IndiaPost_02-04-2011 by Ghanshyam Bisht

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Republic Day celebration kicked off by CG Details on page 16

Chatwal gets franchise of Wyndham's Details on page 6

Indian American sentenced to 32 years for spying Details on page 8

Rajasthan NGO wins MacArthur grant of $350,000 Details on page 8

Azim Premji

Enough: Act now Premji tells India govt Details on page 12

INDIA POST SURVEY survey@indiapost.com This week’s question

India a big source of illegal immigrants? Last week’s result

Should NRIs disclose their black money? YES 71%

NO 29%

VOL 16, No. 856

February 4, 2011

50¢

Periodical Postage

VARSITY SHUTDOWN HITS INDIANS Illegal immigration racket alleged

CK Patel joins US Tourism Advisory Board Details on page 5

Panchatantra among gifts to Obama Details on page 6

India Post News Service

President Obama greets Indians on R-Day

Details on page 6

Cautious NRIs investigating before investing Details on page 42

SC asks govt for source of black money

Congress asked to re-examine H-1B program

Details on page 5

India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has recommended to the US Congress to re-examine key H-B visa program provisions and make appropriate changes as needed. In concluding its report following a study of the H-1B visa program at the behest of the US Congress, the GAO has also recommended that the Department of Homeland Security and Labor should take steps to improve efficiency, flexibility and monitoring of the H-1B program. The GAO has said that although the Homeland Security disagreed with two of its recommendations and one matter, citing logistical and other challenges, it believes such challenges can be overcome. This report offers several matters for congressional consideration, as GAO believes reforms were needed to minimize the risks and costs of the current program. Details on page 44

Gingger Shankar making waves again Details on page 24

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 34-35 Classifieds ------------------------- 47 Community Post -------------- 16-22 Date Book -------------------------- 39 Edit Page --------------------------- 49 HealthScience Post --------- 36-38 Horoscope ------------------------- 23 Immigration Post ------------- 44-46 Life Style ----------------------- 24-28 Philosophy ------------------------- 48 Publisherís Diary ------------------ 4

MARCHING INDIA: Soldiers march down Rajpath during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi on January 26. India celebrated its 62nd Republic Day under heavy security. (Photo feature on pages 10-11)

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

Real Estate -------------------- 42-43 TechBiz Post ------------------- 12-15 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 29-31

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February 4, 2011

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Publisher’s Diary

here was nothing radical or sensational about President Obama's State of the Union address this past Tuesday. There was no battle cry against terrorists, no visceral jibes at the Republicans, nor unconvincing promises at improving the economy. It wasn't necessarily a specific call to action, or a rhetoric driven spiel on his administration's plans for the future. What it did, however, was paint an almost black and white picture of what America was, and what it should continue to aim to be - a land of ideas, innovation and doing big things. The President's address did not elicit as many standing ovations as trivia seekers would have loved to record, but I hope it sparked introspection among lawmakers and the millions of Americans who may have followed it through the media. What struck me about it was the simplicity of his message… and what's not to get it, it simply asks Americans to go back to the basics of power education. Over the decades, somewhere along minding the business of every other country, America lost sight of the classrooms in its own counties and inner cities. It left its young ones to pick up on their own in the wake of their founding fathers and nation builders. In its deification of corporate entities, forgot the value of basic educational institutions and teachers. It led almost an entire generation to take its privileges for granted. Still, President Obama's passing reference to India and China in that context was not really necessary. Whatever pundits might say about India and China overtaking the American economy in future, today, these two countries, I would say, are at best the smartest of imitators of everything American. True, India and China are progressing at a dizzy rate in all spheres, yet, the big ideas still germinate in America. Indeed, what Americans do need to fear of India and China, is the spirited fire in their people who want to be where America stands today. What Obama tried to do was rekindle in his own people, the spirit to own their place and go beyond.

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Fuller Katrina After size zero in Tees Maar Khan, Katrina Kaif is piling on the pounds for Yash Raj film Mere Brother Ki Dulhan.

Cover Story: Varsity closed The Tri-Valley University in Pleasanton has been closed down for allegedly running an illegal immigration racket.

Community: Chicago R-Day

Indian Consulate in Chicago kicked off celebration of 62nd Indian Republic Day with a flag hoisting ceremony.

India: Pandey honored An eminent Indian professor in Chicago, Prof. Ghanshyam Pandey was honored by Indian Science Congress in Chennai.

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Life Style: New music Gingger Shankar is in the news once again with her music composition for the 2011 Sundance Dramatic Competition.

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Noted industrialist Azim Premji says he is "extremely disappointed" about the performance of the Indian government.

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Travel: Nalanda Nalanda, one of the greatest centers of learning in ancient times is part of the Buddhist Circuit.

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Varsity shutdown hits Indians Illegal immigration racket alleged India Post News Service

NEW YORK: At least one Indian student is under arrest, some have been interrogated by federal officials while several hundred others enrolled in the Tri-Valley University in Pleasanton, California are left in the lurch as immigration officials who raided the campus last month closed down the university claiming it was a "sham" and ran an illegal immigration racket. Rajshekara Dasari was picked by the authorities from Ohio even as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials have spread a dragnet across the country to get hold of more Tri-Valley students. According to the Contra Costa Times, the university that catered mostly to online students is being called a sham by federal prosecutors who say the university was a front to illegally provide immigration status to foreign nationals. Interestingly a majority of those students hail from Andhra Pradesh in southern India, most of whom have joined through referrals from already enrolled students who were reportedly offered monetary incentives for referring more students. According to a complaint filed by the US District Attorney's Office on Jan 19, more than 95 percent of the 1555 odd students of the university were from India. For more than half of them, the university reported their address was a single apartment in Sunnyvale. The apartment manager told ICE

agents that four university students lived there from June 2007 to August 2009 and none since. Investigators believe TVU reported that most of its students live at the apartment to conceal they don't live in the state. However, investigations by ICE found that while students were admitted to various residential and online courses of the university and on paper lived in California, in reality they "illegally" worked in

Rajshekara Dasari was picked by the authorities from Ohio even as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials have spread a dragnet across the country to get hold of more Tri-Valley students various parts of the country as far as Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Texas. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on Jan 19 were at the Tri-Valley University campus and executed search warrants at three other properties owned by school founder Susan Su, including one in the gated Ruby Hill community. The complaint claims Su was

part of an elaborate scheme to defraud, using false statements and misrepresentations to the Department of Homeland Security. "Since its inception ... Tri-Valley University has been a sham university, which Su, and others, have used to facilitate foreign nationals in illegally acquiring student immigration status that authorizes them to remain in the United States," the complaint reads. According to the complaint, Su and Tri-Valley University have made millions of dollars in tuition fees for issuing the visa related documents, enabling foreign nationals to obtain illegal student immigration status. ICE began its investigation in May 2010. The institution received its approval to issue visas in February 2009 and had the approval for about 30 students. In May 2009 the school had 11 active students that had received F-1 visas, and 939 by May 2010. For a student to maintain the immigration status, they must show proof they are making reasonable process toward completing coursework and physically attend classes. ATA, TANA providing legal help and guidance to affected students Significantly, considering a vast majority of the affected students were from Andhra Pradesh in southern India, the American Telugu Association (ATA) and the Telugu Association of North America (TANA) have come forward to help them with guidance

SC asks government to ascertain source of black money NEW DELHI: Expressing concern that the black money stashed in banks abroad might have originated from arms deals, drug trafficking and smuggling, the Supreme Court has asked the government as to what action it had taken against individuals and firms having foreign accounts. A bench headed by Justice B Sudarshan Reddy directed the government to file its response within a week. The court also sought replies from the government, RBI and CVC on a petition seeking direction to the government to ratify UN convention on corruption which would facilitate in bringing back black money from foreign banks. Asking the government not to

restrict its probe only to the tax evasion aspect, the bench told the government to go after the sources of black money. "We want to know what steps you have taken against the people who have accumulated so much money in foreign banks. What are the sources of the money," the bench asked. "These are people in the country who are amenable to the law. What action have you taken against them when you came to know that they have stashed money in foreign banks? "What are the sources of the money? Where has the money come from? It might be because of arms deals, smuggling, narcotics, drug trafficking or something else. These are more serious issues, when you know the name,

what action you have taken?" the bench asked. . "That is a serious matter which we are concerned about. You know the names, (you know) where the money is lying, still you are talking about double taxation issue," the bench said when Solicitor General Gopal Subramanium submitted that the government is taking all actions under Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) against the people who have stashed money in foreign banks. "Looking at the issue from the taxation point of view is just one aspect but there are other serious matters associated with the black money which we are concerned about," the bench said. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 8

and legal help. In a statement released Jan 23, ATA said hundreds of students of Telugu origin may have been victims in this matter. It cited reports that said that the federal officials have been looking for the university students and have already interrogated many who could be located. "American Telugu Association (ATA) has arranged help within the legal boundary and information for any students belonging to Andhra Pradesh if they are

them with required guidance. In a separate message, TANA President Jairam Komati said TANA is deeply concerned about the situation of the Telugu students who are in a limbo state after the closure of Tri Valley University. "TANA has been receiving a lot of calls from concerned students and parents with requests for requesting our support, advice and help. While we are very sympathetic to the situation - we urge you to understand that this is a legal situation and each affected person should seek legal help for advice pertaining to his or her unique situation. Please keep in mind that opinions of individuals or community organizations are purely personal and may not be the right path for the victims to choose." Tri-Valley University in Pleasanton, California TANA has conin need," said ATA President Dr. tacted various law firms in CaliforRajender Jinna. He also said, "We nia to offer free preliminary conare in touch with the students of sultation and a discounted repreTri-Valley University and giving sentation fee for detained students them necessary assistance." in path of deportation or going out ATA coordinator(s) urged stu- of status. dents who need help to contact TANA has urged the affected Akula from Akula & Associates, a students and their immediate and law firm based in Dallas, who is extended families to be patient and working with ATA to help in this promised its full support with reregard. Babu Gummadi, an active spect to finding lawyers who can ATA member is also constantly in offer free consultation and speakcontact with students, providing ing to lawmakers.

India seeks report on affected students NEW DELHI: India has sought a report from its missions in the US into the reports of several Indian students being affected after a California-based University was shut down by authorities on charges of illegal immigration. "We have asked for a report from our Embassy and from our Consulate General and when a report is issued, we will be taking it up with the government of the US," External Affairs Minister S M Krishna told reporters here. He said, meanwhile, the missions have been instructed that the welfare of the students will have to be looked into by them. However, the minister said it was "strange" that the affected students have not approached the Indian Consulate so far.

Duped by the authorities of TriValley University, which has now been shut down, hundreds of Indian students, mostly from Andhra Pradesh, faced the threat of being deported back home after having lost their student visa status. "Any activity involving visa fraud would obviously be of great concern to us. The investigation of that is done by law enforcement, obviously with our cooperation, since we are the ones who issue visas," State Department spokesman P J Crowley told reporters at his daily news conference in Washington. According to a federal complaint filed in a California court, the University helped foreign nationals illegally acquire immigration status.-PTI

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Chatwal acquires franchise of Wyndham's hotel brand India Post News Service

NEW JERSEY: Wyndham Hotel Group, part of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies has entered into an agreement with Chatwal Hotels & Resorts, LLC, gaining exclusive rights to franchise and manage its Dream and Night boutique hotel brands globally. Dream and Night hotels currently are open in New York, Bangkok, Thailand and Cochin in India. In addition, the 108-room, Art-Deco-inspired Dream South Breach is scheduled to open early this year in Miami Beach, Florida, adjacent to the former Versace Mansion on Collins Ave. The company also announced plans to open a Dream Hotel in New York's Meatpacking District during the second quarter of this year and expand in South Asia. "The addition of the Dream and Night brands will complement

Wyndham Hotel Group's diverse brand portfolio which focuses on meeting guest needs with a hotel product for every kind of traveler," said Eric Danziger, Wyndham Hotel Group president and CEO. "These design-driven, destination-within-a-destination brands are favored by travelers who crave an avant-garde yet cosmopolitan experience. We are especially proud to work with Sant Singh Chatwal, an innovative hotelier and entrepreneur, to expand and evolve these brands in key business and leisure â&#x20AC;Ś around the globe." Chatwal Hotels & Resorts will continue to own the Dream and Night brand trademarks and intellectual property. "The relationship with Wyndham will unlock the true potential of our Dream and Night brands, which have proven their success in key markets like New York and Bangkok during the last

Eric Danziger, president and chief executive officer of Wyndham Hotel Group (left); Sant Singh Chatwal, chairman and chief executive office of Chatwal Hotels & Resorts, Jay Stein, chief operating officer of Chatwal Hotels & Resorts; Jim Alderman, executive vice president of development for Wyndham Hotel Group; and Brendan McNamara, senior vice president of brand development for Chatwal Hotels & Resorts, celebrate an agreement in which Wyndham Hotel Group will have exclusive rights to franchise and manage the Dream and Night boutique hotel brands globally. Pics: www.wyndhamworldwide.com

Panchatantra among gifts from Manmohan Singh to Obama SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: If it is not a matter of interest for trivia seeking historians, it is definitely a matter of national pride for visiting dignitaries to carry gifts for their counterparts in a host country. The US State Department recently released through the Federal Register the catalog of foreign gifts received by President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, the Service Chiefs and other Administration officials. The 2009 gift list shows Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh had given various gifts to President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama during his visits in September and November 2009. Prominent among them is a Burgundy rug with a foliate motif estimated at a value of $1200 which the Indian Prime Minister had presented to President Obama in September 2009. Prime Minister Singh also gifted the President several books among them the "Stories from the Panchtantra", "Ancient Tales of Wit and Wisdom", "The Puffin Treasury of Modern Indian Stories", "A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India", "The Gandhi Collection: History in the

Making: The Visual Archives of Kulwant Roy" - totally valued at $3,572 - which were received in December 2009. As for First Lady Michelle Obama, she received from Prime Minister Singh, a beige pashmina shawl made by the Kashmir Loom Company, valued at $666; and two silver enamel sculptures of a King

Fisher and a parrot - valued at $1,400 from Gursharan Kaur, wife of the Prime Minister. The Indian Prime Minister also lavished Vice President Joe Biden on both visits, with a statue of a jungle fowl rooster on a wooden base in a presentation box (valued at $550); and a multicolored rug with a repeating floral medallion design on an ivory field with

three borders (valued at $440). During that year, India's Chief of Army Staff General Deepak Kapoor, on his visit to the US, had gifted Admiral Michael G. Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the US, an Indian army memento described as a plaque with a clear crystal octagon faced with tag "Indian Army" flanked by two enameled flags over silver tone status of lions over crossed swords over a row of four five-pointed stars, set into flaring base with affixed presentation tag from Kapoor; a photo frame with a silver plate, arched top engraved "Indian Army"; a cashmere scarf in a quilted bag; a hardcover book titled "Blood and Guts, The Saga of Indian Arms"; a set of 4 CDs titled "Martial Music & Indian Army", all of them valued at $366. Since the US law forbids those in government from accepting gifts from foreign countries while in office, all gifts have been sent to the US Foreign Archives. The 2009 gift list notes that nearly all of the first family's presents from that year have been placed in the US Foreign Archives with a select few edible gifts entrusted to the care of the US Secret Service. As for the reason for acceptance of the gifts as noted by the registry: Non-acceptance would cause embarrassment to donor and US Government.

six years and are prime to further expand globally," said Chatwal. "Working with industry colleagues like Eric to leverage Wyndham Hotel Group's scale and reputation as a global brand leader will benefit the future of these inspired brands." Wyndham Hotel Group is the world's largest hotel company as measured by approximately 7,150 hotels and approximately 605,700 rooms under the hotel brands: Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, Ramada, Days Inn, Super 8, Wingate by Wyndham, Baymont Inn & Suites, Microtel Inns & Suites, Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham, TRYP by Wyndham, Howard Johnson, Travelodge and Knights Inn. In addition, the company has a license agreement to franchise the Planet Hollywood Hotels brand. All hotels are independently owned and operated excluding

certain Wyndham and international Ramada hotels, which are managed by an affiliate or through a joint venture partner. Wyndham

Hotel Group is based in Parsippany, NJ. Chatwal Hotels & Resorts, headquartered in New York, owns and manages 10 hotels in New York, two in India, one in London and one in Bangkok. Chatwal Hotels & Resorts opened its first independent, four-star boutique hotel in New York in 1999, the Time Hotel at 49th Street and Broadway.

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India calls for strengthening action against Somali pirates India Post News Service

NEW YORK: India has called on UN member countries for a comprehensive approach to tackle the problem of growing attacks by Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean. Addressing the UN Security Council on the issue of piracy off the coast of Somalia, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Hardeep Puri said, there was need to further strengthen international cooperation to tackle the problem of piracy. " A comprehensive approach to tackle the problem has to be found to address this serious issue," he said while proposing several measures such as: reinforcement of tracking the trail of ransom money to different parts of the world, as was entrusted to the Interpol; prosecution of the beneficiaries of ransom money for abetting piracy; consideration of the conduct of the naval operations under the UN as the preferred option; sanitization of the Somali coast line through identified corridors and buffer zones and tracking of fishing vessels around the Somali coast; and enactment of national laws on priority to criminalize piracy as defined in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the prosecution of suspected, and imprisonment of convicted pirates apprehended off the coast of Somalia. Referring to reports that Somali pirates are operating further and further off from the Somali coast, Amb. Puri said the shift of attacks to the south and east of the Indian Ocean reflects the pirates' ability to adapt in order to bypass the security corridor established by naval forces and to extend their reach to approximately 1000-1200

miles from Somali Coast. "Piracy has also got more sophisticated and become an organized and lucrative activity," he said. "It is particularly worrying that the pirates have developed a modus vivindi with terrorist organizations." Citing statistics from the International Maritime Bureau, Amb. Puri said a record number of

Amb. Puri said the shift of attacks to the south and east of the Indian Ocean reflects the pirates' ability to adapt in order to bypass the security corridor people, 1181 sailors, were taken hostage by pirates worldwide in 2010, of which the Somali attacks account for 1,016 hostages. Currently, the Somali pirates are holding 28 ships with more than 638 crew on board. During the year 2010, 53 ships were hijacked worldwide of which 49 were hijacked by Somali pirates. Compared to 2009, there was a 10 per cent increase in the number of pirate attacks in 2010, the total number being 445. Studies by different think tanks say that maritime piracy costs the global economy anywhere between $7 and 12 billion a year. "These figures are cause for a major concern for the international community," he added. India has a strong interest in ensuring the security of maritime

traffic off the Somali coast, the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea, Puri said, considering that as a country with a coastline of over 7,500 kms, criminal activities in the international waters pose a serious threat to India. A large volume of India's trade passes through the Gulf of Aden, estimated at about US$ 110 billion annually. About 24 Indian-flagged merchant ships transit the Gulf of Aden every month. Moreover, more than 6% of seafarers engaged in international shipping companies are Indian nationals. Indian Navy's anti-piracy operations Amb. Puri elaborated on India's active engagement in anti-piracy operations since the Indian Navy commenced anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden from October 2008. A total of 23 Indian Navy ships have been deployed in the Gulf of Aden since then. In addition to escorting Indian flagged vessels, ships of other countries have also been provided protection. A total of 1487 ships, including 1321 foreign flagged vessels from different countries, have been escorted by Indian Navy ships in the Gulf of Aden since October 2008. 26 piracy attempts have been thwarted and no ship under Indian escort has been hijacked by pirates. "We have also set up a 24x7 Communication Centre within the Indian Maritime Administration for coordination and facilitation in case of piracy," Puri pointed out. "Taking serious note of recent spate in "Dhow Piracy", India has banned operation of Indian Dhows in piracy infested areas," As the piracy prone area has

expanded eastwards, the Indian Navy has made additional deployments off Eastern and North Eastern Arabian Sea. Indian Navy has also deployed units to EEZ of Seychelles and Mauritius and its ships and aircrafts routinely patrol the waters off the Maldives. Following these deployments, there have been no hijack incidents in the east Ara-

Amb. Puri elaborated on India's active engagement in anti-piracy operations since the Indian Navy commenced anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden from October 2008 bian Sea since December 2010 consequent to one or two stray incidents that were suddenly experienced for a very brief period in end-November 2010, Puri said. India, as a founder-member of

the 'Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia' (CGPCS), has been fully engaged in the efforts of the group to share information, coordinate actions of navies in combating piracy in the Gulf of Aden, raising public and merchant marine awareness and, examining legal and criminal justice issues with respect to apprehended pirates. Further, the Indian Navy has proactively cooperated with other navies through the SHADE (Shared Awareness and De-confliction) mechanism and otherwise. Puri pointed out that the continuing instability in Somalia does not permit an effective response to the problem of piracy even though the Transitional Federal Government has identified counter-piracy as a major area of cooperation under the Kampala process. "This process, therefore, needs to be revitalized and a major capacity building exercise needs to be undertaken in areas of security and police forces, legal and legislative frameworks, jurisdictional and correctional systems," Puri said.

President Obama greets Indians on R-Day India Post News Service

NEW YORK: On the occasion of India's 62nd Republic Day, President Barack Obama has conveyed his wishes to the people of India and Indian Americans. In a statement released on Jan 26, the President said: "On behalf of the American people, I send my best wishes to the people of India and to those here in the United States and around the world who are celebrating India Republic Day. Michelle and I were honored to visit India in November as India marked the 60th year of its democratic constitution. As I said then, the United States and India are not only the world's two largest democracies, we are two pluralistic societies that believe in the potential and dignity of every

human being." "These are the beliefs that inspire the nearly three million Americans who can trace their roots to India - and all of whom enrich our society," he added. "And they are the beliefs that have led Prime Minister Singh and I to make the US-India relationship one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century. As we go forward together, the enduring lessons of this Republic Day can inspire us to seek a future of greater prosperity and opportunity for both our peoples."

India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Hardeep Puri with Ambassador Susan Rice of United States Mission at a reception organized as part Republic Day celebrations at Permanent Mission of India in New York

PakistanĂs Ambassador to the United Nations Abdullah Hussain Haroon greets Indian Ambassador H.S. Puri and his wife at a reception organized as part of Republic Day celebrations at Permanent Mission of India in New York on January 26

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Rajasthan NGO wins Sentenced to 32 years for sneaking MacArthur grant of $350,000 defense secrets to China India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Noshir S. Gowadia, 66, of Maui, Hawaii, was sentenced late Jan 24 to 32 years in prison for communicating classified national defense information to China, illegally exporting military technical data, as well as money laundering, filing false tax returns and other offenses. The sentence, handed down by Chief US District Judge Susan Oki Mollway in the District of Hawaii, was announced by David Kris, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, and Florence T. Nakakuni, US Attorney for the District of Hawaii. Local news reports quoted Gowadia's son Ashton stating that his father was innocent and that they would be appealing the sentence in a higher court. On Aug 9, 2010, following six days of deliberation after a trial spanning nearly four months in Honolulu, a federal jury found Gowadia guilty of five criminal offenses relating to his design for China of a low-signature cruise missile exhaust system capable of rendering a Chinese cruise missile resistant to detection by infrared missiles. The jury also convicted Gowadia in three counts of illegally communicating classified information regarding lock-on range for infrared missiles against the US B-2 bomber to persons not authorized to receive such information. The B-2 bomber is one of America's most critical defense assets, capable of utilizing its stealth characteristics to penetrate enemy airspace and deliver precision guided weapons on multiple targets. Gowadia was also convicted of unlawfully exporting classified information about the B-2, illegally retaining information related to US national defense at his home, money laundering and filing false tax returns for the years 2001 and 2002. "Mr. Gowadia provided some of our country's most sensitive weapons-related designs to the Chinese government for money. He is now being held accountable for his actions. This prosecution should serve as a warning to others who would compromise our nation's military secrets for profit. I commend the prosecutors, analysts and agents - including those from the FBI and the Air Force - who were responsible for this investigation and prosecution," said Assistant Attorney General David Kris. "Justice is finally done in this lengthy and complex case where

highly classified information and sensitive technology was unlawfully disclosed and transferred to the People's Republic of China, and other persons and entities as well," said US Attorney Nakakuni. "Mr. Gowadia went beyond disclosing information to China, he performed defense work in that nation with the purpose of assisting them in

The jury also convicted Gowadia in three counts of illegally communicating classified information regarding lock-on range for infrared missiles against the US B-2 bomber to persons not authorized to receive such information their stealth weapons design programs. While the full damage of his activities may never be known, we are comforted that justice has been done, and that Mr. Gowadia will spend 32 years in federal prison, incapable of betraying the United States of America again. It must be remembered also that Mr. Gowadia's sentence also addresses his creation of an international identity to hide his income and launder his ill gotten gains. I deeply appreciate the hard work of

This case was investigated by FBI, the US Air Force Office of Special Investigations, the IRS's Criminal Investigation Division, US Customs and Border Protection, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the State Department's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls the FBI, the US Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the IRS Criminal Investigation Division in assisting us in obtaining the espionage, arms export, tax and

money laundering convictions in this important case." Gowadia was first arrested in October 2005 on a criminal complaint alleging that he willfully communicated national defense information to a person not entitled to receive it. He was charged with additional violations in a 2005 indictment, a 2006 superseding indictment and a 2007 second superseding indictment. According to information produced during the trial, Gowadia was an engineer with Northrop Grumman Corporation from approximately 1968 to 1986, during which time he contributed to the development of the unique propulsion system and low observable capabilities of the B-2 Spirit bomber, sometimes referred to as the "Stealth" bomber. Gowadia also continued to work on classified matters as a contractor with the with the US government until 1997, when his security clearance was terminated. Evidence at the trial revealed that from July 2003 to June 2005, Gowadia took six trips to China to provide defense services in the form of design, test support and test data analysis of technologies for the purpose of assisting China with a cruise missile system by developing a stealthy exhaust nozzle. At the time of his arrest, Gowadia had been paid at least $110,000 by China. The jury convicted Gowadia of two specific transmissions of classified information: a PowerPoint presentation on the exhaust nozzle of a Chinese cruise missile project and an evaluation of the effectiveness of a redesigned nozzle, and a computer file providing his signature prediction of a Chinese cruise missile outfitted with his modified exhaust nozzle and associated predictions in relation to a US air-toair missile. Trial evidence showed that during this time Gowadia built a luxurious ocean side home located on a cliff in Maui, Hawaii. This case was investigated by FBI, the US Air Force Office of Special Investigations, the IRS's Criminal Investigation Division, US Customs and Border Protection, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the State Department's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. The case was prosecuted by Assistant US Attorney Ken Sorenson of the US Attorney's Office for the District of Hawaii and Senior Trial Attorney Robert E. Wallace Jr., of the Counterespionage Section of the Justice Department's National Security Division.

