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Indian Embassy celebrates Republic Day

VOL 18, No. 960

February 8, 2013

50¢

Periodical Postage

INDIANS, PAKIS URGE 'PEACE-MONGERING'

Kapil Sibal joins Republic Day celebrations Details on page 16

US seeks investor protection rules in bilateral pact

Details on page 8

Kamal promotes 'Vishwaroopam' in Bay Area

Details on page 7

CONTENTS

Details on page 48

Bollywood ---------------------- 28-29 Classifieds ------------------------- 47

RBI cuts policy rates by 0.25 % to perk up growth

Community Post -------------- 16-25 Date Book -------------------------- 27 Edit Page --------------------------- 54 HealthScience Post --------- 32-36 Horoscope ------------------------- 52

Details on page 6

Immigration Post ------------- 43-46 Life Style ----------------------- 48-50

INDIA POST SURVEY Will

Philosophy ------------------------- 53

survey@indiapost.com

Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4

This week’s question

Real Estate -------------------- 30-31 TechBiz Post ------------------- 12-14

‘peace-mongering’ between India, Pakistan work?

Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 39-42

Last week’s result

Will top scientists agree to work in India?

YES 63%

NO 37%

GLOBAL PEACE VIGIL: Joint Action Committee for Peoples Rights (JACPR) activists holds placards during a vigil for peace between Pakistan and India in Karachi on January 27. The 'Global Vigil' was held across cities including Boston, Karachi, Lahore, Los Angeles, Mumbai, New Delhi, New York, Toronto and Washington

NEW YORK: Amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, people from both nations settled in the US came together here to spread the message of "peace-mongering" at a 'global peace vigil' where they appealed to governments to engage in dialogue to resolve disputes.

The 'India-Pakistan Peace Now Global Vigil' was held across cities including Boston, Karachi, Lahore, Los Angeles, Mumbai, New Delhi, New York, Toronto and Washington.

In New York, the vigil was held at Union Square near the statue of Mahatma Gandhi and was attended by people

of Indian and Pakistani origin, who stressed on the message of "peace-mongering instead of war-mongering."

People participating in the vigil called for the need to ratchet down tension between India and Pakistan and "toning down the war hype" in the aftermath of the killing of soldiers along the Line of Control earlier this month.

People held banners that read, 'Hope for peace', 'Down with war-hype', 'India-Pakistan friends across LoC' and 'Stay the peace course.'

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

Cont’d on page 5

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Publisher’s Diary

C

ultural terrorism. That's the new catch phrase in India these days. The last I had heard it being used was when the Taliban destroyed the ancient Buddhist statues in Bamiyaan, Afghanistan in 2001.

As I understand from some online urban dictionary, the term cultural terrorism comes in many forms and so of course there are no geographic boundaries to its practice. We see it in many benign forms here in the United States - you know all those seemingly harmless gay, Black, immigrant jokes between coworkers, well, they would amount to cultural terrorism. But beyond seeing them as insensitive, I wouldn't really see them as terrorist activities.

In India, though, the term takes on a different connotation altogether. Here you have the religious fundamentalists and political vested interests at play, which can create situations as tense as those after a bloody terrorist attack.

There simply are too many groups in India that either take offense to or whose sentiments are hurt or those who anoint themselves as the de facto protectors of so called Indian culture that it has become impossible for anyone to say or do either through a film, a song or a poem, a painting, a book, a play, a newspaper column or comment, a blog post, a discussion on television, a public speech, or just any form of expression. You just never know who decides he/she doesn't like something. Ironically, in such situations the rights of those who want to express themselves, it would seem, count to nothing either legally or by government decree, whereas even a small group of lumpen elements that threatens violence because of its right to protest, gets away with sheer muscle.

At this rate, I wonder if in India one would even be able to discuss weather in a public way - it might be labeled as Hindu weather or Muslim weather, Scheduled Caste or Brahmin weather, depending on which time of the day or night you discuss it.

Jokes apart, do Indians realize that there simply is no end to such attitudes which if you ask me, is not cultural terrorism, but terrorism of irrationality.

Romesh K Japra rkjapra@indiapost.com

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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Can't do action, sala Salman Khan has sportingly admitted that his health condition does not allow him to perform daredevil stunts.

Cover Story: Peace-mongering People from India and Pakistan settled in the US came together in New York to spread the message of "peace-mongering"

Community: FIA R-Day Federation of Indo-Americans Association on Sunday January 27 celebrated India's Republic Day at Newark Pavilion.

Health: healthcare challenges Legal challenges over birth control coverage in health care overhaul are moving toward the U.S. Supreme Court.

Life Style: Kamal in Bay area Kamal Hassan was in Bay area last week to promote 'Vishwaroopam', a spy thriller set against Al-Qaeda training camps.

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Indians, Pakis urge 'peace-mongering' Cont’d from page 1

"It makes no sense for India and Pakistan to have the level of tension we have now. A friendlier neighborhood would be good for both countries. It does no good for Pakistan to have tension with a neighbor like India and for India to have an unstable neighbor in Pakistan," organizer of the vigil here Ibrahim Sajid Malick told PTI.

in Boston, said people from both nations have felt a "disconnect" between the "media hype" and at the people to people level over the tension between India and Pakistan.

Nearly 50 people participated in the event organized near Harvard University by the South Asia Centre, Alliance for Secular and Democratic South Asia, Harvard South Asian Association

for soldiers killed on both sides of the LoC as people called for an "uninterrupted and uninterruptible" dialogue process between the two nations.

Sarwar said among messages that people sought to spread through the vigil was that it is time that the governments and armies of both nations listened to the voice of the people rather than trying to lead the people into war

Muslim women campaign for peace and harmony

Volunteers display placards at India-Pakistan peace vigil at Harvard Square in Boston on Jauary 27

Beena Sarwar, a journalist from Pakistan based in Cambridge and one of the organizers of the vigil

and Harvard Kennedy School South Asia Caucus.

A moment of silence was held

mongering.

"People do not want war," she said.

Those participating in the vigil peace and economic stability."

"Dialogue between India and expressed concern at the "warhype" being built by "sections of Pakistan must be uninterrupted the media" in the wake of the and uninterruptible. Any deviaclashes at the LoC. "We condole the loss of lives on both They called on both nations sides and condemn any to continue the dialogue kind of mutilation or process, resume trade and beheading of human bodies. We urge inde- travel across the LoC, bependent investigations sides undertaking other into these reported inconfidence building meacidents so that the truth is known," the organiz- sures, which would help ers said. contribute to peace They called on both nations to continue the dialogue process, resume trade tion from this process will only and travel across the LoC, besides encourage and strengthen extremundertaking other confidence ist and fanatical elements on both building measures, which would sides who want to derail the peace help contribute to "long-term process," they said. -PTI

Kargil, a '4-man show'; Sharif 'not' totally in dark ISLAMABAD: The operation by Pakistani soldiers to capture strategic heights in Kargil sector in 1999 was a "four-man show" orchestrated by former army chief Gen Pervez Musharraf though then premier Nawaz Sharif was "not" kept totally in the dark, a retired general has said.

Lt Gen (retired) Shahid Aziz, who recently created ripples by acknowledging in an article that regular troops were involved in the Kargil operation, said the "misadventure" was a "four-man show" and details were initially hidden from the rest of the military commanders.

When the operation began in the spring of 1999, it was known only to Musharraf, Chief of General Staff Lt Gen Mohammad Aziz, Force Command Northern Areas chief Lt Gen Javed Hassan and 10 Corps commander Lt Gen Mahmud Ahmad, Aziz told the

Dawn newspaper.

Though former premier Nawaz Sharif has for long claimed that he had no information about the Kargil operation, Aziz said information he had gathered suggested Sharif was not kept "com-

Pervez Musharraf

pletely in the dark".

Aziz said he was personally not aware of what information had been shared with Sharif but recalled that another general had told him that Sharif had once asked during an informal discus-

sion: "When are you giving us Kashmir?" This suggested that Sharif was not completely in the dark, Aziz said.

The former general's remarks are the first time someone from the senior military hierarchy has spoken in detail and with frankness about the Kargil conflict, the report said.

Aziz said the operation was a "failure" and the actual figure for Pakistani casualties was still not known.

"It was a failure because we had to hide its objectives and results from our own people and the nation. It had no purpose, no planning and nobody knows even today how many soldiers lost their lives," he said.

A majority of corps commanders and principal staff officers were kept in the dark and even then Director General of Military Operations Lt Gen Tauqir Zia learnt about the operation after it had

begun, said Aziz, who was the head of the analysis wing of the ISI in 1999.

Musharraf worked on a policy of "need to know" throughout his tenure as army chief and later President, Aziz said.

Musharraf would issue orders

was involved in it and perhaps a section of 10 Corps," said Aziz.

He claimed the operation reflected a "major intelligence failure for India".

"It was a miscalculated move", he said, adding that "its objectives were not clear and its

Aziz said he was personally not aware of what information had been shared with Sharif but recalled that another general had told him that Sharif had once asked during an informal discussion: "When are you giving us Kashmir?" This suggested that Sharif knew to only those who were required to implement them instead of first consulting corps commanders and other officers.

"The Pakistan Army did not plan the operation because Gen Musharraf never saw Kargil as a major operation. Only the FCNA

ramifications were not properly evaluated".

Aziz said he first discovered that something was up in Kargil when he came across wireless communication intercepts that showed something was making "Indian forces panic".-PTI

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RBI cuts policy rates by 0.25 pc to perk up growth MUMBAI: After a long gap of 9 months, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has reduced the shortterm lending rate by 0.25 per cent and decided to release Rs 18,000 crore of primary liquidity, a move that would lead to moderation in home, auto and corporate loans.

These initiatives are aimed at encouraging investments, supporting growth and anchoring inflationary expectations, RBI Governor D Subbarao said while unveiling the third quarter monetary policy review here.

Shedding its long hawkish monetary policy stance, the RBI cut short-term lending rate called repo by 0.25 per cent to 7.75 per cent and Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) by similar margin to 4 per cent, releasing Rs 18,000 crore primary liquidity into the system.

Following the repo rate revision, the other policy rates like reverse repo, bank rate, and Marginal Standing Facility Rate too will come down by 0.25 per cent.

While repo rate cut will reduce the cost of borrowing for individuals and corporates, the reduction in CRR, which is the portion of deposits that banks have to park with RBI, would improve the availability of funds.

Soon after the policy announcement, several bankers hinted at cutting lending and deposit rates by as much as 0.25 per cent in the coming days.

Commenting on the policy action, Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said: "It is a positive step which will infuse liquidity and help in cata-

RBI Governor D Subbarao (C) along with deputy governors K C Chakraborty and Urjit Patel addressing the media after the RBI’s Monetary Policy review meeting in Mumbai on January 29

lyzing growth."

The RBI, however, has reduced the growth projections for the current financial year to 5.5 per cent from its earlier estimate of 5.8 per cent.

While stock markets initially cheered the move with the BSE Sensex moving up by 91 points, however, in the afternoon trade, the Sensex declined to 20,050, down by 54 points.

Industry chambers too gave a thumbs up to the RBI monetary action saying it will help in reviving the industrial growth.

On inflation, the RBI moderated the rate to 6.8 per cent for Marchend from earlier projection of 7.5

Industry chambers too gave a thumbs up to the RBI monetary action saying it will help in reviving the industrial growth per cent.

"The moderation in inflation conditions provides the opportunity for monetary policy to act in conjunction with fiscal and other measures to stem growth risks," Subbarao said.

He praised government's recent reform measures including liberalization of FDI in retail, deferment of GAAR and progressive deregulation of fuel prices saying these actions would "help engender stable macroeconomic conditions and return the economy to its high growth trajectory."

Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia said the CRR cut will have impact on long term interest rates.

"I think this is the right thing to do at this point of time given that (the decline) in economy is beginning to bottom out," he said.

Prime Minister's Economic Ad-

visory Council (PMEAC) Chairman C Rangarajan said: "RBI has taken a very balanced view. This will ensure that stimulus is provided to growth while continuing efforts to contain inflation. The RBI will cut rates if inflation behaves as per its projection."

On the possible impact of the RBI's decision on interest rates, SBI Chairman Pratip Chaudhuri said the bank will hold its Asset Liability Committee (ALCO) meeting to consider rate cut.

"There is a case for transmission after the RBI's action," said Punjab National Bank Chairman and Managing Director K R Kamath.

ICICI Bank Managing Director Chanda Kochhar said there will be positive impact on EMIs. "There would be a rate action on monthly loan repayment." Echoing similar views, Canara Bank executive director A K Gupta said the bank would consider interest rate cut in the light of RBI policy action.

The repo rate, which was cut last in April 2012, stands revised at 7.75 per cent, while the liquidity infusing CRR stands at 4 per cent effective February 9. CRR was last reduced by 0.25 per cent in November 2012.

Inflation has been the prime inhibiting factor that has prevented the RBI from cutting repo rate in the last nine months.

However, during the period RBI undertook a host of liquidity infusing measures like a cut of 1.75 per cent in CRR, government bond buybacks and a one percentage point reduction in SLR.-PTI

Sotheby's offers sale of Indian art in New York NEW DELHI: Highly sought which have been published and after works by modern and con- exhibited globally. temporary Indian artists like M F Proceeds from the sale will unHusain, Tyeb Mehta, F N Souza derwrite a project space and lecand Sayed Haider among others, ture room at the Khoj Internaall owned by a single art collector tional Artists' Association in New is up for sale by Sotheby's, which last conducted such an auction in the year 2000.

Pegged to bring in around USD 5 to USD 7 million (approximately Rs 38.5 crore), the sale, set to take place in New York on March 19, also marks Sotheby's first evening sale of Indian Art. Previews of works would be held in Delhi, Yamini Mehta, international head for South London and New York.

Asian art, Sotheby’s A total of 43 artworks from "Amaya" the collection of art Delhi. collector Amrita Jhaveri, comprise "Sotheby's is delighted to be works produced during the sec- in New Delhi this week with our ond half of the 20th century dynamic and experienced Indian through to the early 21st, many of art team showcasing highlights of

the prestigious Amaya collection to our Indian clients to whom we are committed to providing the highest possible service," said Robin Woodhead, Chairman of Sotheby's International in a statement.

"This initiative follows two high-profile Indian-themed exhibitions in the last nine months - our collaboration with couturiers Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla for the London launch of their book 'India Fantastique' and 'Inspired by India', an exhibition of contemporary design," he added.

"This sale is a celebration of the very best of Indian art. The impulse to share these rare works with other collectors while continuing on the journey remains strong.

Going forward I would also like to enable the work done at Khoj and support public exhibitions and collections of Indian art abroad," said Amrita Jhaveri.

Jhaveri was the first Indian to be offered a job at Christie's and currently runs an art gallery in Mumbai.

A total of 43 artworks from "Amaya" the collection of art collector Amrita Jhaveri, comprise works produced during the second half of the 20th century through to the early 21st Yamini Mehta, Senior Director, Sotheby's, who is conducting the auction said, "The collection is one of the finest single owner collections of Indian Art to come to

the market. Amrita Jhaveri has spent more than two decades putting together, with a passionate and scholarly approach, a stellar collection... Her remarkable eye has also enabled her to seek out some exceptional works by younger contemporary artists."

This also marks the first sale for Sothebys by Yamini, a veteran of the Indian Art market.

Leading the sale is an untitled 1982 painting by Tyeb Mehta with an estimated price of USD 800,000 to USD 1.2 million. This painting was formerly in the important collection of Chester and Davida Herwitz and was purchased from Sotheby's in 2000.

Another highlight of the forthcoming Sotheby's auction is "Rajasthan I", a 1980s work by S H Raza, which merges the artist's abstract influences from France and India. It has been estimated between USD 600,000- USD 800,000.-PTI

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US seeks investor protection rules in bilateral pact AGRA: US has sought a high level of openness, strong rules on investor protection and effective means for resolving investment disputes under its proposed Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) with India.

"We're aiming for a BIT that gives a high level of openness to investment across the economy, provides strong rules on investor protection and transparency, and offers effective means for resolving investment disputes," said

gether on earth observation satellite projects which would help in predicting monsoon patterns and respond to natural disasters.

On energy sector, he said the US is seeking a broader and deeper dialogue on energy. The Clean Energy Finance Center in New Delhi which represents US agencies has mobilized over USD 1.7 billion for projects in India.

"We both benefit from our comprehensive strategic dialogue on energy, in light of dramatic

The visiting official said the US is enormously optimistic about India's future that New Delhi's greater role on the world stage will enhance peace and security and further opening of the markets will pave the way to greater regional and global prosperity.

Robert D Hormats, US Under Secretary Of State for Economic Growth, Energy and Environment.

He was speaking at the CII's Global Partnership Summit.

With an aim to boost bilateral investments, the US and Indian governments are engaged in BIT negotiations.

Under the science and technology cooperation, Hormats said, the two nations are working to-

changes in technology and in the global energy market.

"This dialogue takes on even more importance with the growing role of the Indian Ocean in global energy shipments, regional energy and maritime security, growing power needs, and sustainable clean energy objectives," he said.

He further said although both the sides have come far, "we still

have more work to do to ensure this relationship achieves its potential."

The visiting official said the US is enormously optimistic about India's future that New Delhi's greater role on the world stage will enhance peace and security and further opening of the markets will pave the way to greater regional and global prosperity.

"But our governments cannot assume the relationship will be self-sustaining without mutual effort. This is the challenge we all face today. We have the opportunity to establish a framework for enduring growth for our two countries," he added.

Hormats also stressed that collaborative effort is required in the agriculture sector, mainly in the efforts to stop food loss between the farmer and the consumer.

"This can be prevented by cold chain storage and other methods.

Companies are willing to invest in such systems if given the right opportunities and a welcoming environment," he said.

He said innovators in areas such as IT, pharma, and clean energy need assurance that their ideas will be protected throughout the process.

"It encourages more innovation and investment in these sectors. That is why we strongly support working together with India

Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai and US Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and Environment, Robert D. Hormats shake hands before a meeting in New Delhi on January 29

and other nations of Asia to ensure a strong intellectual property rights system that will encourage high-technology innovations, providing widespread benefits to all of our nations," he said.

He further said the US also encourages India to consider a range

of market-based solutions that can better support jobs and growth, while creating a level playing field.

"Predictable and clear policies will encourage businesses to expand, and to devote the long-term capital and resources required for further growth," he said. -PTI

Lodha Group Worli venutre off to great start India Post News Service

MUMBAI: Lodha Group's luxury residential development, Codename Blue Moon at Worli saw an unprecedented response with more than 1000 applications within the first three hours of opening the Application Window.

This is almost twice the number of units which are on offer. The management is now considering the release of fresh inventory to take care of demand in coming days.

Codename Blue Moon is planned for development on the 75,000 sq. mtrs parcel that Lodha recently acquired from DLF at USD 500 million, making it the largest real estate transaction last year.

The project is learnt to have a 25,000 sq. mtrs park, making it the largest private garden landscape in South Mumbai. The design is being done by a Singapore based architecture firm.

The project has used a distinctive sales model where applications were invited from prospec-

tive customers stating their preference of configuration, floor band and ticket sizes. The allocations will be made using an automated allotment process, ensuring a very objective mechanism which is fair to all. Such a model is

had set out to challenge the convention in South Mumbai by offering luxury residences in an ultra-premium location at suburban rates. The unique advantage created for customers due to the sizing and pricing of the apartments

R Karthik, CMO, Lodha Group.

Established in 1980, the Lodha Group ranks as Mumbai's No. 1 real estate developer and one of the top three in the country. The Group is currently developing in excess of 35 million sq. ft. of prime

Lodha Group Worli project

being used for the first time in luxury real estate, and is sure to change the way in which real estate is sold.

The current pre-launch consists 2, 3 & 4 bedroom residences starting at USD 0.6 million. "We

is marking the entry of a large group of first-time buyers into the South Mumbai market, enabling a whole new generation of people who have so far not been able to participate in this market to live and work in South Mumbai", said

real estate with over 40 projects in and around Mumbai. The Group has further extended its promise of luxury living with successful projects in Hyderabad, Lonavala and Pune.

With a turnover of more than

INR 5,000 Cr in 2011, this makes Lodha one of India's largest private companies which can be compared with the top 150 public companies.

Lodha has also made a significant commitment to giving back to society thru the Lodha Foundation currently operational across Mumbai. The core focus of the Foundation is to make families self-reliant by making at least one member of the family employable by means of education (school and vocational).

More than 5000 students are benefited by the Foundation's subsidy program which ensures that school fees can be afforded by the economically poor sections of society. Additionally, almost 4000 deserving students are awarded scholarships. Besides education, it also carries out extensive work in the areas of healthcare and women's empowerment, and conducts the 'Joy of Living Program for Senior Citizens'.

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India's UN mission celebrates Republic Day

Ambassador H S Puri delivering excerpts of President's address India Post News Service

Ambassador Hardeep Singh Puri unfurling the tricolour at PMI, January 26

UNITED NATIONS: The 64th Republic Day of India was celebrated at the Permanent Mission of India to UN in New York on January 26.

Ambassador Hardeep Singh Puri, Permanent Representative of India to UN, unfurled the national tricolor at the Permanent Mission premises and read out salient excerpts from the President's address to the nation.

Indian Embassy celebrates Republic Day India Post News Service

WASHINGTON DC: India's Republic Day was celebrated in Washington DC in the morning of January 26 at the Embassy premises. Prior to the event, Ambas-

sador Nirupama Rao paid homage and floral tribute at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi.

At the Republic Day celebrations, the Ambassador unfurled the National Flag followed by the singing of the National Anthem. Thereafter

The brief and impressive ceremony saw a well attended turn out of over 150 guests including prominent members of the Indian American community, senior Indian officials of the United Nations, Indian Army and Police officers on deputation to the UN, in addition to officials from PMI and the Consulate General of India, New York and their families. Ambassador Vijay Nambiar, the special adviser on Myanmar to U.N. Secretary-General also graced the occasion.

Following the unfurling of the

national flag, there was a rendition of the national anthem by all members of the Indian community and officials.

Earlier in the afternoon of 25th January, a national day reception was also hosted at the PMI premises, which witnessed an impressive turn out of more than 300 members of diplomatic corps based at the United Nations, along with key legislators from New York, eminent members of the legal fraternity, in addition to several Permanent Representatives of member states accredited to the UN.

the Ambassador addressed the guests and read out the President's Address to the Nation. This was followed by singing of Indian patriotic songs in several Indian languages.

Over 250 community members attended the celebrations.

Ambassador Nirupama Rao paying floral tribute at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi on January 26 on the occasion of India's 64th Republic Day

A bird’s eye view of Rajpath, during the 64th Republic Day Parade-2013, in New Delhi on January 26

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Amb Rao inaugurates Indian apparel trade show India Post News Service

WASHINGTON, DC: On January 28, Nirupama Rao, Ambassador of India to the United States, inaugurated an Apparel Trade show organized by the Apparel Export Promotion Council of India (AEPC), in cooperation with M/S Trade Good. Mr. Prabhu Dayal, Consul General of India in New York; Mr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman of the AEPC and Mr. Kevin Burke, President of American Apparel and Footwear Association were also present.

In her remarks, Ambassador

Rao said that Indian textiles represent an unbroken link between India's ancient culture and its modern day life style. She noted that India's Apparel sector has rapidly upgraded its technology and is highly competitive in meeting US market demands in various segments including high fashion and mass consumption.

She highlighted that through DISHA (Driving Industry towards Sustainable Human Advancement), the Indian Apparel industry has implemented an industrywide measure for facilitating and preparing Indian apparel manu-

Ambassador Nirupama Rao inaugurating the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) Trade Show in New York City on January 28

Ambassador Rao unveiling the catalogue

facturers toward becoming more socially and environmentally responsible. She pointed out that at US$3.3 billion; India's export of garments represents one of the important constituents of overall

India-U.S trade.

At the trade meet, 35 member exporters exhibited their Fall/Winter 2013-14 collections. More than 300-400 buyers, including at least twenty brand stores participated

in the B-2-B event.

This Buyer Seller Meet is expected to generate substantial spot business and also help cement long term business partnerships for participating exhibitors.

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World Bank grant for social Development critical for conflict resolution: Peiris enterprises in 3 states India Post News Service

BHOPAL: The World Bank has announced the launch of 2013 India Development Marketplace (IDM) program in Madhya Pradesh under which USD 1 million (around Rs 5 crore) in grants will be awarded to social enterprises for their development solutions.

Development Marketplace, supported by the World Bank is a competitive grant-based program that focuses on non-profit and for-profit development solutions that demonstrate innovative ways to address the pressing social and economic problems impacting the poor and under-served communities.

"In keeping with the government's focus on inclusive

growth, the 2013 Indian Development Marketplace Program will be rolled out in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and

Chhattisgarh," World Bank's Advisor, External Affairs Sudip Mozumder told reporters.

"It is a unique platform for innovative social enterprises to scale up development solutions," he said.

"IDM 2012 supported organizations in expanding their reach, providing better access to health benefits, and increasing incomes of low income communities.

"This year too, we hope to support unique and innovative solutions that address some of the most pressing needs of under-served communities, especially women in India, he said.

