Indiapost 02 14 2014 by Ghanshyam Bisht

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Delhi graft cases against Moily, Ambani Details on page 6

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VOL 19, No. 1013

February 14, 2014

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Periodical Postage

U.S., INDIA AGREE TO RESOLVE PHARMA ROW Hamburg told of concern at FDA actions

Ashok Varadhan

PIO appointed co-head of Goldman Sachs Details on page 14

New Microsoft CEO's style sparks hope Details on page 12

Raghu Nayak gets two years in prison Details on page 6

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

IS USFDA being unfair to India? Last week’s result

Should the cops in Parminder shooting be suspended? YES 73%

NO 27%

DRUG DEBATE: The Commissioner, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), Margaret A. Hamburg meeting the Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, Anand Sharma, in New Delhi on February 10

NEW DELHI: Against the backdrop of US actions against Indian pharma exports, Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has done some plainspeak with the head of American drug regulator, asserting that Indian drugs should not be treated as spurious just because they are affordable. Azad's assertion came when he met US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) Commissioner Margaret Hamburg here who conveyed concerns over the issue of quality control. During the meeting between Azad and Hamburg, the two countries signed a Statement of Intent on Cooperation in the Field of Medical Products, which seeks sharing of information about lack of compliance with accepted current good manufacturing, clinical and laboratory practices medical or cosmetics company in one another's country.

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

Cont’d on page 12

US Ambassador in India to meet Narendra Modi Details on page 5

Hardwork not Harvard pays, Modi tells FM Details on page 5

DGCA to carry out safety checks on airlines Details on page 14

US challenges India's solar export restrictions Details on page 5

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Publisher’s Diary

ttempts are being made to lift India-US relations from the morass they have been in for sometime over the arrest and humiliation of an Indian diplomat. While India is still chafing, it has indicated that the focus should now be on the larger Indo-US issues which are crucial for not only the two countries but also for the Eastern region of the world. President Barack Obama's national security adviser Susan Rice also emphasized during her address at the Aspen Institute U.S.-India Dialogue that minor differences should not "derail the future we are working diligently to build." Indeed, India and the US have agreed to hold their crucial energy dialogue next month in what is the first real sign that all may finally be well between the two countries. US energy secretary Ernest Moniz will visit New Delhi in the second week of March for the dialogue which is important for India as it looks at the US for a reliable supply of clean energy in the form of LNG. It is expected that Moniz's dialogue with Planning Commission deputy chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia will put the bilateral engagement process firmly back on track. Indications are that realizing the geopolitical implications of US natural gas exports, India sees LNG imports from the US as a win-win situation for both countries. This dialogue was the biggest casualty in ties because of the Khobragade issue as Moniz had to put off his visit last month in the face of tension between the two countries. Whatever be the state of relations between the two countries, Indian American geniuses continue to flower in the ambiance provided to them in this country. The elevation of Hyderabad born Satya Nadella as CEO of Microsoft is one more proof of the professional excellence that Indians achieve here. It is a tribute to the egalitarian and transparent professional atmosphere which has served as a fundamental base to their success. Given an equal opportunity, Indians have proved that they are second to none, but indeed a notch better. Romesh K Japra

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Happy together Recently on Karan Johar's TV talk show, Anushka Sharma admitted that Virat Kohli is her favorite cricketer.

Cover Story: Shift in stand US Ambassador to India Nancy Powell plans to meet Narendra Modi, signalling a shift in America's stand

Community: FIA R-Day Inclement Chicago weather failed to prevent Indian community members under FIA to celebrate Republic Day

GOP resistance As GOP leaders dampen expectations on immigration overhaul, White House is hoping the resistance is temporary

Life Style: Valentine’s Day Whichever type of love you want to think of, it is endearing, brings a smile to those watching, and tugs at your heartstrings.

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HIGHLIGHTS

India has raised concerns over the USFDA's actions against pharma companies and 'disproportionate penalties’

Travel: Goa Goa is known for its vast stretches of beautiful sandy beaches, clear blue waters, verdant green mountain ranges

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February 14, 2014

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US Ambassador in India to meet Modi WASHINGTON: US Ambassador to India Nancy Powell plans to meet Narendra Modi, signalling a shift in America's stand towards the BJP's prime ministerial candidate in connection with 2002 Gujarat riots. "We can confirm the appointment (between Modi and Powell)," a State Department spokesperson told PTI. The request to meet Modi has been made by Powell herself, but the spokesperson did not comment on the possible date of the meeting, which is expected to take place in Ahmedabad this week. "This is part of our concerted outreach to senior political and business leaders which began in November to highlight the USIndia relationship," the spokesperson said. The go ahead, just before the announcement of general elections in a few weeks from now, seems to have been taken after

intensive debate within the various wings of the Obama Administration - the White House and the State Department in particular - with crucial inputs from the

nized by the influential think tanks here have concluded that the BJP-led by Modi was currently headed to win the upcoming general elections.

cision taken by US President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry. This would further help in strengthening of Indo-US relationship," Patel

Narendra Modi

A series of public meetings organized by the influential think tanks here have concluded that the BJP-led by Modi was currently headed to win the upcoming general elections

Nancy Powell

members of the Congress and the influential leaders of the corporate sector, the US India Business Council in particular. In the past few weeks, a series of public meetings orga-

The Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP)-US president Chandrakant Patel welcomed the decision taken by the Obama Administration in this regard. "We highly appreciate the de-

said. "Modi is the most popular leader of the country right now. Given that he has been given clean chit by all the courts in India, it was not fair on the part of

the US to not to have relationship with Modi," Patel said. In 2005, the US State Department had revoked a visa that Modi had for traveling to the US in the wake of the 2002 riots in Gujarat.

Sharma signals 'No issues MUMBAI: Commerce Minister Anand Sharma said here the government has "no issues" over this and hoped it will help BJP's PM contender secure a visa to visit that country "one day". "What difference does it (the proposed meeting between Modi and US Ambassador Nancy Powell) make? I hope one day he gets the visa to travel (to the US)," Sharma told reporters here. "Ambassadors have a right to meet anyone. We are an open democracy. We have no issues," he added.-PTI

Ro Khanna endorsed by Silicon Hardwork not Harvard pays, Modi tells Chidambaram Valley top investors NEW YORK: An Indian-American patent lawyer, vying for a congressional seat in the Silicon Valley, has been endorsed by top executives from technology giants like Google, as he seeks to oust a seven-term Democrat endorsed by President Barack Obama. Ro Khanna, a 37-year-old Democrat, has mounted an "aggressive campaign" for the seat from the 17th Congressional District in the San Francisco Bay area, challenging and significantly out raising Representative Michael Honda, 72, who was first elected to Congress in 2000 and has the support of the rest of the Democratic establishment. According to a report in the New York Times, Khanna has the backing of many of Silicon Valley's top investors and executives, including Google's executive chairman Eric Schmidt, Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, Yahoo's chief executive Marissa Mayer, Randi Zuckerberg, the chief executive of Zuckerberg Media and the sister of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. It is because of this tech support that Khanna has raised USD 1,975,000 in cash four months before the primaries, more than triple the USD 623,000 Honda has raised, according to campaign finance records. The average size of individual contributions to Khanna's campaign is more than double to those

of Honda's. "The money gives Khanna an advantage in what could become one of the costliest congressional races in the nation," NYT said. "Whether or not this political start-up is ultimately successful, Khanna's campaign underscores

seen as a person of the future has endorsed our campaign". Khanna has authored 'Entrepreneurial Nation', a book on manufacturing and American competitiveness, and was a deputy assistant commerce secretary from 2009 to 2011. He now repre-

Ro Khanna

the tech industry's push to elect candidates who will further its interests in Washington, even if that means, as in this race, trying to replace a party stalwart with a relative unknown," it said. Using the jargon of tech startups, Khanna said he will be a "disruptive" force in Washington. He said there is need for "Government 2.0" and a "reset" of Congress. Khanna said of his list of tech endorsers, "everyone who is

sents technology companies in intellectual property cases at one of Silicon Valley's most prestigious law firms. Honda's supporters have labeled Khanna a "Silicon Valley groupie" whose wealthy donors are trying to buy a congressional seat. Honda has said he represents the interests not only of the technology companies but also of the wider district.-PTI

CHENNAI: Launching a sting- postage stamp. The Congress- led ing attack on Union Finance Min- UPA is headed by an eminent ister P Chidambaram for ridiculing economist (Prime Minister his knowledge of economics, BJP Manmohan Singh). The Finance Prime Ministerial candidate Minister also thinks himself to be Narendra Modi said here the equally efficient. He thinks nocountry was run with hard work body else is more intelligent than and not Harvard, a reference to him. the Congress leader's education "Only if you paste the postal overseas. stamp will the letter be delivered. In an apparent reference to I have proved myself through deChidambaram's 2009 victory in livery (in Gujarat)," the BJP leader Lok Sabha polls from Sivaganga said. after a recounting of votes, the Gujarat Chief Minister described him "Only if you paste the as the "Recounting postal stamp will the letter Minister" and charged him with displaying 'ex- be delivered. I have proved cessive arrogance' myself through delivery while leaving the country's economy in (in Gujarat)," the BJP bad shape. leader said "UPA government has a Recounting Minister. He lost (the election) but He suggested there be a conwon in recounting. He is from test between him and Tamil Nadu. He thinks he was the Chidambaram and said "you are first in the queue when God was educated from a big university. I distributing knowledge," Modi am from a poor background from said without naming a small village. The Finance MinChidambaram. ister is from Harvard. I am from Addressing a well-attended hard-work. Do we need Harvard public rally at suburban Vandalur, or hardwork for the development he said when Chidambaram made of the country?" he said. fun of his knowledge about ecoWhile the NDA-led governnomics he had kept quiet "be- ment had in 2004 ensured an over cause more the mud is thrown, eight per cent grwoth rate, "as per better the Lotus blooms." your own statistics, Mr Recount"He (the Finance Minister) ing Minister, the GDP growth was said Modi's knowledge of eco- 4.5 per cent in 2012-13," Modi nomics can be written behind a said. -PTI

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Delhi govt orders criminal cases against Moily, Ambani NEW DELHI: The Delhi Government has ordered filing of criminal cases against Union minister Veerappa Moily, former minister Murli Deora, Reliance Industries chief Mukesh Ambani and others following complaints of irregularities in pricing of natural gas in KG basin. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the Anti Corruption Branch (ACB) of Delhi Government has been asked to probe the matter based on a complaint filed by former Cabinet Secretary TSR Subrmanian, Admiral Tahiliani, former Navy Chief and eminent lawyer Kamini Jaiswal besides a former Expenditure Secretary. "Today we have asked the ACB to probe the case. We are filing a criminal case against Murli Deora. FIRs are being filed against Moily, Mukesh Ambani, former DG of Hydrocarbons V K Sibal, Reliance Industries Ltd and others," he said addressing a press conference here. Without explaining whether Delhi Government has jurisdiction to probe the case, Kejriwal alleged that Reliance Industries Ltd was

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal with Education Minister Manish Sisodia addressing a press conference in New Delhi on February 11

benefited as Oil Ministry decided to hike the natural gas price to USD 8 per million British thermal unit as against current USD 4.2 from April 1. He alleged that RIL did not produce adequate gas from eastern offshore KG basin block so as to

put pressure on the government to hike the price. The government has already approved a proposal to price domestic gas at an average of international gas hub prices and actual cost of importing gas in its liquid form into India.

Raghu Nayak gets two years in prison India Post News Service

CHICAGO: The U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman in a judgment based on the guilty plea and subsequent appeal for mercy from an Indian and community activist, Raghuveer Nayak, 58, sentenced him to two years prison term on Monday February 10. Raghuveer Nayak pleaded guilty last September to federal health-care fraud charges and faced up to 23 years in prison. He apologized and asked the judge to have mercy on him and his family. Prosecutors had also alleged Nayak offered to raise $1 million for Blagojevich's campaign if the then-governor named Jackson to President Barack Obama's old Senate seat but he Nayak wasn't charged for that. Even the Judge Gettleman did not agree to consider that argument while sentencing. Nayak had allegedly bribed doctors for referrals to surgery centers he owned. Nayak, who owns outpatient medical centers in Illinois and Indiana, was charged in a 19-count indictment with mail fraud, interstate travel in aid of racketeering and filing false income tax returns for 2005 to 2008. A large number of his Indian

Raghu Nayak

supporters had urged the judge to show mercy considering his role in helping a large number of Indian Pakistani immigrants in need of financial and medical aid. He was active in many a cultural and social events organized by the Indian community in Chicagoland. Nayak said that he would never ever break any law. Saying he was "scared even to drink a cup of coffee" in case he breaks any more laws. He faced up to 23 years in prison and a fine of $500,000. Prosecutors, though, suggested a sentence of up to six years was appropriate.

The Chief Minister said hiking the price of natural gas will have a "cascading effect" on the economy as rates of transportation, power production, fertilizers and food items will go up significantly. "I am writing to Prime Minister and the Oil Minister to keep the decision in abeyance pending the probe. I will also request PM to direct all ministries to cooperate with the probe," Kejriwal said. He said the complaint alleged "collusion between some Union ministers and Reliance Industries Ltd" that purportedly resulted in the decision to double the gas price from April 1. The Chief Minister did not answer when asked whether Delhi Government has jurisdiction to probe the matter. -PTI

Moily slams Kejriwal over FIR order NEW DELHI: Delhi government's decision to order filing of an FIR against Petroleum Minister M Veerappa Moily, former minister Murli Deora and RIL chief Mukesh Ambani for alleged collusion to hike the prices of natural gas has invited sharp criticism from Samajwadi Party even as CPI's Gurudas Dasgupta welcomed the move. UB Group chairman Vijay Mallya, on the other hand, said that the Delhi Chief Minister was pursuing "unconventional methods" to attain his objectives while adding that there should be no "witch-hunt" against industrialists. Hitting back, Moily said that fixing of the prices of petroleum products was done as per expert advice. He also said that he took special interest in ensuring that CNG and PNG prices were reduced.

"I think I should sympathies with his ignorance. He should know how the government functions, how these things are done ... You should know that I took special interest to ensure that CNG and PNG prices were reduced," Moily said. "It is not the question of Mukesh or Deora... There should be a certain system for fixing the prices. I think nothing is done without expert advice," Moily said. "Kejriwal thinks that we can take out oil just like taking water from a well in a bucket, (but) we cannot take the oil like that," he added. Samajwadi Party, which gives outside support to the UPA government, also attacked Kejriwal for registering FIRs against Union ministers and industrialists, saying it was all a "drama" to hide inefficiency and attain "political martyrdom".-PTI

Punjab cops to hold NRI disputes redressal meets PHILLAUR, Punjab: Punjab Police will organize disputes redressal meets for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) at the district level to dispose of their complaints in a transparent and timely manner. Inspector General of Punjab Police's NRI Wing Gurpreet Kaur Deo said this at the NRI Disputes Redressal Samellan at the Punjab Police Academy here. She said as many as 150 complaints from 17 countries were re-

ceived during the meet: 60 from Canada, 25 from the USA, 19 the UK, 5 New Zealand, 12 Australia, 8 Italy, 7 Germany, 3 Malaysia, two each from Greece and Uganda, and one each from Kenya, Portu-

gal, UAE, Kuwait and Dubai, Norway and Denmark. She said most of the complaints were related to property (77) and marital disputes (52). There were also some com-

Deo said that all these complaints would be disposed of within a month and she instructed police officers to deal with all complaints in a fair and transparent manner

plaints regarding frauds and complaints of other nature, she told reporters here. Deo said that all these complaints would be disposed of within a month and she instructed police officers to deal with all complaints in a fair and transparent manner so that timely justice could be provided. She further said that special help desk had been set up to provide counseling to women facing marital disputes. -PTI

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Olympic committee revokes India's suspension NEW DELHI: More than a year after being shunted out of the Olympic movement due to tainted officials, India has been welcomed back by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) within days of conducting a fresh election in the IOA. The IOC lifted the 14-month old ban on India after the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) barred charge-framed officials from its fresh election held on Sunday Feb 9 in which World Squash Federation chief and younger brother of BCCI boss N Srinivasan, N Ramachandran, was elected as the president. "The IOC has informed us through telephone that the ban on India has been lifted," newlyelected IOA Secretary General Rajeev Mehta told PTI. The decision comes after the IOC's three observers for the elections left Indian shores "satisfied with the IOA elections promising to submit a "favorable report to the IOC President". Jerome Poivey, IOC's head of institutional relations, event went on to state that the amended IOA constitution was one of the best in the world and it should be

implemented fully. All India Tennis Association (AITA) chief Anil Khanna was elected Treasurer in the polls which marked the exit of corruptiontainted Abhay Singh Chautala and Lalit Bhanot from the IOA.

N Ramachandran

It all started 14 months ago when on December 4, 2012, the IOC suspended the IOA for adhering to the government's Sports Code and for allowing tainted persons to take part in the election process. In an act of defiance, IOA went ahead with the polls next day. The

world body refused to recognize Chautala and his team of office bearers. The IOC later proposed a meeting with the IOA and government representatives but maintained that the Indian body must hold its elections solely under Olympic Charter to return to the Olympic fold. After three postponements and controversy over the participation of two members representing the suspended IOA, the meeting took place on May 15 last at Lausanne, Switzerland with Sports Minister Jitendra Singh and Beijing Olympics gold winner shooter Abhinav Bindra attending it. The IOC issued the roadmap for India's return to the Olympic fold, asking IOA to amend its constitution before July 15 and elect new office bearers by September 1 last, both under the supervision of the world body. On August 15 last year, IOC stated that tainted persons will no longer be eligible to contest IOA elections. But, a defiant IOA refused to implement the provision, saying that it had to follow the law of the land. The IOA even proposed to

Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs & Sports, Jitendra Singh addressing the media persons on re-entry of India in Olympics, in New Delhi on February 11

dilute the contentious clause, saying the chargesheet clause must apply only to convicted persons. But the IOC shot down any compromise formula and asked the IOA to sack "charge-framed" officials through constitutional

amendments by October 31 and conduct fresh elections by December 15 last. The IOC later agreed to IOA's proposal to hold elections after IOA agreed to bar charge-framed persons from contesting the polls. -PTI

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Cong expels six MPs from Seemandhra NEW DELHI: Cracking the whip, Congress has expelled six Lok Sabha MPs from Seemandhra who had given a notice of no-confidence motion against Government opposing bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. Faced with dissent in Andhra Pradesh, the party intended to send a strong message to those opposing creation of separate state with this decision but a dozen odd party MPs still maintained that they will vote against the Telangana bill when it comes to Parliament. "Congress president Sonia Gandhi has approved the decision of the disciplinary committee of the AICC to expel the six MPs from Andhra Pradesh with immediate effect," said AICC general secretary Janardan Dwivedi in a press release. The MPs expelled by Congress president Sonia Gandhi are Sabbam Hari, G V Harsha Kumar, V Arun Kumar, L Rajagopal, R Sambasiva Rao and A Sai Pratap. All these MPs had signed the notice of non-confidence motion along with some MPs from other parties like TDP and the party has sought to give a strong message on Telangana issue by taking this "unprecedented" step. Congress MP Ananta Venkatrami Reddy, who is among the 12 party MPs from

Seemandhra who did not sign on the notice for no-confidence, told PTI, "we are totally against the bill for the bifurcation of the state and will vote against it when it comes to the House. We will see that the bill is defeated." There are 25 MPs from the Seemandhra region including 18 from Congress, three from YSR Congress and four from TDP.

Asked about the expulsion of party MPs, AICC general secretary Ajay Maken said that Congress is committed to the creation of Telangana and the latest move is another step in that direction Maintaining he along with other Congress MPs from Seemandhra are also opposing the bill, Reddy said," but how can we put a no-confidence motion against our own government. One thing is clear that we are totally opposed to the Telangana bill." The stand by the party MPs

from Seemandhra could be a cause of worry for Congress, which is repeatedly asserting that it remains committed to the creation of Telangana. Asked about the expulsion of party MPs, AICC general secretary Ajay Maken said that Congress is committed to the creation of Telangana and the latest move is another step in that direction. The move comes days after the Union Cabinet cleared the proposal for bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and creation of Telangana. The bill was approved by the Union Cabinet notwithstanding rejection by the state Assembly. Under the proposal, Telangana will comprise 10 districts and the rest of Andhra Pradesh 13 districts. Hyderabad will remain the common capital for both the states for a period not exceeding 10 years. The President has given his nod for bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh by approving the legislation. There have been indications from the government that the bill on Telangana will be brought before Parliament in a couple of days. Sabbam Hari and some other members had given a notice of noconfidence motion against the government a few days back.-PTI

Court orders damages for Hindus attacked in B'desh DHAKA: A Bangladeshi court has ordered the government to pay over Taka 4.34 million as compensation to Hindu families who were attacked for an alleged blasphemous post on a popular social networking site. Unidentified persons vandalized 29 homes, 10 shops and seven temples at Bonogram Bazar in Pabna district in November last year following allegations that a boy from the Hindu minority made a blasphemous post about the Prophet Mohammed on a Facebook page, said Deputy Attorney General Biswajit Roy. The government was asked by a High Court bench of Justices Quazi Reza-Ul Hoque and A B M

Altaf Hossain to pay the compensation within three weeks. The bench further directed police to arrest those responsible for the attacks. The government will have to pay Taka 4.34 million (USD 1 = Taka 78) as compensation as assessed by an investigation committee, Roy was quoted as saying by mass circulation The Daily Star newspaper. Following an earlier directive from the court in November, authorities formed a probe body to assess the damage caused by the attacks. The committee concluded that property worth Tk 4.34 million was damaged in the attacks, Roy said.-PTI

Was mistaken for a Sindhi in college, Anil Ambani MUMBAI: Reliance ADAG group Chairman Anil Ambani regaled President Pranab Mukherjee and others at his alma mater's diamond jubilee celebrations by relating an anecdote on how he was mistaken for a Sindhi at the college, thanks to the 'ni' ending in his surname. "I entered KC College in 1975. When I came here for my interview, for my admission, every person I spoke to, spoke to me in Sindhi," Ambani said.

Anil Ambani

"Be it Kundanani, Bhambani, Nichani, Kevalramani...and they also thought that Ambani was the same. For a moment, I thought that I got my admission at KC College because I have a 'ni' in my surname. "Well, I am extremely proud to have the surname Ambani. I am proud to be a Gujarati, and above all, an extremely proud Indian," he said. Ambani is an alumnus of KC College, which is holding its diamond jubilee celebrations. The alumni of the college were felicitated by the President. Ambani's mother Kokilaben and wife Tina Ambani were present on the occasion. Meanwhile, actor Amitabh Bachchan, in his address to the gathering of college students and faculty, emphasized the importance of literacy. "Literacy, being able to read and write, is always more than the sum of its parts because of what it opens up for the people," Bachchan said. "Literacy ends up being a kind of metaphor. As soon as one can read and write, one becomes a member of a much larger community than would otherwise be possible," he said.-PTI

February 14, 2014

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Italian Defense Minister in India NEW DELHI: Ahead of the clear. hearing of the marines' case in the The bench was hearing a petiSupreme Court, Italian Defense tion filed by Italian government Minister Mario Mauro has landed challenging invoking of anti-terhere and condemned India's fail- rorism law SUA, saying it is ure to press charges against them against the order of the apex court even after two years of the inci- which allowed proceedings only dent. under the Maritime Zone Act, IPC, "It is at odds with the rule of CrPC and UNCLOS. law and the fairness of relations The joint petition, filed by Ambetween two bassador of Italy sovereign deDaniele Mancini mocracies... It is along with Italian good for Italy to m a r i n e s make its voice Massimiliano heard in the interLatorre and national commuSalvatore Girone, nity," he told Italalso sought diian news agency rection to the Ansa. Centre and NIA Mario Mauro The Italian to expedite the minister is in India to keep an eye proceedings in the case or dison the legal proceedings against charge the marines. the two marines in the Supreme Latorre and Girone, part of a Court, according to the agency. military security team protecting The Supreme Court after hear- a cargo ship, allegedly fired at Ining both sides posted the case for dian fishermen off the coast of final hearing on February 18 and Kerala in February 2012 in which asked the Centre to make its stand two of them died. -PTI

EU warns India of 'strong message' on marines BRUSSELS: The EU needs to send a "strong message" to India as the trial of two Italian marines for the killing of two Indian fishermen has "huge implications" for Europe's fight against piracy, EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton has said. The case of the marines has "huge implications for Italy but also for all countries engaged in anti-piracy" measures, Ashton said after a meeting with 28 EU foreign ministers here. The European Union "needs to send a strong message" to New Delhi because measures to combat piracy and even terrorism taken by countries in Europe may be at stake in the case, she was quoted as saying to EU ministers by Italian news agency ANSA. ANSA, quoting its sources, reported that Ashton told the foreign ministers that India's application of an anti-terror law to the case was "unacceptable". Her comments came on the

Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone

same day Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta warned the country and the EU would "react" to India's "unacceptable" move to invoke the anti-piracy law against the marines.

