IndiaPost_02-22-2013 by Ghanshyam Bisht

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Daughters accept dad's Grammy Details on page 48

Ten billionaires in Gulf Indians rich list Details on page 13

US starts using Pakistan route for pullout

VOL 18, No. 962

February 22, 2013

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Periodical Postage

FOR & AGAINST MODI DEBATE HOTS UP

India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: Ever since his inspiring address before an admiring crowd of students of a leading commerce college here pitching for development instead of vote bank politics, the for and against Modi debate has reached a high pitch in the country. Every newspaper and TV channel has come up with Narendra Modi vs Rahul Gandhi comparisons and de-

Narendra Modi

bates continue on the competence or otherwise of the two prospective prime minister candidates for 2014. While Congress party Vice President Rahul Gandhi doesn't seem to have even started in the race, Modi is beginning to get endorsements from foreign countries including the European Union, Britain, Canada, Germany and Japan. See pages 5-7 for latest on the for and against Modi debate.

Congressman Peter Roskam

Roskam selected Co-Chair of India Caucus Details on page 8

Rao thanks Royce for leadership Details on page 8

India-focused US entities' big lobbying bill

Details on page 9 Details on page 12

Furor over Yasin sharing dais with Saeed

Ambani named Chair of BAT India panel

Details on page 10

Details on page 12

'Indians spy on partners, stalk ex's online'

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

Details on page 9

Community Post -------------- 16-24 Date Book -------------------------- 27

INDIA POST SURVEY

Edit Page --------------------------- 54 HealthScience Post --------- 32-36

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Horoscope ------------------------- 52

This week’s question

Immigration Post ------------- 44-46

Will Modi survive the onslaught against him?

Life Style ----------------------- 48-50 Philosophy ------------------------- 53

Last week’s result

Should the GOP compromise on health & immigration ? YES 39%

NO 61%

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

LEARNING DEMOCRACY: Ninety-six MPs of the Upper House of Afghanistan Parliament attending the five day training

Real Estate -------------------- 30-31

program organized for them in the Parliament library building in New Delhi on February 11

TechBiz Post ------------------- 12-15 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 39-43

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February 22, 2013

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February 22, 2013

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Publisher’s Diary

here are certain issues in civil society, debates over which never end. There's just no right or wrong in those debates because much as it has got to do with law, it is the very ambiguity of circumstance and the impossibility of qualifying human motivation that make judgments presumptuous. Like, capital punishment. How is one to decide if a killer should be killed as a punishment? How is one to decide how much a woman's honor is worth in order to punish someone who violates it by raping her and then killing her as if that body is of no use to anyone anymore? Is the honor of a nation greater than that of a woman who has been brutally raped and killed, for the perpetrators of one crime to deserve death and the other just 20 years of life in prison? Is the actual commitment of the crime greater or lesser than the motivation to commit that crime? Shouldn't Afzal Guru have been hanged to death for waging a war against the very symbol of India's democracy - its Parliament? India is being condemned by rights organizations for the recent hangings of Ajmal Kasab and Afzal Guru - one who was seen actually gunning innocent people down in a railway station in Mumbai; and the other whom the Supreme Court has found to have plotted the Parliament attack, beyond doubt. One way or the other, these men needed to be punished, so why is there such a hue and cry about how they were punished and when? I am not advocating anything here - neither death nor pardon nor even a considered judgment for heinous crimes. Why is it that one kind of punishment seems so right for one kind of crime and so wrong for a similar crime under different circumstances? The only rationale for that seems to me is that if we can accept that no two crimes are the same even if they are similar, no two judgments can be the same even if the considerations are similar.

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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Meek cash Mika Singh was detained at the Mumbai airport for allegedly carrying currency beyond permissible limit as per rules.

Cover Story: Modi debate Ever since his inspiring address before students in Delhi, the for and against Modi debate has reached a high pitch.

Community: Artesia R-Day Indian Community of Southern California celebrated India's Republic Day in a grand way at the Haveli Restaurant, Artesia.

Health: healthcare dilemma A decision to return a federal healthcare grant came days after a prominent conservative encouraged officials to reconsider.

Life Style: Posthumous honor Two months after his demise, sitar legend Ravi Shankar was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Grammy award.