Under the program, the selected winners are given financial and advisory support to scale the impact of their work, he added. -PTI

Govt, parties slam Malik for SRK security demand

Gangrape : Govt pushing for fast track courts

NEW DELHI: The Government "The test of a democracy is not as well as the political class have how you treat your majority but slammed Pakistani Interior Minis- the test of a democracy is how do ter Rehman Malik's demand that you treat your minorities. And the India provide security for actor UPA government, under the InShah Rukh Khan, saying it was dian constitution has endeavored "uncalled for" and he should be to treat each citizen and each inmore worried over security of its dividual with the same respect, the citizens. same equanimity which the conMalik was also reminded that stitution entitles it," he added.

India was capable of looking after its citizens and that it treated all of Stressing that Indian governthem equally.

BJP said the ment treated all citizens minister's advice to In- equally, Information and dia was "laughable".

"We are capable of Broadcasting minister looking after our own Manish Tewari asked Malik citizens, let him worry about the security of to pay attention to the his country's citizens," plight of minorities in his Union Home Secretary own country R K Singh told reporters.

Stressing that Indian governBJP termed as "uncalled for ment treated all citizens equally, and unacceptable" Malik's deInformation and Broadcasting mand, saying Islamabad should minister Manish Tewari asked be more concerned about the miMalik to pay attention to the norities living in that country. plight of minorities in his own "The statement of Pakistan Incountry. terior Minister offering advice to "...He(Malik) would be better India is uncalled for and unacceptserved by bothering about the able. A statement coming from the internal situation in Pakistan and Interior Minister of a failed state really introspecting about the which had the distinction of hartreatment of minorities in Pakistan boring world's most notorious terand see as to what they can do as rorist Osama Bin Laden in its backa state to improve the condition yard is laughable," BJP spokesand the plight of their own minori- person Rajiv Pratap Rudy told reties," Tewari said. porters.

NEW DELHI: In the wake of December's gangrape in Delhi, the Law Ministry is pushing for early setting up of fast track courts across the country to try such heinous crimes and civil cases having human dimension and is ready to bear majority of the financial burden involved.

Law Minister Ashwani Kumar has written to the Chief Ministers and Chief Justices of all the 21 High Courts to set up such courts, which used to be in existence till 2005 but were wound up because of dispute over cost-sharing between the centre and states.

Kumar wants that these courts should try not only the heinous crimes like rapes, murder, dacoity but also civil cases having human angle like matrimonial disputes, custody matters and cases related to aged people.

"We are adopting a multipronged strategy in order to ensure that justice is not only delivered expeditiously, but also seen to be delivered and at affordable cost," the Minister told PTI in an interview.

"We are encouraging the state governments to set up fast track courts," he said, adding "all Chief Ministers and all Chief Justices have responded positively and favorably and purposive action is underway in all the states in this direction." -PTI

held that the two countries were engaged in a whole range of issues, which made the relationship quite robust, vibrant, "rich and satisfying". During the course the 8th Joint Commission meeting the two countries agreed to cooperate on matters relating to counter terrorism, food and energy security.

He considered people to people contact and cultural link-

NEW DELHI: As a nation transiting from a society in conflict to a society aiming at peace, Sri Lanka is gearing up for meeting all these challenges in its own way, stated the Minister for External Affairs, Sri Lanka, Prof GL Peiris. He was delivering a lecture at the Institute for Defense Studies and Analyses (IDSA) on 'The Rise of Asia and Sri Lanka's Role', here.

Prof Peiris argued that as a nation coming out of 30 years of ethnic conflict, Sri Lanka was not expected to resolve the issue in three and half years. However, it had made substantial progress in economic and developmental sectors, especially in building physical infrastructure like roads, highways, railways Prof GL Peiris and communication networks in the areas affected by the conflict.

He thanked India for subHe thanked India for substantial contribution stantial contribution totowards the development wards the development of of railways in the country. railways in the country. He He invited people from India to visit Sri Lanka and invited people from India see for themselves the to visit Sri Lanka and see changes taking place in the war ravaged areas. De- for themselves the velopment was the key to changes taking place resolution of conflict, he ages as the basis of a solid founargued.

On the issue of reconciliation dation for continuing process of Mr Peiris said that all previous at- engagement between the two natempts at resolving the issue tions.

Earlier in his lecture, he dwelt have failed mainly because they were top-down attempts and no on the daunting challenges coneffort was made to galvanize popu- fronting his country as it was maklar support behind the proposals. ing substantial progress on the Moreover, there was a lack of economic front. He identified the political consensus over the challenges as economic, cultural, implementation of various propos- security-related and political in als that were made in the past. He nature.

Emphasizing on the economic referred to the instance of one of the bills he presented in the challenges the minister said that Lankan parliament, which was the fruits of economic development should be equally distribburnt by the opposition.

He held that the ongoing talks uted to the urban and the peri-urwith the Tamil National Alliance ban sections of the society and (TNA) had identified certain is- argued that economic developsues which would be taken up for ment in a country can be sustaindiscussions by a parliamentary able only when complemented select committee (PSC) and hoped with social equity. He also that some solution would be stressed that a nation's progress worked out in near future. How- depended on sound functioning ever, over the issue of devolution, of institutions like judiciary and he argued forcefully that since legislature.

A major problem facing all somajority of the Tamils lived outside the North and the East, there cieties today was how to reconwas no need to make devolution cile freedom with security, he a critical issue in the negotiations. stated. He held that as Sri Lanka was transiting from a society in conflict to a society aiming at India-Sri Lanka peace, it was gearing up for meetrelations ing all these challenges in its own On India-Sri Lanka relations he way.

Astro Buzz

February 8, 2013

India Post

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Here is an astrology column with a difference, giving you advice for the coming week by

DR ASHIT JALUI FEBRUARY 8TH - FEBRUARY 14TH 2013

Y

Y

our preoccupation with financial affairs looks certain to recur on several occasions over the next year, so the more attention you pay to any irregularities now, the less time you'll need to devote to them later on.

Fortunately, the support from the Moon eases the way at home.

ny tension in your partnerships could be a dynamic force for change over the coming weeks. This is a time to mix as widely as possible and soak up influences you'd normally shun.

You're also likely to make big advances in your business plans.

A

our romantic stars are powerful and growing more so by the day, but partners may have the edge when it comes to a battle of wills. You may soon be obliged to accept an unhelpful situation as a fait accompli. Wait till next week for the tables to turn.

his is the week to complete all tasks that must be finished before you can embark on the next stage. Something that is unclear about home arrangements may cause you to rearrange your schedule, but with Venus and Mars both offering you unqualified support you are on safe ground.

T

ou'll press ahead with domestic improvements, allowing time for other obligations where necessary. Family relationships will benefit from the same care you apply to your own special interests. A domestic mystery is still provoking niggling suspicions.

he planetary accent is on pleasure over the coming days, and the best way to personal fulfilment is through devoting extra time to your creative Virgoan skills. Ideally, you should now be on holiday rather than at work.

T

B

T

T

L

A

ry asking yourself whether all your recent actions have been for the best. In general you're heading in the right direction, but a little extra care will prevent difficulties.

You are bound to feel put upon, but perhaps the message is to stand up for yourself.

he high pressure of recent weeks is beginning to ease up. Hopefully you can look back on your achievements with pride.

Even if there's been little tangible gain, you've grown in wisdom and experience.

You could make a financial killing this week, but only if the rules are changed.

Y

y now, Mercury is entrenched in your house of dreams to have raised your morale and brought the hope of financial improvements. Be aware, though, that it's up to you to create the right conditions for success. A domestic revolution will soon be considered - but postponed.

ook upon today's events as a chance to prove your worth when it comes to hard work. Don't shirk responsibility and you'll prove that all those people who have ever accused you of being lazy and selfinterested were completely wrong.

T

he obstacles which blocked your progress in the past should have been firmly dealt with some time ago. If you are still subject to unfair delays, it's possible you're doing something wrong. Do yourself a favour and learn new skills, including extra social graces.

nother astrological line-up creates the opportunities you've been waiting for.

You must make the right moves to complete the picture. You're still keeping a secret, and there is no reason why you shouldn't continue to do so for as long as you like.

Dr. Ashit Jalui, Masters in Astronomy also an expert in Numerology, Vastu and Vedic Astrology Now get one free astro consultation from Dr. Ashit Jalui by e-mailing your question to ASHITJALUI@GMAIL.COM

Tech News Saudi petro giant to set up center in Bangalore DUBAI: A major Saudi petrochemical company has unveiled plans to launch four new state-ofthe-art technology and innovation facilities in 2013, two of them in the emerging economies of India and China.

Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) will launch its new centers in Bangalore and Shanghai to host around 500 professionals, the company said in a statement.

Two other new centers will be based in Saudi Arabia itself and will take the total number of the company's research facilities around the world to 18.-PTI

Convergence must for sourcing strategies: Gartner BANGALORE: Opportunities and risks presented by the convergence of social, information, mobile and cloud technologies must be factored in by sourcing managers while evaluating such options, according to technology researcher Gartner, Inc. "Social, information, mobile and cloud shouldn't be considered in isolation as market forces," said Linda Cohen, vice-president and a distinguished analyst at Gartner.

"The convergence of these forces, which Gartner calls the Nexus of Forces, is what drives real business value".

"To establish the most appropriate sourcing approach for 2013, sourcing managers must take a more holistic approach and understand wider IT service market trends," said Frank Ridder, Vice-President (Research) at Gartner.-PTI

I-T Dept to educate public on taxes through TV Quiz NEW DELHI: Taking a cue from the popularity of quiz program such as Kaun Banega Crorepati, the Income Tax Department has decided to launch its own primetime TV serial to sensitize people on the need to honestly pay taxes.

The I-T department is scouting for a television channel to produce and telecast the 12-episode quiz show, which will have school students as participants.

The plan would not only help in sensitizing the younger generation - the future taxpayers - but also the existing taxpayers. The move comes amid government's grappling with financial stress.-PTI

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Reuters eyes Indian market for non-news businesses DAVOS: Global media and data services major Thomson Reuters is looking at an aggressive expansion plan in India for its data automation technology and information solutions offerings in financial, legal, tax and automation and intellectual property segments.

The group is targeting the Indian and other markets for these businesses through its Global Growth & Operations (GGO) unit, headed by Shanker Ramamurthy as its President.

A chartered accountant by profession, Ramamurthy told PTI in an interview here that his target is to double the size of GGO business by 2015 and this objective would be achieved by both organic growth and inorganic investments.-PTI

Leaders at Davos warn against complacency, call for job creation DAVOS: The global economy may be in a better shape after its worst-ever crisis but it is no time to relax, and governments as well as business leaders must persist with job creation, income and gender diversification as also to meet aspirations of the youth to keep up the growth momentum.

This is the message from over 1,600 business leaders, around 50 government heads and over a 1,000 leaders from other walks of life, who had congregated at this Swiss Alpine ski resort for the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum.

The meeting, which began on January 22 and ended on January 27, saw countries like Russia, Indonesia, South Africa and Malaysia making a strong pitch for attracting investments worth trillions of dollars, while China emerged as a major growth story.

On the other hand, India which had a strong presence at the event with more than 150 business leaders, four union ministers and many others, saw issues related to corruption and policy logjam being

mentioned on quite a few occasions.

Indian leaders asserted, however, that the country was moving ahead with its reform agenda, has a strong growth potential and the issue of corruption was a worldwide phenomenon and no country should be singled out for that.

As the five-day meeting came to an end with a mountain soiree,

asked the countries across the globe and their leaders to follow a 'do not relax' principle and not let any complacency to come into their efforts.

"I will pursue with 'do not relax' principle. The forecast is for a very fragile recovery in 2013 and that is why I will emphasize on do not relax," Lagarde said.

She also termed the recovery

"What are we relieved about? We should be worried about the current scenario when we have exhausted all our tools. There are issues concerning education, jobs, women, infrastructure building etc, which need to be tackled," world's top economic leaders said it is no time to relax and much more work is still left to be done by governments and corporates in different countries to keep the growth momentum and revive the economy.

The International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde

as "fragile and timid".

Swiss banking giant UBS Chairman Axel Weber said he fears that 2013 could be a repeat of 2012, as the last year had also begun well but things started deteriorating later.

"In my view the mood at Davos borders on complacency. The mood has been good, in brackets

too good to be true," he warned.

Reflecting similar sentiment, Secretary General of Paris- based OECD, a grouping of mostly rich nations, Angel Gurria said that it is wrong to feel relieved just because the crisis has been overcome.

"What are we relieved about?

Are we relieved about exhausting our monetary measures and all other measures. In fact, we should be worried about the current scenario when we have exhausted all our tools. There are issues concerning education, jobs, women, infrastructure building etc, which need to be tackled," he said.

Touching upon the issues of poverty and unemployment, the World Bank Chief Jim Yong Kim said efforts should be made to end poverty, besides making sure that prosperity is shared with women as well as the future generations.

With sliding growth in most of the developed nations, employment opportunities are difficult to come by. Going by the International Labor Organization (ILO), more than 75 million youth worldwide are looking for work.-PTI

World is changing, everyone is getting connected: Ambani DAVOS: Billionaire industrialist Mukesh Ambani expressed RIL's commitment to WEF network of young achievers - Global Shapers Community - and said the initiative would go further deep in the developing world.

"As the world is changing, when we were born none of us was connected and in the next 20 years all seven billion would be connected....

"We at Reliance are very excited to support this commitment not only in India but across the world," Ambani, who is India's richest person, said at the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meet here.

He was talking about the 'Global Shapers Community', which is one of the multi-stakeholder communities at the WEF.

This community is a network of hubs developed and led by young people, whose exceptional potential, can help in contributing to their communities. It is present

across 205 cities with over 1,700 leaders under the age of 30 years.

Ambani-led Reliance Industries is a partner in the community along with DST Global and the Coca-

Mukesh Ambani

Cola Company.

"In my years at WEF, we have partnered on many initiatives but global shapers is one that I am particularly enthused and so is everyone at Reliance because Reliance is an Indian company and India has a very huge young population," Ambani said while speaking at the session on 'Meeting Millennial Expectations'.

He is the Chairman & Managing Director of Reliance Industries.

"Walking with Coca Cola and Reliance, this initiative will go further deep, particularly in the developing world," he said.

Coca-Cola chief Muhtar Kent thanked the Indian industrialist for Reliance's support for the young global shapers community.-PTI

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Central bankers new super heroes: Anshu Jain DAVOS: Indian-origin eminent banker Anshu Jain says the world has become over-reliant on central bankers and it is time political leaders and industrialists do their bit to improve the global monetary situation.

"The central bankers have become the new super heroes.

But in some time we need to take the burden away from them and political leaders and business

leaders need to share the burden" and do their bit to ease the monetary and liquidity situation, Jain said here at the WEF annual meeting.

Participating in a panel discussion on whether no growth and easy money have become the new normal, Deutsche Bank's Jain said the world needs an investment climate that has policy and regulatory certainty.

Jain is the Co-Chairman of European banking major Deutsche Bank.

Talking about the recent rally in equity markets and whether 2013 would be the year of equity, Jain said the fundamental factors have been there to drive the surge in the last six months.

"However, corporate earnings have to go up in some time to justify the equity prices," he said.

‘Great potential for banks in India’ DAVOS: Dismissing concerns of high corporate debt exposures posing possible default risks to banks in India, top banker Chanda Kochhar has said loans have been mostly given for projects in investment phase and leveraging won't appear high once companies start generating cash flows.

Kochhar, MD and CEO of India's largest private sector lender ICICI Bank, also said the country's financial services sector, including banking, has got tremendous growth potential for the next few years.

Besides, she added, there will be great opportunities in the economy and its global linkages through Indian companies' overseas expansion activities.

"While there has been concern over high leverage in some segments of the corporate sector,

Chanda Kochhar

the debt levels have to be seen in the context of the fact that many corporates are in an investment phase," Kochhar told PTI in an

interview, at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum here.

She said the companies' debt leverage would appear high only until the investments are completed and start generating cashflows. "As the cash flows from the projects start, the debt levels will be sustainable and should moderate over time.

"What is important currently is to ensure that the projects under implementation get the necessary last mile clearances and linkages to ensure that the assets become productive on schedule."

Asked about her outlook for the Indian banking and financial sector, Kochhar said: "First of all, I would say that the Indian financial sector has tremendous growth opportunities over the next few years.-PTI

Tata finds life wonderfully pleasant after retirement NEW DELHI: Enjoying life after retirement, country's top industrialist Ratan Tata is spending more time at home and playing with his dogs besides catching up with "smaller things" for which he

never found time before.

Providing a sneak peek into his personal life, the former Chairman of the USD 100 billion, salt-to-software Tata Group said that he would soon start focusing on specific areas to improve the quality of life of people in rural areas.

In a message titled 'Life After Retirement' posted on microblogging site Twitter, the usually reticent Tata said the first few weeks of life after retirement have been wonderfully pleasant.

"There has been more time to be at home, play with my dogs, and catch upon smaller things which I never found the time to d o

earlier," the 75-year old said in the tweet.

Tata, credited with transforming the group through bold decisions including large global acquisitions, retired as Chairman on December 28, after being at the helm for 21 years.

"As days go by, I will begin to focus my attention on specific areas where value can be added to enhance the quality of life of the rural citizens.

"I hope this will be greatly engrossing activity and one which hopefully I would enjoy," he said in the tweet.

Tata now is the Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, the promoter of major operating companies of Tata Group.

He led group companies to some notable acquisitions, including the buyouts of Jaguar Land Rover by Tata Motors, Corus by Tata Steel and Tetley by Tata Tea. -PTI

Anshu Jain, Co-Chairman of the Management Board of the Deutsche Bank speaks before a TV debate during a panel session during the 43rd Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum

Asked about lessons learnt from the crisis, Jain said the biggest lessons have been learnt by

the banks and much stricter regulations have been put in place that had become a must. -PTI

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ED begins scrutiny of Walmart replies NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) of India has begun scrutinizing a set of voluminous documents recently sent to it by American retail giant Walmart as part of its reply on a probe against the company's investment in an Indian firm for alleged violations of forex laws.

The company has recently sent a detailed reply to the agency as part of communication to notices sent to it earlier under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), official sources said.

"Walmart is cooperating with the government during this process. The central government has sought certain information and clarification which has been provided by us. We are in compliance with India's FDI laws, and all procedures and processes have been duly followed and details filed with relevant Indian government authorities, including the Reserve Bank of India," a Walmart India spokesperson told PTI in a statement.

The company, in the reply, has detailed the RBI clearances and

other transactions that it has conducted in the country, the sources said.

The ED is investigating the case on the basis of a communication sent to it by the RBI in this regard.

‘We are in compliance with India's FDI laws, and all procedures and processes have been duly followed and details filed with relevant Indian government authorities, including the Reserve Bank of India’ The agency is also expected to place these facts before the Madras High Court as part of its reply on a writ petition in relation to Walmart.

The agency, which has registered a case under FEMA, has also sought certain details from the Commerce and Industry Ministry to furnish it with clearances that were given to the company to route the investment in 2010 in a subsidiary of Bharti ventures via a Mauritian arm.

The investigations are being conducted to probe allegations that Walmart put money into the domestic multi- brand retail chain despite a ban on foreign direct investment in the sector.

Bharti Enterprises has, however, rejected the allegations that it had violated any rule in this regard. The company had said all the procedures were as per the "law of the land".

The Rs 455.8 crore investment

by Walmart in Cedar Support Services Ltd, a subsidiary of Bharti Ventures, had come under attack from CPI Rajya Sabha member M P Achuthan, who wrote to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh earlier, saying it was "illegal" and flouted FDI rules.

The ED, a central investigative

agency mandated to probe violations under the FEMA and Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), was asked by the Reserve Bank of India to check the alleged violations made by the US-based retail giant in an official communi-

Achuthan had alleged that "the entire FDI has been diverted and illegally invested by Cedar in its 100 per cent subsidiary Bharti Retail Ltd, which is carrying out multi-brand retail operations." cation earlier this month.

In a letter dated October 30, the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) had asked that RBI may take action as ap-

propriate as per provisions of FEMA rules and regulations.

The DIPP deals with all the FDI related matters. "...there is a need to examine/ investigate as to whether illegal investments have been made by Walmart/CEDAR in FDI prohibited sectors. Accordingly, the matter is being referred to ED for further investigation and appropriate action, if necessary, in consultation with the government in accordance with the provisions of FEMA upon noticing violations if any," a source said.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Achuthan, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of Parliament on IT, earlier this year had alleged that "the entire FDI has been diverted and illegally invested by Cedar in its 100 per cent subsidiary Bharti Retail Ltd, which is carrying out multi-brand retail operations."

Walmart had earlier said that it was also investigating allegations of corrupt practices against it in foreign markets, including India. -PTI

India hopes for progress India asks Canada to liberalize on EU free-trade deal visa regime BERLIN: Germany and India are Khurshid said India was seekhoping for quick progress in talks ing from German firms in particuon a free-trade deal between New lar "large investments... particuDelhi and the European Union, larly in the manufacturing and the their foreign ministers said here. infrastructure sectors and also the "It is in our German, our Euro- renewable energies sector where pean interests to comprehensively Germany is already taking great establish and strategically expand strides in our country." our ties with this new powerGermany and India are to hold house, this important power, In- a bilateral meeting of most of their dia," Germany's Guido cabinets in Berlin in April, two Westerwelle said after talks in Ber- years after the first such meeting lin with his Indian counterpart Salman Khurshid said India was Khurshid.

"We want to further seeking from German firms open up our economic relations. A free-trade in particular "large investagreement between the ments... particularly in the EU and India would be a big step in our mutual manufacturing and the infrainterest to boost growth structure sectors and also the and prosperity in Eurenewable energies sector� rope and India. That is why we both as foreign ministers are working for progress in New Delhi chaired by Prime in the talks."

Minister Manmohan Singh and Khurshid said India was also German Chancellor Angela Merkel. keen to make headway in the neThe EU has wrapped up freegotiations. "I've urged his Excel- trade deals with around 30 counlency to work with us towards an tries including Mediterranean naearly conclusion of a broad-based tions, South Africa and South KoEU-India trade and investment rea and has ongoing talks with the agreement, which will... become Mercosur countries of South the bedrock of fulfilling many America, Canada and India. Negodreams of our industry and our tiations with the United States are young people," he said. to begin soon. -AFP

TORONTO: India has asked Canada to liberalize its visa regime to achieve the goal of increasing bilateral trade to 15 billion dollars annually in the next three years.

"This is one of the key issues to be discussed at seventh round of negotiations toward a comprehensive economic partnership agreement scheduled in New Delhi from February 5 to 7," Indian High Commissioner to Canada Nirmal Verma said.

He said visa laws are among some issues which are substantially discouraging influx of genuine Indian investors, professionals, and businesses to Canada.

Verma also termed the civil nuclear cooperation agreement between the two countries as a "landmark achievement".

"The text of the agreement and negotiations has been concluded.

It is the process that needs to be done," he said.

"Canada is several steps ahead from US, France and Australia in the field of civil nuclear cooperation. Both countries were committed to complete remaining steps necessary to ensure its early implementation," Verma said.

India intends to increase the nuclear power generation capacity from the current 3 per cent to about 25 per cent by 2050 and this

provides a great opportunity for Canadian nuclear industry, the diplomat further said.

Stating that India today is at a historic phase when the world is shifting course, Verma said that the socio-economic transformation in the country of more than one billion people will have enormous repercussions for the rest of the world.

Asserting that India can become an anchor of stability and

population where 50 per cent are below 25 years of age," Verma said.

India's economic fundamentals have remained strong with a regulated banking sector, high savings rate, a vibrant private sector and an economy largely driven by domestic demands, Verma said, adding India has introduced extensive reforms and liberalized to allow participation of external partners.

Inviting Canadian investment in

He said visa laws are among some issues which are substantially discouraging influx of genuine Indian investors, professionals, and businesses to Canada. Verma also termed the civil nuclear cooperation agreement between the two countries as a "landmark achievement". opportunity for global economy, Verma said New Delhi sees new and exciting possibilities in working together with Canada.

"Despite the global economic crisis, the Indian economy has shown resilience. Although our growth has slowed to 6.5 per cent, we hope to resume higher growth rates, to meet the developmental aspirations of our country's young

the country, Verma said the government plans to invest over USD one trillion in next five years for infrastructure development alone.

"Of course there are other areas of growth in manufacturing, telecommunications and services sector too.

Besides, retail sector was also opened to foreign investors," Verma said. -PTI

February 8, 2013

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Desi News Hughson City Council to open with Hindu prayers SONIA SIDHU India Post News Service

HUGHSON: Hughson City Council in California, founded as a township in 1907, will have its first Hindu opening prayer on April 22, containing verses from world's oldest existing scripture.

Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, will deliver the invocation from ancient Sanskrit scriptures before the City Council.

The area surrounding female majority Hughson, which describes itself as "prospering agricultural community nestled in the heart of the California's Central Valley", is said to be one of the largest almond producers in the world. Matt Beekman and Jeramy Young are Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem respectively.

Consulate hosts Republic Day celebrations M PATEL

CHICAGO: Indian Consulate in Chicago kept up its tradition of celebrating the Indian Republic Day with lot of enthusiasm. The celebrations took place in the presence of the elite of Indian community at its Downtown office on Saturday January 26.