India last week removed the possibility of a death penalty but insisted that the marines would still be prosecuted under the antipiracy law. Now, they face up to 10 years in jail.-PTI

Thais rally in support of Indian facing deportation BANGKOK: A group of Thais rallied in front of the Indian Embassy here in support of a prominent Indian businessman facing deportation for participating in anti-government rallies by defying the state of emergency. Residents of the Silom business district held a brief rally in front of the Indian mission in Soi Sukhumvit to give moral support to Satish Sehgal. The group said it planned to submit a letter to Indian Ambassador to Thailand Harsh Vardhan Shringla, asking the mission to protect the rights and liberty of Seghal. The Centre for Maintaining Peace and Order (CMPO) has de-

cided to deport Sehgal for joining the PDRC, alleging he led protesters to besiege several government offices to pressure Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to resign. But Sehgal maintained that he was innocent. Seghal, who has been living in Thailand for more than 50 years but still holds an Indian passport, was an advisor to many former ministers, including those in the administration run by former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, Yingluck's brother. On January 22, the Thai government declared emergency in Bangkok and some nearby areas for two months to quell violent protests aimed at forcing Yingluck from office. -PTI

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Indian women outrank men in filming intimate videos: McAfee NEW DELHI: The fairer sex in India is ahead of men when it comes to capturing intimate moments on video or sending personal text messages, e-mails and photos, security software maker McAfee said. In its '2014 Love, Relationships & Technology' survey, McAfee found 59 per cent women saying they send personal or intimate text messages, e-mails or photos compared to 57 per cent male respondents. About 30 per cent women said they filmed sexual video content as compared to 27 per cent Indian men. The survey, conducted across 1,008 people among people aged between 18-54, examined how Indian consumers are sharing and storing intimate data on their mobile devices, especially with current or former significant others. It also highlighted how sharing personal content such as suggestive texts, naked photos, suggestive video and passcodes on

these devices can potentially lead to cyber-stalking and the exposure of private content leaking online. "Indiscriminate usage of mobile phones to share photos and videos reiterate the realities of digital privacy - or lack thereof," McAfee Marketing Head (India and SAARC) Rupa Roy said. Ultimately, users are increasing the risks of these photos becoming public and possibly jeopardiz-

ing their identity and reputation, she added. "It is critical therefore to take proactive measures to make sure their personal data is safe and secure," she added. While respondents trust their partners to not share their sexually explicit content, about 6 per cent said they did not fully trust their partners.-PTI

UK MBA school offers scholarship for two Indians LONDON: Two Indian students will be given scholarships worth 4500 pounds by a Scottish management school to take MBA studies. According to a statement from the Stirling University, "Stirling Management School, in partnership with the British Council, is also delighted to offer two Indian students a GREAT MBA India Scholarship -contributing 4500 pounds towards the cost of MBA tuition fees."

Those students interested in joining the MBA program in September 2014 have several scholarship opportunities. The MBA Leader of the Future Scholarship provides full funding for one overseas student's tuition fees (with a value of 15,900), while an additional three MBA International Leader of the Future Scholarships will award 8000 towards tuition fees. This scholarship is open to all overseas students. -PTI

Indian jailed in Dubai for making hoax call DUBAI: An Indian man has been sentenced to a month in jail in the UAE for making a hoax call that a bomb was about to explode at Dubai International Airport. The 36-year-old man, identified only by initials SS, called Dubai police from his hotel room and told them the bomb at the airport.

The man, claimed to be a Pakistani and transiting through Dubai, checked into a hotel on December 31 and consumed alcohol illegally, prosecutors told a court. He was also fined 2,000 dirhams (USD 544.51) for consuming alcohol without a license, media here reported. -PTI

Disabled Indian in Bahrain returns home after 9 yrs DUBAI: A 49-year-old disabled children, had not seen his family Indian worker in Bahrain, who for nearly nine years. overstayed on his visit visa, has His case was brought to light finally returned in an open-house home to reunite with meet at the Indian his family after Embassy in Bahrain, nearly nine years. First Secretary Ram C h e p y a l a Singh told PTI. Satyanarayana from The Indian ComAndhra Pradesh munity Relief Fund had arrived in (ICRF), an embassyBahrain on a visitaided organisation, visa in March, 2005 brought his case to and was doing odd the open-house jobs but after suffermeet with the Aming a stroke in 2011, Chepyala Satyanarayana bassador, Singh he was completely said. paralysed. Embassy's follow-up coordinaEven after receiving treatment tor Clifford Correia campaigned at a medical college, he was left with Bahraini immigration authoribound to the wheel-chair, forcing ties for reducing the 8,000 Bahraini him to beg on the streets to make dinars fine imposed on ends meet, local media reported. Satyanarayana for violating visa Satyanarayana, who has two regulations.-PTI

Modi wants 1,600 NE policewomen for Gujarat GUWAHATI: Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi has sought English-speaking policewomen from the North Eastern states for communicating with foreign tourists in his state. Recalling that at a meeting of chief ministers in Delhi, he had sought 200 policewomen from each of the eight NE states for posting on deputation for two years in his state, he regretted "...but nobody sent me those personnel.... Today I again invite all the North East states to send me those 200 policewomen from each state." He sought 1,600 policewomen for posting in Gujarat for two years. Modi said that the posting of the policewomen in his state would lead to their families visiting Gujarat while people from Gujarat could visit the NE which would lead to national integration. -PTI

Tech News DLF sells Amanresorts for USD 358 mn

TechBiz

Cartoon character Chhota Bheem promotes road safety among children at the Auto Expo in Greater Noida on February 9

NEW DELHI: Realty firm DLF has announced the sale of its luxury hospitality chain Amanresorts to its original founder Adrian Zecha for USD 358 12 India Post

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February 14, 2014

India raises pitch against US actions on domestic pharma firms million (about Rs 2,200 crore), a development that would help the company trim net debt and exit from non-core businesses. In December 2012, DLF had signed a pact with Indonesian hotelier Zecha to sell Amanresorts for USD 300 million (about Rs 1,600 crore). However, the deal was not completed in the stipulated timeframe of June 2013, forcing DLF to walk out of the exclusivity pact. After ending the exclusivity clause, the realty major was in discussion with Zecha and a few other potential investors to sell Amanresorts which has about 25 properties across the world. In a statement, DLF said its subsidiary, DLF Global Hospitality Ltd, has completed the sale of entire 100 per cent stake in Silverlink Resorts Ltd, which owns Amanresorts, to Aman Resorts Group Ltd for "an enterprise value of USD 358 million."-PTI

Generic drugs search app gets 2 lakh downloads NEW DELHI: Healthkart plus, an application that searches for cheap generic drugs, is gaining traction with Android and iOS users witnessing over 2 lakh downloads in the last two weeks. Last month, the app was in the top three applications on Apple's App Store and among the top downloads on Google Play. "Healthkart plus is generating tremendous user responses and is already the No. 1 free medical app in 25 countries. In the last two weeks is got more than 2 lakh downloads. Since its launch in April last year it has witnessed over 3 lakh downloads," Healthkart co-founder Prashant Tandon told PTI. The app is India's first comprehensive generic drugs search engine and allows users to look for medicines that are cheap and relevant than the ones subscribed by doctors, he added. -PTI

nies, including Ranbaxy, by the US health regulator. Although the ministers stopped short of calling the USFDA actions as discriminatory, India in no uncertain terms said the country's pharma firms were being subjected to 'disproportionate penalties' in some instances.

Discussion Document

The Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Keshav Desiraju and the Commissioner, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), Margaret A. Hamburg, exchanging the signed document of an MoU in the field of health and Medicine, in the presence of the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Ghulam Nabi Azad, in New Delhi on February 10

the quality of what they consume through drugs and food. Responding, Azad said, "Being affordable should not mean they are cheap and spurious". Emphasizing India's commitment to stringent regulatory mechanism, he said it has taken measures for capacity building, strengthening laboratories and

more transparency. He added that punishment up to life imprisonment is prescribed for those involved in making and selling spurious drugs. In a separate meeting with Hamburg, Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma also expressed concern over the treatment meted out to Indian compa-

Sharma said India would submit a discussion document on the issues to the US. "We are going to give a nonpaper (to the US) overall on some of our concerns, when it comes to duration for the registration process for the filing," Sharma told reporters after the meeting. Hamburg said the meeting was "excellent" and didn't comment further. An official said India drew the Commissioner's attention to the fact that most of the time, audit inspections were not followed by discussions with companies. In some cases, clarifications were sought but even before a response, harsh decisions were taken. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 13

New Microsoft CEO's collegial style sparks hope LOS ANGELES: It was a fleeting moment once the camera had gone off, but some say it's indicative of the leadership style Satya Nadella brings to his new job as CEO of Microsoft Corp. Nadella's impromptu town hall webcast had interrupted business meetings between Microsoft employees and outside partners at the company's Executive Briefing Center in Redmond, Washington. Hours earlier, he had been named only the third leader in company history. When the brief webcast was over, he didn't want to hog the limelight. ``If you have to get back to (a meeting) because it's more interesting or important,

Satya Nadella

please...,'' Nadella said as the town hall transitioned into a light reception. The gesture is just one example of Nadella's calming, colle-

gial style, which stands in stark contrast to the blustery, passionate, rally-the-troops approach employed by Microsoft's previous CEO, Steve Ballmer.

Experts on leadership say the change in tone is a necessary cultural shift for a mature company transitioning into new businesses while letting go of past successes and missed opportunities. `Ìt's very symbolic,'' says Suresh Kotha, a professor at the University of Washington's Foster School of Business in Seattle. `Ì think that sends a very strong message, that work is important.'' ``He's saying Ì'm here to help you, I'm humble, I'm willing to listen,''' Kotha says. ``Symbolically I think it's very important to see he's separating himself from Steve Ballmer.'' Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 14

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Saxon acquires Indian Mobility Solutions FRANK FERNANDES India Post News Service

BANGALORE: Saxon Global, one of the fastest growing Inc 500 Companies providing IT consulting and solution engineering ser-

Gopi Kandukuri, Founder and CEO

vices, has acquired a Bangalorebased company - 'Wit Innovation', a high-growth mobility and Solutions specialist. Wit Innovation has a worldclass delivery center in Bangalore with a resource base of talented and skilled mobility engineers. With widely diversified industry portfolio of financial services, health care, media, hospitality & entertainment sector, this acquisition expands Saxon Global's worldwide technology portfolio with a key focus on enterprise mobility, Cloud and business Intelligence,

according to the company sources here. Gopi Kandukuri - Founder and CEO, Saxon Global said, "Saxon Global is a high performing IT Solutions Company and we are always looking for opportunities to bring the best resources, expertise and inventive service offerings to our clients globally." The company had acquired Ideas Software and Consulting Pvt. Ltd (ISAC Global) in December 2012 and the acquisition of Wit Innovation would strengthen its core offerings with the addition of high-performance mobile development centers, skilled engineering talent and deep vertical market expertise, he added Sachin Garg - CEO & CoFounder of Wit Innovation observed that a lot of their long time customers started to demand several services in emerging technologies like BI and Cloud. "We thought it would be in our best interest to merge with a company which can help fulfill our customers' need and we found a perfect match in Saxon Global. With these added services, size and presence across the globe, we are looking forward to providing even more value to our existing customers and adding new customers." he said. 'Wit Innovation' was started in 2006 and specializes in building

products on Smartphone's and Tablets for its global clientele. They have worked with clients across 16 countries during the last 7 years and have built products and expertise working on

Wit Innovation has a world-class delivery center in Bangalore with a resource base of talented and skilled mobility engineers. platforms ranging from iOS, Android, BlackBerry and Windows Phones among others. Vibhor Gupta, COO & CoFounder of Wit Innovation said "With over 7 years of experience

India raises pitch against US actions on domestic pharma firms Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 12

"Attention was also drawn to disproportionate penalties imposed by USFDA on some companies," the official added. The non-paper would highlight India's concerns with a view to seeking an early resolution on these issues. Azad, in his meeting with Hamburg, defended Indian medicines, saying "being affordable should not mean they are cheap and spurious." Hamburg, however, underscored US concerns over the issue of quality control, stressing that there is huge expectation and dependence of the public on the regulator to ensure the quality of what they consume through drugs and food. The USFDA has taken a series of actions against Indian pharmaceutical firms, restricting their shipments to the US, their largest export market. The US health regulator on January 23 banned the import of

products manufactured by Ranbaxy Laboratories at its plant at Toansa. This was the company's fourth plant to face regulatory action from the USFDA, after Mohali, Paonta Sahib and Dewas plants. In 2013, Ranbaxy had agreed to pay a fine of USD 500 million to US authorities after pleading

guilty to 'felony charges' relating to manufacture and distribution of certain adulterated drugs made at the Paonta Sahib and Dewas units. Another Indian firm, Wockhardt, had its two plants put under import alert by the USFDA. According to sources, such steps by the USFDA would affect India's pharma exports to the US.-PTI

in the field of Enterprise Mobility, Saxon Global partners with inthe next logical step for us was to dustry leading vendors of busiintegrate with evolving compa- ness intelligence and big data technies in Cloud & BI like Saxon Glo- nologies to create a compelling bal. Wit Innovation would now be a dominant Enterprise Mobility Solutions Provider, The deal also adds an impressive list of clients to Saxon Global's client portfolio, as Vibhor Gupta, Sachin Garg, COO & Co-Founder well as the opporCEO & Co-Founder tunity to expand client relationships in high growth technology stack and drive the market sectors such as financial benefits of this to its customers services, health care, media, and through a rich talent pool of data architects and engineers. hospitality& entertainment.

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DGCA to carry out surprise safety checks on foreign aircraft NEW DELHI: Aviation regulator DGCA has set up technical teams to carry out sudden safety checks on the aircraft of foreign airlines and charter firms and penalize them if discrepancies are found, official sources said. Foreign aircraft flying to India could face extensive safety checks when they land here. In case of major lapses the aircraft could even be grounded and its owners penalized, the sources said. The decision to set up the two teams in Delhi and Mumbai was taken in the backdrop of the recent downgrade of Indian aviation safety mechanism by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Over the past few months, six airlines, including Japan's All Nippon Airways, Sri Lankan Airways and Afghanistan's Ariana, have been penalized, the sources said. The surprise safety checks are being carried out on the basis of Safety Oversight of Foreign Airlines (SOFA) program and a checklist based on the recommendations of the UN agency International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The checklist includes not only safety aspects on the flight deck, but also on the equipments fitted or not fitted in the planes like Air-

borne Collision Avoidance System. The status of documents like the air operating certificate (AOC) or licenses of the cockpit or the cabin crew would also be under check, they said. The deficiencies could be categorized into minor or major and the penalty could range from a mere warning to rectify the faults within a specific time-frame to the

The FAA downgrade last month implies all Indian flights to the United States would be subject to extensive checks. Other aviation regulators like those of Europe, Singapore or Japan could follow suit and conduct additional safety checks on Indian planes, the sources said. They said these regulators could also seek to conduct their

grounding of an aircraft or, in extreme cases, denying the airline the right to fly into India. Once a deficiency is found in an aircraft, the concerned airline is informed of it, along with the action that was being contemplated or taken, the sources said, adding that the airlines are asked to take corrective measures within a given time frame. The ICAO guidelines and standards have to be followed mandatorily by all airlines across the world, they said.

own safety assessment of the DGCA like the FAA. Singapore has already warned that it would put Indian aircraft under stricter ramp checks. In order to avoid any trouble at a foreign airport, the DGCA has already issued an advisory to all Indian carriers and charter operators to have all their aircraft and crew documents in proper order. Some airlines like Air India have set up special committees to implement this advisory, the sources said. -PTI

PIO executive appointed co-head of Goldman Sachs NEW YORK: Indian-origin Ashok Varadhan has been appointed co-head of the Goldman Sachs' securities division, the largest and most profitable of the global investment bank's four units. Varadhan, 41, is currently the head of macro trading in Goldman's Securities Division and will join Isabelle Ealet and Pablo Salame as co-head of the Securities Division. In an internal memo, Goldman's Chief Executive Lloyd Blankfein said Varadhan has been an "effective voice on a number of firmwide, regional and divisional committees", including the management committee, growth markets operating committee and firmwide risk committee. "As a long-tenured leader in the Securities Division, Ashok has demonstrated dedication to our clients and a deep understanding of our business," Blankfein said.

As co-head of the securities division, which generates the most revenue and profit for Goldman, Varadhan would build on Goldman's client franchise across its fixed income, currency

Ashok Varadhan

and commodities and equities businesses. A Duke University graduate, Varadhan joined Goldman Sachs in 1998 in Swaps Trading and after heading the dollar derivative trad-

ing, he ran North American interest rate products and became global head of foreign exchange in 2007. He was named managing director in 2000 and partner in 2002. He is the son of eminent Indian-American academician Srinivasa Varadhan, a Chennai native who is Professor of Mathematics at the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences at New York University. The senior Varadhan was awarded the Abel Prize, considered equivalent to the Nobel Prize and awarded for outstanding scientific work in the field of mathematics. The securities unit is the largest of Goldman's four divisions and people who have co-headed the unit previously have gone on to assume top-ranking positions at the bank. It includes the banks fixed-income, currency and commodities operations as well as its equities

New Microsoft CEO's collegial style sparks hope Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 12

will be important for Microsoft at a time when software and services are expected to work across many platforms and devices, McKenna says. It's a task that could benefit from Nadella's collaborative approach. ``You have to have people who are willing to release their convictions and try something new,'' McKenna says. The company has already begun the shift _ with a reorganization launched in July that Ballmer called ``One Microsoft.'' And in November, the company eliminated the bell-curve performance review system that rewarded workers for outdoing their peers. It was an acknowledgement that the tactics that helped Microsoft grow into one of the world's most dominant software companies isn't working anymore. What's often required of com-

Ballmer is known for his largerthan-life displays of emotion. At his farewell address to Microsoft employees in September, he highfived and hugged audience members, pumped his fists in the air, and even shed tears as the popular 1987 song ``(I've Had) The Time of My Life'' played on the sound system. In a video of the event widely viewed on YouTube, he screams: ``You work for the greatest company in the world!'' Observers still remember Ballmer's intense competitiveness. At a 2009 company meeting at Seattle's Safeco field, he pretended to stomp on an iPhone he snatched from a Microsoft employee. During a public Q&A in 2012, he slammed Google's Android mobile operating system as ``wild'' and `ùncontrolled.'' Compare that to Nadella's comments at a financial analysts meeting in September, where ``Perhaps he'll have the he described how ability to get Microsoft to Microsoft's mobile device management soft- loosen up a little and focus ware has to handle devices that run on Apple's on innovation rather than iOS, Google's Android be accused of bringing in and Microsoft's Windows equally: `Ènter- a solution that brings in prises are heterogeneous, and we recog- money immediately.'' nized that,'' he said. Richard Metheny, a management coach for executive panies that have hit their peak is a search firm Witt/Kieffer, latched leader who is analytical - rather onto comments Nadella made in than driving and expressive as introducing himself as CEO, about Ballmer was - especially when how he buys more books and trends point downward, says Wilsigns up for more online courses liam Klepper, a professor of management at Columbia Business than he could possibly finish. `Ìt means he's open to ideas, School. Microsoft's stock price peaked open to others,'' Metheny says. ``Perhaps he'll have the ability to in 1999 and the wave of success get Microsoft to loosen up a little the company rode on the back of and focus on innovation rather its Windows operating system for than be accused of bringing in a personal computers is ending, he solution that brings in money im- says. ``What they need to do is start mediately.'' One problem Microsoft faces is their `second wave' thinking,'' its legacy of competing internal Klepper says. ``That takes pafiefdoms, says Douglas tience, due diligence and a deep McKenna, a management consult- dive to do that kind of thing. That ant who advised Microsoft from is very much in the style of both 1985 to 1993 and worked at the Nadella and Gates.'' Nadella has already indicated company from 1993 through 2001. Founder Bill Gates and Ballmer that innovation will be key for believed the clash of ideas re- Microsoft, and in another collabosulted in the best rising above the rative turn, he asked Gates to inrest, McKenna says. That style of crease his time at the company to management, coupled with a so- help plot future strategy, to which called stack ranking system that Gates agreed. Nadella has said regraded employees on a bell curve, peatedly since being named CEO resulted in a company full of that the technology industry ``competitive people who learned ``doesn't respect tradition.'' And he has been lauded by that climbing over each other and battling across divisions is the many people _ including Ballmer way to get ahead,'' McKenna says. _ for having the ability to pick a Breaking down those barriers strategy that makes sense.-AP

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US challenges India's solar export restrictions WASHINGTON: The US has challenged the domestic content requirement of India's solar mission, which it alleged is discriminatory and against international norms, including WTO laws, and badly affects the American domestic solar panel manufacturing industry. As the US Trade Representative, Mike Froman, announced his decision, officials argued that they have been forced to take a measure so as to protect some American 10,000 jobs in its solar industry and to have a significant pie in the second largest solar market of the world. Froman said the US has requested WTO dispute consultations with India concerning domestic content requirements in Phase II of India's Solar Mission. These domestic content requirements discriminate against US solar cells and modules by requiring solar power developers participating in Phase II to use Indian-manufactured solar cells and modules instead of US or other imported equipment, Froman said. "These domestic content requirements discriminate against US exports by requiring solar power developers to use Indian-

manufactured equipment instead of US equipment. These unfair requirements are against WTO rules, and we are standing up today for the rights of American workers and businesses," Froman alleged. "We also take this action in support of the rapid global deploy-

Phase II of its National Solar Mission (NSM). For solar projects under Phase II, India is again imposing domestic content requirements, under which solar power developers must use Indian-manufactured solar cells and modules instead of US or other imported equipment. Moreover, the Phase II domestic content requirements have been expanded to cover thin film technology, which was exempt from such requirements under Phase I. As thin film currently comprises the majority of US solar product exports to India, these domestic content requirements are likely to cause even greater harm to US proUS Trade Representative Mike Froman ducers than under Phase I, the top US offiment of renewable energy. These cial said. types of 'localization' measures A request for consultations is not only are an unfair barrier to the first step in the WTO dispute US exports, but also raise the cost settlement process, and consultaof solar energy, hindering deploy- tions are intended to help parties ment of solar energy around the find a solution at this stage. Unworld, including in India," Froman der WTO rules, if the matter is not told reporters at a news conference. resolved through consultations He said in October 2013, India's within 60 days of the request, the cabinet approved measures gov- US may ask the WTO to establish erning the implementation of a dispute settlement panel.-PTI

US keen trade with India achieves full potential WASHINGTON: Even as the US dragged India to the WTO on the alleged discriminatory solar policy, the Obama Administration has reiterated its commitment to ensure that bilateral trade reaches its full potential. "We have a strong and growing trade and investment relationship with India, and we both remain committed to seeing that it achieves its full potential," US Trade Representative (USTR) Mike Froman said. "Let me just say that when President Obama went to India in 2010, he noted that the US-India relationship was one of a strategic partnership - and in fact, a defining partnership of the 21st century," he added. "An important part of any ma-

turing trade relationship is effectively addressing the range of issues on our trade and investment agenda, including in areas where we might disagree," Froman told reporters soon after he announced that the US has challenged the domestic content requirements for solar power equipment imposed by India in 'Phase II' of its National Solar Mission. "Today's action addresses a specific issue of concern and in no way detracts from the importance we attach to this relationship," Froman said alleging that domestic content requirements discriminate against US exports by requiring solar power developers to use Indian-manufactured equipment instead of US equipment. "This kind of discrimination is

against WTO rules, and we are determined to stand up for US workers and businesses," he said, adding that the action is also consistent with the Administration's strong support for the rapid development of renewable energy around the world, including in India. "Domestic content requirements detract from successful cooperation on clean energy and actually impede India's deployment of solar energy by raising its cost," Froman said. Meanwhile, senior USTR officials said that given the increasing differences between India and the US on a series of economic issues, it should not be seen that the two countries are headed towards a trade war.-PTI

Sharma defends focus on domestic content MUMBAI: Defending the so- rest of our lives," Sharma said, lar mission's focus on domestic adding that the solar mission also content requirement, Commerce involves heavy subsidies and Minister Anand Sharma has said public money should not be used India would deal "appropriately" to pay for imports. with the US contention of Indian Sharma also hinted that India "protectionism" at the World might respond to the US action Trade Organization (WTO). with a counter application. "India will respond adequately "We may also have some isat the WTO," Sharma told report- sues, even with regard to the soers here after delivering a lecture lar mission. We may also have an at Sophiya College here. application that we may move to The US has challenged "do- the WTO," he said, without specimestic content" requirement in the solar mission, alleging that it is â&#x20AC;&#x153;India must have those "discriminatory" and capacities. Otherwise, we against international norms, including WTO will end up importing for laws, and badly affects the rest of our lives," the American domestic solar panel manufactur- Sharma said, ing industry. The US has requested WTO dispute resolution fying details. with India on domestic content He said that the WTO is the requirements during Phase II of proper multilateral platform to reIndia's solar mission, to protect solve such issues regarding inter10,000 jobs likely to be affected due national agreements between two to New Delhi's insistence on us- countries. ing only locally manufactured soThe Union Commerce Minister lar cells and modules. added that at times when India felt "We are also very clear that In- aggrieved; it also moved the WTO dia has to create domestic manu- against many countries, including facturing capacities. India must the US. "We also take them to the have those capacities. Otherwise, WTO. We have taken US to WTO we will end up importing for the on some issues," he said. -PTI

US industry backs move against India solar policy WASHINGTON: The US solar and manufacturing industry has supported the Obama Administration's move to challenge in the WTO the domestic content requirements in India's fast-growing solar products market. "We strongly support today's decision by US Trade Representative Michael Froman to move forward with a WTO case against India's solar local content requirement. Localization barriers are a growing threat to US solar exports and clearly violate WTO rules," said Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Over the past three years, the

US has provided India every opportunity to remove restrictive and unfair marketplace requirements. In the absence of any meaningful effort by India to find common ground, it's now time for the WTO to finally resolve these long-festering issues, Resch said. The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) too came out in support of the decision of Froman. "India's forced localization policies unfairly discriminate against manufacturers of a wide array of products, including solar cells and modules," said NAM vice president of International Economic Affairs, Linda Dempsey.-PTI

Desi News Vasant Panchimi & Saraswati Puja at Grayslake GEETHA PATIL

CHICAGO: Hindu Mandir of Lake County has turned out to be a front ranking socio-religious organization of Indians in Chicagoland that seek active participation of youth and children in social and religious activities. The celebration of Vasant Panchmi involving worship and Puja of Ma Saraswati was one of the steps that the Mandir management has initiated in recent years. The Mandir performed Ma Saraswati Puja on Sunday, February 2 in the morning with more than 125 students of different ages from the temple and other local schools participating and praying for academic success. Children were really enthusiastic about the puja as they were given a special puja plate with Lord Ganesh and Ma Saraswati, Kumkum, Akshata and flowers.