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to recognize them. It is our hope that these Awards will help position them for long-term growth and even greater impact in the years ahead." ARTH promotes sexual and reproductive health, neonatal and child health, and health systems and policy in India's predominantly rural Rajasthan state. ARTH demonstrates 24x7 rural delivery and newborn care, trains skilled birth attendants, and operates referral systems for complications, increasing women's access to maternal care.

NEW YORK: Action Research & Training for Health (ARTH), a non-governmental organization in rural Rajasthan has won the John D. and Catherin MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions that carries a $350,000 grant. Continuing its tradition of encouraging creativity and building effective institutions to help address some of the world's most challenging problems, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation announced names of 11 organizations in six countries ARTH promotes sexual and that will receive the reproductive health, neonatal MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective and child health, and health Institutions. The systems and policy in Awards recognize exceptional Foundation India's predominantly grantees and help en- rural Rajasthan state sure their sustainability with grants of $350,000 India leads the world in the to $1 million each, a large sum given that recipients' annual op- number of women who die during erating budgets are under $5 mil- childbirth - with a fifth of the global total - as women throughout lion. Although diverse in their mis- rural, impoverished regions often sions, all of these organizations deliver at home without a trained are highly creative and effective attendant. In 1997 the husband and wife organizations that have made a remarkable impact in their fields, team of Dr. Sharad D. Iyengar, a driving significant change on public health specialist and pediamodest budgets, the Foundation trician, and Dr. Kirti Iyengar, a gynecologist, formed ARTH to said. "These exceptional organiza- help address this crisis. ARTH offers field-based health tions effectively address pressing national and international chal- services in two districts with an lenges and they have had an im- impoverished rural and tribal pact that is disproportionate to population of 58,000, while carrytheir small size," said MacArthur ing out research, training, and President Robert Gallucci. "The advocacy work across the state MacArthur Foundation is proud of Rajasthan.

SC asks government to ascertain source of black money Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 5

The government, however, submitted that it is taking action under international agreements and the law against the erring persons and it has no problems in sharing the information with the court. The solicitor general submitted that many agencies are working on the case and investigation is going on. Senior advocate Anil Divan, appearing for petitioner and former Union Law Minister Ram Jethmalani, accused the government of not being serious on the issue, saying that PuneBased businessman Hasan Ali, facing probe for his foreign bank accounts, has fled the country. The court, after hearing Divan,

asked the government to find out whether Ali is present in the country or has left it. The court after hearing the arguments posted the matter for further hearing on February 3. The court was hearing a petition filed by Jethmalani seeking direction to the government to bring back black money stashed in foreign banks which, according to him, amounted to around USD one trillion. The apex court had on January 19, while hearing the matter, had expressed displeasure over the government's reluctance in coming forward with full information on the black money issue, saying keeping national wealth abroad amounted to "plunder" of the country.-PTI

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Padma Lakshmi's ex sues for custody of her baby NEW YORK: "Top Chef" host Padma Lakshmi is steeped in a custody fight, and the ingredients are plenty complex. Venture capitalist Adam Dell has sued for custody of Lakshmi's 11-month-old daughter. He says a paternity test has shown he's the infant's father, but Lakshmi is sidelining him and trying to cast her current flame, financier Ted Forstmann, in that role. Dell wants custody of the baby,

and he's pointing sharply to Lakshmi's career and globe-trotting lifestyle as a reason, saying she's "either unable or unwilling to moderate either her social or business travel" for the child's sake. A lawyer for Lakshmi, Jay D. Silverstein, called Dell's claims "inaccurate and misleading," and her camp blasted the public airing of her and her daughter's personal life. "Ms. Lakshmi's sole interest lies in preserving the privacy and welfare of her daughter and in working out a fair and amicable agreement out of the media's glare," spokeswoman Christina Papadopoulos said. Forstmann declined to comment through his office. The dispute, which has simmered for months in gossip pages, involves a perhaps unlikely trio of prominent people. Best known for her "Top Chef" role, Lakshmi, 40, is also a former model and an ex-wife of novelist Salman Rushdie.

Dell, 41, is an investor who's been involved in technology firms, and he's the brother of computer giant Dell Inc. founder Michael Dell. Forstmann, 70, is the chief executive of sports and entertainment marketing firm IMG and was a 1980s pioneer in the use of leveraged buyouts, or deals financed at least partly with debt. Lakshmi and Dell began dating in November 2007 and remained romantically involved until she dumped him in September 2009, telling him he was "unambitious" and had an "uninteresting" career, his lawsuit said. She then told him she was pregnant, and a DNA test showed Dell was the father, according to the lawsuit. Krishna Thea Lakshmi was born Feb. 20. Dell was eager to share parenting duties, but Lakshmi has worked "to minimize, if not eliminate, (Dell's) role in Krishna's life," allowing him only limited involvement with the baby through a temporary agreement that expires next month, the lawsuit says. Meanwhile, Lakshmi has encouraged her daughter to call Forstmann "Papa" and gave the infant a middle name that seems to be a nod to Forstmann's full name, Theodore, Dell's lawsuit complains. He wants her name changed to Krishna Lakshmi Dell, and he wants custody of her, though he says he would include Lakshmi in her life. "(Dell) is the parent who can be relied upon to put Krishna's needs before his own," the lawsuit says, while Lakshmi's "career as a television personality and her commitment to celebrity status involve a hectic, irregular schedule and requires frequent and distant travel."-AP

Clinton says looking forward to India visit in April WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said she is looking forward to her India visit in April for the next round of bilateral strategic dialogue, as she underlined that the two countries are forging a stronger partnership to promote a secure and stable world. "I look forward to my visit to India in April to advance our efforts (to forge a stronger strategic partnership) during the next session of our Strategic Dialogue," said Clinton, who would be leading a high power US delegation for talks with New Delhi. She said the two nations are bound together by mutual respect, shared values and the freedoms enshrined in their Constitutions. "Our people and governments are forging an even stronger strategic partnership to promote a secure and stable world, and support even greater cooperation on

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

economic development, open government and democratic values," she added. The people of the United States and India, united by these shared values and commitment to a safer, more secure world, are

working together to construct what President Barack Obama has called an 'indispensable' partnership for the 21st century, Clinton said in a statement, congratulating the people of India on their 62nd Republic Day. -PTI

Now UK company sells samosas to Indians LONDON: Call it food colonialism in reverse, but a British food manufacturer has started selling samosas in India, from where the delights of spicy dishes caught the imagination of the British palate 200 years ago. Farsan, an Indian food company based in the east Midlands town of Leicester, has opened a new factory in Gujarat to produce snacks such as samosas and bhajis. Leicester offers many delights of Indian vegetarian cuisine. The first Indian restaurant in Britain was opened by a Patna

resident Sake Dean Mohammad in London in 1810. He established the Hindoostan Coffee House at 34 George Street, Portman Square. Farsan managing director Nainesh Patel is in India on a two-week tour to promote the new factory and market his products to supermarket chains. He said: "There's huge potential for UK companies in India. Although we are a UK company selling snack foods such as samosas to an Indian market, we give the product a British twist so it has a unique taste for Indian customers.

Farsan is one of several firms which have strengthened ties with India with support from UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), and the move comes as Business Secretary Vince Cable leads a major business delegation to India. Patel's export ambitions ties in with growing evidence that despite recession and immigration, the $3 billion Indian restaurant industry continues to grow. Britons' continuing love affair with spicy curry has ensured that restaurants expand and ready-made Indian meals fly off the shelves in supermarkets.-PTI

10 India Post

Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 62nd R-Day

February 4, 2011

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Prime Minister Manmohan Singh paying homage at Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate on the occasion of the 62nd Republic Day Parade-2011, in New Delhi on January 26

Chief Guest President of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. H. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the first lady Hj. Ani Bambang Yudhoyono, President Pratibha Devisingh Patil, Vice President, Mohd. Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh and other dignitaries at the saluting dais at Rajpath

A model of Light Combat Aircraft Tejas trainer on display

Naval tableaux on display during the Republic Day parade

A birdĂs eye view of the Republic Day parade at Rajpath Breathtaking 'Trishul' formation comprising three SU 30s, during the fly past

February 4, 2011

Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 62nd R-Day

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Defense radar system on display during the Republic Day parade

Artists perform at Kerala tableaux

Dare Devil stunts of motorcycle riders, during the Parade

The tableau of Central Public Works Department passes through Rajpath

Folk dancers passing through Rajpath

Tech News Bail plea of Citibank fraud co-accused fails GURGAON: A city court has rejected bail plea of Sanjay Gupta, a co-accused in the Rs 400 crore Citibank fraud. The bail plea was rejected by Chief Judicial Magistrate D N Bhardwaj. Gupta and the mastermind of the fraud Shivraj Puri are currently in judicial custody and will be produced before the court again on January 28. Gupta, who was a senior official of Hero Corporate Services, was arrested on January 3 in connection with the fraud that affected about 40 corporate entities and high net worth individuals (HNIs). He allegedly received about Rs 20 crore commission from Puri in lieu of arranging investments. Puri, a Relationship Manager with Citibank's Gurgaon branch, is accused of luring HNIs to invest in bogus schemes by promising unusually high returns, which he 'substantiated' with a forged letter from market regulator Sebi. A multi-pronged probe involving the police, banking regulator RBI and capital markets watchdog Sebi is currently underway in the fraud case involving Puri. -PTI

DMRC shoots down PPP metro projects NEW DELHI: In view of the bitter experience with a private partner on the Airport Express Metro Line, which has been delayed significantly, the DMRC has shot down the Planning Commission's proposal to develop metro projects in 50 cities under a Public-Private Partnership model. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation's (DMRC) reservations were expressed during a recent meeting with officials of the Planning Commission, where DMRC Chairman and Managing Director E Sreedharan argued against implementation of such projects in a PPP mode, a source said. According to sources, "Sreedharan had argued that it has not worked anywhere across the world and it will also not work in India and cited the example of Airport Express Metro Line, which was to be completed before Commonwealth Games and is still hanging fire." The source said, "In the meeting, Sreedharan referred to an incident of a metro rail project in the UK, where a private player pulled out its equity and later, the government had to take over." -PTI

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ICICI Bank to open 500 branches every year, says Kochhar Details on page 14

February 4, 2011

Enough is enough, have to reform: Premji on governance deficit DAVOS: Noted industrialist Azim Premji, who was named for the Padma Vibhushan this year, has said he is "extremely disappointed" about the performance of the government at the Centre. Wipro Chairman Premji, who along with a number of eminent personalities had recently written an open letter on a "governance deficit", said they would focus on the "complete breakdown in public governance across the board". "I am extremely disappointed. I think it is a national calamity and is personally very devastating because one had so much confidence when they (UPA-II) came in," he told television channels when asked whether the present government was "unable to deliver". "But I think, it has reached a point of catharsis. And when something reaches a point of catharsis, there seems to be no alternative but to change. I am optimistic...," he said. He said the group (of eminent personalities) would follow up the matter with "fairly concrete" action recommendations as to what can lift the level of governance and make it more focused. "We think it is important. We focus attention on the complete breakdown in public governance across the board, whether it be

Chairman, Wipro, India, Azim Premil listens during a session at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland

government, or businessmen, or traders...," he said. "One has reached a point in public governance where one has to take stock... Enough is enough, we have to reform ourselves. If we

Keshub Mahindra, HDFC Chairman Deepak Parekh, former RBI Governors M Narasimham and Bimal Jalan, among others, had expressed concern over a series of scams that pointed toward a

On the issue of black money stashed abroad, he said, "Every country that has some scent of it (black money) is going after it. It's an issue of public morality which is at stake hereâ&#x20AC;? don't do that, we are not going to leave children behind us proud of the country, despite 8-9 per cent (economic) growth." Recently, a group of prominent personalities, including Premji, Mahindra & Mahindra Chairman

"governance deficit". In the letter, they had asked the government to deal with burning issues like corruption urgently. "We will make concrete recommendations to the government and we will pursue them with tena-

ciousness...," Premji said. On the award, he said: "I am quite honored. It is a prestigious award. I am humbled to receive it." He said the signatories to the open letter have identified a few steps that can result in the highest standards of governance. Citing the example of "sacrosanct" regulatory bodies like SEBI and the RBI, Premji asked, "Why can not we make something like that in environment? A regulatory organization separate from Minister or Secretary?" He, however, said they did not get any response from the Indian government on the open letter. "We did not expect a response, but there have been individual meetings with some people. Our objective was not to antagonize the government, but we want them to implement... We are in a state of limbo." On the issue of black money stashed abroad, he said, "Every country that has some scent of it (black money) is going after it. It's an issue of public morality which is at stake here." "What you need is tenaciousness. US has the tenaciousness to go after people who are involved in it... When pressure builds and builds... you have to have change, because you have a situation of catharsis," Premji said. -PTI

CEOs see infra woes threat to growth DAVOS: As India tries to embark on a double-digit growth path, many CEOs feel that inadequate basic infrastructure could hamper country's economic expansion program, says a global survey of consultancy firm PwC. "... 88 per cent of CEOs (in India) told us the inadequacy of basic infrastructure was a threat to growth," said the PwC report, which was released at the World Economic Forum (WEF) here. The findings are part of the survey which is based on responses from 1,201 chief executives from 69 countries. A majority of those surveyed opined that government leadership in building infrastruc-

ture is critical for ensuring competitiveness of countries. India, one of the fastest growing economies, plans to invest as much as USD 1 trillion in infrastruc-

annually USD 3 trillion needs to be spent on infrastructure development worldwide. India is likely to achieve about 9 per cent growth rate during 2010-11

Going by the survey, about 15 per cent CEOs opined that they would source their supplies from India, considering the country's cost competitiveness ture in the five-year period from 2012 to 2017. Nearly half of the investment is expected to come from the private sector. A recent WEF report said that

and is aiming to breach the doubledigit barrier in the coming years. Meanwhile, about 70 per cent Indian CEOs, who participated in the survey, believed that their company's

total tax contribution would rise since their government is exploring ways to bring down fiscal deficit. The report noted that "70 per cent and 63 per cent of CEOs in India and Brazil, respectively," felt that their tax contribution would rise. Going by the survey, about 15 per cent CEOs opined that they would source their supplies from India, considering the country's cost competitiveness. On the other hand, as many as 84 per cent of respondents said they have changed their company's strategy in the past two years, primarily due to divergence in the global economy. ContĂd on page 14

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February 4, 2011

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Telecom operators can't set up banking cos DAVOS: India's Planning Commission is not in favor of allowing telecom operators to float banking companies as it could lead to financial problems. "We actually have a different view...we are not in favor of (telecom companies becoming financial companies)," Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia said at a CII function in the annual WEF meet here. In India, he added, "We are very much in favor of transactions being done by banks at the end of the day...banks take account of what is happening...we do not want financial crisis". The government, however, has been trying to set up a framework to allow people to undertake basic operations through cell

phones, but that would not allow telecom companies to become banks themselves. An inter-ministerial group has recently submitted a report to Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) recommending that people in remote areas be allowed to open accounts linked to their cellphones and withdraw money up to Rs 5,000 a day. India has around 65 crore mobile phone subscribers, with a number of them in unbanked areas. Many banks are providing mobile banking facility in the country. The country's largest lender State Bank of India tied up with Airtel to provide banking facility through the use of mobile phone. Besides, ICICI Bank also tied up with Vodafone to offer similar services across the country. -PTI

'Frequent changes in telecom rules should end' DAVOS: With the process of framing the New Telecom Policy 2011 underway, India's largest private telecom firm Bharti Airtel has expressed hope this would put an end to frequent shifts in the regulatory regime, as it hurts the sustainability of the sector. "What we want is that the

He is trying to collect a lot of broken pieces. We need to wait for his final plan, as they say, hopefully in the form of National Telecom Policy 2011," Mittal said at the World Economic Forum. Sibal had recently announced a 100-day agenda for the telecom sector, which also envisages for-

Corruption affects growth, says Montek DAVOS: Amid a raging controversy over black money stashed abroad, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia has said that corruption is not only a social menace, but also affects the growth of the nation. Speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) here, Ahluwalia said the issue of money laundering or black money is a matter of great concern and governments around the world are very aware of the need to tackle corruption. "This is just not in India, but around the world. It is an issue which needs to be tackled, because corruption not only reduces the social acceptability of whatever growth we achieve, but actually reduces growth also," he said. "So we are quite clear that we have to tackle it. You need to design policies in such a way that

shifts in regulatory regimes, which keep on happening during shortterm, are avoided and that's what we expect in the National Telecom Policy, which is coming through," Bharti Group Chairman Sunil Mittal said at the World Economic Forum here. Asked about a lot of negativity in the telecom sector in the wake of the 2G spectrum scam and how to handle these issues, he said, "We (telecom sector) have got a new minister (Kapil Sibal). We need to give him some time." "He is sorting out many issues.

mulation of a "clear and transparent" New Telecom Policy 2011, replacing the existing NTP of 1999. The minister has already held consultations with various sections of the industry -- such as operators and equipment manufacturers -- to get their feedback and incorporate meritorious suggestions in the new policy. Sibal has emphasized on three elements -- reasonable revenue for the government, affordable services for users and robust growth of the sector -- as the guiding principles for framing the new policy. -PTI

billions of dollars would come in." "It is a complex issue. It not just an Indian issue, but the world over. It is black money, it is tax evaded money, laundered money, terrorists' money," he said. Ahluwalia was speaking at the

A BJP Task Force had estimated the amount of black money between USD 500 billion and USD 1,400 billion, but Mukherjee said this is by no means definitive, as it is based on unverifiable assumptions and approximations the scope of corruption is reduced," Ahluwalia said. His remarks come a day after the Indian government announced a five-pronged strategy that includes the creation of an appropriate legislative framework for repatriating black money stashed abroad. Asserting that it would not be very easy to bring back billions of dollars of black money stashed abroad, he said, "We should not assume that this is some thing that you write two or three letters and

Chairman and CEO, Bharti Enterprises, India, Sunil Bharti Mittal speaks during a session at the World Economic Forum in Davos

Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, India, Montek Singh Ahluwalia speaks during a session at the World Economic Forum in Davos

'India Inclusive' function last evening at the WEF. Over 2,500 global leaders, including 130 from India, have converged here in the snow-covered Alps to discuss the future of the world economy over the next five days, besides concerns over growth not creating enough jobs, particularly in rich nations. He said that the countries need to design policies in such a way that the scope of corruption is reduced. Finance Minister Pranab

Mukherjee had said there is no legal framework available right now with the government to reveal details about black money accounts and treaties were being negotiated with 65 countries for getting information about tax evaders. Stating that no clear estimates about black money were available, the Indian government has constituted a multi- disciplinary committee to get studies conducted to estimate the quantum of illicit funds parked abroad by unscrupulous citizens. A BJP Task Force had estimated the amount of black money between USD 500 billion and USD 1,400 billion, but Mukherjee said this is by no means definitive, as it is based on unverifiable assumptions and approximations. India has completed negotiations on 10 new tax information exchange agreements with the Bahamas, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Isle of Man, Cayman Islands, Jersey, Monaco, St Kitts and Nevis, Argentina and Marshall Islands out of 22 identified countries and jurisdictions. Furthermore, negotiations are on with 65 other nations. -PTI

WEF launches global Risk Response Network DAVOS: The World Economic Forum has launched a Risk Response Network to help global leaders collectively address various risks related to financial governance and resource scarcity, among other things. Launching the network here, the WEF said the platform will help member nations to better understand, manage and respond to complex and intertwined risks worldwide. "The Risk Response Network (RRN) will address concerns

about widening economic inequalities and failed global governance systems underpinning a raft of other inter-related risks, ranging from financial governance to cyber-security and resource scarcity," the forum said in a statement. According to the WEF, the network will also assist in giving a global insight to emergency response in real-time. "Throughout the extreme shocks of recent years, both public and private sector leaders have

been struggling to avoid collapse and keep the economy afloat. "(RRN is) an umbrella of projects and initiatives all designed to help global leaders better understand, prepare for and respond to risk," World Economic Forum USA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Steinberg, who is the head of the RRN, said. WEF will employ permanent staff for the RRN, which will use a proprietary online platform to enable virtual collaboration between global leaders. -PTI

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February 4, 2011

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ICICI Bank to open 500 branches every year, says Kochhar DAVOS: India's largest private sector lender, ICICI Bank, will add 400-500 branches annually over the next three years and focus on financing infrastructure projects in road and power. "I feel that we have to grow beyond the number of existing) branches... Over the next 2-3 years, we would continue to add branches at the rate of 400-500 per year," ICICI Bank Managing Director and CEO Chanda Kochhar told PTI in an interview. The bank, which reported a 30.5 per cent increase in net profit to Rs 1,437 crore during the quarter ending December 31, has been ex-

ICICI Bank Managing Director & CEO Chanda Kochhar

panding its branch network at rapid pace. Presently, it has about 2,500 branches and 5,800 ATMs. Kochhar is here as one of the six co-chairs of the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum being attended by the world's top

CEOs, heads of states, academicians and even faith leaders. The Indian government had decided to honor Kocchar with the Padma Bhushan, a civilian award given by the state in recognition of an individual's achievements. Talking about the expansion plans, Kochhar said the bank did not open any new branch in the current financial year, as it acquired Bank of Rajasthan "that itself meant addition of 500 branches". The bank, which has total assets of Rs 3.63 lakh crore, is looking at pan-India expansion, including in Bihar, which has seen

She said the current environment is "very volatile" and banks have to reduce their reliance on wholesale deposits. The cost of funds has gone up since the Reserve Bank started raising key interest rates in early 2010 rapid development. "Well, bank grows where GDP grows. So, all the states where GDP growth takes place, banks will grow," she added. ICICI Bank, which was quite aggressive on personal loans till 2008, has shifted focus and it has

been concentrating on corporate sector financing as one of the key areas of "sustainable growth". With the private sector expected to play a major role in infrastructure financing, projected at USD 1 trillion in the next 5-6 years, ICICI Bank would remain active in areas like roads and power. "I do feel ICICI Bank will play a major role in infrastructure project finance... As investment takes place in phases like in road and power projects, we move as in-

vestment takes place... this is an area of big focus," Kochhar, who took over the reins of the bank during the economic downturn in 2009, said. Kochhar, considered a prodigy of ICICI Bank Chairman K V Kamath, is responsible for shifting the bank's growth strategy from being an aggressive lender to a "sustainable" model. For instance, unsecured personal loans to new customers "are clearly a no-go" area for her.

Asked if she considers herself a more conservative banker than Kamath, she said, "I would say that at every period, the strategy of any organization should be suitable to the prevailing economic environment." She said the current environment is "very volatile" and banks have to reduce their reliance on wholesale deposits. The cost of funds has gone up since the Reserve Bank started raising key interest rates in early 2010. -PTI

Europe to give one-3rd revenue to HCL Technologies DAVOS: When European debt and sovereign crisis is giving anxious moments to multi-national CEOs, India's HCL Technologies is bullish on the continental Europe, aiming to get one-third of its revenue from the region. "The Europeans are finding that their costs structures are not competitive...this is first-time that the Europeans are opening to outsourcing," Vice-Chairman and CEO of USD 3-billion firm, Vineet Nayar, told PTI on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting here. With the USD 800 million acquisition of the UK-based Axon two years ago, HCL Technologies which offers IT solutions across different sectors, gets 28 per cent of its revenue from Europe. "Our share of revenue from the continent Europe will be only higher...," Nayar (48) said. He said the European companies want to become cost competitive, particularly in the manufacturing sector, offering opportunities for the Indian IT firms to offer them solutions to improve their bottomline by use of technology. "We see fear in Europe because of debt and Euro crisis.. there is a significant emphasis on cost cut in Europe and therefore they are open to Indian IT companies like never before...," he said.

Sending a strong message to the opponents of the India outsourcing story, Nayar, a regular at WEF meetings, said that HCL Technologies would hire 90 per cent of their European manpower from the locals. The company has already built a delivery centre at Helsinki and Poland a delivery centre at Helsinki and Poland. For the US markets, the HCL Technologies would focus on telecom and entertainment because these industries face threat of survival and are looking for solutions, he said.

The entire space of life sciences will also remain a priority area, reason being President Barack Obama's focus on healthcare. The company with a 72,000 headcount gets 55 per cent of its revenue from the United States, 28 per cent from Europe and the bal-

Vineet Nayar

ance from Asia, including just about five per cent from India. With the potential of the private sector in infrastructure, the HCL Technologies will focus on offering solutions to the Indian power firms, besides the financial services, Nayar added. -PTI

CEOs see infra woes threat to growth ContĂd from page 12

When it comes to growth, 92 per cent of Western European CEOs expect growth in their Asian operations, while only 48 per cent expect growth in their Europe operations.