Details on page 21

Lush Entertainment launched with New Year party VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service

SAN JOSE, CA: Lush Entertainment Company was launched on December 29 at Madhuban Lounge, San Jose. Rajdeep Bal and Ashwini Kumar are the brains behind it. Lush NYE Party was celebrated in style and was attended by about 250 people from all over the Bay area.

The Lavish NYE L.U.S.H Ent Launch Party was enhanced by Amita Bal Couture Fashion Show and live dancers. The Fashion Show was choreographed by stylish Mr India Globe Dilpreet Virk.

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

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February 8, 2013

Details on page 19

Minister Kapil Sibal joins Republic Day celebrations in Bay Area VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service

FREMONT, CA: Federation of Indo-Americans Association on Sunday January 27 celebrated India's Republic Day at Newark Pavilion. Dr Romesh Japra, eminent social activist of Bay Area, explained the significance of freedom and remembered the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters and national leaders, who gave us the whole new world to enjoy and explore.

Although India obtained its independence on August 15, 1947, it did not yet have a permanent constitution. The Republic Day of India commemorates January 26, 1950 as the date on which the Constitution of India came into force replacing the Government of India Act 1935 as the governing document of India. It is one of the most important days in Indian history. Dr Japra said we are fortunate to have been born in the largest democracy in the world, India and live in the oldest democracy of the world, United States.

It is apparent that the Indian community in the Bay area has not forgotten its roots. At the weekend, FIA organized an event to celebrate India's 64th Republic Day in the Bay area. It is a proud moment for all Indians to celebrate and look at the achievement and growth which India has achieved

Dr. Romesh Japra, Rajesh Verma, N.Parthasarathi and Shri Kapil Sibal.

Pics Neelu Kapoor

in these 63 years of becoming a republic. India's Minister of Communications and Information Technology Kapil Sibal was the Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations. He was born in Jalandhar, Punjab and received his MA in history from St. Stephen College, Delhi and LL.M. from Harvard Law School, USA. Mr Sibal addressed the gathering and spoke at length on how "freedom is different for different people and how it depends on where we live". He said 1.2 billion people in India have the right to change their government every five years, but some still don't have proper water and sanitation. "We are brothers and sisters and help each other in the development",

L to R: Yogi Chugh, Dr. Romesh Japra, Richard Valle, Bill Quirk, guest, Rajesh Verma and Shri Kapil Sibal

he said. He explained how the ICT (Information, communication and technology) revolution has impacted every Indian. India has a strategic partnership with United States and he thanked all the Indian-Americans who have supported their motherland. By 2020, the average age of an Indian would be 29 and this is the best asset which we have with India and we should make the best use of this opportunity.

Mr N. Parthasarathi, Consul General of India in San Francisco was the honorable guest for this grand event. He graduated as a Mechanical Engineer from Mysore University. He has worked in South Korea and Senegal.

Details on page 20

First Sikh to offer prayer at Obama inauguration Details on page 24

Lavish celebration by SF Consulate

L to R: Eric Swalwell, Rajesh Verma, Shri Kapil Sibal, Dr. Romesh Japra, Shri N. Parthasarathi, Ro Khanna and Deepak Chabra

Cont’d on page 18

February 8, 2013

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India Post 17

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TLS Detox Week shows excellent results DR CHITRA THAKUR

FREMONT: The opening TLS class of 2013 started with Detox WeeK, a jump start of TLS wellness and weight management program.

Detox week is for the detoxification of the digestive system.

Every day we get exposed to toxins, chemicals through the

healthy, disease free life. Removal of that junk inside causes weight loss.

To achieve the same results all students took vegetables, salads and fruits diet for a week supported with Detox 7 day cleanse and Aloe Juice.

All 13 students together lost 80

L to R: Zela, Rekha, Roslyn, Jackson, Suzie and Janaki

food we eat, water we drink and the air we breathe. Stress and wrong eating habits and lack of exercise accumulate about 45,000 such toxic chemicals which affect our bodies internally and externally.

Over the time our liver and large intestine has to overwork taking them out of the body causing lifestyle disorders, such as Type 2 diabetes, heart problems, cancers and skin problems.

It is advised to clean our guts and internal organs so that the body can be nourished with nutrients through clean passages.

This is the first step towards

pounds in a week (average 5 pounds each).

Here is what the students reported after the class: Kamal: There was control of blood glucose levels which directed them to reduce their long acting insulin.

Ramgopal: The blood pressure was seen to be controlled.

Vijay: Started liking the wonder fruit apple.

Janaki: Came off black tea/coffee and complaints of headache have gone.

Roslyn, Maushumi: Enjoyed creating new detox-pro recipes.

Danny: Could enjoy party without eating starches and regular

Dancer & teacher par excellence

Jaya Sharma at the New Year event India Post News Service

FREMONT: Jaya Sharma is Artistic Director at DanceKarishma (www.dancekarishma.com), an Indian Dance Academy in South Bay area.

Jaya started learning Kathak at the tender age of five and has received many awards for her outstanding work. She won Gold Medal while representing Banaras Hindu University in a Youth Festival. She was chosen Mrs IndoAmerica in the Dance Contest held in the Bay Area in September 2009.

Her academy is affiliated with "Akhil Bharteeya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya". Tavisi Sharma, her student and daughter, along with two other students, secured first place with distinction in the 2012 exams.

Jaya works at Oracle in Redwood City.

party food.

Jackson & Zela: Felt lighter The students lost weight and found that their taste buds had also changed. They said they are now ready to handle their bodies with good nutrition and mind.

They were excited and felt committed to carry on with what they had learnt.

Dr Chitra Thakur is TLS Coach

Opening batsmen of the TLS 2013

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February 8, 2013

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Republic Day celebrations in Bay Area

L to R: Shri N. Parthasarathi, guest, Rajesh Verma, Shri. Kapil Sibal, Sonia Sidhu, Deepak Chabra and guest Cont’d from page 16

He said the partnership of the Consulate with media, elected members and community was a grand success. He pointed out that the Consulate had zero backlog in

passport cases. The Consulate provides around 800 visas everyday, which if applied for in the morning, can be delivered at the end of day. These achievements were possible only with the association of local bodies. He said Indo-Ameri-

L to R: Dr. Romesh Japra, Rajesh Verma, Ash Kalra, Anu Natarajan, Raj Salwan, Senator Corbett, Bill Harrison, Richard Valle

L to R: Yogi Chugh, Rajesh Verma, Dr.Romesh Japra, Shri Kapil Sibal, Shri N. Parthasarathi

L to R: Ashok Kapoor, Congressman Mike Honda, Manoramj Joshi, Allen Corbette, Ritu Maheshwari

can relationship is one of the most defining in the world.

The celebrations were attended by eminent dignitaries namely Congressmen Mike Honda, Congressman Eric Swalwell, Senator Corbett, Assembly member Bob Wieckowski, Council member Ash Kalra, Assembly member Bill Quirk, Supervisor Richard Valle, Supervisor Scott Haggerty, Mayor Bill Harrison, Supervisor Scott Haggerty, Vice Mayor Anu Natarajan, Lily Mei, Henry Hutchins, Vinnie Bacon, Maria Yee, Joe Johal, Pat Danielson, Anjali Lathi, Raj Salwan, Thomas Handley, Bryan Gebhardt, Teresa Cox, M.P.Singh and Jha. Mr Yogi Chugh introduced the dignitaries to the crowd and explained about celebrating democracy.

Certification of Democracy Awards were presented to Assembly member Bill Quirk, Alameda County Supervisor Richard Valle and Dharminder Dewan by Minister Kapil Sibal. Before being elected to the Assembly, Quirk worked as a climate change scientist at NASA. He has served as a leader for more than 30 years in many local organizations.

Richard is the President and CEO of Tri-CED Community Recycling. He is also a Trustee of St. Rose Hospital in Hayward. Richard was a founding member of the Materials for the Future Foundation of the Presidio, and was the first President of the Union City Police Activities League.

Dharminder Dewan was given the "Volunteer of Year" award for his outstanding work for the community.

The evening was made special by dancing and singing performance by Bay area's tiny tots. Disciples of Indian-Fusion Dance Academy, Dance Karishma and Rhythm-N-Steps and the artists rocked the stage with their performances featuring different Indian cultures and values. The performances were choreographed by Selvi Pragasam, Director of Indianfusion dance academy, Jaya Sharma, Dance Director of Dance Karishma and Sudha Mundhra Binani, Dance Director of Rhytm N Steps.

Dr Romesh Japra thanked the dignitaries, performers, sponsors and volunteers for making the evening a memorable one.

Key Point Credit Union, Apsara Clothing and Laura Adams, Psychic Healer were the sponsors of event. KeyPoint Credit Union products and services are designed to give you more for your money. And they're conveniently accessible 24/7 from wherever you happen to be.

L to R: Rajesh Verma, Bill Quirk, Shri Kapil Sibal, Shri N.Parthasarathi

Richard Valle, Shri Kapil Sibal

Dr. Japra, Rajesh Verma, Senator Corbett

Dharminder Dewan, Shri Kapil Sibal, Shri N. Parthasarathi

Registration: Neelu Kapoor, Priya Nayar, Viday and Sonia Sidhu

February 8, 2013

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Lavish celebration by SF Consulate RITU MAHESHWARI India Post News Service

SAN FRANCISCO, CA: Indian Consulate General in San Francisco organized a lavish and patriotic event to celebrate India's 64th Republic Day. In this by invitation only event, key leaders from the community participated. The function was attended by many leaders including Congressman Mike Honda, San Jose Council member Ash Kalra, FIA chairman Dr Romesh Japra and Regional Director at the Office of Foreign Missions Patricia Hayes.

Both American and Indian flags gracing the stage, national anthem of both the countries were sung to signify strong connections Indian origin community here has with both the world's largest and biggest democracies.

In his address Consul General of India N. Parthasarthy said that after 65 years, California State Assembly and the Senate have

passed resolution recognizing Indian Independence Day. He urged all Californians to celebrate it themselves. He added that recently Governor Brown has passed two bills to protect minority rights in the work place and education after the shooting happened in Wisconsin.

Mr Parthasarthy also talked about the Gadar Movement. He said that it is one of our major movements, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the liberation of India. On August 15th 2012 a seminar was held with all community leaders to take this movement forward and celebrate the Gadar Centenary Year.

The Gadar Memorial in San Francisco will be converted into a museum and library this year.

He said that FIA chairman Dr Romesh Japra holds a massive Independence Day function every year in San Francisco Bay area and this year Dr Japra is organizing the annual Indian Indepen-

L to R: Rajesh Verma, Dr Romesh Japra, Mrs Parthasarthy, Anu Natarajan, Mr Parthasarthy, Ritu Maheshwari and Deepak Chhabra

The Gadar Memorial in San Francisco will be converted into a museum and library this year. He said that FIA chairman Dr Romesh Japra is organizing the annual Indian Independence Fair in Fremont along the lines of Gadar.

Celebration of Democracies - Indian and US National Anthem being played

Congressman Mike Honda addressing with Mr Parthasarthy and Patricia Hayes on the stage

(L-R Standing) Yogi Chug, Deepak Chhabra, Premlata Chhabra, Rajesh Verma, Consul General N. Parthasarthy, Dr Romesh Japra, Dharminder Diwan, Shalu Sahani Dewan, Monica Chug, N.P. Singh and Teresa Cox. (L-R sitting) Ritu Maheshwari and Priya Nayar

dence Fair in Fremont along the lines of Gadar. This promises to be another excellent event for the community. After that Mr Parthasarathy read out an address from Indian President Pranab Mukherjee.

Congressman Mike Honda said that as a policy maker he has learned that India is a very diverse nation of many religions, ethnicities, and languages. Like America, India is an experimental democracy and we must accept each other for the perfection.

Patricia Hayes, representing US Department of State, congratulated all. She said that US and India have strong partnership and friendship. She commended the contribution of Indo Americans.

A beautiful cultural program was held with patriotic songs and classical dances. After that a delicious dinner was served.

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Lush Entertainment launched with New Year party VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service

SAN JOSE, CA: Lush Entertainment Company was launched on December 29 at Madhuban Lounge, San Jose. Rajdeep Bal and

by about 250 people from all over the Bay area.

The Lavish NYE L.U.S.H Ent Launch Party was enhanced by Amita Bal Couture Fashion Show and live dancers. The Fashion Show was choreographed by styl-

Amita Bal Couture Fashion Show.

Cassandra has years of modeling experience in multiple settings, including Runway Bootcamp Classes from Macy's Passport Model and the number one fashion show producer in the Bay area,

Pics AJ Farhar

Ashwini Kumar are the brains behind it. Lush NYE Party was celebrated in style and was attended

ish Mr India Globe Dilpreet Virk.

Celebrity Model Cassandra Bankson walked the ramp for

Charleston Pierce.

She has walked in over 60 fashion shows in the area. Sandra, the Belly dancer seduced the crowd with her elegant dance moves. She is involved internationally in every aspect of belly dance from performance, instruction, competitions, DVDs, music videos, modeling, and community outreach.

Sandra is a popular entertainer in Arabic nightclubs in the San Francisco Bay Area, and also travels to perform for audiences worldwide.

The company has planned to conduct concerts in both Indian and mainstream hip-hop style, presenting events with a difference, thereby serving the upscale community. The events are going to be held with unique theme at different venues all over the Bay area. "We are planning for at least one event each month," said Rajdeep Bal and Ashwini Kumar, Owners of Lush Entertainment.

"We are planning to expand the current lounge and conduct parties every Thursday, Friday and Saturday starting from March 2013."

"About 3 to 4 years down the lane, we are planning to open a night club in San Francisco Downtown, with modern amenities and fun packed entertainment quotient", says Rajdeep Bal. Amita from Amita Bal Couture is a strong pillar of support and the woman behind the successful man.

February 8, 2013

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Consulate hosts Republic Day celebrations M PATEL

Present on the occasion were AIA National officials Naren Patel, business leader Balwinder Singh, former heads of FIA (new) Sunil Shah and Sardar Sangha, activists Ms Beena Patel, Dr M. Kapadia,

CHICAGO: Indian Consulate in Chicago kept up its tradition of celebrating the Indian Republic Day with lot of enthusiasm. The celebrations took place in the presence of the elite of Indian community at its Downtown office on Saturday January 26.

Neil Khot, former AIA president Nand Kapoor, Ms Vandana Jhingan of FIA, Madhu Patel president NRI Press Club, Air India manager Rishikant Singh and State Bank officials.

Ms Mukta Tomar addressing the gathering and reading out the President's message

Indian Consul N Gamte welcoming guests

The pattern of the celebration was the same but all those present enthusiastically participated in every detail. Indian Consul NJ Gamte welcomed all those present and thanked them for their presence on Saturday morning which according to him signified their feel and attachment for the land of their origin. This was followed by the unfurling of the Indian Tri-

color and singing of Indian national anthem by all those present Indian Consul General Ms Mukta Tomar highlighted the significance of Indian Republic Day celebrations and talked about the progress made by the country and its close relationship with the US. She read out the Republic Day message of Indian President Pranab Mukherjee.

Sunil Shah and Sardar Onkar Sangha with Ms Mukta Tomar

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FIA hosts Republic Day banquet A.Q. SIDDIQUI India Post News Service

The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA-O), the largest umbrella organization serving Indian community since 1980, hosted a gala banquet dinner on Saturday, January 26 at Meadow's Club to celebrate India's Republic Day. The dinner was hosted on the same day that Republic Day was celebrated in India and everywhere else by Indians. The attendance was packed to the Banquet hall and comprised eminent Indian-American community members and other dignitaries. FIA members, trustees and office bearers were seen mingling with the guests. Dr Bharat Barai, Iftekhar Shareef, Bhailal Patel, Babu Patel, Sohan Joshi, Kanti Patel, Harish Bhatt were seen among the FIA front rank.

Keerthi Ravoori, Zehra Quadri

FIA lamp lighting by Indian Consul N Gamte and Air India Chief Rishikant Singh

Guests and FIA officials L to R Ms Kathy Thorat, Iftekhar Shareef, Rishikant Singh and Keerthi Ravoori

Cultural show

and Minhaj Akhtar, Ajay Agnihotri, were from the host committee for the event. Vandana Jhingan, TV Asia anchor inaugurated the event and Keerthi Ravoori emceed it. A cultural musical program representing India's diverse ethnicity was presented in the beginning, followed by a lamp lighting ritual that reflected Indian tradition for inaugural.

The 50th ward Alderman Debra Silverstein and Senator Ira Silverstein were among the special guests. Both congratulated Indian Americans on India's Republic Day. Chicago's Indian Consul General Office was represented

by Consul N. J Gangte. Air India presence added glory to the spirit of celebrations as Chicago Manager Rishikant Singh and Sales Manager Katherine Thorat joined the event. Rishikant Singh has recently taken over the office of Air India Chicago. Known for his community participation spirit, Rishikant said he enjoyed joining the event and felt that all Indians must come together for such events.

Iftekhar Shareef, past president and trustee thanked all supporters, sponsors, media persons and guests for joining the event. Referring to dissidents in Chicago Indian American com-

munity, he remarked that democracy permits everybody to exercise their choice and make their own group or organization but why to copy the same name as FIA? Keeping the same name is not only illegal but misleading too. The real FIA is the registered umbrella organization since 1980 and enjoys the support of all diverse Indian organizations. Presence of heads of all such organizations within FIA reflect the approval of community.

A comedy show by Indian American Standup comedian Azhar Usman was the main presentation of the event. Azhar created laughter among the audience as he imitated typical "Desi" style in his own ABCD style. His satire was comic and lively initially but dragged on too far. It could have been short and sweet.

FIA you made it again was the quip by Vandana Jhingan as she announced end of event.

Debra Silverstein, Ald 50th Ward Chicago, congratulates the FIA members

FIA Trustee Iftekhar Shareef addressing the meet

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Big presence of officials at FIA R-Day celebrations SURESH SHAH

members and executive committee officials for their support in bringing this event to fruition.

Indian CG Mukta Tomar recounted the importance of Republic Day and briefed those present about the huge stride that India has taken in fields of science, technology and education over the past sixty years and more importantly in recent decades.

She congratulated Indian Americans for their initiatives in cementing India-US ties. She was happy that the Indian community here has been celebrating the Indian Republic Day and added that this signified their special feel for the land of their origin.

State and Federal officials too congratulated Indian Americans on the Indian nation becoming Republic on this day. A large number of young Indian Americans were present and this suggested a larger participation in mainstream politics too. A beautiful cultural presentation by local artists turned out to be a great attraction.

Judge Ketki Stiffen administered the oath of office to newly elect FIA executive team members.

A sumptuous dinner was enjoyed by all those present.

Lamp lighting kicks of FIA celebration

CHICAGO: It was one of the best shows of its kind - the celebration of India's Republic Day in Chicago land by the Federation of Indian Association (new) at India House in Schaumburg on Friday, January 25.

The highlight was the presence of a large number of City, State and Federal elected officials - US Rep Tammy Duckworth, State Senators Michael Noland, Fred Craspo, State Rep Marty Moylan, Hoffman Mayor Bill McCloud, Hanover Park Mayor Rodney Craig and Indian Consul General Ms Mukta Tomar. Leading Indian American businessmen and Chicago elite were present too.

The start was with the tradi-

Cultural presentation by local artists

tional lighting of the lamp and singing of national anthems of India and America by local artists. FIA President Rita Singh was delighted welcoming 350 plus guests and members besides top officials and Indian CG Mukta Tomar. She observed that Indian Republic Day is celebrated not only in India but even abroad by people of Indian origin and Chicago cannot be an exception. "We specifically decided to celebrate the event on January 25 since this would coincide with the celebration on January 26 in India. We are happy that we are part of this great celebration," she observed. She pitched for unity among all Indian Americans here and thanked the FIA FIA President Rita Singh flanked by elected official Marty Moyalan and Syed Monty

The New FIA team with attorney John Miller after swearing in ceremony

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First Sikh to offer prayer at Presidential inauguration India Post News Service

WASHINGTON DC: On Janu-

ary 22, Sapreet Kaur, Executive Director of the Sikh Coalition, made history by becoming the first

Sikh American to speak at the Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service in Washington DC at the re-

quest of the White House. President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden were

American Civil War and became a regular tradition during the presidency of Franklin Roosevelt.

Although Sikhs have lived in

in attendance.

The Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service has historical roots in the inauguration of the first American President, George Washington. It evolved into an interfaith event following the

the United States for more than a century, the inclusion of the first Sikh speaker in this year's Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service means that Sikhs are gaining visible recognition as an integral part of American society.

VHPA condemns Shinde's remarks on Hindus India Post News Service

ISELIN, NJ: The World Hindu Council of America (VHPA) has condemned the charges leveled by India's Home Minister Susheel Kumar Shinde at the Chintan Shivir of the Congress Party in Jaipur, India. In a statement it said that by labeling terrorism as "Hindu terrorism", the Home Minister and the Congress Party have severely insulted the entire Hindu society.

Also, by calling it "saffron terrorism", he has humiliated the national flag and the most revered "Sanyasis"of all Dharmic traditions. His statement smacks of ignorance about the history of Hindus, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and millennia of Islamic onslaught.

Even today, terror and discrimination continues to be inflicted upon the Hindus in different parts of the world. It said Mr Shinde's statement is an affront to all Hindus, their faith in mutually respectful non-violence, their theological canon of peaceful coexistence, their conviction in the principles of liberty and freedom of expres-

sion, their abiding faith in human dignity and their steadfast trust in respect for human life.

It pointed out that already, transnational terror groups have expressed increased motivation, both in propaganda and action, thus endangering innocent lives. India deserves a Home Minister who does not parrot the Al-Qaeda and Lashkare-Toiba (LET) idioms of discourse on global and local terrorism.

It believed that a billion strong Hindu society is taking a stand against "this pyrrhic and divisive agenda of the Sonia-led Congress Party." The VHPA demanded that the Home Minister and the Congress party tender unconditional apology to Hindu Society for their unfounded and objectionable charges.

It found Mr. Shinde's statement not only "defamatory in its natural meaning but also contains the imputation and insinuation that Hindu religion is involved in antiIndia and terrorist activities". Mr Shinde's statement also uses the words 'saffron' as synonyms of terrorism, which is totally absurd, wrong, mischievous and defamatory, it concluded.

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Swami Mukundananda answers questions on Spirituality India Post News Service

FREMONT: Swami Mukundananda is a world renowned spiritual teacher from India and is the senior disciple of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj and founder of JK Yog. He received his degrees in engineering from world renowned institutes in India, IIT and IIM. He has inspired people all over the world on the path of spirituality, holistic health, yoga, meditation, service to society and God realization.

In today's world we find ourselves occupied with the pressures of work, family, ambition and recognition. There is a constant struggle to achieve more and move

tures. And primarily these questions follow a repetitive pattern, i.e. the basic doubts are often similar. For the benefit of aspirants, here is presented spiritual knowledge by Swamiji in the form of a series of simple questions and answers which will help dispel doubts and myths in anyone's mind.

Following are some questions that aspirants asked on 'how to deal with the world'. Swamiji answers their questions to their satisfaction: Q: Why is there no permanent happiness in this world?

Swami Mukundananda: Every living being is incessantly searching for happiness. This search is natural to our being, since we are

The reason for our anxiety is that we expect everyone to think in the same manner as we do. And when this does not happen we get disturbed. Instead if we would realize that people will naturally have differing views due to the modes of material nature, we will not be disturbed. So by increasing our understanding of the world, we can insulate ourselves from the fluctuating moods of others. forward in the hope of a happier life, but amidst this blinding race some of us stop and ask ourselves the purpose of this struggle. We vehemently seek answers for why things happen the way they do and it is this search for true knowledge that leads us to different sources.

But the true source of knowledge is one that stand's the test of eternal time and provides perfect answers, not merely to satiate the material senses but also our inner selves. Perfect knowledge is that which gives everlasting joy and contentment to its receivers and expounds the true position of every human being.

Ancient Indian scriptures like Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita etc are reservoirs of this absolute knowledge and Swami Mukundananda uses perfect logic to explain their philosophy and extracts the essence of Divine Love from them. He also quotes from other great religions to satisfy even the most discerning knowledge seekers.

While conducting spiritual programs around the world Swamiji realized that people are anxiously searching for answers to remove their inner doubts regarding life, duty, philosophy and the scrip-

eternal parts of God, who is the ocean of Divine Bliss. It is not that Krishna contains happiness and they are separate, He is happiness himself. Therefore our search for happiness is unknowingly the search for God. Upon attaining Him alone can the soul experience the unlimited Divine Bliss that it is hankering for.

But we souls are searching for happiness in this material realm, which is not possible. Shri Kripaluji Maharaj says that there are three conditions for true happiness; it should never go away, it should be unlimited in nature and only grow with time. But as we see for ourselves, that the happiness

we experience in this world is transitory; a person who buys a motor bike feels elated of his new possession but is disheartened again to see a wealthier person with a car. Therefore till the time we do not realize God and attain divine love our futile search for true happiness in this material things will continue.

