCKNOW: Crime branch of Lucknow police has busted a gang of cheats with the arrest of five persons who have arranged illegal immigration of around 1000 people and duped them of Rs 25 crore, police said. Senior Superintendent of Police Yashaswi Yadav said that the network of the gang was spread in eastern UP. The gang members were in contact with agents in Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Gulf countries, he said. The gang allegedly used to trick people into immigration to foreign countries on the basis of tourist visas, while charging a fee for work visa from them. The immigration aspirants seeking their services were allegedly told that they were being sent on work visa. On reaching their destinations, they used to be informed by migration authorities later, that they had landed on tourist visa instead of work visa. The police spokesperson said that the gang has sent 346 people illegally on tourist visa so far. He said that 76 passports, 204 copies of passport, 68 fake medical certificates and 29 fake visas were seized from their possession. All the accused have been arrested and police has filed a case in this connection.-PTI
„ Va. defeats bill to deny immigrants in-state tuition RICHMOND, Va.: An effort to deny in-state college tuition rates to some immigrants has been narrowly defeated in the Virginia Senate. Introduced by Republican Sen. Richard Black of Loudoun County, the measure was rejected 20-19, largely along party lines, in the Republican-controlled chamber. One Republican, Sen. John Watkins of Powhatan County, voted with minority Democrats against the bill. Another Republican, Sen. Jill Holtzman Vogel of Winchester, did not vote. Democrats assailed the measure, calling it mean-spirited and discriminatory. ``It's wrong to deny these students an opportunity to earn a college degree,'' Sen. Mamie Locke, D-Hampton, said. ``What does this say about us? What does this say about Virginia?'' Republicans argued that the U.S. immigration system is dysfunctional and it is not the states' job to fix it. -AP
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Plenty of positive state actions on immigration-II Details on page 46
In challenge to Obama, House committee passes border security bill WASHINGTON: A Republicanled House committee has passed legislation over Democratic objections aimed at securing the U.S. border with Mexico within five years. House GOP leaders scheduled the bill for a floor vote next week, as Republicans sought to demonstrate that they can chart their own course on immigration - not just oppose President Barack Obama. ``For God's sakes, if we can't unite around border security what can we unite around?'' said Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas, chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security. But it remained uncertain whether House Republicans would unite around McCaul's bill, which passed his committee on a party-line vote of 18-12. Conservatives who have scuttled past attempts by GOP leaders to deal with immigration expressed concerns that the legislation does too little to stem illegal immigration. Several also expressed concerns that leadership was trying to rally support for the border security bill instead of making a strong stand against recent executive actions by Obama granting relief from deportation to mil-
lions. The border bill ``is a show horse, not a work horse, and as such it is an effort to convince the American people that we are doing something substantive to se-
Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul
cure the border when in fact nothing substantive is being done,'' said Rep. Mo Brooks, R-Ala. Democrats, meanwhile, said the bill was filled with unrealistic mandates that would make it harder for border agents to do their jobs while spending $10 billion on an array of drones, surveillance systems, radar, fencing
Cuomo backs aid for students in US illegally ALBANY, N.Y.: Gov. Andrew Cuomo is backing the so-called Dream Act that would extend state financial aid to students in
Gov. Andrew Cuomo
and other technologies that might do little real good. ``It is overly prescriptive and it is impossible, operationally, to succeed,'' said Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas. ``This bill mili-
the country illegally as part of his budget proposal for the coming fiscal year. Cuomo says that he ``strongly believes'' New York should continue its tradition of welcoming immigrants and honoring their contributions to the economy by enabling undocumented immigrants to apply for state college tuition aid. The legislation narrowly failed in the state Senate last year and it was left out of the budget agreement crafted by legislative leaders and Cuomo. Advocates - including Cuomo - had vowed to keep trying.-AP
tarizes the nation.'' The bill would require operational control of high-traffic areas of the border within two years, and operational control of the full border within five years. The bill defines operational control as stopping or turning back all attempted border crossers, which Democrats said was unrealistic.
Some past immigration and border bills, including one advanced in the last Congress by McCaul's committee, have sought to block 90 percent of would-be crossers. McCaul's earlier border bill won unanimous Democratic support by leaving it up to the administration to come up with a strategy to secure the border. This time he abandoned Democrats to write a bill designed to be tougher and win more GOP support. It comes as a number of rankand-file congressional Republicans are eager to advance immigration legislation of their own and hope a border bill will be just a first step. Immigration overhaul legislation stalled in the House in the last Congress, and Obama cited that inaction as he took unilateral steps in November to offer deportation relief and work permits to some 4 million immigrants here illegally. House Republicans attached language to a must-pass spending bill for the Homeland Security Department last week to block Obama's move, but the measure faces near-certain death in the Senate, leaving Republicans still searching for a way to stop the president.-AP
Immigrant achieves American dream with restaurant FLORENCE, S.C.: Businessman George John Poulos left an example of the epitome of the American Dream. His dream came in the form of the 301 Drive-In on West Palmetto Street in Florence, which he started in 1957. Poulos died two days before Christmas. The Drive-In, as it's known by locals, was born out of an opportunity, said his youngest daughter, Doris O'Hara. ``He came to Florence to visit his sister Olga Keretsis,'' O'Hara said. ``There was another curb service restaurant that was successful here; he saw it as a good business opportunity and opened about a year later with his father, `Papa' John Poulos.''
Shortly after, Angelo Bakis bought half the business from John. For many years Bakis and George Poulos ran the business until George sold and started the Hot Dog King on West Palmetto Street, just down from the DriveIn. O'Hara said she admired her father because he was the example of the American Dream. ``He came to this country not knowing a word of English and didn't even graduate from high school,'' she said. ``He was the American Dream, knowing where he came from and what he has today. He just had that business sense. I'm very proud of him.'' As a father O'Hara said, he was stern but fair. Cont'd on Page 46
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Colorado GOP blocks funding for driver's licenses DENVER: Democrats who pushed to get driver's licenses for Colorado immigrants regardless of their legal status are outraged over a Republican vote to block access to funds for the program. The issue is a reminder to Democrats of the power they lost in November when Republicans took control of the Senate for the first time in 10 years, and sets up what could be a contentious budget-writing process. The measure allowing driver's licenses for immigrants in the country illegally passed in 2013 and it was signed by Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper when his party controlled both legislative chambers. No Republicans voted for the bill, arguing it amounted to the state sanctioning illegal behavior. The program receives no state funding and is operated through the fees immigrants pay for their licenses, driving permits and identification cards. The state Department of Revenue, which oversees the motor vehicle offices, has asked budget writers for permission to access $166,265 in fees that have already been collected so
they can increase staffing. But with a new Senate majority, Republicans got a chance to reiterate their dislike for the new law, and the Joint Budget Committee voted 3-2 on a party-line vote to reject the request. Another Democrat on the committee was away when the vote happened, but his presence wouldn't have mattered
because approval for the request required four ``yes'' votes. ``That was a previous General Assembly,'' Republican Sen. Kent Lambert, the budget committee chair, said referring to when the driver's licenses law passed. ``This is a new General Assembly. We have a new composition and we will vote as we want to.''