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February 22, 2013

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Vote-bank politics has ruined the nation: Modi NEW DELHI: Ignoring protests outside, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi used a college platform to project himself nationally saying his focus was on development politics and not that of vote-bank, which he said has "ruined" the nation. As protesters opposed to his visit clashed with police outside the Shri Ram College of Commerce here, he sought to commend the Gujarat model of governance to the rest of the country. Modi, who is being projected by some BJP leaders as a Prime Ministerial candidate, contended that there was a sense of despondency all over the country and exuded confidence that the situation can be changed. "There is a sense of despondency in the country. People feel nothing would change here. All are thieves, everything they do is waste. People consider it a curse to be born in India. They want to leave the country soon after completing their studies," Modi said delivering the Shri Ram Memorial Oration. His extempore speech was telecast live by news channels. "But my thought is different. I am Chief Minister for a fourth term and based on my experience, with the same law, same Constitution, same rules and regulations, same officers, same people, same files, we can move forward. We can do a lot. I am confident that we can change things," he said. "This nation is being ruined by vote bank politics. This nation requires development politics. If we switch to politics of development, we will soon be in a position to bring about lasting change and progress," Modi said. Outside the college, students carrying placards like 'Killer Modi', 'Go Back Modi' opposed the invitation by the College to Modi. They tried to break the police cordon and were batoncharged. In a swipe at Congress, Modi said the growing strength of the country's youth was considered by some politicians as only "newage voters" and said India's situation will not change like this. "I am concerned that a section of the society, especially people of the political class, in their minds consider India's youth as only new-age voters and I don't think we can change the situation like this. I would like that India should accept them as newage power and not just new-age voters," he said. Speaking in Hindi on 'Emerging business models in the global scenario', Modi said the na-

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendera Modi waves to students at the annual Shri Ram Memorial Oration as part of Shri Ram College of Commerceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s management festival

tion can progress by following 'Gujarat model' based on P2G2 (Pro-people good governance) principle. The Gujarat Chief Minister said India needs to be branded globally as it was one of the youngest nations in the world, having 65 per cent of its population below the age of 35. He said the youth were the strength of the nation and if utilized properly, India can lead the world in coming times. Citing a question posed to him by an Ambassador, Modi said there are two major challenges before India - how to use the opportunities, and how to utilize national resources. "I said how to use opportunity. 65 per cent of the population is below 35 years of age. Europe has grown old, China is

old, but India is young. But unfortunately, we have not been able to utilize such a big demographic opportunity. "Our country is not poor. We have vast resources, see eastern India is full of them. But we are unable to use that.

Outside the college, students carrying placards like 'Killer Modi', 'Go Back Modi' opposed the invitation by the College to Modi. They tried to break the police cordon and were baton-charged

We are unable to utilize the opportunity," Modi said. He said Gujarat has developed its model on three areas - agriculture, industry and services sector - and there should be even development in all the three areas. "If there is problem in one, the other two should support so that growth doesn't stop," he said. Modi exhorted the youth to take charge, asking them to go ahead and help the nation develop despite all the negative things. He termed the nation's youth as "mouse-charmers", saying the country was no longer considered as a snake-charmer. Picking up a glass of water, he said an optimist would say the glass is half full, while a pessimist would say it is half empty. "I have a third point of view.

For me the glass is always full -half with water and half with air. We can turn over the situation," he said. Expressing optimism that the 21th century belonged to India, going by the strength of knowledge and youth that the country has, he said stress should be on skill development, scaling up projects and completing them up speedily. "The whole world says 21st century is India's century. Some say it is Asia's century, while some also say it is China's century. I am confident that 21st century can be India's century as knowledge is supreme," he said. Citing Gujarat's mantra of success that can be emulated by the country for speedy progress, he said the focus should be on the manufacturing sector by making zero-defect products with good packaging. Modi said Gujarat gave primary attention to agriculture, recording over 10 per cent growth in the sector when the country was not even crossing 2.5 per cent growth. "For 20 years, the country has been setting target of 4 per cent for agriculture but it crumbles at 2.5 per cent," he said, adding that in spite of being a desert state Gujarat's water table was rising while that of the country was going down. Talking about the state's textile policy, he said, "We have focused from farm to fiber, fiber to fabric, fabric to fashion and fashion to forex." Touting the recent 'Vibrant Gujarat Summit' which accepted the global relevance of Gujarat with the presence of 121 nations there, Modi said, "When the world sees this, they infuse confidence that we can do." -PTI

Modi invited to attend European Parliament in Brussels AHMEDABAD: After European Union ended over a decadelong boycott of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, lawmakers from the region have invited him to attend the European Parliament in Brussels in November, according to a post on his blog "The lawmakers invited Modi to attend the European Parliament in Brussels in November this year. The Parliament will be attended by representatives of over 27 nations. There is also an invitation to attend the European Business Meet in Brussels later this year," Modi's blog said. The Chief Minister had an online interaction with the European lawmakers who were attending the 10th

corporate culture and spirituality India conference in Bangalore, according to the blog post.