"... CEOs from Asia-Pacific and Latin America were more likely to expect growth in their own regions than elsewhere," the report noted. As per the survey, two-thirds of CEOs believed they are facing a limited supply of skilled candidates, especially as they establish

a long-term presence in key emerging markets. "CEOs are changing their people strategies to improve employee engagement and retention. Most CEOs (65 per cent) say they plan to use more non-financial rewards," the report said. -PTI

TechBiz Post

February 4, 2011

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CBDT boss to focus on black money abroad NEW DELHI: As the clamor for bringing back black money stashed overseas grows, the Finance Ministry has quietly rejigged work allocation at the Central Board of Direct Taxes with Chairman Sudhir Chandra told to exclusively focus on the agency's foreign taxation wing. The foreign taxation wing in the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and the Directorate of International Taxation (Income Tax) are the two units of the government that are dealing with all issues related to unearthing black money and signing and revising tax treaties with various countries and tax haven nations. According to an internal note of the Finance Ministry, the CBDT Chairman will no longer handle the zonal charge of Mumbai, which is the largest tax-paying city and contributes the maximum revenue to the government's direct taxes kitty. The Mumbai zone charge has traditionally been held by the

CBDT's top boss and it is the only city identified as a zone by the IT department, whereas the rest of the country has been categorized into larger regions like the West and Rajasthan, North and Uttar Pradesh, East and South. "The CBDT chairman will now not handle the Mumbai zone. He will exclusively deal with cases of international taxation and look after the flow of classified financial communication and information from various countries," sources said, adding that the rejig has been implemented with "immediate effect" with the approval of Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee. The foreign taxation unit of the CBDT is also the nodal agency to receive classified tax data from treaty countries, which is sent in code as stipulated by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The Mumbai zone will now be looked after by the CBDT Member (Personnel and Vigilance).

The rejig of work allocation has also put the operations of the Directorate General of Logistics -

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;He will exclusively deal with cases of international taxation and look after the flow of classified financial communication and information from various countries, sources said, adding that the rejig has been implemented with "immediate effectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Sudhir Chandra

- which has been created to enable the "Income Tax Department to deal with the challenges emerging from the new work environment" -- under the chairman's con-

'Signatures forged to release CWG payment'

Suresh Kalmadi

NEW DELHI: Investigators probing financial irregularities in the conduct of the Commonwealth Games have found that some unidentified officials had forged signatures of certain Organizing Committee members to release payments worth crores of rupees. Sources said both CBI and CVC officials have seized several documents related to payment details where forged signatures were used to release huge amounts of funds to companies, some of which did not even exist. They said documents suggest that there has been a criminal conspiracy among unknown officials of the OC, who misused authority to cause loss worth crores of rupees to the exchequer. Sources said the money involved in the fraud could not be ascertained but termed it "quiet huge". "We are still investigating the matter.

trol. "The challenges of the new work environment are nothing but

Several papers have been taken into custody and we are verifying facts. We will assess the role of certain OC personnel," an investigator said requesting anonymity. The official also refused to disclose the names of people whose signatures were forged citing the pending investigation. Many contractors involved in various projects in the run up to the mega sporting event have claimed that their payments were still pending with the Committee. Certain Australian firms have also raised the issue of non-payment with Foreign Minister S M Krishna. Former OC Chairman Suresh Kalmadi, Secretary General Lalit Bhanot, Vice Chairman Raja Randhir Singh and Treasurer A K Mattoo were authorized to release payments. Government has ousted Kalmadi and Bhanot from the OC in order to facilitate an impartial multi-agency probe in the Games bunglings. At present, OC Chief Executive Office Jarnail Singh has taken over charge of Chairman and Secretary General. Both Kalmadi and Bhanot have been interrogated by the CBI in connection with the corruption cases. Key aides of the former OC head are also being questioned by the investigating agency. Different agencies like Central Vigilance Commission, Comptroller and Auditor General, Income Tax Department and Enforcement Directorate are probing several complaints of corruption and violation of official norms in the conduct of the mega sporting event. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had on October 25 last year appointed a high-level committee to look into financial and managerial lapses in the sporting extravaganza held here between October 3-14. -PTI

the laws, rules and regulations of foreign countries, especially tax havens which do not allow extraction of tax evasion and black money data simply. This unit stud-

ies all such areas and prepares case studies for Income Tax officers dealing with Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAA) and others," sources said. Incidentally, the I-T department is all set to operationalise eight new units in foreign shores, like the United States of America (USA), United Kingdom, Netherlands, Japan, Cyprus and Germany, among others, and the officials will have to understand the tax laws of these countries. Chandra, sources said, was till recently the Member (Investigation) in the CBDT before being elevated to the top post and he is completely abreast with all the high-profile probes that the Income Tax Department is currently pursuing. "The new arrangement helps better processing and galvanizing of investigations and foreign tax issues," they said. The responsibilities of other CBDT Members are largely the same as earlier. -PTI

Cairn India tackles issues with petroleum ministry NEW DELHI: Cairn India Ltd has said it is in discussions with the petroleum ministry to resolve all outstanding issues that are critical for operations at its properties like the giant Rajasthan oilfields. "We have full faith in the government approval procedure and are confident of moving forward in an amicable manner to enhance our contribution to our country's

from Rajasthan block can be made to private refiners, the sale of Rajasthan crude to Reliance's only-for -export refinery and allocation of crude oil produced from its fields for 2011-12. Furthermore, resolutions approved by the Management Committee (MC), which comprises representatives from the oil ministry, sectoral regulator Directorate General

energy needs," Cairn India spokesperson said here. Cairn had on January 21, written to the oil ministry complaining about "delays in getting timely approvals on (routine) matters have an adverse effect on the exploration, development and production schedules." "We are in discussion with Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to resolve all outstanding issues," the Cairn spokesperson said. Cairn in its January 21 letter, had listed out half a dozen pending issues like finalization of the point for which sale of crude

of Hydrocarbons (DGH) and the oil company, have not been signed by the oil ministry for the Rajasthan oil block and eastern offshore Ravva oil and gas field for over three months. For the Rajasthan block, "MC meeting has not been held in the last six months, due to which decisions on several critical issues are pending," Cairn had written. "Cairn India has a successful working relationship with Government of India, which is evident from our 15-year-old presence in the Indian hydrocarbon sector," the company spokesperson said. -PTI

Desi News Religious leaders decry mockery of Lord Ganesh India Post News Service

NEVADA: It looks like actor Jim Carrey has gotten himself into hot water with nearly 1 billion people around the world after he performed a skit on the television show â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Saturday Night Liveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; that Hindus, Jews and Christians have now deemed too offensive. Leaders from these faiths have banded together and are now arguing that NBC, as well as actor Carrey, should issue an apology for creating the skit and portraying a Hindu god the way that they did.

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

Makar Sankranti and Kite Festival celebrated at BAPS Mandir Details on page 21

16 India Post

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February 4, 2011

Republic Day celebration kicked off by CG SURESH SHAH

Details on page 18

SphereAxis Development signs MOU with Gujarat SN ULLAL & CHETNA SHAH

Singing of National Anthem

Indian CG Mukta Tomar hoisting Indian tricolor during Republic Day celebration

Details on page 19

Walmart initiative to make food healthier India Post News Service A group of invitees

WASHINGTON, DC: At an event here recently, Walmart unveiled a comprehensive effort to provide its customers with healthier and more affordable food choices. The company was joined by First Lady Michelle Obama as it outlined the five key elements of the program including: 1. Reformulating thousands of everyday packaged food items by 2015 by reducing sodium 25 percent and added sugars 10 percent, and by removing all remaining industrially produced trans fats. The company will work with suppliers to improve the nutritional quality of national food brands. Details on page 20

CHICAGO: Indian Consulate in Chicago virtually kicked off celebration of 62nd Indian Republic Day with a flag hoisting ceremony at its office in Downtown on January 26. It was a nice and somber event with over 100 Chicagoland elite, businessmen and community members attending the nearly twohour event in the morning followed with a light breakfast. It started with Consul Vishwas Sakpal welcoming the guests and then all those present singing national anthem. Consul General Mukta Tomar hoisted the Indian Tricolor and read out the message

Indian Consul Vishwas Sakpal welcoming guests

A group of invitees

from Indian President Pratibha Patil with applause from those present. Among front ranking Indian community leaders present were Om Prakash & Usha Kamaria, Iftekhar Shareef, Austin Prabhu, Ramanbhai Patel, Sunil Shah, Bhailal Patel, Kasi Paturi, Mehbboob Kapadia, Suresh Kuma and Deep Chan of SBI and media representatives. Meanwhile, Sunil Shah and his associates hosted a dinner meet of the newly formed Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) at Shah's residence on Friday January 21 in Schaumburg, a north side Chicago suburb, to give final touches to a grand celebration of Indian Republic Day.

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Pongal celebrated in Missouri with great joy ASHWIN PATEL

ST LOUIS: Tamil Sangam of Missouri (TSM) celebrated Pongal Festival on Saturday, January 15 at Brentwood High School, St Louis, MO with great joy and enthusiasm. The auditorium stage was decorated with a colorful Pongal pot, banana trees, Kuthuvilakku, garlands etc. The function started off with invocation to Goddess Tamil by students of Missouri Tamil School singing the Tamil Thai Vazhthu with music coordinated by Venky Shanmugam. TSMs Web-Coordinator Senthil Radhakrishnan welcomed the guests and introduced the MCs. Tamil school students and other kids participated in several traditional dance programs and skits depicting Indian history and culture including Karakattam, Bharathanatyam and Aathichudi. There were several programs depicting the work of farmers. Kids recited Thirukkurals related to farming and danced for a popular Tamil movie song "Manapparai Madu Katti". The costumes and stage settings for this program were excellent and the kids dem-

Young artists at Pongal Festival

revolutionary poet and freedom fighter Bharathidasan for the 1965 Tamil movie Kalangarai Vilakkam. The program started with a speech by Dr. Narayanasamy Gurusamy, dressed up like Bharathidasan. The adult dancers gave a stunning performance followed by Bharathanatyam, Silambam and Thappattam. The

Children artists getting prizes

the students who won and participated in Tamil Bee competition held on January 8. A number of volunteers including the members of Tamil Sangam Youth Volunteer Adults doing dance at Festival

onstrated different stages of farming. Tamil school kids discussed about Tamil folk songs and danced to popular folk songs like "Otha Kallu Otha Kallu Mukuthiya" and "Thottu Kadai Orathile". The highlights of the program were "Ennama Kannu Sowkyama", a dance by senior members of TSM and "Sange Muzhangu" by a mega team consisting of several different sub-teams including Bharathanatyam, Silambam, and Thappattam. For the first time in TSM's history, several senior and life members teamed up and gave an amazing performance by dancing to golden old Tamil movie songs. Sange Muzhangu was one of the all-time popular songs in Tamil cinema. This was written by

audience gave a standing ovation to this program! The audience was thrilled and enjoyed the traditional and modern programs given by kids and adults of all ages. The costumes used by the performers were excellent and the performances were spectacular. TSM presented "Outstanding service award" to Dr. Govindaswamy Chinnadurai and Dr. Nagappan Mathialagan in recognition of their service to Missouri Tamil Sangam and Tamil School. TSM President Veera Pandian presented a check for $500 as donation for charity work for the Thiruvalluvar Tamil School in India. The money was collected from Muthamizh Vizha 2010 DVD sales. Missouri Tamil School presented certificates and prizes to

TSM presented "Outstanding service award" to Dr. Govindaswamy Chinnadurai and Dr. Nagappan Mathialagan in recognition of their service to Missouri Tamil Sangam and Tamil School Organization (TSYVO) extended their help to run the program smoothly. Mrs. and Dr. Hari Thanigaraj and Mrs. and Venky Shanmugam presented trophies to children

who performed at this function. Yet another highlight of the program was a delicious dinner/socialization. Mrs. Poigai Pandian and Mrs. Sarulatha Singaravelan did an excellent job as MCs. TSM Treasurer Sivabalan Sengodan delivered annual report. TSM's program coordinator Babu Sampath gave vote of thanks.

The current executive committee members of TSM are: President: Veera Pandian, Vice President: Narayanasamy Kanikkannan, Secretary: Manju Srihari, Jt. Secretary: Sarulatha Singaravelan, Treasurer: Sivabalan Sengodan, Program Coordinator: Babu Sampath, Web Coordinator: Senthil Radhakrishnan.

Child artists presenting entertainment program at Pongal festival in St Louis

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February 4, 2011

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Religious leaders decry mockery of Lord Ganesh India Post News Service

NEVADA: It looks like actor Jim Carrey has gotten himself into hot water with nearly 1 billion people around the world after he performed a skit on the television show 'Saturday Night Live' that Hindus, Jews and Christians have now deemed too offensive. Leaders from these faiths have banded together and are now arguing that NBC, as well as actor Carrey, should issue an apology for creating the skit and portraying a Hindu god the way that they did. Carrey and fellow actor Kenan Thompson recently performed a skit in which they created a sex act that was named after Lord Ganesh, a Hindu god, which has provoked the wrath of many of the members of the Hindu faith. In a remarkable interfaith gesture, Methodists have also asked for apology for insulting of Hindu Lord Ganesh. Earlier, Jewish Rabies too voiced their dismay at trivializing the Hindu God. "We Jews fully support Hindus protesting on this issue and urge others involved in television and film industries to be more considerate to the feelings of devotees of all religions in the future," Rabbi Beyer added. Reverend Larry Edward Schneider, a Unity Church leader, in a statement, also sought public apologies from Jim Carrey,

NBC CEO Jeff Zucker and SNL executive producer Lorne Michaels for hurting the feelings of Hindu faithful. Although we are for free speech, but faith is something sacred and attempts at belittling it hurt the devotees. Television producers and filmmakers should be more sensitive while handling faith related subjects, as television and cinema were very powerful mediums, Schneider argued.

yond poor taste; it appears to be a direct insult and intentional offense to those whose religious beliefs and practices revere Lord Ganesh. An apology from the producer of the show to the Hindu people who were subjected to it is clearly due." In a skit on NBC's SNL (January eight) titled "The Wrath of Ganesh", Jim Carrey (as erotic shaman Lee Licious) and Kenan Thomson (as Grady Wilson) demonstrate

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;SNL has fallen to a new low in terms of program quality with its use of a Hindu deity to present what would be considered in most communities in the US and around the world to be an obscene 'lesson' on sexual positions for use in the bedroom. The entire segment was in exceptionally poor taste, but the reference to the Hindu deity, Lord Ganesh, goes beyond poor tasteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Reverend Dr. Tom Butler, highly respected United Methodist Pastor in Nevada (USA), in a statement, said: "SNL has fallen to a new low in terms of program quality with its use of a Hindu deity to present what would be considered in most communities in the US and around the world to be an obscene 'lesson' on sexual positions for use in the bedroom. The entire segment was in exceptionally poor taste, but the reference to the Hindu deity, Lord Ganesh, goes be-

a sexual technique, mocking elephantheaded Lord Ganesh and his trunk in the process. Grady has traveled the world to find new sexual techniques to spice up the bedroom, the tagline of the episode (1587) "Grady Wilson's Tantric N'Tasty" says. Taking up this issue, Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, had earlier said that Lord Ganesh was highly revered in Hinduism and was meant

to be worshipped in temples or home shrines and not to be thrown around loosely in imagined versions for dramatic effects in TV series for mercantile greed. Such absurd depiction of Lord Ganesh with no scriptural backing was hurtful to the devotees. Such trivialization of Lord Ganesh was disturbing and offensive to the one billion Hindus world over, Zed said and requested NBC to immediately remove it from all its websites and other links. Rajan Zed also asked Golden Globe winner actor-comedian Jim Carrey (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) , actor-comedian Kenan Thomson, NBC Universal President and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Zucker, and SNL Executive Producer Lorne Michaels to tender a public apology for it and urged them not to inappropriately drag Hindu deities to advance the commercial or other agenda in the future. Meanwhile, Forum for Hindu Awakening has appealed to devout Hindus worldwide to protest against it. Jewish leader Rabbi ElizaBeth W. Beyer, Unity Church leader Reverend Larry Edward Schneider, Buddhist Minister 'Jikai' Phil Bryan, and International Society for Krishna Consciousness leader Annabelle Younger, have also sought public apologies from those responsible, while spiritual leader Swami Pooja Saraswati called for boycott of NBC network.

Sons pay tribute to Ghazal maestro Mehdi Hassan

Three sons of Ghazal maestro Mehdi Hassan presenting Shaam-e-Ghazal in Chicagoland Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: Urdu Times presented a Ghazal concert, "Shaame-Ghazal, a Tribute to Ghazal Maestro Mehdi Hassan" at the Monty's Banquet Hall in Bensenville, a north side Chicago suburb on Friday January 21. It was planned by his three sons, Kamran, Imran and Zaheer who are in their own right great Ghazal singers. Mehdi Hassan, as Ghazal lovers know him as a master in mu-

sic, deserved the spectacular tribute. They performed wonderfully not only showing their love and devotion to their father but also taking the audience with them, reliving the career of legendary master. They showed that he had raised them imbued in music. The classical music played by the trio was greeted with loud applause. The audience was regaled with each word sung, each note hit, each pounding of the

While his sons regaled with a live performance in US, Mehdi Hassan is getting treatment at the Aga Khan University hospital in Pakistan. By his side is another son, Arif Shah

A section of the audience. (Pics courtesy Asian Media USA)

Tabla, and each keystroke. Each member of the audience knew what to expect, but received much more than what they had hoped for. The pedigree of the 16th generation of music in this family was evident. While his sons regaled with a live performance in US, Mehdi Hassan is getting treatment at the Aga Khan University hospital in Pakistan. By his side is another son, Arif Shah. Sponsors of this event were

Asia Motors, American Family Insurance Millrun Tours, AM Travel, Falak Fashion, Sahil Boutique, Chandani Boutique, National Heating and Cooling, the MRI image of west Chicago, Reliance Insurance, Urgent Tax Service, Usmania Restaurant and Asian Island Grocery (Hafiz Khalil). The hosts, Jawaid Riaz, Masroor Qurshe, Hameed Vllaha, Colonel Wamia, Zakir Sabri and Tariq Khawaja did a remarkable job.

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SphereAxis Development signs MOU with Gujarat SN ULLAL & CHETNA SHAH

:^HU»Z 3V]L ( Z[\UUPUNS` ILH\[PM\S SV]L Z[VY` IHZLK VU H 9HQHZ[OHUP MVSR [HSL Shilpa Sheevam at Vibrant Gujarat

ST LOUIS: SphereAxis Development Group Inc, a St. Louis, MO based company, has announced launching Religious Tourism and Eco-Tourism in India. The SphereAxis CEO/President Shilpa Sheevam recently attended the fifth Vibratn Gujarat meet hosted by the Government of Gujarat in Gandhinagar, in mid January. She signed MOU with Government of Gujarat for two major projects with investment of about Rs 960 million. One such project is to develop a luxury resort in Ambaji - a religious tourism destination visited by over 21.8 million pilgrims annually. Resort in Ambaji will have world class facility, luxury hotel, marriage hall and helicopter service from Ahmedabad. The site selected for the project is strategically located between Ambaji and Abu. The second project is Eco-Tourism Development for Saputara, a south Gujarat tourism destination. SphereAxis will develop Green Eco Friendly hotel, cottages with solar lighting, solar water heating, a LEED qualified project with 80 rooms, business center and con-

Shilpa with MoU document

ference facility. With over 20 years of hospitality experience, managing brands like Holiday Inn; SphereAxis Development is focused on hotels

‘Shilpa Sheevam, President SphereAxis Development Group, said, "Incredible India has always been close to my heart, specially as native of Navsari in Gujarat state our investment and expansion in eco-tourism and religious tourism with projects in Ambaji and Saputara is like home coming’ and resorts in USA and India. Their plans in USA include ecofriendly winery resort and business center in Missouri. Speaking on the occasion after

MOU signing, Shilpa Sheevam, President SphereAxis Development Group, said, "Incredible India has always been close to my heart, specially as native of Navsari in Gujarat state our investment and expansion in eco-tourism and religious tourism with projects in Ambaji and Saputara is like home coming." Shilpa had high level meetings with CEO Krishna Kumar of Gusto - Gujarat Tourism Opportunity Development Corporation and Jainarayan Vyas, Minister of Tourism, government of Gujarat and several other dignitaries at Vibrant Gujarat. Shilpa was the women entrepreneur attending delegate from Midwest region of USA. Born and raised in Navasri but currently residing in USA, Shilpa is closely involved with the World Affairs Council of St. Louis and represents Missouri as Ambassador on Asian Hotel Owners Association. Her vision is to provide affordable luxury hospitality products with world-class customer friendly service to travelers and to boost the tourism flow in to India.

Free emergency dental treatment day HARISH RAO

CHICAGO: Chicago dentist Dr. Rocio Martinez will be hosting free emergency dental treatment on Monday, Feb. 14 at her office, Centro Dental Familiar, in Chicago. The Emergency Dental Treatment Day is designed to treat anyone (adult or child) for free

who cannot afford dentistry. "Anyone with a dental emergency, who could not afford it, will be provided with emergency dental treatment at 'no cost' on a first-come first-served basis" explains Dr. Martinez, adding "I would like to do my part as a den-

tist to help and hope others would join me in this effort by spreading the word." Dr. Martinez adds, "We will be conducting free emergency dental treatment days periodically throughout the year to help the less fortunate in our community"

Friday, February 4 & 11 7:30 pm Hamlin Park Fieldhouse Theater 3035 N. Hoyne TICKETS: www.Kalapriya.org phone: 800.836.3006

20 India Post

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February 4, 2011

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Walmart initiative to make food healthier WASHINGTON, DC: At an event here recently, Walmart unveiled a comprehensive effort to provide its customers with healthier and more affordable food choices. The company was joined by First Lady Michelle Obama as it outlined the five key elements of the program including: 1. Reformulating thousands of everyday packaged food items by 2015 by reducing sodium 25 percent and added sugars 10 percent, and by removing all remaining industrially produced trans fats. The company will work with suppliers to improve the nutritional quality of national food brands and its Great Value private brand in key product categories to complete the reformulations; 2. Making healthier choices more affordable, saving customers approximately $1 billion per year on fresh fruits and vegetables through a variety of sourcing, pricing, and transportation and logistics initiatives that will drive unnecessary costs out of the supply

chain. Walmart will also dramatically reduce or eliminate the price premium on key "better-for-you" items, such as reduced sodium, sugar or fat products; 3. Developing strong criteria for a simple front-of-package seal that will help consumers instantly iden-

This program builds on the success of the First Lady's "Let's Move" campaign to make healthy choices more convenient and affordable for families tify truly healthier food options such as whole grain cereal, whole wheat pasta or unsweetened canned fruit; 4. Providing solutions to address food deserts by building stores in underserved communi-

ties that are in need of fresh and affordable groceries; and 5. Increasing charitable support for nutrition programs that help educate consumers about healthier food solutions and choices. "No family should have to choose between food that is healthier for them and food they can afford," said Bill Simon, president and CEO of Walmart U.S. "With more than 140 million customer visits each week, Walmart is uniquely positioned to make a difference by making food healthier and more affordable to everyone. We are committed to working with suppliers, government and non-governmental organizations to provide solutions that help Americans eat healthier and live a better life." This program builds on the success of the First Lady's "Let's Move" campaign to make healthy choices more convenient and affordable for families and is consistent with Walmart's commitment to lead on social issues that matter to its customers.

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India Post News Service

Major exhibition on Hindu deity Vishnu in Nashville India Post News Service

NEW YORK: An exceptional exhibition devoted to Vishnu, one of Hinduism's three major deities Vishnu: Hinduism's Blue-skinned Savior - is set to open at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, in Nashville, Tennessee, on Feb 9. The exhibition contains more than 170 paintings, sculptures, textiles, and ritual objects created in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh between the fourth and twentieth century. Loaned by museums and private collections internationally, the works have been selected both for their superb aesthetic quality and their historic significance. As such, they open a window onto Hinduism past and present, as well as onto many of India's art-making traditions. Vishnu: Hinduism's BlueSkinned Savior is the first major exhibition to be devoted to Vishnu. On view through May 29, it has been organized by the Frist Center and is curated by Joan Cummins, the Lisa and Bernard Selz Curator of Asian Art at the Brooklyn Museum, where it will be shown following its presentation in Nashville. Frist Center Executive Director Susan Edwards states, "The Frist is thrilled to present Vishnu: Hinduism's Blue-Skinned Savior, which, in addition to enlightening audiences about Hinduism, creates a compelling portrait of historic and contemporary Indian society. This is especially important at this point in time, as India's influence on global culture rapidly expands. The Frist is grateful to Joan Cummins for bringing her vast knowledge and expertise to this project. We look forward to welcoming both the Nashville com-

munity - including its many South Asian residents - and visitors from across the country and the world to see this magnificent exhibition." Dr. Cummins adds, "In the Hindu tradition, Vishnu manifests himself as a beautiful sleeping figure; a ferocious creature that is half-human, half-lion; a charming, mischievous infant; and a levelheaded prince, to name but a few of his myriad incarnations. He is

On view through May 29 it has been organized by the Frist Center and is curated by Joan Cummins, the Lisa and Bernard Selz Curator of Asian Art at the Brooklyn Museum, where it will be shown following its presentation in Nashville perhaps the most complex deity in a highly complex religion. Vishnu: Hinduism's Blue-Skinned Savior uses a variety of exquisite and expressive objects to show how the deity's many characteristics knit together to create a rich perception of the divine. We hope that anyone who has wondered about the figure of Vishnu and his role in Hinduism will not only find answers to their questions, but also be intrigued and want to learn more."

