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US Indians find malaria parasite Details on page 34
VOL 17, No. 907
February 3, 2012
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US WILL BE WEANED FROM OUTSOURCING Obama's State of Union Address
Rao and Smith discuss bilateral relations
WASHINGTON: Stepping up his campaign against outsourcing, US President Barack Obama has announced a series of measures that would offer incentives to those firms which will create jobs in the country, a move that may also affect companies in India. "No, we will not go back to an economy weakened by outsourcing, bad debt and phony financial profits," Obama said in his State of the Union address to the Congress. "If you're a business that wants to outsource jobs, you shouldn't get a tax deduction for doing it," Obama said
while presenting an economic blueprint. The US President emphasized that the blueprint has been built to last an economy built on American manufacturing, American energy, skills for American workers, and a renewal of American values. Details on page 5
Details of State of Union Address on page 6
Details on page 5
Krishna Palepu
Palepu named Advisor at Harvard School Details on page 44
Padma awards for Hazarika, Dharmendra Details on page 8
Rushdie is poor, sub-standard writer: Katju Details on page 9
Chivukula for nuke safeguards on water
Hoteliers greet Obama's tourism plan
Details on page 17 Details on page 8
State Dept defends Jay Leno remarks
CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 24-25 Classifieds ------------------------- 47 Community Post -------------- 12-19
Details on page 8
Date Book -------------------------- 38 Edit Page --------------------------- 49
INDIA POST SURVEY
HealthScience Post --------- 34-37
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Horoscope ------------------------- 31
This week’s question
Immigration Post ------------- 40-43
Can outsourcing be phased out?
Life Style ----------------------- 24-25 Philosophy ------------------------- 48
Last week’s result
Publisherís Diary ------------------ 4
Can the new Myanmar govt be trusted YES 43%
NO 57%
Real Estate -------------------- 21-23
IN TOP GEAR: CISF soldiers march during the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi
TechBiz Post ------------------- 44-46 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 27-30
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eligion and humor just don't go together - ask followers of any religion and they will tell you that. It does not even go with faith anymore. If anything, it seems to go well with sentiments. And therein lies the grief. History is fraught with religious wars; and today, even a tiny slight or threat to the sanctity of a religion gets its followers up in arms. Ironically, the larger a particular religion's following, the greater the perception of threat by its keepers. The result being intolerance, bigotry and superciliousness, which wipe out a broader need for internalizing religion and what essentially should be a little humor to take differing attitudes in one's stride. Now, some Sikh Americans are upset over a talk show hosts' depiction of their holy shrine on his show recently. Attempting to show how wealthy and removed from common Americans the Republican Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney is, late night talk show host Jay Leno suggestively showed the Golden Temple as Romney's summer home. The joke was actually on Romney but it is the Sikhs who took offense. Sikhs in this country routinely face discrimination and hate crime because of their outward appearance and mistaken identity - and not necessarily because of their religion - which they have rightly been fighting against. I don't condone desecration of any kind - and I am not making an argument for freedom of speech - but what I don't understand is why religion makes people so insecure. Religion is a way of life - an expansive guiding light to discipline humans in their moral, ethical and spiritual conduct of day to day life. The more sacrosanct religion is made out to be, the more violators it finds. And the more it is controlled by vested leaders, the less sacred it becomes. In today's world I think we should leave God to save our souls when we die and retain our sense of humor to save our sanity while we are still alive.
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Cover Story: Cut outsourcing President Obama has announced measures that would offer incentives to those firms which will create jobs in the country.
Community: Domestic abuse Anu Peshawaria has written a book on domestic abuse and spousal violence against South Asian immigrant women.
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Malaria parasites A team led by two Indian American researchers has made a discovery in understanding malaria parasites.
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February 3, 2012
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Obama's State of Union Address
US will be weaned from outsourcing WASHINGTON: Stepping up his campaign against outsourcing, US President Barack Obama has announced a series of measures that would offer incentives to those firms which will create jobs in the country, a move that may also affect companies in India. "No, we will not go back to an economy weakened by outsourcing, bad debt and phony financial profits," Obama said in his State of the Union address to the Congress. "If you're a business that wants to outsource jobs, you shouldn't get a tax deduction for doing it," Obama said while presenting an economic blueprint. The US President emphasized that the blueprint has been built to last an economy built on American manufacturing, American energy, skills for American workers, and a renewal of American values. Many of his proposals centered on changes to the tax code, including limiting deductions for companies that move jobs overseas, rewarding companies that return jobs to the United States and increasing taxes on wealthy Americans. He said that money should be used to cover moving expenses for companies that decide to bring jobs home. Indeed, Obama's antioutsourcing jobs plan was mainly directed towards the manufacturing jobs in China; even though the new policies would also adversely affect outsourcing in In-
US President Barack Obama, flanked by Vice President Joe Biden (L) and Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH) delivers his State of the Union address on January 24 in Washington, DC
dia, which is often described as the world's back office. "No American company should be able to avoid paying its fair share of taxes by moving jobs and profits overseas. From now on, every multinational company should have to pay a basic minimum tax. And every penny should go towards lowering taxes for companies that choose to stay here and hire here," he said.
"My message is simple. It's time to stop rewarding businesses that ship jobs overseas, and start rewarding companies that create jobs right here in America. Send me these tax reforms, and I'll sign them right away," Obama told lawmakers. Obama, in his speech, reminded his countrymen why the US is the leader of the world. "Think about the America
within our reach: A country that leads the world in educating its people. An America that attracts a new generation of high-tech manufacturing and high-paying jobs," the US President said. "A future where we are in control of our own energy, and our security and prosperity aren't so tied to unstable parts of the world. An economy built to last, where hard work pays off, and responsi-
bility is rewarded," Obama said. The defining issue of this time is how to keep that promise alive; Obama said adding that no challenge is more urgent. "No debate is more important. We can either settle for a country where a shrinking number of people do really well, while a growing number of Americans barely get by," he said. The President said that we can restore an economy where everyone gets a fair shot, everyone does their fair share, and everyone plays by the same set of rules. "What's at stake are not Democratic values or Republican values, but American values. We have to reclaim them," the US President said. Obama said as long as he was the President, he would work with anyone in the Congress to build on this momentum. "But I intend to fight obstruction with action, and I will oppose any effort to return to the very same policies that brought on this economic crisis in the first place," he said. "Let's never forget: Millions of Americans who work hard and play by the rules every day deserve a government and a financial system that do the same," Obama said. "It's time to apply the same rules from top to bottom: No bailouts, no handouts, and no copouts. An America built to last insists on responsibility from everybody," he said. -PTI
Amb. Rao and Congressman Smith discuss bilateral relations India Post News Service
NEW YORK: Indian Ambassador to Washington DC Nirupama Rao met Congressman Adam Smith at Capitol Hill Jan 18, to exchange views on Indo-US bilateral relations. Congressman Smith, who represents the state of Washington in the US House of Representatives, is the Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee and is known for his keen interest in foreign and security policy issues. He is a member of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans. Ambassador Rao and Congressman Smith exchanged
views on India-US bilateral relations and took positive note of the growing momentum of cooperation across a wide range of issues, built upon shared values and convergent interests. Congressman Smith described India as a critical partner for the US and welcomed the deepening India-US strategic partnership. Both Congressman Smith and Ambassador Rao attributed the recent positive developments in the bilateral India-US relationship to the contribution of a dynamic Indian American community. Congressman Smith warmly welcomed India's interest in establishing a Consulate General in Seattle. The discussions also touched upon the situation in
Indian Ambassador to Washington DC Nirupama Rao met Congressman Adam Smith at Capitol Hill Jan 18
South Asia, and the common interests of India and US in the long-term peace, security and development of Afghanistan. Ambassador Rao referred to India's traditional ties with Afghanistan, which is now a strategic partnership. She informed the Congressman about India's robust development assistance to Afghanistan and its vision for an independent, sovereign, stable, united, democratic and prosperous Afghanistan. Ambassador Rao invited Congressman Smith to visit India, which he accepted, and said that he would be in touch with the Ambassador to explore a mutually convenient time for the visit.
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Obama's blueprint for 'an America built to last'
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n his State of the Union Address Jan 24, President Obama laid out a blueprint for an economy that's built to last - an economy built on American manufacturing, American energy, skills for American workers, and a renewal of American values. Three years later, the President's bold actions spurred the economy to grow again. Over the past 22 months, businesses have created 3.2 million jobs. American manufacturing is creating jobs for the first time since the late 1990s. The American auto industry is back. Today, American oil production is the highest than it's been in eight years. Deficit has been cut by more than $2 trillion. The President signed into law new rules to hold Wall Street accountable. The President intends to keep moving forward and rebuild an economy where hard work pays off and responsibility is rewarded - an economy built to last. A Blueprint to create new jobs in America, Discourage Outsourcing, and Encourage Insourcing Take away the deduction for outsourcing, make companies pay a minimum tax for profits and jobs overseas, and reward companies for bringing jobs back to America: The President believes that we need comprehensive corporate tax reform that will close loopholes, lower rates, and eliminate incentives that make it more attractive to ship jobs overseas - corporate tax reform that will: • Remove tax incentives to locate overseas through an international minimum tax: The President is proposing to eliminate tax incentives to ship jobs offshore by ensuring that all American companies pay a minimum tax on their overseas profits, preventing other countries from attracting American business through unusually low tax rates. • Stop letting companies take a tax deduction for moving overseas and instead provide a credit for moving jobs back home: The President wants to eliminate the tax deduction companies receive for the cost of shutting down factories and moving production overseas, and create a new tax credit to cover moving expenses for companies that close production overseas and bring jobs back to the United States. • Create new incentives to increase manufacturing in the United States: At the same time he proposes to close special-interest loopholes, the President is proposing to ensure the next generation of manufacturing jobs is created here in America by reducing tax rates for manufacturers and
doubling the tax deduction for high-tech manufacturers. • Support companies that make new investments in the communities hardest hit by major job losses: The President is proposing a new tax credit that provides
The President proposed a new initiative to train and place two million Americans in good jobs through partnerships between businesses and community colleges that give workers the skills employers explicitly need support for companies seeking to finance new factories, equipment, or production in communities that have been hardest hit by a company choosing to relocate or a military base shutting down. The President has worked to ensure Americans can sell their products all over the world. To
STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS DETAILS cluding China. • Enhancing trade inspections: The President called for enhancing trade inspections to stop counterfeit, pirated, or unsafe goods before they enter the United States. • Putting American companies on an even footing: When competitors like China offer unfair export financing to help their companies win business overseas, the United States will provide financing to put our companies on an even footing. Create jobs by using half of the savings from ending foreign wars to rebuild America. A Blueprint to give hard-working Americans a fair shot The President proposed a new initiative to train and place two million Americans in good jobs through partnerships between businesses and community colleges that give workers the skills employers explicitly need. To address future workforce needs, the President will support partnerships between high schools and industry to create more career academies, which combine instruction in academic subjects
protect our schools from being hurt by the recession by providing states and communities with funds to prevent teacher layoffs, and avoid increases to class sizes or decreases in the number of school days. The President is also
Preventing student loan interest rates from doubling: The President called on Congress to stop the interest rate on subsidized Stafford student loans from doubling on July 1 of this year, so young people don't have as much debt to repay asking for a new competitive program that will challenge states and districts to work with their teachers and unions to comprehensively reform the teaching profession by: • Reforming colleges of education and making these schools more selective;
College costs are escalating at an unsustainable pace. Even after adjusting for inflation, the average published cost of tuition and fees at a four-year public university has increased by 136% in the last 20 years. This Administration has made college more affordable by continuing to increase the maximum Pell Grant award by more than $800 and creating the American Opportunity Tax Credit worth up to $10,000 over four years of college. The President called on Congress to help keep college costs within reach for middle-class families by: • Keeping tuition from spiraling too high: The President is proposing to shift some Federal aid away from colleges that don't keep net tuition down and provide good value. • Preventing student loan interest rates from doubling: The President called on Congress to stop the interest rate on subsidized Stafford student loans from doubling on July 1 of this year, so young people don't have as much debt to repay. • Doubling the number of work-study jobs: The President wants to reward students who are willing to work hard by doubling over five years the number of work-study jobs for college students who agree to work their
US President Barack Obama delivering his State of the Union address on January 24 in Washington, DC
level the playing field by improving trade enforcement, the President is announcing: • A new trade enforcement unit: The President announced the creation of a new trade enforcement unit that will bring together resources and investigators from across the Federal Government to go after unfair trade practices in countries around the world, in-
and industry skills. The President called on Congress to move forward on reforms to the Unemployment Insurance program by requiring workers to undergo eligibility assessments in order to receive emergency federal benefits, while at the same time offering new tools to help workers find new jobs. The President is fighting to
• Creating new career ladders for teachers to become more effective, and ensuring that earnings are tied more closely to performance; • Creating evaluation systems based on multiple measures, rather than just test scores; • Re-shaping tenure to raise the bar, protect good teachers, and promote accountability.
way through school. • Permanently extending tuition tax breaks that provide up to $10,000 for four years of college: The President is proposing to make the American Opportunity Tax Credit permanent, maintaining a tax cut that provides up to $10,000 for tuition over four years of college. Cont’d on page 7
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Obama's blueprint for 'an America built to last' Cont’d from page 6
The President is committed to passing comprehensive immigration reform. His vision for reform includes continuing to make border security a federal responsibility; holding accountable businesses that break the law by exploiting undocumented workers; making those living in the United States illegally take responsibility for their actions by passing a background check, paying fines, and getting right with the law before they can get on a path to legalization; and creating a legal immigration system that meets our diverse needs. Women make up half of the US workforce and two-thirds of our families rely on a mother's wages for a significant portion of their income. Yet women generally make 23 cents on the dollar less than their male counterparts. The first bill the President signed into law, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, helps women who face discrimination recover their wages. He then created an inter-agency Equal Pay Task Force to crack down on equal pay law violations. The President is committed to closing the pay gap once and for all. The President is proposing to build on measures he has already taken to enact 17 small business tax cuts and expand access to capital for small businesses by reforming regulations that prevent entrepreneurs from getting financing and by expanding tax relief to start-ups and small businesses that are creating jobs and increasing wages. A Blueprint for optimizing Energy Resources Promote safe, responsible development of the near 100-year supply of natural gas while ensuring public health and safety. The President directed the Administration to ensure safe shale gas development that, according to independent estimates, will support more than 600,000 jobs by the end of the decade. These actions will include moving forward with com-
mon-sense new rules to require disclosure of the chemicals used in fracking operations on public lands. The President announced a new proposal to increase the en-
The first bill the President signed into law, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, helps women who face discrimination recover their wages. He then created an inter-agency Equal Pay Task Force to crack down on equal pay law violations ergy efficiency of the industrial sector by providing new incentives and breaking down regulatory barriers for manufacturers to upgrade equipment and eliminate wasted energy in their facilities, saving $100 billion from the nation's energy bills and reducing the amount of energy we import from foreign countries. Because Congress has not yet acted on a clean energy economy, the President announced that the Department of the Navy will make the largest renewable energy purchase in history - one gigawatt. In addition, the President is directing the Department of Interior to permit 10 gigawatts of renewables projects by the end of the year, enough to power three million homes. A Blueprint to return to America's values In September, the President announced five principles for tax reform. The President is now announcing additional details to those principles. • A "Buffett Rule" to ensure those making over $1 million pay
US Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) arrives prior to the start of US President Barack Obamaís State of the Union address on January 24
• Holding Congress to same a minimum effective rate of at least form to prevent practices that 30%: Last year, the President helped lead to the financial crisis, conflict-of-interest standards as called for tax reform that follows the President is proposing to hold the Executive branch: The Presithe Buffett Rule - the principle that banks and financial companies dent is calling on Congress to hold no household making over $1 mil- accountable and make sure that itself to the same conflict-of-interlion a year should pay a smaller everyone is playing by the same est standards as the executive branch by, for example, prohibitshare of its income in taxes than ing Members from owning secumiddle-class families pay. In suprities in companies that have busiport of this rule, the President is As part of his effort to ness before their committees or now specifically calling for meataking official action on a matter sures to ensure everyone making reform inefficient and that would affect the Member's over a million dollars a year pays unfair tax breaks, the personal financial interests. a minimum effective tax rate of at • Prohibit lobbyists from bunleast 30%. The Administration will President is proposing dling, and bundlers from lobbywork to ensure that this rule is to eliminate tax ing: The President called for proimplemented in a way that is equihibiting lobbyists from table, including not disadvantag- subsidies for millionfundraising in support of federal ing individuals who make large aires that they do not candidates they have lobbied charitable contributions. within the past two years, and like• Eliminating tax deductions for need. There is no wise prohibiting campaign bunthose making over $1 million: As dlers from lobbying federal officepart of his effort to reform ineffi- reason that those holders for whom they have cient and unfair tax breaks, the making over $1 milfundraised within the past two President is proposing to elimiyears. nate tax subsidies for millionaires lion per year should • Give nominations an up-orthat they do not need. There is no get any tax subsidies down vote: As one step to fix the reason that those making over $1 way business is done in Washmillion per year should get any tax subsidies for housing, health rules. The President is directing ington, the President called on the care, retirement, and child care. the Attorney General to establish Senate to pass a rule that after 90 • Protecting taxpayers below a Financial Crimes Unit of investi- days, all judicial and public ser$250,000: The President reiterated gators to work with US Attorneys vice nominations must receive a his commitment that taxes shouldn't go up on those with incomes u n d e r $250,000. The President challenged Congress to strengthen the economic recovery by extending the payroll tax cut - which provides $40 per First Lady Michelle Obama (C) arrives to take her seat prior to the start of US President Barack paycheck for Obamaís State of the Union speech on January 24 in Washington, DC the typical family - for the rest of the year so that taxes don't to go after large-scale financial simple up or down vote. • Eliminate roadblocks in the go up on American workers. fraud so that Americans' investBuilding on the action he al- ments are protected. He also Senate by reforming the filibusready took this fall to make four called on Congress to pass legis- ter: Senators who want to filibusmillion Americans eligible for lower lation that makes the penalties for ter should vocalize their objection interest rates without that hassle, fraud count - so that firms don't on the Senate floor. The President called on Conthe President announced that he just see punishment for breaking will send Congress a plan that will the law as the price of doing busi- gress to reduce the deficit in a balanced way that asks everyone allow responsible homeowners ness. who are current on their payments The President made clear that to do their part, so no one has to to save $3,000 a year on their mort- we need to take steps to fix the bear the entire burden and everygage by refinancing at historically corrosive influence of money in one - including millionaires and low interest rates. The President politics, which has undermined billionaires - has to pay their fair is proposing to use some of the America's trust in Washington. He share. The President has already Administration's proposed bank called for new safeguards to pre- laid out a plan to reduce the defifees to cover the cost of the refi- vent Members of Congress from cit by more than $4 trillion over the next decade including the nancing plan, since financial in- profiting from their positions: stitutions helped cause the hous• Ban insider trading by Mem- over $2 trillion in deficit reduction ing crisis from which borrowers bers of Congress: The President that the President already signed and the economy are still trying is calling for legislation that clari- into law in the Budget Control Act. to recover. fies that Members of Congress are This would bring the country to a Wall Street Reform subject to the same insider trad- place where current spending is As the Administration contin- ing laws that apply to everyone no longer adding to our debt and deficits are at a sustainable level. ues to implement Wall Street re- else.
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State Dept defends Jay Leno remarks on Golden Temple India Post News Service
NEW YORK: Putting a lid on the controversy regarding the depiction of the Golden Temple the Sikh holy place - in the late night Jay Leno show, the US State Department has said that Leno's comments were satirical in nature and that they are protected in the United States under free speech. A section of Sikh Americans took strong exception to a remark by late night comedy host on television Jay Leno about Sri Darbar Sahib (Amritsar), commonly known as the Golden Temple of Amritsar. In 'The Tonight Show with Jay Leno' aired Jan 19 on NBC channel, Leno apparently was taking pot shots at Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and his wealth. He then showed an illuminated picture of the Golden Temple referring to it as Romney's summer home. Romney, a rich businessman and former Massachusetts governor, is under fire these days for amassing wealth and paying lesser taxes. "This derogatory
depiction of Sri Darbar Sahib, as the home of rich, is contrary to the reality and hurtful to the sentiments of the Sikhs," a report on the Sikh Siyasat News website says. Keeping in view the sacred im-
Jay Leno
portance and the history of Sri Darbar Sahib, Sikhs of America have protested en-masse by calling up the studios of "The Tonight Show" and voicing their concern. Calls have also been placed at the NBC offices in New York and San Jose, California. At the daily press briefing on
Jan 23, US State Department Spokesperson Victoria Nuland, in response to a question on whether they receive d any communication from the Indian government in this matter, said: "We (have) not had any communica-
Leno apparently was taking pot shots at Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and his wealth. He then showed an illuminated picture of the Golden Temple referring to it as Romney's summer home tions from the Indian Government on this." On the US government's stand on it, Nuland said: "Well, I think that Mr. Leno would be appreciative - I hope he'll be appreciative if we make the point that his comments are constitutionally protected in the United States under
Bhupen Hazarika, Dharmendra among Padma awardees NEW DELHI: Legendary singer Bhupen Hazarika has been posthumously chosen for Padma Vibhushan, country's second highest civilian honor while cine veterans Dharmendra, Shabana Azmi and Mira Nair are among this year's Padma Bhushan awardees. Hazarika, who died in November last year, voiced immortal songs like "Dil hum hum kare", "Ganga behti ho kyun". Dharmendra, 76, the star of yesteryear superhits like "Bandini", "Sholay", "Pratigya" and "Dharam Veer", was chosen for the Padma Bhushan along with actress-activist Shabana Azmi, 61, who has acted in art house films like "Ankur" and "Arth". Indian-American filmmaker
Dharmendra
free speech, and frankly, they appear to be satirical in nature." Nuland further added: "But from a US official Government perspective, we have absolute respect for all the people of India, including Sikhs here, there. Presi-
dent Obama was the first president ever to host a celebration in honor of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who's the first Sikh guru, for example. And our view is, obviously, that Sikh Americans have contributed greatly to the United States." Sikhs are miffed nevertheless. "This is not the first time that this show host has targeted Sikhs in his monologue. Previously, in 2007 he called Sikhs 'diaper heads.' In 2010, he remarked, falsely so, in his monologue that President Obama could not visit Sri Darbar Sahib because of requirements of wearing a turban. Clearly, Jay Leno's racist comments need to be stopped right here," Bhai Harjot Singh Khalsa, who has created a Facebook Group called "Boycott Jay Leno (For Derogatory remarks about Golden Temple)" said.
Visiting Indian Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi had said last week that he had asked the Indian Ambassador in Washington DC to take up the matter with the US government.
Golden Temple
An online petition has also been started by Bhai Harjot Singh Khasla to send a message that the sentiments of Sikhs worldwide are off limits to his monologues and cannot be used to further his TV ratings. "The Right to Speech under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution excludes defamation and spreading hate, incitement and false advertising," adds the petition. Punjabi Radio USA is playing a vital role in organizing the campaign, especially in the US. An overview of relative activity on various social media networks (including Facebook and Twitter) show that there is worldwide wave of criticism as the infamous remarks have outraged feelings of the Sikhs, according to Sikh Siyasat News.