The lawmakers appreciated Gujarat's development and congratulated Modi for making the

state vibrant. According to the post, during the interaction, Modi highlighted various initiatives taken by the Gujarat government for environment protection. He told them that Gujarat is the first state in India and among the four states in the world to have a separate department on climate change. Briefing the lawmakers about Gujarat's advances in solar energy, Modi told them about Asia's largest solar park in Charanka in Patan district and about state government's roof-top solar policy. The post also spoke of Gujarat's work in other forms of renewable energy, including wind energy. -PTI

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February 22, 2013

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2002 riots were unfortunate, Modi tells EU envoys NEW DELHI: European Union, which has ended over a decadeold boycott of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, has been told by him that the 2002 riots in the state were unfortunate. Modi took the unusual step of driving to Germany embassy here

bassador Joao Cravinho went public recently. Steiner told reporters that he had always maintained that Germany had no intention of interfering in Gujarat Assembly elections and that it will take a "fresh look" after the election results.

Narendra Modi with EU representative

to a luncheon meeting with envoys and representatives of several European Union member countries that was hosted by German Ambassador Michael Steiner. The meeting remained undisclosed for one month till EU Am-

"That is exactly what we were doing and part of it is to talk directly to Chief Minister Modi. India is a democracy. We respect democratic institutions. We respect election results in India and we have full trust in its judicial

system. Because of this respect and trust, we are now in a new phase," the German Ambassador said. However, he refused to give further details of the meeting but other sources in the know said, during the January 7 meeting with EU delegation, Modi said he will abide by the judicial verdict and that these events were unfortunate. Modi is also understood to have said that everything should be done to avoid such events. Asked if the EU, which has boycotted Modi for over 10 years after the riots, was softening up, Cravinho said, "The accountability of what happened in 2002, I think is the matter that is of interest to Indians and is of interest for people around the world." He said that in India, there is a certain amount of emotion attached to what happened in 2002. "And it is a matter that we will follow with great interest...," he said. Referring to last year's verdict by a Gujarat court convicting BJP legislator Maya Kodnani and

Modi demands high speed rail provisions in budget AHMEDABAD: Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi has said seriousness on implementation of high speed rail (HSR) should reflect in the railway budget and provisions for the same should be there to provide an impetus to the ambitious project. "In the forthcoming budget of Centre, I expect that some seriousness should reflect on this (HSR)...some provision should be there for HSR in the budget and then things would start connecting," Mr Modi said while delivering keynote remarks at the second HSR seminar organized in India by Japan here. "If the GoI takes an initiative, Gujarat government shall never be behind. The state will not shy from making its contribution to this prestigious project and shall provide all sort of financial and logistics support to it," he said. A project steering group under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has been formed, which is trying to evolve an appropriate financial model for HSR implementation. Mr Modi said out of the HSR corridors identified in India, Ahmedabad-Mumbai-Pune was the most economically viable one and in the backdrop of Gujarat's key role in Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), it would be

prudent to speed up its implementation. "Amongst the six high speed corridors identified in country, Ahmedabad-Mumbai-Pune seemed to be most economically viable one," Mr Modi said. The second seminar on HSR in India was organized by the Ministry of Land Infrastructure,

‘If the GoI takes an initiative, Gujarat government shall never be behind. The state will not shy from making its contribution to this prestigious project and shall provide all sort of financial and logistics support to it’ Transport and Tourism (MLIT), Japan, in association with Ministry of Railways, Government of Gujarat and CII. "Since 1980, HSR has remained confined to thought level only, now it should speed up. We all know that Western Railway (WR) is the most revenue earning region

for Indian Railways, and within WR the maximum income comes from Ahmedabad," Mr Modi told the Japanese gathering. "It signifies that Gujarat has been contributing to railways right from beginning and indirectly to Government of India through the railways," Mr Modi said, adding that HSR corridor would be remunerative in the sector. Japan is among the few countries vying for HSR corridors project, which is part of Indian Railways Vision 2020. Indian Railways had set up a High Speed Rail Corporation of India in July 2012 for the implementation of HSR in India. The pre-feasibility studies have been done for HSR corridors, Pune-Mumbai-Ahmedabad (650 km), Delhi-Agra-Varanasi Lucknow-Patna (990 km), Howrah-Haldia (135 km), Hyderabad -Bhilwada-Chennai (664 km). "Around 15 countries in the world have done major work on HSR and each one of them has evolved a system, technology and financial models in its own way...So after studying each one of them we can learn a lot and eventually develop our own model, which can be sustainable," Mr Modi said.-PTI