Q: My mind is constantly revolting while accepting that there is no happiness in material things.

Is it OK to go through these experiences and then conclude that there is no happiness, otherwise how will we know there is no happiness in it?

SM: If you adopt the modus operandi of experiencing everything first before deciding that there is no happiness in it, your whole life will pass in this endeavor given that there are innumerable things in this world.

For example to decide that there is no happiness in consuming alcohol, is there a formula regarding how long will you consume alcohol before concluding this?

As human beings God has bestowed us with the most developed subtle intellect among all living organisms, which can help us in making decisions even without experience. Merely by intellectual discrimination, without seeing or experiencing, humans are expected to reach a conclusion that there is no happiness in the world.

Q: I am easily hurt if people insensitively criticize me. The way people behave with me deeply affects my mood. How can I insulate myself from reacting to other people's negative behavior with me?

SM: The solution is to develop a better understanding of the world based on scriptural knowledge. The Vedas say that this material energy, Maya, consists of three gunas (modes of material nature): sattva guna (the mode of goodness), rajo guna (the mode of passion) and tamo guna (mode

Swami Mukundananda

of ignorance). Everyone's mind is made from material energy Maya, and so the three modes exist in our minds as well.

Depending on the environment and where we focus our thoughts, one of the gunas becomes prominent and our mind takes on the quality. Our mind constantly oscillates between the three and when two people with divergent gunas meet it causes strife. Congruence can happen only when two people have the same gunas but it is unreasonable to expect that they will match constantly.

The reason for our anxiety is

Bal-Mukund Open House in Fremont India Post News Service

FREMONT, CA: The BalMukund Open House in Fremont was held at the Community Center on January 27 on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. There was an enthusiastic response and the Bal-Mukund center will have many new students joining soon.

Interested parents and children who attended the Open House took away valuable information regarding Bal-Mukund's devotion towards children and their character, and, personality development.

Many of those who attended this session are now proud owners of beautifully illustrated books covering topics from the 'Essence

of Hinduism' to 'Healthy Body Healthy Mind', 'Inspiring Stories for Children' and many more. The weekly volunteer program that offers classes in shloka recitations, Vedic heritage stories and values, guided meditation, yoga, pranayam and Hindi charted out beautiful possibilities for the holistic growth of children 5 thru 15.

that we expect everyone to think in the same manner as we do. And when this does not happen we get disturbed. Instead if we would realize that people will naturally have differing views due to the modes of material nature, we will not be disturbed.

So by increasing our understanding of the world, we can insulate ourselves from the fluctuating moods of others.

Q: Why should we love God instead of our parents, spouses, children and other relations? If God sits in everyone's hearts then why can I not simply love them?

SM: It is important to first understand that we are the soul and not this body and hence our eternal relation with God. These worldly relations are temporary and will cease to exist the day we die. We have had innumerable such relations in our past lives but we don't remember them. But God is eternally situated in our hearts and does not leave us even for a minute. He is our eternal Father, Mother, Friend and Master and that is why scriptures tell us to love Him and develop our eternal relation with Him.

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Demanding justice in world's 'worst country to be a woman' GLENN FAWCETT

D

idi" (meaning "sister" in Hindi) and her family had to overcome many limitations, expectations, and prejudices to escape their small village in pursuit of a better life in Delhi. Didi was on the cusp of realizing her dream of becoming a physiotherapist, when the bright star of her life was tragically snuffed out.

Through this unfathomable event, India lost more than a future doctor; it lost a role model for the country's 594 million women and girls, the vast majority of whom hail from rural areas and poor backgrounds just like Didi.

An 18 year-old cousin in Didi's home village defiantly stated, "I will study physiotherapy in the same college as Didi and work in Delhi. I fear for my life after what happened to her, but there's enough courage in me. Her death has made me more determined."

Remarks like these underscore the radiating effect of Didi's fortitude and determination, and proves that her dedication to mentoring other girls in her village was worthy and impactful. The tragedy of her brutal gang rape and murder on a moving bus is greatly deepened in view of her exceptional achievements and the influence she had on those around her.

In the aftermath of this tragedy, at least 60,000 suggestions for improving law enforcement have been delivered to the government of India. The local media has been flooded for weeks with reports on the aftermath of Didi's rape and murder, and I cannot recall a single incident of violence that has so galvanized and mobilized Indians across the country.

her as broken, and accuses her of inviting this crime is clearly one with a social mindset of victim-blaming.

Some politicians and at least one well known 'God-man' have suggested that it is a lack of morals and western dressing habits that invite such crimes against girls in India. This social mindset (which exists as much in the villages as in the metros) is the enemy.

And this mindset must change if we hope to witness any real reform in our lifetimes. A country which values a girl's chastity and honor above her basic human rights‌which would rather a girl remain under the constant, watchful gaze of her parents than attend school‌is doomed to remain an unjust society.

Glenn While in general we find even the most traditional families are not opposed to educating girls, Lotus Outreach's work across some 600 economically backward villages in the state of Haryana has shown us that parents' fear of sexual assault and moral transgression continues to keep large numbers of girls out of school.

There are many reasons why girls don't attend public schools - lack of toilets, water and poor education quality among them - but the main problem is combination of Some politicians and at least the distance and fears one well known 'God-man' associated with female mobility and inhave suggested that it is a dependence. lack of morals and western Though primary schools are widedressing habits that invite spread in our work such crimes against girls in area, secondary India. This social mindset schools are not, (which exists as much in the and if a girl does not have a lower secvillages as in the metros) is ondary school in the enemy. And this mindset her village, she stops going - even must change if we hope to if the nearest school witness any real reform in is only a mile away.

Our challenge is our lifetimes to motivate and mobilize village comIndian citizens are coming forward in unprecedented munities to take the bull by the horns and work together to numbers to demand everything from improved security in create solutions, such as admonishing a parent chaperone India's metros; to speedier legal services for rape victims; to accompany girls to school in groups or using one of to shifts in public attitudes toward victims of sex crimes. many forms of farm vehicle to ferry their daughters in large Indeed, a society that interrogates a rape victim, brands numbers.

Lotus Outreach has been providing buses for 500 girls and former child laborers, many of whom are now becoming the first girls in the history of their villages to reach secondary school. It was these girls and the effect they are having on their peers that I thought of when I read about Didi and how she had inspired so many others. The way the girls from her home town spoke of her after all that had happened showed me the depth of her contribution, a contribution that lives on even after her passing.

Being out in Delhi even in the daytime - but especially after dark - has become increasingly dangerous. Street lights are forever not working, there are not enough properly trained police on Fawcett patrol and there is hardly any camera surveillance. Women who become victims of harassment and sex crimes are often further brutalized by insensitive and uncaring police, court officers, and medical staff during investigations.

Critical forensic evidence is not gathered and it is often difficult to even have a case lodged. The laws under which perpetrators are booked and their sentences do not fit the heinous nature of the crime. Influence, peddling, and corruption further weaken the chance of convictions so there is a sense perpetrators are often immune to consequences.

Further, victims do not have access to specialized assistance to deal with their trauma or redress grievances in the event of ill treatment during the course of filing their statements and the investigation process.

Of all the cases reported and unreported, for some reason Didi's tragic end hit a chord with the Indian public and all of the shortfalls that make India an unsafe place for women are now under a microscope. If the pressure is sustained, I believe it will result in an array of reforms that will go some way toward mending all that is broken and make India a safer place for women.

I am also sure that of the tens and perhaps hundreds of thousands that took to the streets to mourn Didi's passing across the country, many young girls and women will have further honed a steely determination not to be cowed by the threat of violence hanging over them. Instead, it is my great hope that this public outcry will lead them to demand a just and equitable society for women, and a society in which they can achieve whatever their hearts desire.

Glenn Fawcett is the Executive Director of Field Operations for Lotus Outreach International, a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to improving the education, health and safety of vulnerable women and children in the developing world.

Glenn has lived and worked in Delhi since 1995.

Datebook

February 8, 2013

India Post

27

www.indiapost.com

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

NEW YORK

NEW JERSEY

ILLINOIS

Upcoming

Upcoming

Upcoming

Upcoming

Upcoming

Fri Feb 8

Sat Feb 9

• Valentine Bash 2013

• I Just Wanna Dance 2013

Venue: Chandni Restaurant, 5748 Mowry School Rd, Newark, CA 94560 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 510-673-0153

Venue: Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Redondo Beach, CA 90278 Time: 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm

Fri Feb 8

Sat Feb 9

• Annual Traffic Light Theme

• Red Hot & Happening Valentine - HTHF Annual Gala Dinner & Dance

Venue: Bamboo Lounge, 1355 N 4th St, San Jose, CA 95112 Time: 9:00 pm Contact: 408-569-2417

Sun Feb 10 • Siddhartha Randeria's Comedy play in series of Gujjubhai Venue: Carrignton Hall, Redwood City, Ca Time: 6:00 pm Contact: 510 304 2903

Wed Feb 13 • Valentine's Day Henna Evening Venue: BeautShilp My Fair Lady Salon, 1072 Shell Blvd, Foster City, CA 94404 Time: 4:00 pm Time: 650-212-4274

Thu Feb 14 • Ishq Waka Love - Valentine Party Venue: Artisan Cuisine of India, 2700 W El Camino Real, Mountain View, CA 94040 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 408-660-6753

Sat Feb 16 • Music Group Daybreak Trio Venue: Fremont Main Library, 2400 Stevenson Blvd. Fremont, CA 94538 Time: 2:00 pm Contact: (510) 745-1401 Highlight: The Daybreak Trio is led by Wayne Siligo, jazz and pop guitarist, vocalist, saxophonist and blues-harp player.

Venue: Arcadia Community Center Hall, 365 Campus Drive, Arcadia (Los Angeles), CA 91007 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 626-991-4789

Fri Feb 15 Valentines Party Venue: Endless Food & Fun, 7227 Edinger Avenue, Huntington Beach, CA 92647 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 323-363-4022

Fri Jun 21

Tue Feb 26

Sun Feb 10

Sun Feb 10

• West Sonoma Coast Vintners presents NYC West of West Wine Festival

• Indian Wedding & Life Syle - Expo

• Ekantha Seva Concert By Smt Deepashri Phatak

Venue: City Winery, 155 Varick St, New York, NY 10013 Time: 6:00 pm

Venue: Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel, 515 US 1, Woodbridge Township, NJ 08830 Time: 12:00 pm Contact: 732-947-9048

Venue: The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago, 10915 Lemont Rd, Lemont, IL 60439 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 630-972-0300

Sun May 05

Thu Feb 14

Fri Feb 15

• Masters of Indian Music

• Deewan Valentine Gala Dinner

• Bollywood Love Dhamaka

Venue: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway at 95th Street, New York, NY 10025 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 212-545-7536

Venue: Deewan Banquet, 560 Stelton Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854 Time: 6:00 pm Contact: 732-968-7000

Venue: Bath & Tennis Club, Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL 60523 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 630-670-1279

Fri May 10

Fri Feb 15

Fri Feb 22

• Soorya Festival New York

• Trendz Entertainment

Venue: Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020 Time: 6:00 pm Contact: 832 643 9131

WASHINGTON DC Upcoming

• UCarnival Los Angeles 2013 Venue: Holiday Inn - La Mirada, 14299 Firestone Blvd, La Mirada, CA 90638 Time: 10:00 am Contact: 510578728

ATLANTA Upcoming

Sat Feb 9 A special Pre-Valentine's Day Party Venue: Dirty Martini, 1223 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036 Time: 10:00 pm Contact: 571-308-3374

Sun Mar 24

Sat Feb 16

• My Shadi Bridal Expo

• Lover's Nest - A Valentine Party Venue: Bombay Tandoor Restaurant, 8603 Westwood Center Dr, Vienna, VA 22182 Time: 8:30 pm Contact: 571-340-7289

Venue: Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel, 2450 Galleria Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30339 Time: 12:00 pm Contact: 9547848100

www.Indiapost.com

Fri Mar 8 • Hillarious Gujarati comedy play Venue: Laurel High School, 8000 Cherry Ln, Laurel, MD 20707 Time: 8:00 pm Contact: 703-449-0772

Presents Valentines Party Venue: Hotel 999, Formerly Known as Ramada, North Brunswick, NJ 08902 Time: 8:00 pm Contact: 347-385-8587

• Siddharth Randeira is coming to Chicago in GUJJUBHAI NI GOLMALL, Dinner & Drama Night Venue: Jain Center, Bartlett, IL Time: Dinner 6:30 pm and Play 8 pm Contact: 630-913-6660, 630-347-9046

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Jiya Lage Na: Talaash 2 Ishq Shava: Jab Tak Hai Jaan 3 Dagabaaz Re: Dabangg 2 4 Fevicol Se: Dabangg 2 5 Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola: Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola 28 India Post

www.indiapost.com

February 8, 2013

6 Oye Boy Charlie: JMatru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola 7 Darmiyan: Inkaar 8 Jee Le Zaraa: Talaash 9 Khamakha: Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola 10 Heer: Jab Tak Hai Jaan

S

alman Khan has sportingly admitted that his health condition does not allow him to perform daredevil stunts. While for Dabangg 2, Arbaaz Khan had already arranged for a body double, a question mark hovers over the actor's other projects Sher Khan and Kick both action adventures.

It is learnt that for brother Sohail directed Sher Khan, Salman has already taken a call to transform the action-hero to a romantic one. The film is being redesigned as a passionate love story with the action kept to the minimum.

A source close to the project says, "Salman's character of the dogooder Robin Hood-meets-Superman needs modification. Sher Khan would now be an out-and-out love story with Salman romancing two stunning beauties."

In fact, while Angela Jonsson will play one of Salman's love interests, the other heroine is yet to be finalised. "Sohail is on the look-out for a pinup girl preferably from the modelling world who would look like a million bucks and also be able to do some stunts," added the source.

According to the source, both the leading ladies will be required to do some heavyduty action scenes to compensate for the hero's reduced agility.

NIGHT FOR HUGS

R

anveer Singh is known to wear his heart on his sleeves. And the boisterous actor, who has been making grandiose statements of love for the relatively quieter Deepika, grabbed yet another opportunity to show how much he really cares for her. Deepika was in Dubai for her upcoming film, when Ranveer joined her for some hectic socialising and romantic dancing.

Sources say the couple spent a large part of January 16 shopping, before taking a break to prepare for their evening date. They met again at a tony nightclub close to midnight. When Deepika walked in, dressed in a LBD, she was greeted by Ranveer and a bunch of his close friends from college - husband and wife Deepak and Khushalani, Girish and Dilip.

According to an eye-witness, Ranveer introduced Deepika to his buddies before the group settled down for drinks at a VIP table. In less than 30 minutes, Deepika had befriended Ranveer's pals, and they happily began to click pictures to preserve the moment.

In fact, Deepika herself took a few pictures of Ranveer fooling around with his buddies.

L

FUN WITH CHAALBAAZ

ike all of us, Chitrangda Singh is a Sridevi fan. No wonder Chitrangda was over the moon when she got to perform one of Sridevi's most loved dance numbers 'Na Jaane Kahan See Aayi Hai' from the film Chaalbaaz with John Abraham in their film 'I Me Aur Main'. Chitrangda, basking in the rave reviews she has received for her performance in Inkaar, had to share the number with Prachi Desai. Not just that the entire song has been turned down from a female-gender perspective to a male one, to suit the leading man's stature.

An indication of the male-domination that controls the film industry? Chitrangda laughs her throaty laughter and says, "I told John the revised avatar of the Sridevi song goes well with his character in I Me Aur Main. But seriously, all three of us John, Prachi and I had fun dancing to the number."

After the release of her film Inkaar, Chitrangda shot the song and then rushed to the I Me Aur Main director Kapil Sharma's home for his birthday party.

Yes, the stunning looker is now learning the ropes of Bollywood protocol, though she is still a far distance from mastering it. "I don't go out much after shooting. I don't socialize. I am terrible at social networking. Once I finish shooting I like to get back home and watch films.�

February 8, 2013

Bollywood

India Post 29

www.indiapost.com

Dancing

CENTURY P riyanka Chopra is busy shooting the Zanjeer remake alongside southern star Ram Charan Teja. She plays Mala's role formerly played by Jaya Bachchan and Ram Charan Teja plays Vijay's role formerly played by megastar Amitabh Bachchan.

Priyanka was shooting an introductory song for the film where she dances with 100 men. "We are shooting with Priyanka Chopra for a very special song.

It is going to be an unusual song where you will see 100 men dancing with Priyanka" a source close to the film's team says. The song is composed by Meet Brothers and choreographed by Ganesh Acharya.

Normal

girlD E

sha Gupta seems to be very proud of her dusky skin and has no inclination to en dorse a fairness cream. Several actresses from the industry have been endorsing fairness creams but Esha Gupta looks like an exception. She believes dusky women can be no less attractive.

This dusky beauty who has given two back to back hits in her debut year seems to have confidence riding on her. She gives an example saying, "Our Miss India contestants Sushmita Sen, Lara Dutta and the bong beauty Bipasha Basu never endorsed a fairness cream either. They all were proud to be dusky".

"I would never like to endorse a fairness cream. I believe in natural beauty", she signs off.

eepika Padukone is considered to be one of the top actors in the film industry yet, she doesn't consider herself part of the competition. "I don't believe in the number race.

I focus on my work and believe in competing with myself. I think what you achieve in your life is the result of your own talent and hard work," states the 27 year old.

The actress is currently working on two films - Chennai Express with Shah Rukh Khan and Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani with Ranbir Kapoor.

Deepika says she doesn't even consider herself as a star, just the normal girl her age who is working. "I consider myself to be any other girl who is of my age who is working. I have completely enjoyed the five-year journey. Every film has taught me and so has every co-star I have worked with," It's all about work for the star. When approached about love and relationship, Deepika says that she simply doesn't have time for love or relationships as she is "not at all in the frame of mind to be in a relationship. I have no time."

„

Realty Tidbits

Era group premises searched

NEW DELHI: Official and residential premises of real estate and infrastructure construction firms under Delhi-based Era Group have been searched by central revenue department officials for alleged service tax evasion of about Rs 18 crore, official sources said.

Acting on intelligence, a team of officials have booked a case of alleged service tax evasion against Era Infra Engineering Ltd, Era Landmark Ltd and Era Buildsys Ltd, they said.

The officials recorded statements of persons concerned of the firms who accepted service tax liability of about Rs 13 crore in respect of Era Infra Engineering Ltd and about Rs 5.5 crore in respect of Era Landmark Ltd up to November last year, the sources claimed.

Besides, the officials in their recorded statement have admitted service tax liability of Rs 30 lakh in respect of Era Buildsys Ltd for the period up to September 2012, they said.

„ Sebi revokes ban against entity in Alka Securities MUMBAI: Sebi has revoked the ban against Mayuresh Real Estate & Management that restrained the entity from the securities market for allegedly misleading investors by furnishing wrong details about its shareholding in Alka Securities Ltd. Besides, the market regulator Sebi has disposed of the show cause notice issued to the company as well as revoked the ban imposed on from the securities market.

Sebi through an interim order in July 2009 had restrained the entity from accessing the securities market and prohibited it from trading in any manner whatsoever, until further orders.

These directions were confirmed by Sebi in October 2009.

The regulator, in the latest order dated January 22, "disposes off show cause notice... issued to Mayuresh Real Estate & Management in the matter of ASL without any further directions. -PTI

Real Estate 30

India Post

www.indiapost.com

February 8, 2013

Biggest land acquisition in WB soon KOLKATA: The Trinamool Congress government, which has voiced its opposition to land acquisition by the state government, is going in for the biggest land acquisition drive after coming to power. A decision of the Left Front government in December 2010 to acquire 3,600 acres of land at Gourandi and Banjemari mouzas of Burdwan district to build a housing project for the people evicted by Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) for its mining projects has been re-approved by the Commerce and Industries Department, and the proposal will be placed before the state cabinet for its re-validation.

US home sales reach highest level despite falling back slightly last month

E

xisting home sales in the United States slowed last month but total sales were the highest in five years, according to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors.

Its latest monthly report also shows that limited inventory meant that prices have continued to rise and are expected to continue doing so in 2013.

Total existing home sales, which are completed transactions that include single family homes, town homes, condominiums and co-ops, fell by 1% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.94 million in December from a downwardly revised 4.99 million in November, but are 12.8% above the 4.38 million level of December 2011.

The preliminary annual total for existing home sales in 2012 was 4.65 million, up 9.2% from 4.26 million in 2011. It was the highest volume since 2007 when it reached 5.03 million and the strongest increase since 2004.

The national median existing home price for all housing types was $180,800 in December, which is 11.5% above December 2011.

This is the 10th consecutive month of year on year price gains, which last occurred from August 2005 to May 2006, and is the strongest increase since November 2005 when it jumped 12.9%.

For all of 2012, the preliminary median existing home price was $176,600, up 6.3% from $166,100 in 2011, and was the strongest annual price gain since 2005 when the median price rose 12.4%.

Pent up demand is sustaining the market according to NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun. 'Record low mortgage interest rates clearly are helping many home buyers,

but tight inventory and restrictive mortgage underwriting standards are limiting sales,' he said.

'The number of potential buy-

the peak of the housing boom.

Listed inventory is 21.6% below a year ago when there was a 6.4 month supply. Raw unsold in-

ers who stayed on the sidelines accumulated during the recession, but they started entering the market early last year as their financial ability and confidence steadily grew, along with home prices.

Likely job creation and household formation will continue to fuel that

ventory is at the lowest level since January 2001 when there were 1.78 million homes on the market.

Distressed homes, that is foreclosures and short sales, accounted for 24% of December sales of which 12% were foreclosures and 12% were short sales,

The median time on market for all homes was 73 days in December, up from 70 days in November, but is 26.3% below the 99 days in December 2011. Short sales were on the market for a median of 117 days growth. Both sales and prices will again be higher in 2013,' he added.

Total housing inventory at the end of December 2012 fell 8.5% to 1.82 million existing homes available for sale, which represents a 4.4 month supply at the current sales pace, down from 4.8 months in November, and is the lowest housing supply since May of 2005 when it was 4.3 months, which was near

up from 22% in November but below the 32% recorded in December 2011. Foreclosures sold for an average discount of 17% below market value in December, while short sales were discounted 16%.

NAR president Gary Thomas said that affordability conditions will be fairly stable in the near term.

'Although mortgage interest rates should gradually rise as the year

progresses, they're expected to stay below 4% during the first half of the year, meaning qualified buyers generally can stay well within their means,' he explained.

'Although tight inventory is limiting home sales in many areas, overall sales are expected to stay on an upward trend. The biggest impact of tight inventory is upward pressure on home prices, but after values fell below replacement construction costs, prices are still affordable in most of the country,' he added.

The median time on market for all homes was 73 days in December, up from 70 days in November, but is 26.3% below the 99 days in December 2011. Short sales were on the market for a median of 117 days, while foreclosures typically sold in 45 days and non distressed homes took 74 days. Some 31% of all homes sold in December were on the market for less than a month.

First time buyers accounted for 30% of sales in December, unchanged from November and slightly less than the 31% recorded in December 2011.

All cash sales made up 29% of transactions in December compared with 30% in November and 31% in December 2011. Investors, who account for most cash sales, bought 21% of homes in December, up from 19% in November, and the same as December 2011.

Single family home sales slipped 1.4% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.35 million in December from 4.41 million in November, but are 11.5% above the 3.9 million sold in December 2011. The median existing single family home price was $180,300 in December, up 10.9% from a year ago.

Cont’d on page 31

Real Estate

February 8, 2013

India Post

31

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Neighbors funnel their rain into our yard Steve McLinden Dear Real Estate Adviser,

W

e recently bought a home in California that's on the downhill side of surrounding homes. We've since discovered the neighbors directly above us installed two drains that now funnel all the rain runoff directly through our property. Is this legal? I understand the concept of natural drainage, but shouldn't runoff be directed toward a public way?

-- Bennie H. Dear Bennie, Obviously, good drainage makes good neighbors - or something to that effect. And yes, it is not legal for a neighbor to direct stormwater to your yard, and it's worse if they've significantly altered the natural drainage flow through the land in the process.

You could contact the city or county to complain, but it's not likely they're going to show up with heavy equipment one day, tear out the offender's new drains and correct the problem. Inevitably, you will have to hammer out a solution with the neighbors. You could go to court to make these folks cease their actions and possibly receive recompense for damage. You would have to prove the

neighbors unreasonably altered their property, resulting in surfacewater damage to yours. In most states, by the way, you'd have to prove both damage and nuisance.

All told, this route could prove costly and not exactly make for glowing neighborly relations with the uphill clan.

You might ask the landscapers while they're there if it's possible to harness this unwanted flow to serve your purposes (property irrigation, pond, etc.)

First, show some diplomacy and try to work things out with the neighbors. Before doing that, you may still want to contact the city to see if the neighbors have a right to do what they did (doubtful) and then a landscape firm to see what your remedies would be and how much they will cost. You'll at least be forearmed with the "cost" part of the equation before your neighbor meeting.