Indian American hoteliers welcome Obama's tourism initiatives India Post News Service Bhupen Hazarika
Mira Nair, best known for her award-winning films "Saalam Bombay", "Namesake" and "Monsoon Wedding" was another name from the cinema world to get a Padma Bhushan. The other recipients are classical musician Trippunithwra Viswanathan Gopalkrishnan, musician M S Gopalkrishnan from Tamil Nadu. Filmmaker Soman Nair Priyadarsan and bhajan singer Anup Jalota were given Padma Shri. The other artists selected for Padma Shri are - musician Vanraj Bhatia, vocalist Zia Fariduddin Dagar, Khongjum Parba singer
Nameirakpam Ibemni Devi, dancer Ramachandra Subraya Hegde Chittani, sitarist Shahid Parvez Khan, folk musician Sakar Khan Manganiar, dancer Minati Mishra, theatre artists Joy Michael, Natesan Muthuswamy, R Nagarathnamma, playwrights Moti Lal Kemmu, Satish Alekar, Chhau dance artist Pandit Gopal Prasad Dubey, classical vocalists Ramakant Gundecha and Umakant Gundecha. The awards, announced each year on the occasion of Republic Day, are conferred by the President of India at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhawan sometime in March or April. -PTI
international travel responsible for 1.2 million jobs. The number of travelers from emerging economies with growing middle classes - such as China, Brazil, and India - is projected to grow by 135%, 274%, and 50% re-
NEW YORK: Indians, it would seem, give to the United States in more ways than one would imagine. The Obama Administration has acknowledged this when it recently announced initiatives to boost travel and tourism keeping in The number of travelers from mind tourists visiting emerging economies with the country from India, China and Brazil. growing middle classes - such The Asian American Hotel Owners Associa- as China, Brazil, and India - is tion (AAHOA) enthusi- projected to grow by 135%, astically supported President Obama's ex- 274%, and 50% respectively ecutive order introducing the new initiatives. White House data indicates spectively by 2016 when comUS travel and tourism represented pared to 2010. 2.7 percent of the country's GDP Cont’d on page 9 and 7.5 million jobs in 2010 - with
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Rushdie is a poor, sub-standard writer: Katju NEW DELHI: Salman Rushdie is a "poor" and "sub-standard writer" who would have remained largely unknown but for his controversial book 'Satanic Verses', according to Markandey Katju, till recently a judge of the Supreme Court. Katju, who is now the Chairman of Press Council of India, criticized the admirers of Indiaborn author based in Britain, saying they suffered from "colonial
great literature," Katju contended. He went on to add that the "whole problem with the so-called educated Indians of today is that they still suffer from the colonial inferiority complex. So whoever lives in London and New York must be a great writer, while writers living in India are inferior." On the controversy surrounding Rushdie during the festival, he said, "I am not in favor of religious obscurantism. But neither
is the mental level of our 'intellectuals and 'literati'," the former SC judge said. Katju maintained that the whole history of great Indian literature, rich in its variety, from Valmiki and Vyas to modern times should have been discussed. There could also have been a discussion on foreign writers like Dickens, Shaw, Victor Hugo, Balzac, Flaubert, Upton Sinclair, Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Gorki and
waged against narrow sectarianism, which Sharat Chandra waged against the caste system and women's oppression, which Faiz waged against despotism, which Subramania Bharti waged for nationalism and women's emancipation, which Dickens and Gorki
Faiz of today? Where are the Dickens and Victor Hugo of today?" Turning to Russian writer Maxim Gorki, the Press Council Chairman said when he used to step on the streets of Russia, he used to be mobbed by the people
‘Whole problem with the so-called educated Indians of today is that they still suffer from the colonial inferiority complex. So whoever lives in London and New York must be a great writer, while writers living in India are inferior. Kabir and Tulsidas are no good because they lived on the ghats of Benaras, whereas Rushdie is great because he lives on the ghats of the Thames!’ Salman Rushdie
inferiority complex" that a writer living abroad has to be great. "Salman Rushdie dominated the Jaipur Literature Festival. I do not wish to get into the controversy whether banning him was correct or not. I am raising a much more fundamental issue," he said in a statement here. "I have read some of Rushdie's works and am of the opinion that he is a poor writer, and but for 'Satanic Verses' would have remained largely unknown. Even 'Midnight's Children' is hardly
do I wish to elevate a sub-standard writer into a hero." Referring to the Jaipur festival, Katju said one would have expected "serious discussion on literature, particularly indigenous literature" of the likes of Kabir, Premchand, Sharat Chandra, Manto, Ghalib, Faiz, Kazi Nazrul Islam and Subramania Bharti. "Kabir and Tulsidas are no good because they lived on the ghats of Benaras, whereas Rushdie is great because he lives on the ghats of the Thames! This
Pablo Neruda, he said. "Instead the total focus at Jaipur appeared to be Rushdie. Two personalities linked with films were projected as 'the finest poets' in India, though to my mind their work is of a very inferior order. This is the low level to which the Jaipur Festival sank," Katju contended. He said India is facing massive socio-economic problems today and literature should address these. "The struggle which Kabir
Markandey Katju
waged against exploitation and social injustice - these are the matters which should have been discussed at Jaipur. Instead, Rushdie dominated most of the show," he said. Stating that the Indian people are thirsty for good literature, Katju wondered, "Where is Premchand or Sharatchandra or
"because he was so much loved by the people" as he wrote about their lives and sufferings. "Can an Indian writer of today make the same claim? When writers get out of touch with the people and live in a world of their own, it is no wonder that their writings are of no use," the former judge of the apex court said. -PTI
Indian American hoteliers welcome Obama's tourism initiatives Cont’d from page 8
Nationals from these three countries contributed approximately $15 billion dollars and thousands of jobs to the US economy in 2010. In addition, Chinese and Brazilian tourists currently spend more than $6,000 and $5,000 respectively each, per trip, according to the Department of Commerce. The Department of State has made tremendous progress in processing non-immigrant visas from these key markets, allowing them to issue more than 7.5 million visas in the last fiscal year, a 17% increase from the previous fiscal year. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, international travel resulted in $134 billion in U.S. exports in 2010 and is the nation's largest service export industry, with 7% of total exports and 24% of service exports. The Bureau of Economic Analysis es-
timates that every additional 65 international visitors to the United States can generate enough exports to support an additional travel and tourism-related job. According to the travel industry and Bureau of Economic Analysis, international travel is particularly important as overseas or "long-haul" travelers spend on average $4,000 on each visit. According to a White House press release, this initiative "offers important steps to bolster job creation through a range of steps to better promote the United States as a tourism destination and improve secure visa processing. This is the most recent of a series of executive actions the President has announced to put Americans back to work and strengthen the US economy." The executive order charges several agencies to take immediate action to increase travel and tourism, including the Secretar-
ies of Commerce and the Interior; the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Secu-
‘We praise President Obama's decision to help bring more international travelers to the United States," said AAHOA Chairman Hemant Patel. "An aggressive promotion of U.S. travel and tourism is a key component for increased and sustained economic growth and permanent job creation’ rity; as well as the Department of Commerce. "We praise President Obama's
decision to help bring more international travelers to the United States," said AAHOA Chairman Hemant Patel. "An aggressive promotion of U.S. travel and tourism is a key component for increased and sustained economic growth and permanent job creation." "Emerging economies such as India, China and Brazil offer tremendous opportunities for U.S. travel and tourism," said AAHOA President Fred Schwartz. "International guests spend billions of dollars which create American jobs and support American small businesses. AAHOA supports efforts to promote our hospitality industry which will play a pivotal role in getting our economy back on track." The Asian American Hotel Owners Association is one of the fastest-growing organizations in the industry, with nearly 11,000 members owning more than 20,000 hotels that total $128 billion in property value. AAHOA
members employ 578,600 full- and part-time workers with a $9.4 billion payroll. Visa Pilot Program Under a new initiative, in select circumstances, qualified foreign visitors who were interviewed and thoroughly screened in conjunction with a prior visa application may be able to renew their visas without undergoing another interview. Eliminating interviews for these applicants will save them time and money and encourage them to choose the United States again as their tourism destination. It will also free our resources to interview more first-time applicants. The pilot program will streamline visa processing for certain low-risk applicants, such as individuals renewing expired visas, or some categories of younger or older first-time applicants. Consular officers will continue to use their authority to interview any visa applicant as required for national security.
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Another Indian American in the net for insider trading India Post News Service
NEW YORK: Yet another Indian American investment professional has been charged in an insider trading scheme that allegedly netted more than $61.8 million in illegal profits. Sandeep Goyal is one of seven in what Manhattan US Attorney Preet Bharara calls the largest insider trading scheme involving single stock charged to date. The seven accused worked at three different hedge funds and two other investment firms, for engaging in a scheme in which they provided each other with material, non-public information (Inside Information) about two publicly traded technology companies, Dell, Inc. and NVIDIA. Using the Dell Inside Information, the three hedge funds netted more than $61.8 million in illegal profits and one of the investment firms avoided $78,000 in losses. Goyal, 39, a research analyst
who worked at the Manhattan office of a global asset management firm pled guilty to his role in the scheme and is cooperating with
If you are engaged in insider trading, what distinguishes you from the dozens who have been charged is not that you haven't been caught; it's that you haven't been caught yet’ the Government's investigation. Bharara said, "The charges unsealed today (Jan 18) allege a corrupt circle of friends who
formed a criminal club whose purpose was profit and whose members regularly bartered lucrative inside information so their respective funds could illegally profit. And profit they allegedly did - to the tune of more than $61 million on illegal trades of a single stock much of it coming in a $53 million short trade. Here, The Big Short was The Big Illegal Short." FBI Assistant Director-inCharge Janice K. Fedarcyk said: "The FBI has arrested more than sixty people in 'Operation Perfect Hedge' to date, and this initiative is far from over. If you are engaged in insider trading, what distinguishes you from the dozens who have been charged is not that you haven't been caught; it's that you haven't been caught yet." Goyal pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and one count of securities fraud. He faces a statutory maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.
US for bilateral investment treaty with India WASHINGTON: While in favor of concluding negotiations with India on a bilateral investment treaty as quickly as possible, the Obama Administration says it may take some time as the two countries navigate through some of the complicated issues associated with the pact. "We continue to hold positive and productive technical discussions on a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) with the Indian government and look forward to moving these talks forward as quickly as possible, White House National Security Council Deputy
Spokesperson Caitlin Hayden told PTI. "These are complicated issues that will take some time to work through, but both sides have committed ourselves to doing so in a thorough manner," Hayden said. The Obama Administration views America's economic relationship with India as very important, she said. "We view the economic relationship with India as one of our most important and we are actively working to ensure that both countries are able to lay the ground-
work for future opportunities," Hayden said. The White House official was responding to questions on a letter written by top American Senators led by Mark Warner, who urged US President Barack Obama to accelerate the process of BIT negotiations with India. "We have received the letter from Senator Warner and share his views on the importance of strengthening our economic relationship with India," Hayden said. Warner, who is Co-Chair of the Senate India Caucus, was recently in India. -PTI
Hindu Americans find Rick Santorum's views bigoted India Post News Service
their rights and equality come from God. "For Mr. Santorum to present himself as a 'true conservative' is to defame the conservative movement that should never allow itself to be conflated with his intolerant message," added Shukla. Despite his last-minute appeals to South Carolina voters, the former Pennsylvania Senator finished in third place with 17% of the vote, behind both Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich, who received 27.8% and 40.4% respec-
NEW YORK: Hindu Americans are appalled by the recent comments made by Republican presidential candidate and former Senator of Pennsylvania, Rick Santorum, on the eve of last week's South Carolina primary, according to the Hindu American Foundation (HAF). While speaking to a town hall audience, Santorum said that the concept of equality did not come from Islam or "Eastern religions," but rather from the "God of Abraham, Isaac and ‘Sen. Santorum's presidential Jacob." Leaders of HAF that had previously worked campaign is now playing to with Santorum when he the lowest common deserved as Senator and even recognized his nominator of religious bigpast work on human otry and prejudice by atrights, were outraged by Santorum's remarks. tacking Eastern religions and "Sen. Santorum's presidential campaign is Islam,’ said Aseem Shukla, now playing to the low- M.D., Co-Founder and Board est common denominator of religious bigotry Member of HAF. and prejudice by attacking Eastern religions and Islam," said Aseem tively. "Hinduism, the world's oldest Shukla, M.D., Co-Founder and Board Member of HAF. "His com- spiritual tradition, has long adments not only demonstrate a dis- vanced the concept of equality regard for America's great history that transcends humanity and is of pluralism and religious diver- inclusive of the entire creation sity, but also show a profound that is a manifestation of an immiignorance of the teachings of nent and omnipotent God," said Dharma spiritual traditions, such Jay Kansara, HAF's DC-based as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Associate Director. "Mr. Santorum would do well in joinand Sikhism." Santorum who addressed a ing the millions of Americans who crowd of over 200 people at the have actually read and drawn inClock Restaurant in the small spiration from the Bhagavad Gita town of Boiling Springs on Jan 21, and other Dharmic, or Eastern, further declared that Americans scripture before making such dishould live "responsibly in con- visive and ill-informed stateforming with God's laws," since ments."
REPUBLIC DAY PARADE: Indian Army T72 Ajeya tanks (left) and Punjabís tableau toll down Rajpath during Republic Day parade in New Delhi
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Indian American sentenced for dealing in narco dollars India Post News Service
NEW YORK: An Indian American businessman has been sentenced to 235 months in prison for laundering millions of dollars for a Mexican narcotics trafficking organization. Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that Vikram Datta, the owner of multiple retail perfume stores located on the United StatesMexico border, was sentenced Jan 20 in Manhattan federal court to 235 months in prison. Datta was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan. In September 2011, Datta was found guilty after a two-week trial of conspiracy charges stemming from his use of his perfume distribution business to launder millions of dollars for a Mexican narcotics organization. Manhattan US Attorney Preet Bharara said: "Vikram Datta used his perfume business to remove the stench from Mexican drug cartel money, and now he will pay a steep price for his crimes. Today's sentence should make anyone think twice about getting into business with narcotics traffickers." According to the trial evidence and other documents filed in the case, from June 2009 until January 2011, Datta operated a business that sold significant amounts of perfume to Mexican purchasers. As payment, he accepted millions of dollars in cash that had
been generated from drug sales in the United States. After the drugs were sold in the US, the proceeds (narco dollars) were smuggled to Mexico, where they were aggregated and stored. Mexican money exchange businesses then purchased the narco dollars in exchange for Mexican pesos at a steep discount from the prevailing inter-bank exchange rate. The
From January 2009 through January 2011, more than $25 million in United States currency was deposited in bank accounts controlled by Datta and his co-conspirators exchange businesses later transported the narco dollars back into the United States and used them to purchase perfume at businesses, including Datta's, located in Laredo, Texas, that would then ship the perfume to purchasers in Mexico. In August 2010, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) undercover agents were introduced to Datta, and they continued to meet and speak with him on numerous occasions until January 2011. During these meetings, Datta ad-
mitted, among other things, that he was receiving "a lot of cash" from his customers on the border and that "it's all Sinaloa money," a reference to the Sinaloa Cartel, a major Mexican narcotics trafficking organization. Datta also acknowledged that his business was "just washing the whole money." The DEA's analysis of financial records revealed that, from January 2009 through January 2011, more than $25 million in United States currency was deposited in bank accounts controlled by Datta and his co-conspirators. The DEA also determined that Datta frequently failed to file financial reports concerning cash transactions that are required by the Bank Secrecy Act. These reports must be filed by any person who receives more than $10,000 in a single transaction or a series of related transactions while conducting a trade or business. Datta, 51, resided in Laredo, Texas prior to his arrest in this case. The charges against him were the culmination of an extensive undercover DEA investigation into the Colombian and Mexican Black Market Peso Exchange (BMPE), a means of laundering narcotics proceeds generated in the United States and ultimately returning them to Colombia and Mexico. In connection with the investigation, 29 individuals have been charged, and 21 have been convicted to date.
Shiva statue gives a surprise to Amsterdam Museum India Post News Service
AMSTERDAM: Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam recently X-rayed its thousand years old monumental Shiva-Nataraja statue as part of research and was surprised to know that it was cast in solid bronze. Hollow sculptures have reportedly been a common practice in Europe since the Greek antiquity. The Museum discovered after Xray that even the aureole and the demon under Shiva's feet were solid. This Dancing Shiva statue was
seums in USA which have acquired statues and other artifacts of Hindu deities include Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; Ackland Art Museum in Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Los Angeles County Museum of Art, California; Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, California; Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond; Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, California; Museum of Art and Archaeology in University of Missouri-Columbia, Missouri; Mingei International Museum in San Diego, California; American Museum of Natural His-
India conducts flight trials of micro, mini air vehicles Amsterdam Shiva statue
BANGALORE: Flight trials of Micro and Mini Air Vehicles designed and developed to meet many requirements including countering low intensity conflicts, counter terrorism and for rescue operations during natural calamities, were conducted at Hoskote near here, DRDO said. These small vehicles are capable of flying in full autonomous mode and transmitting live day and night video to the portable Ground Control Station in real time, Defense Research and Development Organization said in a statement. Aeronautical Development Establishment, a laboratory under the aegis of DRDO, conducted the flight trials on January 23. These products are developed jointly by ADE and National Aero-
space Laboratories and supported by private vendors. Three Micro Air Vehicles named Black kite, Golden Hawk and Pushpak with varying sizes ranging from 300 to 450 mm with a maximum weight of 300 gms to 500 gms were flight demonstrated. These vehicles have an endurance of 30 minutes and carry a miniature daylight video camera as payload that relays the imagery of the gaming area to the GCS during its flight. The video and telemetry range is about two kms. Two mini UAVs called Imperial Eagle and Sly Bird, which are categorized under two kg class vehicles and having an endurance of one hour, were also demonstrated. These vehicles carry either a
daylight camera or thermal, night vision camera (one at a time) as payload and thus has the capability for both day and night surveillance, it said. Flying at an altitude of one km above ground level, they are hand launched and recovered through soft landing from sea level to 14000 feet and have a service ceiling altitude of 15000 feet. These vehicles are fully autonomous with 'programmed way point navigation' and the way points can also be changed through tele-command during the flight, the statement said. The video and telemetry range is about 10 km and with a ground tracker system is capable of providing continuous imagery of the on-board camera irrespective of the attitude of the aircraft.-PTI
X-rayed using high-energy digital radiation, along with the lorry transporting it, in the most powerful X-ray tunnel for containers of the Rotterdam customs authority, normally used to scan sea containers for suspicious contents. It is said to be the first research of its kind on a museological masterpiece. At 153 cm x 114.5 cm, this 300 kilograms Shiva statue is claimed to be the largest known bronze statue from the Chola Dynasty kept in a museological collection outside of India. "This solid bronze Shiva is evidence of a high level of mastery of bronze casting", a Museum release says. According to Rajan Zed, a front ranking Hindu community activist, various renowned mu-
tory, New York; Philadelphia Museum of Art in Pennsylvania; Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland; Dallas Museum of Art, Texas; Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, Missouri; etc. Zed said that art had a long and rich tradition in Hinduism and ancient Sanskrit literature talked about religious paintings of deities on wood or cloth. The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands, whose collection comprises 1.1 million objects dating from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Its history goes back to 1800 and it attracts about 900,000 visitors each year. A. Ruys is Chair while Anna Slaczka is curator of South Asian Art of this Museum which contains many stone and bronze
Desi News
Dubai to Dallas with Emirates airline India Post News Service
DALLAS: Emirates, a leading Airline that has been getting more popular with the Indian Diaspora in USA along with mainstream American flyers, announced at a special event at this Lone Star State that it would shortly launch flights from Dubai to Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) The announcement was greeted by over 900 guests from local industries, the travel trade and the government who had come to attend a Gala dinner event at the iconic Dallas Cowboys Stadium to discover more about one of the world's most successful airlines.
COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA
New York Life celebrates SF team success Details on page 19
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Anu Peshawaria's book on domestic abuse launched
Details on page 14
Dr Prasad gets Pravasi Diwas Award in Delhi India Post News Service
NEW YORK: Dr. C.M. Prasad, an eminent psychiatrist based in Washington DC was conferred with the prestigious Pravasi Diwas award for his achievements in the field of medicine at national and international levels by Lt. Governor of Pondicherry Sardar Dr. Iqbal Singh at a glittering ceremony held in Hotel Le Meridian of New Delhi recently. Former Speaker of Lok Sabha and Union Minister Dr Balaram Jakhar; Uganda High Commissioner to India Nameesha Madhvani; former CBI director Joginder Singh; British NRI entrepreneur Dr Rami Ramger and many other national and international guests of honor felicitated the awardees chosen from all over the world. Details on page 15
Anu Peshawaria and Seema Singh of Asian Women's Safety Net at the book launch in New Jersey
SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service
NEW JERSEY: It was an eyeopener for the 25-plus women who gathered Sunday afternoon to listen to immigration attorney and human rights activist Anu Peshawaria about the serious issue of domestic abuse and spousal violence against South Asian immigrant women in the United States. It was no comfort to note that two out of every five South Asian
women in the United States is subjected to domestic abuse and that 90% of those are immigrant
file older sister former top cop and social activist in India Kiran Bedi, is legal advisor to the Indian Em-
‘Indians here in the US were all well to do, wealthy people, but underneath that I saw that women suffered domestic abuse, violence, loneliness… I couldn't believe it’ women. Peshawaria, who owes some of her claim to fame to her high pro-
bassy in Washington DC as well as the Indian Consulates in the US, and an acknowledged activ-
Grand Republic Day celebration in Skokie K RAJDA
CHICAGO: More than 350 Indian Americans flocked to Fairview School in Skokie to be part of grand celebrations of Indian Republic Day, despite inclement weather. The near three-hour well organized program on Saturday January 21 was well received by all those who attended it. The team work of Indian community of Niles township, volunteers and organizers was evident in how well the program was organized from beginning to end. Details on page 16
Anu Peshawaria with board members of Asian Women's Safety Net at the book launch event. (Pics Srirekha)
ist in her own right. At an event organized by the Asian Women's Safety Net at the Benihana restaurant in Edison, New Jersey on Jan 22, Peshawaria launched her new book 'Lives on the Brink: Bridging the Chasm between Two Great Nations, India and United States', which deals with Indian women who have been victims of bad marriages to Indian men living in the US. Having dealt with several human rights violation and dowry death cases in India, Peshawaria said she decided to move to the US in 1999. "I came to US thinking I would relax and enjoy life but was in for such a big surprise," she said. "Indians here in the US were all well to do, wealthy people, but underneath that I saw that women suffered domestic abuse, violence, loneliness… I couldn't believe it." Then one day a woman at a local gurdwara told her about her story: Her husband had begun to neglect her and her child because he had married her own sister. When asked why she allowed that to happen, she said it was the only way to get her sister's immigration done so she too could come to the US from India. "That day I decided I wanted to practice only immigration law and help such women out," Peshawaria said. Cont’d on page 13
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February 3, 2012
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Bavada seeks Democratic nomination for 10th District SURENDRA ULLAL
LAKE COUNTY: A second generation Indian American Vivek Bavda has thrown his hat to be a Congressional candidate from Democratic Party and has been earnestly seeking support from his constituents and supporters across Chicagoland. A couple of weeks ago he ad-
School in Skokie. Emphasizing his Indian route at the Telugu event he observed "as it says in the Gita, do your dharma. To me, this means to do my duty to public service." Mafat Patel, one of the sponsors at the Skokie event, said, "I am behind Vivek, and everyone else should be because he
come what they want - a journalist, doctor or politician. Bavda is a pragmatic progressive education advocate, and a job creation warrior, who will take a high profile stand for the middle-class, working citizens of the 10th District. When asked, if elected, how he
jobs. My regional jobs plan, which includes doubling the number of lanes on I-94 and I-90 from the Loop to Tower Rd and the airport, respectively, would bring unemployment in the 10th District and Chicago land down to 2004 levels." Bavda went on, "As a staunch
"As a staunch believer in Medicare and the President's signature health care reform, I know we can lower health care costs using a reverse Dutch auction system for payments without cutting Medicare benefits" dressed a fundraiser gathering at India House restaurant in Schaumburg, and last week he spoke at Telugu celebration at the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago in the evening and Fairview High
will make us all proud." Bavda in his speech to the youngsters urged them to embrace their culture because it will root them on a solid ground for progress enabling them to be-
would represent the citizens differently from his incumbent and primary opponents, Bavda replied, "Unlike Bob Dold, I am a staunch believer that we have to use the government to create
believer in Medicare and the President's signature health care reform, I know we can lower health care costs using a reverse Dutch auction system for payments without cutting Medicare benefits."
Bavda is a son of immigrants from India and was born in Columbus, Ohio. He is closely involved with Democratic politics and progressive issues. These include volunteering for events like the 1996 Democratic National Convention, Senator Dick Durbin's Senate campaign in 1996, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky's Congressional bid in 1998, as well as Vice President Gore's Presidential effort in 2000. As an educator with Teach For America in Compton, CA, Bavda saw firsthand the challenges our students face. He knows the education challenges we face in the nation, and believes that excellence can only be attained if it is demanded by well funded, well trained, and accountable teachers. Bavda is currently an attorney and holds a JD from The John Marshall Law School. He is a member of the American Bar Association, Illinois State Bar Association, Lake County Bar Association, and the Chicago Bar Association. Bavda lives in Mundelein and is a fan of Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, and Chicago Bulls. He enjoys golf, softball, and taking classes for personal enrichment.
Anu Peshawaria's book on domestic abuse launched Cont’d from page 12
The book details the traumatic experiences and problems uniquely faced by such women who are subjected to abuse and violence by their husband or in-laws or are abandoned without any recourse or shelter. In the book Peshawaria shares international laws on marriages and immigration. The book offers preventive measures prospective brides should take and what immigrant women should expect when they come to the United States. Having dealt with countless such problems and helped hundreds of women navigate through the complex American Immigration Laws, the book is an essential read for people who immigrate to US for employment or as newly-weds. It is a must read for parents and family, students, young immigrants, and lawmakers. "Although there are no national or statewide studies of Indian women and domestic violence in the US, there is reason to believe that this problem is assuming gargantuan proportions," Peshawaria said. In a power point presentation, Peshawaria pointed out a recent survey in the Boston area, where 40.8 percent of South Asian women reported that they were physically or sexually abused by a male partner in their lifetime. The same survey concluded that 36.9% surveyed women reported some form of abuse by a partner in the past year. "That is a rate of
over 2 out of 5 South Asian women who report domestic violence," Peshawaria said. "That is a huge number." Typically in these cases, the types of abuse include intimidation, emotional abuse, isolation, manipulation, economic deprivation, control over everyday decisions, threats and coercion. The effects of such abuse again typically result in fear, guilt, doubts over sanity, aloneness and trauma to children. The various signs a woman should look
to marry into a family that demands dowry, she says. And then she suggests one should if possible visit the US to check him out and verify his visa status. Also, the women should not let themselves be pushed to break any law to speed up their immigration process to go to the US; not to finalize any plans over long distance such as by email or telephone. "I hate the idea of marriages that are finalized through matrimonial sites like Shaadi.com," said Peshawaria. "Such sites
Typically in these cases, the types of abuse include intimidation, emotional abuse, isolation, manipulation, economic deprivation, control over everyday decisions, threats and coercion. The effects of such abuse again typically result in fear, guilt, doubts over sanity, aloneness and trauma to children for to understand if what she is suffering is domestic abuse include: demands for dowry; not being picked up by spouse at airport; having her activities restricted to the house; being treated like a servant; restrictions on access to money, work or livelihood; revocation of visa, and violent behavior of spouse. Peshawaria lists out a series of suggestions for prospective brides and their parents who intend to get married to grooms settled abroad as preventive measures. Of these the most important is not
are good for introductions of prospective brides and grooms, but not for finalizing marriage plans based on information provided on that site." Another important preventive measure, Peshawaria suggested was that parents should make the effort of spending a few dollars in getting background checks done on prospective grooms. "People spend thousands of dollars on weddings, but they won't spend a few dollars to get background checks done on grooms," she said.
Peshwaria said it was crucial for all NGOs working for South Asian women's rights in the US to come together so that more concerted pressure can be put on the government to bring about policy changes, and also for joint fundraising that can help get free legal help and counseling for affected women. Peshawaria urged all attendees at the event to get a copy of the book (the proceeds of which will go to charity) and give her feedback, ideas and suggestions. She said she would compile all suggestions and send a proposal to the Government of India to bring about relevant laws and policies. The government of India, she said, had enough funds allocated for the purpose but was underutilized for want of ways to spend them properly. Attendees had the opportunity to discuss and gain insight to the solutions and tools needed to further assist domestic violence victims. In her introductory remarks, Seema Singh, an attorney and former NJ Ratepayer Advocate, talked about the Asian Women's Safety Network which aims to create an awareness of the existence of domestic violence and assist in eliminating it. AWSN encourages Asian women regain their self-esteem and establish their own identity. The organization works through trained, culturally specific and knowledgeable volunteers across NJ, who are ready to help any time of the day or night.
Community Across America
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February 3, 2012
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Dubai to Dallas with Emirates airline
Emirates team announcing Dubai to Dallas flight at an event in Dallas India Post News Service
DALLAS: Emirates, a leading Airline that has been getting more popular with the Indian Diaspora in USA along with mainstream American flyers, announced at a special event at this Lone Star State that it would shortly launch flights from Dubai to Dallas/ Fort Worth (DFW) The announcement was greeted by over 900 guests from local industries, the travel trade and the government who had come to attend a Gala dinner event at the iconic Dallas Cowboys Stadium to discover more about one of the world's most successful airlines. Earlier in the day, the Dallas/Fort Worth media met with Emirates representatives including Thierry Antinori, Executive Vice President - Passenger Sales Worldwide; Ram Menen, Divisional Senior Vice President - Sky Cargo; Nigel Page, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations - The Americas; Brian LaBelle, Senior Vice President - Skywards, and Jim Baxter, Vice President - USA, Central America & Caribbean. "As the first commercial non-stop flight to the Middle East in DFW's history, Emirates' new non-stop service will support the local economy by deepening the economic and cultural ties between these two dynamic and growing regions of the world," said Thierry Antinori. "Texas has long been an important market for Emirates and now customers can enjoy the convenience of a second Texan gateway, making it even easier to access
Guests at the special event hosted by Emirates
our fast-growing network of 118 cities worldwide. Not only will this new route help promote Dubai and transit markets to America's south and southwest, it will also promote tourism, business and leisure travel to the southern United States from around the world," Antinori added. Starting 2nd February, EK 221 will leave Dubai daily at 0245hrs, arriving at DallasFort Worth at 0905hrs. The return sector, EK 222, leaves Dallas at 1150hrs, arriving at
Fazal Najimudeen, Regional Manager Business Development-USA, Riya and Akbar Hussain, Head of Special Markets USA for Emirates.