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February 4, 2011

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Makar Sankranti and Kite Festival celebrated at BAPS Mandir

India Post News Service

CHINO HILLS, CA: A sunny sky, warm weather, and cool breeze set the perfect atmosphere for El Prado Regional Park, where hundreds of kites soared above families celebrating Makar Sankranti, a Hindu festival that is commemorated for the northward shift of the sun from Capricorn to Sagittarius, resulting in longer and warmer days in South Asia. Families gathered at the park on Saturday, January 15 to celebrate Uttarayan, the 'Festival of Kites' in conjunction with Makar Sankranti, as a rainbow of kites

dispersed across the sky. The ambiance radiated with the laughter and happiness of children and adults alike, as parents relived memories of their childhood experiences of flying kites with their children. "One of the best parts of the festivities is that the whole family comes together to take part in flying kites - from the elderly to the young. It's a great opportunity to pass down values and exchange ideas across generations", spoke Amruta Patel of the event. "This was a great family event for all," said Nehal, who recently moved to Chino Hills from India,

‘One of the best parts of the festivities is that the whole family comes together to take part in flying kites - from the elderly to the young. It's a great opportunity to pass down values and exchange ideas’

'Governor and AG opposing Sikh civil rights' India Post News Service

NEW YORK: More than two years after Trilochan Singh Oberoi - a Sikh American job applicant - won a religious discrimination case against the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), California Governor Jerry Brown and Attorney General Kamala Harris are opposing the civil and economic rights of California Sikh Americans to work as state corrections officers, according to the Sikh Coalition. Giving the background on Oberoi's case, in a press statement released Jan 24, the Sikh Coalition said after a two-day trial in 2008, the California State Personnel Board's Appeal Division (SPB) determined that Oberoi, who keeps a religiously-mandated beard, suffered unlawful workplace discrimination at the CDCR. SPB determined that officials at CDCR failed to explore reasonable accommodations for Oberoi, as required by law, even though beard exemptions were allowed for individuals with medical needs, and despite the fact that Sikh

Americans serve in the United States Army in compliance with safety requirements. "The newly sworn-in California Governor Jerry Brown and Attorney General Kamala Harris are backing CDCR, which has

California Governor Jerry Brown and Attorney General Kamala Harris are opposing the civil and economic rights of California Sikh Americans to work as state corrections officers, according to the Sikh Coalition failed to comply with the SPB ruling," the Sikh Coalition said. Cont’d on page 22

"To see such an environment of Uttarayan in America brings back childhood memories." Traditionally, Makar Sankranti is celebrated on January 14, a day when devotees visit their local mandir with offerings for God. On this auspicious day, devotees fill an alms carrier, known as a jodi, with grains. Throughout BAPS mandirs across the country, this tradition is celebrated with the same significance, but with a special addition. "For Makar Sankrati we are going to fill Pramukh Swami Maharaj's jodi with a different kind of offering," said 16 year-old Anita

Rana with a smile, "Together with my offering of alms, my friends and I will offer promises to help us spiritually progress." Pramukh Swami Maharaj inspires devotees around the world to improve their communities by improving themselves. As a symbol of inspiration, his work through BAPS preserves tradition and value for Hindus everywhere. While he travels through India, BAPS mandirs hang a jodi in his honor for devotees to place their promises in, adding to the festivities and serving as a spiritual resolution for the new season.

California man guilty of citizenship fraud India Post News Service

NEW YORK: A federal jury convicted Jan 13, Harjit Bhambra of Hercules, California, for obtaining his naturalization illegally and making false statements to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, according to the United States Attorney's office in northern California. The jury found that Bhambra, 47, made false statements to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service during his naturalization process and therefore obtained his US Citizenship unlawfully. The guilty verdict followed a two day jury trial before US District Court Judge Susan Illston. Bhambra was originally indicted on Nov 10, 2009. A second superseding indictment was returned by a federal grand jury on Dec 7, 2010. According to the superseding indictment, on or about Jan 19, 2007, Bhambra was cited by the California Highway Patrol for providing a false vehicle registration with the intent to defraud. The Nevada County District Attorney's office in Truckee,

California, filed criminal charges against Bhambra with respect to that same charge. After being cited, charged and convicted of the state criminal charge, Bhambra applied for naturalization as a US Citizen. During his naturalization interview, Bhambra falsely stated that he had never been charged with any crime or offense other than selling liquor to a minor in 1987, which was dismissed, and 2 speeding tickets. Bhambra also falsely stated that he had not been fined when in fact, he had been fined by the Nevada Superior Court as part of his sentence for providing a false vehicle registration with the intent to defraud. Harjit Bhambra is scheduled to be sentenced on April 22 before Judge Susan Illston. The maximum statutory sentence for obtaining naturalization illegally is ten years imprisonment. The indictment against Bhambra also lists tax charges that include two counts of income tax evasion, two counts of filing false tax returns and one count of attempting to interfere with the tax laws. A trial date has not yet been scheduled for thoseoncharges. Cont’d page 18

Community/California

22 India Post

February 4, 2011

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Sentenced for possession of child pornography India Post News Service

NEW YORK: San Ramon, California resident Dave Prem Chhabria was sentenced Jan 19 to 57 months in prison for possession of child pornography, United States Attorney Melinda Haag announced. Pursuant to a plea agreement with the government, Chhabria, 30, pleaded guilty on Nov 4, 2010, to possession of child pornography. According to the plea agreement, Chhabria admitted to possessing computer equipment and media that was found to contain more than 13,000 images of child pornography, and more than 200 child pornography videos. Chhabria first came to the attention of the San Ramon police when members of the public complained that he had been seen peering into the bedroom windows of young girls, and on one occasion had aimed a flashlight into a 13year-old girl's bedroom while she was undressing for bed. Chhabria later admitted to police that he had used Google Earth software to plot escape routes if he was ever caught peering into young girls' bedrooms, and would time his visits based on when he thought girls would be trying on new clothes for school. The sentence was handed down by US District Court Judge Phyllis J. Hamilton following a guilty plea to a one count informa-

tion charging possession of child pornography. Judge Hamilton also sentenced Chhabria to a five-year period of supervised release as a registered sex offender. Upon release, his name will be listed on the Megan's Law website along with his conviction and other information.

Pursuant to a plea agreement with the government, Chhabria, 30, pleaded guilty on Nov 4, 2010, to possession of child pornography. According to the plea agreement, Chhabria admitted to possessing computer equipment and media that was found to contain more than 13,000 images of child pornography Owen Martikan is the Assistant United States Attorney who prosecuted the case with the assistance of Elise Etter. The prosecution is the result of a one-year investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in conjunction with the San Ramon Police Department.

'Governor and AG opposing Sikh civil rights' Cont’d from page 21

"The state's decision to not just tolerate but to support this violation of civil rights is troubling. If Sikh Americans can serve their country in the US Army, then there is no reason that Mr. Oberoi's case places an undue burden on CDCR," said Veena Dubal, staff attorney at the Asian Law Caucus. Various civil rights groups, including the Sikh Coalition, the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, and the Asian Law Caucus held a press conference Jan 24 in California to create awareness about Oberoi's case. More than a dozen state and national advocacy organizations have also signed letters of concern about the case to Gov. Brown and Attorney General Harris. "Governor Brown and Attorney General Harris should stand on the side of civil rights," said Rajdeep Singh, Director of Law and Policy at the Sikh Coalition.

"When the California Governor and Attorney General support discrimination at a state agency, this empowers private employers to discriminate with impunity. We call

‘Governor Brown and Attorney General Harris should stand on the side of civil rights,’ said Rajdeep Singh, Director of Law and Policy at the Sikh Coalition upon Governor Brown and Attorney General Harris to restore the rights of Mr. Oberoi and open the doors of equal opportunity to all who wish to work as public servants in California, regardless of religion."

LA Sargam hosts seniors' day in San Fernando India Post News Service

WEST HILLS, CA: The San Fernando Valley is home to several thousand families of Indian sub-continent origin. Problems faced by Indian American seniors living alone or with children are no different from those faced by American senior citizens-alienation and loneliness. Founded in 2008, LA Sargam is a Valley based organization to harness and eventually exhibit the Valley's indigenous talent for Indian music. To pay them due respect and to recognize them for their hard work and sacrifice, LA Sargam hosted a Seniors' Day on January 16 at Royal Delhi Palace Restaurant in West Hills, CA. The event was emceed by Dr Sayal. In his welcoming statements he recognized the efforts of early immigrants in educating and settling their children to be highly productive members of the American society. Mrs. Urmila Mukerjee, a resident of Woodland Hills, CA, was at hand to greet the members

of her Senior Citizens' Club. Avtar Chadda, founder of LA Sargam, declared January 16th to be a Seniors' Day. He invited seniors present at the occasion to sing along, dance, and make special requests to hear the Bollywood songs of their choice. Chadda sang several songs of legendary Mohammed Rafi. Besides Chadda, several songs were rendered by Gurdip Grewal. Complementary snacks and lunch were provided by

Baljit Singh Bhullar, owner of Royal Delhi Palace restaurant. Other singers, Suprio Chakraborthy, Noory, Hoshi, Imtiaz, Sunny and Shoba Vaswani also entertained the audience with their beautiful songs. Banquet Hall was fully packed by Seniors representing different religions. Everybody appeared to be fully involved enjoying this event. Some seniors got up, expressed their joy and showered blessings.

Furutani voted Chair of Asian Pacific Islander Caucus India Post News Service

SACRAMENTO, CA: Assemblymember Warren T. Furutani (D - South Los Angeles County) has been re-elected Chair by members of the California Asian Pacific Islander (API) Legislative Caucus. Assemblymember Mary Hayashi (D - Hayward) was reelected vice chair. "I'm honored to be re-elected Chair of the API Legislative Caucus and look forward to continuing to grow the membership of the caucus and advancing API issues throughout the state," said Assemblymember Furutani. "We're excited with the addition of two new Assemblymembers Das Williams and Richard Pan making the API Caucus the second largest ethnic caucus in the Legisla-

ture. We also welcome the elections of several members from the API community to statewide constitutional offices including Attorney General Kamala Harris, returning Controller John Chiang, Board of Equalization members Betty Yee and Michelle Steel, and Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye." "I am pleased to have been reelected to serve as the Vice-Chair of the API Caucus for the upcoming year," said Assemblymember Hayashi. "I look forward to working with both Chairman Furutani and Caucus members to advance policy that directly impacts the API community. The past year has been filled with many accomplishments and the Caucus will continue to increase representation in elected government positions, address

issues which disproportionately affect our community, and strive for equal access to programs and services in education, employment, health care, and beyond." The Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus was established in 2001 with the mission of representing and advocating for the interests of the diverse Asian and Pacific Islander communities throughout California. Additionally, the Caucus seeks to increase Asian Pacific Islander participation and representation in all levels of government. The API Legislative Caucus membership also includes Assemblymembers Mike Eng, Paul Fong, Fiona Ma, Richard Pan, Das Williams, Mariko Yamada, and Senators Carol Liu and Leland Yee.

Consulate advisory for visa applicants India Post News Service

SAN FRANCISCO: The Consulate General of India in San Francisco has advised those who have applied for visa to check its website 45 days after submitting the application. The Consulate, which says it is in the process of systematizing the processing and

clearance of visa applications, has issued a press release as an advisory. The press release says, "This is to bring to the notice of all those US citizens of Indian origin who are awaiting processing/ approval of their visa applications and who entered USA as children or as spouse of a prin-

cipal immigrant, to check the Consulate website to ascertain the status of their visa processing, 45 days after the date of receipt of their application in the Consulate from Travisa. The applicants are advised to ensure that all supporting documentation is complete while submitting their applications."

Horoscope

February 4, 2011

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Your Weekly future February 4th - February 10th by Pandit Parashar

great opportunity will be offered on a silver platter. You will start to feel relaxed about a child not doing so well lately. You will put all worries aside and try to enjoy life with family and friends. You will get instant results from all meetings and trip you take this week. Do not make any hasty decisions about career for few more weeks.

ou will feel motivated and explore several opportunities. Change in contract will reduce the liability. You will be successful in trimming other expenses too. Idea of taking a trip in next few months will develop in your mind. You may start a new relationship with a very smart person. Some major changes are shaping up in career for you.

ou will have several offers and will be difficult to make up your mind. You will lay your hands on big chunk of money. Property deal can also close during the week. Value of stocks will appreciate suddenly and you may dispose off some for a decent profit. One of the automobile will need some repairs. Spouse will need to relax more for next few weeks.

ith the right help and guidance you will overcome a huge obstacle in life. Results in legal matters will be in your favor only. One of the main competitors will decide to move out making room for your progress. Change in strategy will save a lot in long run. Someone will mail or bring some nice gifts. You will be planning a short trip with family.

eal may finally go through. You may be going on an important trip on a very short notice. You will spend lots of time on selling your ideas and write many important emails. If you seek help from a mature person, speak from heart. You may have some work done in or around your property. Strong Mercury will help people in sales especially.

trong Mars in the third will bring the energy back. You will take several bold actions and surprise everyone around. Relationship will keep getting stronger and the commitment is not far away. You will successfully negotiate with a government agency also. You will become very diplomatic and achieve al your goals this week.

o not rush to conclusions and take sec ond opinion before you make any big move, as it will be slightly hard to make the correct decisions on your own. Running around will not go waste and all meetings will go well. You may also finalize a short trip to a distant place. A government agency will need some more clarifications from you.

here will be many changes in life. In order to free you from the stress of the past, you will make necessary changes and get out of rat race. Rewards will come soon. You will be in negotiations with new group. An old friend will call and invite for a small get together. You may call an expert for some advice and expert guidance also.

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

trong Venus will resolve issues involving a child. You will be calling overseas more frequently. You may put off the idea of buying another vehicle for the time being. A minor health issue could flare up again. You will be looking for new avenues to improve income. You will be in great demand at the party. Timely action will save you from future stress.

t will be a moral boosting period. Strong Venus will make things easy to achieve. Money may pour in from all directions. Project you had been working on, will start to yield big profit and you will sign an important contract. You may call few friends and invite them for a small get together at your place. Avoid a person with tendency to irritate you.

lanets throw in many opportunities to make money. It will be slightly hard to recognize the right one. You will spend some quality time with an interesting personality. Right eye may give some trouble or you may need to change your prescription for glasses. You may temporarily develop taste for spicy food or even red meat.

njoy life but within legal parameters. You will start to feel more relaxed as life will start turning towards positive. Deal will finally go through and big chunk of money is on its way. You will also have a chance to learn the ropes from an expert this week. It will be better to dispose of money making stock and wait for another week.

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

Kajol, Tabu among Padma award winners

India Post

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February 4, 2011

India Post News service

NEW YORK: Singer, composer, violinist of international acclaim Gingger Shankar, daughter of violin virtuoso L. Subramaniam, is in the news once again with her music composition for the 2011 Sundance US Dramatic Competition nominee 'Circumstance' directed by award winning filmmaker Maryam Keshavarz. Seen recently at the Sundance House in New York for the BMI Composer/Director Roundtable at Sundance, Gingger is an extraordinarily gifted singer, virtuoso violinist, composer, model and songwriter, and was born into one of the world's most acclaimed and influential musical families. Gingger's natural talents were nurtured from birth (in Los Angeles) by her mother and flourished as she

began to build her own identity in the world of music, embracing all of the genres and creative experiences that have shaped her life as an artist. Gingger's accomplishments and credits already include working with top producers and film composers such as Mel Gibson, Mike Nichols, Mike Myers, and James Newton Howard. In addition to her many film projects, she has also has lent her voice, violin and vision to several diverse projects ranging from soundtracks to pop and electronic hip-hop. Most recently, Gingger composed music for 2011 Sundance US Dramatic Competition nominee 'Circumstance' directed by award winning Filmmaker Maryam Keshavarz. She teamed up again with Al Massad for his documentary 'This is my Picture When I Was Dead', which was selected for World Competition at the IDFA film festival and won best documentary at the Dubai film festival. She is currently working on 'Homecoming' a feature film by Sean Hackett. In addition to being the artist and cocomposer behind the poignant score of Mel Gibson's blockbuster "Passion of the Christ", Gingger's music can be heard in Mike Nichol's film, "Charlie Wilson's War" starring Tom Hanks, where she had a chance to collaborate with film composer

Gingger Shankar

Kajol

James Newton Howard. Her vocals can also be heard in Jackie Chan's film, "The Forbidden Kingdom" and concurrently she also worked with George S. Clinton on Eastern arrangements for the Mike Myers' picture 'Love Guru'. She also composed music for the Sundance award winning documentary 'Recycle' directed by Al Massad.

As a solo artist, Gingger is dedicated to stretching her boundaries and spreading her wings, always experimenting with elegant and exciting mixtures of sounds. She weaves an intricate tapestry of musical styles In addition to her compositions and contributions for film projects, she is also an accomplished and busy artist and performer. Gingger is the only female in the world that has mastered the 10-string Double Violin, an instrument that covers the entire range of the orchestra's double bass, cello, viola and violin, and of which there are currently only two in existence. The instrument is the creation of L. Shankar, Gingger's uncle (father's brother), also an ac-

claimed violinist with whom Gingger collaborates with regularly. Coupled with her voice, which covers five octaves, the sound she produces from the double violin is unparalleled, unbridled, and unforgettable. In 2008, Gingger debuted with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as a soprano in Osvaldo Golijov's opera "Ainadamar" and later performed it at Carnegie Hall. The multitalented powerhouse transitioned from opera to rock, Gingger then toured with the Smashing Pumpkins as a special guest on their 20th Anniversary tour. Gingger has collaborated with such uniquely talented and diverse artists as The Smashing Pumpkins, Trent Reznor, L. Shankar, Zakir Hussain, Phil Collins, Steve Vai, Peter Gabriel, Tony Levin, Cheap Trick and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra to name just a few. As a solo artist, Gingger is dedicated to stretching her boundaries and spreading her wings, always experimenting with elegant and exciting mixtures of sounds. She weaves an intricate tapestry of musical styles that entrances audiences worldwide, and the grace and beauty of her creative presence continue to be the golden thread running through every song she touches. She is currently working on several film scores, finishing work on her new album, and continues to perform select dates.

ollywood actors Kajol, Tabu and Irrfan Khan, sportspersons VVS Laxman, Gagan Narang and Sushil Kumar and corporate tycoons like Azim Premji are among the 128 recipients of the Padma awards for 2010 approved by the President of India. Yesteryear actors Waheeda Rahman and Shashi Kapoor also made it to the list while painter Arpita Singh, vocalist Ajoy Chakraborty and pop singer Usha Uthup are other notable recipients. Padma Awards, the country's highest civilian awards, are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. 'Padma Vibhushan' is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; 'Padma Bhushan' for distinguished service of high order and 'Padma Shri' for distinguished service in any field. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 26

Tabu

February 4, 2011

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India's 'gay' Prince thanks Oprah for exposure SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: India's only openly gay prince Manvendra Singh Gohil of Rajpipla in Rajasthan has credited daytime talk show doyen Oprah Winfrey for the recent change in homosexuality laws in India which no longer deem homosexual acts as illegal. Appearing on the Oprah Show Jan 25 for a second time - his first appearance was in 2007 Manvendra Singh talked of how life had changed for him since appearing on the show three years ago and how the tremendous publicity and exposure had not only brought about attitude changes in India towards gays to the extent that today gay pride parades are seen in various cities across the country, but how it brought about change in law whereby homosexual acts were not longer illegal, prompting Oprah to 'high-five' him with pride. On the show Tuesday, as in his first appearance in 2007, the scrawny Manvendra looked somewhat incongruous in a royal red sherwani worn over white churidaar pants, a gold embellished turban on the head and a red tikka on his forehead. When Oprah expressed concern for him since his last appearance as to the reaction in India over his Oprah show appearance, Manvendra said he was in fact thankful to Oprah for the exposure. He said since the show he has been invited to inaugurate the Euro Pride gay festival in Stockholm, Sweden in 2008 and has received more support back

Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil talks about being the only openly gay royalty in India on the Oprah Winfrey Show -Pic Courtsey Harpo Studios

home for his social work in the area of HIV-AIDS prevention and education. Asked by Oprah how homosexuality was viewed in India today, Manvendra said India has changed as well. Homosexual acts are no longer illegal, and gay Indians have started asserting their rights. In 2007, a gay pride parade in India would have been unthinkable; now they are regular fixtures in the country, he said. "Not only just Mumbai," Manvendra told Oprah, "We have pride [parades] happening [at] other places in India as well: in Delhi, in Calcutta, in South India." Prince Manvendra says being a guest on The Oprah Show has opened many opportunities for

dialogue. "I'm noticing that they are now getting comfortable to the terms. The mainstreaming

His parents attempted but failed to disinherit him after he revealed his homosexuality; it was revealed to his family by doctors in 2002 following his hospitalization for a nervous breakdown has started happening," he says. "A lot of guys are actually coming out to their parents, and a

few of them have even come out to the society." Manvendra was born in Ajmer in 1965 to Maharana Raghubir Singhji Rajendrasinghji Sahib, who inherited the title of Maharana of Rajpipla in 1963. Although princes and royalty in general were derecognized by India in 1971, descendants of the royal families in Rajasthan and some parts of Gujarat are still revered locally as royalty. His parents attempted but failed to disinherit him after he revealed his homosexuality; it was revealed to his family by doctors in 2002 following his hospitalization for a nervous breakdown. However, it was when he talked publicly about his sexual orientation in 2006 in a magazine inter-

view, that his family took action and accused him of bringing dishonor to the clan. In 2007, Manvendra stepped out of the closet and into a firestorm of controversy when he announced to the world he is gay. His mother took out an ad in the newspaper disowning him and threatening anyone who referred to him as her son. His father was convinced he could be changed into a heterosexual. By coming out, Prince Manvendra even risked his freedom. At the time in India, being gay was legal, but homosexual acts were punishable by up to 10 years in prison. In his latest appearance on the Oprah Show, it was revealed that Manvendra's mother had at that time issued newspaper advertisements disowning him. When asked by Oprah how his relations with his parents were now, Manvendra said, "My father is cool about it now, but my mother still does not talk to me." Manvendra told Oprah that his father had expressed his acceptance of his son in a recent media interview where he blamed societal pressures for initially taking a stand of publicly disowning his son. He said that he continues to live in the same royal palace as his parents, but in a section far from where his mother lives. He says he keeps "bumping" into his mother once in a while in the palace. His father, Manvendra said, now even attends functions of the Lakshya Trust founded by Manvendra to work in the area of prevention and education of HIV/ AIDS.

IAAC Film Festival in NYC to be held in May India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The IndoAmerican Arts Council (IAAC) kicks off its second decade of film excellence with a new name and a new set of dates for its signature event of the year. The New York Indian Film Festival: 11th Annual IAAC Film Festival will take place May 4 to 8. Formerly held every November, the oldest and most prestigious film festival for Indian cinema in North America is now moving to its new spring home on the first weekend of May. The New York Indian Film Festival will continue its tradition of launching at the world-famous Paris Theatre in Manhattan with

Indo-American Arts Council Executive Director Aroon Shivdasani

its star-studded Opening Night red carpet premiere. Film festival screenings will take place May 5 through May 8 at Tribeca Cinemas

with the Closing Night selection to screen at Asia Society followed by the annual awards ceremony and after party. In addition, the festival

will also host an exclusive celebrity-filled celebration honoring the 150th anniversary of the birth of India's legendary Nobel Prize-winning artist and poet Rabinranath Tagore at Asia Society on May 8. A call for submissions has been announced by the Indo-American Arts Council with a deadline date of February 20. "We start 2011 with a whole new energy for our annual IAAC Film Festival - a new name, a new Film Festival Director and a move to Spring," says Indo-American Arts Council Executive Director Aroon Shivdasani. "I am really excited about these changes and look forward to presenting New York with a fresh and exciting selection of films this year."

Film Festival Director Aseem Chhabra adds. "I am thrilled to have been appointed as the director of the festival - now renamed as the New York Indian Film Festival. I have been a part of the IAAC family for several years and its events have been my one-stop shop as an entertainment writer and a New Yorkbased consumer of Indian arts." Created in 2001 in the wake of the September 11 attacks on New York City, the film festival was started to create a better understanding of the people and stories from the Indian subcontinent by bringing the most acclaimed feature films, shorts, and documentaries from that region and it's Diaspora.

India Post

February 4, 2011 www.indiapost.com

Kajol, Tabu among Padma award winners Cont’d from page 24

The awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year. The awards are conferred by the President of India at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhawan

Actors Kajol, Tabu (Tabassum Hashmi Khan), Irrfan Khan, south actor Jayaram Subramaniam alongwith singer Usha Uthup, classical singer Pandit Ajoy Chakraborty, Kannada filmmaker

P a n d i t h a r a d h y u l a Balasubrahmanyam will be conferred with Padma Bhushan. Actor A Nageshwara Rao has been chosen for Padma Vibhushan. The 84-year old Khayyam, born Mohammed Zahur 'Khayyam' Hashmi in pre-independent Punjab, worked in the Hindi film industry from 1953 to 1990 and scored music for more than 30 movies. He shot to fame with Raj

Kajol said, ‘I thank all those who thought me worthy of it. I am very, very happy with the way this year has started’ Jayaram Subramaniam

sometime around March/ April. This year the President has approved 128 awards including one duo case (counted as one) and 12 in the category of Foreigners/ NRIs/ PIOs/ Posthumous.

Irrfan Khan

continued to work through her career. Born to actress Tanuja and late Bengali filmmaker Shomu Mukherjee, the 35-year-old is known for her versatility and natural flair for acting. She is married to Bollywood

profile for some time and had carved a niche for herself with films such as 'Maqbool, 'Maachis,' and 'Chandni Bar' etc, revealed that even after receiving the award, she's still finding it hard to believe that she has actually won. Irrfan, who won award for his

Girish Kasaravalli Malayalam director Shaji Karun will receive Padma Shri. While veteran actors Shashi Kapoor, Waheeda Rehman, 83year-old music composer

Usha Utthup

Waheeda Rehman

These comprise 13 Padma Vibhushan, 31 Padma Bhushan and 84 Padma Shri Awards. There are 31 ladies among the awardees.

Khayyam and Kannad singer Rudrapatna Krishna Shastry Srikantan and playback singer & music director Dr. Sripathi

A Nageshwara Rao

Kapoor and Mala Sinha starrer Phir Subah Hogi 1958 and later churned out hits like Aaja re o mere dilbar aaja for Noorie (1979), Aankhon mein humne aapke for Thodi Si Bewafaai (1980), Dikhai diye yun ki bekhud for Bazaar (1982.) The ethereal Waheeda Rehman is best known for her performances in movies like Pyaasa and Guide. Veteran pop singer Usha Utthup is known for her unique singing style. She started her Bollywood singing career in the 70s becoming an instant hit with songs such as 'Shaan Se,' 'Hari Om Hari,' 'Dum Maaro Dum' etc. I'm very happy: Kajol Kajol is on top of the world. "It's an honor and a pleasure when you are selected for the Padma Shri and I thank all those who thought me worthy of it. I am very, very happy with the way this year has started," she said. The actress started her cinematic journey at a young age of 17 with "Bekhudi", but got commercial success with her second movie "Baazigar". Her hit pairing with her good friend, superstar Shah Rukh Khan in films like "Karan Arjun", "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge", "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai", "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham" and "My Name Is Khan",

Shashi Kapoor

actor Ajay Devgn and they have two children. Kajol was last seen in "We Are Family" and "Toonpur Ka Superhero". Tabu, who's maintaining a low

power-packed performances in films like 'Maqbool' and 'Slumdog Millionaire,' also seemed happy and content with the recognition.