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

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Parimal Shah new Artesia Chamber president

February 14, 2014

Details on page 23

Bad weather fails to dampen FIA's R-Day banquet spirit

Details on page 18

Congressman Danny Davis honors ethnic leaders ASIAN MEDIA USA & SURENDRA ULLAL

Splendid display of Indian culture on R-Day RAJ IYER & ASWHIN PATEL

ST LOUIS: Bal Vihar of St. Louis has blossomed into a front ranking organization in the area showcasing Indian culture, its diversity and strength. It lived up to that expectation again while celebrating Indian Republic Day event last week. Preparations began weeks in advance and students from each class were assigned a specific state from India to research and put a display. There was a panel of judges to review the booths and identify best display in multiple categories. Details on page 21

Dr Bharat Barai getting award for services to the community

AQ. SIDDIQUI India Post News Service

CHICAGO: If odds and hurdles were dotted on the path for planning FIA Republic Day Gala Dinner Banquet held on Sunday evening at Meadows Club, the inclement Chicago weather torpedoing electricity supply tried in vain to prevent Indian community members and trustees of Midwest's oldest Indian umbrella organization in the celebration of the day. Most senior trustees were away. Iftekhar Shareef rushed from Canada; Keerthi Kumar Ravoori

Dr Ram Gajela getting award for services to the community

made it for the day from India. Ranjit Ganguly was still holidaying in Australia while other seniors such as Dr Bharat Barai, Anil Pillai, Naren Patel, Babu Patel, Vir Joshi, Ram Gajjella were seen amidst the guests. In spite of bad weather conditions, Indian community members along with families and kids joined the event. The banquet hall was packed before the event could start. However the gusty winds blew power from the area and the Meadows Club switched to emergency lights. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 19

FIA (Old) guests and members celebrating Republic Day

MAFS celebrates Republic Day with patriotic fervor BEGUM NAZNIN

NAPERVILLE: Over 100 seniors and prominent community leaders graced India's 65th Republic Day celebrations hosted by Metropolitan Asian Family Services (MAFS) on January 30 at its Naperville location. Among elites gathered at the event were Nimish Jani, Trustee of Schaumburg Township, Krishna Bansal, Chairman, Indian Community Outreach (City of Naperville), Tom Fuechtmann Program Officer, Community Memorial Foundation and Swamiji from Bharat Sevashram Sangha, Aurora, IL and John & Tanya Muscary from Palatine Church.

The event started with the rendition of Indian National Anthem

ager in her welcome address thanked prominent community

Mrs. Santosh Kumar (4th from left) with seniors

by Naperville seniors. Neelam Desai, Naperville Man-

leaders for taking time from their busy schedule to attend the cer-

emony and to seniors for showcasing the art & craft creation and preparing patriotic songs, skits and dances for winning the audience. Addressing the gathering, Mrs Santosh Kumar, Executive Director MAFS, reminded everyone to remember the sacrifices given by our forefathers to make the country free from foreign rule and giving the longest constitution to its people of India. She also urged to sustain, retain and pass on our rich value, culture and tradition for the future generation. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 20

February 14, 2014

Community Across America

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Telugus celebrate Sankranti and Republic Day ASHWIN PATEL

Children and youth participating in Republic Day celebrations in St Louis

ST LOUIS: Telugu Association of St. Louis (TAS), Missouri celebrated Sankranti and Republic Day event on Saturday, January 25 in a spectacular way. More than 1000 people attended the event with around 120 kids and adults participating in the cultural extravaganza. Dressed in attires reflecting Telugu culture and tradition, artists presented a variety of cultural programs which drew huge applause from the audience. Stage decoration, audio visuals and great theme to reflect Telugu culture in a village environment were highlight of the program. The South Indian village atmosphere was created on the stage with full blown village street set, life-size bullock cart, cow-and-calf, etc. and depicted the Telugu culture. Anchors Radhika Telugu and Sireesha Yelamanchili added Telugu nativity to the stage with their get up and accent. There was a three-hour cultural program including songs, poem recitals and vocal recitals, Kuchipudi classical dance, movie dance sequences, etc. Many members took part in Rangoli competitions and Bommala Koluvu. President Dr Ramamamohan Reddy Paduru reminded everyone of the marvelous successes of TAS in 2013 and laid out TAS's plans for 2014. He urged members to get involved in the social programs that TAS introduced last year especially designed to engage youth in the social service. Vice-President Dr Rama Krishna Gondi gave vote of thanks. Secretary Kishore Janga played a key role in organizing the event. Treasurer Muralikrishna Puttagunta managed member enrollments and reception area while Cultural Secretary Srikanth Saraswathula coordinated the cultural events. The participants were awarded TAS trophies. Authentic South Indian dinner left the taste buds of everyone satisfied.

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Community Across America

February 14, 2014

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Vasant Panchimi & Saraswati Puja at Grayslake GEETHA PATIL

Saraswati Puja on Sunday, February 2 in the morning with more than 125 students of different ages from the temple and other local schools participating and praying for academic success. Children were really enthusiastic about the puja as they were given a special puja plate with Lord Ganesh and Ma Saraswati, Kumkum, Akshata and flowers. Pandit Anil Joshi started Lord Ganapati and Ma Saraswati puja

and asked children to perform the same in their plates along with him. All children chanted Saraswati Beej Mantra, Stotra and Vandana along with him. It was really spectacular to see the children in yellow dresses, uttariya and their chanting with utmost devotion. Other devotees too participated with great religious fervor and singing of devotional Bhajans. Grayslake Hindu Mandir has been conducting religious and

Devotees performing aarti with Pt Joshi

Hindi language classes for the past four years on every 1st, 3rd and 5th Sunday of the month. These classes are organized by Sanjay and Parina Mehrotra, along with 28 dedicated teachers and 15 volunteers. They run 14 classes for students who are in the group of 5

which is known for its peculiar capability of separating water from milk. The swan indicates that we should have the ability to discriminate the bad from the good. He blessed all the children for bright future, success in their studies and life.

Children participating in Ma Saraswati Puja

to 15 years. Bhagavat Gita classes are arranged for adults by Shri Upadyaya Ji. The temple is making all efforts to build a bond between the younger generation and Hindu religion by teaching them all our socio-cultural, spiritual values and languages. Pandit Joshi said that Vasant Panchami marks a glorious occasion to seek Ma Saraswati's blessings to acquire secular and spiritual knowledge. He said that she rides on a white swan on this day

He added that real education makes a person humble, compassionate and full of loving energy whereas knowledge makes man egoistic. He blessed all the devotees, sponsors, and parents for participating in the puja. President Harsh Kumar gave a vote of thanks to all the volunteers and devotees. Finally a grand Maha Mangalarati was performed by all. After the aarti the prasad was distributed to all served by Neelakanth Anand and his team.

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India Post 19

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Congressman Danny Davis honors ethnic leaders ASIAN MEDIA USA & SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: The Multi Ethnic Advisory Task Force (MEATF) of US Congressman Danny Davis of 7th congressional district, Illinois, announced and presented its Annual Awards for Ethnic leaders who made significant contributions in various fields in the year 2013. The Annual Awards Gala 2014 by MEATF was held on Friday February 7 at Saffron Restaurant in Westmont, a southwest suburb of Chicago with heavy presence of Indian Americans and other ethnic leaders. The event started with Santosh Verges and Kathakali Dasgupta enthralling the audience with their array of Bollywood songs. Tapas Dasgupta, the MEATF Chairman, also sung a duet with Kathakali. Opening prayer was done by Bishop Rev. Samuel Vallabhdas. Invocation recital was done by Master Amir Jawad. In his Welcome Address, Dr Tapas Dasgupta said that the event in a way amounts to "celebrating Congressman Danny Davis' leadership and honoring leaders from different ethnic communities in Chicago Land. Our Honorees are Leaders from the Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Japanese, Chinese, Iranian, Palestine

MEATF Awardees. Pics Asian Media USA

and Middle Eastern Ethnic Communities." Congressman Davis has dozens of Advisory Task Forces set up to address questions pertaining to Public Policy. Raja Krishnamurti, Bhanvar Joshi, Dr Bansi Sharma, Keerthi Ravoori, Dr Jacob Ehsan, Dr Nazarian, Gopal Shah, Dr Mahesh Parikh, Vijender Doma, Moon Khan, Sateesan Nair, Imtiaz Ahmed, Jermo Ahisstom and Judge Marianne Jackson were

among the dignitaries attending the event. Students of Vidya Pandikaran School Natya Rasika performed 'Mooshiga Vahana Shlokam Dance' which was acclaimed by all. Congressman Danny Davis in his address hailed efforts of the

young and observed that youth is the future of world and talented youth and their progressive guides ensure that the future is safe. The children should not walk in anybody's shadow and they must be shaped and molded properly, he said. He appreciated the spirit of Asian American commu-

nity and asserted that they play an important role in the economy of USA, and their motherland too. He emphasized the need of uplifting minorities. Kishore Mehta, Executive Director of MEATF, said there had been overwhelming response from different ethnic communities for the annual salute "as all of us are product of the Congressman for his public service and record as a US lawmaker." Awards Chairperson Clarence Beals announced the following award winners: Student of the Year Mohansrinivas Kesavulu; Youth of the Year Dr Krishna Subramaniam, Post-Doctoral Fellow, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Couple of the Year Dr John Yousefzai & Mrs Armenouhi Arzomanian for being a Role Model Immigrant Couple; Father of the Year Rev. Kazuo Takami, District Pastor; Mother of the Year Ms. Hema Potla, President of Hema's Kitchens, in recognition of her True Spirit of Caring, Giving; Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 20

Beer firm denigrates Brahma name HARISH RAO

Dance by children at the MEATF award event

Bad weather fails to dampen FIA's R-Day banquet spirit Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 16

Candles were lit on the tables and dinner was announced. The low lights and a silent stage could not dampen the spirits of organizers and community members. The DJ turned it on and youngsters danced on stage with the loud shrills of bands. Earlier, Hina Trivedi and Minhaj Akhter formally announced the inauguration of ceremony by reciting Indian and US national anthems. Much to the joy of FIA members, lights turned on in the hall. An award ceremony was soon organized on stage.

Dr Bharat Baraai and Air India Manager Rishikant Singh were requested to present the awards along with Iftekhar Shareef. Dr Ram Gajjella and Dr Bharat Baraai were among the recipients of awards. Minhaj Akhter requested Dr Bharat Baraai and Iftekhar Shareef to address the community from the podium. Iftekhar Shareef thanked all and hailed the spirit of the Indian community members for making the Republic Day celebration a success. Rishi Kant and others made brief speeches and congratulated the Indian community for the Republic Day.

CHICAGO: It seems to have become a fad or fashion for a number of American and other foreign corporations to denigrate or degrade Hindu gods while marketing their consumer products. The latest entry in the list is that of Leuven (Belgium) headquartered leading global brewer Anheuser-Bush InBev which had the audacity to brand one of its popular brands as "Brahma" beer, a very demeaning and highly inappropriate thing to do for any corporation, feel Indian Americans. Rajan Zed, president of Universal Society of Hinduism, said that inappropriate usage of Hindu deities or concepts or symbols for commercial or other agenda was bad as it hurt the devotees. In Hinduism, Lord Brahma is deemed the Creator of Universe and pairs with Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva for sustaining the creation and removal of evil. "They are the great triad of Hindu deities. Linking Lord Brahma with an alcoholic beverage was very disrespectful, Zed, pointed out. Moreover, the sacredness attached to Lord Brahma did not go well with raunchy commercials and ads of "Brahma" beer," Rajan Zed noted. Nand Kapoor, former presi-

dent of Association of Indians in America, said that "Hindus across the globe revere Lord Brahma who is meant to be worshipped in temples or home shrines. Branding it for selling beer or any mercantile product would

"Brahma Beer" from Anheuser-Bush InBev

be deplored by all right minded Indians." Sohan Joshi, President of National Federation of Indian Associations, has joined others across USA in protesting this gesture of Anheuser-Bush. Sad part, pointed out Ashwin Patel of Seema Enterprise in St Louis, is that Hollywood celebrities Megan Fox and Jennifer Lopez have acted in "Brahma" beer commercials. "We pray to God to give them a good insight to help them understand that hurting religious sentiments of any community is most unwelcome," he said Anheuser-Bush InBev, which claims heritage dating back to 1366, produces 400 million hectoliters of over 200 beer brands. "Brahma" is claimed to be the ninth in the top beer brands worldwide and sixth biggest in the company after Bud LIght, Budweiser, Corona, Skol and Stella Artois. "Brahma", the official beer of Brazilian football and available in over 30 countries, was created by Swiss immigrant Joseph Villager in Brazil in 1888. Carlos Brito and Kees J. Storm are CEO and Chairman respectively of Anheuser-Bush InBev, one of the world's top five consumer product companies with revenue of about $40 billion.

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Tamil Sangam celebrates Pongal in St Louis ASHWIN PATEL

Tamil school kids singing Tamil Thai Vazththu

ST LOUIS: Tamil Sangam of Missouri is a non-profit organiza-

Auditorium in a grand manner Close to 900 plus participants, members, guests and invitees were present with 150 plus kids performing a variety of programs reflecting Tamil culture and tradition, enthralling everybody present. This year Pongal celebration included Vivadha Medai (debate) show conducted by Star

Vijay TV fame Neeya Naana Gopinath. As always Gopinath show was very entertaining for the audience. Pongal Vizha celebration is also known for its traditional food that was served for dinner. The support of the Tamil community in Missouri is growing every year and they are getting ready for the next big show FETNA 2014 in St. Louis.

Parai Dance

tion with a mission to promote and develop Tamil culture by bringing people together through social and cultural activities. It celebrated Pongal Vizha (harvest festival) in St. Louis on Sunday, January 26 at Fort Zumwalt East High School

Debate show by Neeya Naana Gopinath

Congressman Danny Davis honors ethnic leaders Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 19

Organization of the Year Chinese American Citizens Alliance, Chicago Ms Ivy lam; Corporate of the Year Amin Ibrahim; Outstanding Community Service Gopal G Lalmalani, MD, MBA; Distinguished Leadership Award Dr Sivalingam Sivanathan, Professor of Physics, University of Illinois, Chicago; Physician of the Year Dr Mohammed Zahid, President, the Elgin Clinic; Entrepreneur of the Year Maskoor Ali Khan, President, Therapy Providers of America, Inc; Woman of the Year Sonia Mehta, MD, MBA: Man of the Year Sohan P Joshi, President, National Federation of IndianAmerican Associations (NFIA); Golden Eagle Award Rishikant Singh, Manager, Air India Midwest Region, USA for his Exemplary Leadership of India's flagship Air Carrier, Air India in the Midwest Region and Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr Pratap

C Kumar. Kishor Mehta, Director, MEATF proposed a Vote of Thanks. He said "I thank U.S. Congressman Danny Davis for his Leadership and constant support to the community. I thank Chairperson for Award Committee

Kishore Mehta proposing vote of thanks

Tanya Prabhakar emceeing the event

Clarence Beals and his Committee Members. I thank all those who helped in making this event successful and urge their support in

the same way for future. I also thank Saffron Restaurant and Roy for his excellent hospitality." Ms Tanya Prabhakar served as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the glittering Award Ceremony. She handled entire deliberations gracefully. Congressman Davis along with Dasgupta, Judge Marianne Jackson and dignitaries took part in cutting the 80th birthday cake for Bishop Rev. Vallabhdas and also for Dr Pratap Kumar.

MAFS celebrates Republic Day with patriotic fervor Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 16

thanked Indian art and culture and more particularly Swami Vivekananda for inspiring and awakening the world with his mesmerizing and magical charisma. MAFS Naperville seniors presented a colorful cultural program that interspersed with fusion, traditional and contemporary style. Diya dance performed by Naperville seniors enthralled everyone. A drama titled "Saat Rang" (seven colors) depicted seven colors of the rainbow symbolizing unity in diversity, which was very well appreciated. Chicago seniors captivated everyone with their soul-stirring music performance. They sang "Hai Preet Jahan Ki Reet vahan, Ham Geet Usee Ka Gate Hai" which was enjoyed immensely by all. Bipin Sanghavi, of Carol Stream MAFS center mesmerized the attendees by singing

She said that Indians are known for their age old culture and philosophy, and it is their value system that inspired the Constitution makers to draft the world's richest constitution by incorporating the best principles from other great nations in to Indian constitution. Mrs Kumar commended the world's largest democratic country by stating it as the largest sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic state. Gurubachan Singh presented a brief talk on the Indian constitution and efforts taken by our constitution makers to draft the world's largest and lengthiest constitution. He also highlighted the significance and importance of 26th January in Indian freedom struggle. Krishna Bansal, Chairman Indian Community Outreach from City of Naperville commended MAFS for its efforts in preserving the rich Indian value system in the United States. He then thanked this abode of Naperville seniors performing Diya dance God for giving all the opportunities to immigrants' com- the patriotic Indian song "Aye munities to survive, sustain and mere Pyarey watan, Tujh Pe Dil shine without any prejudice and Qurban". Vote of thanks was presented discrimination. He urged community to come and explore the op- by Ms Neelam Desai, who apportunities which are in abundance plauded the efforts of Naperville Staff - Heena Mehta, Mukesh in this country. Nimish Jani, Trustee of Panchal, Sejal Patel, Eva ContracSchaumburg Township thanked tor and Sweety Engineer for planMrs Kumar for taking every effort ning and executing this amazing in establishing this cultural and program. She also thanked the recreation center for the seniors Chicago staff and Carol Stream in the United States. He also Staff members for their contributhanked seniors for showing faith tion in making this program a in him in selecting him as Trustee grand success. Seniors and guests were of Schaumburg Township. Other such rousing remarks treated with tasty holiday meal, were presented by Swami Ji from prepared by MAFS Kitchen staff Bharat Sevashram Sangha. He of Naperville, Chicago and Niles.

Seniors at Republic Day Celebration

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India Post 21

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Splendid display of Indian culture on R-Day RAJ IYER & ASWHIN PATEL

Bal Vihar Team - officials members and organizers

young musicians playing United States and India national anthem. It was a real treat to see a young orchestra playing so melodiously. Each class put together a splen-

Showcasing Rajasthan during India Day celebrations in St Louis

did display in their effort to outdo each other with so many facts even natives did not claim to know.

Our first generation got reminded of back home while second generation was shocked at many things that other states of India have to offer.

tory and food among other aspects. It has been a leader in instilling the culture and sense of pride in our younger generation. All this has been possible as a re-

Children performing cultural dance reflecting glory of India

The Youth Bal Vihar Orchestra performing during Republic Day celebrations

Those present could get a glimpse of the largest democratic republic. The kids were dressed up in traditional Indian clothes. The place was filled with vibrant colors displaying posters, local food items and artifacts alike highlighting the richness of the state they were assigned. There was not enough time for the event participants to capture them all.

The center of Indian Cultural Education School had invited St. Louis community leaders to judge the display of booths and information covered. The judges had a tough time rating the booths given the extensive coverage and splendid display. Bal Vihar school has been able to give our children an in depth view of India's value, culture, his-

sult of countless and selfless efforts of its teachers, admin staff and numerous volunteers that make it happen. A non-profit organization, Bal Vihar, since its inception in 1992 has been serving the Metro St. Louis Indian community. The primary focus of this organization is to provide Indian cultural education to students age 518, its application and integration with the global multicultural and multifaceted society. They are also taught discipline, tolerance and devotion in their daily routine. The ultimate goal is "to throw the light of cultural knowledge on every child, to make every child an outstanding citizen and to spread the song of peace and harmony around the world."

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Maha Shivratri: Homage to Shiva, Ancient Indian yoga getting medical recognition Destroyer of Evil PT ANIL JOSHI

n our Sanathan Dharma, we be bodies in their house but Shiva It was on this day of Maha lieve in the divine Trinity - readily accepts those bodies when Shivratri when Lord Shiva got Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. they come to Shivapuri (funeral married to Goddess Parvati. Their Shiva is regarded as one of the ground), the real residence of wedding is a union of 'Shradha' primary forms among the and 'Vishwas. To make our marTrimurti. He is also known as ried life successful and fruitful "the Destroyer" or "the Transthere should be a pure dedicaformer." He is responsible for tion and firm trust between the change both in the form of couple. death or destruction, and reThe basic principle underlybirth. The effort here is always ing the observance of the in the positive sense of deMaha-Shivaratri Vrata appears stroying one's ego. Shiva to be to shed hatred, ego, old means "The Auspicious One." habits, attachment with worldly He is known by thousands of life and become samdarsi by names, such as Parameshwara, accepting and loving the downMahadeva, Mahesh, trodden, needy, and the unMritunjay, Shankar, touchables. Everyone should Neelakantha, and Bholenath. see the presence of God in all Bholenath is a very popular the living and non-living name among his devotees be- Pandit Anil Joshi, Priest Hindu Mandir of Lake things. County Grayslake, IL cause he can be easily pleased. To have a divine darshan on He is the innocent Lord who Lord Shiva on Maha-Shivratri fulfills our wishes at once. He is Shiva. He blesses everyone in the day, take a bath in the early mornalso regarded as the patron god same way whether he is manush, ing and wear washed or new of yoga and arts. Shiva at his high- deva, or asura. He is omnipresent clothes. If possible, observe fastest level is limitless, transcendent, for his devotees. ing and visit the temple and perunchanging and formless. We as Hindus believe that God form at home or in the temple All Vedas and Granthas say is present equally in living and archana, jala or milk abhishekam, that Lord Shiva represents 'Satyam non-living things. Shiva is usually offer chandan, Bilva Patra, fruits, Shivam Sundaram.' That is, He is worshiped in the aniconic form of and home-made bhoga. Recite the ultimate truth, trust, and Lingam. Lingam stands for 'yoga' with utmost devotion the powerbeauty in the world. The beauty that is joining together. We con- ful Panchakshara Mantra "Om does not mean the somatic beauty nect our belief with Him by wor- Namah Shivaya", Rudra but beauty of your divine inner shipping Him in this Lingam form. Ashtakam, Shiva Namakshar qualities. We perform His abhishekam with stotra, Shiv Chalisa and aarti along When we look at Shiva as a milk, holy water, honey, yogurt, with other prayers in the morning householder with wife Parvati and ghee and other things to reduce or at the time of Maha Puja in the two sons, Ganesha and Kartikeya, the heat produced by the vish. evening. we also see Him having a snake Generally it is believed that around his neck, a third eye on anyone who utters the name of his forehead, and Bhasma Shiva on Maha Shivratri day or (ashes of dead bodies) on his night with pure devotion is body, the adorning crescent freed from all sins. He or she moon and the river Ganga flowreaches the abode of Shiva and ing from his matted hair, and is liberated from the cycle of Nandi as his vahan. birth and death. It is suggested Ma Parvati, Ganesh and that married women pray for the Kartikeya are having lion, wellbeing of their husbands mouse and peacock respecand sons, while unmarried tively as their vahans. These women pray for an ideal husanimals are enemies of each band. other but they forget their hosBy celebrating thefestival tility in the presence of Lord with family, relatives, and Shiva. His third eye symbolizes friends you will be blessed with 'Gyan' and Ma Paravati symbolpeace of mind, get rid of all bad izes 'Shraddha.' They are inenergies within you, obtain Trinity Lord Shiva complete without one another. prosperity, harmony, loving enWhen 'Gyan' joins 'Shraddha,' ergies and stability of faith. new creations take place and He Everyone in this world should ofHindu Mandir of Lake County loves the creations. fer Him thanks for saving our life will celebrate this festival with The Innocent Lord, Shiva ac- and this universe by accepting glory and grace on Thursday, 27 cepts and embraces those things 'vish' and holding it in His neck. February from morning till midand people who are not accepted Maha-Shivratri is a Hindu fes- night. Several attractive alankars by others. During Samudra tival observed on the 14th night and special archanas, and Manthan, the gods and Lord of the new moon during the dark abhishekams will be performed. Vishnu took away all the precious half of the month of Phalguna and One unique attraction of the festithings and amrit but when 'Vish' corresponding to the English val will be the darshan of Baba came out no one wanted to accept months 'January-February'. Amarnath in the Him-lingam form. it. It was only Lord Shiva who came Maha-Shivratri means "the big On behalf of Hindu Mandir, I welforward to drink the 'Vish' and night of Lord Shiva" and during come every one of you to particisaved the world. When people die the entire night devotees worship pate in the great Maha-Shivaratri nobody likes to keep the dead Lord Shiva. festival.