Bajrang Dal leader Babu Bajrangi along with 30 others for their role in the Naroda Patia riots, the Ambassador said, Indian justice might be slow but delivers. "Some months ago, there was end of one part of judicial process which shows that justice in India may be slow but it produces results. And that has helped to look towards closure of what everybody agrees is very very terrible set of events," he told a select

these countries that he is a player at the national level. Last October, Britain, a member of the EU, had ended its decade-long boycott of Gujarat when its High Commissioner to India James Bevan met Modi to mark a "cordial beginning" to fresh ties, with the two discussing opportunities for greater economic cooperation. In the first engagement with Gujarat in 10 years after it snapped

Asked if the EU, which has boycotted Modi for over 10 years after the riots, was softening up, Cravinho said, "The accountability of what happened in 2002, I think is the matter that is of interest to Indians and is of interest for people around the world.” group of journalists. According to the sources, EU countries feel this is the right time to engage with Modi, who has been elected third time and has no judicial verdict against him. There is also a feeling among

all ties with the state in the aftermath of the 2002 communal riots, the British High Commissioner met Modi for about 50 minutes, discussing a range of issues, including climate change and investments. -PTI

Canadian delegation meets Modi, explores tie-up possibilities AHMEDABAD: A Canadian business delegation has met Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and discussed possibilities of co-operation in various sectors. The delegation was headed by the Premier of Manitoba province

Gujarat for the agri-engineering education, the release said. Manitoba is a leading province of Canada in sectors such as renewable energy, agro-food processing, port-coastal corridor, aerospace manufacturing, food

A delegation of Canada’s members of parliament called on Gujarat CM Narendra Modi

of Canada, Greg Salinger, an official release said here. Modi talked about the possibilities of partnering with the Canadian province in agro-food processing, defense equipment and aerospace component manufacturing, etc. He also discussed with Salinger co-operation with the Gujarat Maritime Board for port and coastal development projects and with agriculture universities of

security technology and agro engineering. Modi told the delegation that Gujarat will take part in the skillsummit scheduled in Februaryend at Manitoba. Manitoba Chief Secretary Anna Rotheni, Manitoba's Representative Commissioner to India Jagat Shah and Principal Secretary, Industries, Gujarat state M Sahu were also present. -PTI

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February 22, 2013

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Profile: Talented and effective organizer

arendra Damodardas Modi was born into a middle class Hindu family on September 17, 1950 in Vadanagar, Gujarat. He served the Indian Army soldiers in transit during the Indo-Pak war and joined in the service of the floodaffected people in Gujarat in 1967. He joined student organization Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and worked for it as a full-time organizer. He was also involved in the anti-corruption Reconstruction Movement (Navnirman). Later he was nominated as the organization's representative in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He worked with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which is a sociocultural organization that focuses on the social and cultural development of India. Modi did his schooling in Vadnagar and finished a Master's degree in Political Science. He is also quite a poet and has written a large number of poems.

Working under a master strategist like Modi, BJP started gaining political mileage in Gujarat and managed to ascend to power with a two-thirds majority in 1995. Since then, the BJP has been successfully ruling Gujarat. Between 1988 and 1995 Modi was given responsibility to organize major events of national importance like SomnathAyodhyaYatra (led by L.K Advani) and also Kanyakumari-Kashmir Yatra which led to the growth of BJP as the Central Government in 1998. He was appointed as the National Secretary of the party in

Legacy

Career Narendra Modi started his political career in his early ages and spread the ideology of ABVP and worked with the RSS.He carried out important roles in many crucial situations such as the anti-corruption agitation in 1974 and the 19-month long emergency period in 19751977. He stood by the people and fought a spirited battle against the fascist acts of the Indira Gandhi led Central government. Modi entered mainstream politics in 1987 by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party and worked for the Gujarat unit of the party. It was because of his proven talent as an effective organizer that he grew to the post of General Secretary of the party (Gujarat Unit) within a year. He created a strong cadre base for the party in Gujarat, working in partnership with Shankarsingh Vaghela.

religious worship places: 298 dargahs, 205 mosques, 17 temples and 3 churches were destroyed during the riots. As a consequence of the riots, Modi resigned from his position. However, the people of Gujarat still patronized Modi and he came back to power after getting elected again in the state elections. Modi was considered responsible for these riots and the U.S withdrew his visa. The Supreme Court of India on its part appointed a special investigation team to investigate Modi's alleged role in the riots, but the team could not find any evidence against him.