Immigrant and longtime resident in the United States Rosalva Mireles is photographed by Jesus Sanchez of Spanish language newspaper El Commercio, after Mireles was processed for her permanent driver's license, and received a temporary one to use until it is ready, at a Department of Motor Vehicles office, in Denver. Colorado Democrats are decrying a Republican decision to not add funding to a program allowing immigrants to get driver's licenses regardless of their legal status. There's been high demand for the program since it launched last year.
Driver's licenses sought for Nebraska 'Dreamers' LINCOLN, Neb.: Ranchers and immigrant-rights groups are in the rare position of working together to try to change Nebraska's status as the only state that denies driver's licenses to young people protected from deportation because they were illegally brought to the United States as children. The groups gave their support to a new bill that would allow licenses for youths who qualify under the Obama administration program, saying the current policy hurts Nebraska's economy by making it harder for the immigrants to find jobs in industries that need them. ``It just doesn't make sense,'' said state Sen. Jeremy Nordquist of Omaha, the measure's lead sponsor. ``Why would we want to limit their ability to work and contribute to our economy?'' The state directive was approved in 2012 by former Gov. Dave Heineman, a Republican who campaigned heavily against illegal immigration. His successor, Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts, said during his campaign that he would maintain the policy. Ricketts argued that
those who arrived in the country illegally shouldn't receive privileges intended for legal residents. A similar law in Arizona was blocked by a federal appeals
The bill's prospects are uncertain in the officially nonpartisan Legislature, where Republicans outnumber Democrats 3513, plus one independent. court in July, leaving Nebraska as the only state with such a policy. The bill's prospects are uncertain in the officially nonpartisan Legislature, where Republicans outnumber Democrats 35-13, plus one independent. But in addition to support from immigration and worker ad-
vocacy groups, the measure is backed by the influential Nebraska Cattlemen Association and the Nebraska Restaurant Association. Both industries rely on immigrants to fill open jobs as the state confronts a labor shortage. ``This is about growing Nebraska and being pro-business,'' said Kristen Hassebrook, a lobbyist for the Nebraska Cattlemen Association. ``We're looking for people who want to live in rural Nebraska, who have the requisite skills to work with us, and who want to do the work that we do. And often, the folks at the top end up being from an immigrant background.'' The federal policy, which took effect in 2012 and is known as the DREAM Act, grants a temporary reprieve to young immigrants brought into the country illegally as children. It applies only to those with clean criminal records who are in school, have received high school diplomas, or served in the U.S. military. An estimated 2,700 youths in Nebraska qualify. -AP
In 2011, Lambert proposed an Arizona-style immigration law in Colorado, but his bill was immediately defeated by Democrats controlling the Senate at the time. There's been high demand for the licenses since the state began issuing them last August, with applicants waiting months - for an appointment. So far 7,729 licenses have been issued, according to the revenue department. Sen. Jessie Ulibarri, the Democrat who sponsored the law, said the budget committee's vote amounts to defunding the program and will reduce the number of offices where immigrants can get licenses. Currently, immigrants can get licenses at five offices statewide. ``This is unprecedented because you don't defund existing law through the budget process,'' Ulibarri said. ``If you have a point you want to debate, it should hap-
pen on the floor of the Senate in the full light of day.'' But the issue is far from resolved, and Republicans acknowledged that. The funding request can come up again, and Democrats control the House, giving them leverage in the budget-writing process. ``It's not necessarily over. It's completely open and still to be debated,'' said Republican Sen. Kevin Grantham, another budget committee member. Democrats argue the law will lead to safer roads because drivers will know the rules after passing the license test, and law enforcement will correctly identify people in traffic stops and accidents. Colorado was among eight states in 2013 that passed laws allowing driver licenses or identification documents for people in the country illegally. -AP
PRADEEP ROY-SINGH B.A. LL.B. M.B.A. J.D. Attorney-at-Law
Former Assistant StateÂ’s Attorney
Civil & Criminal Litigation Felonies, Misdemeanors, Inc DUI 1 Personal Injury, Business, Divorce etc. 1 Property Tax for Commercial Properties 1 1
http://www.proy-singh.com
2335 W. Devon Ave., Suite 204, Tel: 773-381-1820 Chicago, IL 60659
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Plenty of positive state actions on immigration-II GARY ENDELMAN & CYRUS D. MEHTA
Continued from last week
I
n the same vein, a state can designate certain occupations as shortage occupations, which may assist the Department of Labor in more easily certifying a labor certification pursuant to INA ยง 212(a)(5) of an employer filed on behalf of a non-citizen resident in the state. A state can be a more effective judge of shortage occupations than the federal government, and if a labor certification is filed on behalf of a non-citizen in that particular state designated shortage occupation, the DOL may be more influenced in making a favorable determination on the labor certification. In fact, increased involvement by the states in identifying labor market shortages in their jurisdictions is precisely what Congress had in mind when in created the modern system of labor certification in 1965. Rather than a hyper-technical system of individualized recruitment, Congress thought it was setting up a structure in which the states would funnel information on job vacancies to their federal unemployment insurance colleagues that would then guide the Secretary of Labor: "The system set up by the DOL
That is why the DOL placed the Foreign Labor Certification Program squarely within the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Division, now known as the Workforce Security Division. This was done so that the statistics would be readily available to the labor certification administrators at the DOL from the UI folks. Ultimately, the thought went, statistics represent people, and the states could funnel the names and addresses of such people to the Secretary of Labor who, in turn, would provide them to an employer so that labor certification would not be necessary. [Footnotes omitted]." See Endelman, The Lawyer's Guide to INA 212(a) (5) (A): Labor Certification from 1952 to PERM, www.ilw.com/articles/2004,1102endelman.shtm Similarly, even with regards to an undocumented immigrant, a state may be able to enact criteria for recommending that such a person, who has otherwise not been convicted of significant crimes and is say an essential farm worker, is deserving of prosecutorial discretion by the federal government under its new enforcement priorities pursuant to President Obama's executive actions to remain in the state and prevent its farm produce from oth-
Rather than a hyper-technical system of individualized recruitment, Congress thought it was setting up a structure in which the states would funnel information on job vacancies to their federal unemployment insurance colleagues that would then guide the Secretary of Labor after 1965 was exactly what Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) had promised Congress when he served as the floor leader for this legislation: a system based not on individual recruitment but on statistical calculation. That is also precisely why the DOL lost case after case in the federal courts: the willing requirement cannot be satisfied by statistics. Badly wanting an immigration bill that would abolish the national origin quotas and admit more immigrants, Sen. Kennedy agreed to the price set by organized labornamely, a more stringent form of labor market control. Congress went along with Sen. Kennedy but did so in the belief that the Secretary of Labor would have access to the names of individual U.S. job seekers already on file with the state employment services, who were the human faces behind all these numbers.