2009, Texan exports to the U.A.E. reached over $1.7 billion - representing export growth of almost 200 per cent in just seven years. Commodities piped between Texas and the UAE include oil and gas industry related machinery, spares and high-tech equipment. A bellyhold capacity of 15 tons on each Emirates flight will help support this trade. It is projected that the route will also create over $200 million of local economic activity every year, providing a significant
It is projected that the route will also create over $200 million of local economic activity every year, providing a significant boost to the already flourishing trade between Dallas/Fort Worth and Dubai. Emirates currently serve 118 cities around the globe with a fleet of 168 aircraft Dubai International Airport at 12-20hrs the following day. "Emirates' new non-stop daily service between DFW and Dubai will connect two global super-hubs for U.S. travelers, bringing Texas closer to 10 cities in India and 17 cities across the Middle East, including many of the world's fastest-growing economies," said Jeffrey P. Fegan, CEO of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. As a strategically important trade hub and a key centre of the nation's oil industry, there are many synergies between the state of Texas and the United Arab Emirates. In
boost to the already flourishing trade between Dallas/Fort Worth and Dubai. Emirates currently serve 118 cities around the globe with a fleet of 168 aircraft. The airline is the largest operator of the A380 and B777 in the world. The Dubai-Dallas/Fort Worth route will be operated by a Boeing 777 aircraft offering the highest standards of passenger comfort, with luxurious private suites in First Class, lie-flat beds in Business Class and generously-sized Economy Class seats. Passengers in all classes can enjoy the latest version of Emirates' award-winning ICE entertainment system. There are more
Samuel Benson Director /VP Riya Travel & Tours Inc
than 1,200 channels of on-demand entertainment to choose from, including 200 movies from around the world, 100 TV channels, more than 500 audio channels, 100 video games and news, sports and business headlines. Customers can also look forward to gourmet food in all cabins. An industry specialist and Director/Vice President of one of the leading Global Travel Companies, with multiple locations in the USA and having its USA-Regional Head Quarters in Dallas, TX. Benson Samuel of Riya Travel & Tours Inc congratulated Emirates on adding DFW and Seattle to its route network in USA. Operations on Emirates from New York, Houston, Los Angeles and San Francisco connect America to the world through the airline's route network with extensive connections from Dubai to the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle and Far East and Africa. Dallas/Fort Worth and Seattle-Tacoma International Airports will both be served by daily, non-stop flights from 2nd February and 1st March respectively. Samuel observed that various social and ethnic associations from all regions of the Indian subcontinent and Pakistani community played an active role in prompting Emirates to commence operations from DFW. Akbar Hussain Head of Special Markets USA present at the Gala emphasized on his plan to increase the market share for Emirates in DFW and the surrounding areas, in all market segments. He also has pledged to deliver world class service and un-compromised support to all travelers from DFW.
Community Across America
February 3, 2012
India Post 15
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Dr Prasad gets Pravasi Diwas Award in Delhi India Post News Service
NEW YORK: Dr. C.M. Prasad, an eminent psychiatrist based in Washington DC was conferred with the prestigious Pravasi Diwas award for his achievements in the field of medicine at national and international levels by Lt. Governor of Pondicherry Sardar Dr. Iqbal Singh at a glittering ceremony held in Hotel Le Meridian of New Delhi recently. Former Speaker of Lok Sabha and Union Minister Dr Balaram
achievements of NRIs and PIOs in their chosen field of activities and presents awards to prominent PIOs and NRIs. It brings out a fortnightly Newsletter updating NRIs the world over about the socio economic and political happenings taking place in India. The Institute had organized its 12th annual event - Pravasi Divas Calling NRIs: Advantage India seminar Jan at Hotel Le Meridian, New Delhi. The NRI Institute's Pravasi Awards were presented to select Peoples of
Dr. Prasad is a physician practicing General Psychiatry in Washington DC metropolitan area. Crossroads Professional Counseling Centers in Annandale, VA is Dr. Prasad's Outpatient clinic Jakhar; Uganda High Commissioner to India Nameesha Madhvani; former CBI director Joginder Singh; British NRI entrepreneur Dr Rami Ramger and many other national and international guests of honor felicitated the awardees chosen from all over the world. The awards were presented by NRI Institute, a non-profit NGO of People of Indian Origin founded in 1989 to provide a platform for the Indians living in India and abroad. It promotes NRI investments in India and paves the way for effective interaction with government and authorities. The Institute highlights the
Indian Origin living in India and abroad for their outstanding achievements in their chosen field of activities and their contribution to the socio-economic development of India and the country of their adoption, according to Jagmohan Singh, founder of the Institute. Dr. Prasad is a physician practicing General Psychiatry in Washington DC metropolitan area. Crossroads Professional Counseling Centers in Annandale, VA is Dr. Prasad's Outpatient clinic. Dr. Prasad's expertise includes psychiatry - general, geriatric, correctional, emergency, addiction medicine, and
Jagmohan Singh, Uganda High Commissioner to India Nameesha Madhvani; Dr C. M. Prasad, Balram Jakhar and Gov. Sardar Dr. Iqbal Singh.
pain management. A native of Andhra Pradesh, Dr. Prasad's did his M.Sc.-Medical Pharmacology from M.S. University in Baroda; PhD in Pharmacology from University of Bombay and graduated with his MD degree in Juarez, Mexico. He is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in 2011, also was made Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (DFAPA) in 2011. A member of the clinical faculty
in George Washington University in Washington DC, Dr. Prasad has the unique distinction of contributing to a training DVD as an examining physician of a patient interview for the mock examination. This 75 minute DVD was prepared in 2007 by American Physician Institute for Advanced Professional Studies (Beat the Boards!) and was distributed to over 3000 candidates taking Psychiatry Part II board exam in the United States. In 2011 Dr. Prasad was honored
with Maryland Governor's Citation in recognition of leadership in promoting business, trade and job growth in Maryland. He is also a recipient of National leadership Award by National Republican Congressional Committee in recognition of outstanding service and commitment to Republican ideals and in particular for assistance and guidance administered to the Republican Leadership in the area of Health Care Reform.
Sher Rajput- Outstanding NRI & community activist SURENDRA ULLAL
Sher Rajput in Rajasthani attire
CHICAGO: Sher Mohammad Rajput hailing from Rajasthan and settled in Chicago, has been one of the most active members of the Indian community visible in all community activities and celebrations for the last 20 years or more,
Receiving Geetha Mandalam Award
A highly respected and well known personality in the Indian Diaspora, he holds MS and MBA from Indiana State University and is one of the oldest and successful NY life insurance agents. Rajput is living in Rogers Park, Chicago.
He is involved with the MCC for more than 30 years and was instrumental in securing the MCC Elston building. According to Rajput, MCC- Elston building was a movie theater, before it was converted into Banquet Hall and then a MCC
With local politicians
Masjid. Right now the front of the Elston building is being remodeled and reminds of old movie theaters in the city of Chicago. Cont’d on page 16
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February 3, 2012
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Grand Republic Day celebration in Skokie K RAJDA
CHICAGO: More than 350 Indian Americans flocked to Fairview School in Skokie to be part of grand celebrations of Indian Republic Day, despite inclement weather. The near three-hour well organized program on Saturday January 21 was well received by all those who attended it. The team work of Indian community of Niles township, volunteers and organizers was evident in how well the program was organized from beginning to end. Many dignitaries showed up in spite of rough driving conditions. They all spoke highly about India and Indians in United States and congratulated the organizers for a job well done. More than 80 performers from Nartan dance academy, Tarana Kathak dance academy, Payaliya dance studio and Kalapadma dance academy were excited to show their talent and they were greatly appreciated by the Indian and non-Indian audience. Dance directors Mrs. Mrugakshi Patel, Mrs. Sheetal Dhanani, Ms. Trupti Patel and Mrs. Ruth Varghese were applauded for their efforts. Among the dignitaries were US Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Mayor of Skokie George Van Dusan, State Rep Daniel Biss, Al Curtis representing State Rep
Lamp Lighting Ceremony by US Congresswoman Jan Schakowaski during Indian Republic Day celebrations in Skokie
Mr. Louis Lang, Mrs. Santosh Kumar of MAFS and many trustees of the Village. The program was sponsored by Mafat Patel of Patel Brothers and Naren Patel of Med Star Lab. Raja Krishnamurthy and Vivek Bavda, both running for US Congress, gave their message on Republic Day. The main organizers were Mrs. Usha Kamaria, Satish Chander, Santosh Varghese, Raman Patel, Rohit Joshi, and Omprakash Kamaria. President Mrs. Usha Kamaria began her speech by thanking the community for all those years of unconditional support.
Many dignitaries showed up in spite of rough driving conditions. They all spoke highly about India and Indians in United States and congratulated the organizers for a job well done
The Skokie Indian team headed by Usha Kamaria
Mrs. Susan Van Dusen, the first lady of Skokie, talked about how being in close contact with Indian community through Kamaria has made her appreciate Indian culture lot more and coming together in Skokie is becoming a huge success. She urged everyone to join the sixweek long celebration of Assyrian culture this year starting with its kickoff event on Jan 29 at 2:30 pm at Niles West High School. Entire lobby was tastefully decorated by seniors of United Senior Parivar who showed there true patriotism and love for their motherland. Raman Patel, president of United Senior Parivar,
talked about the problem of corruption in India. A charming young Master of Ceremony Gaurav Arora did an excellent job by furnishing information on India and cracking funny jokes. Santosh Varghese had more than one task. He was managing sound during dances and later he entertained the audience with his melodious voice. Dr. Sonal Patel and Mrs. Sandhya Vadravu accompanied Santosh Varghese in singing songs. Acharya Rohit Joshi chanted mantras during the lamp lighting ceremony. American and Indian national anthems were sung by Sandhya Vadravu. Snack boxes were distributed at the end.
Artists performing at Skokie celebration
Sher Rajput- Outstanding NRI & community activist Cont’d from page 15
Rajput has a secular outlook and was bestowed with Outstanding Member of the Community Award recently from Geetha Mandalam, a Hindu Religious. He is a founding member and Board of Trustees of East West University and was recognized by the
University Board for his great contributions. He is also a founding member and Board of Trusty of Indo-American Community Center. He served as Chair of Federation of Indian Associations. He is involved in working with both Indian and Pakistani organizations promoting harmony between In-
dia and Pakistan. He is actively involved in the Inter-faith causes that include Hindus, Sikhs, Indian Christians and Muslims of Chicago. He has been honored by many organizations as a dedicated community worker and activist. Rajput is long associated with American politics in Chicago. He worked for former Chicago Mayor
Harold Washington. He was a part of Mayor Daley and Mayor Rahm Emanuel's campaign committees. His was an Illinois Delegate to National Democratic Conventions, was member of a delegation to President Bill Clinton and then to President Obama. He worked in President Obama's campaign and mostly in Indiana State, a hotly
contested Republican State. He was awarded by Gov.Pat Quinn where the Gov. congratulated Rajput calling him "The Indian Icon" He is deeply involved in his home town Bikaner, Rajasthan, running Orphanage Trust and Shelter for Women in his home town Bikaner.
February 3, 2012
Community Across America
India Post 17
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Chivukula calls for nuke safeguards to protect drinking water India Post News Service
NEW JERSEY: Assembly Utilities Chairman Upendra J. Chivukula called on nuclear power operators to heed the recommendations in the report released Jan 24 on the threat to drinking water from nuclear facilities, by strengthening safety protocols and implementing safeguards to prevent radioactive materials from leaking into New Jersey's groundwater sources. According to the report 'Too Close to Home. Nuclear Power and the Threat to Drinking Water', released by New Jersey Public Interest Research Group (NJPIRG) and Environment New Jersey, more than 3.2 million New Jerseyans who live within 50 miles of an active nuclear plant, could be at risk of radioactive contamination from a leak or accident at a local nuclear power plant. Fifty miles is the distance the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) uses to measure risk to food and water supplies. The report cites that even a common leak at a nuclear power plant can threaten the drinking water for millions of people and that 75% of US nuclear plants have leaked tritium, a radioactive form of hydrogen and can cause cancer and other genetic defects. "The nuclear power operators of our state should move forward to strengthen security protocols and take necessary safeguards to prevent radioactive leaks in our
state's drinking water. I also support the call by NJPIRG and Environment New Jersey for a thorough safety review of U.S. nuclear power plants and requiring plant operators to implement regular groundwater tests in order to catch tritium leaks."
"The nuclear power operators of our state should move forward to strengthen security protocols and take necessary safeguards to prevent radioactive leaks in our state's drinking water. I also support the call by NJPIRG and Environment New Jersey for a thorough safety review of U.S. nuclear power plants Upendra J. Chivukula
New Jersey has four nuclear reactors: Oyster Creek in Lacey Township, Hope Creek in Lower Alloways Creek Township, and the Salem Units One and Two reactors, also in Lower Alloways Creek Township. These supply 55% of the state's electricity. In April 2011, Chivukula (D-
OFBJP urges NRIs to support BJP in Indian polls India Post News Service
NEW YORK: Stating that the forthcoming assembly elections in five Indian states would have far reaching consequences on future course of Indian politics, the Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP - USA) has appealed Indian Americans to support the Bharatiya Janata Party in these elections. Assembly elections are scheduled in five States in India, namely, Uttar Pradesh (UP), Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa, and Manipur during the last week of January through March 2012. "The outcome of these elections will have far reaching consequences on the future course of Indian politics and the survival of corrupt central government," an OFBJP release said. "Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) - USA fervently appeals to NRIs in USA and across the world to support BJP in these assembly elections." The OFBJP further stated that "the stinking corruption of UPA government led by the Congress party has reached the historical heights in the last eight years; prices of all commodities have risen to record levels; and the unabashed appeasement of Muslims to garner votes has reached dangerous proportions. This is vote bank politics at its worst and this may lead to pre-partition type situation." OFBJP has been organizing "Jan Sampark abhiyan" (community meetings) involving people from Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand in particular, and Punjab and Goa in gen-
Somerset\Middlesex) stewarded a joint briefing of the Assembly Utilities, Homeland Security and Environment panels to examine the overall operations, safety protocols and emergency preparedness of the state's nuclear facilities,
eral, in New Jersey, New York, Washington DC, Florida, Texas, Illinois, and California. OFBJP workers, in their interactive community meetings, describe in detail how UP Chief Minister Mayawati installed statues of herself in every nook and corner of UP spending millions of tax payers' money. They also illustrate how she has been playing divisive caste politics just to stay in power, while the Congress and Mulayam Singh
OFBJP workers, in their interactive community meetings, describe in detail how UP Chief Minister Mayawati installed statues of herself in every nook and corner of UP spending millions of tax payers' money Yadav led Samajwadi Party are playing competitively the card of religion based reservations. Jayesh Patel, OFBJP President appealed to NRIs to call their families, relatives, and friends in these states to influence them to vote for BJP. OFBJP President Elect, Chandrakant Patel has been motivating volunteers to campaign personally in these states. Some volunteers have already left for campaigning in Uttar Pradesh for BJP.
The panel, which followed the nuclear disaster in Japan's Fukushima Daiichi plant in March 2011, scrutinized the risks involved in the event of a nuclear emergency which could be triggered by an accident, a natural disaster or a terrorist attack. It also examined the possible medium and long-term im-
pact on New Jersey, of the radiation from the damaged reactors in Japan's Fukishima Daiichi nuclear power plant. "The accident in Japan's Fukushima Daiichi power plant manifested one of our worst fears of a possible devastating impact from radioactive leaks in the event of an accident or emergency at a nuclear facility," Chivukula said. "While nuclear power is one of the most important components of New Jersey's current energy mix, contributing more than 55% of the state's supply of electricity, we must ensure that the strictest safeguards are in place and that we continue to bolster security systems to prevent contamination of our drinking water supply and risks to public health." According to the NJPIRG and Environment New Jersey report, among the risks demonstrated by the Fukushima crisis is the threat of contamination of drinking water supplies by radioactive material. In the wake of the Fukushima accident, drinking water sources as far as 130 miles from the plant were contaminated with radioactive iodine, prompting cities such as Tokyo to warn against consumption of the water by infants. There are 100 nuclear reactors located in 64 sites in 31 US states that supply 20% of the nation's electricity. The United States has the world's largest commercial nuclear energy program and together with France and Japan, contributes 57% of global nuclear generating capacity.
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Community Across America
February 3, 2012
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Hari Om Mandir celebrates Lohri festival Asian Media USA
CHICAGO: Lohri, popular Punjabi agricultural festival, was celebrated with great fanfare at Hari Om Mandir in Medinah, a north side suburb of Chicago. The celebration included traditional food of Saag (mustard) and Makki (corn) ki roti and lassi (buttermilk), bonfire, tappes, and songs suitable for the occasion. The temple priests along with help from a number of devotees created a beautiful exhibit of traditional Lohri items. There were models of Charkha, well with utensil to draw water, front of a house with traditional paintings of Diyas (tea lights) and cut out of people with dhols. Asha Khanna, a devotee, started the program with traditional song "Sundar Mundariye". This was followed by lot of traditional songs and Tappes. She was joined by Subhash Sharma, Vijay Ghai, Deepak and Mona Sharma and other members of the Bhajan Mandli. Ayodhia Salwan, Chairman Board of Trustees, also sang the traditional Punjabi Tappe "Sundari Mundari" to the tale of a man who rescued a girl from her cruel abductors and adopted her. Finally he arranged her marriage,
Devotees celebrating Lohri at Hari Om Mandir in Medniah
as if she was his own daughter. These songs exhort the youth to protect the honor of their sisters and daughters, and punish those who try to dishonor them. Young kids were moving around asking Lohri from the devotees. The newlyweds and the families with new born kids were blessed by the priests. The program ended with Aarti and Prasad. Traditional items like Phuga, rewari, puff popcorn were distributed in Prasad. Devotees gathered around the bonfire outside the main entrance to the temple, danced around the fire and threw
puffed rice, popcorn and other munchies into the fire shouting "Aadar aye dilather jaye" and sang popular folk songs to mark
bers of Executive Board led the team of volunteers and devotees in preparation and presentation of an excellent presentation of Indian
Young kids were moving around asking Lohri from the devotees. The newlyweds and the families with new born kids were blessed by the priests the occasion. Rajeev Bharel, President Executive Board, along with other mem-
traditions. Hari Om Mandir located at DuPage County, has statues of all
major North Indian gods and goddesses. Every Sunday there is a Havan and general congregation followed by Aarti and Bhojan Prasad. On every first Saturday of the month there is Devi Jagran from 7 to 10pm. Every Monday there is Shiv Puja and every Tuesday there is Hanuman Challisa Path. There are two learned priests available in temple, for Poojas, Havan, Kathas etc in the temple and at home. Upcoming events: Maha Shivaratri - Monday 20-Februay, Holi - Thursday 8-March, Ramanavami - Sunday 1-April.
Tyagaraja Aradhana at Balaji Temple MUKUNDAGIRI SADAGOPAN
CHICAGO: Sri Venkateswara Swamy (Balaji) Temple, Aurora, Illinois observed Tyagaraja Aradhana on Saturday, January 21. This happened to be the 23rd year of this event at the temple. On the Indian (Hindu) calendar Pushya Bahula Panchami marks the day Carnatic music's SaintComposer Tyagaraja attained Samadhi in the year 1847 at Tiruvaiyaru in Tamil Nadu, India. Accordingly, devotees of Carnatic music and Saint Tyagaraja all over the world observe the Aradhana around this time. On Saturday about 140 people performed Saint Tyagaraja's Kritis in programs that lasted about eight hours. Balaji temple follows its own unique tradition of the Aradhana. The program started promptly at 11 am with Sita Rama Kalyanam. At appropriate points during the Kalyanam, a group of seven children rendered four Utsava Sampradaya Kritis (USK) of the Saint - Shobhaane (Pantuvarali), Nagumomu galavani (Madhyamavati), Kouvai unnaade (Devagandhari) and Sita Kalyana Vaibhogame (Kurinji). After the Sita Kalyanam, the program continued at the Sannidhi, as done in Tiruvaiyaru, with
Chelulara (Kharaharapriya) performed by a violin-led group, followed by Guruleka (Gouri manohari) violin solo. The Pancharatna Kriti group was next, in which about fifty people participated - including three veenas, a violin, a flute, a mridangam and a
To infuse confidence and to nudge them along, one of the teachers employed an audacious technique - that of sitting directly in front of the group and audibly vocalizing the songs khanjira. At the end of this the children's group offered the mangalam Avani suta (Nadanamakriya). Tyagaraja Ganotsavam started at 1:30 p.m. in the Veluchami Auditorium of the temple. This program consisted of groups and individuals each doing one Tyagaraja Kriti.
About ninety people participated, many of whom were highly placed in Jaya TV's Carnatic Music Idol of USA program broadcast from Chennai, India. There were also a very large number of children just taking baby steps into the ocean of Carnatic music. To infuse confidence and to nudge them along, one of the teachers employed an audacious technique - that of sitting directly in front of the group and audibly vocalizing the songs while explicitly slapping the tala, as the little ones followed their leader note for note - the bolder and more strident ones carrying along their timorous brothers and sisters. As everyone performed, their names, songs, ragas and talas were projected on a large display, keeping the neophytes better informed of what was going on. Every proud participant got a printed certificate. The list of performers and their time slots were posted on the walls and it showed that the Ganotsavam progressed like clockwork. The end came ahead of schedule, with Gitarthamu (Surati), Madhyamavati and the Nee nama rupa mulaku (Sowrashtram) mangalam.
Community/California
February 3, 2012
India Post 19
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New York Life celebrates SF team success RATANJIT GUPTA
SAN FRANCISCO: This year's New York Life 2012 annual kickoff black tie gala event for greater San Francisco general offices was held at the Hilton San Francisco Airport Bayfront. The Hilton's event hall was lavishly decorated and was packed with friends and family members of the New York life San Francisco group. Attendees were dressed in sharp tuxedos and beautiful
This event highlighted the SF area team's successes. 2011's Agent of the Year was Harpreet Chadha who brought in over $328,000 in FYC. The New Associate of the Year award went to Janet Chung dresses and the hall was filled with smiles, chatter, and warm greetings. The agenda for the chandelier lit room that evening included a delicious three-course meal, an awards ceremony, as well as dancing; all of which to celebrate the success that New York Life expe-
The awards
rienced in 2011 and to set the correct tone for expected successful 2012 year. The mission for the New York Life Greater San Francisco Offices group is "to help provide financial security and peace of mind to help our clients. Our commitment to mutuality and our financial strength is evident in our communities and with the businesses we serve." The New York Life company products include traditional life insurance as well as fixed annuities. The New York Life Greater San Francisco area includes offices in downtown San Francisco, San Mateo, Fremont, and Santa
Event overview
Clara. When considering recent world events and major economic uncertainties, it is safe to say that New York Life has been successful despite all that's been going on. As well as being the number one life insurance company in the country, New York Life has also been rated the highest amongst its competition. Last year, The SF office area made nearly $10.5 million in First Year Commissions (FYC). This office group is number one in the Pacific zone and number four in the nation. The San Francisco group experienced growth in their Life FYC by almost 10 percent, as
well as had a 10 percent gain in the number of active New York Life agents. New York Life Greater San Francisco Offices Group brought in $38 million in Life premiums and $55 million in investment dollars. This black tie gala event recognized the hard work that the New York Life team had been putting in; allowing the offices to pay out $48 million in life insurance proceeds to more than 450 families. This event highlighted the SF area team's successes. 2011's Agent of the Year was Harpreet Chadha who brought in over $328,000 in FYC. The New Associate of the Year award went to Janet Chung which recognizes her
as the agent with the highest production within the first three years of her title as a New York Life Agent. The night was ended with a full dance floor and a reminder to the Greater San Francisco New York Life team, that despite the fact they are leaders in the company, said Managing Partner K.B. Sareen, "We cannot rest on our laurels. Our legacy is one of growth and leadership, and it is my fervent wish that this be continued. It is our dedication, our attention to detail, our drive to succeed, and our faith in ourselves and each other, that will keep us strong and take us even higher."
Strip-mall being converted to Hindu temple TRACY, CA: A 10,000 square feet stripmall is reportedly being converted to a Hindu temple in Tracy, California. According to reports, construction is under way and the Hindu temple will take over the entire Tracy Plaza Retail Center, which has about 30,500 square feet parking lot. It was developed in 2009 but has been reportedly vacant since then.
Meanwhile, Hindu activist Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada, applauded efforts of temple management and area community for realizing this temple complex. Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, said it was important to pass on Hindu spirituality, concepts and traditions to coming generations amidst so many distractions in the consumerist soci-
ety and hoped that this new temple would help in this direction. Zed stressed that instead of running after materialism; we should focus on inner search and realization of Self and work towards achieving moksha (liberation), which was the goal of Hinduism. Tagline of Tracy in San Joaquin County, incorporated in 1910, is "Think Inside the
Triangle" and its "Purpose & Vision" is to "become the most prosperous community in California". Prominent people associated with Tracy include rapper MC Hammer, football players Nick Eddy and Keena Turner, and actor Rod Lauren; while Brent H. Ives and Leon Churchill are Mayor and Manager respectively.
Demystifying the college admission process India Post News Service
CUPERTINO, CA: Flex College Prep is presenting on March 4 at the Quinlan Community Center a rare and unique seminar providing up-to-date insider information about the college admissions process for high school students. Former college admission officers will role play the private school admission review process of three high school applicants. Also featuring for the first time will be insights into the UC Admission process. The Seminar aims to demystify the process, provide reliable information, and help students and parents develop a
successful college admission or application strategy. The Flex Info Bank speakers feature highly experienced former college admission officers from Top Tier universities include, among others: Robert Jackson: Former Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Yale University. He was also the Regional Admissions Officer for Los Angeles, New York, Hawaii, Nevada, and South Pacific territories Rae Shaw: Former University of Chicago, Assistant Director of Admissions Erinn Andrews: Stanford University: Former Assistant Director of International and Domestic Admissions: Former
Admission Chair for Fine Arts Review: Stanford University: MA
The Flex Info Bank speakers feature highly experienced former college admission officers from Top Tier universities in Education: BA in History, Danny Byun: CEO Flex and former
Consultant at Price Waterhouse Coopers and KPMG Daniel Klasik: Vassar College: Former Assistant Director of Admission, Stanford University: PhD in Education (ABD): MA in Economics The seminar goal is to empower students and families with information that can be used to plan for college admissions and to manage the stress associated with this process. It aims to demystify the admissions process by going behind the Admissions Office's closed doors and addressing how schools select applicants for admission. For the first time there is a section on the UC Admission Process.
Some of the topics that will be covered include: *Explaining "who gets accepted," and "why they got in "or "not get in" How do I choose extracurricular activities? What's more important: grades or extracurricular activities? Why isn't a 4.0+ GPA and 2400 SAT score a guarantee of admission to top schools? Current Admissions Trends * How do I manage stress - what do colleges want to see in the application? What is a good college essay topic? What should I expect in an interview?