Pandit Ajoy Chakraborty

February 4, 2011

India Post

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Sundance Institute & Mahindra Group in collaboration

Anand Mahindra India Post News Service

NEW YORK: World renowned Sundance Institute and India's Mahindra Group announced a multifaceted agreement that showcases the commitment to and support of independent cinema around the world both by the Mahindra Group and of the nonprofit Sundance Institute, one of the world's leading cultural organizations. The collaboration allows for the establishment of the Mumbai Mantra-Sundance Institute Screenwriters Lab which shall become an annual event in India, and the Sundance Institute-Mahindra Global Filmmaking Award to be awarded annually at the Sundance Film Festival. Said Anand Mahindra, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Mahindra Group, "Our entry into Media and Entertainment is positioned to create a rich resource for Independent Filmmakers and to encourage original storytelling from all parts of the world in line with the Mahindra Group's global foot print. The first step in this direction is the collaboration with the Sundance Institute which three decades ago heralded a unique nurturing spirit for Independent Cinema in America. Our intention is to nurture as well as hone the talents of an exciting new generation of Indian filmmakers. The guidance and knowhow of Sundance shall be extremely valuable to us in our initiatives." Said Robert Redford, legendary actor, filmmaker and President and Founder of Sundance Institute, "The creativity, ingenuity and corporate responsibility of the

Mahindra Group is well known the world over. I want to commend Mahindra's dedication to innovative corporate citizenship and to express my genuine enthusiasm for the work ahead. For Sundance Institute, this initiative represents our commitment to cultural exchange and allows us to extend our support of international filmmakers to a next generation of film artists emerging from India." "Deepening our international work is a real priority for the Institute, because we believe the community of independent artists truly is global," said Keri Putnam, Executive Director, Sundance Institute. "Mahindra shares our commitment to fostering new voices and creativity, and to bring Sundance Institute to India is an especially exciting collaboration in a region long of interest to us." Said Rohit Khattar, Director, Mumbai Mantra, "We have been evaluating various initiatives which shall not merely enable the company to revitalize its strategy in media & entertainment, but in keeping with the Group's values, also help in giving back to the film industry. With the Sundance partnership, we shall be able to recognize, nur-

The collaboration allows for the establishment of the Mumbai Mantra-Sundance Institute Screenwriters Lab which shall become an annual event in India ture and hone incredible talent in India and across the world. We are at an exciting storytelling stage in the history of the film industry in both India and internationally and are constantly evaluating very interesting scripts. This collaboration and exchange of know-how shall raise the bar further." Under the aegis of the 'Sundance InstituteMahindra Global Filmmaking Award', four visionary filmmakers from around the world will receive a grant, attendance at the Sundance Film Festival for targeted industry meetings, mentoring from Institute staff and creative advisors, participation in a Feature Film Program Lab, and year-round support. This initiative will extend over a three-year period,

benefiting 12 awardees. Beginning in 2012, one out of the four directors will be an Indian - a commitment to fulfill Mahindra's vision to champion a new generation of Indian filmmakers. Recipients of the 2011 Sundance Institute-|Mahindra Global Film Making. Award will be announced January 25. Scheduled for Spring 2012, the inaugural Mumbai Mantra-Sundance Institute Screenwriters Lab will provide an opportunity for six-to-eight filmmakers from India to develop their works under the guidance of accomplished Creative Advisors in an environment that encourages storytelling at the

highest level. Michelle Satter, Director of the Sundance Institute Feature Film Program, explained, "This Screenwriters Lab is a natural extension of our international work in support of emerging artists and independent voice. Over the years, the Feature Film Program has partnered with leading film organizations in Latin America, Europe and the Middle East to create Labs for screenwriters with great success." The Mumbai Mantra Sundance Institute Screenwriting Lab March 2012 is inviting applications on www.mumbaimantra.com as part of its Open Submission Process.

India Post

February 4, 2011 www.indiapost.com

Kolkata declared unfit to host World Cup opener NEW DELHI: Cricket-loving India suffered a sporting humiliation when it's most famous ground, Eden Gardens in Kolkata, was declared unfit to host its first fixture of next month's World Cup. The International Cricket Council (ICC) said another stadium would have to be found to hold the India-England clash on February 27 after a renovation program at Eden Gardens fell months behind schedule. "Regrettably, Eden Gardens has not made sufficient progress to justify the level of confidence required to confirm that the venue would be ready in good time," ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat said in a statement. The ICC did not say where the game would be played and said it would face a "challenge" to relocate the game because of lastminute ticketing and travel requirements. Three other World Cup fixtures, which runs from February 19 to April 2 in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, are also scheduled to take place at the ground. The decision was a major blow for India's image and the estimated 64,000 spectators who were ex-

grown over Edens Gardens as it remained a chaotic scene of cranes, rubble, dust and bare concrete. Hundreds of laborers wearing virtually no safety equipment have been toiling day and night to finish off two new blocks of stands which are still covered in scaffolding.

Eden Gardens in Kolkata: still under construction

pected to pack the legendary stadium, which has been undergoing a major renovation. The ruling echoed the chaotic run-up to New Delhi's 2010 Commonwealth Games, which instead of marking the arrival of a new, modern India on the world stage became a national embarrassment of delays, shoddy workmanship and alleged corruption. "All venues had ample time in which to prepare for World Cup

TV actor Raja Chaudhary arrested in assault case

MUMBAI: Television actor Raja Chaudhary has been arrested for allegedly assaulting his former wife and the Big Boss winner Shweta Tiwari, police said here. Chaudhary, on the run after beating up his ex-wife, was picked up from Lokhandwala area, police said adding that he was produced before a local court which granted him bail. According to police, Chaudhary barged into Shweta's house in Shiv Shakti society in suburban Malad around 1am and assaulted her and her friend Abhinav Kohli. Tiwari, the first woman to win in the reality show Big Boss,

lodged a complaint on the same day, police said. "Chaudhary was booked for assaulting his wife and her friend, trespassing into the house, and abusing," said RD Prabhu, senior inspector at Malad police station. After Shweta lodged the complaint, he could not be traced, the officer said adding that "we picked him up from Lokhandwala area later". Chaudhary was produced before a local court which first remanded him to judicial custody. "Later, he applied for bail. He was granted cash-bail of Rs20,000 by the court," Prabhu said. -PTI

matches," said Lorgat. "We had been understanding and had provided extensions to the deadline dates but unfortunately we are now at a point where we must carefully manage our risks." The ICC said concerns were mainly over "cricket operations, media, broadcast and sponsorship facilities" that were not finalized or confirmed by the venue. In recent weeks, fears had

The ICC said concerns were mainly over "cricket operations, media, broadcast and sponsorship facilities" that were not finalized or confirmed by the venue When an AFP reporter visited in early January, seats had yet to be fitted in many tiers at the ground, which is celebrated as one of the great pilgrimage sites of international cricket. Until the ICC ruling, Indian organizers had been dismissing reports about problems at Eden Gardens as scare-mongering by the media.

Jagmohan Dalmia, president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) which runs Eden Gardens, told AFP on Tuesday that the ground would host the match without difficulty. "It appears that ICC team is happy after the inspection of the venue. The match is on 27th, we have to finish the work before the match," he said. In the statement from the ICC, tournament director Ratnakar Shetty said: "We will work with the new venue, the tour operators and the ticket distributors to manage the logistical challenges that will surely arise." The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which oversees the multi-billion-dollar sport in India and is seen as dominating the game worldwide, distanced it from the failure to rebuild Eden Gardens on time. "I don't think the BCCI should be blamed for this," BCCI spokesman Rajiv Shukla to AFP. "These things happen. I am sure the organizing committee will choose a suitable venue soon for that game. But there is no doubt the remaining matches in Kolkata will be held on schedule."-AFP

Force India confirm Paul di Resta for 2011 season LONDON: Force India has signed 24-year-old Scot Paul di Resta as a full-time driver for the upcoming Formula One season. Di Rest has stepped up from the test and reserve role he enjoyed last year, and will now partner German driver Adrian Sutil. Nico Hulkenberg, who last year drove for Williams, has taken on the test role. Force India chairman and team principal Vijay Mallya said that he was delighted with his line-up, as they bid in their fourth season to build on last year's seventh place finish in the constructors championship. "Adrian has matured into one of F1's most consistent and highly-rated young drivers, while Paul is, I believe, a real star of the future," the Daily Mail quoted Mallya, as saying. "He has won in every category in his career, and this base speed was in evidence when he got in the car on Fridays last year. With Nico, signing him was too good an opportunity to let by." "He showed a good racing head and talent, and I was amazed by

Scot Paul di Resta

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Adrian has matured into one of F1's most consistent and highly-rated young drivers, while Paul is, I believe, a real star of the future,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; the Daily Mail quoted Mallya, as saying his control in Brazil last year (when he secured pole position). Together I think they are a formidable

partnership and will help take us to the next level of performance," he added. -Agencies

29 India Post

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February 4, 2011

The Buddha visited Nalanda several times during his lifetime, this famous centre of Buddhist learning shot to fame much later, during 5th-12th centuries AD. In this first residential international university of the world, 2,000 teachers and 10,000 students from all over the Buddhist world lived and studied

alanda, one of the greatest centers of learning in ancient times, is located in the eastern Indian state of Bihar. A small village now, Nalanda is situated around 72 km off Patna, the capital of Bihar and is part of the Buddhist Circuit that also includes Bodh Gaya and Rajgir. The village has a good network of roads that connects it to other cities of the state. Best time to visit: Nalanda, being in the Gangatic plains, suffers from extreme weather conditions. The temperature during summer can reach a maximum of 37.8°C and a minimum of 17.8°C. The maximum temperature during winter remains at around 27.8°C while the minimum temperature dips down to as low as 10.6°C. Monsoon arrives in this region in June and continues till September. The average rainfall during monsoon is 120 cm. History: Founded in the fifth century AD, Nalanda is well known as an ancient seat of learning. However, today this

ancient university lies in ruins. The place not only has the remains of the great university but also many monasteries, temples, and viharas built by different kings. Though the Buddha visited Nalanda several times during his lifetime, this famous centre of Buddhist learning shot to fame much later, during 5th-12th centuries AD. In this first residential international university of the world, 2,000 teachers and 10,000 students from all over the Buddhist world lived and studied. The university found patrons in Gupta, Kushan, and Pal kings in successive centuries. Ashoka and Harshavardhana were some of its most celebrated patrons who built temples and monasteries here. Recent excavations have unearthed elaborate structures. The university remained in prominence till 12 century AD when the Afghans attacked Bengal and burnt down this great University. Tourist attractions The ruins of Nalanda University are spread over an area of 14 hectares. The university was constructed in the Kushana style of architecture, but the impact of the Pala dynasty is widely visible throughout. Past excavations suggest that a large part of the University is still unexcavated, but nowhere does it suggest that the whole site could have accommodated 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers. Cont’d on page 30

Travel & Hospitality Post

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February 4, 2011

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CK Patel joins US Tourism Advisory Board CHRIS CARLSON

ATLANTA: ChandraKant "C.K." Patel, Chairman Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), has been named to the prestigious Travel and Tourism Advisory Board consisting of 30 leading travel and tourism business leaders. All the members are appointed by the Secretary of Commerce and they advise him on the industryrelated programs and policies. Travel and tourism is a vital segment of the U.S. economy, employing 8.2 million people and generating $1.3 in annual spending, or nearly 3 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP). The industry is among the top employers in more than half of the U.S. states and territories. "Those of us in the travel and tourism industry have a profoundly important role in the financial health of our country, especially in creating the jobs that are needed to spur our recovery and growth," C.K. Patel said. "That's why it's a special honor - and responsibility - to give hoteliers a voice at this high-profile level of deliberation and decision-making." C.K. Patel has considerable experience in the hospitality industry and business community, including successful hotel ownership since 1982 and the founding of two community banks in Georgia. He currently is president of Atlanta-based BVM Hold-

Travel and tourism is a vital segment of the U.S. economy, employing 8.2 million people and generating $1.3 in annual spending, or nearly 3 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP). The industry is among the top employers in more than half of the U.S. states and territories CK Patel, Chairman AAHOA

ings, which owns and operates hotels as well as commercial real estate investments. AAHOA is the voice of owners in the hospitality industry. Founded in 1989, AAHOA is now one of the fastest-growing organizations in the industry, with 10,000 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. AAHOA is dedicated to promoting and protecting the interests of its members by inspiring excellence through programs and initiatives in advocacy, industry leadership, professional development, member benefits, and community involvement.

JK government to renovate 100 forts JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to renovate and restore over 100 forts in the state to their pristine glory in a phased manner. "As many as 100 historical forts located in various parts of the state would be renovated in a phased manner to restore their pristine glory," Minister for Tourism and Culture, Nawang Rigzin Jora said. The Minister said that the state has vast potential for heritage tourism, which could not only become the means of revenue generation once fully explored, but would also generate employment for a large chunk of youth of the state. The Minister, who was taking stock of the renovation and restoration work of Samba Fort here, was informed that out of the total project cost of Rs 4.95 crore, Rs 25 lakh have already been expended on the restoration work so far. Jora directed the officers and the executing agencies to take up the restoration and renovation work of the outer portion of the fort only after completing the interior works. The Minister asked the Deputy Commissioner to ensure early shifting of the school housed in the premises of the historical fort. -PTI

Nalanda: Well known ancient seat of learning Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 29

The Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall is said to have been built in the memory of Hiuen Tsang, a Chinese traveler who came to India in around 5th century AD. Hiuen Tsang was attracted by the glory of Nalanda University and stayed there for 12 years both as a student and as a teacher. He gave detailed and vivid description of the Indian political and social conditions of that time. Surya Mandir is a temple near the University dedicated to Sun God. This temple has a number of statues of Hindu and Buddhist deities. A five feet high statue of Parvati is of particular interest. The Nalanda museum was established in 1971 and has a good collection of ancient manuscripts and Buddhist statues. The manuscripts kept here were found during the excavation of the area and many of them are rare in appear-

ance and style. The museum also displays artifacts of the Maurya, Gupta and other periods. The Nav Nalanda Vihar was established in 1951 to keep the ancient tradition of spreading

Places around Rajgir is around 12 km from Nalanda and a famous pilgrimage center for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. There are many places of interest here such as the Swarna

Bodh Gaya, the most important Buddhist pilgrimage center is around 50 km away from Nalanda. There is the Maha Bodhi Temple, monasteries built by the governments of Buddhist countries, and

The Nalanda museum was established in 1971 and has a good collection of ancient manuscripts and Buddhist statues. The manuscripts kept here were found during the excavation of the area and many of them are rare in appearance and style knowledge alive. The Bihar government has set up this institute that teaches Pali near the ancient university. In the institute Indian as well as foreign students study and do research work on Buddhism and Pali, which was a widely used language in ancient times.

Gufa, Griddhakuta Parvat, and Vishwa Shanti Stupa etc. Bihar Sharif, 13 km away is the district headquarters and a center of Islamic architecture. The tomb of Malik Ibrahim Baya is situated here and an annual Urs is celebrated.

an archeological museum along with several other sites. Gaya is situated around 65 km from Nalanda and is a major pilgrimage center for Hindus. Pawapuri is situated at a distance of 47 km from Nalanda and believed to be the place where Lord

Mahavira died. Patna, the capital of Bihar and a great historical city is situated around 72 km northeast of Nalanda. Fairs & festivals: Unique in Nalanda is the Chhath Puja, or worship of Sun god. The most famous one is at the Sun temple in Baragaon near Nalanda, where new paddy, sweets, and fruits are offered in worship. The Buddha was born, attained enlightenment and attained nirvana, all on the same full moon day of April/May. Thus, Baisakhi Purnima is celebrated as Buddha Jayanti here. How to reach Air - The nearest airport from Nalanda is Patna around 89 km away. There are regular flights from Patna connecting to Kolkata, Delhi, Ranchi, Mumbai, Varanasi, Lucknow, and Kathmandu. Rail - Rajgir 12 km away is the nearest railway station from Nalanda. nearest major railway point is Gaya around 65 km away, from where one can take trains for Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi, and some of the major centers in eastern India. Road - Nalanda is connected through a good road network with Rajgir 12 km, Bodh Gaya 50 km, Gaya 65 km, Patna 90 km, Pawapuri 26 km, and Bihar Sharif 13 km.

Travel & Hospitality Post

February 4, 2011

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Jail tourism on anvil in West Bengal KOLKATA: Many people have at most a foggy idea of how a jail looks like inside and unless someone commits a crime, there is no way of knowing. But no longer. In two months from now they will be welcome inside jails as tourists, as for the first time in the country a tour will be conducted in the correctional homes in West Bengal. The State Correctional Administration in collaboration with the Tourism Department is going to start a tour at the correctional homes of the states. "We have got a go-ahead from the state government and the principal secretary of the Tourism Department, Raghavendra Singh, has promised all help enabling us to start the unique venture in two months from now," Additional Director-General (Prison) B D Sharma told PTI. Sharma says the tour will be a two-way traffic. It will present ordinary people an idea of how a correctional home is run and the inmates, cut off from the outside world, will be able to interact with

people. "We need to generate awareness among masses that the prisoners or those undergoing trials are not a different set of people, but are only from amongst us,"

Sharma says the tour will be a two-way traffic. It will present ordinary people an idea of how a correctional home is run and the inmates, cut off from the outside world, will be able to interact with people Sharma said. The first correctional home to be thrown open to tourists is the Hooghly Correctional Home where famous revolutionary Bengali poet Nazrul Islam was imprisoned way back in 1922 during British rule.

New minister stresses qualitative tourism RANCHI: Asserting that Maoist threat had never halted the growth of tourism, Union Tourism Minister Subodh Kant Sahay said here his ministry would take steps to ensure more qualitative and comfortable stay of tourists in the country. "Eco-tourism, rural tourism and medical tourism can attract a lot of foreigners, particularly in Kerala," Sahay told reporters here. The minister said that 65 crore domestic tourists criss-crossed India during 2008/09. "Our department would take initiatives to give the tourists the opportunities to spend their time qualitatively and comfortably in the lap of nature." To a query on extremist shadow on tourism, Sahay, who took over recently, said, "Maoists had never been a challenge to the growth of

tourism." "It's just 0.5 per cent tourists from foreign countries now, and our target will be to attract about one crore with the slogan "safe and honorable tourism." "The economy of Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia depends on international tourism," the minister said, adding that the northern states had a tremendous scope to expand tourism. Calling upon the state governments to coordinate with his department by suggesting proposals and implementing them within a time-frame and take advantage of tourism potential in generating job opportunities. "We have also proposals to impart skill training to under-matriculate persons so that they can get jobs in various hotels," he said. -PTI

Arrested in November 23, 1922, Nazrul was sentenced to a year's rigorous imprisonment in the jail for sedition. The poet, who was born in Burdwan district, but went over to East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, to reside after Partition, had undertaken a 40-day hunger strike in jail to protest against ill treatment of political prisoners. Sharma said besides historical importance of the jail, it has a lovely ambience as it is situated on the banks of the Hooghly River. The project was scheduled to get off the ground in the beginning of this year, but was postponed for two months for technical reasons. "We have to keep in mind the security aspect of the project," he said. A ticketing system would be introduced for tourists to help raise money for the prisoners' welfare fund. The state's minister for Child and Correctional Services, Biswanath Chowdhury, described the project as a "noble effort". -PTI

Manali carnival to be big event SHIMLA: The annual Manali Winter Carnival will be organized as a national-level event from next year, Himachal Chief Minister P K Dhumal said here. Inaugurating the carnival at Manali, he said planned development of this picturesque hill resort and surrounding areas would be top priority of his government. The Chief Minister said the Mall at Manali would be developed as a vehicle-free zone. He said the government had relaxed town and country planning norms for residents of Manali who would be allowed to carry out construction of buildings, 25-km from the bank of river Beas. The Heli-Taxi service would be provided at Manali soon to give a boost to tourism, he said. -PTI

Trinidad seeks more Indian visitors NEW DELHI: India favors better air connectivity with and cost effective travel to and from the West Indian island of Trinidad and Tobago to attract more visitors from each other. Trinidad and Tobago, for its part, stressed on easing of visa regime to strengthen tourism ties. Both the countries could also consider an agreement in tourism sector, Minister of State for Tourism Sultan Ahmed said when Tourism Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Rupert Griffith called on him here. Ahmed said exchange of frequent visits of travel

writers, businessmen, media persons and opinion makers will help strengthen people-to-people contact between India and Trinidad & Tobago, said an official statement. He suggested that both the countries organize road shows, food and cultural festivals in each other’s countries to further strengthen the rich historical and cultural ties that exist between the two countries due to the significant presence people of Indian origin in Trinidad and Tobago. The statement said that Griffith conveyed during the meeting that easing of visa regime will benefit both the countries in strengthening tourism ties. -PTI

Punjab to beautify Golden Temple entrance CHANDIGARH: Punjab Government has approved the plan to construct a state-of-art plaza at entrance of the famous Golden Temple in Amritsar. At a meeting, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal asked Secretary Tourism and Cultural Affairs Geetika Kalha to closely monitor the Golden Temple Entrance Plaza project right from its stage of conception to completion, an official said. Kalha informed the Chief Min-

ister that a redesign and refurbishment of the public space available in front of main entrance of Golden Temple Complex has been proposed, he said. The new entrance would take care of various aspects, including accessibility for pedestrians, visibility to enhance the glory of the facade, eco sustainability etc. The completion schedule and the total cost to be incurred are yet to be worked. -PTI

India, Peru for better connectivity NEW DELHI: Peru and India have emphasized on better connectivity between the two nations as a part to strengthen ties in tourism sector. Eduardo Ferreyros, Minister of Trade and Tourism in Peru, met Minister of State for Tourism Sultan Ahmed in the national capital and discussed ways of cooperation between the two countries in tourism sector. Both the leaders stressed upon the need for a better connectivity

to boost tourist traffic between the two nations. Ahmed said road shows, food and cultural festivals in both the countries will help in strengthening the tourism ties. Lauding the 'Incredible India' campaign, Ferreyros said Peru will also soon launch a campaign to attract tourists and investment. He said better trade relations between India and Peru would lead to increase in tourist traffic. -PTI

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Yamla Pagla Deewana 6 Kaare Kaare Badra : Mirch 7 Teri Parchhaiyan : Tera Kya Hoga Johny 8 Aali Re: No One Killed Jessica 9 Wallah Re Wallah : Tees Maar Khan 10 Isi Umar Mein : Isi Life Mein

Promising year

hile shooting for Tees Maar Khan, Katrina Kaif went from being voluptuous to size zero. Now that the movie is over and almost forgotten, the actress is piling on the pounds to maintain continuity for Yash Raj film Mere Brother Ki Dulhan. Kats has been asked to put on some more weight so her character in the upcoming film would look fuller. The result is visible as she doesn't look skinny anymore. A source reveals, "To lose weight for her role in Tees Maar Khan, Kaif literally stopped eating and was on a very strict all-broccoli diet. After the film's release, she's slowly resuming her regular diet of carbs and proteins." However, Katrina maintains she hasn't had to change her eating habits. "I am not on any special diet. My weight has been the same since Tees Maar Khan."

ormer Bollywood actress Neelam Kothari and 'Bigg Boss 4' participant Sameer Soni have taken the wedding vows. The reception was held at the Taj Land's End in Bandra, Mumbai. The couple invited their Bollywood and television industry friends for the reception. The newlywed couple was congratulated by Bollywood actresses Raveena Tandon, Karishma Kapoor, Soap Queen Ekta Kapoor and her parents Jeetendra and Shobha. Mandira Bedi and Farah Khan also came to offer their good wishes. Sameer had invited the reality show's host Salman Khan but the superstar could not attend. However, his brothers Arbaaz Khan and Sohail Khan represented him along with their wives and sister Alvira Khan. The couple looked very happy and are eager to start a family very soon. Sameer said both of them are quiet people so they want some activity around the house now. Neelam added saying she wants a lot of kids.

ear 2010 had not been a great year for Bebo with only one mediocre hit 'Golmaal 3' and two flops, 'We Are Family' and 'Milenge Milenge', but with five big projects set to hit the screens this year, 2011 definitely holds lot of promises for Kareena Kapoor. While 'Ra.One' with Shah Rukh Khan is the biggest of all, there is also 'Bodyguard' with 'Dabangg' star Salman Khan. Close to the actress' heart is 'Agent Vinod' with beau Saif Ali Khan and the next is with Imran Khan in 'Short Term Shaadi'. Kapoor girl is also excited about the psychological thriller with Aamir Khan which is still in a raw state. "There has been a conscious call to pick different genres from the films that excite me most. Earlier also I have done films like 'Omkara' and 'Chameli' which weren't exactly mainstream," says Kareena. Kareena Kapoor is also leading the endorsement world with 14 brands under her. She has recently snatched her third international brand right away from Priyanka Chopra's kitty.

February 4, 2011

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ollywood's golden couple Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan have been bestowed with the recognition of 'Power Couple' by the esteemed Stardust magazine. The mega stars got the title recently at the launch of the latest issue of Stardust in Delhi. Abhishek and Aishwarya graced the occasion as they lifted the veil off to reveal their own photos as the cover page.