erwise rotting away. There may already be such authority under INA section 287(g), which authorizes the federal government to enter into a written agreement with a state to perform the function of a qualified immigration officer in relation to the "investigation, apprehension and detention" of non-citizens. In the era where the government has implemented a broad prosecutorial discretion policy, a state can assist the federal government in the "investigation," rather than the apprehension or detention, of an individual who may merit such discretion from the federal government. The Tenth Amendment of the United States Constitution provides that "all powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to [from] the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the
people." This is the constitutional foundation for the "laboratories of democracy" concept and is integral to the American federalist tradition. Under the general rubric of the state police power, the idea was that different policies could be road tested on the state level without directly influencing anyone else. If any one or more of those policies worked in any one statehouse laboratory, they could then be expanded to the national level by act of Congress. For example, Massachusetts established a health care reform law in 2006 that became the model for the subsequent Affordable Care Act at the national level in 2010. As the Supreme Court has allowed a seemingly limitless expansion of the federal power to regulate interstate commerce since the late 1930's, the relevance of the "laboratory of democracy" model has significantly faded. However, now that we know that the federal government cannot use the Commerce Clause to compel consumers to purchase health insurance, perhaps the Progressive-era invocation of the states as laboratories of democracy will witness a modest revival. There are, however, undeniable limits that properly circumscribe what experiments the state laboratories can conduct when it comes to immigration. Only the Congress can determine who comes to the United States and under what terms or conditions. Any state-attempt to cross that line and set immigration policy on its own will find a less than friendly judicial reception. That is why after upholding Section 2B of SB 1070 the Supreme Court did not allow Arizona to criminalize unauthorized employment ( Section 5(c) of SB 1070) or failure to carry an alien registration document ( Section 3 of SB 1070). That is why Arizona was not allowed to sanction warrantless arrest of aliens concerning whom a police officer had probable cause to believe had committed a removable offense (Section 6 of SB 1070). That is why Utah has not implemented its guest worker law 3 years after enactment. That is why a federal district court in 2009 held the Illinois ban on employer enrollment in E-Verify to be violative of the Supremacy Clause. What then distinguishes what Michigan and Massachusetts have done from the constitutionally infirm policies attempted in other states? Does not encouragement of state immigration laws implicitly encourage infringement of the plenary federal power over
immigration policy? The key difference is that Michigan and Massachusetts rely exclusively on what Congress has already done. They seek only new and improved ways to take advantage of existing law, to adapt national standards to state and local needs. There is no attempt to create new visas or enforce new restrictions above and beyond what Congress felt was necessary and proper. A state immigration law linked to the existing INA has nothing to fear. A state immigration law that substitutes its own judgment for that of Congress cannot be allowed to stand. That is the difference between what we advocate and what the federal courts will not accept. The Massachusetts and Michi-
his inherent discretionary power to partially remediate our dysfunctional immigration system. The objections to such actions are grounded on a claimed violation of separation of powers. For those who hold such views, and we do not, the resort to constitututionally compatible state immigration laws, should be a more palpable alternative. For those who endorse what the President has done, and we proudly count ourselves among them, such state immigration laws should be embraced as welcome companions in the campaign for a more just system. That it seems a bit odd should be no reason to pull back from such a step. As that noted Ameri-
For those who hold such views, and we do not, the resort to constitututionally compatible state immigration laws, should be a more palpable alternative. For those who endorse what the President has done, and we proudly count ourselves among them, such state immigration laws should be embraced gan experiments are useful and relevant for another reason. It seems sadly obvious that Congress will not, in the absence of a national consensus, enact comprehensive immigration reform, though we devoutly wish this was not so. In response, the President has and doubtless will continue to exercise
can political philosopher Lawrence Peter Berra so aptly noted: "When you come to a fork in the road, take it!" Concluded * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com
Immigrant achieves American dream with restaurant Cont'd from Page 44
He taught his daughters the value of a dollar and hard work. When O'Hara was old enough, her father made her work at the Hot Dog King. She said it was not one of her favorite jobs. ``We were spoiled but you knew where the dollar came from and we knew where to draw the line,'' she said. ``His girls were his world, and he was ours.'' George also had a long history of being active in the community as a member of the Transfiguration of Our Savior Greek Orthodox Church and as past president of the church board. For nearly 20 years he hosted a coffee club at the Drive-In, hosting men from all walks of life, before the restaurant opened each day. One of those informal coffee club members is John Dowling, former owner of Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home.
``He was just one of the easiest people to be around,'' Dowling said. ``It's a wonder that the world's problems didn't get solved in those days. I think he liked us sitting around talking while he got ready for the day's business. I can't think of anything that could take away about how I feel knowing George. He always made us feel welcome, even if you weren't Greek.'' The Drive-In these days is coowned by George Nikolakakos, his father, Nick, and sister, Pauline Kremydas. Nikolakakos didn't ever work for George but knew him all of his life. ``He was a savvy business man,'' Nikolakakos said. ``If I learned one thing from him it's that if you see an opportunity, jump on it and treat your customers right. I guess in many ways he was a pioneer. He was also a loving family man and all about God and country.''-AP
Datebook
January 30, 2015
NEW YORK
NEW JERSEY
Upcoming
Upcoming Sat, Jan 31 • INDIA Republic Day Venue: North Brunswick High School, 98 Raider Road, North Brunswick, NJ 08902 Time : 12:00 pm Contact: 732-801-4814
Sat, Feb 28 • NJTS 2015 Annual Membership Venue: New jersey Tamil Sangam, 30 Ginger Dr, NJ 08837 Time: 9:00 pm
Sat, Mar 14 • Music Workshop by Sharda Rajan Venue: Homewood suites by Hilton, 66 Stanley St, East Rutherford, NJ 07073 Time: 10:00 am Contact: 203-599-1437
Fri, Feb 13
• Bollywood Disco Presidents Day Weekend Venue: Drom NYC, 85 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009 Time: 10:00 pm Contact: 718-207-0058
Sat, Feb 14 • Harry Malhotras Valentine Party
Venue: Antun's by minar, 244 W Old Country Rd, Hicksville, NY 11801 Time : 8:00 pm Contact: 917-325-4903
Sat, Feb 14
• Valentine Grand Bollywood Gala with USAS Venue: Castle Royale, 92 Waverly St, Yonkers, NY 10701 Time : 6:00 pm Contact: 917-903-4000
India Post 47
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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
CHICAGO
Upcoming
Upcoming
Sat, Jan 31 • Akshaya Patra Reception for
Sun, Feb 15 • Brahma Kumaris Silicon Valley Meditation Center, Milpitas will celebrate Shivratri
President Vicente Fox and Dr. Deepak Chopra Venue: The Renaissance Hotel Long Beach by Marriott, 111 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802 Timet: 06:30 pm Contact: 424-765-0907