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Destroying sacred forest in the name of development India Post News Service
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man-made environmental disaster awaits the districts of Gurgaon and Faridabad which adjoin the capital city of Delhi. In the name of development, the Haryana Government wants to reopen the sacred forest region of Mangar and Aravalli range of mountains in Faridabad for mining and for real estate activities. The Supreme Court had suspended mining in the Aravalis in May 2009 due to the havoc wrought upon this crucial range around Delhi. It appointed a Central Empowered Committee (CEC) which suggested that the entire area be declared a deemed forest. The Haryana government however has drawn up a fresh plan to revive mining in the ravaged parts of Aravalis. Involved in this project of destruction are a few property agents from the village of Mangar, politicians and the Hooda government. Recently the state government finalized the Draft Development Plan for Mangar without inviting any representative from the forest department, which has been pushing for protection of the forest. Documents show that Mangar village in the district is likely to be the prime target for mining. At least 210 hectares in Mangar and
tels, motels and banquet halls, it has given the go ahead for a mega tourism project over 500 hectares in the region. According to the plan, while 1,800 hectares would be reserved
Mohabatabad villages have been identified for future mining. The other villages where the government plans to allow mining are Khori, Sirohi, Dhauj, Kot and Alampur. Already people like Capt Satish Sharma, a former Congress Union minister and his wife Sterre Sharma, have obtained conversion of land use and started construction of a five star hotel with FDI from Italy. The question arises, why would Italian businessmen invest in Mangar of all villages? Although the state-level committee led by CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda decided to prohibit setting up of farmhouses, industries, ho-
as forest, a huge portion of the Mangar forest would be earmarked as an open space or agricultural zone. Sources said since this portion does not fall under the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA), which restricts non-forest use of forest land, the government did not agree to the proposal of covering Mangar Bani under the forest zone. The Mangar Bani is said to be 700-800 years old. The Bani and its vegetation have been described in several books as the original ridge where no artificial plantation was ever carried out. Even the Faridabad administration had prepared a report recently, which had mentioned that the re-
The issue of allowing any form of real estate or agricultural activities in Mangar has been kicking off debates because of the ecological significance of a sacred forest cover in the village, which has been protected by locals gion works as a major water-recharge zone for Gurgaon and Faridabad and that protecting the region is crucial for sustainability of the two cities. Looking at the dhau trees in Mangarbani's wilderness, wellknown environmentalist Pradip Krishen says, "It is the only tree species that is perfectly adapted to growing on dry, rocky land. If they are destroyed, these hills will become barren." The issue of allowing any form of real estate or agricultural activities in Mangar has been kicking off debates because of the ecological significance of a sacred forest cover in the village, which has been protected by locals. In fact, it's the threat of development to this sacred forest had brought the environment activists together to take up the issue with Faridabad administration. Moreover, the sacred forest has unique plant species and medicinal plants, which are
In the middle of the jungle is a temple dedicated to Gudariya Baba. The belief is that if anyone breaks a branch in this sacred forest or grazes his goats here will suffer grievous harm from the Baba. In fact one developer, who tried construction activity here, came to grievous harm. Following that incident, three more developers have withdrawn from the area
found nowhere else. In the middle of the jungle is a temple dedicated to Gudariya Baba. The belief is that if anyone breaks a branch in this sacred forest or grazes his goats here will suffer grievous harm from the Baba. In fact one developer, who tried construction activity here, came to grievous harm. Following that incident, three more developers have withdrawn from the area. Environment activists have taken up the issue with government officials. "There is a contiguous patch of forest from Asola in Delhi up to Khot in Faridabad. If we allow farmhouse or any nonforest activity in this corridor, it will have huge adverse impact on wildlife in the region," said a Haryana wildlife department official. Many NRI and foreign companies have joined the campaign of boycotting development of Mangar and adjoining areas which, if allowed, will further mess up the water problem in the area.
Realty Tidbits
Noida e-way likely to become toll road soon GREATER NOIDA/ NEW DELHI: The free ride on the NoidaGreater Noida Expressway is likely to end in the next few months. Sources in the Uttar Pradesh government said the management and maintenance of the 24.5-km expressway was likely to be handed over to the Jaypee group in the coming months after which the private developer can charge a user fee from commuters. The toll plaza is likely to come up about 500m before the Hindon River crossing from Noida side, after the city authority clears land for the toll gates. Sources said that as per the agreement between Jaypee Group and the state government, the expressway will be handed over from the date the developer starts collecting toll on the Yamuna Expressway. The commercial operation of that expressway, linking Noida and Agra, could start by April.
Realtors seek nod for loan rollover
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evelopers across the country have sought Reserve Bank of India’s permission for a rollover of real estate loans due for repayment by March 31, 2012. They have also appealed for a reduction in risk weightage for real estate loans to help reduce the cost of loans. While none in the industry is being able to put a figure to the loan amount disbursed to the country’s real estate segment, RBI release dated November 2011 indicated about. 1,16,670 crore of gross bank credit was deployed to the commercial real estate sector as on November 18, 2011, against. 1,05,479 crore on November 19, 2010. Loan disbursal to the sector grew by 4.3 % from. 1,11,836 crore as on March 25, 2011 to. 1,16,670 crore as on November 18, 2011, reflecting commercial banks aversion to real estate projects in 2011.
Real Estate
Bangalore realty change rides on Metro Details on page 22
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Construction sector to see squeeze in order flow: Fitch NEW DELHI: The construction sector is likely to witness further squeeze in order inflow in 2012 as corporates defer capex plan due to higher interest rates and slow economic growth, rating agency Fitch has said. "Construction firms' order books showed 15-20 per cent growth in FY'11. Fitch expects order inflows to slow further and order books to remain stagnant in 2012," it said in a sectoral report. Capex plans in the corporate sector being deferred due to higher interest rates and inflation and slowing economic growth, Fitch said. Order inflows from the power
sector may also slow, with various banks reaching their internal limits for lending to the sector and the fuel linkage being faced by the sector. Fitch, however, expects inflows
creation. Meanwhile, Fitch said volatility in stock markets and weakening economic conditions may hamper the fund-raising plan of the construction companies.
Fitch said that aggressive bidding for BOT projects has already lowered equity Internal Rates of Returns (IRRs) earned by developers on such projects from transportation and infrastructure segments to remain buoyant in 2012 due to continued focus of the government on infrastructure
"During 2011, funding through IPOs dried up due to a volatile stock market. Several companies raised equity from private equity
investors either at parent or intermediate holding company level. Continuing volatility in stock markets and weakening economic conditions may hamper the fund raising plans of companies in the current year," it said. Fitch said that aggressive bidding for BOT projects has already lowered equity Internal Rates of Returns (IRRs) earned by developers on such projects. High interest rate scenario prevailing would further impact the IRRs of projects currently under construction/operation. "This would impact their ability to induct investors at project/ intermediate level," it said.
Probe into use of black money in real estate MUMBAI: The National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) has asked the inspector general of Registration and Controller of Stamps to submit the details of the three highest-value transactions that happened in the last two years in every area in Mumbai and Pune. It has also sought the number of sale documents registered, registration and stamp duty paid as well as ready reckoner rates fixed in every area. The information has been demanded for a study called 'Estimation of Unaccounted Incomes in India'. The research was commissioned last June by the Central Board of Direct Taxes, which falls under the Union finance ministry. The institute began the studywhich means to review recent property deals to check for the use
of black money-with Delhi and adjoining Gurgaon and Noida before turning it into an all-India exercise. Incidentally, the first study on unaccounted money was conducted by NIPFP in 1985 wherein
difference in market prices and registry rates set by state governments. According to income tax officials, the high use of cash in secondary market transactions is an open secret.
It has become commonplace for buyers to under-report the transaction to save on registration cost. For sellers, it means a capital tax burden, which they want to evade the estimates-which are not considered reliable-varied from $462 billion to $1.4 trillion. The CBDT commissioned the new study to unearth the use of black money in property deals that largely goes undetected due to the
"In searches conducted over the past two years on Mumbai builders, we have come across property deals involving huge amounts of cash. Though banned by courts, parking space is sold for cash ranging between Rs 2
lakh and Rs 25 lakh per car. We estimate the cash component varies from 20% to 40% of the total flat cost," said a tax official. It has become commonplace for buyers to under-report the transaction to save on registration cost. For sellers, especially those who do not intend to use the money to buy new property, it means a capital tax burden, which they want to evade. According to tax officials, the realty sector is a big generator of black money. This, despite the fact that registrars nationwide have to report all realty transactions valued at Rs 30 lakh and above. The tax department normally compares the info it has with the data given along with the tax returns using the permanent account number furnished by taxpayers while registering property.
Service tax on flat, shop construction upheld MUMBAI: In a decision that might have an impact on realty prices in the metropolis and nearby areas, the Bombay High Court has upheld the decision of the Union Government to levy service tax on construction of flats and shops. A division bench held by Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justice Amjad Sayed upheld the decision
of the Centre to levy service tax, saying it was legal and constitutional. Maharashtra Chamber of Housing Industries (MCHI) had filed a petition challenging the decision mainly on the ground levying service tax on land and landed properties was the prerogative of the state government and therefore the Centre could not impose such
tax on the construction industry. MCHI prayed that the Center's decision to levy service tax on construction of properties may be struck down as it was illegal and unconstitutional. The Union government had amended the Finance Act of 2009 and imposed 2.5 per cent service tax on construction of flats and shops with effect from July 1, 2010.
The bench concurred with the argument of the Additional Solicitor General of India Darius Khambata that construction activity was a service and so the union government was empowered by the Constitution to levy service tax. To buttress his argument, Khambata cited several Supreme Court judgments and also quoted
provisions of Maharashtra Ownership of Flats Act which allows registration of flats and shops even before they are constructed and are ready for possession. The judges however felt that the decision of the Centre was absolutely legal and constitutional and that it could levy service tax on the construction of properties such as flats and shops.
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February 3, 2012
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Bangalore realty change rides on Metro
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ven as the Metro rail chugs on its way up the popular ity chart in Bangalore, the government has approved the second phase of 'Namma Metro'. The 72-km Phase II of Metro will come up at an estimated Rs 27,000 crore, and is expected to be completed by 2017. Will the coming of the Metro churn - or even marginally touch the real estate market scene as it did the Capital? Mr V. K. Sharma, Director and Chief Executive, LIC Housing Finance, at a recent event in Bangalore, said that he expected the metro train service to transform the city in the next three years. He explained the case of how Delhi went through a similar experience after the metro service was started there. Real estate analysts point out that the peripheral property markets in areas like Gurgaon sky-rocketed, thanks to the Delhi metro. Phase 1 In October 2011, a 6.7-km stretch between Baiyappanahalli and M G Road, with six stations, was inaugurated. The stretch is Metro's 'Reach 1' part of the EastWest corridor of the first phase. Phase I will see a 42.3-km network, 8.8 km of which will be underground on the East-West (Baiyappanahalli to Mysore Road) and North-West (Hesarghatta to Puttenahalli) corridors with 40 stations. The first phase is expected to be completed by December 2013. The second phase will see extension of all reaches on the two existing corridors, east-west and north-south. Besides, two new lines - from Jayanagar to Electronics City, passing through
Phase II of Metro will cost Rs 27,000 crore, and will be completed by 2017.
Jayadeva Hospital, BTM Layout and Silk Board, and the other from Nagavara to Gottigere, passing through the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore - would also come up. In a significant move, that will ensure that this public transport would serve the IT population of this city in a better way, the eastwest corridor would be extended up to Whitefield in the east, and Kengeri in the West. The northsouth corridor would now be extended up to the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre in the north, and up to Anjanapura township in the south. It has to be noted that Phase 1 of the project doesn't cover the IT hubs of the city. That route would have helped it address the city's infamous traffic woes in a better way. A real estate developer pointed out that Phase I of the
metro doesn't cover those city locations where IT offices are located. Currently, Reach 1 of the
"Though comparisons are made, it has to be noted that the Delhi metro was opened at the right time. Had Bangalore Metro offered the connectivity to Whitefield now, it would have helped the micro-market's real estate values Metro has made no difference to the everyday traffic woes of the areas it serves, he said.
IT corridors The city's working population predominantly belongs to the IT/ ITeS sectors, and most of the IT/ ITeS offices are located in locations such as Outer Ring Road, Electronics City, Whitefield, and Bannerghatta Road. Extending this infrastructural project to include the IT corridors of the city would not only make commuting to office much easier and faster for the city's working class, but would also help de-congest the fullyblocked roads. As has been the experience so far with the Metro, the commute between the now-operational Baiyappanahalli and MG Road doesn't take more than 9 minutes. That very road, at peak-hour traffic, would take anywhere between 30 and 40 minutes (at the minimum), while commuters can cover the distance in around 25 minutes
during non-peak hours. However, not all are convinced that the metro service in Bangalore has made any significant impact to the city's real estate market, as was expected. "The metro service so far hasn't been an attraction to the real estate market because the first phase doesn't offer the desired connectivity," said Mr Naresh Dandapat, a real estate analyst. He pointed out that on the eastern corridor, a stretch till Baiyappanahalli doesn't make any significant difference to the property market in Whitefield now, despite both these locations being on Old Madras Road. "In future, when the second phase connects to Mysore Road and Whitefield, peripheral areas would see a better demand," he added. A timely conception and execution of the project would have helped both existing property owners and developers planning projects in the areas. The real estate market, at its current growth rate, would outgrow the reach of the metro in five years' time, explained Mr Dandapat. "Though comparisons are made, it has to be noted that the Delhi metro was opened at the right time. Had Bangalore Metro offered the connectivity to Whitefield now, it would have helped the micromarket's real estate values better than five years from now," he explained. Between 2009-10 and 201112, the micro-market has seen a 16 per cent growth in property prices, said Mr Dandapat. The metro train service is expected to transform the city in the next three years, making property markets skyrocket.
Property investment guideposts for 2012
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nvestors usually prefer residential projects as demand for homes in metros and other cities is high and would only rise. In larger cities, commercial and retail spaces also present potentially lucrative investment propositions. Returns on residential property are significantly lower (46 per cent) than commercial spaces (10-12 per cent) making it a low risk, low return option. Commercial spaces need higher capital investment and are also more difficult to exit. In residential space, the focus should be on properties that have potential for assured rental yields and capital appreciation. This includes residential projects close to workplace catchments, industrial hubs and locations with high aspirational value. Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bangalore, Pune and Chennai are witnessing the highest demand. In broad terms, the most sought after configurations are 1-2 BHK flats in the central areas as well as the suburbs, and 3 BHK
flats in good township projects on the outskirts. Investors need to take informed decisions on under-construction residential projects, regardless of location and developer. The same negative financial dynam-
project, he should ensure that at least 50 per cent of the available units in the project are already sold and that construction progressing according to schedule is at least at the half-way mark. Luxury and super luxury housing should
In residential space, the focus should be on properties that have potential for assured rental yields and capital appreciation. This includes residential projects close to workplace catchments, industrial hubs and locations with high aspirational value
ics that are compromising completion dates of many office buildings hold true for residential projects, as well. If an investor decides to avail of the lower rates of an under-construction residential
be avoided for at least a year, since demand is at a low ebb at the moment. Investors can take an informed call on certain projects in high-value locations, since there is always a core group of HNI buyers who would pur-
chase units in such projects. However, such a call must be taken only on the basis of extensive local market research. Non Metro Property Investment For investors looking at non-metro and emerging cities, there are quite a few options. Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara in Gujarat definitely hold potential. Gujarat is among the fastest growing states, and has achieved remarkable progress in industries, finance and infrastructure. It also has the highest per-capita income among the states. Kochi and Coimbatore are good cities for property investment in South India. Kochi is the commercial capital of Kerala, a major tourist destination and a major growth nexus for medical tourism and eco-tourism, along with a boom in its local IT/ITES sector. Coimbatore is the largest industrial centre in Tamil Nadu after Chennai, and has transformed into a preferred destination for IT/ ITES.
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February 3, 2012
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High-tech townships as dream destinations
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onstruction of two high-tech cities (over 2,500-4, 500 acres) is under way near Ghaziabad and Greater Noida, within the NCR, after the clearance from the government. With facilities like schools, playgrounds, a golf course, hospitals, internal roads, shopping centers, malls, etc, under one roof, these projects have caught the attention of homebuyers. In the first phase, slated to be complete in 4-5 years, more than 10,000 flats will be available in these high-tech city projects. The forthcoming Eastern Periphery Expressway, which abuts these townships, will transform these cities into great commercial points and help in stretching the limits of the urban area around Delhi. The expressway will also provide seamless connectivity of the west and north India bound traffic. This also means that the potential for future trade will also move towards this side and add to the commercial viability of the project. Located strategically at the termination point of the proposed Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, Boraki, and 4km from JP Greens, Greater Noida, Sushant Megapolis is being developed on 2,504 acres, taken from the villages of Bela Akbarpur, Chamrauli, Ramgarh, Chatrasenpur, Dattawali. The project is 10km from Dadri and comes
under Bulandshahr Khurja Development and Sikandrabad Development Authority. The saleable area is around 50% of the 2,504 acres of gross development. The remaining area has been earmarked for roads, green belts, parks, open spaces, a golf course and other public facilities and amenities. The saleable area of approximately 1,300 acres comprises various options like plot-
Located strategically at the termination point of the proposed Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, Boraki, and 4km from JP Greens, Greater Noida, Sushant Megapolis is being developed on 2,504 acres, taken from the villages of Bela Akbarpur, Chamrauli, Ramgarh, Chatrasenpur, Dattawali ted developments , with the sizes ranging from 120 sq yd to as 2,500 sq yd independent plots, built-up lowrise houses, bungalows , villas, independent floors (company constructed houses on plotted developments ), high-rise apartments, commercial offices, convenient shopping centers, neighborhood shopping facilities, institutional areas like schools, medical centers, hospitals , recreational facilities and reserved areas for universities and higher
Land mafia on prowl in Noida Extension
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llegal sale of plots to unsus pecting buyers is on the rise in Noida Extension. About 20 builders/developers, mostly from Delhi, are buying land, already notified for acquisition by the government, from farmers and selling plots to those looking for cheap land for housing. The Greater Noida authority has formed teams to probe the matter, lodge FIRs and raze all illegal structures coming up on such plots. Sources said some builders are even getting roads constructed and electricity poles installed in order to lure homebuyers. Anil Nagar, an office-bearer of Gautam Buddha Nagar Bar Association, warned, "These developers are fooling buyers by selling plots in notified areas. It is illegal. "However, the developers claimed to have paid developmental charges to the authority. They said they are buying only abadi land, which is never notified for acquisition, and selling plots there. Recently, the Noida authority had demolished structures in Shahberi and Jalpura villages. "We have sold 25 bighas of land in Jalpura. And now have launched another project spread in 15 bighas. We are selling a 100 yard plot for R8 lakh only, "said
education institutions and non-polluting employment generating industries. Pranav Ansal, the vice chairman of Ansal API, says: "The project is an integrated township and will cater to the needs of all. Apart from government development, plotted development is not available in this region. The project is proposed to be connected to the hub of Greater Noida. Once
a senior executive of LR Techno build Pvt Ltd. The firm claimed its project has been approved by the authority. Another firm, Sharma Associates in Shahberi, also claimed their project is legitimate. Officials have, however, warned buyers to be alert. "We have prepared a list of villages, which include Shahberi,
The Greater Noida authority has formed teams to probe the matter, lodge FIRs and raze all illegal structures coming up on such plots Jalpura, Kundi Khera, Devla, Haibtapur, Kulesra and Dhummanikpur, where developers are selling plots," said Akhilesh Singh, deputy chief executive officer (DECO) of the authority. "In such deals, buyers will suffer in the end. We will take strict action against the offenders. These unauthorized colonies will have to survive without roads, electricity, sewerage system and storm water management because maps are not approved by the authority, "said Singh.
the rail over bridge is completed, the uninterrupted traffic starts flowing into the township will be connected to NH-91." Located on NH-24, opposite Columbia Asia Hospital, Wave City is a self-sustainable integrated township. It will be among the largest integrated city developments happening in the NCR region, spanning over more than 4,500 acres of land belonging to village Kacheda, Dujana, Naiphal; it will have all the modern infrastructure and
lifestyle facilities. R K Jain, executive director of Wave Infratech, says: "In first phase, we will develop 1,671 acre of land consisting of nearly 7,500 plots, which will house plotted development like housing, built-up floors and bungalows. In addition, to this, the first phase will have nearly 1.7 crore sq ft of grouphousing schemes, consisting of built up flats, starting from 900 sq ft to 3,000 sq ft." "The overall development in this phase will also have commercial complexes, hospitals, a dispensary, schools and IT/ITeS space, industrial spaces (non-polluting) and dedicated green areas. This high-tech city is aimed at addressing the housing demand for the middle-income group and will offer all infrastructure facilities and lifestyle amenities. It will have a mechanical cleaning and sweeping system, closed-loop city MRT system, a 2-acre park for a population of every 400 people and a lake spanning 3 acres, a minimum of 12 meter-wide road network which could be as wide as 18, 24, 45 or 60 meters depending upon the built up area and population concentration and power distribution," Jain says. The first phase is likely to be completed in the next three years and the construction of the project has begun, according to Jain.
SP promises total ban on land acquisition LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh, which needs to take giant strides in industrialization and urbanization if it wants to come anywhere near the national GDP, can bid goodbye to all big ticket projects if the Samajwadi Party comes to power in the state. The party, which released its manifesto in Lucknow, promised a total ban on land acquisition for industry and infrastructure projects if it comes to power, except in urgent circumstances. The manifesto also said that the party would not allow foreign direct investment in retail sector in the state at any cost. The manifesto, which was released in the presence of the party president Mulayam Singh Yadav as well as state president Akhilesh Yadav, categorically states that land acquisition for industrial and infrastructure projects would be totally banned on any land which yields two crops a year. It however put some riders to add that in case of urgent circumstances, the land can be acquired with the consent of farmers and the compensation given would be six times higher than the circle rate. However, if the land remains unutilized for three years, it would be returned to the farmers, it
added. Apart from this, the SP manifesto had a bagful of promises for both its core voters, like the mi-
It however put some riders to add that in case of urgent circumstances, the land can be acquired with the consent of farmers norities, the farmers as well as the backward classes, as well as some goodies for the youth, which the state president and the party's
youth ion, Akhilesh Yadav is trying to woo. For the farmers, loans have been promised at 4% interest to small and marginal farmers, as also minimum support price for grains of all variety. The party also announced that if voted to power, the government would buy directly from the farmers without the intervention of middle men. It also promised pension to all those who are above 65 years along with loan waivers. For the Muslims, which are the traditional vote base of the party and account for an estimated 18% of the state's population, SP promised reservation for them at par with that of the Scheduled Castes.
TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS
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February 3, 2012
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atrina Kaif and Salman Khan are off for Cuba to continue the shoot ing of Kabir Khan's Film Ek Tha Tiger. It's a month long shooting schedule. But why Cuba of all the places? Well, if reports are to be believed, the weather in Cuba is pretty warm and so it will be safe and comfortable for the film's actor Salman Khan to continue his work smoothly, considering his neurological condition. A source close to the project says, "Salman's neuro-condition which is not fully cured, was aggravated when he shot in the freezing cold in Ireland for the film some months ago. Kabir likes to shoot in difficult locations." It is also heard that Salman will be seen performing a few deadly stunts in the film and so having Katrina by his side, he should be safe. Says a friend of the actress, "Their relationship has now gone to another level where he continues to look out for her, and she for him. While they'll be shooting in Cuba she will be keeping an eye on his health." Katrina states, "I'll be gone for quite a while. I've never been to Cuba before. It sounds exciting."
1 Chikni Chameli: Agneepath 2 Hosanna: Ek Deewana Tha 3 Jhoom Jhoomta Hun Main : Players 4 O Saiyyan: Agneepath 5 Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu : Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu 6 Aromale: Ek Deewana Tha 7 Kal Chalna Shuru Tu : Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu 8 Zara Dil Ko Thaam Lo: Don 2 9 Dil Yeh Bekarar Kyu Hai : Players 10 Sharminda Hoon : Ek Deewana Tha
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anjay Dutt's look as the evil Kancha Cheena in the new "Agneepath" has garnered appreciation for the actor from all spheres, even more than the all-white look of lead actor Hrithik Roshan himself, but Sanjay says he is not trying to outdo anyone. "We are not here to overshadow anybody, we have been very comfortable during the film. This film has been made without egos and it is not about competition. Hrithik is fantastic in the film," Sanjay told reporters. He was with Priyanka Chopra and Hrithik Roshan to promote "Agneepath. Even Bollywood heartthrob Hrithik admits that he is, in no way, trying to compete with a "talent" as "great" as Sanjay. "First of all you have to give credit to the talent (Sanjay), I think it is a very rare thing that in one role he projects epitome of goodness in 'Munnabhai', then does something extremely negative like Kancha Cheena and still blows your mind away," said Hrithik.
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eaving behind actors like Hrithik Roshan and Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh has been finalized to star in the remake of the blockbuster Telugu film Magadheera. He will be playing the role of a medieval warrior. The remake rights have been purchased by Vikas Bahl who is also the producer of the film, and director Anurag Kashyap. Ranveer's part includes tough action sequences. There will be a lot of sword fighting. The actor will have to undergo a lot of physical training. He will also be sporting long hair. Confirming the news, Producer Bahl said, "Ranveer is the best thing that could have happened to it. He has all the ingredients to be a passionate lover, a warrior and an entertainer." The original Telugu blockbuster starred Ram Charan Teja and Kajal Aggarwal. Magadheera is a historic love story.
Evil look
Bollywood
February 3, 2012
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Unemployed Shahid W
hile most actors have chock-a-block shooting schedules in 2012, Shahid Kapoor has no qualms in admitting that he has no work on hand as of now. The actor recently wrapped up shooting for Kunal Kohli's tentatively titled "Teri Meri Kahaani", in which he features with Priyanka Chopra. But after that, he is still waiting to lock something. "I don't like to comment on any of my films till the producers make an official announcement. All I can say is I don't have any films right now. So right now I am unemployed," Shahid told reporters at an event. However, his fans don't need to be disappointed, as he said: "In the second half of the year I have many films." Will his "unemployed" status come in the way of his plans of settling down? "I am available. It takes a certain amount of time to establish yourself. It's better if your partner is with you to share your journey in life," commented the actor, whose father's directorial "Mausam" failed to mint moolah at the box office.
S
Iconic fear
tylish actress Sonam Kapoor is fearful of being called a fashion icon for the youth as she feels the tag comes with a lot of responsibilities. "It's only been four years since I have been in the industry, and if in such a short time someone calls you iconic, it is scary and overwhelming," the 26-year-old actress said at a derby event. However, she feels it is more important to prove herself as a good citizen first. "I don't take myself very seriously that 'Oh! I am so amazing', but be a responsible citizen and a good Indian, that is the most important thing," said Sonam. Sonam turned up at the derby event clad in a coral red sari and donning silver jewellery. While most women doll up in dresses and a hat at a derby, Sonam decided to go unconventional. "Everyone wears a predictable dress and hat and comes to the derby. I said why don't I do it the old Indian style where they used to wear cotton and chiffon saris. That's why I wore silver and coral," said the actress.