1995 with the charge of five major states in India, which was truly a rare distinction for a young leader and then as the General Secretary of BJP in 1998 up to 2001. In 2001, when Keshubhai Patel was removed from power, BJP chose Narendra Modi as the Chief Minister of Gujarat and from then on, he is the favorite leader of Gujarat people. Gujarat witnessed a major riot in 2002, after the Sabarmati Express train was attacked by a group of Muslims thus leading to a Hindu-Muslim communal riot. These mishaps occurred on 27th February, 2002 at Godhra City and a total of 790 Muslims and 254 Hindus were killed and 223 more people were reported missing. It caused heavy damage to the state including the destruction of

In 2001, when Modi took charge as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, the state was struggling with a shrinking economy because of various reasons including the massive earthquakes of 2001. He put in lot of efforts to restore the state's economy and as a result of his efforts, Gujarat registered a 10% growth rate in his first tenure which was the highest growth rate among Indian states. Gujarat has bagged several awards and was recognized by the world under his leadership. The state of Gujarat won awards like "The UN Sasakawa Award for Disaster Reduction", "Commonwealth Association for Public Administration and Management (CAPAM)" award for innovations in governance, UNESCO award and CSI award for eGovernance to name some.

Awards and accolades Best Chief Minister of the Country (2006) fDi Personality of the Year Award (2009) by fDi Magazine. This award was withdrawn later and awarded to the state of Gujarat instead.

'Antony, Digvijay have potential to be PM' BHOPAL: Former BJP leader Govindacharya has said senior Congress leaders AK Antony and Digvijay Singh have the "potential" to become Prime Minister, but not Narendra Modi or Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi. "In my view, defense minister AK Antony and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Digvijay Singh have potential to become Prime Minister. I am saying this as both have administrative experience to do good work,"

Govindacharya

Govindacharya said. He was speaking to reporters

after attending the All India Electricity Laborers Federation conference here. "I feel both Narendra Modi and Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi are not fit to be the Prime Minister of the country," he said. Replying to a query on the ongoing debate over who could be the BJP's prime ministerial candidate in the 2014 polls, Govindacharya said, "LK Advani could still be the BJP's Prime Ministerial nominee." -PTI

Modi anti-poor, antiwomen: Congress NEW DELHI: Against the backdrop of EU Ambassadors engaging with Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, Congress has dubbed him as "anti-poor and antiwomen" and one "who does not know how to spell agriculture". The party also sought to project BJP as a divided house saying as to why it should waste time to know who is BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate when there were seven contenders in the opposition party. At the AICC briefing, party spokesperson Renuka Chowdhary sidestepped questions on the "clean chit" given to Modi by the European Union and instead asked whether the controversial Chief Minister has got visa from the US. "He has no respect for his own wife or someone else's wife.... He is anti-poor, anti-rural development, anti-women. He lives in urban fantasies... and he does not know how to spell agriculture," Chowdhary said. Asked about the reported statements of JD-U chief Sharad

Yadav implying that the corporates were backing Modi, Chowdhary said that the JD-U leader was intelligent and was not given to making accusation without substantive evidence. The Congress attack came at a time when there has been growing chorus in sections of the BJP

Renuka Chowdhary

and the Sangh Parivar to make Modi as PM candidate of the party and reports of envoys of EU countries having a lunch with Modi as part of efforts to engage with him. Earlier, the AICC had sought to project Modi as a state leader and dismissed suggestion that he had hijacked Rahul Gandhi's agenda of connecting with youth.-PTI

'Why Modi did not own up what happened in Gujarat?' CHENNAI/NEW DELHI: Union minister Manish Tewari has asked Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi why he did not own up "what happened under his watch" in his state instead of allowing the country to be subjected to "homilies" by foreign diplomats. "It has been reported that the European Union ambassadors have told the Gujarat Chief Minister that accountability must be fixed for the Gujarat pogrom," Tewari said. "Why does the Chief Minister not step up and take responsibility for what happened under his watch rather than the country be subjected to homilies by foreign diplomats?" he asked. Tewari also took a swipe at the Gujarat Chief minister in a post on social networking site Twitter.