A landscaper may suggest you

install a berm or retaining wall along the property line to stop or deflect the flow or possibly carve out a catch basin or cross-property ditch reinforced by a plastic liner and (or) gravel. The best remedy would depend on the lay of the land. Get some quotes, then, as politely as possible, tell your neighbors any problems you are experiencing and what would need to be done (and spent) to mitigate the issue. Ask if you can work together on a solution such as them redirecting the rain to a more benign route.

Any remedial landscaping costs should be, at least in a perfect world, shouldered by the neighbor; however, feel free to kick in a little out of good faith if you sense that will help. That might sound galling, but it would still be cheaper than court and might prevent future HatfieldMcCoy-esque confrontations and additional things cascading down onto your property.

If the neighbors balk, then consider plan B -- legal action -- perhaps beginning with a letter from an attorney, setting a remedy deadline.

One more thought: You might ask the landscapers while they're there if it's possible to harness this unwanted flow to serve your purposes (property irrigation, pond, etc.)

Good luck. Hopefully, you can reach some (dry) common ground.

Dubai emerges as world's strongest housing market

T

he resurgence in the Dubai property market over the past year has seen it being ranked as the strongest housing market in the world, by Global Property Guide. The recently released independent report shows Dubai's residential property index jump 13.46 per cent during the year, compared to a 1.8 per cent decline in 2011. During the same period, the report shows that the UK fell

3.97 per cent, Singapore 2.88 per cent and Tokyo by 1.94 per cent.

Welcoming the report, Senior Vice President, DAMAC Properties, Niall McLoughlin said: "Even the steady and consistent growth to pricing we have seen in the past year in Dubai is truly impressive when placed alongside the international markets. While we still predict a more stable growth pattern through 2013, Dubai's prop-

erty market is certainly again considered one of the best locations in world for real estate investment."

Supporting the sentiment of the report, real estate services firm Jones Lang LaSalle recently stated in the 2012 Middle East and North Africa Real Estate Investor Sentiment Survey the Dubai is now the favorite destination for in the region for overseas investors looking to boost their income.

US home sales reach highest level despite falling back slightly last month Cont’d from page 30

Existing condominium and coop sales rose 1.7% to an annualized level of 590,000 in December from 580,000 in November, and are 22.9% higher than a year ago. The median existing condo price was $184,100 in December, up 16% from December 2011.

Regionally, existing home sales in the Northeast rose 3.2% to an an-

nual rate of 640,000 in December and are 10.3% above December 2011. The median price in the Northeast was $231,600, up 5.3% from a year ago.

Existing home sales in the Midwest fell 5.9% in December to 1.12 million but are 15.5% higher than a year ago. The median price in the Midwest was $144,800, which is 12.3% above December 2011.

In the South, existing home

sales fell 3% to an annual level of 1.95 million in December but are 14.7% above December 2011. The median price in the South was $161,100, up 11% from a year ago.

Existing home sales in the West rose 5.1% to 1.23 million in December and are 8.8% higher than a year ago. The median price in the West was $239,900, which is 17.3% above December 2011.

Major realty markets in correction mode

H

omebuyers reeling under the burden of rising prices of homes can breathe easy as market trends have hinted at correction in the major residential markets in the country. According to market watchers, the prices of property in cities like Mumbai and Delhi are softening.

According to the property index presented by property portal makaan.com the prices in these two cities are either stabilizing or depreciating.

While Mumbai price index has seen a 2.4 per cent decrease in the month of December and a 7.8 per cent in the past quarter, there has been a depreciation of 3.6 per on annualized basis.

The Delhi property index has registered a minor drop of 0.9 per cent on a monthly basis and 3.4 per cent on yearly basis.

However, over the last three months, the Delhi Property Index has seen a drop of 9.4 per cent.

Although, the overall drop is not significant, there is a ray of hope that the present trend in Mumbai and Delhi NCR might continue due to inventory overhang. This is a welcome change for the home buyers who have been burdened by high property prices and home loan interest rates.

Observing the findings, Aditya Verma, EVP & COO, Makaan.com says, "The real estate market in Mumbai and Delhi-NCR is undergoing a small correction in prop-

erty prices. But it remains to be seen if this correction is sustainable. Overall any correction would prove to be healthy and should be welcomed. It will encourage fence sitters to enter the market."

At the national level, the property prices have remained stable largely. The National Property Index showed a drop of 0.3 per cent in December 2012. Property prices in Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Pune registered an increase of 3.6, 2.6, 7.0, 1.7 and 2.2 per cent, respectively.

The National Index saw a depreciation of 3.6 per cent on a quarterly basis. Over the last quarter September 2012 to December 2012 - there are mostly upward swings in property prices across the cities other than Mumbai and Delhi.

Bangalore (11.7 per cent), Hyderabad (8.9 per cent) and Pune (8.8 per cent) registered a rise where as Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Chennai remained stable.

As compared to the previous year i.e.

December 2011, the MPI in December 2012 has remained in almost the same lines.

Prices have been rising steadily, with minor highs and lows over the last year As compared to the previous year i.e. December 2011, the MPI in December 2012 has remained in almost the same lines. Prices have been rising steadily, with minor highs and lows over the last year.

Over the past one year, most cities have seen a mix of appreciation and depreciation in property prices. Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Pune registered a significant appreciation while Chennai and Kolkata property prices experienced depreciation.

„ Health

Line

Michigan drive for obesity awareness LANSING, Mich.: The Michigan Department of Community Health has asked residents to agree to lose 10 percent of their body weight in an effort to bring down the state's obesity rate.

The department launched the ``MI Healthier Tomorrow'' campaign to educate residents about the health problems associated with obesity and to call on residents to join a statewide weightloss effort. ``The primary message ... is that you as a Michigander can do much to lower your risk for a variety of chronic diseases by making some decisions regarding your weight,'' department Director James Haveman said. ``People can't wait.

They need to start making decisions today.''

Residents who choose to participate in the program will be sent a free ``Getting Started Kit'' in the mail and also can sign up to receive text messages or emails with motivation tips or healthy recipes.

Losing 10 percent of one's body weight helps lower the risk for a health concerns including high cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes, according to the department.

Health officials also said lowering the state's obesity rate could reduce Michigan's health care costs by approximately $357 million.

The campaign comes out of a recommendation from last June's Michigan Health and Wellness 4 x 4 plan, which tasked the department to create a message to fight obesity in the nation's fifth heaviest state. -AP

„ Illinois takes baby steps toward 1st birth center CHICAGO: A clinic in the Chicago suburb of Berwyn may get the first permit to operate a birth center in Illinois.

A state board is set to consider Feb. 5 whether to grant the permit to the PCC South Family Health Center.

Birth centers operate in 37 other states. Illinois once prohibited them, leaving women to choose between giving birth at home or in a hospital. It took two decades of lobbying by midwives before a 2007 law authorized a pilot program.

Birth centers can look like homes or clinics from the outside.

Inside, women can get prenatal care and deliver their babies in a homelike setting.

Cecelia Bacom has led the planning for the Berwyn center. She says only women with low-risk pregnancies will give birth at the center. -AP

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GOP will renew effort to ban Iowa abortion funding DES MOINES, Iowa: House Republicans plan to try again to ban the rare use of public money to finance abortions for low-income women, lawmakers said.

Details on page 35

Obama birth control mandate loosens lawsuits NEW YORK: The legal challenges over religious freedom and the birth control coverage requirement in President Barack Obama's health care overhaul appear to be moving toward the U.S. Supreme Court.

Faith-affiliated charities, hospitals and universities have filed dozens of lawsuits against the mandate, which requires employers to provide insurance that covers contraception for free. However, many for-profit business owners are also suing, claiming a violation of their religious beliefs.

The religious lawsuits have largely stalled, as the Department of Health and Human Services tries to develop an accommodation for faith groups. However, no such offer will be made to individual business owners. And their lawsuits are yielding conflicting rulings in appeals courts around the U.S. ``The circuits have split. You're getting different, conflicting interpretations of law, so the line of cases will have to go to the Supreme Court,'' said Carl Esbeck, a professor at the University of Missouri Law School who specializes in religious liberty issues.

Last year, the Supreme Court ruled that Obama's fiercely contested health care overhaul, known as the Affordable Care Act, was constitutional. But differences over the birth control provision in the law have yet to be resolved.

US President Barack Obama

The religious lawsuits have largely stalled, as the Department of Health and Human Services tries to develop an accommodation for faith groups. However, no such offer will be made to individual business owners Under the requirement, most employers, including faith-affiliated hospitals and nonprofits, have to provide health insurance that includes artificial contraception, including sterilization, as a free preventive service. The goal, in part, is to help women space pregnancies as a way to promote health.

Religious groups who employ and serve people of their own faith - such as churches - are exempt. But other religiously affiliated groups, such as Catholic

Charities, must comply.

Roman Catholic bishops, evangelicals and some religious leaders who have generally been supportive of Obama's policies have lobbied fiercely for a broader exemption. The Catholic Church prohibits the use of artificial contraception. Evangelicals generally permit the use of birth control, but they object to specific methods such as the morning-after contraceptive pill, which they argue is tantamount to abortion.

Obama promised to change the birth control requirement so insurance companies and not faith-affiliated employers would pay for the coverage, but religious leaders said more changes were needed to make the plan work.

The Health and Human Services Department said it could not comment on litigation. A spokeswoman also did not respond to a question about when the latest revisions in the birth control rule would be made public.

However, government attorneys responding to a lawsuit said an announcement was expected by the end of March. In the suit filed by the evangelical Wheaton College in Illinois and Catholic Belmont Abbey in North Carolina, the court ordered government attorneys to provide a progress report on the new rule every 60 days.

Whatever its final form, the mandate will take effect for religious groups in August.

At the center of the cases is the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, the 1993 law that bars the government from imposing a substantial burden on the exercise of religion for anything other than a compelling government interest pursued in the least restrictive way.

The question of how or whether these criteria apply when owners of for-profit businesses have a religious objection to a government policy hasn't been fully tested.

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E-cigarettes more harmful than smoking: experts LONDON: Electronic cigarettes - billed as a healthier alternative to smoking - may be even more damaging than the habit they replace, experts have warned.

The battery-powered devices contain a heating element that turns nicotine-laced liquid in a cartridge into a vapor mist that is inhaled.

This produces a sensation similar to smoking the real thing but, manufacturers claim, without the carcinogenic chemicals

found in cigarette tar, the 'Daily Mail' reported.

Experts say in order to vaporize the nicotine solution; the chemical propylene glycol is put into the cartridges, and accounts for up to 90 per cent of their content.

This can cause "acute respiratory system irritation", claims Dr Elisabeth Pott, director of the Federal Centre of Health Education in Cologne, Germany, who studied the e-cigarettes.

The US Food and Drug Admin-

istration (FDA), in 2009, analyzed e-cigarette cartridges and found traces of the carcinogen nitrosamine and other potentially harmful substances in products from several manufacturers, in addition to ethanol and glycerin.

However, e-cigarette firms point out that nitrosamine is found in much higher concentration in cigarettes, report said.

Professor John Britton from the Royal College of Physicians' Tobacco Advisory Group, is calling for regulation of e-cigarettes

that would ensure a "guaranteed standard".

Britton said that the devices should be regulated in the UK to a degree to make sure there are reasonable levels of nicotine in them.

According to the report, ecigarettes have been banned in Canada, Australia, and some American states. Most recently, their use by civil servants in city offices and vehicles has been banned in Hanover, Germany. -PTI

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TB a social disease with medical consequences SHOBHA SHUKLA

T

he Partnership for TB care and control in India announced its first Annual award for TB Champion Individual and TB Champion Organization at its recently held National Consultative Meeting in Delhi. This award has been instituted by the partnership (and is supported by Dr. Madhukar Pai and Global Health Strategies for next five years 20132018) to recognize the effort of individuals and organizations working for tuberculosis care and control in India.

The first recipients of this prestigious award were the Hinduja Research Foundation and Hospital in Mumbai in the institutional category, and Dr Nalini Krishnan, Director of REACH, a Chennai based NGO doing commendable work in the field of TB Control in India - in the individual category.

The following are excerpts from an interview given to Citizen News Service - CNS by Dr Krishnan on the occasion of being conferred this honour: How does it feel like to be the TB champion for India and the brand ambassador for the Partnership?

"I am very honoured as well as humbled by this award. For every award bringing one person centre stage, there are thousands of others who work behind the scenes selflessly for whatever cause they espouse. But for various reasons only a few come to the lime light.

So behind this award is my organization and I am accepting this award for REACH and not just for myself individually.

The backbone of REACH is really the field workers and the staff who interact continuously with the TB patients. The reason why we got more into advocacy than anything else is that we actually started by facilitating treatment for TB patients by getting drugs for them from the National TB Program and enabling them to finish their treatment.

We found that there were innumerable barriers between the 1st day of diagnosis and the completion of treatment (and for that matter even getting diagnosed). So our initial approach was that of a problem solv-

ing one. Our network of community volunteers and social workers approach each patient in a customised manner. Every patient has got a story of how she/he got diagnosed and cured (or not cured).

They face innumerable barriers - financial as well as social - in accessing and completing treatment.

We work with the poorest of the poor TB patients whose loss of work days cannot be compensated for in most cases. And then there are issues of social stigma.

When we went into the community we found that there were a lot of misconceptions about the

Dr Nalini Krishnan

disease and people thought that it was a disease of the past. So the first thing was to draw more attention to TB." When did you first begin your work in this field in India?

We started in 1998 - almost the same time when the Revised National TB Control Program (RNTCP) started in Chennai in 1999 - and we are entering our 15th year of work now in Chennai.

Originally REACH was called ACT - Advocacy for Control of Tuberculosis. We decided to increase awareness about TB by using a lot of information, education and communication.

We believe in the power of using people and strong messages. I think constant communication is very important and it drives people to seek care at the right time. We have got our own brand ambassador - a

South Indian film actor Suriya - who has been endorsing our program and today even in the very remote areas of Chennai one would find TB posters featuring Suriya.

This has gone a long way in creating awareness about TB. Initially we gave a lot of information on TB to Suriya to enable him to understand the issue. Now, whenever we meet him, he asks us for updates on the TB issue and also on the impact of his association with the cause.

It is really important to prepare such ambassadors with the capacity to speak for the cause they espouse. This we do with patient advocates also. They need to relate their own story in the context of the larger audience. So building the capacity of communicators is crucial so that they communicate the right messages in the right language.

It is always difficult to measure the impact of all that we do and can one really measure it in terms of numbers, but then what we communicate or write about has a snowballing effect. I am confident that the more we speak out, the more and more will the patients get the care they deserve.

What changes have you seen in TB control program over the years and what are the roadblocks at the grassroot levels?

I have seen RNTCP from day one when it started in Chennai in 1999. The ideology behind the program and systems that have developed within it are really laudable. But the issue is that though the program is there for the people to come and access it, we as civil society have really failed in our duty all these years to actually drive people to seek treatment at the right time.

It is a fundamental human right of all patients to access free diagnosis, free treatment and be cared for within the public health system. But even now we are struggling with the problem of several patients reporting very late for TB diagnosis, and, even when they go to a public healthcare centre, they face many road blocks. Public healthcare providers still lack the soft skills to actually treat the

Cuomo budget limits choice of anti-psychotic drugs ALBANY, NY: New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is proposing a cost-cutting measure that would empower the state and health insurance companies to deny lowincome mental patients the specific anti-psychotic drugs their physicians say they need.

The measure would save $9

million in state funds in Cuomo's proposed $143 billion budget proposal. The administration says the measure will also better serve patients, end abuse and won't put patients or the public at risk.

Physicians would have to choose from 13 anti-psychotic

drugs for Medicaid patients.

The Mental Health Association of New York says a physician should have final say over what is best to prescribe a patient.

Other advocates question the move after a new state gun control bill focuses on care of the mentally ill. -AP

patient with compassion and care.

This might be true for all patients seeking government healthcare, but the problem becomes more critical in case of TB where the interaction between the provider and the patient has to last a minimum of 6 months.

This is very different from seeking treatment for a cold or a cough and if someone is rude, you put up with that as it is for a very short period. So I think that as far as civil society is concerned we have to turn everything upside down and start looking at the disease only from the patients' perspectives and see what it takes to assure them.

Secondly, another very big gap is not paying enough attention to pri-

Coming back to the grassroots, the life of an individual TB patient is very hard. If they happen to be the bread winner, there is no system to support them in sickness.

Many such factors result in the patients not completing the treatment vate healthcare providers - right from the traditional healers to the doctors sitting in corporate hospitals - as they are generally the first point of contact for the TB patients.

The program, as it grows, has not kept pace in involving other players and stakeholders. The new RNTCP plans are really laudable and I hope that they really come into practice."

Coming back to the grassroots, the life of an individual TB patient is very hard. If they happen to be the bread winner, there is no sys-

tem to support them in sickness.

Many such factors result in the patients not completing the treatment and/or moving into the category of drug resistant TB. Our studies on patients, who were already declared to have defaulted on treatment, show that at least 25% of them had died. Each of these deaths is really a TB death, but is not counted as one. So it is really heart breaking to see a simple case of TB go into so many complications, simply because of nonclinical reasons. TB is beyond writing prescriptions, it is beyond going to the doctor. It is a social disease with medical consequences."

How does this award impact your future work in the field of TB? "This award makes me more aware of my responsibilities and I think I need to be more outspoken. As we are working within the public health system, we tend to become more like their partners.

But as civil society members, we should also learn to stand apart a little bit. NGOs should not work for the government but work side by side with the government, maintaining their own identity and independence. The award gives me an opportunity to step back and look at my role in highlighting the problems of the TB patients. I would like to see more TB forums coming up and would like to build the capacity of patients to come up and speak out as no testimony is as good as the patients' testimony. I would try to build my own capacity to take the job of brand ambassador for TB control very seriously, drawing attention of the right people at the right time to TB - especially in policy formulation and implementation. I would like to engage more celebrities, people in power and high profile people in the media for the cause of TB care and control in India."

The author is the Managing Editor of Citizen News Service

Oklahoma to expand mental health services OKLAHOMA CITY: Gov. Mary Fallin says Oklahoma should expand access to mental health services.

At a forum sponsored by The Associated Press, Fallin said her legislative plan will include three crisis centers, a suicide prevention initiative and a treatment program for prescription drug abuse.

The mental health plan would also boost counseling for families with children who have severe emotional disturbances to help produce

``healthy, happy, productive adults.''

She said an additional $16 million in spending for the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services would prevent tragedies from occurring.

Fallin also said Oklahoma cannot afford to expand Medicaid.

She said costs estimated at $689 million would place too much strain on the budget between now and 2022. She wants to increase funds for the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. -AP

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SC Court mulling state health premium suit COLUMBIA, S.C.: The South Carolina Budget and Control Board violated the constitution when it voted to split the cost of increases in public workers' health insurance premiums between employers and employees, an attorney argued before the state Supreme Court. ``The General Assembly alone has the power to tax and spend,'' Allen Nickles told justices, saying the panel infringed on the separation of powers when it raised rates on both by 4.6 percent.

Nickles represents public workers who are suing the Budget and Control Board over its August vote to split the cost of the increases. Lawmakers had already agreed to fully cover the premium hikes as part of a larger compromise on worker pay, seeking to

provide workers who had gone four years without a raise with a noticeable increase in their paychecks.

The final budget increased most state workers' salaries by 3

Gov. Nikki Haley, chairwoman of the board, convinced a majority to disregard the budget and split the cost of the hikes between employers and workers. The board ultimately voted 3-2 to raise rates on both by 4.6 percent starting January 1 percent, but also required them to contribute more toward their retirement. It also distributed the necessary $20.6 million to agencies, school districts and public colleges to fully cover premium hikes.

Report finds no smart meter radiation danger MONTPELIER, Vt.: A report commissioned by the Vermont Legislature on the potential threat to human health posed by smart meters, the devices used by electric utilities to measure power consumption and ultimately save energy, found the devices emit only a small fraction of the maximum exposure levels set by the Federal Communications Commission, said the report.

The maximum peak radiofrequency level measured one foot from a meter was 3.9 percent of the FCC's top exposure limit, said the Department of Public Service, which hired the Washington state company that prepared the report.

The smart meter exposure compared to a limit of 1 percent of the radiofrequency exposure level for a cordless phone, 6.5 percent for a microwave oven and 10.5 percent for a cellphone. ``It is concluded that any potential exposure to the investigated smart meters will comply with the FCC exposure rules by a wide margin,'' said the report.

The conclusions of the report were based on results of lab testing and field measurements from smart meters being used by Green Mountain Power and the Burlington Electric Department.

GMP spokeswoman Dorothy Schnure said the new smart meters, and other technological improvements, would improve reliability and help the utility offer more cost-effective service to its customers. ``The results of this study con-

But Gov. Nikki Haley, chairwoman of the board, convinced a majority to disregard the budget and split the cost of the hikes between employers and workers.

The board ultimately voted 3-2 to

firmed what we already believed: smart meters are safe for our customers,'' she said.

A number of Vermont utilities are installing smart meters in place of traditional meters that had to be regularly read by someone to determine a customer's power consumption. Smart meters allow two-way communications between the customer and the utility, in many cases by two-way radio.

The meters could make it possible to allow electricity prices to vary at different times of the day,

The smart meter exposure compared to a limit of 1 percent of the radiofrequency exposure level for a cordless phone, 6.5 percent for a microwave oven and 10.5 percent for a cellphone which could encourage consumers to use power-hungry appliances such as dishwashers and clothes dryers at night when demand, and the price, is low.

But some fear the meters could have unintended health effects because of human exposure to radiofrequency levels from the meters.

The group Vermonters for a Clean Environment has been skeptical of smart meter technology. -AP

raise rates on both by 4.6 percent starting Jan. 1. On average, agencies will pay an extra $19 monthly, while employees and retirees will pay $7 more.

Some public employees sued, saying that the panel lacked the

authority to raise premiums in spite of lawmakers' action. ``The Budget and Control Board is empowered only to act within its delegated authority,'' Nickles said. ``Where the heck do the Budget and Control Board ... get the authority to substitute their judgment for the General Assembly?''

If the board's vote is deemed invalid, the ruling would automatically apply to the more than 234,000 public workers and retirees who have health insurance through the state health plan, Nickles has said. More than 400,000 residents are covered through the plan, when including spouses and children.

Mitchell Brown, an attorney representing the Budget and Control Board, told the court that lawmakers could have submitted

a proviso directing the money to be spent in a certain way but didn't. ``There is a pot of money available to spend, but there is not a mandate to spend it,'' Brown said.

Chief Justice Jean Toal questioned Brown, wondering that, if the court ruled that the Budget and Control Board could reconfigure state spending in the absence of such specific instructions from state lawmakers, then millions of dollars in funds could be called into question.

Justices have blocked the increase from taking effect until they decide the case, which is likely to take several months.

Proposed legislation would keep premiums the same throughout 2013 regardless of the board's decision. -AP

Some Miss. hospitals backing Medicaid expansion JACKSON, Miss.: Some Mississippi hospital administrators say they worry about bad financial consequences if the state doesn't expand Medicaid under the federal health care overhaul.

Specifically, they worry hospitals will have to continue providing care for uninsured people even if the federal government stops reimbursing part of the expense.

Officials say there's a lot of uncertainty about whether the reimbursement will continue in states that choose not to put more people on Medicaid, the federalstate health insurance program for the needy.

Republican Gov. Phil Bryant has said for months that Mississippi can't afford to put another 300,000 people on Medicaid, even with the federal government paying most of the tab from 2014 to 2017.

Chris Anderson, CEO of the Pascagoula-based Singing River Health System, said that it makes financial sense to put thousands of currently uninsured people into the program. ``I absolutely think the state should proceed with expanding Medicaid,'' Anderson said in an interview after he spoke to a Senate Public Health subcommittee. ``I realize there are pros and cons and there is some cost. But

if we do not expand, we are taking taxpayer dollars from the state of Mississippi and we're giving it to other states,'' Anderson said. ``It is going to strengthen other health systems in other states at the expense of Mississippi, already the poorest state in the country.''

He wasn't alone in that sentiment.

Gary Marchand, president and CEO of Gulfport-based Memorial Hospital, said that in 2009, about 10 percent of the hospital's patients were uninsured. By 2012, he said that had risen to ``slightly north of 13 percent,'' which he attributed to a stagnant economy.-AP

Hugging can lower your blood pressure & boost memory LONDON: Hugging a loved one not only helps you bond with them but also gives you a host of health benefits by lowering blood pressure and even improving memory, according to a new study.

Scientists from the University of Vienna found that the hormone oxytocin releases into the blood stream when you hold a friend close.

However, you have to be selective over who you hug. Giving a polite embrace to someone you don't know well can have the opposite effect, according to the research, the 'Daily Mail' reported.

Oxytocin, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, is primarily

known for increasing bonding, social behavior and closeness between parents, children and couples.

Increased oxytocin levels have been found, for example, in partners in functional relationships. In women, it is also produced during the childbirth process and during breastfeeding in order to increase the mother's bond with the baby.

Hugging can also soften your personality. The researchers said someone who hugs loved ones often becomes more empathetic over time.

"The positive effect only occurs, however, if the people trust each other, if the associated feel-

ings are present mutually and if the corresponding signals are sent out," neurophysiologist Jurgen Sandkuhler, said.

"If people do not know each other, or if the hug is not desired by both parties, its effects are lost," Sandkuhler said.