Hottest vegetarians B
ollywood hottie Mallika Sherawat and Southern star Dhanush have been bestowed with the title of being the 'Hottest Vegetarian Celebrities of 2011' by PETA India. Thousands of people had cast their votes to help People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India determine the winners. Besides Mallika Sherawat and Dhanush, the other competitors included Vivek Oberoi, Vidya Balan, Sonu Sood, Shahid Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini and Kareena Kapoor. While Mallika Sherawat said, "If I had to pick the very best thing about being vegan, it's my clear conscience." The sensational Kolaveri Di singer Dhanush said, "Being a vegetarian always made me feel healthy. I've always felt light. Every time I sit down to eat, I'm helping the environment. I'm proud to be a vegetarian. Go PETA, go green," he said.
25
JAIPUR: From a gathering of celebrity writers and others to a volatile mix of religion and politics, Asia's largest literary festival here found itself dogged by controversy over the New York-based Rushdie, who initially called off his visit and then his much-anticipated video address was cancelled over security threats. "Threat of violence by Muslim groups stifled free speech today. In a democracy all get to speak, not just the ones making threats," Rushdie tweeted. "Videolink cancellation: awful." After the cancellation, the festival ended on a sombre note, with participants' spirits only marginally lifted during a lively debate about man and god at the close. Rushdie later said he was shocked that even his video-conference address was unacceptable and termed the entire controversy a "black farce". He said the real enemies of Islam were its extremist leaders, and blamed the Indian government for giving into them. He also called the threat to his life "fabricated" and termed himself foolish for believing it.
"It was pretty shocking that not only my physical presence, even the screening of video image was unacceptable," Rushdie said from London in a video conference interview to an Indian news channel Organiser Sanjoy Roy had announced morning that Rushdie, 64, would indeed be addressing the gathering at 3.45 p.m. But uncertainty began soon after, following protests by Muslim groups at the venue, Diggi Palace. A couple of hours later, police withdrew permission and an emotional Roy announced that it was cancelled. Minutes before Rushdie was to speak, dozens of Muslims started praying in the venue's courtyard. They tried to downplay the connection with Rushdie's speech but some of them threatened trouble and even bloodshed if the address by a "criminal writer" went ahead. "We have been pushed to the wall," Roy said. "It is with extreme regret that after three weeks of this unfolding, fairly idi-
26
India Post
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February 3, 2012
Visitors attend a discussion by British playwright Tom Stoppard at the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) in Jaipur on January 24. The festival ended after talks from more than 250 speakers including US chatshow queen Oprah Winfrey, biologist and atheist author Richard Dawkins, and Indian best-selling novelist Chetan Bhagat
otic situation, we are having to step down "In view of the resentment simmering in in a fight for the freedom of expression, for the city against Rushdie's address, we have the freedom to write, for the freedom to tell told the organisers that they cannot allow our stories. the writer to speak via video," Superinten"Earlier today, a number of organisations dent of Police Vijendra Jhala told the media. came to us, and have threatened violence Addressing the audience at the venue's within this venue, to all crowded front lawns, our guests who have owner Ram Pratap British author Katie travelled across the Singh added that he world and across the Hickman said: "I think could not allow the city. We have been inconference to take formed by police that the organisers had no place due to security even as I speak, there are choice but to cancel concerns. large crowds that have From despondency been gathering in parks, the event. All of us feel to disgust, reactions across the city, marching terrible sadness that came in swift and fast. on Diggi." "It's a great pity beHe broke off mid-sen- they were forced to cause it's all right if a tence and walked off, certain set of verses take this decision" apparently in tears. written by Salman A collective moan of Rushdie were unacgrief went up from the audience. But they re- ceptable but to react to the writer in his fused to disperse and stayed back to hear the entirety shows tremendous immaturity," concluding debate in a show of solidarity. said National Advisory Council member Police were categorical. and activist Aruna Roy.
Eminent journalist and noted Indophile Mark Tully was equally emphatic: "The government, whether the state or central, is not coming clean. ÂŚIndia looks very shabby as a result of what has happened. Sad day for India." British author Katie Hickman said: "I think the organisers had no choice but to cancel the event. All of us feel terrible sadness that they were forced to take this decision." Anirudh, a student here, added: "If we call ourselves free, it would be wrong. It's a very sad day." Echoing the views of many, India-born British author Faroukh Dhondy told a television channel that the issue had "become a political football". Ironically, Rushdie had attended the festival in 2007. But this time, "The Satanic Verses", condemned by Muslims across the world and in India on grounds that it contains derogatory references to Prophet Mohammed, cast its long shadow on the lit fest - and the elections to five states beginning Jan 28.
27 India
A
Sikkim is bound by Tibet (China) in the north, West Bengal in the south, Tibet and Bhutan in the east and Nepal in the west. The state is spread below Mount Kanchanjunga, the third highest peak in the world
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journey to Sikkim necessarily means awakening the senses and discovering the pristine and mystic beauty of the land. What one will find most fascinating is the journey itself - a continuum of sights, sounds, and feelings. Sikkim is a dream that one can realize and enjoy, now that the area is open to all. It is a state cloaked in the mystery of remoteness, and far away from the din and bustle of the modern world. Location: Located in the eastern Himalayas, Sikkim is bound by Tibet (China) in the north, West Bengal in the south, Tibet and Bhutan in the east and Nepal in the west. The state is spread below Mount
February 3, 2012
Kanchanjunga (8,534 m), the third highest peak in the world. The locals worship the mountain as a protecting deity. The elevation of the state ranges between 300 m and over 8,500 m above sea level. A part of the lesser, central, and Tethys Himalaya; Sikkim is a mountainous state without any significant flat land. The larger part of the state is made up of Precambrian rock and is comparatively younger than the Northern, Eastern and Western portion of the state. The rise of the mountains is northward. The state is cut into steep escarpments in the north and except in the Lachung and Lachen valleys, is thinly populated. Cont’d on page 28
28 India Post
Travel & Hospitality Post
February 3, 2012
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Visa on Arrival facility to be extended NEW DELHI: In order to help double the foreign tourist arrivals, the government has decided to extend Visa-on-Arrival facility to Goa, Hyderabad, Kochi and Bengaluru airports. The decision to extend the facility at four more airports was taken at the first inter-ministerial coordination committee for tourism sector. The Government had set up an inter-ministerial coordination committee for tourism sector under the chairmanship of the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Pulok Chatterji to resolve inter-ministerial and industry issues and promote tourism. Secretaries of 14 departments including Tourism, Urban Development, Transport, Home, External Affairs and Railways also attended the meeting. It was decided that the Home Ministry to take steps to facilitate extension of Visa-on-Arrival to GOA, Hyderabad, Kochi and Bengaluru airports within next one year. Currently, Visa-on-Arrival is extended to 11 countries including Japan, Philippines, Singapore, New Zealand, Vietnam and Finland. It was decided at the high-level meeting that a sub- committee consisting of Member Secretary (Planning Commission), Culture Secretary, Secretary (Environment and
Forests), Secretary (Rural Development) and Tourism Secretary will identify potential of tourism in rural, eco and cultural sectors in the country and submit its report within four weeks. The Ministry of Environment and Forest has been asked to finalize its eco-tourism policy at the earliest possible after duly analyz-
It was noted that tourism related activities should become an integral part of relevant poverty alleviation program of the Ministry of Rural Development including NREGA ing the feedback it has received from different quarters. The Culture Ministry has been given the responsibility to adopt a pro-active tourism policy which should promote museums, cultural and heritage sites, besides monuments. There should be close inter-face between Culture and Tourism Min-
istry. In order to promote vocational courses related to tourism, it was decided that HRD Ministry will accord high priority in including schools under the scheme. The initiative taken by Ministry of Tourism through 'Hunar se Rozgar' scheme was appreciated by the inter-ministerial committee. It was noted that tourism related activities should become an integral part of relevant poverty alleviation program of the Ministry of Rural Development including NREGA. Focusing on construction of better roads, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways will utilize the funds available under Central Road Fund (CRF) for selected roads after consultation with concerned 13 state governments in February. Ministry of Road Transport & Highways will undertake development of essential road infrastructure in the tourism circuits either from its own fund or Central Road Fund. In order to facilitate connectivity, which is crucial for tourism, it was decided that Ministry of Defense (Border Road Organization) will expedite ongoing work at Gangtok and Leh roads which are tentatively scheduled to be completed by 2014 and 2015 respectively. -PTI
Russian Arctic to have tourism infrastructure ARKHANGELSK: Russia will launch the ambitious project to modernize key points of the park in the Arctic, including construction of helicopter pads, docks for boats and ships, and organization of visitor centers, the park’s press secretary Marina Menshikova said. She noted that the government would allocate 15-20 million roubles for development of the infrastructures. According to the park’s Deputy Director, Science, Alexander Kirilov, they will develop and modernize the infrastructure only “where a human being has left a footprint - at former polar stations, abandoned military bases and other facilities.” The pristine natural areas will be preserved to be open exclusively for scientific research. In the Tikhaya Harbor of the Island of Hooker in the summer of 2012 the Russian Geographical Society will begin restoration of the former polar station. The few surviving buildings will be main
points for both tourists and scientists, and will become a kind of museum in the open of the Arctic exploration. The park will be cleaned completely from man-made wastes - the fuel barrels and rusty equipment heritage of the Soviet era.
Organizationally, the park is combined with the State Nature Reserve of Franz Josef Land. This is Eurasia’s most northern protected area Experts forecast it may take five to ten years. The first thousand of pressed barrels were taken past summer from the island of Alexandra Land by an expedition ship The Mikhail Somov. During the upcoming season, recycling of waste metal will continues on the
island of Hooker, too. The Russian Arctic National Park was created in June, 2009, at the order of Russia’s government. Its area is 1.426 million hectares. Organizationally, the park is combined with the State Nature Reserve of Franz Josef Land. This is Eurasia’s most northern protected area. The region located in the western sector of the Russian Arctic is a unique place which hosts the biggest in the northern hemisphere bird and walrus rookeries. Here live polar bears, bowhead whales, white gulls, and other species of fauna listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and the Red Book of Russia. In addition to the unique natural sites, the park features preserved monuments of exploring the Arctic. First of all, it’s moorage of the Dutch explorer Willem Barents, who discovered this land to Europeans, and of the Russian coast-dwellers, who used to come there before him.(Itar-Tass) -PTI
1.18 pc rise in foreign tourist footfalls in Kerala THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Despite global recession, the tourism sector in Kerala has recorded an 11.18 per cent increase in foreign tourist arrivals in the current fiscal, Tourism Minister A P Anil Kumar said here. "As per tentative figures available, the total number of foreign tourists who visited Kerala was 7.3 lakh, which is 11.18 per cent more than last year's figure of 6.5 lakh," he told reporters here. He was speaking after giving details of the proposed Rs 25.24 crore beautification program in some tourist spots in Thiruvananthapuram district. Stating that there has also been an increase in domestic tourist flow to Kerala, Kumar said about 93 lakh tourists had visited the state so far this year, compared to 85 lakh last year. Total foreign exchange earnings in the tourism sector so far for the current fiscal was Rs 4,211 crore and total earnings in the sector stood at Rs 19,037 crore, he said. Tourists from UK topped the list among foreign holidayers, followed by USA, France, Germany and Australia. To woo tourists from Gulf Coun-
tries, the government plans to conduct road-shows in those nations in the coming days, he said, adding that a tourism fair would also be held in Russia
The total number of foreign tourists who visited Kerala was 7.3 lakh. Stating that there has also been an increase in domestic tourist flow to Kerala, Kumar said about 93 lakh tourists had visited the state so far this year, compared to 85 lakh last year On the proposed beautification program in Kovalam, Varkala Beach, Akulam and Ponmudi, he said all works under the scheme would be completed in a timebound manner in one year. -PTI
Swiss consulate in Bangalore to issue visas CHENNAI: Owing to increase in the number of tourists to Switzerland, the European country's second consulate in India is expected to commence issue of visas by mid-2012, according to a Switzerland Tourism official. "The consulate was set up in Bangalore last year. Hopefully, it should start issuing of the Schengen Visa in the middle of this year," Switzerland Tourism Deputy Director Ritu Sharma, told reporters. The Schengen Visa is helpful to those who wish to visit several European countries on the same trip. It allows the visa holder to travel across various European countries under a single visa. Sharma said the consulate in Mumbai was the only gateway to Switzerland as many would need to get their visas from this office. However, with the opening of a new consulate in Bangalore, she hoped many tourists from South India would visit the new office. "This will actually split the work of Mumbai consulate. Many south Indian tourists were finding it difficult to visit Mumbai for an interview," she
said. Before obtaining a Schengen Visa, it is necessary for a tourist to undertake an interview at the Consulate, she said. Noting that India ranks third in the number of tourists visiting Switzerland after the United States and United Kingdom, she said this
The Schengen Visa is helpful to those who wish to visit several European countries on the same trip. It allows the visa holder to travel across various countries year the number of visitors from India was set to cross the five lakh mark. "The target growth for India on the number of tourists is again 20 per cent this year and we are expecting it to be beyond 500,000 (tourists)", she said. Last year 460,000 Indian tourists visited Switzerland, she said. -PTI
February 3, 2012
Travel & Hospitality Post
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Sikkim: Land of pristine and mystic beauty Cont’d from page 27
In contrast to Northern Sikkim is Southern Sikkim, which is lower, more open, and fairly well cultivated. The drainage of the rivers in the state is towards south. The Rangeet and the Teesta are the major river systems of state. These rivers cut through the valleys and in addition there are 180 perennial lakes at different altitudes. The state has many hot water springs like PhurCha, Ralang Sachu, Yumthang, and Momay. The snowline starts at around 5,248 m in Sikkim. Best time to visit: Due to its location and altitude, there is an immense variation in climate and vegetation in Sikkim. In the state, the climate is tropical up to 1,624 m, temperate between 1,624 m-4,222 m, alpine above 4,222 m, and snowbound at 5,248 m. The best time to visit Sikkim is between mid-March and June but
History: Buddhism, the major religion in the state, arrived from Tibet in the 13th century. It took its distinctive Sikkimese form four centuries later, when three Tibetan monks of the old Nyingamapa order, dissatisfied with the rise of the reformist Gelukpas, migrated to Yoksum in western Sikkim. Having consulted an oracle, they went to
numbered the indigenous population. After India's Independence, the eleventh Chogyal, Tashi Namgyal, strove hard to prevent the dissolution of his kingdom. Officially, Sikkim was a protectorate of India, and the role of India became increasingly crucial with the Chinese military build-up along the north-
and the harvest festivals. Several festivals are celebrated in Gangtok and its adjoining areas. The Buddhist festival of Bumchu is held in the Tashiding Gompa during January. The festival of Chaam is held in the Enchey Gompa during January-February and is marked by dancing. This dance is a mask
especially, April and May, when the rhododendrons and orchids are in full bloom. However, temperatures can be high, especially in the valleys. During monsoons, from the end of June till early September, rivers and roads become impassable, though plants damaged by the incessant rain spring back to life again and bloom towards the end of August. October, when orchids bloom once again, and November tend to have the clearest weather of all. As December approaches, it gets bitterly cold in the high altitude areas, and remains that way until early March, though interspersed with spells of clear weather.
Gangtok looking for a certain Phuntsong Namgyal, whom they crowned as the first Chogyal or 'Righteous King' of Denzong in 1642. Being the secular and religious head, he was soon recognized by Tibet, and brought sweeping reforms. His kingdom was far larger than today's Sikkim and included Kalimpong and parts of western Bhutan. Over the centuries, the territory was lost to the Bhutanese, the Nepalese and the British. The British policy to diminish the strong Tibetan influence resulted in the import of workers from Nepal to work in the tea plantations of Sikkim, Darjeeling and Kalimpong and these soon out-
ern borders that culminated in an actual invasion early in the 1960s. The next king Palden Thondup was a weak ruler and in 1975, succumbed to the demands of the Nepalese majority of becoming a part of India. Fairs & festivals: The people of Sikkim celebrate the anniversaries relating to birth, enlightenment, and nirvana of the Buddha, besides the Buddhist New Year
dance held every month at Gangtok, Pemayangtse and Phodong. Losar marks the Tibetan New Year and is celebrated during February-March at Pemayangtse and Rumtek. Tse Chu is a Buddhist dance held in May at Rumtek. Saga Dawa (held in Gangtok during May) and Drukpa Teshi (celebrated statewide during July) mark the anniversary of the Buddha's first teaching. Phang Lhabsol is a mask dance celebrated statewide during August. Dasain, celebrated during September-October, is marked by exchange of gifts and animal sacrifice. How to reach Air - The busiest route in and out of Sikkim is the road between Gangtok and Siliguri. The town of Bagdogra at a distance of 124 km from Gangtok has the nearest airport. Flights from Bagdogra can be booked at the Indian Airlines office on Tibet Road in Gangtok. There are regular flights to Guwahati, Calcutta, and Delhi from Bagdogra. Rail - The nearest railway stations from Gangtok are New Jalpaiguri (125 km) and Siliguri (144
The mountains of Northern Sikkim.
km) connected to Delhi, Calcutta, Guwahati, and other important cities in India. Road - The Sikkim National Tourist Agency has daily bus services to Siliguri (5 hours), Darjeeling (7 hours), Kalimpong (3 hours) and Bagdogra (4½ hours). Share jeeps and taxis are a faster alternative to commute. Gangtok is connected by road to Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Siliguri. Cars, luxury coaches and jeeps are available for hire in the town. There are also regular bus services run by the Sikkim Nationalized Transport.
Travel & Hospitality Post
30 India Post
February 3, 2012
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Karnataka to set up Eco-tourism board BANGALORE: Karnataka Cabinet has given its nod for creation of Eco-tourism development board for promotion of forest attractions
with the involvement of the private sector and locals. Briefing reporters after the cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Min-
ister D V Sadananda Gowda, Higher Education Minister V S Acharya said the Board is on the lines of one already existing in Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. The Board would promote protection of wild life, generate awareness on ecology and prevent loss of forest cover, the Minister said, adding, it would encourage involvement of locals and the private sector. "Tourism spots will be developed in different areas", Acharya said. Forest Minister would be chairman of this Board, which would come out with a road-map and action plan on Eco-tourism. The Cabinet gave its administration sanction for release of an additional Rs 115 crore for establishing class-rooms for science
streams in government-run colleges, where seats for these courses were being increased over the years. As per another cabinet deci-
The Board would promote protection of wild life, generate awareness on ecology and prevent loss of forest cover, the Minister said sion, people with agriculture land have now been allowed to construct dwelling units on an area not ex-
Indian tourists in US spent $ 2.86 bn in 2010
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hinese and Brazilian tour ists currently spend more than USD 6,000 and USD 5,000 respectively each, per trip. A fact sheet on India prepared by the International Trade Administration, said that an overwhelming majority of Indian tourists came to the US for either business and professional reasons or visiting friends and relatives. Only a small percentage of them - less than 10 per cent - said that are visiting the US for leisure, recreation or holidays. The average age of female Indian tourists in 2010 was 44 years while that of male was 42 years. The report also said that for nearly one-third of Indian tourists, the US was their first foreign travel. On an average an Indian tour-
ist visited 1.8 American States and stayed in the US for more than month and a half. According to the US Department of Commerce, international travel resulted in USD 134 billion in US exports in 2010 and is the nation's largest service export industry, with seven per cent of total exports and 24 per cent of service exports. The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) estimates that every additional 65 international visitors to the US can generate enough exports to support an additional travel and tourism-related job. According to the travel industry and BEA, international travel is particularly important as overseas or "long-haul" travelers spend on average USD 4,000 on each visit. -PTI
ceeding five cents (houses not exceeding 1,200 square feet) without the need for converting it into nonagriculture land, a must till now. According to Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission guidelines, state-run electricity supply companies are required to source 0.25 per cent of their total requirements through non-conventional renewable energy. In this context, the Cabinet decided to float a tender to purchase 50 MWs of photo-voltaic and 30 MW of solar-thermal energy, fixing a price of Rs 14.5 and Rs 11.35 per unit. The Cabinet also gave its permission for Karnataka High Court judges to establish a guest house at a cost of Rs 16 crore at Judicial Layout in Hebbal here. -PTI
Nepal event to popularize Lumbini COIMBATORE: Nepal will organize a special event this year to popularize the Buddhist pilgrimage site of Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha. "Visit Lumbini Year-2012 will be a special event organized by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) to pay tribute to Buddha and to invite the world to work towards creating a peaceful society through his message of peace," Dhruba Rai, Senior Manager, Corporation Service, NTB, told reporters here. He said 2011 was celebrated as Nepal Tourism Year and the country recorded the highest number of tourist arrivals of about seven lakh, 5.44 lakh by air alone, marking a 21.4 per cent increase over arrivals in 2010. -PTI
HP wins award for tourism promotion SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh Tourism has added another feather to its cap by winning a national award for Rural Tourism Promotion, Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said. Dhumal said the state was given the award by the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation at the India International Tourism and Travel Trade concluded at Bangalore for its 'Har Gaon Ki Kahani' Scheme. The chief minister congratulated the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation for this achievement and said it was a matter of great pride for the state that it had won 52 prizes for spectacular performance in developmental front during past four years. -PTI
Horoscope
February 3, 2012
India Post 31
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Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar
FEBRUARY 3ND - FEBRUARY 9TH (November 23 to December 22)
(March 21 to April 20)
G
Y
et together will be entertaining and every body will appreciate the arrangement. Sales will keep improving and few new customers will give you good business. You may try to cut down on caffeine or nicotine consumption. Value of your stocks will appreciate considerably. It will be better to dispose them off now.
ou are going to put all worries aside and enjoy with close family and friends. A big promotion or raise is also on the horizon. You may be seriously looking to replace one of your vehicle. You will become very ambitious and will not be scared to make a risky move in career and really hit the bulls eye.
(April 21 to May 20)
(December 22 to January 19)
T
here will be some interesting developments in career to your advantage. Money wise you will continue to do well and stay comfortable after paying all bills. Idea of going on a long distance trip will cross your mind and you will start making enquiries. You may call an old friend to inquire about his health also.
Y
ou will hear couple of encouraging news during the week. New opportunity will knock at your door and you will not take much time to go for it. Some of you may have your eyes set on a nice piece of property and start the paper work also. You will be invited to a small get together by a friend this week.
(May 21 to June 20)
(January 20 to February 18)
Y
D
ou will be very fortunate as far as money matters are concerned. Exalted Venus in second can get you big chunk of easy money. Stocks will also appreciate and you may dispose them off for a decent profit. You may put your needs aside and go out of your way to help a needy friend or sibling this week.
o not think too much and stick to your guns. Planets will help you take the right decisions and make correct choices. A child may get accepted in desired college. You will start to enjoy the company of a new colleague. Keep working on your business plans as the right tools will become available to you in near future.
(February 19 to March 20)
(June 21 to July 22)
E
Y
njoy your life but within legal parameters. Some trouble brewing up from a female so watch out. There is a strong chance of promotion or raise in near future. Some of you may be advised minor surgery to tackle some health problem. You may appear for some very competitive exam this week and will come out with flying colors.
ou will need more than your earlier budget to fulfill your commitments this week. Some of you will be moving to better location soon. You will continue to work on your diversification plans and the developments will be encouraging. You will get ready to go on a short trip with a child. You will make some useful friends this week.
Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez's love relationship
(July 23 to August 22)
F
ew important developments in career will cause lots of excitement in life. A female could be instrumental in your success. Business will pick up all of a sudden and new subordinates will take lots of load off your hands. Some of you may be getting ready to move to different state. You may visit a holy place with family. (August 23 to September 22)
Y
ou may be thinking of shutting down one of your project chewing up all your savings. Retrograde Saturn in second will keep you on the edge as far as the finances are concerned. You may meet an interesting personality at the meeting or during the course of the business trip. People prone to litigation should be careful. (September 23 to October 22)
Y
ou will be working extra hard to meet the deadline. Hard work will not go waste and soon you will be moving one step up the ladder. A sibling will call to seek your advice on an important matter. Business will improve and any journey undertaken this week will be fruitful. Relationship will keep getting stronger.
(October 23 to November 22)
There will be lots of activities in life this week. Some of you may grab the offer and make a quick switch to new job. Financial benefits will not be too much but it will be closer to home. Some money could go towards legal bills or paying a fine. New relationship will be exciting and keep you busy.
J
ustin Bieber, who will be 18 soon, recently flew to Puerto Rico to attend Selena Gomez's concert and took her out on a romantic dinner. Celebrity Astrologer, Patty Kamson gives an inside look at Justin and Selena's love relationship. "Justin is a Pisces with a Libra Moon. He is very creative, sensitive, musical and charming. Selena is a Cancer with an Aries Moon. She is sensitive, protective, an initiator, and independent. These two lovebirds have a nice compatibility chart. They have a couple strong oppositions in their charts that keep the relationship interesting and fresh. I believe if everything in the chart is compatible than the relationship tends to get boring and dissolve because there's no passion or friction to keep it exciting. So you don't want everything in a chart to be perfectly aligned." "I think no matter what happens in their relationship they will always be friends. They seem to have a strong communication connection in their charts. Justin has his communication
Pandit Parashar, CEO & COO Astro Scan USA is also available for individual consultations. He can be reached at: parashar@parashar.com
planet, Mercury, in Aquarius and Selena has hers in the opposite sign of Leo. This allows them to keep their relationship interesting especially since they both travel so much. Communication is what's going to keep this relationship going over the long haul."
Selena Gomez & Justin Bieber
2012 will go smoothly for the cute couple. There may be a bump in the road in the Fall, when Venus the planet of love goes retrograde, making both reevaluate their relationship and if they can make through that things should be ok. If there is to be a breakup, I don't see it until Spring of 2013.