"EU says accountability for Gujarat Pogrom must be fixed. Does buck not stop with their lunch guest? Ignominious to be reminded by foreigners," Tewari

Manish Tewari

posted. The I&B Minister was apparently referring to media reports that the European Union had stressed on the "accountability" for the 2002 Gujarat riots, while maintaining that the matter was of "interest" to everyone. -PTI

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February 22, 2013

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Roskam selected Co-Chair of India Caucus India Post News Service

WASHINGTON: Congressman Peter Roskam (R-IL) has been selected as the co-chair of the Congressional Caucus of India and Indian Americans for the 113th Congress.

growing economies in the world. "Our countries are linked through our common interest in the democratic process, global security and international prosperity. In my meetings back home with the large Indian-American

gressman Ed Royce (R-CA), now Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said, "It has been a great pleasure to watch the India Caucus grow to become one of the largest in the House. The Caucus is in good hands with

Congressman Peter Roskam, India Caucus Co chair at Congress and BFIA President Sohan Joshi

"It's an honor to play a leading role in the advancement of US-India relations along with my friend Joe Crowley. This caucus has grown to become the largest caucus dedicated to one country in the House, showing the importance of nurturing our ties with one of the largest and fastest

community in my district, there's always a natural connection between their entrepreneurial spirit and our shared values. This caucus has the opportunity to further these priorities and I'm proud to be part of that effort." Commenting on this development, former co-chairman, Con-

Reps. Roskam and Crowley, longtime advocates of close US-India ties. As Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I will continue to work to strengthen relations between the United States and India." Royce will remain an active Caucus member.

Rao thanks Royce for Caucus leadership India Post News Service

WASHINGTON: Indian Ambassador Nirupama Rao has written to Congressman Ed Royce of California thanking him for his leadership of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans. Congressman Royce recently passed the Co-Chairmanship of House India Caucus to Congressman Peter Roskam of Illinois. She said in the letter, "During the time I have served as India's Ambassador to the United States, I have been fortunate to work closely with you on issues of great importance to both our countries. The diversification that has taken place over the past several years in the Global Strategic Partnership between India and the United States is in no small measure attributable to your long association with the India Caucus and the vision and diligence with which you have led it. "The partnership between our two countries is fortunate to enjoy bipartisan support in the U.S. Congress, just as there is a strong consensus for this relationship

across the political spectrum in India. I am thankful for your willingness to work across the aisle and with the large Indian American community in the United States to advance our shared values and common interests." She added, "I am delighted to

Ambassador Nirupama Rao

learn that you will remain actively engaged in the work of the India Caucus. I once again wish you all success in your new and important assignment as the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and look forward to continuing our close cooperation to advance the India-U.S. strategic partnership through the 113thCongress and beyond."

'India needs to address concerns about nuclear liability bill' WASHINGTON: India must address the concerns over its nuclear liability bill to attract international suppliers for the country's civil nuclear program, the US-India Business Council (USIBC) has said. "Ultimately, the issue of nuclear liability will need to be addressed so that both foreign and domestic Indian suppliers can participate fully in the Indian market," USIBC said in a pre-budget memorandum submitted to the Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram. "The US remains committed to the full implementation of the USIndia Civil Nuclear Agreement," the memorandum said. Both GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy and Westinghouse Electric Company are in active technical

and commercial discussions with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and look forward to the conclusion of Early Works Agreements, it added. Other companies across the fuel cycle and supply chain look forward to supporting both the GE Hitachi and Westinghouse projects and contributing to India's robust domestic commercial nuclear program, USIBC said. The industry body, which had played a key role in the passage of the civil nuclear deal by the US Congress appreciated the opportunity to meet with Government officials during a recent senior nuclear industry delegation to India to discuss next steps in the implementation of the Civil Nuclear Agreement. Implementation of the civil

nuclear agreement, signed in 2008 by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the then President

USIBC among other things applauded the decision to allow up to 49 percent direct investment by foreign carriers into Indian scheduled carriers, as well as for liberalizing the import of Aviation Turbine Fuel George W Bush, has been a matter of contention, particularly due to American reservations on India's nuclear liability law.