Sat, Jan 31 • The Biggest International Bollywood New Years Eve Ball Rhythm Venue: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 39900 Balentine Dr, Fremont-Newark, CA 94560 Time: 07:00 pm Contact: 510-432-6385
Sat, Feb 7 • Roshni - Cricket 2015 Venue: Rancho Santa Susana Community Park, 5005 C E Los Angeles Ave, Simi Valley, CA 93063 Time :07:00 pm Contact: 310-920-1863
Sun, Feb 8 • Surati Ponk – Undhiyu” Ujjani 20145 Venue: Shreemaya Krishnadham, 25 Corning Ave., Milpitas, CA 95035 Timet: 1:00 pm Contact: 408-586-0006
Sat, Mar 14 • South Asian Heart Center's Seventh Annual Scarlet Night Gala Venue: Mission City Room at the Santa Clara Convention Center at 5001 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA. Timet: 6 to 11:30 p.m Contact: 650 940 7242
Venue: Jain Center, 722 S. Main St., Milpitas, CA 95035 Time: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm Contact: www.bksiliconvalley.org
Fri, Mar 13 • Zakir Hussain Celtic Connection Venue: Pabst Theater, 144 E Wells St, Milwaukee, WI 53202 Time: 8:00 pm Contact: 414-467-3032
ATLANTA Upcoming Sat, Jan 31 • Maa Tujhe Salaam Venue: Shree Shakti Mandir's Sumant Center, 1450 Huie Rd, Morrow, GA 30260 Time: 6:00 pm Contact: 678-789-4690
Sat, Feb 14 • Cupid Calling ! Valentines Day Party 2015 Venue: Ashiana banquet hall, 5675 Jimmy Carter Blvd, Norcross, GA 30071 Time: 9:00 pm Contact: 404-246-3256
Mon, Aug 31 • MITHAS 2014 Membership Venue: Wong Auditorium, MIT, 70 Memorial Dr, Cambridge, MA 02142 Time: 07:00 pm Contact: 857-205-9731
ILLINOIS Upcoming • J K Yog Satsang and Bal Mukund Hindi Classes are held every 2nd and 4rth Sunday of Month Chicago Satsang Information: J K Yog, Chicago - Swami Mukundananda Venue: Clarion Inn/Waterford Banquets, Board Room, 933 South Riverside Drive, Elmhurst, IL 60126 Time: 3:30pm-5:30pm Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-561-4807 Website: www.jkyog.org
1st and 3rd Sunday of Month • Chicago Children's Bal Mukund Character Building Program and Hindi Literacy Classes Venue: Vogelei Center, 650 W. Higgins Road, Hoffmann Estates, IL 60192 (Next to Nissan Dealership) Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-561-4807
Mondays and Fridays • Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Metropolitan Asian Family Services Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105
Mondays and Fridays • Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Where: Metropolitan Asian Family Services Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105Time: 5:30 pm
48
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January 30, 2015
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For Classifieds NORTHERN CA (Priya) Tel. 510-275-4467 priya@indiapost.com SOUTHERN CA (Shashi Trivedi) Tel: 562-441-5511/ Fax: 562-947-0632
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Horoscope
January 30, 2015
India Post
49
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Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar
January 30th - February 5th 2015 (March 21 to April 20)
M
ind will be little restless as some of you may find yourself suddenly working in a hostile environment and start looking for opportunities outside. A female could be the root cause of trouble at work. Money wise you will continue to stay in comfort zone. It will be better to dispose off money making stocks and wait.
(April 21 to May 20)
V
alue of your assets and stocks recently pur chased will escalate considerably. Avoid taking any hasty decisions about career and d not sign any business contract in a hurry unless you like all terms. You may have your eyes set on a nice piece of property. Bachelors will be introduced to another professional by a friend.
(May 21 to June 20)
Y
ou will continue exploring the opportunity to start a new venture in partnership with an old friend. Things will get slightly relaxed at work and boss will make the necessary recommendations. A clear victory in legal matters possible. You may miss some one who was too close in the past and may try to find him.
(June 21 to July 22)
Y
ou will benefit from some one with lots of political connections. It will be better to dispose off money making stocks and wait another week to buy them back. Spouse may buy some fine art or decorative item for the house. Expenses towards children will increase. An old health issue could flare up again.
(July 23 to August 22)
(November 23 to December 22)
L
uck is definitely on your side. You will be very fortunate with money this week. You will have more than one chance to make some fast bucks. New contract will reduce the liability and will come on easy terms. A female will make some unreasonable demands, watch out. Some of you will be getting ready for upcoming trip.
(August 23 to September 22)
T
hings will be kind of slow this week. You will need to make several attempts to get the things done. Money wise you will stay comfortable unless you make new commitments and stretch your limits. You may visit a holy place with family this week. An old friend will call and invite you to a get together at his place.
(September 23 to October 22)
A
new association is on the horizon and it will be lucky in long terms. You will have a great opportunity to make some extra money this week. You will also make final payment on several bills. Mind will be lot balanced and you will take all decisions with a calm mind. Business trip will be an instant success.
(October 23 to November 22)
R
unning around will not go waste. Bachelors will receive a very nice proposal through another relative this week. You may take a short trip to another state on a very short notice. Value of your stocks will appreciate and it will be better to hold on to them. You may be in market to replace one of your cars.
PANDIT PARASHAR, CEO & COO Astro Scan USA is also available for individual consultations. He can be reached at: parashar@parashar.com
Y
ou will be again fortunate in all money matters. Stocks and lottery can be ben eficial. Boss will be pleased with your performance and may recommend your promotion. You may visit an old friend or a close relative this weekend to attend a big get together. You will also purchase some nice cloths for your self.
(December 22 to January 19)
P
resence of Mars in second is slightly alarming for finances. Unexpected expenses may crop up from every where and you may start charging heavily on your Cards. Some of you may start some kind of loan process also this week. Avoid too much hot or spicy food. You may invite few friends at your place this weekend.
(January 20 to February 18)
Y
ou may keep pouring more money into a project. Keep an eye on your blood pressure and try to play safe when using a ladder this week to fix something. It's a promising week for job seekers. Do not be in a rush to accept this one as another better offer is only a week away. Children will plan a small trip.
(February 19 to March 20)
I
t will a very interesting week. Opportunities will come from nowhere. Good things you never dreamed about can happen. An influential person will become close friend and give some very practical and useful leads. On the other hand expenses will not leave you alone. You will buy some nice items for the house.
510-886-4370 www.parashar.com
50 India Post
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DORAL: Colombia's Paulina Vega was crowned Miss Universe here, beating out contenders from the United States, Ukraine, Jamaica and The Netherlands at the world's top beauty pageant in Florida. The 22-year-old model and business student triumphed over 87 other women from around the world, and is only the second beauty queen from Colombia to take home the prize. The last time Colombia won the crown was in 1956 when Luz Marina Zuluaga took home the title. Vega, wearing a long silver sequined gown, was beaming and tearful as she accepted her sash and crown from reigning Miss Universe, Venezuelan Gabriela Isler. She edged out first runner-up, Nia Sanchez from the United States, hugging her as her win was announced. Vega spoke proudly of her country, and said in the question round Colombia "has been a role model for the rest of the world." "We are persevering people, despite all the obstacles, we keep fighting for what we want to achieve. After years of difficulty, we are leading in several areas on the world stage."