ANGELA LI

CHICAGO: Yoga is not only for Indians but for all those seeking to lead a healthy life. And it is equally not a fad as many would like to believe. It is proved time and again with scientific research and studies. A recent study conducted by leading health institution in USA has substantiated it one more time. This ancient Indian exercise can help reduce fatigue and lower inflammation, according to new research by a medical research team headed by Janice Kiecolt-Glaser. The researchers chose to focus on breast cancer survivors for their study because the treatment can be so taxing on the patients. Each participant, who ranged in age from 27 to 76, was asked to complete questionnaires throughout the study on their

author Janice Kiecolt-Glaser, in a news release. "One of the problems they face is a real reduction in cardio respiratory fitness," said Kiecolt-Glaser. "The treatment is so debilitating and they are so tired, and the less you do physically, the less you're able to do. It's a downward spiral." As a two-time breast cancer survivor, Carol Dieball, M.S., A.C.S.M., a cancer exercise specialist at the Advocate Condell Center Club in Libertyville, Ill. knows the toll chemotherapy and radiation can have. "After treatment, breast cancer patients are often left with bodies that are weakened and changed," said Dieball. "However, yoga and other exercise is a way for women to take control of their bodies again. Par-

This ancient Indian exercise can help reduce fatigue and lower inflammation, according to new research by a medical research team headed by Janice Kiecolt-Glaser. quality of sleep and energy levels, as well as provide blood samples for the researchers to measure inflammation. After three months, women in the yoga group reported that they had more vitality and were sleeping better. They showed an average reduction in fatigue of 57 percent and up to a 20 percent reduction in inflammation, compared to the wait-listed group. And the longer they practiced yoga, the greater their improvements. At the six-month mark, the women still practicing yoga reported nearly 60 percent less fatigue then the women on the waiting list, and their measures of inflammation were 13 to 20 percent lower. "This showed that modest yoga practice over a period of several months could have substantial benefits for breast cancer survivors," said lead study

ticipants in our cancer exercise program leave feeling balanced, strong and just plain good. " At the end of 12 weeks of yoga classes, a group of women who had completed breast cancer treatment, including surgery and radiotherapy, showed an average reduction in fatigue of 57% and up to 20% reduction in inflammation, compared with a similar group that had not received yoga instruction. The researchers also found the more yoga the women practiced, the better the results. They report the findings of the randomized controlled trial in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Advocate Condell Medical Center has recently opened a brand new Cancer Resource Center, offering exercise classes and other services to educate and support cancer patients, as well as their families.

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Parimal Shah new Artesia Chamber president India Post News Service

ARTESIA, CA: More than 180 guests, from local businesses to local dignitaries, attended the fourth annual Artesia Chamber of Commerce Installation Luncheon at the DES Portuguese Hall in Artesia where Los Angeles County Board of Supervisor Don Knabe installed a new Board of Officers for 2014. New Board Officers include businessman Parimal Shah as President, realtor Lou Trerotola as Vice-President, community leader Larry Caballero as Secretary and property manager Lori McMann as Treasurer. Shah welcomed everybody to "a brand new exciting year for the Chamber." He thanked local officials for attending who included Mayor Tony Lima, councilmembers Miguel Canales, Ali Taj, Victor Manalo and Sally Flowers, and city manager Bill Rawlings. He also thanked Supervisor

Knabe "for taking time out from your busy schedule to join us today," and the previous Board, es-

year." Shah said, "She has kept us on our toes and has kept this boat of

Conferring at the Artesia Chamber of Commerce Installation Luncheon Jan. 30 were (L-R) Artesia City Council Member Sally Flowers, newly installed President Parimal Shah, Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe, Immediate Past President Elizabeth Makabali and Artesia Mayor Tony Lima

pecially past president Elizabeth Makabali, "for your dedication and strong leadership this past

the Chamber sailing in the right direction and avoiding all the pitfalls." He acknowledged that the

Chamber is only four years old, "and like four-year-olds, we are going through many growing pains, but we have already established our identity." Shah told the audience that it is going to be a memorable year for the Chamber. "Many changes are taking place in the city, like new medians on South Street, possible revitalization of Downtown Pioneer Blvd with pedestrianfriendly kiosks, a new permanent city manager, and a new community newspaper. "We may even have a couple national chain restaurants in town soon. Progress is coming to Artesia!" Shah believes the Artesia Chamber will be at the forefront and have a voice in these changes. "We, as the Artesia Chamber, will help build a thriving business climate for all of our businesses and our entire community and the strength of any organization is the number of its members, so my first priority is to increase our membership."

Shah knows it is not going to be easy, "but I am going to give my all to achieve this goal." He announced that he had already enrolled ten new members and encouraged all the board "to roll up your sleeves and start enrolling new members so we can improve our communication by keeping them better informed while strengthening our ties with the local community." He said the Chamber wants to continue hosting successful events such as grand openings, luncheons, evening mixtures, a business expo at the park, joint chamber events, and a scholarship program for high school seniors who live in Artesia. Shah concluded his prepared speech by proposing that the Chamber adopt a sister city chamber of commerce. "What country and what city - that will be left to the board. I look forward to working with all of you to help make Artesia the best place to be in 2014."

Sunlayan 2014, a night of Cultural Fusion

vergreen Valley High School's International Desi Connection presented Sunlayan 2014, a night of Cultural Fusion. It was a night full of singing, dancing, fashion show and comedy. This year, a percentage of the proceeds will be going towards Jeena Inc., an organization that works with the developmentally disabled youth in the South Asian community, here in the Bay Area. The show featured Irvington Sitaare, American Tufaan, Montavista Raws, Montavista Bhangra, Mittynachale, Silver Creek Talwaar and Evergreen Junoon.-Vidya Sethuraman

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ARCHANA ASTHANA

ith love in the air, and every media forum geared to get you to spend more time and money on your love using their product, it is indeed time to reflect on love. While this day seems dedicated to the type of love mainly celebrating romantic love, and definitely holds tremendous appeal for the younger generation of sweethearts, those a few years older (read your truly), having been there, done that, are turning to serious ruminations about love. Whichever type of love you want to think of, it is endearing, brings a smile to those watching, and tugs at your heartstrings. On a walk around the neighborhood recently, I was struck by the expression of

love on a non-human companion of a young boy…his dog! Utter rapture was written on the young boy's face as he frolicked with his dog and a Frisbee…no expensive gifts of roses or perfume, no promises for a lifetime together, yet a profound moment of love for them, giving new meaning to the phrase "puppy love". As the dog barked his love for his master with complete abandon, a young couple came into view, riding their bikes, and stopped for a drink of water while admiring the scenery. There was nothing remarkable about this act, however, as the girl alighted from her bike, her water bottle rolled away down the slope. The young man with her, showed great alacrity in riding down to retrieve the bottle, dusted it off on his sweaty T shirt, uncapped it and handed it to his friend. The girl, then, removed the boy's water bottle from his bike and uncapped it for him, before taking a sip from hers. Not a word was said, but sweet, encouraging smiles were exchanged which spoke volumes about the contented relationship the two must share. Further down the road, an older couple was taking in the afternoon sun in their front yard, their grown daughter tending to the roses in the garden nearby. Conversation and laughter erupted from time to time, as the two generations shared stories or memories. The daughter took a break and plopped down beside her mother, who from a force of habit over the years, stroked her cheek tenderly and pushed back a lock of hair from her forehead, and asked if she needed a drink of water. I am sure, she would have been out of her seat and half way to the kitchen, if her daughter had said, "yes". Instead the daughter simply rested her head against her mother and shook her head, not wanting to disturb the serenity of the moment. Cont'd on Page 27

February 14, 2014

India Post 25 www.indiapost.com

To Mussoorie, on mission Ruskin

his year, 2014, my family's New Year holiday to Mussoorie was dictated in great measure by Ruskin Bond. Long ago I used to be his fan. As a journalist I had trekked all the way to Landour to do an impromptu interview with Bond for Gentleman magazine. I still remember the 1994 article titled 'A Bond With the Hills'. Now it was my son, reading in the 10th standard, who had become a fan of Bond. 'Baba, when will you take me too meet him,' he constantly nagged me. My son was proud of his father's association with Bond. Secretly, I too felt proud of my acquaintance with the

ASHIM CHOUDHURY

There was so much dust and traffic now, I had half a mind to turn back, but egged on by my son I carried on. The steep ascent to Mussoorie was a difficult drive with several sharp hairpin bends. Finally, I was relieved to reach Mussoorie without encountering a traffic jam. The plan was to park the car and trek to Landour where Ruskin lives. But parking, with the New Year rush on, was full and we had no option but to drive uphill. It was a treacherous drive, and short of Landour I found myself stuck on a sixty degree incline in a narrow lane. There was oncoming traffic and the narrow lane in the market

Strangely, that 1994 woman on the road, washing utensils, came back to mind. When I had asked her where I could find Ruskin Bond, she quipped, 'Oh Rusky..!' as though he were his buddy and pointed to a two-storied nondescript house. I was a trifle disappointed that 'Ivy cottage', had no ivy or any other creeper clinging to it. On the last day of 2013 I felt at a loss trying to locate the same house. Fortunately, two school girls returning home rescued us and pointed to the house virtually opposite to where we were standing. It took me a while. Then I recognized the steep stairs that I took to reach the second floor landing. But timid knocks on the door got no response. I rattled the door. Yet, there was no response. I went down to the road, disappointed. There was not a Ruskin Bond soul in sight. Luckily, from the ground floor of the building a woman emerged and confirmed it was indeed Ruskin's house. 'There is a bell near the door, press it,' she said. I went up again, followed by my son The author (in muffler) with family waiting outside Ruskin's home, Ivy Cottage and pressed the bell. Minutes later a celebrated author. Ruskin had told was clogged. Finally after some young man appeared. 'You're me how much he had liked my pro- deft maneuvering by the local Suresh?' I asked. 'No, I'm his son, file of his. drivers, I could finally move. Rakesh,' he said. Our New Year getaway was at a When I decided to park my car I reminded him of my visit in cottage between Dehradun and and trek the rest of the way a 1994 and said that I would be Haridwar a motorable distance to friendly cop came up to inform happy to be allowed in. The Mussoorie where Bond lives. Af- that I would be challaned. 'A mo- young man did not open the door ter two days of quite in the valley, tor rally would soon be passing,' as I had expected. 'He is sleeping. my son would put up with no more he informed us. A vintage car rally He is not well and does not meet postponement of our date with in the narrow lanes of Mussoorie! visitors,' I was told. I told him I Bond. So off we headed to the Hell, I had to carry on driving, was a journalist; that my son was 'Queen of Hills'. Passing through risking my limbs and life. Finally, a great fan. He asked me to wait the suburbs of Dehradun, I could negotiating a sharp climbing turn, and disappeared indoors. hardly recognize the old city that I was at Landour close to where I thought Ruskin himself had now become like any over- Bond lives. would come to the door and exgrown slum in the plains. Where Luckily, I found a parking changed a confident glace with had those forests disappeared? space in a poor neighborhood. my son. It was Rakesh who came

again to the door. 'He's sleeping, I cannot disturb him. He's ill.' There was nothing much I could do. But the prospect of returning empty handed was so embarrassing, I thought of a compromise. 'Ok, will you allow my son to take a look at the desk where he writes?' I wanted my son to see the

his mouth suggestively indicating the act of drinking, he said that, 'every day he has his shot and takes his stroll in the bazar.' I was dumbstruck. 'But the young man in the house just told me that he was very ill,' I protested. He smiled knowingly. 'Can't blame him…you see Ruskin gets this regular stream of unexpected

Taking his thumb to his mouth suggestively indicating the act of drinking, he said that, 'every day he has his shot and takes his stroll in the bazar.' I was dumbstruck. 'But the young man in the house just told me that he was very ill,' I protested. Spartan room where the great writer worked (I wondered whether he still had his old typewriter). That would be some consolation. But Rakesh was firm, he couldn't allow us in. We descended the stairs back to the road, disappointed. While my son busied himself taking pictures of the house I felt a trifle sad. Sad, that perhaps that I would never see Ruskin again; sad that perhaps that he would never recover from his illness; sad that I had not kept my promise to my son. That's when I also noticed a bearded old man sitting on the street, his back to the bright sun. He lived in one of the tiny hovels on the narrow road. I decided to strike a conversation with him. 'You would know Ruskin…Is he very ill?' The man warmed up immediately. 'Ruskin ill? No…no he fine.' Then, taking his thumb to

visitors…Anyone visiting Mussoorie just shows up at his door. He must be fed up.' I could understand now, the old boy was entitled to some privacy. But I felt so cheated. I chatted with the old man for a while, recalling my 1994 visit. He said he could fix a meeting with Ruskin just then. I said, 'Let it be, I can understand him not wanting to be disturbed.' I was also relieved that Ruskin was hale and hearty. Just when we were getting into our car guess who we saw passing by in a car? Victor Banerjee, another famous resident of Landour. That was some consolation to my wife, the only one who caught a fleeting glimpse of Victor. Later, that night we were chilled to our bones. Mussoorie got its first snowfall of the season. The writer is author of The Sergeant's Son.

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February 14, 2014 www.indiapost.com

The Secret to Everlasting Valentine Spirit SATYA KALRA

o you wish the spirit of Valentine's Day to last longer than just one day, and went beyond balloons, hearts, flowers, cuddly teddy bears and evening dinners? Let's first understand the true meaning and purpose of Valentine's Day: how to build long lasting relationships and become the everlasting valentine - let's discover the Secret to Everlasting Valentine Spirit. February 14, Valentine's Day, is a day to appreciate and celebrate with your loved ones, to rejuvenate and grow your relationship; a day to say, "I care." What message will you send this Valentine's Day and how can the meaning of this divine day enrich your life all year round? The words Valentine's Day express the true meaning and purpose:

filled with true love can only build a true relationship. What does True Love mean? True Love is unconditional love that does not demand, expect, judge, compete or criticize. It just loves. It deepens our soul-to-soul connection with others. All relationship and intimacy is built upon one secret ingredient, "True Love "and Valentine's Day is a reminder of it. True love is the most powerful energy that emerges from the depths of our Consciousness and guides us to true happiness. It can only be understood by experiencing it. LOVE is like a fire, burning down resentments and all the negative feelings. Love is our true nature that reflects in our behavior of joy and happiness. Filling your heart with

happiness, "Sat Chit Ananda." (Gita. Chapter 12, Yoga of Devotion) However, today, the meaning of Valentine's Day has been somewhat lost. Relationships are built on body and mind connections, not on connections between hearts. Although the symbol of Valentine's Day is a heart, stores are full of gifts for the body, with little to offer the heart. Deep connections have been lost and instead, the puppy love that flourishes on February 14 has become yet another money-making opportunity for businesses. How can we be intimate with another person in a chaotic world? How can we reach the depths of happiness, love and intimacy? Happy people build happy relationships; unhappy people build unhappy relationships. Your rela-

V: Vines entwined, heart to heart, soul to soul A: Always heart filled with love L: Love is Life, life is love; life without love is like a tree without leaves E: Equanimity in love N: Never blame T: True Love with Trust and tolerance I: Intuitive love N: Never, Never, Never give up E: Everlasting love never dies S: Soul mates

love will gradually erase past hurt and remove the darkness. Love will ultimately override the grudges and resentments. True Love has no expectations True Love is Free from fear and envy Free from ego and arrogance Free from attachment True Love is compassion and caring True Love is forgiveness True Love is Goodness and positive attitude Contentment and patience Respect and righteousness Calmness and equanimity True Love is Trust True Love never gets sick or dies It only gets stronger with time True Love is Divine Love, the Ultimate Love; peace and eternal

tionships reflect what's in your heart and mind. Today, many people lead unhappy lives: insecure, fearful, angry, and full of hatred, resentment, jealousy, and negative attitude… and that makes them emotionally weak. How can unhappy people build a happy relationship? It's like trying to build a house on an earthquake fault. Any tremors of disagreement will shatter the house. When our relationships are built only on attraction between bodies and minds, we're drawn to the other person's superficial details - titles, name and fame - these are temporary relationships. Only relationships built on heart-toheart and soul-to-soul connections will last. Let's build those connections instead. A loving heart is the only heart

D: Drop your anger, resentments, let go… A: Affinity in love Y: Year around love Valentine's Day means the love within ourselves and the love we share with others. The symbol of Valentine's Day is the heart. Heart

that can build a true, long-lasting relationship. To build an intimate and lasting relationship you must start loving yourself first. How to develop True Love and a True Relationship in your life 1. First, fill your heart with love and then extend it to others. 2. Practice forgiveness. 3. Take full responsibility of your action. 4. Self- awareness: accept your limitations and others'. 5. Extend goodness and positivity. No competition/ego, judgments or blaming 6. Take care of yourself with Yoga, Pranayam (breathing exercises), meditation, affirmations and prayers. 7. Do your best…and Let go. Goodness and Positivity. Shift your perception and focus on the positive. See good in others; everyone has some good qualities. Recognize them and do not judge others. This will build your own self-esteem and soul-tosoul relationships. "Problems in relationships occur because each person is concentrating on what is missing in the other person." - Wayne Dyer Dr. Sandra Murray of the University of Michigan spent years studying "positive illusions." When partners let go of bitterness and focused on positive messages about themselves and their partners, "relationships persisted, satisfaction increased, conflicts were averted, doubts abated, and personal insecurities diminished." When couples filled their hearts with forgiveness, True Love grew. You, too, can reap the reward of an everlasting Valentine's Day. Do your best - and let go. When we love ourselves and others, put our best efforts to build relationship, open our heart, then the divine qualities of True Love develop automatically. We enjoy

tolerance, we not only become dear to each other and build intimate relationship but become dear to God also [His Valentine]." (Gita. 12.20) The Heart filled with True Love is ready to pour out and build long lasting relationships. A pure heart, filled with forgiveness, letting go and True Love, is an uncontrollable fountain of love that will pour itself outward, build long lasting relationships that is free from demands, judgments, and expectations and have a positive effect on others. This is the secret of long-lasting relationships. To enjoy an everlasting "Divine Spirit of Valentine" in your life, fill your heart with forgiveness and let go. Forgiving, letting go, plants the seed of True Love in your heart and you will celebrate Valentine's Day forever. How to celebrate Valentine's Day this year? Love All, Serve All. - Satya Sai Baba Valentine's Day is all about True and unconditional love. Therefore, this Valentine's Day, go beyond body-to-body and mind-to-mind relationships and discover true heart-to-heart and soul-to-soul connections. Heal yourself to become a better soul-mate: offer up your eternal love, rather than dozens of roses that will fade before the weekend's over. Once you let go of bitterness and resentment, develop divine qualities, you'll enjoy being with your loves ones not just for one day. You will finally connect to self and enjoy your life more, enjoying everlasting relationships and also attaining the purpose of life, Love, Peace, and Eternal Happiness, "Sat Chit Anandam." May this Valentine's Day be filled with love, peace, and everlasting happiness as you journey through yourself and together! Satya Kalra is a former CEO

Valentine's Day is all about True and unconditional love. Therefore, this Valentine's Day, go beyond body-to-body and mind-to-mind relationships and discover true heart-to-heart and soul-to-soul connections. Heal yourself to become a better soul-mate our life more and have good health, everlasting relationship with self and others-not just for one day. As Lord Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita: "When we put our best efforts to develop divine qualities- forgiveness, compassion, love, and

from Biotech Industry and founder of Path to Anandam (Path to Blissful life). She is a philanthropist, spiritual guide, self-transformational and happiness coach, spiritual guide, meditation and selfhealing expert, international speaker.

February 14, 2014

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Don't blow it on Valentine's Day, tie down your balloons India Post News Service

ROSEMEAD, CA: Valentine's Day is a day full of sweet sentiments, but Southern California Edison (SCE) reminds customers of a situation that can turn things sour fast: floating Mylar balloons. Helium-filled Mylar balloons, often given as Valentine's gifts, can float into power lines and cause power outages or even downed power lines. The resulting outages can last from minutes to hours for homes and businesses, and can lead to inoperable stoplights, property damage and possibly even injuries. In the last two years, SCE has seen a sharp increase in balloonrelated outages, with 689 last year after 583 in 2012. These are the highest numbers since 2007. In addition, there was a 75-percent jump in balloon-caused outages between February (59), when the numbers usually spike, and January (34) last year. SCE asks customers to keep the balloons indoors, and if they are used outdoors, to keep them secured to a heavy weight to keep

them from floating away (It is unlawful to sell balloons without a string weight).Never remove the weight. Mass balloon releases

also are illegal in several states, including California. "It only takes one waywardballoon to cause a power

outage," said Don Neal, SCE director of Corporate Environmental Health and Safety. "Tying down a Mylar balloon is the best way to prevent this." SCE recommends some other safety tips for handling Mylar balloons: • Do not attempt to retrieve a balloon - or any foreign object - tangled in power lines. Instead, call SCE at 800-6111911 and report the problem. • Never tie a Mylar balloon to a child's wrist.If the balloon comes into contact with electricity; it will travel through the balloon and into the child, causing serious injury or even death. • Never attach streamers to any balloon - latex or metallic. • When done with the balloons, do not release them. Puncture them several times or cut the knot and throw them in the garbage to prevent them from floating away. • If you see a downed line or dangling wire - even if it appears not to be live - don't touch or approach it and call 911 immediately.

Chevrolet presents Suhaag show in association with Brita India Post News Service

TORONTO: The 17th Annual Suhaag Winter Show will be held

This year, Canada AM on-call weather anchor Karen Johnson joins us as the host! Karen is a sought after media personality, reporter, producer, news writer, speaker and emcee. Karen's enthusiasm and professionalism led to a hosting position for Omni's premiere cooking show, The Veggie Table, has aired nationally and internationally for over 13 years. The Suhaag show has tons in store for not only brides and grooms-to-be, but also for their friends, family and the general public. The Suhaag team is excited to announce two grand fashion shows at 1.30pm and 4.30pm, with models sashaying down the ramp

in the bridal forecast for the upcoming wedding season by eleven of Toronto's leading fashion boutiques specializing in bridal couture. This fashion extravaganza will be high on style and glamour quotient while showcasing the richness of South Asian heritage in a modern avatar for today's bride and groom. "Chevrolet is proud to support the 17th Annual Suhaag Show," said Paul Bailey, advertising integration and launch manager for Chevrolet in Canada. "The show helps us connect with Canada's important South Asian community and to share our best wishes with all of the new couples and their families as they prepare for their weddings."

Pyaar, vyaar or many faces of love Cont'd from Page 24

A young mother with her son in a stroller and daughter running ahead came into view around the corner. The son was not in a good mood as evidenced by his inconsolable cries, and the daughter would not heed her frustrated mother's pleas to slow down and walk along side and not be in the path of an oncoming car. Finally, to my surprise, the young mother began singing a lullaby, in a not particularly musical way, as a last attempt to sooth her son. Interestingly, the son calmed down, and went to sleep. It was not the tuneless melody, but the love in the lullaby that must have put him into restful sleep. I wondered what else the mother could have done. To sing tunelessly in public, even if it is to calm a restless child, is something few dare, except when they are hopelessly in love with their infant babies. Smiling to myself, having shared these precious moments of infinite love with complete strangers, I returned home and surprised my boys with the tightest hugs... There is so much love to share in the world, even without the heart signs everywhere prompting us to display that publicly. Our

Suhaag fashion show

on Sunday, February 16 at the Toronto Congress Centre from 11am to 7pm. This year, all attendees are encouraged to visit the Chevrolet display where they can enter to win a new vehicle. You will also be able to get your hands on the 15th annual edition of Suhaag Magazine, hot off the press as well as the 2014 Suhaag Wedding Planner!