The US contends that the legislation is not in tune with the IAEA's Convention on Supplementary Compensation thus making it difficult for US companies to start nuclear commerce with India. USIBC among other things applauded the decision to allow up to 49 percent direct investment by foreign carriers into Indian scheduled carriers, as well as for liberalizing the import of Aviation Turbine Fuel, which is one of the largest expenses borne by any operating airline. Raising the FDI limit into Indian carriers will also have a net positive impact on the development of Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO). "We believe carriers will be able to more effectively execute international scheduled routes originating and terminating in In-

dia with an advanced MRO capacity," USIBC said. The American body, representing US companies doing business in India, reiterated its demand to increase the foreign direct investment in the defense sector to 74 percent, to 49 percent in insurance sector from the current 26 percent, and called for reforms in the pension and banking sectors. "We respectfully request that the priority sector lending targets for a foreign bank, whether under a branch or wholly-owned subsidiary structure, be directly correlated to RBIs policy on both national treatment and applicable branch licensing policy," said the 23-page memorandum, a copy of which was obtained by from authoritative sources in the Union Finance Ministry. -PTI

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US starts using Pakistan route 'Indians spy on partners, stalk ex's online' for Afghan pullout ISLAMABAD: Kicking-off the first phase of the American pullout from Afghanistan, US has started using Pakistani land routes to withdraw its military hardware from Afghanistan, with 50 shipping containers moved over the weekend. Two convoys of 25 containers each crossed the Torkham and Chaman border check posts in Pakistan. The containers will be transported to the port city of Karachi to be shipped back to the US. Two US military convoys, hauling 25 shipping containers each, entered Pakistan via the Chaman and Torkham border posts, the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan said. The convoys were "part of the US redeployment of equipment from Afghanistan" and traffic is currently "moving both ways through the Pakistan border, with

material coming in as well as going out", ISAF said. Fawad Khan, an official of the shipping company Bilal Associates, told reporters that his firm had received clearance to move

the US equipment across the border. He said the first convoy of 25 containers cleared by Pakistani customs was on its way to Karachi. Another Pakistani official, who did not want to be named, said another convoy of containers was

expected this week. "It is a huge operation...many more containers will follow," he said. Pakistan will be a key route for the US to withdraw equipment from landlocked Afghanistan as it pulls out most of its troops by the end of 2014. Pakistan closed the route for nearly seven months after a crossborder NATO air strike killed 24 of its soldiers in November 2011. The route was reopened after the US apologized for the deaths. Islamabad has linked the transit of US military cargo with certification that Washington will not transport any hazardous waste or radioactive material. The US is also engaged in talks with Kabul for a security pact that will allow the presence of some troops in Afghanistan after the NATO withdrawal. -PTI

NEW DELHI: Indians are more Facebook (47 per cent) and Twitlikely to check their partner's email ter (6 per cent), which is also the accounts, stalk their ex-partners highest among all countries, the on Facebook and Twitter and survey showed. even post pictures of private moWhile Indians also seem trustments online, compared to their ing of their partners in sharing perglobal counterparts, says a sur- sonal data (66 per cent), nearly half vey by security software maker of them regret doing so post McAfee. The survey titled 'Love, Relationships, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;India had the most number and Technology: When of respondents, who Private Data Gets Stuck in the Middle of a regularly track their partner's Breakup' found 52 per activities on Facebook cent of Indian respondents saying they (49 per cent)â&#x20AC;&#x2122; checked their partner's email and social media accounts occasionally, highest among glo- break-up due to fear of misuse of bal counterparts. photos and messages, the survey "India had the most number of said. respondents, who regularly track "More than 70 per cent of the their partner's activities on polled Indians said they shared Facebook (49 per cent). their mobile content, email acThey even go to the extent of count details (75 per cent) and tracking their partner's ex on bank account details (63 per cent). Facebook (30 per cent) and Twit- Only 4 per cent said they believe ter (4 per cent), highest among all in not sharing any personal dethe countries," it added. tails with their partner, one of the The Indian respondents also lowest figures compared to other stalk their own ex-partners on countries," it said.-PTI