January 30, 2015
Miss Colombia Paulina Vega reacts after hearing she has become Miss Universe at the Miss Universe pageant in Miami
Miss Colombia Paulina Vega smiles as the the crown is placed on her head as she becomes Miss Universe during the Miss Universe pageant in Miami
Florida International University, geared up with the traditional parade of eye-catching national costumes before a full house of enthusiastic fans. Ten judges were tasked to select this year's winner, including Cuban-American music mogul Emilio Estefan, Cuban soap opera star William Levy and Philippine boxing great Manny Pacquiao. The event is actually the 2014 Miss Universe pageant. The competition was pushed back until now to try to get a bigger television audience. The contest, owned by Donald Trump, is watched by about 600 million worldwide, pageant officials say. There was some criticism of the USD 2.5 million contribution that the city of Doral made to the pageant, as local politicians were divided over whether the promotion for the city near Miami is worth that money.-AFP
Miss Colombia Paulina Vega is crowned Miss Universe 2014 by Miss Universe 2013 Gabriela Isler of Venezuela (hidden) at the 2014 Miss Universe Final at the FIU Arena in Miami, USA, 25 January
Vega won highest possible score of 9.9 in every presentation at the Miss Universe Colombia contest, according to the pageant's website. The five-foot-nine (180 centimeter) model from Barranquilla is the granddaughter of legendary tenor Gaston Vega and 1953 Miss Atlantico, Elvira Castillo. She beat out Ukraine's Diana Harkusha, Yasmin Verheijen from the Netherlands and Miss Jamaica Kaci Fennell, who were also top five finalists. The 63rd edition of the Miss Universe pageant, held at
The 15 top finalist contestants pose during the Miss Universe pageant in Miami
India Post 51
January 30, 2015 www.indiapost.com
R K Laxman dead but 'Common Man' lives PUNE: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced a memorial for legendary cartoonist R K Laxman who passed away here on January 26. "Laxman was not just a cartoonist - what he said through his cartoons will inspire future governments...Though he is no more, The Common Man he created will live forever," Fadnavis
said while paying homage to Laxman here. In a rare honor, Maharashtra government accorded a state funeral to Laxman, 94, who died in a private hospital after a brief illness. With his body draped ceremoniously, the last rites were performed with full state honors at Vaikuntha Crematorium here. Top political leaders, media personalities, industrialists, film personalities and others have condoled his death, besides an outpouring of grief, affection and love for him on various social networking sites. Besides Fadnavis, several of his cabinet colleagues, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray and commoners from different walks of life came to a private college here to pay tributes to Laxman. The brother of late English novelist R K Narayan, Laxman is survived by his writer wife Kamala, retired journalist son Srinivas and daughter-in-law Usha.
Renowned for his creation of The Common Man, which ran for several decades in The Times of India, under the title "You Said It", Laxman breathed his last at the hospital. NEW DELHI: President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have paid rich tributes to legendary cartoonist R K Laxman, who died in Pune, describing him as a genius who brought smiles with his wit and humor. "In death of Laxman, India will miss the genius who made the common man into a national icon," the President said expressing his condolences. "I feel personal loss because I was both an avid follower and subject of Laxman's cartoons," Mukherjee tweeted. In his condolence message, the Prime Minister said, "India will miss you RK Laxman. We are grateful to you for adding the much needed humor in our lives & always bringing smiles on our faces." "My condolences to the family & countless well-wishers of a legend whose demise leaves a major void in our lives. RIP RK Laxman," Modi tweeted. Vice President Hamid Ansari said Laxman touched the lives of millions of our countrymen by his incisive humor and socially relevant messages expressed through his immensely popular cartoons. In her message, Congress President Sonia Gandhi said Laxman's "Common Man", for more than one generation, represented India and served as the conscience keeper of the establishment. "Laxman was an intellectual giant who will be missed for decades to come and will serve as an inspiration to many," she said. Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said, "Laxman touched the lives of the common people in many ways and portrayed their problems and aspirations for over half a century." Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi said, "Through his cartoons he held up a mirror to soci-
ety - making us laugh at ourselves, while putting the concern of the common man at the forefront. "One of the most incisive observers and commentators of post independence India, his loss will be mourned by the whole nation," he said. Maharashtra Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao described the leg-
would be truly missed, he said. Describing Laxman as the man who took the art of the cartoonist to a new level, Fadnavis said the country has not only lost a master artist, but also a world-renowned journalist. "Through R K Laxman's demise, we have lost an exceptionally intelligent person, who made famous the art of satirical cartoons the world over. He was a rare kind of man," Fadnavis said.
"He exhibited exceptional intelligence when he made cartoons of political leaders. He was able to accurately describe the political and social happenings through his cartoons. His 'Common Man' turned out to be the voice of the common man," he added. His death has created a void not only in the field of satirical cartoons, but in Indian journalism, which can never be filled, the chief minister said. -PTI
Big B overwhelmed by Padma Vibhushan
R K Laxman
endary cartoonist as the most powerful representative of the common man who articulated the viewpoints of "the silent millions". Laxman was the "most effective commentator on issues of national and international importance to have dominated the news space for such a long time", Rao said in a statement here. "(Laxman) understood the joys and sorrows of the common man and articulated the viewpoints of the silent millions of India for more than five decades through his eloquent cartoons," he said. The governor also noted that Maharashtra was the "karmabhoomi" of the late cartoonist and he was loved by the people of the state. The state's chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis, said on twitter.com that he was saddened by the "demise of Creator of Common Man'". Laxman's art and wit
MUMBAI: Megastar Amitabh Bachchan says he is honored to be chosen for the Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian award of the country, and overwhelmed by the affection of the people. The 72-year-old national award winning actor, who is also the recipient of the Padma Bhushan and Padma Shree, said he has no words to express his gratitude. "The Government of India has decorated me today with the highest Padma Award of the country, the Padma Vibhushan...I have no words to express my gratitude to the powers that be and am most humbled and overwhelmed by the generosity of the people that decide or sit on judgment on this...'" Bachchan posted on his blog. The 'Shamitabh' star said with this honor, they now have seven such awards of the highest national acclaim in his family. "My Father: Padma Shree, Padma Bhushan. Jaya: Padma
Shree, Aishwarya: Padma Shree, AB: Padma Shree, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan. In one family this must be perhaps the only reference or case in the country," Bachchan wrote. The actor thanked his fans for making him what he is today. "I feel blessed and honored, fortunate and humbled, overwhelmed and submerged by the affection and love of the people...," Bachchan said. -PTI
Amitabh Bachchan
52 India Post
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5 Indiana athletes train for 'American Ninja Warrior' GREENWOOD, Ind.: Ninja training started promptly at 5:30 a.m. in the Center Grove area gym. Athletes hung from rings chained to the ceiling, swinging by one arm to grab a nearby rope tied to a rafter. Using only their fingertips, they dangled from a wooden beam and inched from left to right. Jumping up onto unsteady towers of gym equipment and running across a spinning plastic tube helped build core strength, balance and coordination. The exercises may seem bizarre and the workout intensity borderline insane. But for five area men, it's the best way to be ready to win the annual ``American Ninja Warrior'' competition. The Fast Five have created a makeshift obstacle course that they can set up and take down as needed. Their goal for the past year is to prepare as best as possible to be chosen for the competition, shown on TV every summer on NBC and the Esquire Network. ``People think that since they've done monkey bars, they can do this,'' Daniel Niles, a member of the Fast Five team, told the Daily Journal. ``But it's not that easy. You have to use your core, you have to use your legs, and you have to keep everything tense in those moments to get that explosive power to get to the end of the obstacle.'' The ninja workout started as the idea of Bill Westrick, 47, of Greenwood. He watched ``American Ninja Warrior'' when it started being broadcast on television. The more he saw the display of raw athleticism, skill and acrobatics, the more he wanted to try it himself. He convinced a friend, Danny Owens, to submit an online application and video of their personalities in hopes of being chosen for the show. Owens, 42, from Mooresville, met Westrick while doing a boot camp class at the Community Life Center, the fitness ministry of Mount Pleasant Christian Church. They developed a friendly competition, a key aspect of what became their Ninja training. ``Bill has been doing off-thewall workouts for several years,'' Owens said. ``We'd go outside and run, climbing over walls and trees, whatever is out there.'' Both Westrick and Owens applied for the show in 2014, and Westrick was accepted to the show. But he was unable to complete the course. He hopes to change that this time around. And he's bringing compatriots.