Aundience

parents' generation did not express overtly and physically what was in their hearts. I remember my father ironing my mother's sarees in preparation for an outing, and she lovingly laying out his kurta pajama. Or, her attempts to make his favorite curries, as his mother would have made them. What sweet gestures they seem in ret-

rospect while being quite ordinary then. Siblings display their love in unexpected ways sometimes when they are grown, and sibling issues of growing up are a distant memory, yet provide the glue that cements their present relationship. Who will be by your side at your highest, and lowest moments? Most likely a sibling, who knows

when to support you and when to let you be, just like they did when you were growing up together. The concept the new generation finds archaic and alien and even scoffs at is to take the time to nurture the developing relationship, invest in a future together, whether it be with a parent, a sibling, a friend or even coworkers. They seem to be in such a hurry to profess their feelings (as distinct from love) to the object of their desire, looking only at short term gains and sacrificing the delayed gratification of a maturing relationship that ends in a union for life. A wise person once told me, whatever you earn, is what you will have to fall back upon. If you earn money, that will come in handy, but may run out. And if you earn relationships, that will last for a lifetime. Enjoy love to the fullest, and in every way as you celebrate this Valentine's Day. I am going to be enjoying my chocolates and flowers which, I am sure will end up entering our house on D day. What I enjoyed today was my husband's answer to my question this morning, when asked, "Is it Valentine's Day today"? I certainly underestimated his quick wittedness, when, after the briefest of hesitation he responded, "No, my dear, but it is Valentine's Day everyday in my book!" My clumsy attempt to trip him certainly backfired completely, as I began my morning in a warm, pink haze of love.

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Tune Maari Entriyaan: Gunday 2 Mann Kunto Maula: Gunday 3 Zehnaseeb: Hasee Toh Phasee 4 Patakha Guddi: Highway 5 Ishq Bulaava: Hasee Toh Phasee 28 India Post

February 14, 2014

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6 Maahi Ve: Highway 7 Jashn-e-Ishqa: Gunday 8 Kinare : Queen 9 Zabaan Jale Hai: Dedh Ishqiya 10 Jugni: Queen

ecently on Karan Johar's TV talk show, Anushka Sharma admitted that Virat Kohli is her favorite cricketer. But when Anurag Kashyap good-naturedly ribbed her asking Karan, "Don't you think Virat and she look good together", she blushed and protested, "I'm feeling naked right now." The actress who has vehemently denied being in a relationship with the cricketer, recently flew down to New Zealand to spend some quality time with her 'good friend', before leaving for Sri Lanka to film Anurag Kashyap's Bombay Velvet mid-February. After the fifth one-day international in Wellington which India lost, the squad left for Whangarei for a practice match. Skipper MS Dhoni and Virat reportedly gave this match a miss and went to Auckland instead. Anushka joined them there and the couple spent a few quiet days together, strolling hand-in-hand through the picturesque streets where they were clicked and their love story blown open. Casually dressed and wearing a carefree smile, Anushka posed with some fans too during her stay in the city and according to an eye-witness, both she and Virat looked happy and relaxed together.

t the wedding reception of Ahana Deol, Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone grabbed the attention the guests for their closeness. They walked hand in hand and remained connected throughout the event. The actor did not leave his girlfriend for a second. While talking to a tabloid, a source said, "Deepika was chilling with a couple of friends and Ranveer. While international pop music played, nobody really got in the groove." After the reception, the couple headed to a night club and spent some quality time together. The duo hit the dance floor when the DJ played 'Badtameez Dil'. Ranveer was spotted kissing and hugging Deepika continuously and when Deepika went to the washroom; Ranveer too followed her and waited for Dippy outside the bathroom. The lovebirds partied till 3am in the morning. Ranveer not only get well with Deepika but he has established a strong relationship with Deepika Padukone's parents also. At the Filmfare award event, Ranveer had a small jig in front of Deepika's parents.

Bollywood

February 14, 2014

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is character, Ranvir Singh, is the face of the Race franchise and Saif Ali Khan could still be a part of Race 3. But, following financial differences, another project, being helmed by Ramesh Taurani, may not work out with Saif in the lead. The film, to be directed by Mohit Suri, was supposed to roll in mid-2014. But buzz is, differences have cropped up over money matters between the actor and the filmmaker. According to a source close to the development, the bone of contention was a difference of Rs 6 crore. Saif wanted Rs 16 crore as his remuneration but Taurani was ready to pay just Rs 10 crore, plus a percentage profit subject to realization. Saif could still continue with the Race series despite the fallout of sorts. "Mohit's film and Race 3 are two different films with different budgets. So, not doing one film may not cost Saif the other," said the source.

ith her Bollywood movies and a budding international music career, Priyanka Chopra is into many places all at once but the actress says she has no plans to slowdown anytime soon. Priyanka is in the middle of promoting her first release of the year 'Gunday', begins shooting the next schedule of 'Mary Kom' soon and plans to bring out her next single by April this year. She says she loves juggling different things and playing difficult roles.

ctor-director Farhan Akhtar plays a married man in Shaadi Ke Side Effects, and when asked if starring in a movie on marriage makes him a relationship guru, his prompt reply was that cinematic representations in this film bear no resemblance to what actually happens in real life. "No way, it's just a cinematic version of a married couple. It has nothing to do with real life," was Farhan's answer. On his recent visit to Jaipur, Farhan seemed to be going gaga over his co-star Vidya Balan, saying that it was great working with her, "The film is predominantly about me and Vidya, so we got a lot of time to work together. She is an extremely talented person and a great actor."

"I guess it is a bit of conscious thing because I get bored doing the same thing. In my films too, my characters are always different looking be it 'Agneepath', 'Barfi!' or in 'Gunday'. I enjoy versatility and variety. I am not like others... I don't follow rules and paths. I make my own rules," Priyanka said in an interview. The 31-year-old former Miss World, who has been working since she was 17, jokes that unless someone handcuffs her and makes her stop, she would not be able to slowdown her breakneck speed.

I am not like others... I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t follow rules and paths.

I make my own rulesâ&#x20AC;?

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February 14, 2014

Horoscope

February 14, 2014

India Post

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Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar

FEBRUARY 14 TH - FEBRUARY 20 TH , 2014 (March 21 to April 20)

ther side will stick to their offer and won't budge. You will rephrase your offer in may ways but will not make any differ ence. Spouse may suffer from minor injury handing some gadgets in the kitchen or small tool. Money wise you will continue to stay in comfort zone because of good investments made several years ago.

(September 23 to October 22)

ou will be on the move. Extra running around will not go waste. Things may keep getting slightly challenging at work as boss may keep ignoring your suggestions. You may also make an offer on a property with lots of greenery around it. Children will continue to do well and one of them will need your help in applying out of state.

(October 23 to November 22)

(April 21 to May 20)

xpenses will exceed your estimate. You may have some changes done inside your home this week. You may sit down and filter your list of so call friends and eliminate few. It's another favorable week for people looking for a change in career. You may also make an appointment with your physician this week for regular check up.

eek outside help and advice to find a practical solution. You may also spend extra hours to finish an important project well before deadline. Sale of stocks will bring much needed cash. Do not hesitate to try your hands at lottery this week. Do not be nervous when making an offer on a big deal or will loose the opportunity.

(November 23 to December 22)

(May 21 to June 20)

ome one will give good advice and if you act on it quick, there is no doubt that you will enjoy large financial gains starting next few weeks and for a long time to come. It's high time you should change your food habits and avoid staying hungry. You will have to hold your temptation and stay away from a mischievous personality.

ocuments you sign this week will reduce the liability and will be profitable for long time to come. Mind will continue to stay cheerful as things will continue to go as planned. You may even put some money away for rainy days. And this is the perfect time to approach the government agency or officials and seek favors.

(June 21 to July 22)

his is the right time to mail those papers out and wait. Opportunity could be yours if you are ready to relocate or travel fre quently. Difference of opinion does not mean that should start an argument with spouse. Keep an eye on other drivers when on road. Combination in fourth is not good, you should be careful for next few weeks.

(December 22 to January 19)

ome major change in career are in the air. keep your eyes and ears open and do not hesitate to grab the opportunity. You may writing a check to government also in shape of taxes or fine. Spouse may take a short business trip. You may also invest some money in stocks. Expenses towards a child will shot up suddenly.

(July 23 to August 22)

ctions will take you closer to your goals. Your move will look risky but will pay off in a big way and prove to be the turning point in career. Mind will continue to stay in relax mode and you may also talk about an overseas vacation with spouse. You may spend an evening with well known people with strong political connections.

(January 20 to February 18)

pouse will try to enforce ideas which you may not like initially. Value of your stocks and other investments will appreciate suddenly. You will study some useful material to update your knowledge or may decide to join a short course. You may call a learned person for advice. You will receive many valuable gifts this week.

(August 23 to September 22)

ou should be extremely cautious when it comes to money. Also keep an eye on family members making big financial commitments behind your back. Some money could go towards repairs to one of your vehicle or your property. You will get help from unexpected person on how to overcome opponents. Spouse may be applying at new places.

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

(February 19 to March 20)

elp will come from totally unexpected places. People in business will recover major amount of money by being persistent. You may continue your search for a better job closer to home. You may plan an outing with some colleagues from work. Some one who was too close at one time will call you and try to come back in your life.

510-886-4370 www.parashar.com

Health

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78000 infants die of heart disease every year AGRA: About 78,000 infants born with congenital heart disease in India die every year because of inadequate health care facilities in the country, experts said. "Every year 1.5 lakh infants were born in India with congenital heart disease," Dr Murtaza Chisti, Chief Cardiac Surgeon of the Mahatma Gandhi Cardiac and Critical Care Centre told reporters after conducting a medical camp here. Due to lack of awareness, cases of congenital heart disease were on the rise in the country. "Work-related tension coupled with changed lifestyle of young people that caused them to hurry and scurry for work had resulted in even people in the age group of 30 to 40 years getting heart attacks or suffering from heart-related problems," he said. "Controlled diet with less fatty and oily food, non-consumption of sweets, coupled with adequate rest could reduce the incidence of heart problems, he said, adding diabetes, high blood pressure, mental tension, increase in cholesterol were contributory causes for heart attacks. Dr ML Swarankar, chairman of the India Education Trust, said that India had the dubious distinction of having the largest number of deaths in Asia owing to heart attack. More and wellequipped cardiac centers were needed to bring down the number, he added. -PTI

US company recalls 8.7 million pounds of meat PETALUMA (US): A northern California company is recalling more than 8.7 million pounds (3.95 million kilograms) of beef products because it processed diseased and unhealthy animals without a full federal inspection, US officials said. That's just over a year's worth of meat products processed by Rancho Feeding Corporation, which has been under scrutiny by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. The agency said that without full inspection, the recalled products are unfit for human consumption. The products were processed from January 1, 2013, through January 7, 2014, and shipped to distribution centers and retail stores in California, Florida, Illinois and Texas. They include beef carcasses, oxtail, liver, cheeks, tripe, tongue and veal bones.-AP

Health Science

Suit challenging Arizona Medicaid plan tossed Details on Page 34

32 India Post

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February 14, 2014

Experts increasingly contemplate end of smoking ATLANTA: U.S. health officials have begun to predict the end of cigarette smoking in America. They have long wished for a cigarette-free America, but shied away from calling for smoking rates to fall to zero or near zero by any particular year. The power of tobacco companies and popularity of their products made such a goal seem like a pipe dream. But a confluence of changes has recently prompted public health leaders to start throwing around phrases like ``endgame'' and ``tobacco-free generation.'' Now, they talk about the slowlydeclining adult smoking rate dropping to 10 percent in the next decade and to 5 percent or lower by 2050. Acting U.S. Surgeon General Boris Lushniak last month released a 980-page report on smoking that pushed for stepped-up tobacco-control measures. His news conference was an unusually animated showing of antismoking bravado, with Lushniak nearly yelling, repeatedly, ``Enough is enough!''

``I can't accept that we're just allowing these numbers to trickle down,'' he said, in a recent interview with the AP. ``We believe we have the public health tools to get us to the zero level.'' This is not the first time a U.S.

talker on many issues - didn't offer specifics on how to achieve such a goal. ``What's different today is that we have policies and programs that have been proven to drive down tobacco use,'' said Mat-

Queens District Attorney Richard Brown, left, joins state and federal officials in the Queens borough of New York to announce a crackdown on cigarette smugglers and tax evaders behind a display of cartons of confiscated cigarettes

health official has spoken so boldly. In 1984, Surgeon General C. Everett Koop called for a ``smoke-free society'' by the year 2000. However, Koop - a bold

thew Myers, president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. ``We couldn't say that in 1984.'' Among the things that have changed:

• Cigarette taxes have increased, making smokes more expensive. Though prices vary from state to state, on average a pack of cigarettes that would have sold for about $1.75 20 years ago would cost more than triple that now. • Laws banning smoking in restaurants, bars and workplaces have popped up all over America. Airline flights have long been offlimits for smoking. • Polls show that cigarette smoking is no longer considered normal behavior, and is now less popular among teens than marijuana. • Federal officials are increasingly aggressive about antismoking advertising. The Food and Drug Administration launched a new youth tobacco prevention campaign last week. At about the same time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention debuted a third, $60-million round of its successful antitobacco ad campaign - this one featuring poignant, deathbed images of a woman featured in earlier ads. Cont'd on Page 34

First leadless pacemaker in US implanted NEW YORK: An Indian-origin doctor has implanted the first miniature-sized, leadless cardiac pacemaker in the US directly inside a patient's heart without surgery. The leads-free pacemaker is implanted directly inside the heart during a catheter-guided procedure through the groin via the femoral artery. The device implanted by Vivek Reddy from The Mount Sinai Hospital, resembles a small metal silver tube, and is only a few centimeters in length, making it less than ten per cent the size of a traditional pacemaker. The Nanostim device, made by St Jude Medical, is being tested for safety and efficacy in an international, multicenter clinical trial called LEADLESS II,

which is planning to enroll 670 patients at 50 centers across the US, Canada, and Europe. "This clinical research trial will be testing the latest innovative, non-surgical pacemaker option for patients experiencing a slowed heart beat," said Reddy, the

may ultimately be safer for patients because it doesn't have leads or have to be inserted under the skin of a patient's chest, like a traditional cardiac pacemaker," Reddy said. Similar to other cardiac pacemakers, the Nanostim device

Vivek Reddy, MD, launches international LEADLESS II clinical research trial testing a miniature-sized, leadless pacemaker placed inside the heart without surgery

study's co-investigator. "This new-age, tiny pacemaker

treats a heart rate that is too slow called bradycardia.

It works by closely monitoring the heart's electrical rhythms and if the heart beat is too slow it provides electrical stimulation therapy to regulate it. More than 4 million patients globally have a pacemaker, and 700,000 new patients receive one each year, researchers said. The possible advantages of the leadless pacemaker include the elimination of a surgical pocket and no visible pacemaker device under a patient's chest skin, no incision scar on the chest, no connector wires or leads, and no restrictions on a patient's activities. The device's benefits may also allow for less patient discomfort, infections, and device complications and dysfunction. -PTI

Health Science Post

February 14, 2014

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Single-payer health care a hot topic for Vt. GOP MONTPELIER, Vt.: Vermont's top Republican isn't ready to hop on board with calls for candidates in his party to speak out against single-payer health care. It remains to be seen how the lieutenant governor's more cautious approach will affect other GOP candidates and the party as a whole. Lt. Gov. Phil Scott has called himself an ``admitted skeptic'' of single-payer health care but is refusing to condemn the plan before seeing the details. ``That's just the way I work,'' he said this past week in an interview with The Associated Press. A universal, publicly financed health care system as described in Vermont's 2017 plan for single-payer health care would be the first of its kind in the United States. It is akin to a modified Medicare-for-all. Supporters see single-payer as a streamlined way to provide universal medical care, while critics believe it would lead to reduced care quality and high costs. A resolution passed Feb. 1 by the Republican State Committee reads: ``The state committee urges legislative and statewide candidates to publicly oppose single payer/ government run health care due to the negative impacts on the state's economy and the lives of Vermonters.'' Scott is the only Republican to hold a statewide elected office in liberal Vermont, where lieutenant governors run on their

own ticket. He has said he will run for another term as lieutenant governor. Scott reacted to the resolution by saying oaths for party members are contrary to his beliefs. He told the Vermont Press Bureau that the resolution sounded ``like a bit

to release more information about the plan. David Sunderland, chairman of the Vermont Republican State Committee, described the resolution as an `èxpression of frustration'' about ``the cloud of secrecy'' surrounding single-payer health care and denied it was a litmus test or pointed at Scott. Scott acknowledged in his comments to the AP that he knew there was ``some frustration'' about his position. D a r c i e Johnston, leader of the anti-singlepayer group Vermonters for Health Care Freedom, said it's important to get Vermont Republicans talking about Lt. Gov. Phil Scott has called himself an 'admitted skeptic' of health care besingle-payer health care cause it could be a tool for recruiting of a litmus test.'' candidates, raising money and, ultimately, `Ìf we want to broaden the base and winning elections. enlarge the party, then I think we have to `Ì would like to see Republicans across allow for independent thoughts,'' Scott said. The office of Democratic Gov. Peter Shumlin and his administration are expected

New figures given on Vt. health care system costs MONTPELIER, Vt.: Vermont's plan for a publicly funded single-payer health care system could cost the state $1.7 billion to $2.1 billion, according to revised estimates that state officials presented to lawmakers. Those figures fall between earlier estimates. One estimate by the University of Massachusetts on behalf of Gov. Peter Shumlin's administration put the cost at about $1.6 billion. A report by Avalere Health on behalf of a group of hospitals, doctors and business interests pegged it to be as much as $2.2 billion, the Barre-Montpelier Times Argus reported. Deputy Director of Health Reform Michael Costa told lawmakers that the latest estimate is based on assumptions in the University of Massachusetts report but that some issues need more review, which is the reason for the wide range in figures. Major factors are the costs of implementation and moving to the new system. The UMass report estimated $50 million for implementation and transition, while the new estimate said it could be as high as $150 million. ``Where we have the most uncertainty

is the implementation, start up and transition,'' Stephen Klein, chief fiscal officer with the Joint Fiscal Office, said. ``Does this all just appear in 2017, or is it a multiyear transition?''

Gov. Peter Shumlin

The estimates could change based on policy decisions made by legislators, he said. It's still unclear if an existing tax on medical providers will continue under the proposed system, he said. The total cost of the plan is nearly $5.9 billion, according to the latest estimate, and most would be covered by federal funding. -AP

the board stand up and embrace this issue fully,'' Johnston said. She called the resolutions part of the unification process for the party. Sunderland rose to the head of the state party in November with the support of Scott and former Gov. Jim Douglas. When elected, he said he wanted to create a more positive message that was less tethered to national Republicans. Both Sunderland and Scott call the economy and job creation the top issues for Vermont Republicans. Sunderland said health care is part of the discussion but not the entire discussion. Scott specifically cited the ``affordability crisis'' in Vermont. ``We're losing our working class,'' he said. For his unique position in Vermont politics, Scott has gotten some national attention. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, widely considered a top prospect for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, visited Vermont in December for a fundraiser that drew 600 to 700 people, according to state party officials. During his remarks, Christie said, ``I have a number of people tonight who I've met that told me the future of Vermont and its Republican Party is with our lieutenant governor.'' -AP

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Suit challenging Arizona Medicaid plan tossed PHOENIX: A lawsuit challenging Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer's Medicaid expansion plan that was filed by fellow Republicans in the state Legislature was dismissed in a ruling, handing Brewer a major victory in her battle against conservative members of her own party. Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Katherine Cooper agreed with Brewer that the lawmakers challenging the law don't have the right to sue, saying their argument was incorrect that a hospital assessment included in House Bill 2010 that passed in June was, in fact, a tax that required a supermajority vote of the Legislature under Arizona's Constitution. Cooper's ruling said it is the Legislature itself that determines if a two-thirds vote is required under a voter-approved constitutional amendment called Proposition 108. A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers Brewer assembled to support her plan voted not to impose that requirement on the law, which expanded the state's health insurance program for the poor, known

as the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, or AHCCCS, and imposed the hospital assessment. ``In short, Plaintiffs are a minority group within the Legisla-

Cooper wrote. Brewer spokesman Andrew Wilder called the court ruling ``a huge victory.'' ``Judge Cooper's ruling is thoughtful and legally sound,''

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer, speaks during a ceremony to pass official hosting duties of next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Super Bowl to Arizona, in New York.

ture who lost a battle over H.B. 2010. They do not claim a concrete, individual injury. Rather, they seek to overturn the vote of the House and Senate. The Legislature as a whole did not authorize them to bring this action,''

Wilder said in a statement. ``As a result, the state can move forward with implementing the Governor's Medicaid Restoration Plan without further distraction of litigation, thereby restoring cost-effective health care to tens of thou-

sands of Arizonans through AHCCCS, and honoring the will of voters. ``The governor hopes this will put an end to the case and she looks forward to continuing to work with lawmakers on other important state business in the coming weeks.'' That's not likely. The suit was filed by the Goldwater Institute on behalf of 36 Republican legislators and three citizens, and Goldwater issued a statement saying it planned to appeal. ``Unfortunately, this ruling greatly damages Arizona's critically important voter-enacted constitutional protection requiring a two-thirds legislative supermajority for all new taxes, even when the government is responding to a `crisis or emergency' or a program `for the poor,''' Goldwater attorney Christina Sandefur said. ``If this decision stands, it would enable a simple majority of legislators to vote to ignore a constitutional supermajority requirement when politically convenient, shielding that vote from legal challenge.''

The hospital assessment is expected to collect $256 million in the state's 2015 budget year to pay the state's share of expanding Medicaid to about 300,000 people. Those to be covered include people earning between 100 percent and 138 percent of the federal poverty level and childless adults making less than that who lost optional coverage provided by Arizona when the state went through a budget crisis during the Great Recession. Coverage began Jan. 1, and the most recent figures from the state's Medicaid program show about 30,000 people have gained coverage so far. Hospitals strongly backed the assessment because they expect to see a much bigger reduction in the cost of treating uninsured patients. Cooper noted that they did not sue and are the only potentially injured party with a right to oppose the assessment. Brewer is one of only a handful of Republican governors who embraced Medicaid expansion, a key part of President Barack Obama's health care overhaul law. -AP

Experts increasingly contemplate end of smoking Cont'd from Page 32

â&#x20AC;˘ Tobacco companies, once considered impervious to legal attack, have suffered some huge defeats in court. Perhaps the biggest was the 1998 settlement of a case brought by more than 40 states demanding compensation for the costs of treating smokingrelated illnesses. Big Tobacco agreed to pay about $200 billion and curtail marketing of cigarettes to youths. â&#x20AC;˘ Retailing of cigarettes is changing, too. CVS Caremark, the second-largest U.S. pharmacy chain, announced last week it will stop selling tobacco products at its more than 7,600 drugstores. The company said it made the decision in a bid to focus more on providing health care, but medical and public health leaders predicted pressure will increase on companies like Walgreen Co. and WalMart Stores Inc. to follow suit. ``I do think, in another few years, that pharmacies selling cigarettes will look as anachronistic'' as old cigarette ads featuring physician endorsements look today, said CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden. These developments have made many in public health dream bigger. It's caused Myers' organi-

zation and others to recently tout the goal of bringing the adult smoking rate down to 10 percent by 2024, from the current 18 percent. That would mean dropping it at twice the speed it declined over the last 10 years. The bigger goal is to reduce U.S. smoking-related deaths to fewer than 10,000, from the current level of 480,000. But even if smoking rates dropped to zero immediately, it would take decades to see that benefit, since smoking-triggered cancers can take decades to develop. But while some experts and advocates are swinging for the fences, others are more pessimistic. They say the key to reaching such goals is not simply more taxes and more local smoking bans, but action by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to regulate smoking. A 2009 U.S. law gave the FDA the authority to regulate tobacco products. The law barred the FDA from outright blocking the sale of cigarettes, but the agency was free to take such pivotal steps as prohibiting the use of appealing menthol flavoring in cigarettes and requiring cigarette makers to ratchet down the amount of addictive nicotine in each smoke.