When we receive unwanted hugs from strangers or even people we know, the hormone is not released and anxiety levels rise, the study found.

"This can lead to pure stress because our normal distance-keeping behavior is disregarded. In these situations, we secrete the stress hormone cortisol," Sandkuhler said. -PTI

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GOP will renew effort to ban Iowa abortion funding DES MOINES, Iowa: House Republicans plan to try again to ban the rare use of public money to finance abortions for low-income women, lawmakers said.

Rep. Matt Windschitl, R-Missouri Valley, said he and other House Republicans are holding preliminary talks on a proposal to prevent Medicaid reimbursement for any abortions. Last fiscal year, the state reimbursed 22 abortions at a cost of $19,402. ``One dollar spent on abortion services is one dollar too much,'' Windschitl said. ``We want to make sure taxpayer dollars are not being used in a morally unconscionable way.''

State and federal laws now limit the abortion funding to low-income women

who are rape or incest victims, whose lives will be in danger if they don't get an abortion, or whose fetuses face severe deformities.

A similar effort delayed Iowa lawmakers during the end of the last legislative session, as Republicans tried to push a rule banning government-funded abortions. Republicans finally gave up on the effort under pressure to end the session.

Last summer, House Republicans tried again, this time by sending a petition to the Iowa Department of Human Services that called for ending Medicaid payments for abortions. Agency director Chuck Palmer denied the petition, which he said would violate federal funding requirements and jeopardize all federal Medicaid

Companies weigh options under health care changes INDIANAPOLIS: The federal health care overhaul is causing many Indiana employers to wrestle with decisions on whether to provide health benefits to workers who aren't typically eligible for most company plans or trim their hours to avoid extra costs.

The 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act requires companies to begin offering health insurance to employees working at least 30 hours a week beginning next year. Employers with more than 50 workers that fail to offer health benefits for qualifying staff can face steep fines.

The law also creates online health insurance exchanges to offer workers coverage instead of their having to rely on employers. But it could bring big expenses to some companies, the Indianapolis Business Journal reported. ``This is a very, very big challenge for the company, and for most other companies,'' said Charlie Young, chief human resources officer for Indianapolis-based electronics and home products chain HHGregg Inc. ``There's a lot of ambiguity out there as we approach 2014, and we're only 11 months away. It's pretty intimidating.''

HHGregg has 6,600 employees, 90 percent of whom work full time and are eligible for the company's insurance plan.

The company expects that expanding coverage under the law could add up to seven figures to its costs.

Some of that expense will be offset by tax benefits HHGregg expects to receive by offering the insurance, Young said. ``We're pretty emphatic about keeping our program as we move forward,'' he said.

The decision isn't as easy for some other employers, especially those in the retail, restaurant and hospitality sectors. Many employees in those industries work less than 40 hours a week and typically receive no health benefits. Those benefits that are offered are usually limited and would fail to meet the minimum coverage requirements under the health care law.

John Schnatter, CEO of the Papa John's pizza chain, drew criticism when he said his Louisville-based company might cut em-

ployee hours rather than pay for the insurance. The statement sparked threats of boycotts and prompted Schnatter to say the chain would continue offering insurance to its employees.

Scott Wise, who operates Scotty's Brewhouses and other restaurants throughout Indiana, says he has about 130 salaried employees who will be affected by the law and is weighing his options in hopes he can avoid cutting their hours so he doesn't have to pay for health insurance. ``Full-time staff are some of your best employees,'' he said. ``Those are some of

"This is a very, very big challenge for the company, and for most other companies,'' said Charlie Young, chief human resources officer for Indianapolis-based electronics and home products chain HHGregg Inc. your most loyal, hardest-working people.''

But costs are a consideration, he acknowledged. ``I don't know what the right answer is,'' Wise said. ``I understand that we want the world to have affordable health care; I just don't know that you have the ability to do it in a perfect world.''

Jay Ricker, president of Anderson-based Ricker Oil Co., a chain of 49 gas stations operating locally under the BP brand, said he expects to expand coverage to his 650 employees, many of whom work part time, and pay the additional cost from profits. But he says some companies won't be able to afford that option. ``Some people could go out of business or go to all part time,'' he said. ``I think it's going to be a huge issue.'' -AP

Hatch said he expects Republicans to try attaching their proposal to the Health and Human Services Appropriations budget. He said that would slow lawmakers on other issues, such as the effort to approve funding to help needy counties keep their mental health services running. "The chances of getting this through the Senate are probably similar to what they were last year,'' Branstad said funding Iowa receives.

Sen. Jack Hatch, D-Des Moines, criticized the renewed effort to ban the abortion funding. ``We've all been comfortable with the present law as it conforms to the federal law, but it doesn't satisfy the neo-conservatives. That doesn't stop them from sending things over that aren't legal,'' said Hatch, chairman of the Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee.

Hatch said he expects Republicans to try attaching their proposal to the Health and Human Services Appropriations budget. He said that would slow lawmakers on other issues, such as the effort to approve funding to help needy counties keep their mental health services running.

Asked about such efforts to restrict abortion, Gov. Terry Branstad said he is morally

against the practice but would need to review Windschitl's proposal before supporting it. ``The chances of getting this through the Senate are probably similar to what they were last year,'' Branstad said.

Of the 22 abortions funded by Medicaid dollars last fiscal year in Iowa, 15 were for severe fatal anomalies such as separation of the brain from the fetus. Two were for rape and five were to save the life of a mother.

House Speaker Kraig Paulsen, RHiawatha, acknowledged that Republicans feel an obligation to address abortion, but he would not say whether he would support Windschitl's measure. ``House Republicans are always interested in having a conversation about protecting innocent life,'' Paulsen said. -AP

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Advocates warn of 'broken' mental health system SPRINGFIELD, Ill.: As lawmakers debate ways to prevent another mass shooting, Illinois mental health advocates say more attention and money must be directed to a system they describe as overwhelmed and ill-equipped to identify or care for the mentally ill, including someone intent on carrying out a violent act.

Between 2009 and 2012, Illinois slashed funding for community mental health programs by more than 30 percent more than all but three other states, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Even before those cuts, Illinois' per capita spending on mental health was about $85 well below the national average of about $123 per person, the group found.

The funding situation has made it difficult, if not impossible, for people who aren't in crisis or eligible for Medicaid to enter the system, says Lora Thomas, director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Illinois.

And while there's no way to predict when a tragedy like the recent shootings in Connecticut and Colorado might occur or even if the perpetrator will be someone with a mental illness the lack of resources in Illinois makes it less likely a mental health provider could intervene. ``We absolutely know the system in Illinois is so broken there is no communitybased system that could catch or prevent it,'' Thomas said.

Dr. Lorrie Jones, director of the state Division of Mental Health, doesn't consider

the system broken. But she said the state's budget crisis means mental health like a lot of other programs is ``challenged.'' ``We've had to make some unfortunate changes,'' Jones said.

Gov. Pat Quinn emerged from a recent school safety summit saying the state must ``do everything possible'' to prevent violence, including looking at mental health in schools and the community. Many of the

grams. That's made pension reform even more urgent, Pallasch said.

Quinn's administration also has focused on transitioning people with mental illness and disabilities from institutional settings into community care transfers they say are both better for individuals and less costly.

They are looking to components of President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act, including a health insurance exchange and

"Everybody wants the quick fix, but they don't mention the real cause, and that's mental health,'' he said. "Until we address these causes and spend money on the community system, we're going to continue to have these problems.'' Leiter describes the current system as "sad'' and "pathetic" offenders in mass shootings have had behavioral issues or mental illness. ``We have to, I think, take a look at our resources in Illinois at the local and state level, and redouble our efforts to make sure we have proper mental health for all those who need it,'' Quinn said.

Providing those services has been difficult amid Illinois' severe budget crisis, said Abdon Pallasch, Quinn's assistant budget director. As lawmakers have failed to resolve the state's multibillion-dollar unfunded pension liability, less and less money has been available for other pro-

expansion of Medicaid eligibility, to expand access to mental health care. But those measures first require action by the Legislature.

Mental health advocates are hopeful Quinn's recent comments are an indication he won't seek further reductions when he proposes his next budget in March. They say they've had to fight in the General Assembly to avert cuts Quinn proposed the past two years.

Lawmakers currently are seeking legislative approval for $12 million they say was supposed to be appropriated this year but wasn't because of a budgeting error. With-

out the funds, more than 1,000 people with mental illness will lose housing. Providers many of which already are waiting months to be paid for their work will have to rely even more on private fundraising.

State Rep. David Leiter, R-Peoria, is a cosponsor of the bill seeking additional funds.

A mental-health advocate and supporter of gun rights, he's also sponsoring a bill to legalize the concealed carry of weapons in Illinois. Leiter said he's frustrated that after any tragedy, there's ``a big human cry'' for more gun control and not as much for better mental and behavioral health care. ``Everybody wants the quick fix, but they don't mention the real cause, and that's mental health,'' he said. ``Until we address these causes and spend money on the community system, we're going to continue to have these problems.''

Leiter describes the current system as ``sad'' and ``pathetic.'' What's needed, he said, isn't just more money but a total overhaul to a less bureaucratic system. ``We need community-based locations where people can address behavioral health,'' he said. ``That sadly does not begin to exist in Illinois.''

Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, D-Chicago, has fought for more mental health funding and is pushing for the Medicaid expansion, which she said will help many childless adults get the care they need. She said it's always been a struggle to get more money for mental health care. -AP

Obama birth control mandate loosens lawsuits Cont’d from page 32

``It's more natural for people to say Notre Dame exercises religion, but when you say this power tool company exercises religion, you have to explain it a little more, I think the claims are really the same,'' said Kyle Duncan, general counsel for the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, which represents many of the plaintiffs.

Brigitte Amiri, senior staff attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union, argued the business owners are trying to use a religious liberty claim to deny benefits to someone else. ``We don't think that religious liberty claims can be used as a way to discriminate against women employees - using those claims to take away someone else's benefits and services,'' Amiri said.

In the lawsuits from faith-affiliated groups, such as the University of Notre Dame, judges around the country have generally said it would be premature to decide the legal issues until the federal rule for religiously affiliated organizations is finalized.

In the cases involving business owners, judges have granted temporary injunctions to businesses in nine of 14 cases they've heard, while questions about for-profit employers and religious rights are decided, according to a tally by the Becket Fund.

In a case brought by Cyril and Jane Korte, Catholic owners of Korte & Luitjohan Contractors in Illinois, a three-judge panel granted a temporary injunction, ruling 2-1

that providing employees insurance coverage that includes birth control would violate the Kortes' faith. ``It is a family-run business, and they manage the company in accordance with their religious beliefs,'' the judges wrote.

The dissenting judge argued that the company will not be paying directly for contraception but instead will purchase insurance that covers a wide range of health care that could include birth control, if the woman decides with her physician that she needs it. ``What the Kortes wish to do is to preemptively declare that their company need not pay for insurance which covers particular types of medical care to which they object,'' the dissenting judge wrote.

Similar reasoning was used by courts denying an injunction requested by the arts and crafts chain Hobby Lobby and religious book-seller Mardel Inc., which are owned by the same evangelical family.

Oklahoma-based Hobby Lobby calls itself a ``biblically founded business'' and is closed on Sundays.

The U.S. district judge who first considered the request said, ``Hobby Lobby and Mardel are not religious organizations.'' ``Plaintiffs have not cited, and the court has not found, any case concluding that secular, for-profit corporations such as Hobby Lobby and Mardel have a constitutional right to the free exercise of religion,'' the ruling said. -AP

India Post 37

February 8, 2013

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S

urajkund is the annual fair that showcases the finest handlooms, handi crafts, authentic fragrances and flavors of rich Indian cuisines. National and State awardees craft persons from every corner of India wind their way to Surajkund. The craft persons from SAARC Nations are also participating in the Surajkund Crafts Mela.

27th Surajkund International Crafts Mela offers a lot of fun, frolic, entertainment and exclusive shopping. In the rural ambience, craftpersons display and demonstrate their finest crafts work that is set to capture your hearts. The authentic fragrances and flavors of rich Indian cuisines will kindle your taste buds. Tap your feet with the beats of enthralling folk dancers from the various parts of the country.

Highlights of this year The craftspersons from all over India, SAARC and other neighboring countries would be selling the best of Handlooms and Handicrafts items.

Karnataka, the Theme State of this

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February 8, 2013

year's Mela is known for its monuments, handicrafts, handloom and cuisine. Exporters and Buyers Meet is held at Surajkund Design Galleries with assistance of DC Handlooms and DC Handicrafts. Food Court has a variety of lip-smacking Indian &

dian cuisines. National and State awardees artisans from every corner of India make their way to Surajkund. The craftspersons from SAARC nations, Eurasian countries like Tajikistan, Uzbekistan & Kyrgystan would be displaying and selling the best

Surajkund showcases the finest handlooms, handicrafts, authentic fragrances and flavors of rich Indian cuisines. National and State awardees artisans from every corner of India make their way to Surajkund. The craftspersons from SAARC nations, Eurasian countries like Tajikistan, Uzbekistan & Kyrgystan would be displaying and selling their best SAARC countries cuisines. There is an Amusement Zone with playful rides and swings. There are folk dances by schools/ colleges at Chaupal daily from 11 am onwards.

Surajkund is an annual fair that showcases the finest handlooms, handicrafts, authentic fragrances and flavors of rich In-

of handlooms and handicrafts items at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela.

The Surajkund Crafts is an annual event that highlights some of the finest handloom and handicraft traditions of the country.

Cont’d on page 40

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February 8, 2013

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Cont’d from page 39

From 1st to 15th February rural India basks in the warmth of admiration at Surajkund mela village that lies some 8 km from South Delhi.

The Mela also celebrates the rhythms of folk theatre- and a theme State that makes each visitor marvel.

The objectives The objectives of the Mela are to create a rural ambience for the foreign and domestic tourist to see.

• To educate patrons both from abroad, urban centers and educational institutes about the fascinating technique and skills involved in craft creation.

• To introduce crafts and craftspersons directly to the buyers and help them find their patrons.

• To Identify, nurture and preserve languishing crafts of the country and save it for posterity.

Suraj Kund is a beautiful tourist location of Haryana Tourism and in its lovely setting, folk painters, metal workers, stone and wood carvers, tie dye craftspersons, embroiders, lace makers, textiles printers, carpet and loom weavers, producers of silk fabrics, jewellers and sculptors execute and display their skills.

The fortnight long celebrations also come as a food festival. Some of the popular food traditions from

Surajkund Mela Annual display of finest handlooms, handicrafts, cuisines

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South Indian delicacies come in from South Indian Section. Popular Chinese and snack foods also arrive for the event along with a special stalls where patrons are introduced to the traditional foods

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and sweet meats of the selected theme State.

The Surajkund Crafts Mela has grown equally famous for the rhythms of folk theatre: It resonates with the formal notes of the classical genre: The heady rhythms of percussion instruments: The ballads of singing minstrels: The celebration of the simple joys of rural life and reverence of epic traditions all mingle well. All these colorful events are also presented before the audience in the open-air-theatre named Natyashala.

Some of the most delightful crafts collections of the Mela arrive from practically all over the country. In wood and cane come inlay work, rose wood carving, sandal wood from Punjab and South India. Chiki wood craft of

Kashmir and some very fine cane craft come from West Bengal and North Eastern States.

In the field of woven textiles some of the finest silk work of Orissa, Patola, Bandhini of Gujarat and Rajasthan, Ikat, Kanjeevaram, Dharmavaram and temple silks of South India vie for attention Delicate sholapith and shital patti work come from Assam and West Bengal. The phulkari of

Punjab, the Banjara and Banni embroidery of Gujarat and Rajasthan, the Kantha traditions from West Bengal and Tripura, lace and crochet from Goa, the Suzni of Kashmir and Mirror encasing work along with the traditional chikan work of Lucknow delight. Oxidized jewellery, sea shell decorations and agate stone work delight as also do delicate gold work and chunky silver jewellery.

Toys in wood and cane, ply and mud make the young thrill with joy.

Some of the fine phad paintings of Rajasthan, the kalamkari of Andhra and Karnataka, temple paintings of Orissa, Madhubani of Bihar, fascinate. In the metal section tribal dhora work, classical south Indian metal work, glittering brass ware, bell metal and iron craft delight collectors.

In the field of woven textiles some of the finest silk work of Orissa, Patola, Bandhini of Gujarat and Rajasthan, Ikat, Kanjeevaram, Dharmavaram and temple silks of South India vie for attention with the most simple cottons of West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and tribal textiles of North East India as also do the handloom of Haryana. The Various Crafts participated in the Mela every year.

Away from the hustle and bustle of city of Delhi, Surajkund International Crafts Mela is the place where you can come face to face with the rural ambience of India.

Surajkund lies in the Faridabad district, just 8 kms away from the South Delhi. The Mela is hosted by the Surajkund Mela Authority every year from 1st to 15th February. Colourful festivity is open to visitors from 9.30 every morning to 7.00 p.m. every evening.

Special conducted tours are available from Haryana Tourist Bureau at 36, Janpath, New Delhi.

Buses are available from ISBT, Shivaji Stadium, Gurgaon, Faridabad and Surajkund.

February 8, 2013

Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post

41

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Govt withdraws restriction on foreign tourists to NE under which foreign nationals had to take mandatory permission from authorities for visits.

However, citizens of Pakistan, China, Afghanistan and Myanmar

NEW DELHI: To boost tourism in the northeast, the government has withdrawn restrictions imposed on foreign tourists traveling to the picturesque region.

The Home Ministry has allowed free movement of foreign tourists to the three northeastern states of Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland by suspending a decades-old rule

The much needed move to liberalize travel rules is expected to boost tourism in the northeast which is rich in natural diversity and has high adventure tourism will not enjoy the benefit of the latest order, which would initially be applicable for a year, a Home Ministry official said.

Travel to these states will now be easier, but tourists will still have to register themselves with the for-

eigners registration officers of the districts concerned within 24 hours of arrival.

The much needed move to liberalize travel rules is expected to boost tourism in the northeast which is rich in natural diversity and has high adventure tourism potential.

The central government and states are eyeing a substantial market with about 58,000 foreign tourists visiting the northeast last year up by 18 per cent from 2011.

Officials expect a 25 per cent increase of tourist arrivals within a year after relaxation of rules.

Under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order 1958, all areas in Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim and parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand are declared "protected areas" and foreign nationals need permission to visit these areas. -PTI

Center plans to develop Delhi-Agra-MP circuit

INDORE: Union Ministry of Tourism has taken up a plan to explore and develop a tourist circuit on Delhi-Agra-Madhya Pradesh route covering important destinations in the state.

Foreign tourists visiting Taj Mahal in Agra via Delhi would be attracted to Madhya Pradesh's historical cities of Gwalior, Orcha, Khajuraho, Sanchi and Bhopal for which a plan is in the offing, R K Mishra, Assistant Director of India Tourism, Ministry of Tourism,

told PTI here.

A marketing plan in the form of a book and publicity material were being prepared which would be launched soon, Mishra said.

A seven-day plan would be prepared for an initial offer and private tour operators would be promoted to take up the task, he said.

Madhya Pradesh would have to develop infrastructure and the Union Ministry of Tourism could provide funds for tourism promotion, he added. -PTI

Stars of the Stars

42 India Post

February 8, 2013

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Akshay Kumar - Career graph will grow exponentially DR ASHIT JALUI

ences of opinion will help him get closer to relatives. Interactions with people during social gatherings will lead to blossoming of new relationships. Social networking apart, sudden meeting with an old friend may rekindle the forgotten spring of romance.

Demystifying the clouds of uncertainty and egging on achievable targets will keep him occupied this year. He will achieve more profits by investing more in growing intellectual capital for his enterprise. He will be able to work out innumerable permutations and combinations that will let his career graph escalate exponentially. He is going to be involved in philanthropy as corporate social responsibility moves him from within.

Integrating capabilities, competences to the intellectual capital, he will be heading towards that trailblazing journey along the wheels of innovation and passion. Chances of striking excellent chords through mergers and acquisitions are high. This apart, long term investments result in financial gains. His financial portfolio enables him to raise money from all the feasible options available. Entrepreneurs will look forward to the future if they are involved in trend spotting. Investors are rest assured of strengthening their financial and investment portfolio with their long-term plans. Further, joint ventures will witness increased growth rate.

Dr Ashit Jalui with Akshay Kumar

T

his year Akshay Kumar will be penning a memorable story of his life, which will enhance his auto biography that he has written so far. With his creative instincts at their peak, he will have the urge to bring in some changes in his surrounding environment.

Moreover, he will prefer having the best of the things to satiate his lifestyle needs.

He will cultivate a refined palate for luxury living too. His ability to unravel the intricacies in life lets him provide the moral support that his life partner requires. Like a bumble bee he will be busy in meeting with the demands made at home. Further, he will find an urge to bring to life certain long forgotten relationships and friendships which may even surprise him. Ironing out differ-

Akshay's birth chart

Akshay proposes monetary benefit on birth of a girl child JAIPUR: Akshay Kumar says he and his family are thankful to the government for honoring his father-in-law, superstar Rajesh Khanna, posthumously with the Padma Bhushan.

Khanna, who passed away in July last year, was conferred with India's third highest civilian honor.

"We are thankful to the government for the recognition," Akshay told reporters.

The 45-year-old actor, who was promoting of his upcoming film Special 26, also championed the cause of the girl child, saying that the government should come up with a scheme to provide financial support to families welcoming a female newborn.

Akshay became father of a daughter in September 2012 when his wife Twinkle Khanna gave birth to a baby girl. He said the nation needs to promote the birth of a female child and a positive atmosphere for them to grow was required for a healthy society.

"We need to tell people that there is nothing wrong with the birth of girls. There are some places in the country where even today the birth of a daughter is not welcomed and we need to change the situation," Akshay said.

"Government and we should help them financially. There should be a government scheme which involves monetary benefit on the birth of a girl child so that their birth could be promoted. I work for this

File picture of Akshay Kumar with Rajesh Khanna

cause and promote this," he added.

Talking about his film, Akshay said 'Special 26' was an entertaining movie with a lesson for people that some unexpected ugly incidents could be averted with vigilance.

"This is a movie about fake and real CBI officers. It tells us how we can prevent an unwanted event from happening with vigilance. We need to be careful about the identities of the watchmen, security guards and others in general," he said.

Akshay also said that he wants to play

A scene from the moive Special 26

"We need to tell people that there is nothing wrong with the birth of girls. There are some places in the country where even today the birth of a daughter is not welcomed�, Akshay said

an out and out negative role in 2013 and wants to explore his dark side.

The film's leading lady Kajal Aggarwal said that she was lucky to work with actors like Akshay Kumar and Manoj Bajpayee.

Earlier, Akshay flagged off a 6-km 'Dream Run' at Ramniwas Garden which was organized by Sanskriti Yuva Sansthan.

Nearly 40,000 people participated in the dream run and marathon.

In Brief Colorado immigrant tuition bill poised to advance DENVER: Illegal immigrants in Colorado are closer to getting instate tuition rates, as long as they seek citizenship.

A Democratic Senate committee voted 6-3 to approve a bill allowing Colorado residents who are illegal immigrants to receive instate tuition.

The tuition bill is thought likely to become law because Democrats took control of both chambers of the Legislature.

Latinos last year made up an estimated 14 percent of Colorado's vote, the highest-ever turnout for the group.

One Republican on the Education Committee also voted for the tuition proposal. Freshman Sen. Owen Hill of Colorado Springs said it is a ``moral duty'' to change tuition policies.

Legislative analysts say the measure could affect some 500 students next school year. -AP

Conn immigrant advocates seek citizenship path BRIDGEPORT, Conn.: Immigrant advocates from around Connecticut are calling on elected officials to help create a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants.

Community leaders are gathering at the United Congregational Church of Bridgeport for a discussion of immigration reform.

They have collected dozens of letters from community members asking members of Connecticut's congressional delegation to provide leadership on the issue.

The groups involved include Connecticut Students for a DREAM, United Latino an Accion and the Brazilian Immigrant Center in Bridgeport.

Camila Bortolleto of the students' group says they are calling on leaders to pass legislation that ``keeps families together and upholds our values of fairness and opportunity.'' -AP

Georgia cutting funding for farming visa workers ATLANTA: After passing a law to crack down on illegal immigration, Georgia may eliminate a program meant to help farmers navigate the complicated process of getting visas for foreign laborers.

Details on page 46

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Many say let illegal immigrants stay in US WASHINGTON: More than 6 in 10 Americans now favor allowing illegal immigrants to eventually become U.S. citizens, a major increase in support driven by a turnaround in Republicans' opinions after the 2012 elections.

Details on page 44

Awkward immigration fallout from saying no to 'Obamacare' WASHINGTON: Governors who reject health insurance for the poor under the federal health care overhaul could wind up in a politically awkward position on immigration: A quirk in the law means some U.S. citizens would be forced to go without coverage, while legal immigrants residing in the same state could still get it.

It's an unintended consequence of how last year's Supreme Court decision changed the Medicaid provisions of President Barack Obama's health care law. The overhaul expanded the federal-state program for low-income and disabled people. The Supreme Court made the Medicaid expansion optional for states, which complicated things.