925-833-7170
website: www.parashar.com
32
February 3, 2012
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Anti-AIDS program for Hispaniola launched
EAST LANSING, Mich.: Health officials at Michigan State University say they're hoping to improve AIDS prevention efforts on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, home of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The university says its Institute of International Health aims to reduce new infections on the island, which has about 75 percent of AIDS cases in the Caribbean. Institute director Reza Nassiri says local officials in the Dominican Republic and Haiti ``have struggled to respond to the epidemic of HIV/AIDS based upon the resources available to them.'' Nassiri says Michigan State's approach involves providing training and mentoring for nurses, social workers and other local health professionals. -AP
Kansas officials working to curb spread of measles
GARDEN CITY, Kan.: Finney County health officials are trying to stem the spread of measles. The Garden City Telegram reported that four cases of the highly contagious virus have been reported. Health officials are urging people to stay home if they are showing symptoms. They say people also need to stay at home if they aren't immunized and have been exposed to someone who is sick. The quarantine period should last three weeks. The initial symptoms of measles include fever, runny nose and cough. Three to five days after the initial illness, a blotchy rash occurs beginning at the hairline, moving to the face and upper neck, and then down the body. -AP
Medicaid reform concerns disabled Kansans
TOPEKA, Kan.: Disability advocates don't want the state to rush a plan to shift all state Medicaid services to managed care. The Topeka Capital-Journal reported that about 30 people gathered this past week at the Statehouse to express concerns. The Disability Rights Center of Kansas is among the worried groups. The organization's executive director, Rocky Nichols, said Kansas needs to take its time as it makes the switch. He said his group wants to keep the Medicaid waivers for home and community-based care out of the new managed care scheme and then phase them in gradually. -AP
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February 3, 2012
Okla lawmaker says medical, legal records released OKLAHOMA CITY: A Republican state lawmaker alleged that GOP leaders of the Oklahoma House have inappropriately released his confidential medical and legal information an accusation that was promptly denied by House speaker. Details on page 36
Indian American researchers make new discoveries on malaria parasite India Post News Service
NEW YORK: A team led by two Indian American researchers of the University of Notre Dame has made fundamental discovery in understanding how malaria parasites cause deadly disease. Kasturi Haldar and Souvik Bhattacharjee of the University's Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, show how parasites target proteins to the surface of the red blood cell that enables sticking to and blocking blood vessels, the Notre Dame News reports. The research findings appear in the Jan 20 edition of the journal Cell, the leading journal in the life sciences. The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health. Malaria is a blood disease that kills nearly 1 million people each year. It is caused by a parasite that infects red cells in the blood. Once inside the cell, the parasite exports proteins beyond its own plasma membrane border into the blood cell. These proteins function as adhesins that help the infected red blood cells stick to the walls of blood vessels in the brain and cause cerebral malaria, a deadly
Souvik Bhattacharjee
Kasturi Haldar
Haldar and Bhattacharjee are experts in malaria parasite biology and pathogenesis. Stahelin is an expert in PIP lipid biology, and David and Kaye Speicher are experts in proteomics and a method called mass spectrometry form of the disease that kills over half a million children each year. In all cells, proteins are made in a specialized cell compartment called the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) from where they are delivered to other parts of the cell. According to the campus pub-
lication, Haldar and Bhattacharjee and collaborators Robert Stahelin at the Indiana University School of Medicine-South Bend (who also is an adjunct faculty member in Notre Dame's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry), and David and Kaye Speicher at the
University of Pennsylvania's Wistar Institute discovered that for host-targeted malaria proteins the very first step is binding to the lipid phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate, PIP, in the ER. Previous studies suggested an enzyme called Plasmepsin V that released the proteins into the ER was also the export mechanism. However, Haldar, Bhattacharjee and colleagues discovered that binding to PIP lipid which occurs first is the gate keeper to control export and that export can occur without Plasmepsin V action. Further, in higher eukaryotic cells (such as in humans), the lipid PIP is not usually found within the ER membrane but rather is exposed to the cellular cytoplasm, the Notre Dame News says. Haldar and Bhattacharjee are experts in malaria parasite biology and pathogenesis. Stahelin is an expert in PIP lipid biology, and David and Kaye Speicher are experts in proteomics and a method called mass spectrometry. Their interdisciplinary collaboration reveals a fundamental, novel cellular function, whose disruption can provide new therapies that are urgently needed for malaria.
AUA signs agreements with KEM and Apollo Hospitals India Post News Service
NEW YORK: American University of Antigua (AUA) College of Medicine has signed affiliation agreements with two respected healthcare facilities in India, King Edward Medical (KEM) Hospital in Mumbai and the Apollo Hospital in Hyderabad. The alliance of AUA with these two facilities of international renown allows AUA to offer its medical students a block of three 4week elective clinical clerkships at these facilities in all specialties, including unique opportunities in physical rehabilitation and plastic surgery. AUA students may begin these clerkships as early as March of this year. These agreements represent a major achievement for AUA and a major advantage for its medical students. AUA is the only Caribbean medical school that has es-
tablished teaching opportunities at major medical facilities in India. It is also an important acknowledgment of AUA's quality medical education as KEM's board is composed of respected faculty and high-ranking government representatives under the aegis of the Indian state of Maharashtra.
Indian hospitals with reputations for excellence in care and instruction. During his visits at both institutions, Dr. Bell remarked that he was impressed by the highly qualified and talented Indian physicians, as well as the level of care provided at both institutions. This alliance furthers AUA's interna-
The alliance of AUA with these two facilities of international renown allows AUA to offer its medical students a block of three 4-week elective clinical clerkships Par Prem Kumar, Clinical Liaison at AUA who was instrumental in negotiating the contracts, commented, "President Neal Simon and Dr. Peter Bell, Vice President of Academic Development and Executive Dean, Clinical Sciences, are very pleased to be able to have this extraordinary opportunity to partner with two
tional involvement, deepening its scope as a global medical college drawing on the scientific innovations and medical expertise of multiple nations and peoples." KEM Hospital is one of the leading teaching hospitals in India and home to Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College. Together, they provide training to
approximately 2,000 students in undergraduate, postgraduate and super specialty medical courses and in undergraduate and postgraduate physical and occupational therapy. Apollo Hospitals is one of the largest healthcare organizations in Asia with over 8,500 beds in 53 hospitals within and outside India. Its success rates, modern technology, and ancient traditions of Eastern care and respect for human dignity touch 19 million patients in 55 countries. President Neal Simon noted, "AUA provides a medical education comparable to the education offered at American medical schools at approximately a third of the price. Our recent graduates are completing their residencies at prestigious hospitals such as Mt. Sinai in New York, the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, Brown University, Case Western Reserve and the University of Toronto in Canada."
February 3, 2012
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Obama's health overhaul lags in many states WASHINGTON: Here's a reality check for President Barack Obama's health overhaul: Three out of four uninsured Americans live in states that have yet to figure out how to deliver on its promise of affordable medical care. This is the year that will make or break the health care law. States were supposed to be partners in carrying out the biggest safety net expansion since Medicare and Medicaid, and the White House claims they're making steady progress. But an analysis by The Associated Press shows that states are moving in fits and starts. Combined with new insurance coverage estimates from the nonpartisan Urban Institute, it reveals a patchwork nation. Such uneven progress could have real consequences. If it continues, it will mean disparities and delays from state to state in carrying out an immense expansion of health insurance scheduled in the law for 2014. That could happen even if the Supreme Court upholds Obama's law, called the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. ``There will be something there, but if it doesn't mesh with the state's culture and if the state is not really supporting it, that certainly won't help it succeed,'' said Urban Institute senior researcher Matthew Buettgens. The 13 states that have adopted a plan are home to only 1 in 4 of the uninsured. An additional 17 states are making headway, but it's not clear all will succeed. The 20 states lagging behind account for the biggest share of the uninsured, 42 percent. Among the lagging states are four with arguably the most to gain. Texas, Florida, Georgia and Ohio together would add more than 7 million people to the insurance rolls, according to Urban Institute estimates, reducing the annual burden of charity care by $10.7 billion. ``It's not that we want something for free, but we want something we can afford,'' said Vicki McCuistion of Driftwood, Texas, who works two part-time jobs and is uninsured. With the nation's highest uninsured rate, her state has made little progress. The Obama administration says McCuistion and others in the same predicament have nothing to fear. ``The fact of states moving at different rates does not create disparities for a particular state's uninsured population,'' said Steve Larsen, director of the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight at the federal Department of Health and Human Services. That's because the law says that if a state isn't ready, the federal government will step in. Larsen insists the government will be ready, but it's not as easy as handing out insurance cards. Someone has to set up health insurance exchanges, new one-stop supermarkets with online and landline capabilities for those who buy coverage individually. A secure infrastructure must be created to verify income, legal residency and other personal information, and smooth enrollment in private insurance plans or Medicaid. Many middle-class households will be eligible for tax credits to help pay premiums for private coverage. Separate exchanges must be created for small businesses.
``It's a very heavy lift,'' said California's health secretary, Diana Dooley, whose state was one of the first to approve a plan. ``Coverage is certainly important, but it's not the only part. It is very complex.'' California has nearly 7.5 million residents without coverage, more than half of the 12.7 million uninsured in the states with a plan. An estimated 2.9 million Californians would gain coverage, according to the Urban Institute's research, funded by the nonpartisan Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Democrats who wrote the overhaul law
cant progress. Those states include more than 21 million of the 50 million uninsured Americans. Four have made no significant progress. They are Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana and New Hampshire. The last three returned planning money to the federal government. In Arkansas, Democratic Gov. Mike Beebe ran into immovable GOP opposition in the Legislature. Beebe acknowledges that the federal government will have to run the exchange, but is exploring a fallback option. In the other 16 states, the outlook is un-
California has nearly 7.5 million residents without coverage, more than half of the 12.7 million uninsured in the states with a plan. An estimated 2.9 million Californians would gain coverage, according to the Urban Institute's research, funded by the nonpartisan Robert Wood Johnson Foundation had hoped that most states would be willing partners, putting aside partisan differences to build the exchanges and help cover more than 30 million uninsured nationally. It's not turning out that way. Some states, mainly those led by Democrats, are far along. Others, usually led by Republicans, have done little. Separately, about half the states are suing to overturn the law. Time is running out for states, which must have their plans ready for a federal approval deadline of Jan. 1, 2013. Those not ready risk triggering the default requirement that Washington run their exchange. Yet in states where Republican repudiation of the health care law has blocked exchanges, there's little incentive to advance before the Supreme Court rules. A decision is expected this summer, and many state legislatures aren't scheduled to meet past late spring. The result if the law is upheld could be greater federal sway over health care in the states, the very outcome conservatives say they want to prevent. ``If you give states the opportunity to decide their own destiny, and some choose to ignore it for partisan reasons, they almost make the case against themselves for more federal intervention,'' said Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb. A conservative, Nelson was on the winning side of a heated argument among Democrats over who should run exchanges, the feds or the states. Liberals lost their demand for a federal exchange, insulated from state politics. ``It's pretty hard to take care of the states when they don't take care of themselves,'' said Nelson, who regrets that the concession he fought for has been dismissed by so many states. The AP's analysis divided states into four broad groups: those that have adopted a plan for exchanges, those that made substantial progress, those where the outlook is unclear, and those with no significant progress. AP statehouse reporters were consulted in cases of conflicting information. Thirteen states, plus the District of Columbia, have adopted a plan. By contrast, in 20 states either the outlook is unclear or there has been no signifi-
clear because of failure to advance legislation or paralyzing political disputes that often pit Republicans fervently trying to stop what they deride as ``Obamacare'' against fellow Republicans who are more pragmatic. In Kansas, for example, Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger is pushing hard for a state exchange, but Gov. Sam Brownback returned a $31 million federal grant, saying the state would not act before the Supreme Court rules. Both officials are
Republicans. ``It's just presidential politics,'' said Praeger, discussing the situation nationally. ``It's less about whether exchanges make sense and more about trying to repeal the whole law.'' As a result, outlook is unclear for a state with 361,000 uninsured residents. There is a bright spot for Obama and backers of the law. An additional 17 states have made substantial progress, although that's no guarantee of success. Last week in Wisconsin, GOP Gov. Scott Walker abruptly halted planning and announced he will return $38 million in federal money. The AP defined states making substantial progress as ones where governors or legislatures have made a significant commitment to set up exchanges. Another important factor was state acceptance of a federal exchange establishment grant. That group accounts for just under onethird of the uninsured, about 16 million people. It includes populous states such as New York, Illinois, North Carolina and New Jersey, which combined would add more than 3 million people to the insurance rolls. Several are led by Republican governors, including Virginia and Indiana, which have declared their intent to establish insurance exchanges under certain conditions. Other states that have advanced under Republican governors include Arizona and New Mexico. -AP
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Factoring medical costs into retirement MEETA VAKIL
A
ccording to the 2010 Wells Fargo Retirement Study conducted by Harris Interactive, Inc., health care costs are expected to have the highest impact on Americans' ability to retire, ahead of inflation. Nearly half of middle-class Americans (47%) anticipate that the cost of health care will have a high impact on their ability to retire in the way they prefer. But do they have a good handle on what those costs will be? This research suggests that the average American is grossly underestimating his or her total out-ofpocket costs for health care during retirement. Three separate independent studies concluded that a 65year-old couple retiring in 2010 will need about $200,000 to cover their lifetime out-of-pocket medical costs in retirement. In contrast, middle-class Americans estimate on average that they will need only $32,000 to cover their health care expenses in retirement (median). Even when the higher mean (mid-
point) estimates are considered ($89,000), Americans are still underestimating future health care costs by more than half. For example, consider The Employee Benefit Research Institute's recent projections regarding the amount that people who retire in 2018 will need to accumulate by age 65 to cover their health care costs: A male currently age 55 will need to accumulate $187,000 to pay out-of-pocket expenses and premiums for Medigap coverage; a female age 55 will need to accumulate $213,000. For a couple, both age 65 in 2018 and living to life expectancy, the needed figure is $271,000. More importantly, many persons assume that costs will decrease as they get into their 80s and 90s. They also project that their spending will lessen later in retirement. But in reality health care costs will rise at about 6.3 percent annually over the next decade - a pace greater than the projected overall inflation rate. So what are your options? Medicare. Medicare is the primary health insurance provider for
most Americans 65 and older. Medicare Part A (for which most people do not have to pay premiums) helps cover inpatient care in hospitals. Part B covers doctors' visits (you
No part of Medicare covers long-term care, not even Medicare Advantage (Part C). Medicaid, another government program, does cover long-term care Meeta Vakil
do have to pay monthly premiums and co-payments for this). Prescription coverage falls under Medicare Part D (you pay a monthly premium, a yearly deductible and a co-payment or coinsurance for this coverage). Medigap policies. Consider purchasing a Medigap policy, which pays deductibles, co-payments, and some other out-of-pocket costs associated with Medicare Part A and
Okla lawmaker says medical, legal records released OKLAHOMA CITY: A Republican state lawmaker alleged that GOP leaders of the Oklahoma House have inappropriately released his confidential medical and legal information an accusation that was promptly denied by House speaker. Speaker Kris Steele, RShawnee, said the accusations by Rep. Mike Christian, R-Oklahoma City, ``are just the latest in a continued series of disingenuous political attacks on the House of Representatives. ``We have work to do here and won't be deterred by false accusations and attacks,'' Steele said. In an email to members of the House, Christian said he learned that House leadership had inappropriately released confidential information involving a car wreck he was the victim of in 2009. The email was also received by The Associated Press. Christian indicated he has filed a worker's compensation claim in an attempt to be compensated for ``very expensive medical bills'' following the wreck. He alleged that the House speaker has attempted to interfere with the judicial proceedings to try to prevent compensation. Christian did not disclose the
contents of the information but said their alleged release by the House was ``an overt act of retaliation for the votes I've taken'' as a state representative and a member of the Republican caucus. ``The speaker's actions are a disgraceful abuse of power and are acts that are far below what is
Christian said he wants a special committee to investigate House leadership's handling of his case, a request that was subsequently supported by an email sent by 11 other House members normally considered `fair play' in politics,'' Christian said. He did not immediately return telephone calls to his office and home seeking further comment. In his emailed response, Steele described the accusations as ``defamatory, libelous and completely untrue.''
Part B. Across the insurance industry, there are 11 standardized Medigap policies named "A" through "N" (not every letter is used). This means the same policy
He said that in Christian's case, as in all other worker's compensation claims, attorneys from CompSource Oklahoma, the state's worker's compensation insurance agency, have represented the House and that the only involvement House staff has had was at the request of CompSource. ``Absolutely no information about this claim has been released by the House,'' Steele said. ``Further, the House has never had any medical records pertaining to this case in its possession, so it is impossible for any such records to have even been released by the House.'' Christian said he wants a special committee to investigate House leadership's handling of his case, a request that was subsequently supported by an email sent by 11 other House members. Steele said he welcomes the investigation ``because it will show the House has done nothing wrong whatsoever.'' After being named speaker-elect in late 2010, Steele became mired in a public rift with conservative members of his caucus who accused him of ignoring their social agenda as he cobbled together his legislative priorities.-AP
can be compared across insurance providers based on premiums. COBRA coverage. The Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act (COBRA) is a federal law that requires most employers to offer former employees group health insurance for 18 months after termination of employment. Although group health coverage may be continued at group rates, continuing coverage under
COBRA may be expensive. COBRA premiums can be up to 102% of the cost of coverage (102% of the employee cost plus employer cost) under the group health plan. If you elect to continue group health coverage under COBRA, it is important that you obtain other coverage as soon as possible after COBRA coverage ends to avoid a gap in coverage that could affect your future rights under federal law to obtain health insurance. Long-term care insurance. No part of Medicare covers long-term care, not even Medicare Advantage (Part C). Medicaid, another government program, does cover long-term care. But Medicaid only helps persons with few financial resources. Moreover, Medigap insurance does not cover long-term care either. If you want insurance that helps pay for this expense, you need to buy a separate long-term care policy from an insurance company. Talk to a Financial Advisor to review investment strategies designed to provide retirement income that can help you prepare for your future health care spending needs.
Many day cares don't meet safety standards ATLANTA: Almost 2,500 day care programs in Georgia have failed to meet the state's standards for children's health and safety at least once in the past four years, according to an analysis of internal records obtained by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The analysis found that 220 day cares received failing scores for at least two years in a row, and that at least 200 of those centers are still open, the newspaper reported in its Sunday editions. The data was culled from scores quietly compiled by the state Department of Early Care and Learning since 2007. The newspaper obtained the records through an open records request. The department said it would create a process to identify and track day care centers that have repeatedly failed to meet the state's standards. Commissioner Bobby Cagle said the programs that have been noncompliant for three or four consecutive years only represented a small fraction of the more than 6,500 day care centers. But, he told the newspaper, ``one noncompliant program in one year is too many. We need to be working toward less noncompliant programs.'' Experts said the data raises concerns. Walter Gilliam, a Yale School of Medicine professor,
told the newspaper it is a ``major, major problem.'' ``Programs that fail child care regulations are generally unsafe places for children to be,'' said Gilliam, director of Yale University's Center in Child Development & Social Policy. ``It's not simply that these programs aren't going to be places where children can learn and grow and develop. It's worse than that. These are the programs that
The department said it would create a process to identify and track day care centers should never have been opened in the first place.'' The newspaper's report found that 29 day care programs were found to be noncompliant for four straight years. And five centers received the worst possible scores each year. One center, based in Marietta, had amassed 191 violations over four years, including not giving children enough food, inappropriately disciplining them and once releasing the wrong child to the blind grandfather of another child. -AP
February 3, 2012
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Missouri House members seek new cold medicine limits JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.: After successfully opposing bills to require a prescription for products containing pseudoephedrine which can be used to manufacture methamphetamine - the over-thecounter medicine industry is now backing proposals in two methheavy states that would curb the amount of pseudoephedrine a customer can buy and increase electronic tracking of purchases. Legislation introduced in Missouri would lower the state's monthly and annual limits on the amount of pseudoephedrine a person can buy and require a doctor's prescription for customers with past felony drug convictions. Industry groups have said such proposals are a reasonable compromise with supporters of prescription-only laws. ``The one thing we'll always say `no' to is prescription-only legislation,'' said Carlos Gutierrez, a spokesman for the Consumer Healthcare Products Association. ``We feel this is a way for us to come to be the table with a proactive solution.'' Missouri's current law allows a person to purchase products containing up to nine grams of pseudoephedrine in a 30-day period and up to 108 grams in a single
year. The new legislation would lower those limits to 7.5 grams and 75 grams, respectively. Pseudoephedrine is an active ingredient in several cold medicines but can also be used as a key ingredient in making meth. Several types of decongestant medicines contain 30 milligrams of pseudoephedrine hydrochloride per capsule or pill as their active ingredient. Last year, the Missouri House passed a bill that would have required a prescription for anyone to buy pseudoephedrine, but the measure died in the Senate. The CHPA opposed that legislation with television ads, saying it would be unfair to make law-abiding citizens pay for a doctor's visit to treat a simple cold. State Rep. Stanley Cox, RSedalia, said he filed this year's legislation based on suggestions from the CHPA. The group is also backing legislation in Kentucky bill. Similar to the legislation in Missouri, the Kentucky proposal has a 7.5-gram monthly limit, but the proposed annual limit in that state would be 60 grams. The Kentucky bill, sponsored by state Rep. Brent Yonts, D-Greenville, would only apply the prescription requirement to people who have been
convicted of methamphetaminerelated felonies. Legislation aimed at making pseudoephedrine prescription-only failed in Missouri, Kentucky and 15 other states last year, in part due to critical ads run by the CHPA. Two prescription-only bills have been filed in Kentucky this year, but
The Missouri Pharmacy Association, which had also come out against last year's prescription-only bill in Missouri, also signaled it would support Cox's legislation Yonts said his bill to reduce monthly and annual limits was a ``middle-ofthe-road solution.'' ``It prosecutes the bad guys while making sure people don't have to go to the doctor or an emergency room for a sniffle,'' he said in a phone interview. Missouri had 1,889 meth lab busts and seizures through November 2011, the latest period for which statistics are available from
the State Highway Patrol. Missouri had the highest number of such incidents in the country in that period, followed by Indiana, which saw 1,150 busts. Kentucky had 783 incidents through November. The Missouri Pharmacy Association, which had also come out against last year's prescriptiononly bill in Missouri, also signaled it would support Cox's legislation. ``I think this gives us a lot more teeth,'' said Ron Fitzwater, the MPA's chief executive officer. ``It helps law enforcement and still allows legitimate customers to make their purchases.'' Det. Sgt. Jason Grellner, the head of the Franklin County Narcotics Enforcement Unit, criticized Cox's bill as not doing enough to bring down that statewide number. Grellner, who has backed prescription-only bills in the past, said the new limits would be ineffective in stopping the production of meth, which is often manufactured in clandestine labs in people's homes or cars using a volatile combination of ingredients. He said lowering legal limits and enhancing the state's tracking system will not help with the problem of ``smurfing,'' in which meth makers use several different
IDs to rack up purchases or simply repurchase medicine from other people. He said a box of Sudafed pills, sold in stores for about $10, can fetch about 10 times as much on the black market. Grellner said that can provide quick cash for people who are on jobless, on a fixed income or addicted to other drugs. ``It's not just narcotics traffickers who are making these purchases,'' he said. ``I've got mothers and fathers who are buying it for their teenage children thinking that they're trying to help them, and then the children are turning around and reselling it.'' Grellner said groups like the CHPA are backing lower limits and increased tracking as a means of protecting their profits. He cited figures he collected in Washington, Mo., the seat of Franklin County, which passed a local prescription-only ordinance in 2009. Grellner's figures show that sales of products containing pseudoephedrine fell by 94 percent after the ordinance passed. Gutierrez denied that the industry's position was motivated by profits, saying the industry sees its highest sales figures in states with relatively few methrelated incidents. -AP
Datebook
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NEW YORK
ILLINOIS
Upcoming
Upcoming
Sat Feb 4
Wed March 7
• Kartik Seshadri-Masters of Indian Music
• Loves Got a hold on me
Venue: Peter Norton Symphony Space 2537, Broadway@ 95th Street, New York Time: 8pm Contact: 212-545-7536
Venue: Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest, IL Time: 7pm Contact: 312-572-9373
Sat March 17
Sat Feb 18
• Tufaan 2012
• Thyagaraja Aradhana
Venue: Cahn Auditorium, Northwestern University, 600 Emerson Street, Evanston, IL Time: 6pm Contact: 617-827-5581
Venue: PS 115, 80-51, 261st Street, Glen Oaks, New York Time: 3pm Contact: 631-462-2814
Sat April 7 • Best of the Best 2012 Venue: Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers Street, New York Time: 6:30pm
Sat March 10 • FAM Entertainment Theater Company Presents ìChicagoís 2012 Breaking the Cycle Da Venue: Ford City Mall, 7601 S. Cicero, Chicago Time: 8:30am Contact: 312-572-9373
NEW JERSEY
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Upcoming
Upcoming
Sat Feb 4 • Fusion Beats Presents Ladies Night Out! Venue: Ramada Inn, 999 Route 1 South North Brunswick, New Jersey Time: 7pm Contact: 732-422-6480
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Upcoming Fri Feb 3 to Sat Feb 25
Sat Feb 4 ï Teacher Workshop: New Year Celebrations Venue: Asian Art Museum 200 Larkin St. San Francisco, CA Time: 9:30am
• Buddha: Triumph & Tragedy in The Life of the Great Sage Venue: Bootleg Theater, 2220 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90057 Time: 7:30pm Contact: 800-838-3006 Highlights: Written & Performed by Evan Brenner, Directed by John C. Reilly, Presented by the Bootleg Theater
Sat Feb 4
Sat Feb 4 & Sun Feb 05
• Gujarati Comedy Play- ìVar Maro Lagne Lagne Kuwaroî
• Achieve Optimum Weight: The Natural way with Ayurveda & Yoga
Sun Feb 05
Venue: Vedika Global, Inc. 5950 Doyle Street, Emeryyille, California, 94608 Time: 9am to 4pm Contact: 877-708-3342 Highlights: Teachers Shunya Pratichi Mathur & Vaidya Mahesh Sabade
Venue: Pacific Palms Hotel & Conference Center, 1 Industry Hills Parkway, CA Time: 11am Contact: 714-493-7900
Venue: Forum Theatre, 314 Main Street, Metuchen, New Jersey Time: 8pm Contact: 732-283-0256
Sat March 31 • Arif Lohar/Sanam Marvi Ensemble Venue: Pollak Theater, 400 Cedar Ave, West Long Branch, New Jersey Time: 8pm Contact: 732-263-6889
WASHINGTON DC
Upcoming Sat Feb 4 • Pongal Vizha-2012 Venue: Littleton High School Auditorium, 56 King Street, Littleton, MA Time: 3pm
Sun Feb 5 • Year of the Dragon Celebration
• South Asian Wedding Expo 2012 Information
Sun Feb 11 • Passage Meditation Retreat in Encino
Venue: Museum Wide 200 Larkin St. San Francisco, CA Time: 11am
Venue: Holy Spirit Retreat Center, 4316 Lanai Road, Encino, CA Time: 9am Contact: 800-475-2369
Fri Feb 10
Sat Feb 18
ï 10th Annual Valentine Bash 2012
• Mehfil Entertainment Presents Valentine 2012 Bollywood Musical Eve
Venue: Chandni Restaurant, 5746, Mowry School Road, Newark, CA Time: 7pm Contact: 510-673-0153
Venue: Royal Delhi Palace, 22323 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA Time: 6pm Contact: 805-404-9836
Sat April 7
Fri Feb 10
• Swar Bahaar
ï 10th Annual Valentine Bash 2012
Fri March 2
Venue: Littleton High School Auditorium, 56 King Street, Littleton, MA Time: 4pm Contact: 617-905-4305
Venue: Chandni Restaurant, 5746, Mowry School Road, Newark, CA Time: 7pm Contact: 510-673-0153
• Art of Living Course
Sat April 21
SunFeb 19
• Yamandu Costa, Classical Guitarist
• Shivratri
Mon, March 19
Venue: 8000 York Road, Towson MD, Baltimore, WDC Time: 8pm Contact: 443-296-2247
Venue: Anubhuti Meditation & Retreat Center 820, Bel Marin Keys Blvd, Novato, CA Time: 12am Contact: 415-884-2314
• The wedding Salon
Venue: Art of Living Center Los Angeles, 948 W. Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA Time: 7pm Contact: 310-820-9429
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In Brief More than 1,600 deportation cases set to be closed WASHINGTON: The Homeland Security Department is recommending canceling deportation proceedings for more than 1,600 illegal immigrants in Baltimore and Denver. The recommendations come after a review of cases pending in federal immigration court in those two cities. Officials from DHS and the Justice Department reviewed 11,682 cases as part of an Obama administration pledge to focus deportation efforts on criminal illegal immigrants and those who pose a national security or public safety threat. Of the 7,923 cases reviewed in Denver, officials recommended closing 1,301, according to figures shared with The Associated Press. In Baltimore, 3,759 cases were reviewed and 366 were recommended for closure. -AP
Utah attorneys defend immigration law in filing SALT LAKE CITY: The Utah Attorney General's office is contending that the state's immigration enforcement law passes constitutional muster. KSL-TV reports state attorneys say in a court filing that the law has been mischaracterized by opponents. State attorneys say the law does not trump federal authority to enforce immigration laws but simply strengthens the supporting role of local law enforcement. The US Justice Department filed a lawsuit against House Bill 497 in November, which has been combined with a similar lawsuit filed earlier in the year by civil rights groups. -AP
Illegal immigrants in Cass County accident DES MOINES, Iowa: Immigration officials are involved in an investigation into a rollover accident in western Iowa where some people fled the scene. The Iowa State Patrol says eight people fled after the accident on Interstate 80 in Cass County. Two others were seriously injured and remained with the van. They were taken to a hospital in Des Moines. Six people were found during a search. They were taken to a hospital in Atlantic for treatment of injuries. Two others managed to get a taxi and went to Council Bluffs. They have not been found. -AP
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Kan. slashes food aid for illegal immigrants' kids TOPEKA, Kan.: Kansas welfare officials have eliminated or slashed food stamp benefits for hundreds of low-income, U.S.born children whose parents are illegal immigrants. Details on page 42
Romney immigration stance is magnified in Florida MIAMI: Mitt Romney's promise to veto a measure that would create a path to citizenship for some illegal immigrants threatens to turn off Hispanic voters, whose support could be critical in a general election match-up against President Barack Obama. The issue is gaining prominence as the Republican frontrunner heads toward the Jan. 31 primary in Florida, even though most of the state's Hispanics are Puerto Rican or Cuban-American and, thus, aren't affected by U.S. immigration law, nor view it as a priority. Still, it's a state where 13 percent of registered voters are Hispanic, where the nation's largest Spanish-language TV networks are based, and where the nation's third-largest number of illegal immigrants live intensifying the focus on Romney's position. ``Latino voters, like all voters in this country, are interested in America being an opportunity nation,'' Romney said during a debate in South Carolina, when asked if his promise to veto the
so-called Dream Act was alienating voters. ``In my view, as long as we communicate to the people of all backgrounds in this country that it can be better, and that America is a land of opportunity, we will get those votes.''
on the fence after backing Obama in 2008. These Republicans suggest that Romney was trying to curry favor with hardline Republican primary voters at the expense of Hispanics whose support he would need come the fall.