From their core group of two, more members joined the workouts. Joel McCall, 45, of Greenwood, knew Westrick through boot camp as well. ``I like to thrill seek, and I love to do crazy stuff, so that's why he invited me to join,'' McCall said. ``It is a challenge, because you change up obstacles every time. You come in here every week, and it's never the same.'' Their enthusiasm attracted Gabe Dougherty, 41, of Camby and Niles, 29, of Indianapolis. Niles was recovering from a car accident when Westrick recommended hanging out with the group. As the youngest member of group, he's become the test subject for many of their creations. ``He made me get up on one of these and do yoga stances while that thing is shaking back and forth, just to see how good my core was and my balance was,'' Niles said. Westrick is an engineer by trade and fashions the ninja challenges in his own workshop. He
``A lot of people get there and start to do these things, and they look like a deer in the headlights, because they've never done it before,'' Dougherty said. ``You're not going to see all of these exact same things, but it's the same concept. Hanging from a rope is hanging from a rope.'' One of the only obstacles they can't recreate inside the gym is the Warped Wall, a 14-foot-tall wall that competitors need to scramble over. The malicious designers of it made the top flair out, so that athletes actually have to go up and out to get over it. ``You have to run up and push yourself out just to grab it and get over it,'' Owens said. The course is set up to be timed, so every training session is designed so the athletes can beat their buddy's time. Those who aren't taking part keep score, docking points for touching the ground or using the wall to brace themselves. Ninja-specific training is bolstered by pull-ups, sit-ups and
studies past ``American Ninja Warrior'' episodes to get his obstacles as close to those used in the show as possible. ``If we can build it and practice on it, we have much more of a likelihood of being successful,'' Westrick said. ``We watch the show to see the scale and how far apart things are.'' The salmon ladder consisted of a straight metal bar that the athletes have to hang from while progressively jumping up to hooks 6 inches apart. On the pipe slider, they have to hang on to a length of pipe as it slips down a metal track, timing it to jump and grab a waiting rope at the end of the track. He created a spinning log replica out of a length of plastic pipe and supports with wheels that let it rotate. Often, they have to swing their way around the multipurpose room solely by using ropes, without touching the ground.
strength training. The group runs on rock beds to train their ankles not to turn on uneven ground. They pull themselves up on the eaves of buildings. They run across a field carrying cinder blocks or hike with a 30-pound rock. They do a workout called the ``Murph,'' consisting of a mile run to start, 100 pullups, 200 pushups, 300 squats and then another mile, all under 40 minutes. ``That last mile is unbelievably hard. You were just doing squats, and your legs are all over the place,'' Dougherty said. The team approach is unique for this type of competition. Most athletes on ``American Ninja Warrior'' train and work out individually. The Fast Five group wanted to band together and all get in as one. That mentality has the effect of wringing the best performance out of each one in the group.
``We can inspire each other, cheer each other on and root for each other and love on each other and give Band-Aids to each other when we're bleeding,'' Westrick said. ``It's continually pushing yourself. If one of the guys does it, then you have to do it, too.'' Applications for this year's ``American Ninja Warrior'' had to
be submitted by Jan. 11, and competitors will find out if they've been accepted to the show anytime between now and March. If accepted, they'll compete at one of the regional sites, most likely Kansas City, Missouri, or Pittsburgh. The best of each qualifying city moves on to the championship in Las Vegas. -AP
Humor and wit in Manjunath's sculptures, drawings NEW DELHI: Terracotta sculptures and drawings by Delhibased artist Manjunath Kamath investigates narratives of everyday life interwoven with mythologies and stories. In his new body of work titled "Postponed Poems," Kamath has created modern narratives out of classical, traditional sculptures. Kamath's collecting hobby of over 30 years forms the basis for understanding of his recent work. he artist says he is fascinated with the amazing forms of the past such as traditional temple sculptures, broken parts of old havelis, ritual masks and icons of god and goddesses. He has captured such antiques in terracotta sculptures, which he has turned into a modern metaphor replete with humor and satire. "I have a great fascination for traditional classical sculpture and paintings from my childhood, and I still remember that I spent hours looking at those sculptures in temple chariots and on walls. I have spent hours with local crafts-
ral then that I would want to bring the aesthetics of this classical style into my works but interpret them on my own terms. It is like reconnecting to our roots," he says. Kamath, who studied sculpture at Chamarajendra Academy of Visual Arts (CAVA) in Mysore, says he has been conceptualizing the show for the last five years, and the attempt to use classical influence in contemporary art was a challenge. "In present times, when art practice is becoming uni-directional, I have negated the predictable ideas. I feel every artist should rethink and question his art practice. Globalization flattened the plurality of aesthetics all over the world, and somehow we lost different local and regional flavors. There is a lack of personal expression, I think that it's very hard to recognize which is Indian art and which is western, and there is no connection to the roots." The solo show that began here
Manjunath Kamath
men watching them make idols of gods and goddesses," says the 42-year-old artist. "Eventually, I even started collecting classical sculptures and paintings like ritual masks, wooden and metal sculptures, parts of temple chariots, old terracotta sculptures. It was natu-
recently at the city's Gallery Espace is set to continue till February 28. Kamath tells many stories with his images but his narratives are altered and adjusted constantly, adapting fluidly according to the environment they are narrated in, and resulting in a different meaning each time a story is told. -PTI
Philosophy
January 30, 2015
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I
had flattered myself that my contribution to the women's cause definitely began with the discovery of satyagraha. But the writer of the letter is of opinion that the fair sex requires treatment different from men. It is so, I do not think any man will find the correct solution. No matter how much he tries, he must fail because nature has made him different from woman. Only the toad under the harrow knows where it pinches him. Therefore ultimately woman will have to determine with authority what she needs. My own opinion is that, just as fundamentally man and woman are one, their problem must be one in essence. The soul in both is the same. The two live the same life, have the same feelings. Each is a complement of the other. The one cannot live without the other's active help. But somehow or other man has dominated woman from ages past, and so woman has developed an inferiority complex. She has believed in the truth of man's interested teaching that she is inferior to him. But the seers among men have recognized her equal status. Nevertheless there is no doubt that at some point there is bifurcation. Whilst both are fundamentally one, it is also equally true that in the form there is a vital difference between the two. JAMES SWARTZ
P