But nearly five years after gaining power over cigarettes, FDA has yet to even propose such regulations. Agency officials say they're working on it. A spokesman for Altria Group Inc., the maker of Marlboro, said the company supports FDA exercising its regulatory authority over tobacco products. But as a whole, the industry has tended to fight regulation. Some of America's largest tobacco compa-

Warner and Michigan colleague David Mendez estimate that, barring any major new tobacco control victories, the adult smoking rate will drop from its current 18 percent only to about 12 percent by 2050. If health officials do make huge strides, the rate could drop as low as 6 percent, they think. But Lushniak said zero. Will that ever happen? Some experts doubt it. As long

``In our culture, we tend to think we have a right to things even if they're terrible for us,'' she said. A growing number of experts believe the most promising option is to get people to switch voluntarily to something else, like electronic cigarettes. nies - though not Altria - sued to stop FDA-proposed graphic warning labels on cigarette packs. A federal court blocked the ads. ``The industry makes money as long as they can delay regulation,'' said Kenneth Warner, a University of Michigan public health professor who is a leading authority on smoking and health.

as cigarettes and other combustible tobacco products are legal, it's likely some people will smoke them. ``It's hard to do a ban on cigarettes because you're taking something away from people they have and are using. Once you have something, you hold tight,'' said Richard Daynard, a Northeastern

University law professor who focuses on tobacco issues. Better, he said, to bar people from having a product in the first place. He is intrigued by legal efforts in Singapore and a handful of other countries to ban sales of tobacco to anyone born after a certain year - 2000, say. That would be constitutional, he said. The question is: Would American culture accept it? Probably not, said Ruth Malone, editor-in-chief of the scientific journal Tobacco Control. ``In our culture, we tend to think we have a right to things even if they're terrible for us,'' she said. A growing number of experts believe the most promising option is to get people to switch voluntarily to something else, like electronic cigarettes. Electronic cigarettes are battery-powered devices that provide users with aerosol puffs that typically contain nicotine, and sometimes flavorings like fruit, mint or chocolate. They've often been described as a less dangerous alternative to regular cigarettes. But there are few studies exploring exactly what chemicals are in them, and in what concentrations, and whether those levels are harmful. -AP

February 14, 2014

Health Science Post

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Wisconsin hospitals conserving saline in shortage MILWAUKEE: Wisconsin's hospitals and first responders are conserving intravenous saline solution after federal officials warned of a national shortage possibly linked to an influenza outbreak. Medical officials say they're cautious

began receiving reports in December of supply problems, production delays due to maintenance and other issues at three major saline-solution makers. The FDA began monitoring the situation and seeking alternate sources, said Valerie Jensen, the associate director of the agency's drugshortages program. She said the problem was exacerbated by high demand, potentially due to an increase in influenza patients who needed fluids. FDA officials haven't heard of situations where patient care has been affected, but doctors are reassessing how they use saline solution. ``Hospitals are having to make decisions to treat more critical patients,'' Jensen said. First responders also are being cautious, conserving their supplies and using smaller dosages. Kerry Poltrock, left and Josh Martin going through training which includes the use of a saline lock as Dr. Charles Cady, the medical direca default instead of the 1000 cc saline drip tor for the Kenosha Fire Department, said his staffers routinely administer sterbut not worried yet and patient care ile salt solution to patients with trauma, shouldn't be affected. Suppliers of the salt blood loss or low blood pressure. Also, if a solution, which is used to rehydrate trauma patient needs an intravenous injection, a patients and assist in the delivery of drugs, saline flow helps push the drug into the say they're ramping up production but can't vein, he said. guarantee when the supply will be fully reNow, instead of administering saline rouplenished. tinely, first responders are saving it for paThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration tients who absolutely need it, he said. -AP

Calif health exchange pulls doctor directory again SACRAMENTO, Calif.: California's tory, mostly because of inaccurate inforhealth insurance exchange pulled its online mation from insurers. Meanwhile, insurers doctor directory again after some physi- have blamed some doctor's offices for miscians were wrongly listed as accepting pa- takenly turning patients away. tients' coverage plans, spurring a blame Micah Weinberg, a health policy expert game between insurers and providers. at the Bay Area Council in San Francisco, The move was the second time Covered said this blame game could put a brake on California took down its list of medical pro- recent momentum. viders after acknowledging problems, the ``One of the things that worries me a Los Angeles Times reported. great deal about all this is that it runs the Last October, the exchange pulled its list of doctors and published an updated directory the Since policies took effect last month under the new health care following month. Since policies took effect last law, people have complained month under the new health care law, people have complained that that doctors won't accept their doctors won't accept their insur- insurance even though they're ance even though they're listed listed online by Covered Califoronline by Covered California and nia and their health plan. their health plan. ``While the combined provider directory was a useful service for many risk of setting consumers, doctors, health consumers, some enrollees located physi- plans and Covered California against each cians thought to be in their plan, and sub- other,'' Weinberg said. sequently discovered they were not,'' the Besides problems with the online direcexchange said in a statement. tory, Covered California continues to The state said people still have time to grapple with customer service woes. The switch insurers before open enrollment exchange said the average wait time to speak ends in late March. with a customer representative was 52 minThe California Medical Association told utes last week. It plans to hire 350 more the Times that it found flaws in the direc- people to answer calls. -AP

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39 India Post ver imagined a vacation where the relentless splashing of waves never ceases, the clean talcum sand under the feet stretches forever, the variety of food served never fails to amuse and the party around you just never gets over? Welcome to Goa, a small state in India which exhibits every bit of influence left by the Portuguese during the 500 year rule. However, Goa is better known and recognized for its vast stretches of beautiful sandy beaches, clear blue waters, verdant green mountain ranges and its idyllic lifestyle which embraces any newcomer into its fold. Goa is bound by the state of Maharashtra towards North, Karnataka towards the East and South and the Arabian Sea on the Western front. Though Vasco-da Gama is the largest city in Goa, Panjim is the capital city which witnesses an influx of millions of tourists from across the globe. Goa is also famous for its wide range of religious places which form an integral part of its historic and religious tourist spots. Many of the places of worship are known for their exquisite architecture. The Basilica of Bom Jesus in old Goa is one such monument which attracts thousands of people from all faiths and makes it one of the most revered and visited Christian pilgrimage sites in Asia. The long stretches of silver sand which are the crowning glory of Goa have been artfully utilized by the Goans to lure tourists for lots of fun and frolic. The beaches are well maintained and regularly cleaned for an attractive appearance. In fact some of the beaches in Goa are so clean and free of vendors that it is difficult to believe that they exist at a place which is considered one of the best hot spots of the world for pleasure seekers. HONEYMOON With an ever celebrating atmosphere the Goa holiday packages go the extra mile to specially cater for honeymooners with special arrangements for one of the best phases of their lives. The heady Goan air for an evening of fun and frolic along the sea coast and the mouth watering Goan cuisines and cocktails for that close moment of togetherness. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 42

GOA IS ALSO FAMOUS FOR ITS WIDE RANGE OF RELIGIOUS PLACES WHICH FORM AN INTEGRAL PART OF ITS HISTORIC AND RELIGIOUS TOURIST SPOTS. MANY OF THE PLACES OF WORSHIP ARE KNOWN FOR THEIR EXQUISITE ARCHITECTURE

February 14, 2014

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February 14, 2014

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Chiranjeevi welcomes tourist visa decision for 180 countries NEW DELHI: Tourism Minister K Chiranjeevi has said the decision to extend visa-on-arrival facility to tourists from 180 countries would provide a major boost to tourism in the country. "This is a very good step. The visa-on-arrival for 180 countries will definitely boost the foreign tourist arrivals in the country. It will help growth in tourism sector," Chiranjeevi told PTI here. Meanwhile, though foreign tourist arrivals has seen a growth of 3 per cent in January, the foreign exchange earnings in dollar terms witnessed a negative growth of 6.2 per cent. However, in rupee terms forex earnings have shown a growth of 7 per cent. There were 7.20 lakh foreign tourists in January as against 6.99 lakh during the same period last year, according to Tourism Ministry data. The forex earnings in January 2014 were USD 1.805 billion

Operators president Subhash Goyal said it was a long-standing demand of the industry which was finally granted and it will help increase in tourist arrivals by 25 per cent to 50 per cent. "The sooner visa-on-arrival along with electronic visas are implemented, the better it will be for the country because once these are implemented, there will be increase in international tourist arrival between 25 per cent

Tourism Minister K Chiranjeevi

as compared to USD 1.925 billion during January 2013, a decrease of 6.2 per cent. Tourism Ministry expects a considerable jump in arrivals as well as foreign exchange earnings once the VoA for 180 coun-

tries gets operational. The extension of visa-on-arrival facility for tourists from 180 countries, including US, UK, China, UAE and Bangladesh is also welcomed by the industry. Indian Association of Tour

to 50 per cent," Goyal said. Till now, visa-on-arrival facility was available to tourists from only 11 countries--Japan, Finland, Singapore, Indonesia, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Laos and Myanmar. However, tourists from eight countries - Pakistan, Sudan, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Somalia and Sri Lanka - will continue to apply for visa through Indian missions. -PTI

Apostle Islands ice caves creating brisk business BAYFIELD, Wis.: Some 4,000 sightseers have been trekking to the Apostle Islands each weekend to see glistening ice caves made

doubt about that. I'm staffed right now like I would be on the Fourth of July weekend. It's incredible.'' She speculated that demand

accessible by frozen Lake Superior, leading to an unexpected tourism boom in otherwise hibernating villages. Small businesses in Cornucopia and Bayfield, in far northern Wisconsin, are generally closed for the winter. However, establishments including an inn and general store are staying open to cater to the brisk business, Wisconsin Public Radio reported. Mike Upthegrove, who runs Ehler's General Store in Cornucopia, generally closes down until April. But because of the surge in visitors he said he'd stay open during the weekend because the ice-cavers need hot drinks and brats. Down the road, The Village Inn is full and its restaurant is unusually busy, proprietor Cheryl O'Bryon said. ``The last three weekends have been like nothing we've seen before,'' O'Bryon said. ``It is definitely an economic miracle, there's no

was being driven by earlier visitors who were posting beautiful photos of the ice caves on Facebook. The caves feature rock formations covered by icy stalactites and stalagmites, giving the space the appearance of a pincushion. And the ice on the lake is so clear in places that the bottom of the lake is visible. It's fairly rare that the caves are accessible, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported. It last occurred five years ago.

O'Bryon said she's had customers from as far away as Japan, China and Australia. The mainland caves are 18 miles west of Bayfield. -AP

February 14, 2014

Travel & Hospitality Post

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40,000 foreign tourists visit Surajkund fair SURAJKUND, Haryana: The ongoing 28th Surajkund International Crafts Mela in Haryana's Faridabad district has given a new life to the fading crafts, besides drawing a large number of visitors who throng the fair to bag the best of handicrafts and handlooms, and watch vibrant cultural performances on the Chaupal. The footfall in the 15-day fair, which began on February 1, has so far touched nearly 4 lakh, including about 40,000 foreign visitors. What makes the fair stand out is that it offers an enlightening in-

terface between the visitors and the practitioners of fading crafts. For instance, the name Ganjappa Cards may sound intriguing, but it's a fading game from Odisha played among four persons. Giving details about this, Banomali Mohapatra, an artiste from Odisha who practices this craft, says "these are playing cards made of cotton cloth and painted

with stone-base natural colors. These are played according to color sequences." Brajbandhu Moharana, another artiste from Odisha, practices a languishing craft of making wooden

painted toys that are figurines of animals and birds. "These are handmade and painted with precision. We make wall hangings that find good response at this Mela," he says. Another artist Bansidhar Mohrana narrates the process of making cow dung toys and masks, which are rare these days. "Their base is made of cow dung and then using tamarind seeds, paper and stone powder, it is made firm and then painted with natural colors. People get inquisitive to know about this craft and end up buying a few pieces," he says. Warli painting of Maharasthra in its original avatar has come to Mela with artist Naresh Shankar Bhoyen demonstrating the art. "This art was earlier practiced to beautify home walls. Then it got translated on cloth, we first give it a thin cow dung base and make intricate tribal designs with rice paste, but now we use white color, as it lasts longer. It takes days together and lots of patience to make one piece," he says. Aranmula Mirror Art from Kerala is also an eyecatching one. P Gopa Kumar, master craftsman at the Mela, says, "We cast looking mirrors of different shapes and sizes in a mould made from bronze." Hemolata Devi, an artisan from Manipur, is busy doing an elegant and rare kind of embroidery known as Saphee Lanpheei on shawls and kurtis. Another art form, Madhubani

painting of Bihar is spreading its hue in the Mela. Giving information about this pattern of art, Neeraj Kumar Jha, a stallkeeper said that this art form is about 50 years old and was traditionally done by the women of villages around the present town of Madhubani and Darbhanga and other areas of Mithila. "It was done on freshly plastered mud walls and floors of huts, but now they are also done on cloth, T-Shirt, handmade paper and canvas. These paintings are made from the paste of rice powder," he said, adding that these paintings are done with fingers, twigs, brushes, nib-pens, and matchsticks, using natural dyes and pigments, and are characterized by eye-catching geometrical

patterns. Jha said he has depicted scenes from Mahabharta, Ramayana and natural sceneries in his paintings which were being highly appreciated by the visitors, especially those from abroad.

The Mela, being held on the outskirts of Delhi, has Goa as its theme state this year and Sri Lanka as partner country. Products of Sri Lanka displayed in the Mela depict an incredibly rich philosophy of the country's civilization, its culture and its practices. One such unique example of manual dexterity of Sri Lankan handlooms is Batik clothes showcased in the Mela. -PTI

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Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 39

Variety of places, both religious as well as historic ensure that the couple enjoy the city and know each other better against the amazing Goan backdrop. HISTORY & CULTURE Ancestral Goa Museum/Big Foot Ancestral Goa Museum, also known as Big Foot, in Loutolim is around 10 km from Margao. This open-air museum-cum-parkland covers an area of about nine acres and is the first of its kind in India. The museum showcases large life size statues and structures depicting culture and tradition of rural Goa. Chapora Fort At a distance of approximately 12 km from Mapusa lies the Fort of Chapora. It is easily accessible from Vagator over the hill leading to the fort. This fort has been made famous by the Bollywood movie Dil Chahata Hai which was shot here. Fort Aguada The grand fort of Aguada was constructed in 1612 in order to prevent the entry of ships into the river Mandovi thus protecting old Goa from enemy attacks. Located at a distance of around 22 km from Bardez, Fort Aguada boasts of the first ever light house in Asia. The Secretariat The Secretariat in Panaji, located along the riverside is one of the most striking monuments in Goa. Considered one of Goa's oldest buildings, the Secretariat houses Goa's state legislative assembly. NATURE Anjuna Beach Jagged laterite boulders welcome you to the land of Goan rave. Enchanting red cliffs kiss the golden sandy shoreline with waves hitting relentlessly. The

GOA

Beautiful sandy beaches, idyllic lifestyle

The Secretariat

coconut plantation roof and plethora of restaurants and food joints offering sumptuous lip smacking sea food delicacies are some of the simple pleasures here. Baga Beach

somewhat smaller in size but is definitely cleaner and more relaxed and recluse than the other beaches in Goa. Calangute Beach The Calangute Beach, located

edged out slowly as the mainstream tourists started to flock Goa in search of peace and enjoyments of a tourist place. Candolim Beach The Candolim Beach is well

Anjuna Beach

The Baga beach is sandwiched between the two bigger cousins, the Candolim beach and the Calangut beach. The beach is

around 17 km from Bardez, is famous for being the first beach to inculcate the hippie culture in the 60's and 70's. The hippies were

known for its serene atmosphere and a long peaceful silvery stretch which has very little commercial activities on it.

Cansaulim Beach Arossim, Cuelim and Cansaulim beach consortium form a formidable stretch of beaches which is considered as the second longest stretch of a beach in India. Chapora Beach The Chapora beach lies amongst some of the most well known places in Goa and that maybe the reason why it has neglected by general tourists. Colva Beach Colva is one beach which has almost everything to offer for everyone in the family. It is drinks and great food for the elders and shopping and carnival / festive atmosphere for the ladies. The children are often seen building sand castles or playing beach ball or else paddle waves in the shallow shores. Dona Paula Beach This exquisite seashore delight located to the south of Miramar is a small atoll knoll. The long stretches of silver white sand on Dona Paula, promises its visitors a gala time. Majorda Beach Majorda beach is one of the most renowned and attractive beaches of Goa. The natural beauty, clean environs, multitude of water sports, great food and drink make this a perfect sea shore to spend the day. Miramar Beach The River Mandovi traverses the lands of Goa and finally descends into the great Arabian Sea forming a marvelous spectacle. The Miramar beach is a silent spectator to this beautiful union and provides an opportunity to its visitor to enjoy the same. Morjim Beach Situated near the mouth of Zuari River, which joins the Arabian Sea, the Morjim Beach is known for its natural beauty sans any commercialization. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 43

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5 free things in Austin, first photo to bat cave AUSTIN, Texas: The Texas Capital, the Live Music Capital of the World, the Velvet Crown, Bat City or simply River City. Resi-

dents of Austin claim many titles and are known for their slogan: ``Keep Austin Weird.'' Some locals pejoratively call their hometown ``festival city,'' since there seems to be one every weekend, such as South by Southwest or Austin City Limits Music Festival. But most festivalgoers don't realize Austin is also home to the first photo-

graph, a Gutenberg Bible and the world's largest urban bat colony. And the best thing for a city that prides itself on environmentalism is that all of the sites can be visited in a single day's walk, and all of them are free. THE HARRY RANSOM CENTER Begin the morning on the southwest corner of the University of Texas at Austin campus, home to one of the largest archives in the world. The HRC holds 42 million manuscripts, a million rare books and 5 million photographs. Just inside the front door, visitors can enter a kiosk where a Gutenberg Bible, one of the first printed

GOA

Beautiful sandy beaches, idyllic lifestyle Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 42

Savoi Plantation Goa, with its exotic beaches, churches and pulsating nightlife has a lot more to offer. The spice plantation in rural Goa, which claims to use organic methods of cultivation and farming, is worth exploring. Located around 15 km from Ponda in Goa, Savoi Plantation is a great place to visit. Vagator Beach The Vagator beach has something, which very few beaches can boast of - a beautiful silver sandy stretch with huge red cliffs overlooking it. These imposing stalwarts also ooze out two fresh bubbling springs just near the shore making for a spectacular sight. WILDLIFE Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. RELIGIOUS Basilica de Bom Jesus, Church & Convent of St Francis of Assisi, Church and Monastery of St Augustine, Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, Royal Chapel of St Anthony, Se Cathe-

Chapora Fort

Ancestral Goa Museum

dral, Shri Mangueshi Temple. ADVENTURE Banana Ride, Dolphin Trip, Elephant Ride & Splash, Go Karting, Jet Skiing, Parasailing, River Cruise (on Mandovi River), Speedboat Rides, Water Scooter, Water Skiing, Windsurfing. FUN & ENTERTAINMENT 9 Bar, Aqua, Cafe Mambo, Calangute Road, Caravela Casino, Club Cubana, Club West End, Congo, Curly's Beach Shack, Flea Market, Hacienda de Oro Casino, Ingo's Night Market, La Plage, Liquid Lounge, Loekie CafĂŠ, Ozone, Paraiso de Goa, Rio Rico Bar, Rock

Your Blues, Shore Bar, Splashdown Water Park. HOW TO REACH By Train: The major railway stations in Goa are Margao, also known as Madgaon, and Vascoda-gama. These stations are in the Konkan railway line and are directly connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and other parts of the country. By Air: The Goa international airport is located at Dabolim, which is at a distance of 29 km away from Panaji. The airport connects the domestic cities as well as international cities in U.K. and Germany. By Bus: Kadamba bus stand of Panaji is the main bus station. The state owned bus services of Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka operate from this station. Super deluxe A/C buses are also available. Sea Route: It is another way to reach here. Shipping services from Mumbai to Panaji are available. Vacation cruises are offered by some tourist companies for enjoying the marine life of Goa.

books, is on display. In a dimly lit alcove nearby, the world's first photograph resides. The center holds regular multimedia exhibitions from the collection, with the one opening later this month titled, ``World at War: 1914-1918.'' THE TEXAS STATE CAPITOL From the Ransom Center, walk southeast about nine blocks to the big pink dome. The Texas Capitol opened in 1885, built from pink granite quarried in the Texas Hill Country. The dome is 15 feet (4.6 meters) taller than the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, and it faces south, to show solidarity with the Confederacy. The interior is filled with famous paintings and statues, and the grounds are home to dozens of statues, the state archives, a visitor's center and the governor's mansion. DOWNTOWN AUSTIN The Capitol Complex sits at the north end of Congress Avenue, considered the main street of Texas. Walk south toward the lake, and just off Congress to the east, is the Sixth Street entertainment district, home to dozens of bars and restaurants. From Congress head west on Second Street, and find a series of sidewalk cafes, shopping and the Willie Nelson statue. ZILKER PARK Lady Bird Lake is the boundary between downtown and South Austin. From the 2ND Street District, walk along the

north shore walking trail to the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge and cross over. A half-mile (.8 kilometers) to the west is the 358-acre (145-hectare) Zilker Park, home to the Austin City Limits Music Festival. The Zilker Botanical Garden and the spring-fed Barton Springs Pool charge admission but the nearby Austin Nature and Science Center is free. BAT COLONY AT THE CONGRESSAVENUE BRIDGE With the sun beginning to set, walk east on the south side of the lake, past the Stevie Ray Vaughan statue to the Congress Avenue bridge. More than 1.5 million Mexican free-tail bats make their home in the nooks and crannies on the underside of the bridge from March through November. At dusk, the bats launch for their nightly search for insects, creating an hour-long spectacle of nature. Afterward, walk south to South Congress, where a dozen local restaurants and clubs offer a fitting end to the day. -AP

In Brief Two Uganda cricketers missing after WCup game WELLINGTON, New Zealand: New Zealand immigration officials say they will deport two Uganda cricketers who went into hiding after playing in a World Cup qualifying tournament. Faruk Ochimi, 18, and Raymond Otim, 27 couldn't be found when the Uganda team was due to leave New Zealand on Jan. 30. Their visitor visas have expired and Immigration officials say they will be deported when they are found. The men went missing in the North Island town of Whakatane where Uganda was based during the ICC World Cup qualifiers. Uganda finished last in the 10team tournament, losing all six of its matches. Immigration officials haven't confirmed reports the men may try to seek political asylum. -AP

Â&#x201E; US activist fights to bring deported mother back MIAMI: He remembers the moment clearly. Jose Antonio Machado was 15 and his mother, Melba, was in handcuffs, being led away by a U.S. immigration officer. He mouthed: ``I love you.'' She nodded and turned away. Jose is in the same situation as thousands of other young people in the United States: He is the child of a parent who came to the U.S. illegally and then was deported while he was left behind. At least 5,100 children whose parents are either in detention, or already deported, live in foster care today, according to one estimate. For the past three years, Jose has been on a mission: To bring his mother back. His work has taken him to Congress, gotten him meetings with the likes of Donald Trump and Mark Zuckerberg, landed him on television. His mother was arrested in September 2010 after a traffic stop. She might have been briefly detained and let go, but she had an outstanding warrant from an earlier fight with an ex-boyfriend. And she was in the country illegally. Prosecutors didn't pursue the criminal charges, but some six months later, Jose's mother was deported. His father, a man he barely knew, was back in Nicaragua. His foster mother, Jolie Bogorad, remembers him writing speeches and debating how the immigration system should be reformed. Cont'd on Page 47

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White House giving Speaker Boehner room on immigration WASHINGTON: As Republican leaders dampen expectations for overhauling immigration laws this year, the White House is hoping that the GOP resistance is temporary and tactical, and it's resisting pressure from some political allies for President Barack Obama to take matters into his own hands and ease his administration's deportation record. For a president looking for a legacy piece of legislation, the current state of the immigration debate represents a high wire act. He could act alone to slow deportations, and probably doom any chance of a permanent and comprehensive overhaul. Yet if he shows too much patience, the opportunity to fix immigration laws as he wants could well slip away. House Speaker John Boehner has all but ruled out passage of immigration legislation before the fall midterm elections, saying Republicans had trouble trusting that Obama would implement all aspects of an immigration law. White House officials say they believe Boehner ultimately wants to get it done. But they acknowledge that Boehner faces stiff resistance from conservatives who oppose any form of legalization for

immigrants who have crossed into the United States illegally or overstayed their visas. As well, Republicans are eager to keep this elec-

ing behind a comprehensive bill that passed in the Senate last year, but is not trying to press Boehner on how to proceed in the Republi-

House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio arrives for a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington

tion year's focus on Obama's contentious health care law. Obama is willing to give Boehner space to operate and to tamp down the conservative outcry that greeted a set of immigration overhaul principles the speaker brought forward. For now, the White House is simply stand-

can-controlled House. ``That news yesterday was disappointing but not entirely surprisingly,'' White House communications director Jennifer Palmieri said. ``It's a difficult issue for them.'' Vice President Joe Biden told CNN that Obama is waiting to see

what the House passes before responding. ``What you don't want to do is create more problems for John Boehner in being able to bring this up,'' he said. The White House view could be overly optimistic, playing down the strength of the opposition to acting this year. For Republicans the immigration issue poses two political challenges. In the short-term, it displays intra-party divisions when they want to use their unified opposition to the health care law as a key issue in the 2014 elections. Immigration distracts from that strategy. But failure to pass an immigration overhaul would be a significant drag on the chances of a Republican winning the 2016 presidential election if angry Latino voters are mobilized to vote for the Democratic nominee. Making the case for a delay, Rep. Raul Labrador, R-Idaho, said there's ``overwhelming support for doing nothing this year.'' Labrador, who worked with a small group of Republicans and Democrats on comprehensive legislation last year then abandoned the negotiations, said it would be a mistake to have an internal battle Cont'd on Page 47 in the GOP.