Taxing reality I Abhishek and Aishwarya tied the nuptial knot around 4 years back on 20th April, 2007. Since then, the two have had an amazing off-screen chemistry and they always look head over heels in love whenever they are spotted together. The couple is hugely popular with Bollywood movie lovers. They are big stars and have carved out a niche for themselves in the film industry. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan leapt into fame after winning the Miss World pageant in 1994. Since then there has been no looking back as she climbed the ladders of fame via her big ticket to the B-town. Abhishek Bachchan made his Bollywood debut around 10 years back with Refugee. But over the years, he and Aishwarya have starred in a plethora of films. Though the two look spectacular together off-screen, it is ironic that their on-screen chemistry has been mostly 'thanda' (cold). Money, popularity, a sea of fan following, films, endorsements, good looks and repute, they have got it all. Hence, it's no doubt that Abhi-Ash do deserve the 'Power Couple' title.

t was just few months back that Priyanka Chopra was seen appearing on a commercial issued in public interest that requested citizens of India to pay their taxes on time. Aamir Khan and Akshay Kumar were amongst the other actors who were featured in the twenty minute television commercial. Priyanka was the perfect ambassador for the Income Tax department of India but it seems that the tides have turned and now she is one of the top tax evasion suspects on their list. A few days back Income Tax officers conducted a raid on the Dostana hottie's house at the suburbs of Versova. Piggy Chops' daddy dearest was not spared as well. Her parental house at the suburbs of Lokhandwala was also raided. It has been reported that the I.T officials suspect her for tax evasion. They were suspecting that she did not pay the taxes liable for assignments, appearances and endorsements. Officials are now looking into her income statement and trying to find if there is any glitch. Chopra was considered one of the highest tax payers and biggest youth icons of Bollywood and that is why she was approached for the Television commercial, said a top level I.T officer. But he also mentioned that the department does not spare anyone on suspicion. It would conduct enquiries on anyone and everyone.

Health

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Illinois gets mixed grades on tobacco control

CHICAGO: Illinois is one of 24 states to get an ``A'' from the American Lung Association for its statewide restrictions on smoking in public places. The group's annual report card on tobacco control, however, gave Illinois some failing grades too. Illinois got an ``F'' for tobacco prevention and control spending. Illinois also got a failing grade for insurance coverage of tobacco cessation treatments and a ``D'' for cigarette tax rates. Illinois ranks 32nd in the nation for its 98-cent per pack tax on cigarettes. The American Lung Association in Greater Chicago says raising Illinois's cigarette tax by $1 would create $375 million in new state revenue and save lives. -AP

Indiana orders 2 stations to stop selling fuels INDIANAPOLIS: Indiana authorities have ordered two service stations in the state to stop selling fuel. The Indiana State Department of Health says it has filed emergency stop-sale orders against a Marathon station on the west side of Indianapolis and a Sunoco station in Upland. The department says an inspection found high levels of water in regular unleaded gas at the Indianapolis station. A clerk at the station told WRTV-TV that runoff from melted snow accidentally watered down the fuel. In Upland, state inspectors found gasoline mixed with the kerosene. The Upland Fire Department had complained about the issue to the state agency. -AP

World leaders to discuss junk food ad ban at UN GENEVA: The U.N. health agency says world leaders will discuss efforts to clamp down on junk food marketing to children when they meet in New York on Sept 19-20. The World Health Organization says heads of state will use the U.N. General Assembly meeting to talk about limiting the number and type of ads that children are exposed to. WHO says 43 million preschool children around the world are overweight or obese. Experts talk of a ``fat tsunami'' that is already causing millions of premature deaths each year. -AP

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Republicans press for Senate vote on health care WASHINGTON: Senate Republicans want to box majority Democrats into allowing a health care repeal vote even if GOP lawmakers expect to be on the losing side. Details on page 38

Indian NGO wins healthcare innovation prize at Brussels India Post News Service

BRUSSELS: The European Association of Healthcare IT Managers and the European Association of Hospital Managers partnered to organise a competition recognising innovators in healthcare IT and medical technology at the Théâtre du Vaudeville in Brussels, Belgium. World Health Progress' 'Healthcare for the Rural Poor' combining technology with village entrepreneurs acting as facilitators to connect rural communities with formally qualified urban doctors won the top prize at the program. Prachi Shukla from World Health Partners in India fought off fierce competition to take home the coveted IT @ 2011 Trophy and a record 5,000 euro cash prize. The project uses remote medical diagnostics integrated with audio-video conferencing software enabling patients from vil-

lages to access efficient and specialized healthcare. Second place was awarded to "Clinical Workstation (CWS), the GPS of Every Medical User" (presented by Rudi Van de Velde, AZ

tion, 20 nominees introduced their projects in brief presentations to the audience, who electronically voted for the top nine finalists. The finalists were announced at an evening reception in the luxurious Viage Casino, Brussels.

Prachi Shukla from World Health Partners in India fought off fierce competition to

Midelare, Belgium) and the third place went to "From 'Micro-' Towards 'Macro-' Mobility. Building Efficient Clinical Processes by Using a Hospital-Wide, Standardized and 'Near-' Patient Communication Platform" (presented by Carl Dujat, Germany). In the first round of competi-

take home the coveted IT @ 2011 Trophy and a record 5,000 euro cash prize The second day saw the nine top projects from day one go headto-head in the sessions. Finalists were each given 30 minutes to

present and discuss their healthcare IT and medical technology solutions. After each presentation the expert panel of judges and the audience had the chance to ask questions before casting their votes. The final results were announced during an Evening Reception in the Théâtre du Vaudeville. The nine finalists received an IT @ 2011 medal and each Nominee took home a certificate in recognition of their achievements. In addition to the IT @ Networking Awards 2011 trophy and cash prize, the winning IT @ 2011 project will be featured in a number of Europe's leading healthcare management publications. The two day event promoted open discussion between competitors from across Europe and beyond. Presenters shared not only their successes but also the obstacles they encountered along the way.

Brain fluid buildup delays full rehab for Giffords HOUSTON: The Houston hospital treating Rep. Gabrielle Giffords says that her condition is improving daily, but gave no update on the buildup of brain fluid that has kept the Arizona congresswoman in intensive care. A hospital statement said Giffords would continue to receive therapy in the intensive care unit ``until her physicians determine she is ready for transfer'' to a nearby center where she would begin a full rehabilitation program. They said the next medical updates would be provided when that happens. Giffords was flown to Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center Hospital from Tucson, where she was shot in the forehead on Jan. 8 while meeting with constituents. At a news conference shortly after her arrival in Houston, doctors said she had been given a tube to drain excess cerebrospi-

for longer than a week or two because of the risk of infection, said Dr. Steve Williams, rehab chief at Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine.

A hospital statement said Giffords would continue to receive therapy in the intensive care unit Rep. Gabrielle Giffords

nal fluid. Everyone makes such fluid, but an injury can cause the fluid to not be cleared away as rapidly as normal. A backup can cause pressure and swelling within the brain. ``It's a common problem,'' occurring in 15 to 20 percent of people with a brain injury or brain surgery, said Dr. Reid C. Thompson, chairman of neurological surgery at Vanderbilt University

Medical Center in Nashville, who is not involved in Giffords' care. Another possible reason for a drainage tube: ``After a gunshot wound to the head and brain where there is a lot of soft tissue injury, it is common to develop a leak of spinal fluid. This raises the risk of meningitis and slows down wound healing,'' he said. The tube is a short-term solution that doctors usually don't use

If the problem persists, this temporary catheter can be converted to a permanent one called a shunt. That involves an hourlong surgery to tunnel a thin tube from inside the brain down the neck and under the skin to the abdomen, where the fluid can drain and be dispersed in the belly, Williams said. That is less than ideal those can clog over time, requiring medical attention. -AP

February 4, 2011

Health Science Post www.indiapost.com

Indiana flu season ramping up rapidly INDIANAPOLIS: Flu cases in Indiana Richards said the most common strain a few are multiplying more quickly than normal, weeks ago was influenza B, but now its and three people across the state have swine flu. died from the disease, according to IndiSome people who have tested positive for ana health officials. flu say they were vaccinated, Richards said. Influenza activity had been near average Hospitals also reported treating more until recently but cases in the third week of patients with flu-like symptoms recently. flu season were as numerous as they nor``We're seeing a higher number of people mally would be in the fifth week, epidemi- coming to the emergency room and a higher ologist Shawn Richards of number of people testing the Indiana State Departpositive in the last week to 'We're seeing a ment of Health said. 10 days,'' said Sally Young of ``That's telling me we higher number of Community Health Network. have kind of a jump-start on people coming to Clarian hospitals have the flu season, and it hap- the emergency seen dozens of confirmed flu pened relatively fast,'' cases, said Dr. Douglas room and a Richards said. Webb, medical director for Flu normally peaks in the higher number of infection control at Methodeighth week of the season, people testing ist Hospital. around the end of February, Most people can be treated positive' Richards said. on an outpatient basis. Three people in Indiana Health officials are enhave died of the flu this season - all of them couraging people who have not had a flu older than 50, which is typical, The India- shot to get one, even though the flu season napolis Star reported. Two of the people who is well under way. The best ways to avoid died had the swine flu strain responsible for the flu are to wash your hands frequently, the worldwide pandemic a year ago, and cover your coughs and sneezes and to stay none had been vaccinated, officials said. home if you're ill. Multiple strains of the bug are circulatThe flu isn't the only virus around. ing, health officials said, and this year's vac- Clarian labs have confirmed several that cine offers some protection against most. might be mistaken for flu, Webb said. -AP

India Post

Health Science Post

India Post

February 4, 2011

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Vt. health reform proposal raises many questions MONTPELIER, Vt.: When Harvard economist and international health care consultant William Hsiao proposed that Vermont become the first state to move to a single-payer system of health insurance, the immediate response from just about every quarter was to ask a question. The Vermont Medical Society wants to know how it would affect the doctor-patient relationship; Vermonters with out-ofstate employers wonder if they'd have to pay a payroll tax to support the Vermont plan; and advocates for low-income Vermonters questioned the effect on Medicaid recipients. The biggest question of all, however, may be whether it's an exercise in futility to think one tiny state could overcome federal rules and regulations to make it a reality. The Vermont Employers Health Alliance, which represents businesses in health care debates, counts no fewer than 14 waivers or free passes around a law the state would have to get from the federal government to get a state

single-payer plan off the ground. ``I'm not a lawyer, and this list may not be exhaustive,'' said Craig Fuller, the Alliance's managing director. Hsiao, 75, who designed Taiwan's health system and has worked on those in eight other countries, defines single-payer as ``a system that provides insurance to every ... resident with a common benefit package and channels all payments to providers through a single pipe with uniform payments rates and common claim processes and adjudication procedures.'' Liberals ranging from Gov. Peter Shumlin to the Vermont Public Interest Research Group welcomed the efforts of Hsiao and his 22-member team. Shumlin said Hsiao's report showed the way toward trimming $500 million from the state's more than $5 billion annual health care bill in its first year. ``That's very good news for Vermonters who are being forced to spend $1 million more tomorrow than we did today on health care.''

Releasing his draft report, Hsiao described an ``essential benefit'' package that would cover 87 percent of Vermonters' medical and mental health costs and 77 of their costs for medicines. Medicaid usually pays significantly more than that now, Kerr said.

The Democrats who controlled Congress through last year never seriously considered a single-payer system for the country Covering 77 percent of a $200 bottle of pills still would leave a poor person needing to come up with $46. ``We would have concerns about the impacts on low-income Vermonters and that's something that we would be looking at,'' said Trinka Kerr, health care ombuds-

man with Vermont Legal Aid. Last year's Legislature commissioned the $300,000 study; this year's is about as strongly Democratic, and newly elected Gov. Peter Shumlin made a push for single-payer a cornerstone of his campaign. He says the administrative savings and cost controls would save $500 million of the more than $5 billion the state spends each year on health care. But at least several of the federal waivers Vermont needs would require votes in Congress, where the direction in which Vermont appears headed is unlikely to garner support from the new Republican majority in Washington. The Democrats who controlled Congress through last year never seriously considered a singlepayer system for the country; they stopped well short of even a ``public option'' of governmentsupplied health insurance for the general public. Even going as far as the bill did, calling on states to set up exchanges in which citizens would be required to buy insurance from a range of private

companies, was labeled ``socialistic'' during the floor debate in the U.S. House. Shumlin and Vermont's tiny, three-member congressional delegation are vowing to push ahead nonetheless. The four stood together last week, saying Vermont's first effort in Washington will be to move from 2017 to 2014 the date under last year's federal bill when states will get the flexibility Vermont would need at a minimum to experiment with its own plan. Across the political spectrum, in both Montpelier and Washington, there appears to be agreement that the current health care system needs improvement. In Montpelier, nine-term Republican Rep. Phil Winters, a member of the budget-writing Appropriations Committee and a Williamstown dairy farmer for 27 years, said he was trying to be openminded, but sounded skeptical. ``I'm trying not to look at it (as) completely negative, because we've got to do something,'' he said. ``But don't do something just for the sake of doing it.'' -AP

Republicans press for Senate Voter mandate an issue in Ariz. health care fight vote on health care WASHINGTON: Senate Republicans want to box majority Democrats into allowing a health care repeal vote even if GOP lawmakers expect to be on the losing side. ``We need to have a vote on it because we promised the people we would,'' Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said on ``Face the Nation'' on CBS. ``We have to have a vote on repeal so that everybody is on record whether they want to repeal.'' Republicans took control of the House after November's elections and last week voted, as promised, to repeal the health care law. Only three Democrats joined all Republicans in the 245-189 vote to scrap the law. In the Senate, Democrats retained majority control, even though the 53-47 split is narrower than the advantage they held before November. Two of those votes come from independents who caucus with the Democrats and support the health care law overall. Moreover, Senate measures usually require a 60-vote majority to advance. While Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., who controls the Senate agenda, has said such a bill won't come to a vote, Republican leader Mitch McConnell repeated his promise that a repeal vote will indeed take place. ``I'm not going to discuss how

we'll do it from a parliamentary point of view here,'' McConnell said on ``Fox News Sunday.'' ``If that does not pass, and I don't think anyone is optimistic that it will, we intend to go after this health care bill in every way that we can. It's the single worst piece of legislation that's been passed in my time in the Senate,'' McConnell said.

Only about one in four people say they want to do away with the health care law completely, according to a recent Associated Press-GfK poll One route to a repeal vote could be through an amendment brought to the Senate floor, according to Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the No. 2 Democrat. ``If some Republican senator wants to offer it as an amendment at some point, it's possible they will. It's possible we'll face that vote,'' Durbin said on Fox. ``But having spoken to my members in the Democratic caucus, with Sen.

Reid, we feel there's still strong support for health care reform.'' With its mandate that almost all people in the U.S. carry insurance, the health care law divides people about evenly. Some provisions coverage for those with preexisting conditions and allowing older children to remain on parents' insurance are popular. Only about one in four people say they want to do away with the health care law completely, according to a recent Associated Press-GfK poll. For those reasons, Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., suggested that Republicans should be careful what they wish for. ``If the Republicans offer an amendment on the floor, then we will require them to vote on the individual protections in the bill that are very popular and that even some of the new Republican House members have said they support,'' Schumer said on CBS. ``So, in the end, their repeal bill is going to be so full of holes it looks like Swiss cheese.'' The likelihood of defeat for a repeal bill Obama could veto it even if it were to pass Congress has led Republicans lawmakers to vow to dismantle the law piece by piece and to deny it the money necessary to carry out its provisions. -AP

PHOENIX: Legislators debating whether Arizona should request a federal waiver to allow a major cut in Medicaid enrollment differed on whether the state should take that course and whether President Barack Obama's administration would grant a waiver. What's not in question is that the issue almost certainly will trigger a court fight in the meantime on state constitutional grounds, according to legislators and public interest groups. The fight will likely hinge on the meaning of one word - `àvailable'' - in a law approved by voters a decade ago. `Ì think that's about 100 percent,'' attorney Tim Hogan said when asked whether approval of a budget based on the Medicaid cut envisioned by Brewer would trigger a legal challenge. Hogan, executive director of the Arizona Center for Law in the Public Interest, said the liberal-oriented nonprofit law firm is talking to other groups about a possible challenge. `Ìt's still early from the standpoint of people formulating plans (but) it's on everybody's radar screen obviously.'' Citing the state's budget crisis, Republican Gov. Jan Brewer signed into law a bill approved by the Legislature giving her authorization to ask for a waiver. The

request will be filed by next week, a state official said. State and federal officials said the waiver request would be the first by a state asking to be excused from the 2010 federal health care overhaul's mandate that states keep Medicaid eligibility at early 2010 levels until the overhaul's expansion of Medicaid takes hold in 2014.

State and federal officials said the waiver request would be the first by a state asking to be excused from the 2010 federal health care At issue in the anticipated challenge is whether an Arizona rollback of most of a Medicaid expansion mandated by voters in 2000 would violate the state's constitutional protection for voter-approved laws. The Arizona Constitution doesn't let the Legislature repeal voter-approved laws and only allows changes that further the purpose of the original law. -AP

Datebook

February 4, 2011

India Post

www.indiapost.com

NEW YORK

ILLINOIS

Upcoming

Sat Feb 5 • Open Mic Nite 2011 Venue: Fontana's, 105 Eldridge Street, Manhattan, New York Time: 7pm to 10:30pm Contact: 646-243-2627

Sat Feb 19 • Bhangra Fever 3 Venue: Osterhout Concert Theater, Binghamton University, 4400 Vestal Parkway East, Binghamton, New York Time: 6pm Contact: 716-472-7664

Sat March 5 • Lo Gujjubhai Ghode Chadaya Venue: Hindu Temple Auditorium, 143 - 09 Holly Avenue, Flushing, New York Time: 7pm to 11pm Contact: 732-763 -0118

Sat Feb 12

NEW JERSEY

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

• Valentine's Bash @ Dosti

Sat Feb 5

Thurs Feb 24

Venue: Dosti Bar & Restaurant, 853 S. Roselle Rd, Schaumburg, Illinois Time: 8pm Contact: 847-895-0100

• Ladies Night Out!!

• Art of Living Course

Venue: Ramada Inn, 999, US Route 1 South, North Brunswick Twp, New jersey Contact: 732-422-6480

Venue: Belmont Sports Complex, 550 Island Pkwy, Belmont, Bay Area Time: 6:30am to 4pm Contact: 617-922-8234

Sat Feb 20

Sat Feb 19

• Ohio South Asian Bridal Show

• Stars of SaReGaMaPa Live in Concert

Venue: Hyatt Regency Columbus, 350 N High St, Columbus, Ohio Time: 1pm to 5pm Contact: 888-677-2726

Sun Feb 27 • Dulhania Bazaar Venue: Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel, 1551 N Thoredu Dr, Schaumburg, Chicago, Illinois Time: 11am to 5pm Contact: 602-770-4066

Venue: Holiday Inn, 3050,Wood Bridge Ave, Edison, New Jersey Time: 8pm Contact: 732-277-6687

Fri March 4 • Lo Gujjubhai Ghode Chadiya Venue: Eastern High School, 1401 Laurel Oak Road, Voorhees, New Jersey Time: 8:30pm Contact: 732-277-6687

WASHINGTON DC

Upcoming

Thurs Feb 3

Sat Nov 12, 2011 • Hello Namaste Satsriakal Masti

Salaam

Venue: Chandni Restaurant, 5748 Mowry School Rd, Balentine Plaza, across Hilton Hotel, Newark, CA 94560 Time: 7pm Contact: 510-299-1138 Highlights: Bollywood Singers and Lollywood Music Director Hungama Musical Live Band Dance Party Dance Performances Banquet Style Dinner, Single Ladies and Men - Come and Register with Hamraahi Matrimonial.

Thurs May 5 2011 • Fund raising Volleyball tournament Venue: Ponderosa Park, Sunnyvale, CA Time: 8am to 5pm

Sat Feb 26

Fri Feb 4

• Elite 8 Bhangra Invitational 2011

• Star Entertainment Presents "Valentine 2011"

Venue: Warner Theater, 1299 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC Time: 6pm to 9pm Contact: 800-551-7328

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

Venue: Chandni Restaurant, 5746 Mowry School Road, Nework, Bay Area Time: 7pm Contact: 510-673-0153

Sat Feb 12 • Rachna Nivas performs "Traditional Kathak Solo"

Mon August 22

Venue: Mission Dance and Performing Arts, 42068 Osgood Road, Fremont, California Time: 7pm Contact: 510-378-0897

• Shri Krishna Janamastami

Sat Feb 26

Venue: Hare Krishan Temple, 10310 Oaklyn Drive, Potomac, Maryland Time: 4:30am to 1am Contact: 301-299-2100

• Shivratri-Amarnath Yatra Venue: Brahma Kumaris Meditation Center, 401 Baker Street, at (Hayes), San Francisco, CA Time: 5:30pm to 9pm

• Leadership Retreat-- an Inner Engineering Intensive Venue: Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, 2025 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles Time: 5pm Contact: 248-739-2934

Sat Feb 5 • Bhopali Documentary Screening Venue: Kerchoff Grand Saloon, UCLA, 308 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, California Time: 6pm to 8pm Contact: (310) 963-3510

Sat Feb 12 • Mahatma Moses Comedy Tour Venue: Vosloh Forum at Pasadena City College, 1570 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA Time: 8pm to 10pm Contact: (805)861-1110

Sat March 12 • Scarlet Night 2011...a celebration of the gift of health Venue: San Jose Convention Center, 150 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA Time: 6pm to 11:30pm Contact: 650 940 7242 Highlights: Networking - Socialize, connect with old friends and make new friends, Casino - Play black jack, poker, roulette, etc. & win great prizes, Banquet - Savor the delectable, heart healthy dinner, Comedy - Don't miss Nitin Kant, back by popular demand!, Live Auction - Bid on exciting items (incl. Fund-a-Need), Dancing - Rock the night away with DJ Salim

Mon Aug 1, 2011 • Yogalicious! Venue: Art of Living Center Los Angeles, 948 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, California Time: 6:30pm to 9pm Contact: 310-820-9429

Briefs

Antony inducts INS Deepak into Indian Navy

MUMBAI: INS Deepak, an Italian-built fleet tanker, has been commissioned into the Navy by Defense Minister A K Antony who said the year will see more acquisitions and commissioning of vessels to strengthen maritime security. The tanker was commissioned at the Naval Dockyard here. "It is a great moment for Indian Navy and 2011 will see more acquisitions and commissioning to strengthen the maritime security," Antony said. He unveiled the ship's name plaque, marking the formal induction of INS Deepak into the Indian Navy. The 175-metre long and 25-metre wide ship has a capacity to carry 15,450 tonnes of liquid cargo, 510 tonnes of solid cargo and 16 cargo containers on the upper deck. -PTI

Kashmir Varsity VC dedicates Padma Shri to Tagore SRINAGAR: Vice Chancellor of Kashmir University Riyaz Punjabi, who has been conferred with Padma Shri this Republic Day, said he drew inspiration from greats like Jawaharlal Nehru and Rabindranath Tagore. An elated Punjabi said he dedicated this award to the "great minds of India" who inspired him through out his life. "I dedicate this award to the great minds of India like Rabindranath Tagore and Jawaharlal Nehru who have always been an inspiration for me," he told PTI. Punjabi said he felt "elated, happy and honored" for being conferred the honor. "I am satisfied that Republic has acknowledged my work and efforts," he said. -PTI

SC criticizes Sibal for undermining CAG report on 2G NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has pulled up Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal for making statements undermining the CAG report on the 2G scam and asked him to behave with "some sense of responsibility." "It is unfortunate. The minister should behave with some sense of responsibility," the bench of Justices G S Singhvi and A K Ganguly said. It directed the CBI to go ahead with the probe into the scam without getting influenced by any body's statement. -PTI

India News 40

India Post

www.indiapost.com

February 4, 2011

Most people not in favor of UN resolutions: Interlocutors SRINAGAR: Center's interlocutors on Jammu and Kashmir have said most people who met them were not in favor of implementation of UN resolutions on Kashmir seeking plebiscite but favored socio-economic and political empowerment of people and devolution of power. "As regards a permanent political settlement in Jammu and Kashmir, a small but vocal section harped on UN resolutions, plebiscite and self-determination resulting in independence of the state as it existed before August 1947," head interlocutor Dileep Padgaonkar told reporters here. -PTI

Chicago Prof receives Indian Science Congress Gold Medal FRANK FERNANDES India Post News Service

CHENNAI: An eminent Indian professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Prof. Ghanshyam Pandey, was conferred the Science Congress President Gold Medal for excellence in Scientific Research from Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India, during the inauguration of the 98th Indian Science Congress, held recently at the SRM University in Chennai, India Several other distinguished scientists, including Nobel Laureates, Dr. Venkatraman Ramakrishnan, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK, Dr. Martin Chalfie, Columbia University, New York, Dr. Ada Yonath, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel, and Dr. Subra Suresh, the recently-appointed director of the National Science Foundation, were also conferred the President's Gold Medal. The Indian Science Congress is the oldest society of science in India. Its annual meeting is held every year starting on the 3rd of January, and traditionally it has been inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India, starting from Pt.

Prof. Ghanshyam Pandey with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh

The Indian Science Congress is the oldest society of science in India. Its annual meeting is held every year starting on the 3rd of January, and traditionally it has been inaugurated by the Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. The focal theme of the current session is: "Quality education and excellence in scientific research in Indian universities". Distinguished scientists from all over the world attend this important congress. This year six Nobel Laureates attended the con-

gress and gave plenary lectures. Dr. Pandey is currently Professor of Pharmacology and Psychiatry and Director, Mood Disorders and Suicide Research Program at the College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago. He is engaged in the studies of neurobi-

ology of depression, which is a major risk factor for suicide and suicidal behavior in suicide. His studies with depressed and suicidal patients and postmortem brain from depressed and suicidal subjects have revealed several discrete biochemical abnormalities in the brain of the depressed and suicidal subjects. These include abnormalities of serotonin and its function caused by its abnormal signaling in the brain by its receptors. Stress and depression are important risk factors for suicide. Dr. Pandey has also been investigating the role of stress hormones and immune factors in suicide. He has shown that the mechanism by which levels of stress hormones are regulated is compromised in the brain of suicide victims. He has also shown that those chemicals which regulate the immune function are abnormally expressed in the brain of suicide victims. Obviously, these studies are directed for a better understanding of the chemical and molecular processes which are associated with depression and suicide, and that this knowledge could be used for better diagnosis and more appropriate treatment of these illnesses.