Arizona officials called attention to the problem recently when Republican Gov. Jan Brewer opted to accept the Medicaid expansion.

Brewer had been a leading opponent of the overhaul, and her decision got widespread attention. State budget documents cited the immigration glitch as one of her reasons. ``If Arizona does not expand, for poor Arizonans below (the federal poverty line), only legal immigrants, but not citizens, would be eligible for subsidies,'' the documents said.

Gov. Jan Brewer

The gist of what Brewer was saying is that ``by rejecting the expansion, you are essentially rewarding the immigrant population at the expense of full citizens,'' said Matt Salo, executive director of the National Association of Medicaid Directors That's because the immigrants would be eligible for governmentsubsidized private insurance, while low-income citizens would not. The Obama administration confirmed Arizona's interpretation.

The gist of what Brewer was saying is that ``by rejecting the

expansion, you are essentially rewarding the immigrant population at the expense of full citizens,'' said Matt Salo, executive director of the National Association of Medicaid Directors, a nonpartisan group that represents the states in Washington.

``The political optics of that could be crushing,'' he added.

It could take some explaining for Texas Gov. Rick Perry, steadfastly opposed to what foes dismiss as ``Obamacare,'' and for Florida Gov. Rick Scott, who is reassessing his position. Both states have large numbers of uninsured citizens and legal immigrants. ``I think politicians will be under a lot of pressure not to create these sorts of inequities,'' said Jennifer Ng'andu, a health policy expert with the National Council of La Raza, one of the major Latino advocacy groups. Her group supports the health care law and is urging every state to accept the Medicaid expansion.

The quirk in the Affordable Care Act was not planned. It came about on the twisting route that laws follow from Congress to the president's desk and to the courts.

To be sure, no one is talking about the government buying health insurance for illegal immigrants. That's not allowed under Medicaid or Obama's law. Instead, the issue here is between U.S. citizens and legal immigrants, those who are lawfully present in the country.

Cont’d on page 45

Some waivers may be sought before departing US DAVID A. ISAACSON

O

ne year ago, a previous post on this blog by Cyrus Mehta and this author (http://blog.cyrusmehta.com/ 2012/01/what-proposed-provisional-waiver-rule.html) discussed the issuance by USCIS of a proposed rule allowing certain applicants for a waiver of the 3- or 10year bars to obtain such a waiver on a provisional basis before departing from the United States. It has been a long wait for the final rule, as USCIS needed to allow time to receive public comments (one of which was submitted by our firm, http://www.scribd.com/doc/ 95624085/CDMA-Comment-toProposed-Provisional-WaiverRule) and then took a substantial

amount of time to analyze the comments and determine what changes to make to the proposal, but the wait is finally over.

USCIS first announced the final rule and made an advance copy available on January 2, 2013, and the final rule was officially published in the Federal Register on January 3. The rule will take effect on March 4, 2013, and sometime before then USCIS will publish the Form I-601A that is to be used to apply for a provisional waiver.

The provisional waiver rule does not change the substantive standard that one must satisfy in order to obtain a waiver of the 3or 10-year bar that one incurs upon

accruing more than 180 days or a year of unlawful presence respectively. In order to obtain a waiver of the 3- or 10-year bars under section 212(a) (9) (B) (v) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), it is always necessary to show that the waiver applicant's spouse or parent, who is a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) of the United States, will suffer extreme hardship if the applicant is not permitted to remain in the United States.

However, under the new rule, certain applicants will be able to make this showing before they depart the United States to apply for a visa, which should dramatically shorten the amount of time

that they need to spend abroad. If an applicant is seeking a waiver of the 3- or 10-year bars based extreme hardship to a U.S. citizen qualifying relative (rather than an LPR), and has an approved petition as an "immediate relative" of a U.S. citizen - that is, as the U.S. citizen's spouse, parent, or unmarried child (under the age of 21 while taking into account the Child Status Protection Act, (http:// blog.cyrusmehta.com/search/label/CSPA), although only applicants age 17 or older may seek provisional waivers and younger applicants would not need them because unlawful presence for these purposes does not accrue until age Cont’d on page 45

44

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February 8, 2013

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Many say let illegal immigrants stay in US WASHINGTON: More than 6 in 10 Americans now favor allowing illegal immigrants to eventually become U.S. citizens, a major increase in support driven by a turnaround in Republicans' opinions after the 2012 elections.

The finding, in a new Associated Press-GfK poll, comes as the Republican Party seeks to increase its meager support among Latino voters, who turned out in large numbers to help-re-elect President Barack Obama in November.

Emboldened by the overwhelming Hispanic backing and by shifting attitudes on immigration, Obama has made overhauling laws about who can legally live in the U.S. a centerpiece of his secondterm agenda. In the coming weeks, he's expected to aggressively push for ways to create an eventual pathway to citizenship for the estimated 11 million illegal immigrants already in this country.

The poll results suggest that the public overall, not just Hispanics, will back his efforts. Sixty-two percent of Americans now favor providing a way for illegal immigrants in the U.S. to become citizens, an increase from just 50 percent in the summer of 2010, the last time the AP polled on the question.

In an even earlier poll, in 2009, some 47 percent supported a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants.

Further boosting the president on the issue, Democrats have opened a 41 percent to 34 percent advantage as the party more trusted to handle immigration, the first time they've held a significant edge on the matter in AP-GfK polling. In October 2010, Republicans held a slight edge over Democrats, 46 percent to 41 percent, on the question of who was more trusted on immigration.

Much of the increase in support for a path to eventual citizenship has come among Republicans. A majority in the GOP _ 53 percent now favor the change.

That's up a striking 22 percentage points from 2010. Seventy-two percent of Democrats and 55 percent of independents like the idea, similar to 2010.

The findings suggest that those GOP lawmakers weighing support for eventual legal status for illegal immigrants could be rewarded politically not just by Democrats and independents but also by some in their own party as well.

This comes amid soul-searching in the party about how the GOP can broaden its support with Latinos, who backed Obama over Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, 71 percent to 27 percent, in November. Romney received less support from Latinos than Republican President George W. Bush did. But his slice was on par with candidates Bob Dole in 1996 and George H.W. Bush in 1992.

Some Republicans have concluded that backing comprehensive immigration reform with a pathway to citizenship is becoming a political necessity. Many lawmakers remain strongly opposed, and it's far from clear whether Congress will ultimately sign off on such an approach.

But in the Senate, a bipartisan group of lawmakers is working to draft immigration legislation, and Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., a possible 2016 presidential candidate, has offered proposals that would ultimately allow illegal immigrants to attain legal status.

One poll participant, Nick Nanos, 66, of Bellmore, N.Y., said that providing a way for illegal immigrants to become citizens

would respect America's history as a nation built by immigrants. ``We act as if our grandparents got here legally. Don't want to ask a single Indian about that,'' Nanos said in a follow-up interview. ``I don't think that most of us can solidly come to a point where our grandparents or great-grandparents or great-great-grandparents were here

This comes amid soul-searching in the party about how the GOP can broaden its support with Latinos, who backed Obama over Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney legally. What does that even mean?''

Overall, 54 percent in the poll said immigration is an important issue to them personally, a figure that's remained steady over the past couple of years.

Republicans aren't the only group whose views have shifted significantly. In August of 2010, just 39 percent of seniors favored a path to citizenship. Now, 55 percent do.

Among those without a college degree, support has increased from 45 percent to 57 percent.

And 59 percent of whites now favor a way for illegal immigrants to gain citizenship, up from 44 percent in August 2010, and 41 percent in September 2009.

Overall, the poll found 35 percent strongly favored allowing illegal immigrants to become citizens over time, while 27 percent favored the idea somewhat. Just

US lawmakers optimistic about immigration reform WASHINGTON: Bitterly divided US lawmakers have expressed optimism that they could unite on immigration reform that would provide a pathway to citizenship for more than 10 million illegal migrants.

"I'm confident, guardedly optimistic, that this time we can get it done," Republican Senator John McCain told ABC News, confirming that Republican and Democratic senators had been meeting on the issue in recent weeks.

McCain, who once championed comprehensive reform but backtracked during his failed 2008 presidential run, said there was a greater

willingness to address the issue after last year's election, in which the increasingly important Hispanic vote swung strongly behind President Barack Obama's Democrats.

"I'll give you a little straight talk - look at the last election," McCain, who represents the border state of Arizona, told interviewer Martha Raddatz.

"We are losing dramatically the Hispanic vote, which we think should be ours, for a variety of reasons, and we've got to understand that."

He added that "we can't go on forever with 11 million people living in this country in the shadows in an illegal status.

"We cannot forever have children who were born here - (or) who were brought here by their parents when they were small children - to live in the shadows as well. So I think the time is right."

Democratic Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey, who attended a meeting between Obama and congressional Hispanic leaders, said he too was "cautiously optimistic."

"I see the right spirit. I see things that were once off the table for agreement and discussion being on the table with a serious pathway forward," he told ABC News' Raddatz. -PTI

35 percent of Americans opposed the approach, with 23 percent strongly opposed and 12 percent somewhat opposed. That compared with 48 percent opposed in 2010 and 50 percent in 2009.

The poll also found strong support for Obama's decision, announced last summer, to shield as many as 800,000 immigrants from deportation with conditions.

Those affected would have to be younger than 30, would have to have been brought to the U.S. before turning 16 and would have to fulfill certain other conditions including graduation from high school or serving in the military. Illegal immigrants covered by the order now can apply for work permits.

The order bypassed Congress, which has not passed ``DREAM Act'' legislation to achieve some of the same goals for younger illegal immigrants.

Sixty-three percent of Americans favor that policy, while 20 percent oppose it and 17 percent are in between or unsure, the poll said. The policy is supported by 76 percent of Democrats, significantly more than among Republicans (48 percent) or independents

(59 percent).

Cordel Welch, 41, of Los Angeles, was among those poll participants who believes illegal immigrants brought to the country as children should be treated differently from people who came here as adults. ``The ones that were brought here by their parents, they're already here, they're already established,'' Welch said in an interview. ``The adults should go through the process.''

Melissa Johnson, 40, of Porter, Texas, disagreed. ``I think there were generations of people that came over here legally, and just because your parents snuck you in or snuck in while pregnant with you doesn't give you automatic citizenship,'' she said. ``I think they should send them all back home.''

The Associated Press-GfK Poll was conducted Jan. 10-14, 2013,

by GfK Roper Public Affairs and Corporate Communications. It involved landline and cellphone interviews with 1,004 adults nationwide. Results for the full sample have a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 4 percentage points; the margin is larger for subgroups. -AP

Iowa reviewing immigrant license policy DES MOINES, Iowa: Gov. Terry Branstad has said his administration is reviewing new information from the federal government that could shift his position on immigrant driver's licenses.

The Obama administration has clarified that young immigrants allowed to remain in the country under the ``Dream Act'' policy are considered to be authorized residents. In December, Branstad's administration announced the policy didn't give that group of young people the legal status to get a driver's license.

But civil rights activists in Iowa say the clarification should prompt a change in Iowa's policy that bars licenses for young immigrants living in the U.S. under the federal policy.

In a statement, Rita Bettis, staff attorney for the Iowa chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, called on Branstad to start issuing licenses. ``We are asking for leadership from the Governor on this to direct the DOT to start issuing drivers licenses to DREAMers in light of this clarification from the federal government,'' Bettis said.

Branstad would not commit to that, saying the state must review the federal announcement. But he

did say he would support legislation that changed state law to allow those young people to get licenses.

Bettis called the governor's comments encouraging and said she hoped this group of young people could soon get licenses.

To receive renewable, two-year deportation reprieves, immigrants

Civil rights activists in Iowa say the clarification should prompt a change in Iowa's policy that bars licenses for young immigrants living in the U.S. under the federal policy must have been brought into the U.S. as children and must meet specific age, residency and education requirements.

Most states have issued licenses to this group of immigrants, said Iowa ACLU Communications Director Veronica Fowler. She said Michigan, Arizona and Nebraska have refused to grant licenses. -AP

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February 8, 2013

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Some waivers may be sought before departing US Cont’d from page 43

18) - then the applicant may seek a provisional waiver before departing from the United States, and only go abroad to apply for an immigrant visa after the provisional waiver has already been issued. This process is subject to various restrictions, some of which are discussed further below, but that is the basic idea.

By allowing some waiver applications to be adjudicated while the applicant remains within the United States, the provisional waiver process should significantly reduce the period of time when the U.S. citizen relative of a successful waiver applicant is subject to the cruel irony that inheres in the current process.

Under the current system, where the waiver application is filed while the applicant is abroad after an immigrant visa interview, and the applicant then remains abroad during the months it takes to adjudicate the waiver application, the qualifying relative must undergo months of the very same extreme hardship that the waiver is intended to avoid!

At least with regard to U.S. citi-

zen qualifying relatives of applicants who are immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, and who face no other ground of inadmissibility besides unlawful presence, this new provisional waiver process should remove much of that cruel irony. It should also encourage applications by some waiver applicants who were unwilling to travel outside the United States to apply for a waiver because of the risk of long-term separation if the waiver were denied.

One detail to keep in mind is that the U.S. citizen relative to whom extreme hardship is shown in a provisional waiver application need not necessarily be the same U.S. citizen relative who has petitioned for an applicant.

Indeed, the U.S. citizen petitioner need not even be a possible qualifying relative for the 212(a) (9) (B) (v) waiver. A child is not a qualifying relative for purposes of obtaining a waiver of the 3- or 10-year bars, but an applicant who is sponsored by a U.S. citizen son or daughter over twenty-one years of age, and thus qualifies as an immediate relative, would be able to qualify for a provisional waiver if he or she could

show extreme hardship to a U.S. citizen parent in the event that the applicant were not allowed to return to the United States - even though a U.S. citizen parent cannot sponsor an adult son or daughter as an

It is admirable that USCIS realized, upon reviewing comments on the proposed rule that no purpose would be served by denying the opportunity to apply for a provisional waiver immediate relative.

Or, an applicant with a U.S. citizen spouse, who cannot show that his or her spouse will suffer extreme hardship if the applicant is not allowed to return to the United States, could instead obtain a provisional waiver by showing that a U.S. citizen parent will suffer extreme hardship in the applicant's absence.

Another important detail, which

Awkward immigration fallout from saying no to 'Obamacare' Cont’d from page 43

Here's the convoluted background: Starting Jan. 1, 2014, the health care law will offer health insurance to millions of people now uninsured. Middle-class uninsured people will be able to get taxpayer-subsidized private policies through new markets called exchanges. Low-income uninsured people will be steered to Medicaid, a government program jointly funded by Washington and the states.

Under previous laws, legal immigrants have to wait five years to qualify for Medicaid. Ng'andu said Hispanic advocacy groups wanted to lift that restriction during the 2009 congressional health care debate, but couldn't get political support. The Medicaid wait-

ing period remained in place, but a compromise was reached that would allow low-income legal immigrants to get subsidized private coverage in the new health insurance exchanges.

The health care law expanded Medicaid to cover millions of lowincome adults who are ineligible under current rules. As written, the law assumed that every state would accept the Medicaid expansion, with Washington paying for most of it.

So the law stipulated that people below the federal poverty line - $11, 170 for a single person, $23,050 for a family of four - could not get subsidies for private coverage in the exchanges. Medicaid was to be their only option.

Legal immigrants here for less than five years remained an exception.

Along came the Supreme Court.

It upheld Obama's law, but ruled that states were free to accept or reject the Medicaid expansion. The court did not touch the issue of coverage for legal immigrants in the health insurance exchanges.

That provision remained in place.

And that's how the immigration glitch came to be. Poor people in a state that turns down Obama's Medicaid expansion can only get government subsidized coverage if they are legal immigrants. U.S. citizens are out of luck.

So far 11 states have said they're not interested in the Medicaid expansion. Meanwhile, while 17 states and Washington, DC, say they are taking it, the rest are weighing their options. The immigration glitch is now one of those considerations.-AP

has been changed from the proposed rule, is that applicants in removal proceedings will be able to seek a provisional waiver if their proceedings are administratively closed and have not been recalendered.

Administrative closure, most recently addressed by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) in Matter of Avetisyan, is a process in which a case is taken off the active calendar of an Immigration Court or the BIA without actually being terminated; one might compare it to an indefinite continuance of the case.

Traditionally, it has occurred with the consent of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), although Avetisyan allows for it to be sought without DHS consent, a possibility which might prove useful in the provisionalwaiver context. Administrative closure has often occurred recently

in the context of the DHS exercise of prosecutorial discretion in favor of those who are lower priorities for removal so that DHS can focus its efforts on removing those who are its higher priorities for removal, such as those with serious criminal convictions - the process discussed in a June 17, 2011 memorandum from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director John Morton.

It is admirable that USCIS realized, upon reviewing comments on the proposed rule that no purpose would be served by denying the opportunity to apply for a provisional waiver to those whom ICE is not actively seeking to remove in any event.

To be continued * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

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

Former Assistant StateÂ’s Attorney

Civil & Criminal Litigation Felonies, Misdemeanors, Inc DUI 1 Personal Injury, Business, Divorce etc.

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http://www.proy-singh.com

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

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Georgia cutting funding for farming visa workers ATLANTA: After passing a law to crack down on illegal immigration, Georgia may eliminate a program meant to help farmers navigate the complicated process of getting visas for foreign laborers.

Republican Gov. Nathan Deal's budget plan calls for cutting $150,000 for two liaison positions at the Department of Agriculture.

Those employees have served as go-betweens, assisting farmers as they attempted to seek visas for foreign workers through state and federal labor officials.

The pilot program was among the few concessions that Georgia's farmers won after the Republicancontrolled state government passed a stringent 2011 law targeting illegal immigrants, including some foreigners used by farmers to harvest labor-intensive crops such as fruits and vegetables.

The law authorizes police to

check the immigration status of suspects who lack proper identification and to detain illegal immigrants.

Using false information or documentation when applying for a job became a felony offense. By midJuly, every employer including farmers with more than 10 employees must use a federal database called E-Verify to make sure new hires are eligible to work in the United States.

Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black's office proposed the cuts as it trimmed $1 million from its budget, saying the results did not meet desired outcomes. Legislators, who must pass the budget, started their review of agency spending plans this week. ``The solution to this is at the federal level and having a competent easy-to-use guest worker program so people can come and go,'' Black said. ``... When we were prioritizing resources, we simply had

to say we're moving on.''

Black said his two workers, including one who has already left for a new job, educated farmers about the federal guest worker

The pilot program was among the few concessions that Georgia's farmers won after the Republican-controlled state government passed a stringent 2011 law targeting illegal immigrants program and made inquiries when applications from growers stalled in the federal system. But the state government does not run the federal guest worker program.

Fraud concerns linger over Illinois license law CHICAGO: As Illinois becomes the fourth and most populous U.S. state to issue driver's licenses to illegal immigrants, nagging concerns remain about whether there are enough safeguards to avoid the identity fraud and other pitfalls faced by other states with similar laws.

Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn signed Illinois' measure into law in Chicago. Backers, including Quinn, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and some of the state's top Republicans, tout it as a public-safety measure. They argue that required facial recognition technology is reliable enough to prevent fraud.

They hailed it as an important step for immigrant rights in Illinois, which approved its own Dream Act in 2010 to create a privatelyfunded scholarship program for immigrant students. ``This was a bi-partisan effort to pass an important law,'' Quinn said. ``The president can say about his home state of Illinois ... we not only passed the Dream Act last year, we passed driver's licenses for those who are undocumented.''

However, the law's opponents have pointed to hundreds of fraudulent cases in New Mexico, Washington State and Utah after those states began giving illegal immigrants permission to drive. Illinois will not require applicants to be fingerprinted, for fear that would discourage immigrants from applying.

``How many people would apply for this document knowing that fingerprints will be going to (federal authorities)? Probably not all that many,'' said Fred Tsao, policy director of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, a driving-force behind the measure.

Proponents say it will allow an estimated 250,000 people unlawfully residing in the state to apply

The law's opponents have pointed to hundreds of fraudulent cases in New Mexico, Washington State and Utah after those states began giving illegal immigrants permission to drive for a three-year temporary driver's license and require them to get training and insurance. The Illinois secretary of state's office said the licenses will be available starting in October.

Those ready for the change include 45-year-old Victoria Chavez. ``I need to get my driver's license because I have two kids,'' the Chicago woman said. ``They need my support. This is a victory for all of us in the immigrant community.''

The licenses will be like those already issued to certain foreign-born, legal visitors. Under the new law,

applicants will be photographed at a driver services facility, and their photo will be entered into the state's facial recognition database - like the rest of Illinois' licensed drivers - to verify their identity.

But the other states' driving programs for illegal immigrants have been abused. New Mexico and Washington state both issue licenses, while Utah issues a permit.

An Associated Press investigation last year found a striking pattern in New Mexico, suggesting immigrants tried to game the system to obtain a license. In one instance, 48 foreign-born individuals claimed to live at a smoke shop in Albuquerque to fulfill a state residency condition. New Mexico does not have a fingerprinting requirement, although it asks applicants to show two proofs of state residency.

Authorities also busted a fraud ring last year that forged documents for illegal immigrants to use after driving from as far as Illinois and North Carolina to obtain a New Mexico license. Gov. Susana Martinez has vowed for years to repeal the decade-old measure, but the legislature has repeatedly rejected such efforts.

Washington State's requirements attracted national attention when Jose Antonio Vargas, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and then-Washington licenseholder, revealed his illegal immigration status in an essay for the New York Times Magazine in 2011.

Vargas chronicled how he obtained his license. -AP

Farmers said foreign workers scared of the law were leaving Georgia, creating a labor shortage in the fields. Estimating the extent of labor shortages has been difficult. Black's office said 20 percent of growers who responded to a survey reported hiring fewer workers in 2011 than the average during the previous five years. The growers cited multiple factors including a poor economy, difficulties with worker retention and a lack of available workers.

The Georgia Farm Bureau, the state's largest lobbying group for growers, does not intend to fight the cuts.

Growers who need many temporary laborers often have their own employees who manage visa issues or they hire contractors to do it, said Jon Huffmaster, legislative director for the Georgia Farm Bureau. He said he was uncertain

how many farmers used the staterun assistance to navigate the federal visa program. ``It's an enormous job to work through that ... program and the state is quite limited in what they can do,'' he said. ``We still have a problem with getting labor and that continues to be a problem,'' he said. ``And I don't know how we can have a state solution to this. We need a federal solution.''

Farmers around the country have long claimed the federal guest worker program is difficult to use and doesn't provide workers when they need them. Republican leaders in Georgia have offered farmers few alternatives.

Aside from Black's liaison program, the corrections system has encouraged probationers to apply for farming jobs, a limited effort with mixed results. -AP

FBI investigating fatal shooting of immigrants MCALLEN, Texas: A letter sent from the Texas Department of Public Safety to the state Attorney General confirms that the FBI is investigating a state trooper's fatal shooting of two Guatemalan immigrants.

The letter, which was copied to The Associated Press, came in response to the AP's public records request for documents related to the state investigation of the Oct. 25 shooting near La Joya.

The incident began with a chase after Texas Parks and Wildlife game wardens spotted a red pickup near La Joya and the U.S.Mexico border, about 250 miles south of San Antonio. The wardens requested help, and the DPS helicopter joined midway in the 14mile, high-speed pursuit of what authorities said they believed was a ``typical covered drug load.''

A trooper fired from the helicopter to disable the vehicle, and it crashed into a ditch. Two illegal immigrants died, and a third was injured. Authorities said the wounded immigrants were among six hiding under a blanket in the truck's bed.

In the days following the incident, civil rights groups and the Guatemalan government expressed concerns that DPS was essentially investigating itself since the Texas Rangers, who were leading the investigation, fall under the DPS umbrella. A week after the incident, DPS Director Steve McCraw said he had asked the FBI and the U.S. Justice Department's Civil Rights Division to investigate and would turn over the Texas

Rangers' report.

The FBI had declined to confirm or deny such an investigation. But in one of several arguments DPS made to withhold the documents, the letter states ``a criminal investigation into the above-referenced incident is ongoing and the Federal Bureau of Investigation is also involved in the investigation at this time.'' The letter is also copied to a FBI spe-

A trooper fired from the helicopter to disable the vehicle, and it crashed into a ditch. Two illegal immigrants died, and a third was injured cial agent in the agency's San Antonio office.

The case is expected to go to a Hidalgo County grand jury in February, District Attorney Rene Guerra said. Earlier, Guerra said he had received the Texas Rangers investigative report and was awaiting final ballistics results before taking it to a grand jury next month.

A letter from DPS to the AP accompanied by the letter to the Texas Attorney General said that the requested documents were included among documents obtained through a grand jury subpoena and are ``in the constructive possession of the grand jury.'' -AP

February 8, 2013

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Kamal Hassan seen in Bay Area

RITU MAHESHWARI India Post News Service

I

f you were to name top few all time he roes of South Indian movies, Kamal Hassan is bound to be one of them.

Starting from his hit movie "Ek Duje Ke Liye", Kamal Hassan has given non-stop entertainment to the masses.