US easing immigration rule for terrorist support WASHINGTON: The Obama administration has eased the rules for would-be asylum-seekers, refugees and others who hope to come to the US or stay here and who gave "limited" support to terrorists or terrorist groups. The change is one of President Barack Obama's first actions on immigration since he pledged during his State of the Union address last month to use more executive directives. The Department of Homeland Security and the State Department now say that people considered to have provided "limited material support" to terrorists or terrorist groups are no longer automatically barred from the United States.

A post-September 11 provision in immigrant law, known as terrorism related inadmissibility

grounds, had affected anyone considered to have given support. With little exception, the provision has been applied rigidly to those trying to enter the US and those already here but wanting to change their immigration status. For Morteza Assadi, a 49-yearold real estate agent in northern Virginia, the law has left him in a sort of immigration purgatory while his green card application has been on hold for more President Barack Obama speaks in the East Room than a decade. of the White House in Washington. As a teenager in

Tehran, Iran, in the early 1980s, Assadi distributed fliers for a mujahedeen group that opposed the government of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini and was at one time considered a terrorist organization by the US government. Assadi said he told the US government about his activities when he and his wife applied for asylum in the late 1990s. Those requests were later granted and his wife has since become a US citizen. But Assadi's case has remained stalled. "When we are teenagers, we have different mindsets," Assadi said. "I thought, 'I'm doing my country a favor.'" -AP

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British eurosceptic leader hails EU to assess ties after Swiss back migrant curbs 'wonderful' Swiss vote LONDON: The leader of Britain's main eurosceptic party hailed "wise" Swiss voters for backing curbs on EU immigration, saying it would encourage others across the continent. Nigel Farage, the head of the UK Independence Party, said Switzerland had stood up to "bullying" from Brussels and that it was "not a matter of race but of space." "This is wonderful news for national sovereignty and freedom lovers throughout Europe," said Farage, who is a member of the European parliament (MEP). "A wise and strong Switzerland has stood up to the bullying and threats of the unelected bureaucrats of Brussels." Final results from a referendum showed that 50.3 percent of Swiss voters had backed the "Stop Mass Immigration" proposal pushed by right-wing populists, threatening to ignite a row with Brussels. UKIP has led calls for similar calls for a cap on immigration, a touchy issue in Britain since Bul-

garians and Romanians were given full rights on January 1 to free movement within the European Union. Farage added: "It is a great thing to be welcomed that the Swiss people now have the freedom to decide the number and

skill level of the people who they wish to invite to work or stay in their country." "It is not a matter of race but of space, of numbers and of skills," he said. UKIP has no lawmakers in the British parliament but threatens to sap vital votes from Prime Minister David Cameron's Conservative party in Britain's next general election in May 2015. It is also hoping to expand its total of nine MEPs in European elections this May. Under pressure from UKIP and eurosceptic Conservatives, Cameron has promised a referendum on membership of the EU in 2017, provided that he is UK Independence Party (UKIP) leader Nigel Farage re-elected next year. at the Manchester Town Hall AFP

Indian Embassy in UAE warns of online visa scam DUBAI: The Indian Embassy in the UAE has unearthed an apparent online visa scam and has warned foreigners against falling victim to fraudsters operating a

fake website claiming to facilitate Indian visas for them. In a statement, the mission said "some unscrupulous elements had created a website similar to the Online Visa Application website of the Government of India and are deceiving people to pay service fee". The scam has come to light close on the heels of news that the Indian government has decided to extend visa-on-arrival and electronic travel authorization In a statement the mission said "some unscruputo citizens of 180 lous elements had created a website similar to the countries, including Online Visa Application website of the Government the UAE - a move of India and are deceiving people to pay service that is expected to fee".

significantly increase the number of tourists and other travelers to India. While the official, authentic website for online visa application has URL address www.indianvisaonline.gov.in, the mission said, "Another website with the heading of Online Indian Visa Application Form and with the URL india-visa.co/index.php is available on the Internet". "This website claims to have expertise in Indian tourist, business and long term entry visa. The website instructions ask users to pay service fee of 55 pounds or USD 90 or in equivalent Euros/ Rupees. This website is only charging service fees and is asking applicants to pay visa fee later when applying at the visa centre," the embassy said.-PTI

BRUSSELS: The European Commission said it would assess EU ties with Switzerland after the Alpine country voted to limit immigration from the European Union, its biggest trading partner by far. "The EU will examine the implications of this initiative on EU-Swiss relations as a whole," said a statement after Swiss results showed a narrow victory for a proposal pushed by rightwing populists. The European Commission said it "regrets" the Swiss vote, which "goes against the principle of free movement of persons between the EU and Swit-

zerland." Although Switzerland is not an EU member, it signed onto the EU accord for free movement of citizens in 1999 and implemented it from 2002. While the vote focused only on that issue, fall-out from the result could imperil Switzerland's trade with the big European bloc, which its economy depends on. Brussels has already made it clear that Bern cannot cherrypick among EU advantages. An estimated 400,000 Swiss citizens live in the EU, many of them dual nationals, while more than a million EU citizens currently live in Switzerland. -AFP

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USCIS expands site visits to review L-1 petitions

SCIS's Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) Directorate has expanded its employer site visits to include review of L-1 post-adjudication petitions. Recent reports indicate that the agency is reviewing extensions of L-1 petitions and L-1 job duties and salaries to determine whether they are consistent with the L-1's classification as an executive or manager (L-1A) or specialized knowledge worker (L-1B). USCIS may conduct announced or unannounced site visits as part of the visa petition process. Employers have been report-

CYRUS D. MEHTA

H-1B alert: Filing starts April 1 for next fiscal year Congress sets a limit on the number of H-1B visas available each year. This past fiscal year, H1B numbers were exhausted within the first five days of filing. The Alliance of Business Immigration Lawyers (ABIL) anticipates that the numbers will run out quickly again this year. If U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) receives more petitions than it can accept, it will use a lottery system to randomly select the number of petitions filed during that period to reach the numerical limit. USCIS

If U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) receives more petitions than it can accept, it will use a lottery system to randomly select the number of petitions filed during that period to reach the numerical limit.USCIS did this last year. ing that the FDNS inspectors' queries are similar to those made in H1B site visits, particularly about whether wages are appropriate for the visa application, visa category, work location, hours, job duties, title, and experience of the employee. The employee may be questioned directly about his or her job duties. FDNS's site visits are funded by the $500 anti-fraud fee paid with H-1B and L-1 petitions. Until recently, such compliance audits have primarily involved H-1B employers. More than 17,000 such visits occurred in FY 2011, which was an increase over 2010. USCIS's Office of Inspector General in August recommended, among other things, that USCIS make a site visit a requirement before extending a one-year new office L-1 petition. USCIS concurred and said it expected to begin conducting postadjudication domestic L-1 compliance site visits in FY 2014.

did this last year. The agency will reject petitions that are subject to the cap but not selected, as well as petitions received after it has the necessary number of petitions needed to meet the cap. Every time an employer hires an individual for a specialty occupation, an H-1B number must be available. (An exception arises where the individual is already with another employer in H-1B status, but this employer cannot be a university/college or a nonprofit government research organization.) When numbers run out, the employer must wait until the next fiscal year to file for an H-1B. In some cases, there may be no other nonimmigrant visa option for the individual and the individual may have to leave the U.S. or, at least, not be able to work for the employer until a year later. While the H-1B numbers for the next fiscal year do not become available again until October 1,

2014, employers may file petitions to request numbers as early as six months in advance, beginning on April 1, 2014. That date signals the start of what has become an annual race to get petitions filed as early as possible to ensure acceptance before the cap of 85,000 visas is reached. The 85,000 cap includes the basic cap of 65,000, plus an additional 20,000 H-1B visas available to foreign nationals who have earned an advanced degree (master's or higher) from a U.S. university. As in past years, some foreign nationals are not subject to the H1B cap, including individuals who already have been counted toward the cap in a previous year and have not been outside the United States subsequently for one year or more. Also, certain employers, such as universities, governmentfunded research organizations, and some nonprofit entities are exempt from the H-1B cap. All other employers should be aware of the H-1B cap. ABIL encourages employers to review their hiring needs and determine whether they should initiate H-1B processing for anticipated hires, or even recent hires in other nonimmigrant status now. • You should consider filing an H-1B petition this April if: • You want to hire an individual who is not in H-1B status already. • You are hiring an individual who is already in H-1B status but is currently employed with a college/university (this situation requires a new H-1B number).

Observers expect that Mr. Boehner will act piece-by-piece rather than trying to advance one comprehensive immigration reform bill. • You are hiring an individual who is already in H-1B status but is with a nonprofit government research organization (this situation requires a new H-1B number). • Your employee is in F-1 student status. • Your employee is in L-1B status and is considering seeking legal permanent residence in the United States. • Your employee is in another nonimmigrant status and may want to seek legal permanent residence in the United States.

ABIL recommends that clients keep their ABIL attorney (Cyrus D. Mehta, PLLC is a member of ABIL) apprised of all new hires needing H-1B status before October 1, 2014. Examples would include F-1 students hired with optional practical training that expires before April 1, 2014, or current L1B nonimmigrants who will have spent five years in that status as of any date before October 1, 2014. Contact your ABIL attorney now if you have any questions or would like to file an H-1B petition. Is Immigration Reform Possible in 2014?

sues, he added, "We're determined to make 2014 the year that immigration reform is finally enacted. The Chamber will pull out all the stops-through grassroots lobbying, communications, politics, and partnerships with unions, faith organizations, law enforcement and others-to get it done." The big question is whether immigration reform legislation can move forward in a midterm election year in which all 435 House seats are up for grabs, along with 33 of the 100 Senate seats, 38 state and territorial governorships, and numerous state and local elections. Given recent hyper-partisan expe-

The big question is whether immigration reform legislation can move forward in a midterm election year in which all 435 House seats are up for grabs, along with 33 of the 100 Senate seats, 38 state and territorial governorships U.S. House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner reportedly hopes to push immigration reform legislation forward in 2014, a year in which midterm elections will take place in November. He faces competing pressures: on one side are those advising that immigration reform efforts could help Republicans win the Hispanic vote; on the other side are anti-immigration conservatives and Tea Party members who would prefer no action other than enforcement. Observers expect that Mr. Boehner will act piece-by-piece rather than trying to advance one comprehensive immigration reform bill. He may wait until after Republican primaries occur this spring. "There are a lot of private conversations underway to try to figure out how do we best move on a common-sense, step-by-step basis to address this," he said. At a recent news conference, he noted, "The only way to make sure immigration reform works this time is to address these complicated issues one step at a time." Meanwhile, Thomas Donohue, the president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said in his "State of American Business 2014" remarks on January 8, 2014, that "the pundits will tell you it's going to be hard to accomplish much of anything in an election year. We hope to turn that assumption on its ear by turning the upcoming elections into a motivator for change. It's based on a simple theory-if you can't make them see the light, then at least make them feel some heat." Speaking generally on immigration is-

rience in Congress, some say continued gridlock is likely. "I can't imagine Congress doing much more than nominations and appropriations bills," said Jim Manley, a former aide to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.). However, major legislation has passed in election years, often after primary season. "For many members [of the House], they'd be more comfortable when their primaries are over," said California Rep. Darrell Issa. Visa Bulletin Shows Advancement in Several Categories The Department of State's Visa Bulletin for February 2014 shows advancement in priority dates for several employment-based categories. The employment-based third preference "Worldwide" and "Other Workers" categories both advanced two months, from April 1, 2012, to June 1, 2012. The Chinamainland born employment-based second preference category moved ahead one month, from December 8, 2008, to January 8, 2009. The India second preference stayed put at November 15, 2004, as did Mexico and the Philippines, which both remained Current for the second preference. The employment-based third preference "Other Workers" category moved ahead by two months for every category except India, which remained at September 1, 2003. Other categories remained Current. * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

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UK migration minister resigns over foreign cleaner LONDON: Britain's immigration minister has resigned over the illegal employment of a foreign cleaner, a major gaffe given the U.K. government's muscular clampdown on immigration of all kinds. Cameron's Downing Street office said in a statement that there was no indication that the minister, Mark Harper, knew the cleaner was working illegally but said the leader accepted the resignation ``with regret.'' It also distributed Harper's resignation letter, in which he explained that he thought he had verified in 2007 that the unnamed cleaner's passport and documentation meant she could work in the U.K. legally. But he said officials warned him that she was in fact in the country illegally, forcing his hand. ``Although I complied with the law at all times, I consider that as immigration minister, who is taking legislation through Parliament which will toughen up our immigration laws, I should hold myself to a higher standard than expected of others,'' he said in the

licing Britain's shores, a hot-button issue in an island nation where many are weary of immigration. Harper took a particularly aggressive approach to the job. His department oversaw the deployment of a van that patrolled London's streets warning migrants who had overstayed their visas to ``go home or face arrest.'' The van, emblazoned with large handcuffs, was withdrawn following an outcry. Harper British Immigration minister Mark Harper who has quit also raised after it emerged his cleaner was in the UK illegally eyebrows revealed her family employed an after telling a repeat asylum seeker from Iraq that his multiple attempts illegal immigrant as her maid. But Harper's resignation is to seek refuge in the U.K. were ``rieven more embarrassing because diculous'' and he should leave the he was specifically tasked with po- country. -AP letter. The case has an echo of the U.S. ``Nannygate'' scandal, in which then-President Bill Clinton's top pick for attorney general was forced to withdraw her nomination in 1993 after it was

US activist fights to bring deported mother back shots of her son on Facebook, in his white cap and gown. Within a year, Jose was a policy She moved from Nicaragua to analyst for a state immigration net- Spain, and found a job caring for work. He showed up at protests, the elderly. Through Facebook, leading chants and sharing his she watched his transformation story. Last year, he led a group of from boy into man and activist. They communicated through text messages and weekly phone calls. More than 100,000 parents of U.S. citizen children have been deported since 1998, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The Applied Research Center, a New York-based advocacy organization, has Melba Soza comforts her son Jose Antonio, as found that at least he arrives at the Bilbao, Spain, airport from the 5,100 U.S. citizen chilUnited States. dren in 22 states are activists inside U.S. Sen. Marco living in foster care because a parRubio's Miami office, refusing to ent has been detained or deported. leave until they were granted a An unknown number of non-citimeeting with an aide. zen children have also been left ``I want my mom to be able to behind. come back to Florida,'' Jose wrote While advocates such as Jose to The Miami Herald, ``and cel- see immigration reform as the anebrate my graduation with me.'' swer, others oppose the idea of Instead, from afar, she saw snap- allowing deported relatives to reCont'd from Page 44

turn, except in rare cases. `Ìmmigration law has no meaning if we deported people and then turn around and let them back in,'' says Jessica Vaughan, director of policy studies at the Center for Immigration Studies, which advocates tighter immigration policies. President Barack Obama has once again called for Congress to take on immigration reform. House Republicans have unveiled their broad strategy for overhauling the system, but some are already expressing skepticism about eventual passage. Jose is majoring in political science at Florida International University and will apply for citizenship as soon as legally allowed. At Christmas, he visited his mother in Bilbao, Spain. `Òh my son, my love,'' she said, wrapping him in an embrace as Jose began to cry. `Ì was afraid you'd look at me like a stranger,'' he said. They had five days together. On their last day together, Jose showed little emotion, until the time came to say goodbye once more. With tears in his eyes, he hugged his mother. ``Today I am stronger because of you.'' -AP

White House giving Speaker Boehner room on immigration Cont'd from Page 44

He argued for waiting until next year when the Republicans might have control of the Senate. Some Republican supporters of a new immigration law are pushing back. `Ì'm trying to convince my colleagues that regardless of primaries, regardless of elections this November, that we have an obligation and a duty to solve this crisis once and for all,'' Rep. Jeff Denham, R-Calif., told the Spanish-language television network Telemundo in an interview. White House spokesman Jay Carney did not criticize Boehner's talk of a delay, though he called the speaker's claims that Obama is the problem `àn odd bit of diversion.'' House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, however, did not hold back, signaling that Democrats are prepared to lay the blame on Boehner and his party if legislation does not materialize. ``Republicans should be candid about putting extremism ahead of the good of the country,'' she said. `Ì hope that Speaker Boehner will overcome the dereliction of duty that is holding back his party and our nation, and seize this opportunity to work to enact the bipartisan immigration reform the American people need and deserve.''

cuses, the first test for the GOP nomination, tend to favor the most conservative candidates in the field. The longer the immigration issue remains unresolved, the more pressure will fall on Obama from immigrant advocates to act alone and ease the deportations that have been undertaken by his administration. Since Obama took office in January 2009, more than 1.9 million immigrants have been deported. ``Inevitably more and more advocates will be calling on the president to stop and roll back the deportation machinery,'' said Frank Sharry, executive director of the pro-immigration group America's Voice. ``It is a source of tremendous anger, frustration on the part of immigrants and their allies that Obama is deporting people today that would benefit from immigration reform tomorrow.'' The White House insists the president is following the law and cannot act unilaterally to change it, a view disputed by advocacy groups. ``The administration has both the legal authority and moral authority to make changes that would reduce the pain and suffering in the community right now,'' said Marielena Hincapie, executive director of the National Immigra-

``Inevitably more and more advocates will be calling on the president to stop and roll back the deportation machinery,'' said Frank Sharry, executive director of the pro-immigration group America's Voice. ``It is a source of tremendous anger, frustration,, Democratic officials familiar with the White House thinking say there is also a possibility that the House could act in November or December, during a lame duck session of Congress after the elections. That would require swift work in a short time. What's more, if Republicans win control of the Senate, there would be pressure to leave the issue to the new Senate. If Republicans do well in Senate elections, new senators could include Paul Broun of Georgia, who shortly after Boehner issued his immigration principles said he wouldn't support amnesty for immigrants illegally in the United States. The issue also raises questions about what Republicans with presidential aspirations such as Sens Ted Cruz of Texas, Rand Paul of Kentucky and Marco Rubio of Florida would do, given that the Iowa presidential cau-

tion Law Center. Such advocates dismiss Boehner's claims that Obama can't be counted on to enforce the border security components of a new immigration law. Sharry called Boehner's remarks a ``flimsy excuse'' given that Obama has ``deported more people than ever, that net unauthorized migration at the border is zero or less, that we've doubled the number of border patrol in the last decade to 21,000.'' The White House has decided to leave that argument to the outside groups, unwilling to counter Boehner's allegation by drawing attention to policies that anger immigrant advocates. Administration officials point to recent bipartisan passage of farm legislation, which Obama signed, and a broad budget agreement, as evidence that Boehner apparently trusts Obama to deal on other matters. -AP

Datebook

48 India Post

NEW JERSEY Upcoming

NEW YORK Upcoming

February 14, 2014

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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

Fri, Feb 14

Fri, Feb 14 • Bombay Palace Valentines

Fri, Feb 14 • Ishq Wala Love - A

Venue: Plainsboro Plaza, 10 Schalks Crossing Rd, Plainsboro Township, NJ 08536 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 781-375-8068

Venue: Bombay Palace, 30 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019 Time: 06:00 pm

Valentines Day Affair

Fri, Feb 14 • Star Entertainment Valentine Bash 2014

Venue:Golden Peacock Grand Ballroom,

Venue: India Community Center, 525 Los

24989 Santa Clara St, Hayward, CA

Coches Street, Milpitas, CA 95035

Fri, Feb 14

Fri, Mar 28 • Sangam 2014 - NY

94544

Venue: Guru Palace, 2215 US Highway 1, New Brunswick, NJ 08902 Time: 6:00pm Contact: 732-398-9022

Venue: The Hindu Temple Society Of North America, 45-57 Bowne St, New York, NY 11355 Time: 6:00 pm Contact: 347-989-6104

Sat, Feb 22

Sat, Mar 29 • Zakir Hussain and The Mas-

• Indian Fusion Valentines Day Party 2014

• Guru Palace - Valentines Day

• Indian Classical Music Competition Venue: Marathi Vishwa Community Center, 143 State Route 35, Old Bridge Township, NJ 08879 Time: 11:00 am Contact: 862-222-0105

Day Special Dinner Party

ters of Percussion

Venue: The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Seventh Avenue between 31st and 33rd Streets, New York, NY 10001 Time : 8:00 pm Contact : 866-858-0008

Contact: 408-590-9722

Fri, Feb 14 • Star Entertainment - Val-

Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 510-673-0153

Venue: India Community Center, 525

Thu, Feb 20 • Seminar on Health Care Fraud

Los Coches Street, Milpitas, CA 95035

Venue: Courtyard San Francisco Airport -

Time: 7:00 am

1050 Bayhill Drive - San Bruno, California

Contact: 510-673-0153

Time: 9:00 am

entine Bash 2014

Sat, Feb 15 • Uttarayan 2014 Venue: Royal Delhi Palace, 22323

ATLANTA Upcoming

Time: 11:00 am

Fri, Feb 14 • Valentine Day Party 2014

Contact: 408-586-0006

Venue: Atlanta Event Hall, 3750 Venture

Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA 91303

Dr, Duluth, GA 30096

Sun, Fed 23 • The Wedding Show for The Modern Bride Venue: Sofitel Hotel, 8555 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048 Time: 04:00 pm Contact: 562-366-3640

Sun, Feb 23 • Sangam 2014 Venue: Lakkireddy auditorium Shiva Vishnu Temple, 1232 Arrowhead Ave, Livemore, CA 94551 Time: 4:00 pm Contact: 408-658-0191

Time: 9:00 pm

Fri, Feb 14 • Cupid Calling ! Valentines Day Party. Venue: Shiana Impact Banquet Hall, Global Mall, 5675 Jimmy Carter Blvd, Norcross, GA 30071 Time: 9:00 pm

Sun, Mar 16 • Sangam 2014 - Atlanta Venue: AHindu Temple Of Atlanta, 5851 Highway 85, Riverdale, GA 30274 Time: 5:00pm

ILLINOIS Upcoming • J K Yog Satsang and Bal Mukund Hindi Classes are held every 2nd and 4rth Sunday of Month Chicago Satsang Information: J K Yog, Chicago - Swami Mukundananda Venue: Clarion Inn/Waterford Banquets, Board Room, 933 South Riverside Drive, Elmhurst, IL 60126 Time: 3:30pm-5:30pm Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-561-4807 Website: www.jkyog.org

1st and 3rd Sunday of Month • Chicago Children's Bal Mukund Character Building Program and Hindi Literacy Classes

Venue: Vogelei Center, 650 W. Higgins Road, Hoffmann Estates, IL 60192 (Next to Nissan Dealership) Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-561-4807 Website: www.jkyog.org/bal-mukund

Sat, Mar 8

• Sangam 2014 - MI Venue: Birmingham Groves High School, 20500 W 13 Mile Rd, Beverly Hills, MI 48025 Time: 7:30 pm Contact: 408-658-0191

Mondays and Fridays • Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Where: Metropolitan Asian Family Services Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105

February 14, 2014

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India Post 49

Â&#x201E;

Realty Tidbits

MC sets up panel for Shimla's development

he Shimla Municipal Cor poration (SMC) has set up a multi-departmental committee to put in place its own city development plan. A Delhi-based consultant, CRISIL, has been hired to prepare a master city plan in six months' time. The body met under the chairmanship of Shimla Mayor Sanjay Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Tikender Panwar and MC commissioner Amarjeet Singh, architect planner KC Chauhan and others and discussed the presentation given by CRISIL. The MC is mulling its own plan as all plans prepared by the Town and Country Planning (TCP) have lost sight of the city's specific needs, which is realized by the House later as it is not taken into confidence. It has been stated that the TCP development plan has failed to deliver the goods to residents and the SMC should have its own master plan to take care of needs and problems of each section of the city, said Panwar. The MC has objected to the 260-page Shimla Development Plan prepared by the TCP. The satellite towns of Ghanati, Kufri, Fagu, Neri, Shoghi and Chailey proposed by the TCP rarely took representatives of the area into confidence. The public-private partnership model may not fit into the development plan as it would rob poor peasants of their land in the peripheries, said the councilors.