Music exponents call Bhimsen Joshi a Tansen, Kohinoor MUMBAI: A shocked Indian music fraternity mourned the death of legendary vocalist Pandit Bhimsen Joshi hailing him as a modern day Tansen and a 'Kohinoor' of Hindustani classical music who strode like a colossus. As condolences poured from celebrity musicians and singers on the passing away of Pandit Joshi early this morning, noted Hindustani classical singer Pandit Jasraj said "this is sunset at sunrise." Many of them said an era in Indian classical music has come to an end leaving many orphaned. "He did not belong to any particular gharana, but to the entire Hindustani music world. Joshi had held music lovers spellbound over the last several

Pandit Bhimsen Joshi

decades," Jasraj said. Santoor maestro Pandit Satish Vyas described Joshi as the "Kohinoor" of Indian classical music. "Classical music was meant for a particular class. But Panditji crossed such barriers and brought the music closer to the common man. The intelligentsia and also the layman applauded his music and this was one of his greatest contributions," he said. Bhajan and Ghazal singer Anup Jalota called Joshi a modern day Tansen in Indian music comparing him to the legendary musician in Mughal Emperor Akbar's court in the 16th century. "The Indian music scene has been orphaned," he said. -PTI

India

February 4, 2011

India Post

www.indiapost.com

BJP complains to Prez about Bhardwaj 'tirade', seeks removal NEW DELHI: A BJP delegation led by senior leader L K Advani met President Pratibha Patil to complain about the "unconstitutional conduct" of Karnataka Governor H R Bhardwaj and sought his recall. The delegation, also comprising 23 Karnataka MPs, handed over a memorandum to Patil in which they complained about the "tirade" against the state government by Bhardwaj since the day he took charge in June last year and said his removal was a "must to restore Constitutional order". "We appealed to the President to recall the Karnataka Governor as he has been exhibiting an extraconstitutional and confrontationist attitude. In the memorandum, we have given several instances, wherein, it is evident that right from the beginning he has been harbouring a political agenda", Advani told reporters after meeting Patil at Rashtrapati Bhawan. The move to meet Patil comes in the wake of heightened tension between Bhardwaj and Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa

rued that "such statements are typically made in public only by Opposition leaders and not by a Constitutional head of the government". Advani also reminded that a BJP delegation led by Arun Jaitley and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj had ap-

He warned of 'chaos across the country' if the Congress and the Centre continue supporting the BJP leader L K Advani

after the Governor sanctioned that an FIR be registered against the BJP leader in a corruption case. Terming Bhardwaj's appointment as a step to "end democracy" in the country, the BJP said the "mindset and conduct" of the governor was motivated by extraneous and collateral purposes, less as a Constitutional functionary and more as a Congress activist.

Attacking Bhardwaj for the steps he took on the graft charges faced by Yeddyurappa, the BJP said that a Governor cannot have "malafide for political reasons and substitute himself as commission of enquiry or the Lokayukta". In the memorandum, the BJP has mentioned several public statements made by the Karnataka Governor against the chief minister and

BJP stages bandh, demands Guv's recall, braces for legal battle BANGALORE: A near total bandh was observed in Karnataka as the ruling BJP gave vent to its anger over Governor H R Bhardwaj sanctioning prosecution of the Chief Minister in alleged land scams and braced itself for a legal battle against the controversial move. A senior minister also ruled out Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa giving his resignation in the wake of the governor's decision BJP held protests all over the state denouncing the action and demanded recall of Bhardwaj, who passed the order, setting the stage for a major showdown between the Governor and the BJP in their already prevalent turbulent relationship. The bandh, described by BJP as "self-initiated" and "voluntary", was "near total" and marked by stray violent incidents, according to initial reports. Stone pelting on shops and buses were reported from places such as Belgaum, Gulbarga, Shimoga and Bangalore. Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), A R Infant, told PTI that two state-owned buses were set on fire at Honnali in Davanagere district last night and a private bus in Bangalore. A ministerial delegation, led by Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister S Suresh Kumar, met the Governor at Raj Bhavan and sought a

copy of the order sanctioning prosecution of the Chief Minister. "We had a long discussion. Ultimately, the Governor has agreed to give us a copy of his decision and order along with certain documents", Suresh Kumar told reporters. Minutes later, the Raj Bhavan issued a press communique stating that the order had been delivered to the Chief Minister's office.

Accusing the Governor of hatching a 'conspiracy', he asserted that the Yeddyurappa government would complete its five-year term Suresh Kumar said the state government is pursuing "all the courses, including legal remedies", and is in touch with legal experts and the party's national leadership. "By this evening, we will come out with our plan of action. We are strong on law; we are strong on legal grounds," he said. Asked whether the Chief Minister will resign, Kumar said the question does not arise as he is a duly elected leader of the legislature party and there was no need

for him to step down. Kumar said the Chief Minister is likely to file a petition before the High Court on January 24 challenging Bhardwaj's sanction to prosecute him under the provisions of Prevention of Corruption Act. "We are already working on a framework. We will go to court", he said. The state government has been in a huddle ever since the news of Governor's action was out with the party's central leadership guiding its strategy. Led by senior party leader H N Ananth Kumar, the BJP held a demonstration here and demanded recall of the Governor. Kumar accused the Congress and the JDS, "who don't have people's mandate" after losing the Assembly elections, Lok Sabha elections and local body polls in the last three years, of indulging in "back door politics". He said the party would request the President Pratibha Patil to recall the Governor. Accusing the Governor of hatching a "conspiracy", he asserted that the Yeddyurappa government would complete its fiveyear term. In view of the bandh, elaborate security arrangements have been made, with heavy deployment of police forces in and around the state. -PTI

Governor 'without applying their mind' praised Prime Minister Manmohan Singh about the matter a few months back. A defiant Yeddyurappa brought his battle with Bhardwaj to the national capital and met senior party leaders to chalk out a strategy to deal with the political situation arising out of Governor's

sanction to prosecute him for his alleged involvement in land scams. MP from Karnataka and senior BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu accused the Congress of being "instrumental" in the current situation. "The Congress high command is the sutradhar in the episode and the Karnataka governor seems to be the patradhar. The director high command... actor governor", Naidu said. Asked if meeting the President was their final option, he said it was imperative to highlight the issue before Patil and added, "I want to know... if Congress is setting a precedent that governors of any state will order prosecution of a Chief Minister only on the basis of some complaints?" He warned of "chaos across the country" if the Congress and the Centre continue supporting the Governor "without applying their mind". "If governors want to rule like this, go against the mandate of the people, not do their constitutional duty then there will be chaos across the country", Naidu said. -PTI

Chidambaram flays BJP for attacking Guv's decision NEW DELHI: Home Minister P Chidamabaram has criticized BJP for its attack on Karnataka Governor H R Bhardwaj granting sanction to prosecute the chief minister and said the governor's decision was in accordance with the law. In a signed statement, he asked the Karnataka Government and BJP to maintain law and order, saying the party's move to take to the streets against the governor's decision is not acceptable. "It is not the first time that a Governor has given his sanction to prosecute a chief minister or a minister of the state government. The law in this respect is clear and well-settled," he said. The Home Minister said he was "disappointed" that the BJP has raised the decibel level and has taken to the streets which was "not correct" and was "totally unacceptable". "The Government of Karnataka is obliged to maintain law and order in the state, not to standby when law and order is disrupted by party cadres or there are acts of violence," he said. Taking a dig at BJP, Chidambaram said he was glad to note that the party no longer says that "the alleged transgressions of law in Karnataka are only immoral and not illegal."

Home Minister P Chidamabaram

The Home Minister said he was 'disappointed' that the BJP has raised the decibel level and has taken to the streets which was 'not correct' "Surely, the BJP knows the legal position. The BJP also knows that any person aggrieved by the order of the Governor can seek legal remedies. Hence, it is my sincere hope that the BJP will advise its state unit to abide by the law and will advise the Government of Karnataka to discharge its constitutional obligation to maintain law and order," he said. -PTI

Realty Tidbits

Choice Hotels plans 60 hotels in India

Real Estate

anking on the growing economy and rapid infrastructure development in India, international mid- scale hospitality chain Choice Hotels plans to open more than 60 hotels in the country over the next three years, a top company official said. The chain plans to add around 20-30 hotels in the country every year. "Our target is to open 20-30 hotels every year in India for the next 2-3 years. In 2011, we plan to open 14 hotels mainly in tier II cities. All are in various stages of construction. We are looking at a double-digit growth in India," said Vilas Pawar, CEO, Choice Hotels India.

Rose Valley petition against SEBI

ose Valley Real Estate and Construction Company has moved the Calcutta High Court against market regulator SEBI’s order that prevents it from collecting money from investors or launch any scheme. A SEBI order dated 3 January had asked the company to not to collect money from investors or launch any scheme to dispose of any of its properties as part of its collective investment scheme. Praying for an injunction on the SEBI order, Rose Valley counsels P C Sen and S Pal submitted before Justice Jayanta Biswas that as the company is not listed in any stock exchanges of the country, SEBI has no jurisdiction to interfere with its affairs.

Price correction expected in Mumbai

study by rating agency Crisil has forecast a fall in home prices in Mumbai as interest rates inch upward. However, the National Capital Region, where prices are still 15-20% lower than their peak levels in 2007, will continue to see an appreciation in real estate, it said. "In Mumbai, falling demand, owing to diminished affordability, and rising interest rates will trigger a decline in prices in 2011. Property prices soared by 43% in 2010 in the city's three major supply pockets. Prices thus surpassed their peak values, attained in the first half of 2008, by 26%," the report said, adding that prices in Mumbai will fall by 8-10% in 2011.

India Post

www.indiapost.com

February 4, 2011

Parsvanath plans big projects in two years

arsvnath Developers, New Delhi-based real estate company, is planning to generate revenues worth Rs13, 000 crore in the next two years. The company, which currently has debt of Rs1,100 crore, also plans to become completely debt-free by March 2013. The revenues were Rs455 crore during first six months of the current fiscal. “About 80 million square feet (msf) is on fast-track execution, which we plan to complete by March 2013.

Cautious NRIs investigating before investing into real estate

on-resident Indians (NRIs) and people of Indian origin (PIO) investing in premium real estate projects have become cautious and are doing a thorough check before investing, say senior executives in real estate firms. ''The mood is to verify and ensure it is a good property, land and approvals are in place, the location is good, and the project conforms to the master plan,'' said Kunal Banerji, president, M3M India, after a road show in Abu Dhabi. ''Gone are the days of euphoric buying. Today, people are doing calculated buying. They are doing thorough due diligence, checking out the location,'' said Banerji, who met over 150 prospective investors in Dubai and Abu Dhabi over the weekend. M3M, which is selling 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom apartments and penthouses at its Golf Estate project, Gurgaon, for Rs 3.6-10 crore each, plans to sell a quarter of these homes to NRIs and PIOs. Niranjan Hiranandani, chairman, Hiranandani Group, says there's a

resurgence of NRI investment in India as opportunities have dried up in West Asia. ''NRIs are more interested today; enquiries and conversions from them have gone up,'' he said.

Today, the NRI investor is taking a medium to long-term call on the property,'' said Ashish Jerath, vicepresident (sales), Emaar MGF. Today, the NRI investor has a two-three year investment hori-

‘Prices have shot up not just in Mumbai or Delhi, but in Bangalore as well. The prices have moved up so quickly - people still remember prices a year back - they are a little uncomfortable,’ Kunal Banerji, President, M3M India

But there's a difference. ''Earlier, the NRI investor was euphoric - they would cut a cheque, thinking how much one would earn in three months. That exuberance is gone.

said Gupta zon, not less. Hence, he's more concerned about the record of the builder, the location, and the project, realizing only a good property would survive a shock, say

experts. ''They realize property prices can quickly go up or down, so it is important to own a good property and not invest in just any. Investors have become cautious. They want to invest in a project which will always have a demand (for resale),'' said Jerath. Abhishek Kiran Gupta, head of research at real estate consultancy Jones Lang Lesalle, feels investors have become cautious because real estate valuations abroad are attractive and real estate prices in India have moved up sharply in a short span of time. They've gone up by 15 per cent (NCR) to 40-50 per cent (Mumbai's suburbs) in many markets. ''Prices have shot up not just in Mumbai or Delhi, but in Bangalore as well. The prices have moved up so quickly - people still remember prices a year back - they are a little uncomfortable,'' said Gupta. Hiranandani feels investors don't have an issue if the builder and projects are good. Emaar MGF, Hiranandanis and Lodha Group are builders which have a significant presence abroad.

Real Estate received $2.8 billion FDI

he housing and real estate sector in India witnessed foreign direct investment (FDI) of $2.8 billion in the fiscal year (April-March) 2009-10, according to Indian Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion. According to stats revealed at IndiaHome property exhibition, total NRI FDI inflows through the period April-December 2009-10 stood at $320.05 million. The housing and real estate sector including cineplex, multiplex, integrated townships and commercial complexes etc, attracted a cumulative FDI of $ 8.4 billion from April 2000 to March 2010, the department said. Indian real estate is poised to enter an accelerated phase of growth in wake of international investors, the likes of US-based Warburg Pincus, Blackstone Group, Broadstreet, Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund (MSREF), Columbia Endowment

Fund, California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), Hines, Tishman Speyer, Sam Zell's Equity International, JP Morgan Partners and Amaranth Advisors, exploring investment opportunities in India. As per industry ex-

tal values appreciating 2-5 per cent across the markets. Saru Kaushal, business manager mortgages of Citibank, which presented the IndiaHome exhibition, said that the property market growth of eight to ten per cent has attracted

The housing and real estate sector including cineplex, multiplex, integrated townships and commercial complexes etc, attracted a cumulative FDI of $ 8.4 billion from April 2000 to March 2010, the department said perts, overseas property sales account for 30 per cent of Indian real estate sector's total global sales, of which, 40 per cent are accounted by the UAE-based Indians. Growth is catalyzed by the leading cities of India like Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore, with capi-

NRIs who want to invest part of their wealth back home in their first, second or retirement home. Townships and integrated-community developments have emerged as preferred investment destinations. "One interesting thing is that all cities in India are developing with self sufficient localities within

the cities so that residents do not have to travel long distances as they find residential, commercial and other facilities within close proximity," Saru said. The leading real estate developers of India, pioneering the concept of integrated lifestyle community developments have found ready clients with the liquidity rich NRIs. Harmit Chawla, vice president sales and marketing, Paras Buildtech India, said that supply runs far short of demand. He said that there were only 30,000 apartments ready in 12 months in Noida against the need for 70,000 apartments. Paras offered two projects at the exhibition, Paras Tierea and Paras seasons in Noida and a commercial project, Paras Trade Centre in Gurgaon. Traditionally, the Indian developers focused on the local market. Of-late developers are waking up to the huge potential of the untapped NRI market. Cont’d on page 43

Real Estate

February 4, 2011

India Post

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Banks tighten norms for commercial projects

anks are getting tough with developers of commercial projects such as office buildings, malls and shopping centers-a fallout of the corporate loan scam that came to light last year. Meanwhile, several large property developers have to repay loans in the coming months. Builders seeking fresh loans have been asked to meet more stringent conditions, including demands to produce five-year lease agreements with tenants, and having to settle for considerably lower borrowings against future rent receivables, two bankers said. Indian Overseas Bank, for instance, will lend to developers only if they produce a five-year leasing agreement with a lock-in period for tenants. "This is what banks do at this moment," said M. Narendra, chairman and managing director of the public sector bank. "This way, you can be sure of the repayment capacity of the borrower." Banks grew wary of lending to commercial real estate projects after several of them turned sour during the slowdown and developers struggled to repay debt. Their worries increased when in November the Central Bureau of Investigation nabbed eight senior officials of state-owned banks and other financial institutions for irregularities in lending to builders. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had been warning banks even earlier about the high-risk nature of realty, terming it a "sensitive sector" along with capital markets and commodities because of likely price fluctuations. Anand Gupta, honorary treasurer of Builders' Association of India, an industry body of construction contractors and builders, said no new commercial real estate project has been launched in the past couple of months. "Banks have not approved any fresh proposals in the last one-two months," he said. "Most banks are even hesitating to release sanctioned money." Bank loans consti-

tute at least half of a developer's borrowings. Already, starved of funds from this key source, developers are turning to land sales, pre-sales from projects, rental income from office buildings, institutional borrowings, and money from public share sales to raise money, a majority of it to repay bank debt. "We have made the process more stringent and are highly selective in choosing (real estate) borrowers," said the head of corporate banking at a state-run bank. He did not want to be named. The executive said his bank has sharply lowered the amount of loan given to even "good" borrowers in the sector against future rent receivables.

refinance debt," said Parikshit Kandpal, analyst at brokerage firm Ambit Capital Pvt. Ltd. "Essentially a lender's market in the current scenario, we will see bankers asking developers to pay up even if there is a shortfall of 20-30%." Kumar Gera, chairman of the Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Association of India, said bank lending to the real estate sector is crucial. "If banks tighten lending, not only would it up borrowing costs for developers, but it would impact the pricing of the end-product," he added. India's top developer DLF Ltd needs to repay around Rs.1,600 crore of debt by 31

Banks grew wary of lending to commercial real estate projects after several of them turned sour during the slowdown and developers struggled to repay debt. Their worries increased when in November the Central Bureau of Investigation nabbed eight senior officials of state-owned banks and other financial institutions for irregularities "For instance, if the rent lease agreement produced by the developer or owner for five years amounts to Rs.1 crore, we earlier used to give some Rs.80 lakh against that. Now, this proportion has been brought down to, say, Rs.50-60 lakh," he pointed out. The exposure of Indian banks to the real estate sector was about Rs.5.8 trillion on 31 March 2010, accounting for nearly 17% of their advances. Of this, bankers estimate around Rs.14, 000 crore is repayable by the end of March. Property analysts say in the wake of falling revenues, cash flow constraints and tightening of bank lending, repayment will not be easy for developers. "Since banks have stopped issuing fresh loans to the sector, developers would resort to high-cost private equity money or

March. It repaid Rs.1,224 crore as of endSeptember with money raised by selling land as well as stakes in its retail business, according to numbers provided by the company after its second quarter earnings. Its net debt now stands at Rs.19, 000 crore. A DLF spokesperson said the company would not comment because of the mandatory silent period ahead of its quarterly results. Housing Development and Infrastructure Ltd (HDIL) has to repay Rs.350 crore by March 2012, and it intends to do so through large land sales and cash flows from its residential transactions, said Hari Prakash Pandey, vice-president (finance and investor relations). HDIL, which recently sold its suburban Mumbai Popular Car Bazaar land for Rs.800

Century to raise Rs 700 crore through PE

entury Real Estate Hold ings, the realty develop ment arm of three-decade old Bangalore-based Century Group, is looking to raise Rs 700 crore through private equity players in three tranches. The company which during the past four years have been focusing on development of projects, is understood to be effecting this deal at the holding company level. The company which raised around $200 million from Goldman Sachs during the recession of 2008-09, is beefing up its land asset base in the development holding arm to cross the 1,500 acre mark to raise additional funding. The Group during during 2010 is understood to have launched projects spanning 1.2 million square feet and is looking to launch projects spread over 1.7 million square feet during 2011. The company currently has 343 acres from 12 SPVs (Special Purpose Vehicles) under its control and is set to add another 1,205

acres by merging another 32 SPVs into itself as it embarks on the fresh round of fund raise which is expected to tied up within third quarter of calendar 2011.

Century has been focusing heavily on development of residential projects with as much as 90 per cent of its development focusing on developing these units, while the rest has been for commercial projects The first round of Rs 200 crore is expected within March 2011. Investment bankers close to the deal indicate that Century is in discussion with global & Indian pri-

vate equity giants including Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, Kotak Realty Fund, Baring Private Equity, HDFC Realty Fund among others for this deal. However, the management of Century Real Estate Holdings declined to comment. Century Real Estate which had earlier initiated discussion with bankers for a possible public offer, seems to have put those plans on the backburner and is actively courting PE players now. Century has been focusing heavily on development of residential projects with as much as 90 per cent of its development focusing on developing these units, while the rest has been for commercial projects. Bankers indicate that Century may be working towards a ratio of 70:30 (residential - commercial) over the next few years. The PE fund raising is slowing picking up in the Bangalore real estate market with as much as $1 billion waiting to be raised from a clutch of players.

crore, will use some of the sale proceeds to repay debt. "Though we can actually prepay some of our debt with this money, the macro challenge today is if we should hold on to cash or repay debt considering tightened liquidity conditions that the sector is likely to face," said Pandey. Typically, advances to commercial real estate projects form only a small part of a bank's loan book due to the higher risk weight for such lending. Even for residential property, a segment that has fared relatively better, RBI announced a slew of measures in its November policy, including a cap on the loan to value ratio at 80% and a higher risk weight for loans above Rs.75 lakh at 125%. Banks typically lend to commercial real estate projects at 13-14% on 5-10-year tenures. Property consultants are also worried about how the dozen-odd developers who were looking to go public last year, but still haven't, will repay their debt. Mumbai-based Lodha Developers Ltd, which was eyeing an initial public offering in 2009-10, has repaid only Rs.850 crore of the Rs.1,650 crore loan it took from Deutsche Bank AG in 2007. Managing director Abhisheck Lodha said the company plans to repay the remaining money in the next few months, largely through internal accruals. "Even if some amount of refinancing of debt takes place, developers will also try to restructure loans to borrow money from the same lender, and that will be expensive," said another property analyst, who didn't want to be named. While revenues did not scale up substantially in the December quarter, robust land purchases have led to increased borrowings. For instance, Indiabulls Real Estate Ltd's (IBREL) debt mounted by Rs.1,690 crore to Rs.3,340 crore on the back of aggressive land acquisition in the fiscal third quarter, according to reports by brokerage firm Motilal Oswal Securities Ltd.

Real Estate received $2.8 billion FDI Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 42

UAE based NRIs are looking beyond the traditional Indian homes and prefer well-developed and maintained communities that offer modern amenities, leisure and entertainment opportunities within spacious and secure environs. Focus is to strike a balance between luxury and functionality. Most of the visitors to the IndiaHome exhibition were looking for second homes, holiday homes and retirement homes

while the ones looking at upgrading the living spaces of their parents back home, are equally conscious of security. IndiaHome property exhibition addressed specific needs of the UAE based NRI property investors. Effective in-person interaction platform with the representatives of top-notch developers, reputed for offering a global lifestyle and great living experiences, showcased the best residential opportunities available across India.

In Brief Illegal immigrant bill clears House hurdle HELENA, Mont.: The Montana House gave initial approval to a bill banning illegal immigrants from receiving workers' compensation insurance benefits. The measure was endorsed on a 60-40 vote and faces a largely procedural final vote before going to the Senate. Backers of the proposal argue it sends a message to those wrongly employing illegal immigrants. Opponents countered that the workers will still get injured, and hospitals will be left picking up the tab for treating them in emergencies. Insurance officials say there may be only a handful of such cases a year in Montana. -AP

ACLU criticizes NM holding center for immigrants ALAMOGORDO, N.M.: A report from the American Civil Liberties Union says a southern New Mexico center that holds immigrants for possible deportation needs to improve how it treats them. Immigrants interviewed by the ACLU at the federal immigration detention center in Otero County complained about prolonged detention, inadequate food, medical services and legal resources, according to an Albuquerque Journal. The 1,084-bed Otero County Processing Center houses immigrants who face deportation proceedings. Many were taken into custody from the interior of the United States. -AP

Omaha lawmaker introduces new resolution LINCOLN, Neb.: A state lawmaker from Omaha has introduced a resolution aimed at countering another Arizona-style illegal immigration measure. State Sen. Brenda Council's measure says immigration is a federal policy issue between the United States and other countries - not Nebraska and other countries. It seeks to have Nebraska's federal delegation help create ``a workable immigration system.'' The resolution makes reference to a federal immigration system that ``separates Nebraska families, destabilizes communities and creates uncertainty, inefficiency and an uneven playing field for Nebraska's businesses and economy.'' -AP

Immigration 44

India Post

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February 4, 2011

Stumbo warns immigration bill needs closer look FRANKFORT, Ky.: House Speaker Greg Stumbo has distributed a letter to lawmakers warning them to look closely at an immigration bill that breezed through the state Senate earlier this month. -AP

GAO recommends re-examination of H-1B program by Congress India Post News Service

65,000. Since then, the cap has fluctuated with legislative changes. Congress asked GAO to assess the impact of the cap on the ability of domestic companies to innovate, while ensuring that U.S. workers are not disadvantaged. In response, GAO examined what is known about (1) employer demand for H-1B workers;

half of H-1B work visa holders in the US were from India, who were mostly hired for technology-related positions. Between 2000 and 2009, 46.9 percent of the total approved H-1B visa holders had India as their country of birth. "Over the last decade, the top four countries of birth for approved H-1B workers were India,

To ensure that the H-1B program continues to meet the needs of businesses in a global economy while maintaining a balance of protections for US workers, the report recommends that the Congress may wish to consider reviewing it (2) how the cap affects employer costs and decisions to move operations overseas; (3) H-1B worker characteristics and the potential impact of raising the cap; and (4) how well requirements of the H1B program protect US workers. GAO analyzed data from 4 federal agencies; interviewed agency officials, experts, and H-1B employers; and reviewed agency documents and literature. The findings reveal that nearly

China, Canada and the Philippines. Across all 10 years, about 64 percent of approved H-1B workers were born in these four countries, with the largest group from India," the report said. "Using publicly available data on H-1B-hiring employers we learnt that at least 10 of the top 85 H-1B-hiring employers in fiscal year 2009 participate in staffing arrangements, of which at least 6 have headquarters or operations

located in India," the report said. "Together, in fiscal year 2009, these 10 employers garnered nearly 11,456 approvals, or about 6 percent of all H-1B approvals. Further, 3 of these employers were among the top 5 H-1B-hiring companies, receiving 8,431 approvals among them," it said. The H1B cap for 2011 quota is 65,000 for general category. To ensure that the H-1B program continues to meet the needs of businesses in a global economy while maintaining a balance of protections for US workers, the report recommends that the Congress may wish to consider reviewing the merits and shortcomings of key program provisions and making appropriate changes as needed. Such a review may include, but would not necessarily be limited to the qualifications required for workers eligible under the H-1B program; exemptions from the cap; the appropriateness of H-1B hiring by staffing companies; the level of the cap; and the role the program should play in the US immigration system in relationship to permanent residency. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 45