erception, inference, and language are means of knowl edge. The means of knowledge we use is determined by the type of object we want to know. For example, if I want to see a sunset I can't use my ears. Knowledge of thought depends on intellect. To understand feelings I should have a heart The means of knowing relative things is obvious, but the knowledge revealing the limitless I is subtle because it has to remove a deep and hidden obstacle, the ignorance of my limitless nature. For the means to operate properly, assuming a clear message is coming from the scripture through the teacher, the mind must be trained to listen. Listening with an open mind requires disciplined and consistent setting aside of cherished views of oneself and world. A means of knowledge is not brainwashing, accepting a new belief system; its only purpose is to deliver a clear vision of truth, the limitless I. Simply hearing that one is free of limitation is not enough. Doubt comes from incomplete and incorrect thinking and is only removed by careful and patient reflection. Meditation as a thought-free state
Hence the vocations of the two must also be different. The duty of motherhood, which the vast majority of women will always undertake, requires qualities which man need not possess. She is passive, he is active. She is essentially mistress of the house. He is the bread-winner. She is the keeper and distributor of the bread. She is the care-taker in every sense of the term. The art of bringing up the infants of the race is her special and sole pre-
In trying to ride the horse that man rides, she brings herself and him down. The sin will be on man's head for tempting or compelling his companion to desert her special calling. There is as much bravery in keeping one's home in good order and condition as there is in defending it against attack from without. My contribution to the great problem lies in my presenting for acceptance truth and ahimsa in every walk of life, whether for individuals or nations. I have
sex impulse. I have suggested in these columns that woman is the incarnation of ahimsa. Ahimsa means infinite love, which again means infinite capacity for suffering. Who but woman, the mother of man, shows this capacity in the largest measure? She shows it as she carries the infant and feeds it during nine months and derives joy in the suffering involved. What can beat the suffering caused by the pangs of labor? But she forgets them in the joy of cre-
Woman is the incarnation of Ahimsa, or infinite love
Mahatma Gandhi
Man has dominated woman from ages past, and so woman has developed an inferiority complex. She has believed in the truth of man's interested teaching that she is inferior to him. But the seers among men have recognized her equal status.
rogative. Without her care the race must become extinct. In my opinion it is degrading both for man and woman that woman should be called upon or induced to forsake the hearth and shoulder the rifle for the protection of that hearth. It is a reversion to barbarity and the beginning of the end.
hugged the hope that in this woman will be the unquestioned leader and, having thus found her place in human evolution, she will shed her inferiority complex. If she is able to do this successfully, she must resolutely refuse to believe in the modern teaching that everything is determined and regulated by the
ation. Who again suffers daily so that her babe may wax from day to day? Let her transfer that love to the whole of humanity, let her forget that she ever was or can be the object of man's lust. Excerpted from Harijan, 24-21940, P 13. The 67th death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi will be observed on January 30.
or religious ritual as devotional practice are valuable tools for purifying the mind, but will not remove self doubt. So, along with the knowledge that I am limitless Awareness, I should follow the method of thinking enjoined by the scripture, the negation of all incorrect views about the nature of the world and myself. The most formidable obstacle to
self as a limited being. Words can only reveal known objects. For example, the word 'television' wouldn't have been understood a hundred years ago. Words only work to describe substances, properties of substances, actions, species or classes, and relationships, so how can the limitless I, which is apparently not an experienced object and obviously be-
thought that we're limited is a delusion and the limitless I present and accounted for, an intimate part of every transaction, words can reveal it. Vedanta tackles the word problem by first informing me that I'm an unlimited I. That I'm limitless is indicated by the fact that though I have literally hundreds of thousands of unique experiences in my
Major obstacle is the thought 'If only I were different' Along with the knowledge that I am limitless Awareness, I should follow the method of thinking enjoined by the scripture, the negation of all incorrect views about the nature of the world and myself. the assimilation of the truth is the thought "If only I were different or the world were different, I would be happy." Looking forward to an ideal inner or outer situation is futile because life and oneself is already and always perfect. When this thought is removed the mind enjoys limitless vision. So spiritual practice, meditation if you will, is the struggle to purify beliefs supporting the notion of one-
yond these categories, be revealed through the teachings of Vedanta? If I say "tree," a tree thought takes place in the mind because we have experienced trees, but the words "limitless I" don't mean anything to most of us because we think of our ourselves as limited I's. And the limitless I is the part of ourselves that can never be objectified, so it seems words won't work to reveal it. However, if the
When you are courting a nice girl an hour seems like a second. When you sit on a red-hot cinder a second seems like an hour. That's relativity. - Albert Einstein I wish it, I command it. Let my will take the place of a reason. - Juvenal Love does not alter the beloved, it alters itself. - Soren Kierkegaard Art is the final cunning of the human soul which would rather do anything than face the gods. -Iris Murdoch Computers are useless. They can only give you answers. -Pablo Picasso Look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see, and wonder about what makes the
James Swartz
lifetime, I continually experience myself as a simple conscious being, one transcending all experiences. The same I, unaffected by time, witnessed my baby body, youth body, adult body, and feeble old-age body and their myriad transactions. Excerpted from James Swartz's commentary on Mandukya Upanishad
universe exist. Be curious. -Stephen Hawking The optimist thinks this is the best of all possible worlds. The pessimist fears it is true. -J. Robert Oppenheimer
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India's nuclear doctrine: Reviewing 'No First Use'
India Post
GURMEET KANWAL
T
he BJP's election manifesto had promised to review India's nuclear doctrine to "make it relevant to challenges of current times‌" Regardless of electiontime rhetoric, it is necessary that important government policies must be reviewed periodically with a view to re-validating their key features. India had declared itself a statearmed with nuclear weapons after a series of nuclear tests at Pokhran, Rajasthan, on 11 and 13 May 1998. India's deterrence is premised on the dictum that nuclear weapons are political weapons and not weapons of warfighting and that their sole purpose is to deter the use and threat of use of nuclear weapons by India's adversaries. A draft nuclear doctrine was prepared by the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) chaired by the late K Subrahmanyam and handed over to the government on
cities and infrastructure; 'massive' retaliation is not credible, especially against a tactical nuclear strike on Indian forces on the adversary's own territory; and nuclear retaliation for chemical or biological attack would be illogical, especially as the attack may be by non-state actors. Several Indian analysts have been critical of the NFU posture since its acceptance by the government. Recently, Lt Gen (Retd) BS Nagal, former C-in-C, Strategic Forces Command (SFC), has questioned the efficacy of the NFU doctrine. According to him, "It is time to review our policy of NFU‌ (the) choices are ambiguity or first use." He gives six reasons for seeking a change: NFU implies acceptance of large-scale destruction in a first strike; the Indian public is not in sync with the government's NFU policy and the nation is not psychologically prepared; it