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Land owners to get 25% in UP projects

LUCKNOW: Land owners in Uttar Pradesh will now be entitled to own at least 25% of their total land acquired after the completion of the development project for which the acquisition had taken place. The provision is part of the new State Urban Housing & Habitat Policy (SUHHP) 2014, the draft of which was cleared in principle by the state cabinet. Talking to the media after the cabinet meeting concluded, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav expressed hope that the new policy would do away with existing provisions which led to exploitation of petty farmers owning small patches of land. Interestingly, the SUHHP 2014 is broadly based on the policy that presently exists in Gujarat and has been hailed by one and all, including the developers and the farmers whose land has been acquired under the framework.

Real Estate 50

India Post

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February 14, 2014

Former TN staff held for illegal plots sale COIMBATORE: Two retired employees of Tamil Nadu Housing Board (TNHB) have been arrested for selling three plots worth a total of Rs 20 lakh by forging documents during DMK rule. Two houses have been built on two of the plots whereas fencing was carried out on the third plot at Ganapathy Maa Nagar in the city. Eight others including an assistant engineer, currently under suspension, have also been booked by the police in the case.

Tier-III cities driving retail realty market, says JLL report MUMBAI: Tier-III cities are emerging as attractive destinations for retail real estate primarily due to development of infrastructure and increasing purchasing power of consumers in these markets, according to property consultant Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL). Cities like Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Surat, Amritsar, Vadodara, Nagpur, Coimbatore, Lucknow, Jaipur, Ludhiana, Kanpur and Raipur are emerging as high potential markets for retail development. "High immigration, excellent infrastructure, increasing per capita income and propensity to consume are key drivers for high market potential in the Tier III cities. Besides, growing office market is another important factor for retail development in such markets," the report said. According to JLL, while Ahmedabad, Chandigarh and Surat have already emerged as high potential markets, cities such as Kanpur and Raipur are slowly moving up in their market potential and retail maturity index.

"While leading cities of Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore have the highest level of market potential and retail maturity; ris-

Cities like Mumbai and Delhi have witnessed an influx of bigbox, fast-fashion and high-end retailers, it said.

A view of Ahmedabad

ing income, consumption and infrastructure scenario in other cities make Tier III cities high potential markets for retailers and developers in future," JLL Managing Director - Retail Services Shubhranshu Pani said.

Other leading cities such as Bangalore, Pune and Chennai have seen reasonably good absorption of retail spaces on the back of high consumerism supported by strengthening IT-ITeS sector and the strong auto, manu-

facturing and biotech sectors. "Improvement in infrastructure, city expansion and the right supply of retail malls have been primary reasons for growth over the recent past," the report said. Chandigarh, Kochi and Nagpur have levels of real estate transparency similar to Tier I and II cities. The growth of the office markets across Tier III cities is being driven by cost advantages in real estate and labor. While these cities may have robust and diverse economies, the charge in the commercial real estate market is often led by domestic IT & ITES companies which have already moved en masse into Tier III cities such as Chandigarh, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. With affordability and talent pools high on the agenda, many southern cities such as Coimbatore, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Mysore and Mangalore, as well as Ahmedabad, Jaipur and Chandigarh are attracting attention.-PTI

No need of approval for plots up to 100 sq m NEW DELHI: In a major relief to the small plot owners in the National Capital, the BJP ruled Municipal Corporations decided to waive off the need to get the building construction plans approved for plots up to 100 sq meters. The decision was taken here following a meeting of all municipal councilors of BJP and those who contested on party ticket in all three corporations. "The owners of the plot up to 100 sq m will just have to give an affidavit to the corporation that they would follow all the municipal rules and they can do the construction without any hindrance," said BJP state president Vijay Goel. The meeting also deliberated on raising the issue of municipal

councilors being not allowed to spend the money from the councilor fund in unauthorized colonies where more than 40 lakh people live, with the Lt governor. "Delhi Government is stalling

a dharna and even approach the High Court. We will also take up the issue with the LG," said Goel. The meeting also discussed upon setting a helpline in Delhi BJP office to monitor sanitation

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Committee will review the case of reuniting the three municipal corporations. The trifurcation done by Congress has created more problems than it solved, the development work in unauthorized colonies by not allowing councilors to spend their funds in these colonies. "More than 40 lakh people reside in unauthorized colonies. If the councilors are not permitted to spend money, we will stage

related issues to help residents in areas. Goel also asked its councilors to work on ensuring best possible sanitation in their respective wards. Further, a committee headed by BJP MLA Nand Kishore Garg has

been set up to give suggestions on the unification of the three Municipal corporations- NDMC, SDMC and EDMC, a move said to ensure public convenience and better functioning of the corporations. "The Committee will review the case of reuniting the three municipal corporations. The trifurcation done by Congress has created more problems than it solved so many in our party are in favor of reversing the trifurcation and having only one MCD," Goel said. Citing public inconvenience, lack of funds and assistance by the state and central government as the reasons, Goel said the committee will give recommendations whether the three corporations should be unified again.-PTI

Real Estate Post

February 14, 2014

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Politicos' flats to be attached for unpaid dues MUMBAI: Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has issued notices warning that properties of Worli-based Sukhada and Shubhada housing societies, in which local political bigwigs possess flats, would be attached if dues of over Rs 10 crore are not cleared. Some of the prominent politicians residing in these two buildings are Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, BJP's deputy leader in Lok Sabha Gopinath Munde, Congress' state unit chief Manikrao Thakre, state's forest minister Patangrao Kadam, minister Anil Deshmukh (NCP) as well as others. The civic body issued notices to these societies which house flats of prominent leaders from the Congress, NCP and BJP for nonclearance of dues of more than Rs 16 crore, which have been pending since 2006-07, a civic official told PTI. The politicos would have to clear their dues in 21 days, failing which their properties would be

attached, the BMC said. As per administrative procedures, attachment would be followed by auction of these properties. "The housing societies were

water bills. "So, notices were served asking them to clear their dues by September 30, 2013. The societies made partial payments to the tune of around Rs 2.6 crore, but

Some of the prominent politicians residing in these two buildings are Ajit Pawar and BJP's deputy leader in Lok Sabha Gopinath Munde.

issued notices in April 2013 for illegal alterations made to the structures. Besides, they had also not cleared property taxes and

the remaining amount remained pending, leading to issuance of the latest notice," an official said. -PTI

High cost deterring plans for green projects MUMBAI: Developers are reluctant to implement the green norms on account of cost issues, which is impacting growth of green real estate sector, a survey said. The survey by TERI and Yes Bank revealed that nearly 72 per cent of respondents believe that

the governments is impacting the sector. Besides, low motivation of consumers to pay premium for green buildings is also becoming a major barrier in the growth," it said. The respondents also identified an array of financial barriers. "Close to 58 per cent of the respondents felt that the financial institutions today are not The survey also revealed aware of the innovathat green buildings are tive credit lines available in the market for improperly valued, thus financing energy effidisincentivising the real cient building projects, while 51 per estate developers. cent believe that lack of preferential lending the high costs of green real estate rates to green building projects buildings are a major impediment. also leads to discouragement," the Nearly 150 senior-mid manage- report said. ment professionals across the The survey also revealed that green real estate value chain were green buildings are improperly surveyed. valued, thus disincentivising the Apart from the cost, lack of real estate developers. mandatory policies and programs However, enhanced brand from local and central governments value and reputation of the comis also affecting the growth of the pany, financial incentives from sector, the report said. regulators, municipal bodies and "Nearly 63 per cent of the re- growing international trend to inspondents believe that lack of vest and reside in green buildings policy enforcement on the part of is likely to drive the growth.

"There is an urgent need for all stakeholders like developers, financial institutions, fund managers, architecture firms, construction material manufacturers and large pro-sustainability conglomerates to come together to build and increase awareness on the tangible and intangible benefits of green buildings," it said. -PTI

Tata to invest Rs 300cr on Chennai project NEW DELHI: Tata Housing will invest Rs 300 crore on developing a new housing project near Chennai. The project 'Santorini', spread over 18 acres, comprises 1,000 housing units. Located on Chennai-Bangalore highway at Sriperumbudur, the project will be developed by its subsidiary Tata Value Homes Ltd. Tata Housing in a statement said it would "invest Rs 300 crore in Chennai's first Spanish themed township". Prices of the apartments are in the range of Rs 24-52 lakh, depending upon the size.-PTI

Bhopal, Indore join big housing boom league INDORE: There's good news employment generation." Another for the real estate sector in builder, Sunil Agrawal, said, "GovMadhya Pradesh. While the hous- ernment has been forcing us to ing boom in big Indian cities has provide housing to people living taken a beating, tier-II cities like below poverty line. This is diffiBhopal and Indore have bucked cult as our cost is rising by the the trend, according to the Hous- day. Hence, through the index, we ing Start Up Index (HSUI). will be able to convince the govHSUI is an indicator of volume of construction in the housing sec- The trend changed in tor in certain period 2009. Between 2010 and covering 27 cities 2011, most permits were across India. In Indore, most per- issued for multiple house mits issued between units (MHUs). 2007 and 2009 were for single house units (SHUs). The trend changed in ernment to spare us." 2009. Between 2010 and 2011, most A Bhopal-based real estate depermits were issued for multiple veloper, Neeraj Macker, said, house units (MHUs). Bhopal too "HSUI will act as an indicator is witnessing a robust increase in which will help us know which city construction activities, the HSUI has greater demand for housing report stated. and under which price-band." The development will not only Another Bhopal-based realtor, help consumers but those in the Manoj Meek said, "HSUI report realty sector as well. An Indore- will help government assess that based real estate developer, Kunal which kind of benefits should be Jhaveri said, "These indices will given to the sector. Also, it will be able to convince the govern- help government frame better poliment about the importance of the cies for us. It will help us get infrarealty industry and its scope for structure status to the industry."

Hinduja group plans investment in real estate GREATER NOIDA: Looking for opportunities in India despite economic slowdown, diversified Hinduja Group has said it would invest a billion dollars (about Rs 6,200 crore) across sectors like real estate and media. "We are looking for various opportunities. Recession is the time when you can break opportunities to invest," Hinduja Group India Chairman A P Hinduja told reporters on the sidelines of Auto India here. "We are looking at various different sectors for investment

which we are offered by various investment bankers. Very soon you would see that we may target few more investments," he said. When asked as to how much could be the amount of investments, he said: "Over all investment will be about a billion dollar." He did not share a timeframe for these investments. On sectors where the group plans to make these investments, he said it could cover real estate, health sector, media, power and others.

India Post

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February 14, 2014

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MATRIMONIALS BRIDE-GROOM WANTED

PROFILE OF OUR SON KAPIL ARORA Dear Parents, We are inviting a matrimonial alliance from a respectable family for our son who is currently working as a Manager in a Big 4 Consulting company .He is handsome ,fair ,5'7'' tall and is having a cheerful disposition. He is honest with good values and is currently residing in San Jose California. He is having excellent credentials and is a Mechanical Engineer from M.I.T., Manipal and M.B.A (Marketing and Finance) from Symbiosis (SCMHRD) , Pune He is earning a handsome salary and his current remuneration would be gross USD 160 K /annum His Birth and Family details are as under: Birth details: Date: Feb-11-1976 Time: 3:38 PM Place: Delhi Marital Status: Divorced Family Details: Self: Retired Ex Senior Civil Service Officer (KAS) J&K and is in social service. Wife: A Post Graduate running her own educational institution in Jammu. She hails from Delhi and settled in Jammu post marriage. Elder Brother :Orthodontist by profession happily married and blessed with 2 kids (son and a daughter) and is residing in Vancouver Canada . Daughter in Law: M.Sc. Physics (Hons.) - She is working in Vancouver Canada and is also a home maker. We are a small family of 6 members who are very closely knitted, God fearing people with high moral values having properties in Jalandhar, Delhi and Jammu. Our relatives are well educated, professionals and into business in Delhi and Chandhigarh. We are a family of rich values and looking forward for a good human being as a life partner for our son. In case you find it suitable, kindly mail the particulars of your daughter along with her photograph Contact Details:

greetings1102@gmail.com; kaparo@gmail.com Regards,

MRS & MR D.P ARORA

US No : +1 408 438 3399, 408 809 2067 India no :+91 96223 03596

Philosophy

February 14, 2014

India Post 53

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Page Sponsored by Sahanis ECKHART TOLLE

ords, no matter whether they are vocalized and made into sounds or remain unspoken as thoughts, can cast an almost hypnotic spell upon you. You easily lose yourself in them, become hypnotized into implicitly believing that when you have attached a word to something, you know what it is. The fact is: You don't know what it is. You have only covered up the mystery with a label. Everything, a bird, a tree, even a simple stone, and certainly a human being, is ultimately unknowable. This is because it has unfathomable depth. All we can perceive, experience, think about, is the surface layer of reality, less than the tip of an iceberg. Underneath the surface appearance, everything is not only connected with everything else, but also with the Source of all life out of which it came. Even a stone, and more easily a flower or a bird, could show you the way back to God, to the Source, to yourself. When you look at it or hold it and let it be without imposing a word or mental label on it, a sense of awe, of wonder, arises within you. Its essence silently communicates itself to you and reflects your own essence back to you. This is what great artists sense and succeed in conveying in their J. KRISHNAMURTI

school is a place of learn ing and so it is sacred. The temples, churches and mosques are not sacred for they have stopped learning. They believe; they have faith and that denies entirely the great art of learning, whereas a school like those to which this letter is sent, must be entirely devoted to learning, not only about the world around us, but essentially about what we human beings are, why we behave the way we do, and the complexity of thought. Learning has been the ancient tradition of man, not only from books, but about the nature and structure of the psychology of a human being. As we have neglected this entirely, there is disorder in the world, terror, violence and all the cruel things that are taking place. We have put the world's affairs first and not the inner. The inner, if it is not understood, educated and transformed, will always overcome the outer, however well organized it may be politically, economically and socially. This is a truth which many seem to forget. We are trying politically, legally and socially to bring order in the outer world in which we are living, and inwardly

art. Van Gogh didn't say: "That's just an old chair." He looked, and looked, and looked. He sensed the Beingness of the chair. Then he sat in front of the canvas and took up the brush. The chair itself would have sold for the equivalent of a few dollars. The painting of that same chair today would fetch in excess of $25 million. When you don't cover up the world with words and labels, a

to disentangle your sense of I, of Beingness, from all the things it has become mixed up with, that is to say, identified with. The quicker you are in attaching verbal or mental labels to things, people, or situations, the more shallow and lifeless your reality becomes, and the more deadened you become to reality, the miracle of life that continuously unfolds within and around you. In this way, cleverness may be gained, but wisdom

sic sounds produced by the vocal cords. They are the vowels a, e, i, o, u. The other sounds are consonants produced by air pressure: s, f, g, and so forth. Do you believe some combination of such basic sounds could ever explain who you are, or the ultimate purpose of the universe, or even what a tree or stone is in its depth? The word "I" embodies the greatest error and the deepest truth, depending on how it is

Even a stone, flower or bird can show you way to God The word "I" embodies the greatest error and the deepest truth, depending on how it is used. In normal everyday usage, "I" embodies the primordial error, a misperception of who you are, an illusory sense of identity. Eckhart Tolle

sense of the miraculous returns to your life that was lost a long time ago when humanity, instead of using thought, became possessed by thought. A depth returns to your life. Things regain their newness, their freshness. And the greatest miracle is the experiencing of your essential self as prior to any words, thoughts, mental labels, and images. For this to happen, you need

is lost, and so are joy, love, creativity, and aliveness. They are concealed in the still gap between the perception and the interpretation. Of course we have to use words and thoughts. They have their own beauty - but do we need to become imprisoned in them? Words reduce reality to something the human mind can grasp, which isn't very much. Language consists of five ba-

used. In normal everyday usage, "I" embodies the primordial error, a misperception of who you are, an illusory sense of identity. This illusory sense of self is what Albert Einstein referred to as "an optical illusion of consciousness." Excerpted from chapter 'Ego: The Current State of Humanity' in 'A New Earth.' www.Jodilley.com. The 66th birth anniversary of Eckhart Tolle will be observed on February 16

we are confused, uncertain, anxious and in conflict. Without inward order there will always be danger to human life. What do we mean by order? The universe in the supreme sense has known no disorder. Nature, however terrifying to man, is always in order. It becomes disordered only when human beings interfere with it and it is only man who seems to

ture, the clouds, the winds, the animals and the rivers? We must learn what is disorder and what is order. Disorder is essentially conflict, self-contradiction and division between becoming and being. Order is a state in which disorder has never existed. Disorder is the bondage to time. Time to us is very important. We live in the past, in past memories,

ited must be ever in conflict. The past is knowledge derived from experience, action and psychological responses. This knowledge, of which one may be conscious or not aware, is the very nature of man's existence. So the past becomes all-important, whether it be tradition, experience or remembrance with its many images. But all knowledge,

be from the beginning of time in constant struggle and conflict. The universe has its own movement of time. Only when man has ordered his life, will he realize the eternal order. Why has man accepted and tolerated disorder? Why does whatever he touches decay, become corrupt and confused? Why has man turned from the order of na-

past hurts and pleasures. Our thought is the past. It is always modifying itself as a reaction to the present, projecting itself into the future, but the deep-rooted past is always with us and this is the binding quality of time. We must observe this fact in ourselves and be aware of its limiting process. That which is lim-

your actions be influenced by your fears. - Arthur Koestler We should not fret for what is past, nor should we be anxious about the future; men of discernment deal only with the present moment. - Chanakya A person's fears are lighter when the danger is at hand. - Lucius Annaeus Seneca Fear is static that prevents me from hearing myself. - Samuel Butler Fear makes us feel our humanity. - Benjamin Disraeli We fear things in proportion to our ignorance of them. - Christian Nestell Bovee

The inner, if not understood, will always overcome the outer What do we mean by order? The universe in the supreme sense has known no disorder. Nature, however terrifying to man, is always in order. It becomes disordered only when human beings interfere with it

Courage is never to let

J. Krishnamurti

whether in the future or the past, is limited. There can be no complete knowledge. Knowledge and ignorance go together. In learning about this is order. Excerpted from Letters to the Schools Volume 2, 15th December 1981. The 28th death anniversary of J. Krishnamurti will be observed on February 17.

I have learned over the years that when one's mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear. - Rosa Parks Love is what we were born with. Fear is what we learned here. - Marianne Williamson

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February 14, 2014

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The failed case for India to be 'cunning' India Post

PR CHARI

an India be Cunning was the deliberately provocative title given by Kishore Mahbubani to his K. Subrahmanyam Memorial lecture on March 4. In a way the title was in line with K. Subrahmanyam's personality which, as all those who knew him, would vouch, was highly individualistic, assertive, and combative. Mahbubani was aware that this title would arouse curiosity, and was at great pains to explain himself. Mahbubani argued that cunning was not a negative concept, but meant to convey that it would best serve India's interests in the emerging multipolar world. India's earlier adherence to ideologies like anti-imperialism, anticolonialism, or nonalignment had adequately served its national interests in the post-World War II and Cold War years, but was now passĂŠ. In fact, India should, hark back to the Mahabharata that did not eschew, but deified, cunning if it served the larger national interests. Thereafter, Mahbubani explained how and why countries, especially the major powers, are cunning; suggested that India is "sail(ing) into a geopolitical sweet spot", but could sail through without exploiting this situation; while finally suggesting how India could become more cunning. That great powers are cunning to achieve these national interests hardly require any belaboring. The United States has set itself forth as a "beacon of freedom and liberty" while supporting the most hideous dictatorships and autocracies. Similarly, other major powers "given a choice between national interests and moral causesâ&#x20AC;Ś put national interests first." Mahbubani noted that China had defused the Taiwan Straits crisis in the late fifties by isolating Taiwan while cultivating the Taiwanese people. Thereby, trade and travel between China and Taiwan has increased manifold, while the possibility of conflict has receded. How could India exploit its "sweet spot" situation in the emerging multipolar world? Mahbubani argued that China's

rise was of concern to the United States, Japan, Europe and Russia; hence they wished to cultivate India as a potential 'balancer', appreciating its growing national power. Mahbubani advised that India should "also (be) developing equally close relations with China, especially on the trade and economic front. " No doubt, developing close relations with China would serve India's interests. But, China's hostility to India was evident. It had laid claims to Arunachal Pradesh, activated the Sino-Indian border

Kishore Mahbubani

by intrusions; given military and nuclear assistance to Pakistan to confront India and so on. It could therefore be argued with considerable felicity that India's best interests lay in seeking an equable relationship with China, but in countering its policy to keep India off-balance by deepening its (India's) relations with the major powers that are concerned with China's far-frompeaceful rise. Further, China's current foreign policy activism in the East and South China Sea is uniting its neighbors in Northeast, East, and Southeast Asia against itself. Moreover, the US pivot towards Asia seeks to checkmate China by aligning with its estranged neighborhood, which includes India. There is no reason why India should eschew the possibilities of exploiting this situation to serve its best interests. How India could also use cunning? This part of Mahbubani's talk was most disappointing and revealed a startling naivetĂŠ. He argued that India should state that it will not accept the decisions of the UN Security Council unless the membership of the Council was reviewed. Having thrown

down the gauntlet in this fashion India should abandon its G 4 partners, Germany, Brazil and Japan that are also seeking permanent membership in the Security Council. He favored, instead, a 7-7-7 formula to achieve UN Security Council reform. This formulation envisages a Security Council having seven permanent seats, seven semi-permanent seats, and seven elected seats to replace the current 15-member set up. Allocation of permanent and semi-permanent membership would be based on a country's share of the global GNP, or its share of global population. Thereby, the seven permanent members would be the United States, China, Russia, one seat for the European Union, Brazil, India, and Nigeria. It requires no great perspicacity to discover that this proposal going nowhere, since Britain and France the present permanent members of the Security Council - are unlikely to pass a self-denying ordinance against themselves. Mahbubani went further by advocating that India use cunning in dealing with Pakistan adopting the Chinese strategy towards Taiwan. Hence, India should distinguish its government-to-government relations from its people-topeople relations. India could also use the "soft power" of Bollywood to win the hearts and minds of Pakistani citizens. He seemed oblivious to the convoluted nature of estranged India-Pakistan relations, the dominance of its military over its foreign and national security apparatus, or the practical obstacles in improving people-to-people relations like the restrictive visa regime, and the severely controlled trade relationship - all functioning under the baleful glare of the security and intelligence agencies in the two countries. All in all, Mahbubani would have done well to recollect the ancient wisdom that things can be simplified, but they cannot be over-simplified. That applies to the complex international and regional problems that are currently excoriating the international system.

The Alternative?

he Indian Parliament is once again unable to function and one man who is expected to control it, the Prime Minister, seems to have already abdicated. He is not to be seen where his intervention could make a difference. That being the state of Congress government at the Center, it is not surprising that little hope is being held out for it in the forthcoming elections. In the vacuum created by the Congress disinclination to govern, Narendra Modi has become the single most attractive politician who the people think can deliver. Attracting unprecedented crowds at his recent rallies in the North East, he asked the people what have they gained by sending Manmohan Singh as prime minister from there. If he failed to ensure the development of northeast, though he represented Assam for 23 years in the Rajya Sabha, what will he do for the nation, he asked. Is the road then all clear for Narendra Modi to the New Delhi gaddi? No. The so-called "anarchist" party is waiting to waylay him. Arvind Kejriwal is least interested in continuing as chief minister of Delhi. He has challenged the Congress, which supports his government with its eight MLAs, to help pass the Janlokpal Bill failing which he will tender the resignation of his government. He has already filed an FIR against the former chief minister of Delhi Shiela Dixit over the alleged corruption awarding some contracts during the Commonwealth games. If the Janlokpal Bill is passed, many of the former high political dignitaries will face corruption cases and could land in jail. The Congress will in no way allow the Bill to be passed. Even the BJP, which rules the Delhi municipal corporations, will be in trouble. So the two parties are citing "due process" and laying out other traps to derail the AAP move. And since this confrontation is close to the blow up, we can expect Arvind Kejriwal to free himself from the onerous Delhi duties. The AAP ideologue Yogendra Yadav has already declared that the next target of his party is Narendra Modi and his party. Having dismissed Rahul Gandhi and Congress as no contest, he says people are rushing to Narendra Modi because they see no other alternative. And Modi, in his view, is no alternative. He has been shielding corrupt ministers and even those who have criminal cases against them. His party is waiting to see if it is in a position to stake serious claims. It will then fight the elections under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal. The AAP is preparing the ground to jettison its Delhi government responsibilities. It has already made a list of the charges against Narendra Modi and there are some new ones apart from the most hurled 2002 riots and his responsibility for them. Yadav referred to the unprecedented rise in the fortunes of the Adani group because of its proximity to Modi. Also he wondered why was the BJP and Modi silent on the "biggest scam" involving the Ambanis - that of gas pricing. Kejriwal in a separate interview outlined his party's plans to put up candidates in Lok Sabha constituencies from where "corrupt" candidates of other parties are contesting. The aim he said was not to form a government but make it difficult for corrupt people to get elected.

February 14, 2014

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