Going for a visa stamp can be daunting-II MYRIAM JAIDI

(Continued from last week's article) lthough consular offic ers are not supposed to re-adjudicate USCIS decisions on a petition, they have significant individual power over visa issuance, notwithstanding the transfer of power from the Department of State (DOS) to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) effected by the Homeland Security Act of 2002. An approval by DHS is to be considered prima facie evidence that the requirements for a particular status have been met. See Cable, DOS, 04-State-41682 (February 25, 2004) available here http://bit.ly/hNc4X5. However, the foreign affairs

manual notes that "if information develops during the visa interview (e.g., evidence which was not available to DHS) that gives [the consular officer] reason to believe the beneficiary may not be entitled to status, [the officer] may request any additional evi-

ously available to the DHS, given anecdotal evidence of consular officers reflexively handing out 221(g) letters regardless of what transpired during an interview. In any event, when an applicant receives a 221(g) letter or other request for evidence from a con-

An approval by DHS is to be considered prima facie evidence that the requirements for a particular status have been met dence which bears a reasonable relationship to this issue." 9 FAM 53 N2.2. It is not readily apparent that consuls issue a 221(g) letter based on information that develops during an interview and not previ-

sular officer, it is prudent to fully respond to the consular officer's requests as instructed or risk final denial and, possibly, future ineligibility or revocation of the approval by USCIS. 221(g) letters have been is-

sued for many years, but in recent months US consulates in India have increased their use of such letters. A variety of factors may be influencing this trend. First, in the "Neufeld Memo" era (please see our previous articles on the Neufeld Memo, available here http://bit.ly/iefgsy and here http://bit.ly/f181Ao) , where companies who place employees at client sites to perform services, especially Indian IT companies, have been subjected to increased scrutiny by USCIS to prove the employer-employee relationship, it is not much of a surprise that the scrutiny for such companies has increased at consular posts as well. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 46

Immigration Post

February 4, 2011

India Post

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Ellensburg residents respond to immigration raids ELLENSBURG, Wash.: More than 200 people turned out to a church in a central Washington college town to discuss a series of immigration raids that resulted in more than two dozen arrests and left relatives scrambling to care for the children left behind. Some members of Latino families cried as they gathered at a church to recount the arrests in Ellensburg, a city of 17,000 about 90 miles east of Seattle, while others admonished local law enforcement for participating. Alma Borrayo, 40, said immigration agents broke through her front door with guns in search of her 20-year-old daughter, Monica, accused of using false documents. Clay Myers, Kittitas County undersheriff, told residents he came to the meeting to recount his agency's role in the arrests, which he said were intended to target those facing criminal charges, and to help the community move forward. Local resident Jennifer Lewis credited local authorities for attending the meeting, but said the onus is on them if they were involved in arrests that were not handled appropriately. Those attending the meeting at First United Methodist Church included faculty members and students from the hometown Central Washington University. ``I have children. How would I feel if it happened to me and they snatched me and sent me somewhere and left my kids behind?'' said attendee Raymond Hall, CWU professor of AfricanAmerican folklore. ``Especially if the reason I came here in the first place was to make a better life for them.'' Many Latinos in the commu-

nity nervously hid behind closed doors following the raids, which occurred at three mobile home parks. Thirty people were arrested or detained, according to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Sixteen of those were being held on immigration violations at a detention center. Another fourteen people - including 13 women, one of them pregnant, and man who is a longtime church pastor - made initial court appearances on charges of using false documents or falsely claiming U.S. citizenship. One was charged with re-entry into the United States after deportation. In a statement, ICE officials said the investigation centered

‘I felt bad for my older brother, because he's almost 20 and he has to take care of a family now’ on the manufacture and purchase of counterfeit identity and employment documents. However none of those arrested faced those charges, Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Rice said. ``Those who create and sell fraudulent documents compromise our nation's legal identification system and provide counterfeit identities to those who may otherwise be ineligible to live or work legally in the United States,'' said Leigh Winchell, special agent in charge of the agency's Homeland Security Investigations in Washington

state. In Yakima, tearful relatives, some holding sleeping babies, looked on in court, as a toddler happily crawled on the floor. `Àll of our friends are in there, our families, our extended families,'' said Helen Lopez. `Ìt's our whole community. And it's all of our women-mothers.'' Lopez and her husband, Armando, were still searching for his sister, who was being held on an immigration violation. They now are caring for the sister's two young children along with their own four children. Ricardo Gonzalez, 17, fought tears as he watched immigration agents lead away his mother and father in handcuffs, minutes after entering the family's mobile home in the early morning raid. Gonzalez said agents also briefly handcuffed Gonzalez and his 15-year-old and 19-year-old brothers. ``My heart was destroyed. I knew my life wasn't going to be the same,'' he said. `Ì felt bad for my older brother, because he's almost 20 and he has to take care of a family now.'' Silvia Barrientos said the trailer park where the raid happened is now empty. ``Very few are left,'' she said. ``They know Mexicans live in the trailer park, and here the agents came.'' Barrientos' husband was preparing to go to work around 6 a.m. when police and immigration agents arrived at the trailer park with guns drawn. She said they were shouting orders and knocking down doors, including her brother-in-law's. ``They're saying they're criminals. They're not criminals,'' Barrientos said. -AP

GAO recommends re-examination of H-1B program by Congress Cont’d from page 44

The 34 H-1B employers GAO interviewed reported that the cap has created some additional costs, though the cap's impact depended on the size and maturity of the company. For example, in years when visas were denied by the cap, most large firms reported finding other - sometimes more costly - ways to hire their preferred job candidates. On the other hand, small firms were more likely to fill their positions with different candidates,

which they said resulted in delays and sometimes economic losses, particularly for companies in rapidly changing technology fields. Elements of the H-1B program that could serve as worker protections -- such as the requirement to pay prevailing wages, the visa's temporary status and the cap itself - are weakened by several factors, such as: program oversight is fragmented and restricted; program lacks a legal provision for holding employers accountable to

program requirements when they obtain H-1B workers through a staffing company; statutory changes made to the H-1B program have, in combination and in effect, increased the pool of H-1B workers beyond the cap and lowered the bar for eligibility. "Taken together, the multifaceted challenges identified in this report show that the H-1B program, as currently structured, may not be used to its full potential and may be detrimental in some cases," the GAO report said.

PRADEEP ROY-SINGH B.A. LL.B. M.B.A. J.D. Attorney-at-Law

Former Assistant State s Attorney

Civil & Criminal Litigation Felonies, Misdemeanors, Inc DUI 1 Personal Injury, Business, Divorce etc. 1 Property Tax for Commercial Properties 1 1

http://www.proy-singh.com

2335 W. Devon Ave., Suite 204, Tel: 773-381-1820 Chicago, IL 60659

Immigration Post

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February 4, 2011

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Going for a visa stamp can be daunting-II Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 44

Consulates request tax returns, notarized employee lists, State Unemployment wage reports, etc., to verify that the employer exists and has the right to control the beneficiary's work. Closely tied to this type of inquiry is the consular focus on fraud. Where a consular officer believes fraud may be involved, or receives a fraud warning from the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC), significant documentation will be requested to prove the job, the company, and visa application are genuine. Employers should know that the KCC contacts employers as well as end clients to verify information submitted to the consular post. Therefore, employers and their clients should be advised and prepared to answer inquiries. If an employer inadvertently fails to respond to a query from the KCC, it will be very difficult to dislodge the "fraud warning," which would become deeply embedded in the system. The release of sensitive technology is a long-standing factor that has recently taken on much greater significant in the petition process. This is likely an important contributor to the current 221(g) trend at Indian consulates.

Although implementation has been suspended until February 20, 2011, in November 2010, USCIS announced a radical change to the I-129 petition process for H-1B, H1B1 Chile/Singapore, L-1, and O1A status. The new Form I-129, issued November 23, 2010, will require (starting February 20, 2011) the petitioning employer (and the attorney preparing the form) to attest to compliance with Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) by certifying that a license is not required or that a license will be obtained prior to the release of covered technology to the foreign national. For more information on export control rules, see http://bit.ly/eqzEMm. The trend toward more frequent 221(g) letters requesting information about research and the applications thereof are most likely triggered at the consulates by a concern under the Technology Alert List (TAL), which may in turn be impacted by the export control regulatory and licensing frameworks that have recently become more important to DHS processing of nonimmigrant visa petitions. Concerns under the TAL create an interesting tension

with the US government's recognition of the importance to the US economy of foreign nationals with degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. This concern was manifested by a rule change in 2008 enabling individuals with STEM degrees to obtain a 17-month extension of

If an employer inadvertently fails to respond to a query from the KCC, it will be very difficult to dislodge the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;fraud warningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Optional Practical Training time, see the regulations here http:// bit.ly/fcnb0l. The TAL on the other hand reflects a suspicion of these same individuals that can result in significant delays for them at US consulates abroad, seemingly undermining the urgent need for their services in the United States. There are also other issues at

play that can cause delay -- name checks, criminal history checks, visa violation checks. In light of all of these issues, as well as the unpredictability, and the seemingly unfettered power of consular officers, what can be done? There is no magic solution, but here are some pointers: Be prepared. What does this mean? Review your educational and work history, review the petition filed on your behalf with USCIS, and review any contact you may have had with the criminal justice system. Collect all your documents related to these issues. If you work in a science/technology field, review the latest release of the Technology Alert List, which was made in 2002 and is available here http://bit.ly/ dT2fPO, to determine whether your work may fall under any of the listed categories. The current version of the TAL has been defined as "Sensitive But Unclassified" and the Department of State does not release updated versions to the public. See 9 FAM 40.31 Exhibit I. If the consular officer decides your position raises concerns under the TAL, you will most likely be

asked to present the documents indicated in the second 221(g) sample discussed above. Also review the section on the TAL in the Foreign Affairs Manual, which includes interview questions. 9 FAM 40.31 Notes available here http:// bit.ly/e4TuNd. If you have had any arrests or criminal convictions, even for minor issues, be sure to discuss them with your attorney prior to leaving and have certificates of dispositions and perhaps even a memo of law explaining how you are not "inadmissible." Please see our previous article available here http://bit.ly/ gmHPLv. Be patient, and as discussed above, follow the instructions on the 221(g) letter carefully. In addition, have your attorney contact the consulate to follow up on your case. If the delay is significant, ask your attorney to contact the Visa Office, which can be reached by phone at (202) 6631225, by fax at (202) 663-3899 or by email at legalnet@state.gov. * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

Colo. lawmakers launch debate over immigration DENVER: A bipartisan focus on jobs and the economy -and Democrats' control of the Senate and governor's office may quickly doom an early effort by Colorado's Republican Senate caucus to enact an Arizona-style immigration law this year. Illegal immigration is a key part of the Senate caucus agenda but it isn't shared by their colleagues in the Republican-controlled House, where House Speaker Frank McNulty insists the party is most concerned with jobs. Gov. John Hickenlooper has vowed to veto any law similar to Arizona's, saying immigration is a federal responsibility. Democratic lawmakers say the divisive issue must take a back seat to creating jobs. ``Some of the other things that

are coming forward, whether it's the Arizona-style immigration legislation or otherwise, I think that those are social wedge issues that are designed to distract us from our real focus,'' said Senate President Brandon Shaffer.

Julien Ross said Arizona-style law would devastate Colorado's economy Shaffer has sent the GOP bill to the Senate State Affairs Committee, where it is likely to die. That doesn't deter Senate Minority Leader Mike Kopp. ``We campaigned on those issues and now that we've been elected, we'll pursue it,'' Kopp said. The caucus bill would allow police officers to arrest anyone they suspect may be an illegal immigrant. It does not include a divisive element of Arizona's law that has been put on hold by a court: requiring immigrants to carry immigration registration papers. Senate Republicans also want to compel employers to verify

workers' immigration status as well as meaningful enforcement of existing state immigration laws. State estimates of the number of illegal immigrants in Colorado range from 225,000 to 500,000. Republicans claim they cost state taxpayers $1.2 billion a year for public education, corrections, mandatory translation services and other costs, based on estimates from the Federation for American Immigration Reform, a conservative watchdog group. Julien Ross, director of the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, said an Arizona-style law would devastate Colorado's economy. Ross said the Arizona hospitality industry alone has lost more than $253 million in revenue since the law went into effect last year. Colorado passed some of the nation's toughest state immigration laws during a 2006 special session with Democrats in the majority. One law requires police agencies to report to immigration officials anyone they arrest whom they suspect may be in the country illegally. It's up to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to determine what to do with those reports. -AP

February 4, 2011

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Philosophy

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adhguru Jaggi Vasudev of Isha Foundation was celebrating his village reform movement in Tamil Nadu. More than 500,000 people had turned up in Coimbatore for the village festival. When the state governor Surjit Singh Barnala, who was viewing the rally with Sadhguru, saw the sea of people - all of whom had come at their own expense, by bullock cart, bicycle, tractor and bus - he turned around in amazement and remarked: "Such things used to happen only when the Mahatma (Gandhi) was there!" The Sadhguru replied the Mahatma had a greater advantage: he had an external enemy, an outsider to rally people against. "I want you to know these people have come with the interest of changing their lives," he told the governor. "And one thing I'm constantly telling them is there is no enemy, you are the only enemy. Your lethargy, your prejudice, or whatever else it is, your ignorance is the only enemy; there is none other." As Sadhguru spoke about the incidence of 'the enemy within' during a recent interview, one was reminded of the classic verse from the Bhagavad Gita (aavrutam jnanametena), about knowledge constantly being enveloped by ignorance like fire encircled and hidden by smoke. "So what's the solution?" the Sadhguru was asked. "The whole

refrain of my teaching is just this you are the person who has to transform. People always mistake revolution as something to change other people! Revolution is not about changing somebody else. Wanting somebody else to change is a basic human problem. Mother-in-law wants daughterin-law to change and vice versa. Similarly, father wants son to change and son wants father to reform; this is an age-old problem.

That's not revolution. Revolution starts with oneself. That's the manthan, churning, we've launched where millions have joined up, all willing to change, to do whatever is needed. The essence of what we do in this world is what is needed, not what one likes." "Called 'silent revolution of self-realisation', it's on a spiritual plane," Sadhguru added. "But without a social movement the spiritual dimension will not reach

happy, it's another expression of the same energy. You're loving, it's another expression of the same energy. If you have some mastery over your own energies, you can express your energy as you wish. You will see that you will naturally become a joyous being because now your energies find a conscious expression. Human Compassion: If you have found true value within yourself, then whatever you do is sim-

simply because they expend so much effort and energy throughout the day attending to worldly matters, they find there is no inner peace and they become desperate. There is desperation everywhere. As society becomes more and more affluent, you will see people becoming more and more distressed, desperate and hopeless. Like never before we have comforts outside, but like never before we are uncomfortable inside.

SWAMI DAYANANDA SARASWATI

mind goes all over the place." Which book? "My text book, Sanskrit." You said it. Suppose you are reading about a particular topic that you like, or the book is a novel by an author you love. There, you find concentration. You will read the whole book in one day. From where do you get this concentration? You can understand that unless you have it,

that, you have concentration, because there is a certain emotional satisfaction in it. Everybody has concentration; it is a question of discovering that particular attraction for a topic. You have to discover that. Any topic, once you get involved in it, once you begin to understand it properly, elicits concentration. So no one can say that he or she has no concentration.

you can't see the motion unless it is. It has to be momentary, like a movie. Your mind is not like a Polaroid camera. It is momentary, so you don't see a single picture. It goes on taking pictures; that is how the mind works. It has to move; the Bhagavadgita confirms it: caïcalam hi manaù. "The mind has to move, okay, but why should it not chant, when I want

What is samädhäna? ittaikägratä Right in front of you, agre, there is only one thing, eka. This is ekägra, and ekägratä is the abstract noun. The meaning of samädhäna is the status of your mind, citta, focusing on one thing at a time, cittaekägratä samädhänaà. This is an accomplishment for oneself. Citta-ekägratä has to be mentioned, because people may have difficulty in keeping the mind in one track of thinking. To keep the mind in a particular track of thinking for a length of time is an accomplishment, because the mind moves. Cittaekägratä is the capacity to bring it back. The mind's nature is to move; in fact, it has got to, because only then can you know things. But then, it can not only move, but move away from your chosen occupation. And therefore, you should have the capacity to bring it back. This is called samädhäna. You all have this citta-ekägratä, capacity to keep the mind in a given track. People often tell me, "Swamiji, I have no concentration." Who has no concentration, tell me? You may say, "I have no concentration because when I read the book, my

the common people. So we've taken up projects on ecology, antipoverty, health rejuvenation, etc. Simple things: washing hands, planting trees, a papaya or a drumstick tree are bringing 'revolution'." The journey of a billion souls does start with one step you take. Self-Mastery: Every experience you go through is just an expression of your energy. If you're angry, it's a certain expression of your energy. You're

ply what is needed for the situation. You're not doing it to fulfill yourself. There is no desperation in your action. Your action is just an expression of your divinity. Global Unrest: Today, you see people who have more comforts than they could have ever dreamed of. An average citizen possesses today what even kings and queens couldn't afford a hundred years ago, but still you see people are so distressed. This is

Give, and it shall be given to you. For whatever measure you deal out to others, it will be dealt to you in return. -Bible

Revolution starts with oneself: Sadhguru If you have found true value within yourself, then whatever you do is simply what is needed for the situation. You're not doing it to fulfill yourself

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev

Bringing mind back into focus is meditation Swami Dayananda Saraswati

you can't apply that concentration under any circumstances. So, in what you are interested, there is concentration. But what you are interested in, what you have a value for cognitively, intellectually, you may find is not compelling, emotionally. There is no hero, no drama in Sanskrit text. But once you begin loving

To keep the mind in a particular track of thinking for a length of time is an accomplishment, because the mind moves Cittaekägratä is the capacity to bring it back Still, someone can say, "Swamiji, if I have concentration, why, when I am chanting a mantra, does my mind move away? It goes all over." It is the mind's nature to go all over. It should not be stagnant. Otherwise you won't be able to know anything. The thought frame must be momentary, because

it to? When I am repeating something mentally, my mind moves away from what I am repeating." Do you know what? This is called meditation. Part of the definition of meditation is to bring back the mind to what you are doing. That is what meditation is. Excerpted from Tattvabodha

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. -Lao Tzu Money talks, but it develops a stammer in life's big crises, a lisp in deep communication, and becomes tongue-tied when what it wants to buy is not for sale! - Lloyd Ogilvie Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference. - Robert Frost There is safety in reserve, but no attraction. One cannot love a reserved person. -Jane Austen Courage is the discovery that you may not win, and trying when you know you can lose. -Tom Krause

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J&K: Politics in the labyrinth AJAI SAHNI & AJIT KUMAR SINGH

'political solution', every political actor in Srinagar and Delhi faithfully parrots, is required to resolve the unending crisis of violence and terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K). The evidence, however, suggests that the very people who are loudest in their proclamations of the 'political solution' are often the fountainhead of problems in the State, at a time when extraordinary gains have, in fact been registered on a wide range of security parameters. Thus, a major breakthrough was secured - entirely without the mediation of the State's principal political formations, or the Centre and its 'interlocutors' - when moderates within the separatist constituency broke rank to speak out for the first time, with exceptional courage and candor, against the terrorists who had hijacked the movement in Kashmir, and who had murdered some of the State's most notable leaders. Most conventional political players, however, continue to pander to the extremist political formations and constituency, while others remain simply disruptive. On January 2, 2011, the chief spokesman of the separatist Hurriyat Conference, Abdul Ghani Bhat, broke through the conspiracy of silence and terror that had enveloped J&K for over two decades, to declare: "Lone Sahib, Mirwaiz Farooq and Professor Wani were not killed by the Army or the police. They were targeted by our own people... The story is a long one, but we have to tell the truth. If you want to free the people of Kashmir from sentimentalism bordering on insanity, you have to speak the truth.... Here I am letting it out. The present movement against India was started by us killing our intellectuals... wherever we found an intellectual, we ended up killing him..." Other voices quickly echoed Ghani Bhat's sentiment, albeit more guardedly, including Gani Lone's sons, Sajjad and Bilal Lone, who regretted their own past failure to expose their father's assassins, because of "an element of fear". Ghani Bhat's offensive went further, to directly attack the campaign of stone pelting and disruption that had enveloped the Valley through the summer of 2010 under the principal leadership and direction of the rival Tehrik-eHurriyat chairman, Syed Ali Shah Gilani. "There was a hartal (shut down) for five months and 112 people died," Ghani Bhat argued,

"And at the end of it there is nothing by way of achievement. This is what happens when there is no thinking, no strategy." In this declaration, Ghani Bhat was articulating a widespread sentiment that had been actively, and often violently suppressed through the stone pelting campaign. Any failure to follow Gilani's 'calendar' of disruption ordinarily met with swift reprisals; shop keepers who failed to down shutters were thrashed, their shops vandalized; special buses transporting children to school were stopped and burned; trucks and cars moving along highways were forced to stop on the roadside for hours on end, and those who argued or protested would have their screens, and sometimes more, smashed.

There have been tremendous gains in J&K over the past years, particularly since 2002, and these have been consolidated through relentless sacrifices on the part of the SFs. Little, if any, credit is due to the political leadership, either at the Centre or in the State, while significant reversals can certainly be directly attributed to botched political initiatives and destructive political postures and decisions Despite the intimidation, resistance to the unending strikes and stone-pelting was not unknown. There were numberless cases of non-cooperation, particularly of what became known as the 'halfshutter phenomenon', where shops and businesses operated with their shutters only half open, to quickly evade reprisal in case a wandering gang of separatist 'enforcers' came by. Indeed, on September 1, 2010, at the height of the campaign, activist Farooq Ganderbal had organized a small protest demonstration at Residency Road. Again, on November 7, 2010, activists of the Jammu & Kashmir Non-governmental Organizations (NGO) Forum managed to stage a small

'peace rally' in Srinagar, against the shut-downs. It is crucial to note, in this context, that the entire protracted stone-pelting campaign was directly backed by Pakistan and by Pakistan-based terrorist formations, in a strategy to offset declining capacities for terrorist action. Given the atmosphere of enveloping terror and intimidation the open voicing of dissent against the dominant, terroristbacked, separatist position in J&K was unprecedented, and was quickly seized upon - but just as quickly relinquished - by the media. Despite the sea change in the ground situation that these tentative developments indicate (and they can easily be reversed at the cost of a few bullets), no constitutional political formation, and neither the State Government nor the Centre, appear to have significantly accommodated these changes within their current policy framework. Indeed, the unsettling nonsense that has been the essence of the political discourse, and of various 'peace-making initiatives' in J&K, and the relentless appeasement of the most extreme voices, remains the hallmark of all policy and pronouncements. There have been tremendous gains in J&K over the past years, particularly since 2002, and these have been consolidated through relentless sacrifices on the part of the SFs. Little, if any, credit is due to the political leadership, either at the Centre or in the State, while significant reversals can certainly be directly attributed to botched political initiatives and destructive political postures and decisions. It is these gains and these sacrifices that have opened up tiny and tentative spaces for political dissent and democratic discourse in J&K, long dominated by a politics, exclusively, of separatism both hard and soft. Any dilution of the slowly deepening security cover in J&K will quickly squeeze these emerging spaces - and the occasional and hesitant political voices that are finding expression within them - out of existence. If Kashmir is to be recovered from the politics of hate and terrorism that has consumed it for over two decades, these incipient voices will have to be nurtured and, more importantly, protected. This is touchstone against which all present and future policy must be judged. Ajai Sahni is Editor, SAIR; Executive Director, Institute for Conflict Management and Ajit Kumar Singh is Research Fellow, Institute for Conflict Management

India Post Voter's dilemma

he Indian voter doesn't approve of extremism, whether of the religious kind (BJP) or the social kind (Communists). That leaves the Congress to be the only normal and natural party of governance. But years of trust given to it by the electorate has been repeatedly betrayed by this party by widespread corruption among its ranks. Not tied down by any ideology, its members have been freely misusing their powers to amass fortunes for themselves and their kin. Those entrusted with governance have shown little enthusiasm for it. Opinion polls being conducted in the media show thumbs down to the Congress for the spate of scams recently exposed. And that doesn't count the dozens of scams which haven't been exposed. Does that mean the electorate will vote for the alternative next time, which happens to be the BJP, because the communists stand little chance in India? Whenever the Congress has lost to the BJP it was not because people had developed love for the latter's religious extremism. It was disgust with the Congress' misgovernance and its apathy towards the common man's problems. Where the common man's problems were not given a short shrift, and there was visible progress, the electorate has repeatedly brought back the Congress as in Delhi. The capital, once considered a fortress of the BJP, has not gone back to the BJP for more than a decade because the Sheila Dikshit government has shown so much progress. She is identified with the metro, the better bus service, the Bhagidari system of administration in alliance with welfare associations of housing colonies. This is in contrast with the Congress of old people in the Central government which not only tolerates the corrupt at the top but dithers in taking action against them. And for the common man the gift is high prices of food items, which the concerned government minister says he is unable to tackle. The alternative BJP is also not a party of governance. More often than not it indulges in politics of disruption. Its latest attempt is to add fuel to the fire in Kashmir by trying to hoist the national flag at the prominent Lal Chowk in Srinagar. At a time when a team of interlocutors has been appointed to talk to the people of Kashmir and is trying to ascertain the views of all sections of society with the mandate to recommend a solution, or a set of solutions to the difficult problem, the BJP is tending to undo the positive fallout of this measure. Probably it is doing this drama to deflect attention from its own corruption ridden governance in Karnataka where its chief minister BS Yeddyurappa is refusing to step down in the face of serious charges of corruption and nepotism. Can such a party be entrusted with the governance of an entire country? Obviously it cannot come to power on its own and would have to do so in alliance with some regional parties. To that extent, it will have to tone down its extremism. But its extremism and condoning of violence by its sister concerns do not exactly enthuse the ordinary voter. Also, it doesn't have a leader of the stature of Atal Bihari Vajpayee under whose umbrella the extremist elements were contained. The shrill opposition leader Sushma Swaraj is hardly PM material. And the Rajya Sabha leader Arun Jaitley is so identified with cricket politics and negative postures on issues like Kashmir that he cannot be seen as a national leader. So where does the nation go from here? The national parties are not in a position to attract positive vote. They have repeatedly squandered the trust. So the future of elections in India is negative voting.

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