Deterrence is ultimately a mind game. The essence of deterrence is that it must not be allowed to break down. India's nuclear doctrine must enhance and not undermine nuclear deterrence. It emerges clearly that NFU is still an appropriate posture for India's nuclear doctrine 17 August 1999. After a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), the government issued a statement on 4 January 2003 spelling out India's nuclear doctrine. The government statement said that India will build and maintain a credible minimum deterrent; follow a 'No First Use' posture; and, will use nuclear weapons only "in retaliation against a nuclear attack on Indian territory or on Indian forces anywhere." It was also stated that nuclear retaliation to a first strike will be massive and designed to inflict unacceptable damage; nuclear weapons will not be used against non-nuclear weapon states; and, India will retain the option of retaliating with nuclear weapons in the event of a major attack against it with biological or chemical weapons. Criticism of the nuclear doctrine has mainly been centered on a few key issues: NFU will result in unacceptably high initial casualties and damage to Indian population,
would be morally wrong - the leadership has no right to place the population 'in peril.' NFU allows the adversary's nuclear forces to escape punishment as retaliatory strikes will have to be counter value in nature; an elaborate and costly ballistic missiles defense (BMD) system would be required to defend against a first strike; and, escalation control is not possible once nuclear exchanges begin. ("Checks and Balances", Force, June 2014.) The most common scenarios normally considered appropriate for first use include first use by way of pre-emption based on intelligence warning, or during launch on warning (LoW) or launch through attack (LTA). In all of these, there are no easy answers to some obvious questions: What if intelligence regarding an imminent first strike is wrong? Can the destruction of the adversary's cities be justified on suspicion of imminent launch? The adversary's surviving nuclear weapons will be employed to successfully target
major Indian cities. Is it worth risking Delhi, Mumbai and other cities for dubious gains? Major military reverses during war are also offered as a justifiable reason for the first use of nuclear weapons. In none of the traditional worst-case scenarios, for example the cutting off of the Pathankot-Jammu national highway NH-1A somewhere near Samba by the Pakistan army, is the situation likely to become so critical as to justify escalation to nuclear levels by way of a first strike as sufficient reserves are available to restore an adverse situation.
Strategically logical The NFU posture is strategically logical and rational on several counts. It has led to major diplomatic gains, including the lifting of sanctions, civil nuclear cooperation agreements and accommodation in multilateral nuclear export control regimes. Most of these gains will be frittered away if India opts for first use. Complex command and control and sophisticated intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) systems are necessary for a first use posture. A first use posture will deny India the opportunity to engage in conventional warfare below the nuclear threshold if it becomes necessary. First use will lower the nuclear threshold and make the use of tactical nuclear weapons (TNWs) more likely. And, South Asia will again be dubbed a 'nuclear flashpoint'; this will encourage international meddling and will discourage investment. Deterrence is ultimately a mind game. The essence of deterrence is that it must not be allowed to break down. India's nuclear doctrine must enhance and not undermine nuclear deterrence. It emerges clearly that NFU is still an appropriate posture for India's nuclear doctrine. However, the word 'massive' in the government statement should be substituted with 'punitive' as massive is not credible and limits retaliatory options. The threat of nuclear retaliation against chemical and biological attack should be dropped from the doctrine. The credibility of India's nuclear doctrine needs to be substantially enhanced through appropriate signaling. The writer is Former Director, Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), New Delhi
Stamp of Modi
W
e are witness to a remarkable Indian leadership of bold initiatives in the person of Narendra Modi. The very invitation to Barack Obama to be the Chief Guest at the Indian Republic Day parade was breathtaking diplomacy and the reciprocal acceptance and much more from the US President set the stage for the substantial advances that this visit has achieved for Indo-US relations. Add to it the personal chemistry between the two leaders and we have the best of atmosphere for progress in many difficult areas where India and US stand by their own interests. Indeed, at this moment the US also sees that its interests in this region are served by a deeper and wider partnership with India which holds the potential of an impact beyond the borders of the two countries. Among the takeaways from the visit, the highpoint was the breakthrough in the civil nuclear cooperation deal with India proposing to set up a Rs 1500 crore insurance pool to cover the risks to both operators and suppliers. From its side, the US has dropped its demand, called "intrusive" by India, that US authorities be allowed to monitor use of nuclear material purchased even from third countries. The defense framework was renewed for 10 more years with the two countries deciding to kick off joint manufacturing of four military products including jet propulsion and aircraft carrier design. Under counter-terrorism cooperation there is a commitment to go beyond intelligence sharing to working together to disrupt entities which include Pak based India focused groups. Under climate change and clean energy, the focus has shifted from pressuring India to limit its greenhouse gas emissions to working together to promote renewable energy, particularly solar energy. In all this breakthrough, the vision, style and initiative of Narendra Modi was clearly visible. His message to a generation born in independent India and not overtly beholden to English is that a homegrown Indian language speaking Indian can hold his own in the diverse word and even get his way. His familiarity with Obama - he referred to him several times as Barack during his press conference - showed a chemistry which did not have the essential English speaking background necessary for such high dignitaries among erstwhile rulers of India. He has given confidence to a generation of small town Indians that there is nothing stopping them to making big in any area. His open sartorial displays highlighted the excellence of Indian dresses and his choice of speaking in Hindi at high world conferences mark out an emerging from inferiority complex of not being proficient in English. The Indo-US bon homie displayed during the Obama visit has quickly drawn the ire of the powers that be in China. The joint strategic statement after the Obama-Modi summit stressed the imperative for freedom of navigation the South China Sea. According to strategic affairs expert Brahma Chellaney, "The Statement lays out the intent of the US and India to develop a roadmap to address the new challenges in the Asia Pacific, including by strengthening trilateral consultations with third countries in the region. In other words, the two will work to develop a concert of democracies to prevent power disequilibrium." The Chinese foreign ministry quickly reacted to the joint statement by saying, "relevant disputes should be resolved by parties directly concerned through peaceful talks and consultations," it also warned that "external counties" should not stir up trouble in the region. A Modi initiative noticed by President Obama was the prominence given to women in the Republic day Parade with many women commanding contingents and he specially mentioned the woman who commanded the guard of honor accorded to him at Rashtrapati Bhavan. This was a deliberate move and although symbolic it must have put a great deal of courage in the hearts of women. Only a day earlier Modi was making an emotional appeal to save daughters in Hrayana, a state with the poorest sex ratio.
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