Florida Dream Act activists, who have been among the most visible in the nation, also are promising to keep the heat on Romney as his campaign comes to the state Mitt Romney
His veto promise - first made in the days before the Iowa caucuses - has hit a nerve with prominent Hispanics, and some Republicans worry that the position will turn off the growing number of Latino voters in swing-voting states, particularly in the west, who are now
``If Romney's the nominee, he's going to have to come to the center and make some decisions about how to resolve that issue,'' said Republican Herman Echevarria, a Cuban-American who is the CEO of a Miami-based bilingual adver-
tising agency and a longtime local political player. ``He's trying to be a conservative candidate. And if you don't become a conservative candidate, you cannot be the candidate of the Republicans. But you cannot be elected president just as a conservative candidate.'' Already, there are signs of backlash. For Colombia native Ana Rodriguez, a Miami-based graphic designer who received political asylum and will become a U.S. citizen this year, Romney's comments are precisely what motivated her to vote against him. ``Because of what I went through,'' Rodriguez said, ``I want more people (elected) who are interested in supporting immigrants and want a more equal and fair system of immigration.'' Florida Dream Act activists, who have been among the most visible in the nation, also are promising to keep the heat on Romney as his campaign comes to the state. Cont’d on page 43
Democrats introducing immigration law repeal PHOENIX: Supporters and opponents of Arizona's controversial immigration law are squaring off again after Democrats said they're working to repeal the measure. Dozens of protesters gathered at the state Capitol, carrying signs and shouting at each other as lawmakers on both sides discussed the 2010 law, known as Senate Bill 1070. Democratic Sen. Steve Gallardo of Phoenix announced that he is introducing a bill to repeal the law, which he says is polarizing and has harmed the state's reputation. ``It has done nothing to solve any of our immigration issues here in the state of Arizona,'' he said. Republican lawmakers, who held their own rally to reiterate their support for the law, say Gallardo's proposal will go nowhere in the Legislature. A federal judge has blocked enforcement of the immigration law's most contentious sections, such as a requirement that police,
while enforcing other laws, question people's immigration status if officers suspect they are in the country illegally. But the judge allowed other sections to take effect, including a ban on blocking of traffic when people seek or offer day-labor services on streets. The state's appeal of the ruling
``Arizona will continue to crawl towards economic recovery, but without repeal of S.B. 1070, we will lag behind the country because of our damaged reputation,'' she said. Demonstrators opposed to the law held signs that read ``No racist raids. Full rights for all immigrants,'' and chanted ``1070 has
‘Arizona will continue to crawl towards economic recovery, but without repeal of S.B. 1070, we will lag behind the country because of our damaged reputation’ is now awaiting review from the U.S. Supreme Court. Democratic opponents of the law are emboldened by the recall of the law's author and a flagging public interest in immigration enforcement laws. Rep. Catherine Miranda, D-Phoenix, said the law has hurt the state's chances of attracting business.
got to go!'' Meanwhile, the law's supporters broke into song with ``God Bless America,'' and later drowned out Democratic lawmakers during a news conference by chanting ``1070 works!'' Republican Rep. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, said most residents support the law and
Gallardo's proposal is out of touch with Arizonans. ``This bill go directly into a deep, dark drawer of a committee chairman's desk, which is where it should be, because this bill is just going to cause controversy, hurt Arizona's economy more, and it will never pass,'' he said. ``This is more election year publicity than lawmaking.'' Republican Sen. Sylvia Allen of Snowflake organized a rally in support of the law, which she said is the only tool the state has to stop illegal immigration because the border is not secure. ``Those who are suggesting we weaken internal enforcement of our immigration laws by repealing S.B. 1070 will only empower the drug cartels and the human smugglers who are making the money off of that,'' she said. ``The open border crowd does not care about the harm that is being caused to our citizens.'' -AP
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After immigration crackdown, farmers mull planting ATLANTA: It's unclear whether farmers in Georgia and Alabama will face a shortage of workers due to tough new laws targeting illegal immigration, but some producers said they have begun changing their plans for planting and harvesting this year's crops. Some farmers said they might reduce the number of acres (hectares) they plant or shift to less labor-intensive crops, while others are bracing for higher labor prices and have turned to new recruiting tools to attract workers. ``We're expecting some shifts, but it's a bit too early to tell,'' said Charles Hall, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. Georgia and Alabama have approved laws that have tough enforcement provisions that farmers say are scaring migrant workers away from the states. Since the laws were approved last year, farmers in both states have reported labor shortages because migrant workers aren't showing up, and they say they can't find other workers to fill the jobs.
Farmers and state officials have said that some produce was left to rot in the field last year because there weren't enough workers to help with the harvest. Farmers have claimed not enough U.S. citizens want the jobs, but some said the issue is actually that producers won't offer a high enough wage to attract legal workers. Brett Hall, Alabama's deputy agriculture commissioner, said nurseries across south Alabama are trying to find workers to fill about 2,000 jobs ahead of the spring growing season. Many nursery growers are staffing job fairs in hopes of attracting employees, he said. Other growers aren't ordering seeds or new equipment because they anticipate a labor shortage, he said. ``Before this law, migrant workers would just show up. They knew when they were needed,'' Hall said. ``That's not happening anymore.'' In Georgia, some growers of the state's famed Vidalia onions are planting fewer acres of the labor-
intensive crop, which could lead to a roughly 10 percent drop in production, said Bob Stafford, director of the Vidalia Onion Business Council. Stafford said it's unclear if the smaller crop will mean consumers
Farmers have claimed not enough U.S. citizens want the jobs, but some said the issue is actually that producers won't offer a high enough wage to attract legal workers will pay more for the prized sweet onions because prices are dependent on many factors, including the weather and fuel costs. Aries Haygood, chairman of the Vidalia Onion Committee, said he has reduced planting by about 15 percent at his farm near Lyons, Georgia, because of labor con-
cerns and other factors. Haygood and some other farmers in both states are using a federal guest worker program, known as H-2A, which lets farmers bring in an unlimited number of temporary agriculture workers. But some complain it's too expensive and doesn't allow enough flexibility. Haygood said it's also tough to get the timing just right and sometimes his workers' visas run out before the end of the harvest. Some members of Georgia's congressional delegation have proposed changes to the H-2A program, notably allowing farmers to provide workers with vouchers to obtain housing nearby rather than being required to provide onsite housing. Dawson Morton, a lawyer with the Georgia Legal Services Program, dismissed complaints about the guest worker program, arguing the real issue is farmers don't want to pay a legal wage or provide basic housing. ``The H-2A conditions are
hardly extravagant,'' Morton said. ``They're so modest that most Americans aren't willing to accept them.'' Two of the biggest Vidalia farmers, Delbert Bland and R.T. Stanley, said they don't plan to reduce their crops. Bland has used the federal guest worker program for years, and Stanley said he would likely request a crew of guest workers to supplement his other workers during the height of the harvest. ``I'm getting them planted all right,'' Stanley said. ``But when it gets to be time to harvest them in April or May, I'm concerned.'' Rather than reducing acreage, Kent Hamilton, who has vegetable farms near Tifton, Georgia, plans to increase his sweet corn, cucumber and bell pepper crops by 15 percent because he thinks other growers will plant less. Hamilton has used the federal guest worker program for years. He generally brings in about 400 temporary foreign workers but is building more housing to accommodate 515 this year. -AP
Ga. Democrats seek repeal of immigration crackdown ATLANTA: Democratic lawmakers say they will seek to repeal a law that launched a crackdown last year on illegal immigrants in Georgia, but their small caucus lacks the votes to overturn it in the Republican-dominated General Assembly. Rep. Pedro Marin and Rep. Lynmore James plan to sponsor the repeal, though they have not yet submitted the necessary legislation. The repeal will be among the top priorities of an agenda that Democrats plan to unveil at a news conference. ``I believe we have a broken system in immigration,'' Marin said in an interview. ``I can see that we need to fix it, but again, immigration is a federal issue and the last thing we want to have is each state doing their own thing.'' Marin said the crackdown was harming the ability of the agriculture and manufacturing sectors to find workers in the middle of an already weak economy. His cosponsor, James, is a farmer who said in a statement that families cannot afford ``to have politicians playing with their food.'' The agriculture industry has complained that the crackdown has discouraged Hispanic field hands, including many who are illegal immigrants, from coming to Georgia to harvest labor-intensive fruits and vegetables.
The Democratic caucus has scheduled a hearing where its members will hear about the effects of the crackdown in rural towns. Farmers have complained of labor problems since the law passed last year, though Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black, a Republican, said earlier this month it wasn't clear whether any of the
Public officials can be fined or even removed from office if they fail to the use the federal E-Verify database to verify the eligibility of new hires reported shortages were a direct result of the law. Rep. Matt Ramsey, R-Peachtree City, accused illegal immigrants of financially burdening the state and said the supporters of the crackdown ``will oppose any effort to diminish its provisions.'' Starting this year, the law requires that businesses with 500 or more employees use a federal database called E-Verify to check whether new hires are eligible to
legally work in the country. That requirement will be gradually expanded to include companies with 10 or more employees by July 2013. The law makes it a felony crime with hefty penalties to use false information or documents when applying for a job. It created an immigration review board to investigate complaints about government officials not complying with state laws related to immigration. Public officials can be fined or even removed from office if they fail to the use the federal E-Verify database to verify the eligibility of new hires or those who apply for public assistance, such as food stamps. A federal judge in June blocked parts of Georgia's law pending the outcome of a legal challenge filed by immigrant rights and civil liberties groups. One of the blocked sections authorizes police to check the immigration status of suspects who don't have proper identification and to detain illegal immigrants. The other creates a state penalty for people who knowingly and willingly transport or harbor illegal immigrants while committing another crime. The state has challenged the judge's decision to block those parts of the law, and a hearing on the injunction is set for March 1 in a federal appeals court. -AP
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Kan. slashes food aid for illegal immigrants' kids TOPEKA, Kan.: Kansas welfare officials have eliminated or slashed food stamp benefits for hundreds of low-income, U.S.born children whose parents are illegal immigrants. The cuts are the result of the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services changing the way it counts household income when determining who is eligible for the food stamp program now known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. The Kansas City Star (http:// bit.ly/wuf1hw ) reported that families affected by the change are those that contain a mixture of legal citizens and illegal immigrants. While illegal immigrants are not eligible for the food assistance, US-born children of illegal immigrants can be. The issue is that the formula now includes the entire income of
all members of a household, but calculates food stamp eligibility as if the citizen children are the only people in the household. Previously, SRS counted only a portion if one or more members did not provide proof of legal US residency. Since the change took effect Oct. 1, food pantries, churches and social service agencies have been inundated with questions and requests for food. ``We have families who really are desperate,'' said Elena Morales of El Centro, an anti-poverty agency in Kansas City, Kan. ``These food stamps were making a difference for families to be able to provide nutritional food for their children, or food at all. . This policy not only hurts these families, it hurts us, too, especially because we're talking about U.S. citizen children.'' The U.S. Department of Agri-
culture said Kansas is one of only four states opting to use this policy. The others are Arizona, Utah and Nebraska. ``This is not a time, with this economy, when we should be
Since the change took effect Oct. 1, food pantries, churches and social service agencies have been inundated with questions and requests for food withdrawing help from struggling families with children,'' said Stacy Dean, vice president for food assistance policy at the Center on
Budget and Policy Priorities in Washington. ``We have a demonstrated problem of food insecurity in this country and, in Kansas, this policy takes you further away from being able to solve the problem. It exacerbates the problem.'' SRS spokeswoman Angela de Rocha said the old formula gave households with illegal immigrants more benefits than some households with all U.S. citizens. ``Now, all households' incomes are treated equally,'' de Rocha said. ``Prior to the policy change. U.S. citizens were being discriminated against.'' SRS data shows benefits were eliminated for 1,042 households from Oct. 1 to the end of 2011, once incomes were recalculated using the new policy. The agency doesn't know how many U.S. children living in those households no longer receive benefits.
However, an SRS report shows that in the first month, from October to November, 2,066 children dropped from the food stamp rolls in Kansas. Not all of those children lost benefits because of the policy change on how income is counted, de Rocha said. ``Some were, some weren't,'' she said. ``... Families go on and off the program as their income changes.'' Melinda Lewis, a public policy consultant for El Centro who has studied the issue, understands the need to be fair but doesn't think the change is. ``We don't want a policy that would put U.S. families at a disadvantage,'' Lewis said. ``So let's find a solution. Put a cap on benefits so mixed-status families could never get more than a U.S. family.'' -AP
Posthumous US asylum bid highlights gang debate JERSEY CITY, New Jersey: Josue Rafael Orellana Garcia fled his impoverished neighborhood in Honduras for the United States as a teenager, to escape what began as teasing over his disabilities and escalated into what his mother said were threats to kill him if he did not join a gang. Making his way illegally to New Jersey to be with his mother, he applied for asylum in 2008, claiming he'd be killed by gangs if forced to return to the small but violenceplagued nation. He lost his case, was deported in 2010, and last year was found dead, his body riddled with bullets. He was 20. Now his family has taken the unusual step of trying to win him asylum posthumously. His attorney, Joshua Bardavid, said it's an effort to get the U.S. government to acknowledge the ``entire system let him down'' and to call attention to the plight of thousands of Central American teenagers. But the case also highlights a growing debate among immigration experts over whether the grounds for asylum in the United States should be expanded to include more modern forms of conflict, such as gang violence. To be granted asylum in the U.S., applicants must prove a wellfounded and documented fear of persecution because of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group. They must also show that the government or ruling authority in their home country is unwilling or incapable of adequately protecting them. U.S. Immigration Judge
Frederic Leeds in Newark found Orellana's claims credible but said the young man had not sufficiently documented that he and his family had been targeted by gangs. Even if he had, there is no legal precedent for extending ``the concept of family group to the concept of joining gangs,'' wrote the judge, while expressing appreciation for what he said were creative arguments on the young man's behalf. Though the law does not consider the threat of gang recruitment as meeting the definition of a protected social group, some believe it should, said Dana Leigh Marks, the president of the National Association of Immigration Judges. ``There are those who would argue the asylum law is old-fashioned and needs to be modernized, while others would argue it is a limited remedy that is not supposed to resolve all problems and allow everyone to qualify,'' Marks said. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the international body responsible for the protection of refugees and asylum seekers worldwide, issued a memo in 2010 urging courts to expand existing asylum law interpretations to consider victims of organized gangs as warranting protection, if their cases satisfy all other legal requirements. But those who oppose expanding the class of potential asylum seekers say it could undermine an already overburdened U.S. immigration system with a flood of new applicants. ``There's no limit to the catego-
ries you could add by our (U.S.) standards. There is a lot of oppression in the world,'' said Steven Camarota, director of research at the Washington, D.C.based Center for Immigration Studies, an organization which advocates stricter immigration rules and believes asylum and all other aspects of immigration law should be decided by the U.S. Congress, not the courts.
‘There are those who would argue the asylum law is oldfashioned and needs to be modernized, while others would argue it is a limited remedy that is not supposed to resolve all problems and allow everyone to qualify’ ``We may find the treatment of women in some countries poor, compared to our standards, but would you say if they're treated poorly, they're a member of a particular social group?'' Camarota said. Ricardo Estrada, a minister of migratory affairs with the Honduran embassy in Washington, said he was not familiar with Orellana's case but that ``it's likely that his story could be true, because conditions point to it.''
``Lamentably, our country is going through a crisis of violence,'' Estrada told The Associated Press, in an interview conducted in Spanish. ``The problem is enormous, and security is an issue the government is really trying to tackle, but it's very challenging with a government that has little resources in comparison to the narco-cartels, who often have better arms than the police.'' Investigators face a huge backlog of homicide investigations, but have few resources, he said. Honduras has the highest homicide rate in the world, according to a 2011 United Nations report which cited 6,200 killings, or 82.1 murders per 100,000 inhabitants, in 2010. Earlier this month, the U.S. Peace Corps withdrew all volunteers from the country, citing safety and security concerns. The U.S. agreed this past week to send a team of experts to help the Honduran government with ``citizen security issues.'' In a motion filed in December with the Board of Immigration Appeals, Bardavid argued that Orellana, as a result of being shot dead after being deported, now meets the burden of proof required of asylum applicants to show they would suffer irreparable harm if sent back to their country. ``I think it's something that needs to be acknowledged: that we failed him; that he came here seeking safety, and the entire system let him down,'' Bardavid said. Spokeswoman Kathryn Mattingly of The Executive Office for Immigration Review, which
oversees the BIA, said the agency does not comment on pending cases or prior decisions. Orellana's mother, Josefa Rafaela Garcia Mejia, lives legally in the United States under a program that allows immigrants from qualifying countries to live and work in the U.S. on a restricted visa. She said gangs killed her son, the youngest of her four children. Orellana had been picked on from a young age after losing one eye and much of his hearing from being struck by a tree during Hurricane Mitch, which devastated much of Honduras in 1998, Garcia said. She sent money home, working as a home health aide in New Jersey, to support Orellana and his three siblings, and to buy him a glass eye. As he got older, his mother said, Orellana told her in frequent phone calls that he was being pursued and threatened by gangs that controlled their San Pedro Sula neighborhood, trying to recruit young people. The threats got so bad, she said, her son fled, against her advice. He was alone at the age of 17 when he crossed illegally into the U.S. to join her in New Jersey. In a court hearing in July 2009, the judge asked Orellana why, if he had been attacked several times by notorious Central American gangs, he had never gone to the police to file a report. ``Like I mentioned, we would call the police but the police were afraid to come where we lived,'' Orellana replied. Cont’d on page 43
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Immigrant detention center proposal scrutinized CRETE, Ill.: A debate about immigration reform is taking shape in a small suburban Chicago community where local and federal officials are considering placing an immigrant detention center. The proposed facility in Crete - around 35 miles south of Chicago - is among several locations U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials have chosen nationwide. ICE currently rents space from a county jail in the Chicago area to house immigrants facing deportation proceedings. If the proposal is solidified, Crete officials would hire a private company to build and manage the facility with up to 700 beds, Crete Mayor Michael Einhorn told the Chicago Tribune. But some residents and activ-
ists have already started campaigning against it. Residents oppose a prison-style center in their community of 8,000 people and allege a lack of transparency on the part of local and federal officials. Advocates for immigrant rights say such centers break up families and many of those who are detained pose no safety risk, that not all who are awaiting deportation need to be detained. Those against the center have held public meetings on the issue, some of which have drawn hundreds of people. ``Would you want to buy a house next door to a prison?'' said 46-year-old resident Jill Hornick. Proponents argue that the detention center saves taxpayer money and will bring revenue and jobs to the suburb. Hundreds of detainees
would be counted as Crete residents, bringing in more in tax revenue. The proposed center comes as the Obama administration is deporting a record number of
Advocates for immigrant rights say such centers break up families and many of those who are detained pose no safety risk people, around 400,000 a year. Federal officials have proposed similar facilities, including one for a 1,500-bed detention facility near the Everglades in Florida, which
Romney immigration stance is magnified in Florida Cont’d from page 40
Recently, at El Tropical restaurant in Miami, Florida Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, who has endorsed Romney, told a group of mostly Cuban-American Republican primary voters that the former Massachusetts governor was the only candidate who could fix the economy and protect U.S. security interests. Then, a young Colombian immigrant stepped forward and asked Diaz-Balart, who has championed immigrants' rights including the Dream Act, how the congressman could support Romney. ``You have been such a friend to us, I just don't understand,'' said Juan Rodriguez, a student at Florida International University who was among a half-dozen students who walked from Miami to Washington in the winter to raise awareness of the legislation. The exchange was caught on tape by several Spanish-language media outlets that reach viewers around the world. Romney has arguably the toughest immigration position of any of the Republican candidates. Newt Gingrich, the former speaker of the House of Representatives, would give legal status to illegal immigrants who have deep roots in the U.S. and lived otherwise lawfully. Conversely, Romney has been adamantly opposed to any type of amnesty for illegal immigrants since his first White House run in 2008. Previously, he called reasonable a bipartisan proposal to allow immigrants to seek green cards granting permanent residency status in exchange for cer-
tain penalties, though he says he never officially supported such legislation. Last year, Romney objected to the Dream Act. But he went further in the days before the Iowa caucuses when asked if he would veto the measure that would allow illegal immigrants brought to the U.S. as children to earn legal status if they went to college or joined the military.
Romney took a risk in alienating Hispanic voters. But, she added, he's also made clear he wants to fix the broader immigration system ``The answer is yes,'' Romney told voters then. While he said he does not oppose creating a path for those who serve in the U.S. military to become permanent residents, he also said he doesn't believe such individuals should be able to adjust their status by attending school, nor should they receive lower in-state tuition rates. Since narrowly winning the Iowa caucuses, Romney has been sending Hispanics mixed messages. He's working to woo Hispanics and convince them he's sincere in fighting for their causes, recently launching TV commercials in Florida featuring CubanAmericans Diaz-Balart and fellow
U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, as well as his son Craig speaking in Spanish. But, in South Carolina, he's also been campaigning with Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, the leading architect behind two of the strongest immigration crackdown laws enacted by state governments and being challenged by the federal government. Even many Latinos who support tougher immigration laws worry such measures will lead to racial profiling because they give broad leeway to law enforcement to stop anyone whom they suspect of being in the country illegally. Jennifer Korn of the centerright group the Hispanic Leadership Network, which is co-hosting a Republican primary debate and Latino conference this month in Florida, said Romney took a risk in alienating Hispanic voters. But, she added, he's also made clear he wants to fix the broader immigration system. ``If he explains it correctly, he definitely has a chance to have the Hispanic community listen to what he has to say,'' she said. -AP
has drawn big protests. Still, city officials warn that the proposal is too preliminary and that's why they haven't discussed it much. ``The public needs to be patient here,'' Einhorn said. ``(ICE) could change their mind tomorrow and decide not to do it.'' Crete officials, ICE and a private Tennessee-based company Corrections Corporation of America have been talking about the proposal since at least 2010, according to the Tribune, which cites
documents it obtained under the Freedom of Information Act. The proposed center would be built on 70 acres of vacant farmland, according to village officials. Lifelong Crete resident David Most, a farmer and business owner, said he wants his community to remain rural, but the detention center is a good option if development must happen. ``If we're going to have to put up with inconveniences and some new growth,'' he said, ``why not get something out of it?'' -AP
Posthumous US asylum bid highlights gang debate Cont’d from page 42
After Leeds’ decision was upheld on appeal, the young man was deported to Honduras in March 2010. He disappeared on July 23, 2011, after telling his grandmother he was running to the store, his mother said. His body was discovered three days later in a nearby wooded area,
according to a story in the Honduran newspaper La Tribuna. “I say as a mother, as a Christian woman, my son was not involved with gangs; he never carried so much as a nail clipper,” Garcia said, crying as she clutched a photograph of him. “If they had not deported my boy, he would not be dead.”
Tech News Govt. to open app store for public services
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oon all apps will find one place to settle their base and inform the interested buyers or users about it. The government proposes to create its own application store to assist delivery of various public services through mobile phones, it said in the framework for mobile governance. The framework proposes to have an integrated payment gateway which will enable users to pay for the public services through mobile phones. Commenting on the occasion, Department of Technology said that, a mobile applications (mapps) store would be created to facilitate the process of development and deployment of suitable applications for delivery of public services through mobile devices. The store will be integrated into the Mobile Services Delivery Gateway (MSDG) - the core infrastructure for delivery of public services and will be created by an agency within the DIT. It will have provision to connect with private value added services providers for creation of various mobile applications. As per framework, MSDG will use unique identity number Aadhaar-based authentication system for transactions. At present, various private companies like Apple, Nokia, BlackBerry maker Research-inMotion, Google have application stores which allows use of various services and content that is generally not available in their handset.