His new movie 'Vishwaroopam' has been in news for many reasons long before its release. Many states in India and other

countries initially banned the movie saying it was anti-Islamic. However, the movie has received critical acclaim since its release.

Kamal Hassan was in Bay area last week to promote 'Vishwaroopam'. A spy thriller, it is set against Al-Qaeda training camps and deals with nuclear terrorism and the hero's quest to bust sleeper terrorist cells in the US. There are enough twists and turns in the movie to keep you enthralled.

Kamal Hassan was in Fremont on Friday January 25 at Big Cinemas on the occasion of the first show of the movie. A huge throng of movie lovers showed up to see their favorite actor and watch the movie.

The movie Viswaroopam is made in Telugu, Tamil and Hindi languages. Nearly Rs. 95 crores was spent on its making.

The story begins in America and the first half of the film is shot completely in US. Viswanath (Kamal Hassan) is a Kathak dance teacher. He moves freely with the women who come to learn dance from him and Andria is one of them. Viswanath's wife Dr. Nirupama suspects the character of her

A scene from the film

Fans gathered for the movie

husband and hires a detective who is killed

by Al-Qaeda group of terrorists.

Viswanath had some connections with an Al-Qaeda terrorist group in the past. Thus he comes to know about the plan of terrorists to trigger a blast in New York City.

Nirupama is stunned to find that Kamal Hassan is a Muslim and a RAW agent who marries her to investigate Deepak, boss of Nirupama. The remaining story is about how Kamal and his group complete their mission of busting the sleeper cell of Jihadis.

Lead actors of the film are Kamal Hassan, Pooja Kumar, Andrea Jeremiah, Rahul Bose, Jaideep Ahlawat, Samrat Chakrabarti, Zarina Wahab, Nasaar, Anderson and Shekhar Kapoor. Pooja Kumar adds glamour to the movie. Rahul Bose excels in his role. Shekhar Kapoor also performs well. Kamal is known for portraying different roles in various films. In Viswaroopam also he performs brilliantly as a dance teacher and also a terrorist.

Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy composed the music for Viswaroopam.

Those who want to see the brilliant performance of one of India's greatest actors, those who want to see a movie made in international standards and those who are interested in watching a thriller will definitely enjoy it.

A scene from Vishwaroopam

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Street art in Melbourne art in what is touted as one of the most 'arty' streets (rather, 'street arty') lanes in the world, I had never imagined I would find a Hindu deity there.

But that was not the only image which subtly or loudly hinted at the borrowings from Hindu mythology. On the adjacent wall is a line-out of a tonsured Krishna devotee in white dhoti and kurta, one hand raised in a blessing, the other holding a stack of

in Hosier Lane. Melbourne-born Deb (she is only known by the monosyllable of a name) is one of the leading artists in Australia.

The biography on her website describes her art as a "mixture of fantasy and fiction; the fusion of reality and a fairytale world that exists in her mind amongst thoughts and emotions from present and past lives.

Her inspirations are both diverse and for-

Pics Preeti Verma Lal

PREETI VERMA LAL

B

etween the archetypal Australian yellows and greens, and between the oompah beats of the Australia Day celebration and the joie de vivre of the Australian Open final, I never thought I would find Lord Ganesha in Melbourne. No, I was not seeking Him. Certainly not in a waif-thin lane.

books. Not too far away amidst the clutter of sprayed paint and tagged names, the face of another Krishna devotee peers starkly from the overwhelming palette of blues, greens and yellows.

Before I could tag the renderings as graf-

Unlike most street art that gets repainted or redone within days or weeks, Deb's Lord Ganesha image has remained on the walls for nearly two years. Says Sweetman, "It is very rare for any design to stay that long on the walls" I was peering at the vibrant reds and blues and greens on the walls of Hosier Lane, when I saw Him around the bend - a large painted Lord Ganesha smiling beatifically from the brick wall of a bluestone cobbled pedestrian and vehicular lane in the southern edge of Melbourne.

Surprised, I sure was. Between political statements sprayed in aerosol and stenciled

fiti, I stood corrected. Wearing a Lucknawi kurta, Fiona Sweetman, who conducts Hidden Secrets Walking Tours, shunned 'graffiti' and picked another adjective for Hosier Lane art - 'street art', an art that is urban, sophisticated and very contemporary. Often, street artists remain anonymous and murals remain unsigned, but Deb is the street artist who has painted Lord Ganesha

ever changing as she evolves as an artist".

On her 'Walls' section of her website is a thumbnail of Hosier Lane Ganesha image.

Unlike most street art that gets repainted or redone within days or weeks, Deb's Lord Ganesha image has remained on the walls for nearly two years. Says Sweetman, "It is very rare for any design to stay that long on the walls". As I step away from Hosier Lane, I looked back at Lord Ganesha - he

was still smiling beatifically‌ I had forgotten that last look at the Krishna devotee in white.

I sighed and ambled towards Federation Square. Call it absent-minded coincidence or destiny, but before the image of the Krishna devotee could fade in the Australian yellows and greens, I saw a group of ISKCON members singing hymns by a sidewalk.

In Melbourne, I had not stepped out in search of Hindu mythological myths.

Strangely, I found them in unusual corners.

Perhaps, that's the omniscience of gods.

They are everywhere. Even in an alley in Melbourne!

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'Chai' stirs Capitol Hill charging station. I can understand that maybe you're not aware that your department spent a hundred thousand dollars on three comedians who went to India on a pro-

Rajiv Satyal India Post News Service

NEW YORK: When comedian Rajiv Satyal and fellow comedian Azhar Usman were creating a touring show called "Make Chai Not War," they never imagined that one day they would be the topic of discussion on Capitol Hill. But that is just what happened, albeit briefly, during the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing into the terrorist attack on a diplomatic mission in Libya last September.

The show was mentioned during an exchange between Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. Paul was criticizing Clinton for, in his opinion, not paying enough attention to important cable messages from U.S. diplomats overseas regarding important matters.

"We can understand that you're not reading every cable," Paul said. "I could understand that maybe you're not aware of the cable from the ambassador in Vienna that asked for a hundred thousand dollars for an electrical

"Make Chai Not War." Satyal, who is a Hindu, and Usman, who is Muslim, created the show in 2007 with a goal of bringing people of different religious and

War" tour of India received international news coverage, including articles in The Washington Times,

Last year's "Make Chai Not War" tour of India received international news coverage, including articles in The Washington Times, The Wall Street Journal and a feature on NPR's "All Things Considered." Satyal said that he is glad the show is again receiving attention in Washington, but he regrets the context. motional tour called "Make Chai Not War." In his remarks, Paul was referring to a tour sponsored last year

ethnic backgrounds together, through humor.

"Make Chair Not War" first caught the attention of the State Department when it was performed at a hotel in Arlington, Virginia in 2008, and received a glowing review in a government newsletter.

Last year's "Make Chai Not

Sen. Rand Paul

Hari Kondabolu

The Wall Street Journal and a feature on NPR's "All Things Considered." Satyal said that he is glad the show is again receiving

attention in Washington, but he regrets the context.

"It may seem frivolous to spend tax dollars sending comedians to India, but our show is about spreading goodwill," Satyal said.

"Most of the money covered production and travel expenses, and I believe the audiences who came to see us in India went away with a positive opinion about the United States."

Ranbir snatches 'paani puri' from youngster Azhar Usman

by the State Department, in which Satyal, Usman and another comedian, Hari Kondabolu, visited seven cities in India, performing

MUMBAI: He comes from a family of foodies, and no wonder Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor is one big foodie himself! The actor pleasantly surprised local people here when he ran to gorge on some street food in the middle of a recent shoot.

Ranbir, who made his silver debut in 2007 with 'Saawariya', was spotted in the middle of a crowded street in Malad here. Stuck in a traffic jam, he instantly ran towards a stall to eat pani puri and gorged on it with chilled beverage.

The 30-year-old was in the midst of shooting a new advertisement for beverage brand Pepsi, which he endorses. He not only took the chaat vendor by surprise, but also a naive youngster at the stall, whose pani puri Ranbir snatched and ate.

The crowd around him was

seen trying to keep a count of how many pani puris he ate while shooting for the ad film.

The actor has been winning a string of awards for his portrayal of a deaf and mute guy in 'Barfi!'.

February 8, 2013

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Horoscope

52 India Post

February 8, 2013

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Your Weekly Future

by Pandit Parashar FEBRUARY 8TH - FEBRUARY 14TH 2013 (March 21 to April 20)

Y

ou will hit some kind of financial jackpot. Opportunity will be unique and you will not take much time to accept it. You may plan an evening with some colleague from work and start enjoying company of a new associate. Spouse may complain of some aches in joints. You may completely change your earlier travel plans.

(July 23 to August 22)

C

ombination of Sun and mars in seventh is helpful. You should have absolutely no difficulty in achieving your goals this week.

Do not get too emotionally attached to some one you met recently or will get hurt in weeks to come. You will be signing some very important legal documents. Money will pour in from all directions.

(April 21 to May 20)

T

his is the right time to approach a government agency or people in power to seek favors, should have absolutely no difficulty in getting the job done. Change of weather may affect health but you will recover quickly. Your valuable advice will help some one. You may receive another part time assignment this week.

(August 23 to September 22)

I

t will be a fruitful week. One of your long cherished desire will be fulfilled after receiving guidance from a learned person. People in business or developing some product will suddenly have an edge over their opponents. Strong Venus will make you lucky in all financial matters. Trip will be entertaining.

(May 21 to June 20)

A

n older family member may not be well and need extra medical care. Do not let obstacles shake your confidence as they will be followed by some easy solutions. You may also receive some kind of clearance from a government agency this week. You may be taking a short trip to another state to attend an important meeting.

(September 23 to October 22)

M

oney wise it looks like another favorable week. You may successfully dispose off some property and pocket the money. One of your child will need your attention and extra help. You will sign and mail some documents and wait for a big refund. You will take a trip to neighboring city to attend a big party this weekend.

(October 23 to November 22)

(June 21 to July 22)

M

oney wise it looks like another promising week. You will win money if you try your hands at lottery this week. Some long overdue money could also show up in mail. Do not allow any outsiders cause friction in your family life. Some of you will continue your efforts to locate another better job and closer to home.

A

ll meetings will go well and you will get immediate confirmation.

Keep your self out of ongoing argument going at the get together you attend this week. Bank balance will grow at a slow pace. Your advice and expertise will help many needy people. Work load will increase and you may start spending more time at work.

(November 23 to December 22)

I

t will be a very fortunate week for people in sales and marketing.

You may get the confirmation from a government agency, making way for lots of progress and new opportunities in life. You may go to the mall and buy some nice cloths for your self. If looking for an expansion in the family, this is the right time.

(December 22 to January 19)

H

andle finances with care this week. You may be writing a check to government in some form of payment. Mind will be relaxed and progress in career and happiness from children will give more reasons to enjoy life. A loan application you submitted few weeks ago can also be approved with minor conditions.

(January 20 to February 18)

S

tay calm this week and avoid taking a chance with authority or boss. Some major developments in career are just around so have patience. You may go out of your way to help a sibling or another needy relative. People in business will be spending money on upgrades to comply with new city guidelines.

(February 19 to March 20)

Y

ou may to restrict family members on going out and buying unnecessary items for the house as well as personal use. Some of you may start going to gym to come back in shape. People in sales will benefit from favorable planets. Constant calling will her recover some old payments. Trip will be fruitful and relaxing.

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

510-886-4370 website: www.parashar.com

Philosophy

February 8, 2013

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F

or me the highest opportunity of existence is to discover our true nature. Because if we discover everything else, but not our true Self, then that which we consider we do know, is not reliable. Also, discovering our True Self puts an end to a lot of misery, sorrow and anxiety about life - something which so many people feel.

All of this is to do with the ignorance of our true nature and this is due to false identification. Sometimes I say our name is 'I'... because all beings refer to themselves as 'I'.

But this 'I' itself we don't truly know.

Most people just assume 'I' to be our body, our education, our conditioning. But actually 'I' really refers to consciousness. The body doesn't know itself as 'I'; it is something inside the body that says 'I went, I did this or I did that'.

Consciousness needs a body in order to taste experiencing, to have the diversity of experience and so on, but the body itself is not the sentient root or 'Being'. The body is the instrument.

Living in the now First there has to be a rise of some urge to go beyond the surface identity. It is only when we've developed a certain amount of maturity, looking beneath the surADYASHANTI

T

rue meditation has no direction or goal. It is pure wordless surrender, pure silent prayer. All methods aiming at achieving a certain state of mind are limited, impermanent, and conditioned. Fascination with states leads only to bondage and dependency. True meditation is abidance as primordial awareness.

True meditation appears in consciousness spontaneously when awareness is not being manipulated or controlled. When you first start to meditate, you notice that attention is often being held captive by focus on some object: on thoughts, bodily sensations, emotions, memories, sounds, etc.

This is because the mind is conditioned to focus and contract upon objects. Then the mind compulsively interprets and tries to control what it is aware of (the object) in a mechanical and distorted way. It begins to draw conclusions and make assumptions according to past conditioning.

In true meditation all objects (thoughts, feelings, emotions, memories, etc.) are left to their natural functioning. This means that no effort should be made to focus on, manipulate, control, or suppress any object of awareness.

face of our conditioned identity, that we can somehow allow experiences to be momentary.

[As an identity] we cannot help holding onto the memory of experiences, to help to develop that sense of a separate being and a unique identity. Consciousness does not need to hold on.

This is why sometimes I refer to the life lived from the place of consciousness as spontaneous existence or 'like writing on water'

that goes with a sense of identity, and a kind of arrogance also. We have a feeling of 'this life is mine, I can do what I want' and so on.

It can seem like this until we go more deeply into our true nature, and then the picture changes. But, while we have this strong sense of identity we are not really very open.

Often we feel some kicks from life... illnesses and things that happen to our family. These show us that life is unpredictable and has

only things that may get in the way are those little memorandums or reminders... of the things that tasted nice or whatver else works to keep you back in the state of identity.

It takes a very deep resolve, a very powerful determination, a grace, to really stay put and hold firm in your seeing. Sometimes momentarily you'll be thrown off course and you'll find yourself flapping about again.

But, quickly the ability is there

We take refuge in pride because we are afraid to tell the truth to ourselves.

-Kakuzo Okakura

Discovering our True Self puts an end to misery Consciousness needs a body in order to taste experiencing, to have the diversity of experience and so on, but the body itself is not the sentient root or 'Being'. The body is the instrument

Mooji

- you cannot refer to it in a minute because it is gone. It takes a tremendous amount of openness, and a confidence that comes through real seeing, to be able to move into our spontaneous existence.

The 'play of life' The 'play of life' so challenging because we limit our identity to body/mind and to our unique kind of conditioning. There is a pride

no guarantee, which brings a sense of humility to the Beingness, and when there is humility there returns again a kind of openness.

Freedom from ego However subtle the ego can come, you are subtler still! It is you who observes and recognizes ego, so therefore you have the advantage.

Whichever way it goes, you have the power within to expose it. The

to compose yourself and say 'wait a minute, but that's not true'. The more subtle the ego gets, the weaker it is becoming. As your own power increases it has to find more subtle ways to catch you, but still the power is somehow with you.

Anthony Paul Moo-Young, or Mooji, from Jamaica is a disciple of Papaji. His 59th birth anniversary was observed on January 29

In true meditation the emphasis is on being awareness; not on being aware of objects, but on resting as primordial awareness itself. Primordial awareness is the source in which all objects arise and subside.

As you gently relax into awareness, into listening, the mind's compulsive contraction around objects will fade. Silence of being will come more clearly into consciousness as a welcoming to rest

abyss beyond all knowing.

Meditation techniques It is perfectly OK to use a more directed technique such as following your breath, or using a simple mantra or centering prayer, if you find that it helps you to not get lost in thought. But always be inclined toward less and less technique.

Make time during each meditation period to simply rest as silent, still awareness. True Medi-

fight against the fear because this will only increase it. Imagine that you are the Buddha under the Bodhi tree, or Christ in the desert, remaining perfectly still and unmoved by the bodymind's nightmare. It may feel very real but it is really nothing more than a convincing illusion.

If you receive an insight or sudden understanding of a situation during meditation, simply

True meditation is letting go of the meditator

Adyashanti

and abide. An attitude of open receptivity, free of any goal or anticipation, will facilitate the presence of silence and stillness to be revealed as your natural condition.

As you rest into stillness more profoundly, awareness becomes free of the mind's compulsive control, contractions, and identifications. Awareness naturally returns to its non-state of absolute unmanifest potential, the silent

In true meditation all objects (thoughts, feelings, emotions, memories, etc.) are left to their natural functioning. This means that no effort should be made to focus on, manipulate, control, or suppress any object of awareness tation is progressively letting go of the meditator without getting lost in thought.

If old painful memories arise, simply allow them to arise without resisting them or indulging in analyzing, judging, or denying it.

It is useful when experiencing fear in meditation to anchor your attention in something very grounding, such as your breath or even the bottoms of your feet. But don't

receive what is given with gratitude, without holding onto anything. Trust that it will still be there when you need it.

Focus attention on your breathing down in your belly.

This will help you to not get lost in the images of the mind.

Adyashanti is an American Zen-trained spiritual teacher from the San Francisco Bay Area in California, USA

“This is my child, this is my wealth": such thoughts are the preoccupations of fools. If we are unable to own even ourselves, why make such claims?

-Buddha The art of teaching is clarity and the art of learning is to listen.

-Vanda Scaravelli The line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being. And who is willing to destroy a piece of his own heart?

-Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn Without the Tao, kindness and compassion are replaced by law and justice; Faith and trust are supplanted by ritual and ceremony.

-Lao Tzu People will not compete with you if you don't make much of your own cleverness.

-Cleary

You Insure all your Valuables, all are replaceable except YOU! So Insure yourself FIRST. Call Sahanis, (Arish, Priya or Shiv) for your Insurance needs 718- 271- 0453. Serving for last 35 yrs

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February 8, 2013

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LoC Violations: Political fallouts and larger questions PR CHARI

T

he ceasefire existing since 2004 along the Line of Control (LoC), which divides Kashmir between India and Pakistan, was recently breached. The consequent firings leading to the death of soldiers from both countries' Armies is tragic and needless.

A well-understood mechanism exists to defuse tensions through flag meetings between local commanders. Issues that cannot be settled at a local level are referred to higher levels for negotiation and resolution. The important point to note therefore, in the context of the recent violations, is that these established mechanisms clearly did not work leading to tensions at the national level.

Why do border violations occur?

The LoC is well delineated on the map and recognized either by physical features or boundary markers. A complex medley of factors is generally responsible for these breaches, with personality issues intervening. A newly posted officer might, for instance, wish to impress his senior officer as having "josh" (transliterated to mean enthusiasm and courage).

A superior officer might wish to improve his regiment's position for its easier defense, by plugging an infiltration route or gaining higher ground. Naturally, the adversary understands these tactical maneuvers and wishes to frustrate them; leading to frayed tempers, heightened instabilities and, if not defused, firings, casualties and greater tensions along the LoC. The Indian Army's standard explanation that border firings by Pakistan are intended to facilitate the infiltration of its jihadist elements has become passĂŠ, therefore, with the passage of time.

Consider the facts of the present firings, killings and tensions in the Mendhar sector. The facts are murky, but it seems that a Pakistani soldier was killed in a small arms firing duel, and to deter the infiltration of militants in this area, the Indian Army constructed a bunker within the no-militarypresence zone along the LoC. Pakistani protests were ignored, leading to the killing of two Indian soldiers on routine patrol duty in bad weather. What set this border incident apart from several others in the past was the barbaric beheading of one of these soldiers, which has greatly angered the Indian Army and people.

The Pakistani explanation that

jihadis operating in this area were responsible is questionable, since the LoC is heavily militarized on both sides. Such an assertion would imply they were moving around freely in this area, which seems problematic given the circumstances.

Political fallouts of the violation The first political action of Pakistan's was to stop the crossborder movement of people, as also cross-border trade between the two parts of Kashmir. For its part, India held up the agreement negotiated for relaxing visa restrictions, which included senior citizens being permitted visas on arrival at the Wagah border, and also denied entry to Pakistani singers and sportspersons.

The linkage of border incidents with greater contacts between the two nations displays the extreme fecklessness of both countries as

they are discouraging the very constituencies that harbor vested interests in promoting normalcy in India-Pakistan relations.

Fortunately, better sense has now prevailed, and New Delhi and Islamabad are taking steps to resume their interrupted dialogue.

With the imminent withdrawal of the US and ISAF from Afghanistan in 2014, the need of the hour is for greater coordination between India and Pakistan to draw up a strategy for grappling with the post-2014 situation, rather than fritter away their energies in internecine strife.

Does, therefore, preventing border incidents, evolving confidence-building measures (CBMs) and deepening Indian-Pakistani ties require an "uninterrupted and uninterruptible" dialogue between the two antagonists? An ideal solution, no doubt, but too deterministic to appreciate the political realities of Indo-Pak relations.

Dialogue for the sake of dialogue, with little hope of fruitful results is hardly likely to commend itself to hard-headed political establishments. Witness the humdrum manner in which the interKorean dialogue has continued for years after the Korean War ended in 1954, and became a joke.

Consequently, faith must be reposed in the desire of the two leaderships to normalize relations and proceed to address their internal challenges.

Is Pakistani soldiery under the control of its military leadership?

Let's face it. Despite the growing inability of the Pakistani Army to provide for the country's national security, the Pakistani civilian leadership only provides the façade behind which the Pakistan Army actually calls the shots. The country presently faces four serious threats to internal security -

domestic terrorism that has even targeted the GHQ in Rawalpindi, as well as naval and air bases; continuing losses in the FATA region to Taliban attacks; American drone attacks along the Af-Pak border emphasizing the country's abbreviated sovereignty; and, secular strife that is tearing the fabric of Pakistan apart.

In this milieu, opening a fifth front just does not make sense. A plausible reason for the barbaric beheading of the Indian soldier, therefore, could be the extreme frustration that currently afflicts Pakistani soldiery. Coming from a restricted recruitment base, family linkages are strong among them and discipline has to be strictly enforced from above. Is that discipline eroding? In other words, is Pakistani soldiery still under the control of the Pakistani military leadership?

The writer is Visiting Professor, IPCS

Minister for faux pas

T

he Ministry of Home Affairs in India is an important portfo lio. After the elevation of the then finance minister Pranab Mukherjee to the presidency of India, P. Chidambaram was reverted to the position of finance ministry which he had been holding since the Mumbai attacks when the then ineffective Home Minister Shivraj Patil was kicked up to be Governor of Punjab. The once again vacant Home Ministry was then filled with another lightweight Sushil Kumar Shinde who was known more for his faux pas than any achievement in ministries that he had been holding. It is ironic that when he failed as chief minister of Maharashtra, he was rewarded with the Power ministry at the Center. Now the power position in India has been dismal and Mr Shinde did not contribute to any improvement. A day after there was a massive power breakdown in North India, Mr Shinde was promoted to be the Home Minister of India. Ever since, Mr Shinde as well as some important functionaries of Congress party have been issuing clarifications for the careless and irresponsible remarks this important minister of the government of India has been making. Here is a rough sample of his remarks, a little chronologically: At a press meet in New Delhi to announce the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the north eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh and the central power generating companies, then power minister Shinde referred to Arunachal Pradesh as ''Arunachalam'' before quickly correcting himself. It gave enough ammunition to the state Chief Minister Gegong Apang to give a lecture on the geography and natural resources of his state.

At a recent function in Pune, Home Minister Shinde said that public memory was short and it won't be long before it forgot the coal controversy too, just like the Bofors scam. He later clarified the Coalgate faux pas, calling it jest.

Soon after the hanging of Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab, Shinde annoyed his bosses in the Congress and government as well as scandalized the public with his over-the top statement that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi were not aware of the secret operation of Kasab's hanging and came to know about it only through television!

As crowds of young people started protesting at India Gate over the gangrape of a young woman, he cautioned them to lay off saying, "What impression will it create on the visiting dignitary?"

Russian President Vladimir Putin was coming on a visit and Shinde was more conscious of creating a good impression on him. He was totally insensitive about the crime situation in Delhi under his watch.

Then, speaking at the recent All India Congress Committee Chintan Shivir in Jaipur, he made the notorious statement that the BJP and the RSS training camps were promoting Hindu terrorism.

This statement has not only annoyed the obvious targets, it has made a big splash in Pakistan giving them a justification for terrorism emanating from that state.

Mr Shinde later clarified he had only stated what had been appearing in the media and his reference was to "saffron terrorism".

In the latest controversy, the Home Minister is being harried about the statement he had made on December 28 that the Centre would take a decision on the Telengana issue within a month.

Since the said one month period is over and no decision is being taken, he is at a loss to defend himself. Veteran Congressman Ghulam Nabi Azad, who is Union Health Minister as well as AICC General Secretary in charge of Andhra Pradesh, came to his rescue with a typical procrastination: "I don't think one month (deadline should be taken so literally). When one says tomorrow, it does not mean tomorrow morning. When one says one week, sometimes it is two weeks."

There is no knowing from where Mr Shinde's next faux pas will come from. As an insurance against it, the Indian government would do well to appoint a deputy minister for clarifications under him.

February 8, 2013

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