February 3, 2012
Thailand Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra shakes hands with Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma during a business meeting in New Delhi on January 25. President ASSOCHAM Dalip Modi (L), FICCI President R.V. Kanoria (R) and Chairman, CII ASEAN/ANZ Regional Committee, Sanjay Kirloskar (2nd R) are also seen
Palepu assumes new administrative post at Harvard Business School India Post News Service
NEW YORK: Krishna Palepu, a senior associate at Harvard Business School (HS) has been appointed senior adviser to Harvard president for global strategy. Harvard President Drew Faust announced Jan 11 that Palepu, Ross Graham Walker Professor of Business Administration and senior associate dean for interna-
the 21st century. "Professor Palepu brings a global background and perspective to his research and teaching at the Business School, and he played a key role in the work of the University-wide International Strategy Working Group convened last year to consider how to strengthen Harvard's international approach at the institutional level," Faust added. "I am de-
"Krishna has been one of the Business School's most sophisticated, eloquent, and persuasive voices for a thoughtful strategy of global engagement," said HBS Dean Nitin Nohria. "He has substantively reshaped how we think about leadership
Krishna Palepu. Pic Harvard Gazette
tional development at HBS, has been named senior adviser to the president for global strategy. Palepu assumes his new position immediately, the Harvard Gazette reports. "Harvard has a rich tradition of global engagement," said Faust. "And the intellectual and cultural activities of our students and faculty across the globe will continue to grow as we head deeper into
deep regional and domain knowledge and the entrepreneurial energy of our faculty, students, and staff. I look forward to working with President Faust to craft a more coordinated and strategic approach to Harvard's international engagement, supporting the expertise and ambition of our community." A leading expert on global business strategy, Palepu has taught
lighted that Professor Palepu has agreed to bring his insight, energy, and experience to this new role. He will be a critical contributor to the ongoing development of our global strategy." "I am honored to be asked to serve the University in this important domain," said Palepu. "Harvard has among the world's strongest platforms for global teaching and research, built on
at HBS for almost three decades. With colleague Tarun Khanna, Palepu recently co-authored "Winning in Emerging Markets: A Road Map for Strategy and Execution," which explores the strategic issues facing multinational corporations as they expand into emerging markets, as well as the challenges that firms in those markets face as they expand overseas. Palepu teaches related courses in the M.B.A. and
Samsung Galaxy Nexus to arrive in India in March
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he Samsung Galaxy Nexus will arrive in India in March, but the exact date of the launch hasn't been revealed yet. "Nexus is expected to be launched in March but we do not have the exact dates," informed the company on its official India Twitter page. Samsung and Google unveiled last October the widely anticipated phone, which is the world's first smartphone running Android 4.0 'Ice Cream Sandwich', the latest version of the Android platform. The phone sports a 4.65" HD Super AMOLED display technology at 720p resolution, and is powered by a 1.2GHz dual core processor.
At a mere 8.94 mm thick and with a 4.29 mm bezel, the Galaxy Nexus is remarkably slim despite the large display. The phone has a 5 MP, zero-shutter lag still camera, which is capable of 1080p video recording with video stabilization. The Galaxy Nexus was released at the Samsung Mobile Unpacked event, which had previously been scheduled to be held as part of the CTIA in San Diego on October 11, but got delayed. "We're sorry to announce that Samsung Mobile Unpacked event originally scheduled for Oct. 11 has been postponed," an update posted on Samsung's official page on Facebook had said.
executive education programs. "Krishna has been one of the Business School's most sophisticated, eloquent, and persuasive voices for a thoughtful strategy of global engagement," said HBS Dean Nitin Nohria. "He has substantively reshaped how we think about leadership in a global century, with tremendous benefit for how we do research, how we teach, and how we learn. I know the entire Harvard community will benefit from Krishna's vision and hard work." As senior adviser, Palepu will work closely with the president, provost, and colleagues to help guide the University's international strategy, refine and test some operational proposals of the International Strategy Working Group, and develop a more effective and coordinated approach to international fundraising and to engaging Harvard alumni living abroad. Palepu will consult widely with colleagues within the University and in the broader Harvard community as he undertakes this role. In framing the University's strategic agenda in international matters, Palepu will work closely with Jorge Dominguez, the vice provost for international affairs. "I am delighted that Harvard has, with this appointment, underscored its commitment to global engagement," said DomĂnguez. "Krishna and I have worked together for a number of years on the University Committee on International Projects and Sites, and I can think of no one better suited to this new role. I look forward to deepening our partnership as Krishna focuses his efforts on strategic initiatives." Palepu joined the HBS faculty in 1983. He received his doctorate in management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, holds a master's degree in physics from Andhra University in India, and has done postgraduate work at the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta. Palepu has an honorary doctorate from the Helsinki School of Economics and Business Administration.
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Datawind for 'Made in India' clause in Aakash tablet D atawind has announced that it plans to request the Human Resource Development Ministry to include 'Made in India' clause in the proposed tender for the Aakash tablet. According to a report in The Economic Times, Sunit Singh Tuli, CEO, Datawind said that the company successfully made in India despite various pressures and the company plans to make the request to encourage indigenous production. Tuli added that the most critical components of the tablet like chips and software have been designed in India and the tablet has also been manufactured in India and therefore there is no reason for the tab-
let being made outside India. Tuli also stated that he was confident that the company will outbid competitors in the next tender even if they make tablets outside India. Tuli stated that the Aakash tablet was made from the money of Indian taxpayers and is to be used for Indian students. He added it was up to the government to decide whether they want to spend it for Indian jobs or on Chinese jobs. However IIT Rajasthan Director Prem Kalra said that the 'Made in India' clause needs to be defined more clearly. According to Tuli the next tender will be issued in another two to three weeks.
Rajnikanth microsite runs without internet
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magine you stream a website and it doesn’t need an internet connection to power it. In a bid to honor Rajnikanth’s 61’st birthday, desimartini.com, a portal for all Bollywood news, released a microsite http:// w w w. d e s i m a r t i n i . c o m / allaboutrajni.htm. Fans can stream this link and can view interesting stuffs about Rajni. His stunts, images and interesting jokes, all can be looked at on one destination. It has three sections- Rajnikanth the man, the superstar, and the legend. The website has been designed by webchutney for desimartini.com. Interestingly, while browsing, if a user connects to the internet, a message pops up, which says, “This was unexpected. To keep browsing, switch off your internet”. So keep your internet connection off to enter the site. See its Rajni’s ac-
count it ought to be different from others you see! The concept of the site is based on a complex algorithm running in the back-end that keeps an eye
on the propagation of data/information packets between two terminals. ‘Magic’ kicks in soon as the broadband speed is down to
zero, which is the basic premise on which the concept has been constructed. Gurbaksh Singh, creative director, Webchutney, says, “Desimartini came to us with a clear mandate to do something extraordinary to increase outreach and visibility. Initially, we followed protocol and began exploring ideas in the social, mobile and digital space including augmented reality, but soon realized that nothing competed with the might of Rajini’s on-screen and real-life persona. It had to be a simple concept that will baffle users to the point of disbelief, and then a miracle will occur to induce gasps of ‘OMG!’, in keeping with Rajini’s original signature style. We knew we were on to something big as soon as we cracked the idea to create a website that will run purely on ‘Rajini Power’.
EU warns against retaliation on carbon tax NEW DELHI: Contending that its decision to impose Carbon tax is non-discriminatory, European Union has said that any retaliatory move by other nations including India would be challenged in international courts. New EU Ambassador to India Joo Cravinho, however, said that "there is room" to explore avenues for carbon tax exemption within the law enacted by the European Parliament in 2009. His remarks assume significant as India has threatened to review the benefits it provides to European airlines as it mounted its opposition to the EU move to impose carbon tax on Indian carriers op-
erating through Europe. "Any measure that discriminates against European countries or European companies will obviously be taken to the appropriate international decision making bodies," he told reporters here. Under a Horizontal Aviation Agreement between India and the 27-nation bloc EU, New Delhi allows any European airline to operate flights between India and any European Union member state. "There is room for negotiations. Not for the law which has recently come into effect, which is agreed by 2009 near unanimous support by Parliament, but there
is within the law the possibility for exploring avenues for exemption," Cravinho said reacting to queries. The tax, which airlines flying into or out of EU airports have to pay to cover carbon dioxide emission during their flights over the European skies, has come into effect from January 1. "India and other countries have manifested strong opposition. It is European law. It is nondiscriminatory," he said. "This measure by European Union is based on our position that we are to be serious about tackling climate change," the EU envoy said. -PTI
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India's purchase of Iranian oil drops; may drop further WASHINGTON: India's purchase of oil from Iran has dropped slightly in last two years and is expected to drop further given the difficulties New Delhi might have in making payments through banks due to tough sanctions imposed by US-led international community against top Iranian banks. "Iran is an important source for our crude petroleum imports. These imports have declined a little, not very much, but a little over the last couple of years, last two years or so," Indian Ambassador to the US Nirupama Rao said. "And... given the sanctions and given the difficulties in operating banking channels vis-a-vis Iran, obviously the volume can't be expected to go up in such a situation. There may be a further decline. It may well be so," she said.
Rao said India was in touch with the US Government and closely monitoring the developing situation concerning Iran, when
"We abide by the rules. We do not play outside the system on these. But it must be remembered that the Gulf region is terribly important for India," she said, referring to the six million Indians working there asked about the pressure from the US that India needs to reduce its dependency on Iranian oil.
India, she argued, was a responsible country and works with the international community on this issue. "We abide by the rules. We do not play outside the system on these. But it must be remembered that the Gulf region is terribly important for India," she said, referring to the six million Indians working there. It's a source of our energy imports, she added. Noting that India was basically an energy importing country, Rao referred to the Mangalore refinery which imports Iranian oil. "So it is going to take time to readjust and to see how we can move away from the old patterns of how we operate on these issues," Rao said. India is second largest importer of Iranian crude oil after China. PTI
UIDAI dismisses doubts over accuracy of unique ID system NEW DELHI: Dispelling fears that the biometric technology being employed for the Aadhaar project is flawed, the UIDAI has asserted that its system is reliable and can achieve the task of providing unique ID cards to the entire population of the country. "Based on the analysis, the UIDAI confirms that the enrollment system has proven to be reliable, accurate and scalable to meet the nation's need of providing unique Aadhaar numbers to the entire population," the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) said. Amid concerns raised by the Home Ministry about the quality of data collected by the UIDAI, which could be a security threat, the body released a report titled, 'The Role of Biometric technology in Aadhaar Enrollment', which confirms the high degree of accuracy of biometrics used in the UID project in the context of the large-scale enrollment
across India. The Planning Commission and the Home Ministry are at loggerheads over the need for the UID project, with both putting forward their respective points of view to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The controversy is centered on the collection of biometric data of
all residents. While the Home Ministry has maintained that data collected by the Registrar General of India for the National Population Register should form the basis for issuance of unique ID cards, the Planning Commission has reposed faith in the data collected by the Nandan Nilekani-led UIDAI.-PTI
SAARC countries should ease PMO starts performance business travel NEW DELHI: In a bid to enhance trade within the SAARC, India has said it, along with other members of the regional grouping, could take more steps to ensure easy movement of businessmen within the region. "We had taken some steps and if required, we will on our own and along with neighbor countries of SAARC do more to ensure that the movement of the business leaders, who want to do commerce or investment, is facilitated," Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said at a Ficci function here. He said that for doing business, it is important for people to travel to various destinations. "That is why, multiple entry longterm visas have been given serious consideration by India." The business community in SAARC has since long been demanding simpler and expeditious visa procedure. South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) consists of India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives and Sri Lanka. Sharma said the present USD 15 billion trade between the member-countries is low. "We also need to develop new and imaginative credit mechanisms focusing on supporting re-
gional business models by incentivising entrepreneurs for developing commercially-viable regional projects, to improve customs infrastructure and expedite the processing at the border posts." Referring to global economic slowdown, Sharma called for stronger economic partnership among the eight-member nations of SAARC. "We need to ensure that we are not impacted as adversely as many other regions of the world due to turbulence in major economies and need to engage more with each other", he said. Further, he said, there is a need to address issues like developmental challenges, social and economic empowerment of people. The only way to create wealth and redistribute resources is
through economic activities. Also, progress cannot be made unless and until all members work collectively to promote peace and goodwill. On Pakistan giving of Most Favored Nation (MFN) status to India, Sharma said everything is on track and it will be a reality in due course of time. India had granted Pakistan MFN status way back in 1996 but Islamabad had so far held off on reciprocating due to opposition from some trade lobbies, religious groups and hardliner political parties in that country which contended that such a move would harm the country's stand on Kashmir issue. Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai pitched for reduction of non-tariff barriers and institutional linkages with SAARC. -PTI
review of power sector NEW DELHI: The PMO has started the exercise to review the performance of the power sector, as a follow up to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's meeting with the power company honchos recently. "The issue of coal shortage and how to ramp up coal production in the country was discussed in the meeting at PMO," sources said. Top power company heads including Anil Ambani and Ratan Tata had discussed with the Prime Minister the problems facing the sector, including coal and gas shortages that are hampering its growth. The delegation of promoters and CEOs of over dozen companies also met Finance Minister
Pranab Mukherjee, Environment Minister Jayanthi Natarajan, Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal and Power Minister Sushilkumar Shinde. Pricing issues related to imported coal for power projects, delay in environment and forest clearances, funding problems, worsening health of power distribution companies and a proposal to levy duty on imported power equipment were also discussed in the meeting. A Committee of Secretaries headed by Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Pulok Chatterji and secretaries from the Ministries of Power, Petroleum, Coal, Environment and Finance - was set up to look into the problems faced by the sector.-PTI
PIPELINE MEETING: Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas S. Jaipal Reddy and his Pakistani counterpart Asim Hussain during a bilateral meeting on TAPI Pipeline Project in New Delhi on January 25
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Philosophy
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Page Sponsored by Sahanis FRANCIS LUCILLE
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ennis: It seems to me that 'thinking' is one of the greatest obstacles to enlightenment. All the masters say that there is, in truth, nothing to be done - but manas will not have it so! How should we cope with thinking? Francis: There are three kinds of thoughts: 1. Practical thoughts, which are useful in conducting our business or our daily life, like, for instance, "I need to get some gas". This type of thought should not be suppressed (we don't want to run out of gas!). Once it has been given due consideration and the required steps have been taken, these thoughts leave us spontaneously. 2. Thoughts related to the Ultimate, to our understanding of the non-dual perspective, such as "there is, in truth, nothing to be done". These thoughts come from the Ultimate. If we welcome them, they purify the mind from its dualistic conditioning and eventually take us back to their source. They bring about clarity and give us an adumbration of the bliss which is inherent to our real nature. 3. Thoughts related to the notion of being a personal entity, such as desires, fears, doubts, which includes day-dreaming and other kinds of wishful thinking. Some
SWAMI DAYANAND
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n answer to Arjuna's question as to who a wise man is, the Lord said that the wise man is the one who has given up all the desires and who is satisfied in the Self alone by the Self. (B.G. II-55). He is happy for no reason because the Self is happiness. The description of the wise man was summed up by this statement, "The wise man is the one who has abandoned all the desires and is free from any longing". (B.G. II-71). This is generally understood to mean that the one who wants sreyas or the limitless happiness must give up all the desires. And action cannot be undertaken without a desire. So performance of karma means entertaining desires and hence one can never hope to be a wise man as long as one has to perform actions. But Arjuna had been told, "You have the adhikara or choice in performing action". (B.G. II47). Although this is a statement that applies to everyone in general, the undertone is that it specifically applies to Arjuna. Arjuna took it to be an instruction that he was fit for action alone, that the Lord was asking him to perform action.
thoughts of this third kind are apparently innocuous and, for this reason, difficult to detect in the beginning. A strong emotion conducive to suffering and disharmony such as jealousy or fear will be easily detected, whereas I may indulge for some time, without noticing it, into picturing myself on the beaches of the French Riviera with a beautiful companion.
Ramakrishna points out, which takes us directly to the non-existent center of the onion. At this moment, the ego vanishes and we experience our innate freedom (for what looks like a very short moment). This glimpse at the truth reinforces our conviction that we are not a personal entity. B. Once we are convinced that we are not a personal entity, the
as long as one keeps the thinking clearly in category 1 (practical) and excludes category 3 (desires etc.), then it is perfectly OK? Francis: Exactly. This kind of thinking is not an endless one. After fulfilling its task, it ceases. Dennis: Another example that occurred to me is not so clear-cut however. This relates to day-dreaming. On the face of it, it seems that
Not all thought obstacle to enlightenment If we are not yet convinced that we are not a limited personal entity, whenever we notice such a thought, we should attempt to find its source, the ego
Francis Lucille
It is a common and frequent error to consider any kind of thought as an obstacle to self-realization. The thoughts of the third kind are the only ones that are obstacles to being knowingly established in the Absolute. There are two ways to deal with these thoughts as they arise: A. If we are not yet convinced that we are not a limited personal entity, whenever we notice such a thought, we should attempt to find its source, the ego. Of course, our attempt to catch the ego fails, as
thoughts of the third kind usually keep reoccurring for some time as a matter of habit, in the same way as inertia keeps an electrical motor running after its power cord has been unplugged. In this case, there is no need to investigate the origin of these thoughts; we can simply drop them as soon as we notice them. Dennis: One type of thought that we usually regard as necessary is 'planning' but it seems that this is not quite 'being in the present' as we usually understand it. In your terminology, presumably
this is always negative, taking one out of the present and into imagination and duality. However, can it not also be creative, as for example with Kekulé, when he realized the structure of the benzene ring during a period of day-dreaming. How exactly does this fit into the structure you have outlined? Francis: The Kekulé example is not one of day-dreaming, but one of a meditative state, in which the thinking process is totally free to evolve and to explore all directions, all possibilities.
Arjuna understands that knowledge releases one from bondage while action binds. Action brings in its wake the result which becomes the seed for another action. Thus one gets trapped in the chain of action-result-action. So Arjuna is naturally confused, "With these seemingly contradictory words, you are, O
tion, on the other hand involves the sense of doership and so the two pursuits are opposite in nature and are meant for two different adhikaries or seekers. One would also think that since the two pursuits are opposite in nature -one involves nivrtti or disengagement and the other involves pravrtti or engagement
I want only the s reyas, please tell me the one thing" Although Arjuna asks for advice, the Lord teaches him about the nature of action and renunciation, because the student must understand the whole scheme and act according to his or her own understanding. The teacher teaches and the student
Two-fold commitment given by Lord Krishna Swami Dayanand
Lord, as though confusing me. Please tell me one thing by which I can attain sreyas". (B.G. III-2). The reason why Arjuna asks for one of the two is that the two viz., knowledge and action, cannot be simultaneously pursued by one person. Pursuit of knowledge is the discovery of the Self that is akarta and so involves the renunciation of the sense of doership. Pursuit of ac-
Action brings in its wake the result which becomes the seed for another action. Thus one gets trapped in the chain of action-result-action - they would yield different results. Action gives rise to result which becomes the seed for new action and thus the cycle of action-reaction-action would b e perpetuated. Knowledge on the other hand, is associated with sannyasa, or renunciation and it would make one free from action. Therefore Arjuna seems to say, "Please ascertain my qualification and keeping in mind the fact that
must decide the course of action based on his or her own understanding. And so the Lord answers, "In the beginning of the creation, sinless one, the two-fold commitment was given by Me in this world; the pursuit of knowledge for the sankhyas or the contemplative ones and the pursuit of action for the yogis or the active ones".
Other religions are preponderatingly religions of faith and profession, but the Sanatan Dharma is life itself; it is a thing that has not so much to be believed as lived. -Sri Aurobindo The pollution of the environment is kind of an eleventh hour externalization of the pollution within us. -Seyyed Hossein Nasr it is the study of the eastern doctrines which has made us see what the West lacks and the falsity of many ideas which are current in the modern world; -René Guénon We 'preserve' folk songs, at the same time that our way of life destroys the singerÖwe are proud of our museums, where we display the damning evidence of a way of life that we have made impossible -Ananda Coomaraswamy If there's a power above us, (And that there is all nature cries aloud Through all her works) he must delight in virtue. -joseph Addison
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Indo-Pak nuclear CBMs: where talks fear to tread TANVI KULKARNI
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he 'Expert level Meeting on ency and constraint, or perhaps CBMs makes their strict categoriConventional and Nuclear in other words from being declara- zation difficult. Pakistan's outright CBMs' that took place in tory to action-oriented. According rejection to officially declare its Islamabad on 26-27 December to Vice Admiral Vijay Shankar, nuclear doctrine warrants more 2011 constitute the fifth round of Former Commander-in-Chief, Stra- than constant persuasion. Experts Indo-Pak talks on conventional tegic Forces Command of India, have suggested measures like CBMs and the sixth round on "the Lahore MoU identifies the clarifying terminologies and arrivnuclear CBMs (NCBMs). need to establish CBMs. It is sub- ing at a mutually acceptable lexiThese talks indicated that the jective in form and it posits a flesh- con. complications which engulf the ing out." This would call for, in the words task of confidence building beThis would comprise using its of Vice Admiral Shankar, 'going between the two adversarial nuclear principles to undertake functional yond party lines'; and perhaps the weapons countries emanate not and institutional measures; dis- unwillingness to do so results in just from their historical and exis- cussing a joint risk reduction cen- this task being usually left to be tential animosity; but undertaken at the level the approach to of non-official interacNCBMs is marred by a tion. fear of transcendence. Bilateral cooperation To gauge how the in certain civilian strategic community in nuclear sectors is prosIndia looks at this issue, pect-worthy. According the author of this comto Mr LV Krishnan, mentary posed quesFormer Director, Safety tions to a few strategic Research and Health experts to assess the Physics at the Indira following questions: Gandhi Centre for Atomic what does it mean to Research (IGCAR), move beyond self-imKalpakkam, 'cooperation posed limits? What do in nuclear medicine Pakistan-India talks on nuclear CBMs led by Additional Indo-Pak NCBMs need should be free of controSecretary Munawar Saeed Bhatti and Joint Secretary, to constitute? versy and India could coD.B. Venkatesh Varma held at Foreign Office in Islamabad. The Lahore operate in this field'. SimiCanopy: Staying Put tre could serve as an example of larly, Pakistan's proposal for joint deThe Lahore Memorandum of this. So far, Indo-Pak dialogues on velopment of nuclear technology Understanding (MoU) of 1999 NCBMs have emphasized only on applications in agriculture merits provides the broad framework for means of communication (ex- discussion by experts. NCBMs between India and Paki- change of data, notification of deAs for nuclear power generastan. To its credit, markedly, are velopments and hotlines). The tion, the unknown extent of Chithe hotlines established between constant reference to the Lahore nese involvement in Pakistan's the DGMOs and between the For- MoU to justify and review these nuclear power industry generates eign Secretaries, the Agreement on CBMs has rendered the document skepticism for India. Besides, InPre-notification of Flight Testing itself to appear restrictive and not dia has advanced in designing of Ballistic Missiles and the Agree- as a guideline to explore new ini- and building reactors and both ment on Reducing the Risks from sides should convince themselves Accidents Relating to Nuclear of gains from such cooperation, Old arguments have Weapons. indicates Dr Krishnan. Civil Apart from these, India and been met with older nuclear cooperation could become Pakistan have been annually exa good confidence building changing lists of their nuclear-re- and unrelenting 'mechanism'. lated facilities that fall under the objections and reThe Leap of Faith Agreement of 1988 on the ProhiThe sixth round of Indo-Pak bition of Attack against Nuclear jections. The refusal dialogue on NCBMs that prompted Installations and Facilities (a list to experiment can this commentary demonstrates a was exchanged for the 21st time deficiency in approach. Old arguchoke confidence on 1 January 2012). ments have been met with older and These are considered as good building efforts unrelenting objections and rejecmodels of communication CBMs. tions. The refusal to experiment At the December 2011 Expert Level beyond existing frameworks and meeting, and at previous occa- tiatives. mechanisms can choke confidence sions, the issues that remained at Much to the disappointment of building efforts. stalemate include adding cruise the spirit of the Lahore DeclaraThe leap of faith does not mean missiles under the pre-notification tion, meager progress has been that mutual distrust can be turned agreement, Pakistan declaring its made towards understanding each around overnight; it calls for trannuclear doctrine and defining its others' national interests, security scending beyond traditionallycommand and control setup, mu- concepts and nuclear doctrines. certified measures. Else, future tual adoption of the Nuclear No The creation of an ambience for confidence building dialogues will First Use (NFU) policy and the these measures will require mak- become, to put it in the words of establishment of a Nuclear Strate- ing the interests 'transparent and Vice Admiral Shankar, "a perfuncgic Restraint Regime (NSRR). insulated from the overall hostil- tory ritual than an instrument to Communication to Constraint: ity between the two countries', bring about stability and underMoving Ahead according to Vice Admiral Shankar. standing." Ideally, the task is to advance The interdependence between The writer is Research Officer, from communication to transpar- conventional CBMs and nuclear NSP, IPCS
India Post Selling writers
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iterature is about writing and then reading of it. It is communication between two people. It functions even when the identity of the writer and the reader is not known. It is the joy of sharing a vision, even if the reader is an ordinary person. Festivals are about selling wares. Marketers and not writers are needed here. In a strange subversion of values, writers have become marketers. They have not only to write but hawk their wares, furnish samples of it so that people can get a taste of it. Just as marketing of films these days, where the lead stars tom tom it even if it has no merit. Book bazaars can still be understood as necessary where all kinds of books are displayed so that people are introduced to new writings and where they can make their choice about reading. But a literary festival where writers are displayed is a corny product of modern times. The Jaipur Literary Festival is said to have been a big success. The attendance was like a Kumbha Mela. And since the writers attending were big names there was strict security and checks. Any successful event cannot be mounted these days without security. Security lends it importance. There is a case for bringing writers to readers. If the literary festival manages to increase the number of discerning readers, it can be said to have been useful. And how do you measure the success of a literary festival? By the sale of books? That could be managed in a book bazaar as well. The success of a literary festival is the faces of the well-known writers. The more the merrier. But how many seriously listen to debates about writings? It is more of a tamasha made for the visual media. And writing and reading is not about display on TV. The reprising of the Salman Rushdie controversy over his Satanic Verses is not very mysterious. The ban on his book for allegedly hurting Muslim sentiments was imposed in 1988 by the Rajiv Gandhi government. Since then Rushdie has been in and out of the country on several occasions without attracting zealots or controversy. This time elections are imminent in four states of India, particularly Uttar Pradesh where the ruling party the Congress hopes to reap a harvest by pandering to Muslim sentiments. Although the times have changed and most followers of Islam would not bother about Rushdie (or even have read what he has written) but the Congress harks back to the past century and still thinks it can save its face before the electorate by presenting itself as a savior of Muslims. As if electricity, roads, water and infrastructure do not matter to Muslims and some forgotten lines in a foreign language do. This story has been mostly manufactured by the secularist ayatollahs like the Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot who sincerely believes his party stands to gain in far away Uttar Pradesh by his police action of preventing modern India's famous novelist from entering India. There was another controversial writer present at the festival - Taslima Nasreen of Bangladesh who has been hounded out of India on earlier occasions by similar Muslim cleric noises over her alleged insult to Muslim scriptures. But no attempt was made to bar her or make a controversy about her because it would not have helped the Congress to win votes in Uttar Pradesh. As for the need for literary festivals, the last word perhaps has been said by writer Ashok Banker, thus: We need more LitFests because the more people we get talking about books, the less time they will have to read them.
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