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Yasin sharing dais with Hafiz Saeed creates flutter NEW DELHI: JKLF leader Yasin Malik sharing a dais with LeT Chief and Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed in Pakistan has created a flutter in this country and led to a demand for canceling his Indian passport. Congress spokesman Sandeep Dikshit urged the UPA government to look into the issue which

the chief of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashker-e-Taiba while sitting on a hunger strike in Pakistan, Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said, "I will look into the case." The Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) leader currently on a private visit to Pakistan and Saeed came together to mourn the execution of Afzal and shared the The Jammu and Kashmir dais. Liberation Front (JKLF) leader BJP's Jammu and currently on a private visit to Kashmir unit demanded that the sepaPakistan and Saeed came ratist leader's Indian together to mourn the expassport be cancelled. Tewari said the senecution of Afzal and sitivities with regard to shared the dais Saeed should be kept in mind by people holding was described as "very unfortu- an Indian passport whether they nate" by Union Information and are separatists or nationalists. Broadcasting Minister Manish External Affairs Minister Tewari. Salman Khurshid said he would Responding to queries as to look into the matter after getting whether any action will be taken details from the Home Ministry. against Malik for sharing dais with PTI

Chief of Pak religious group, Jamat-ud-Dawa, Hafiz Saeed (L) with chairman of J&K Liberation Front, Yasin Malik, at a hunger strike camp to protest against hanging of Afzal Guru

Yasin Malik asks Pak not to make hasty decision on Sarabjit ISLAMABAD: Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chief Yasin Malik has asked the Pakistan government not to make any "hasty decision" on Indian death row prisoner Sarabjit Singh in the wake of Afzal Guru's execution. Addressing a gathering of Kashmiri leaders and activists ahead of funeral prayers in absentia in the Pakistani capital for Afzal, Malik said: "I know that some

people are demanding that Sarabjit should be hanged. I urge you to make no such demand. That would amount to the same thing as the murder of Guru." "I ask the government of Pakistan not to make any hasty decision in this regard," he added. Afzal, convicted for his role in the 2001 terrorist attack on the Indian parliament, was hanged and buried in Delhi's Tihar Jail.

In the wake of the execution of Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving Mumbai attacker, and Afzal, some Pakistani groups and media commentators have called for the hanging of Sarabjit. Sarabjit has been on death row in a Pakistani jail since he was convicted for alleged involvement in a string of bomb attacks in Punjab that killed 14 people. His family says he is a victim of mistaken identity. -PTI

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Afzal's family to be allowed in Tiharâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; NEW DELHI: The family of Afzal Guru, who was hanged for his role in the 2001 Parliament attack case, will be allowed to visit his grave inside Tihar jail here, Home Secretary R K Singh has said. "We have no problem if immediate family of Afzal Guru wants to come and offer prayers at his grave in Tihar jail," he told reporters here. Singh was responding to a question on allowing Guru's family to offer prayers at his grave. The Tihar jail authorities will soon take a formal decision on the possible date for Guru's

family to visit the grave. The Home Secretary said all belongings left behind in Tihar jail by Guru will be handed over to

R K Singh

his family. "Belongings of Afzal will be returned to the family," Singh said. Earlier, Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde had said the government will consider any request by the family of Afzal Guru in this regard. "If they want to go (to the grave), it can be considered," Shinde had told a press conference here. The family of 43year-old Afzal had expressed desire to offer at least "fathiah namaz" (prayer at the grave) and take his belongings. -PTI

BJP demands action against Malik for sharing dais with Saeed NEW DELHI: BJP has hit out at the government for allowing JKLF leader Yasin Malik to visit Pakistan where he shared dais with LeT chief and Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed and demanded confiscation of his passport. BJP chief Rajnath Singh urged the Indian government to seriously take immediate cognizance of the incident and use diplomatic channels with Pakistan to ensure that such incidents are not repeated. "Government of India should seriously take immediate cognizance of this incident. India should use diplomatic channels to talk to Pakistan so that such incidents are not repeated. Precautions should also be taken while granting visa to such persons and their activities should be kept under watch," Singh told reporters here. Party spokesperson Prakash Javadekar demanded that the government take immediate action against Malik and his passport be confiscated. "The government needs to come out clean with an action plan. They must arrest, forfeit his passport and take action against Malik and tell the nation. This is a

monumental mistake on the part of the Home Ministry and we will raise at all forums available," said Javadekar. Terming as "really astonishing" Malik's sharing of the dais with Saeed in Pakistan, Javadekar said the whole country was angry over the incident.

BJP chief Rajnath Singh

"It is an anti-India platform. Why the government allowed Malik to go to Pakistan. They must explain. Now, what action they are going to take against him. Because you can't allow Pakistan's anti-India forum to take over and Indian separatists joining there," he said. Javadekar said it was "absolutely unacceptable" that India should allow some separatist leader to go to Pakistan and allow them to talk against the country and join the anti-India propaganda on foreign soil.-PTI

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Italy defense firm chief arrested for India bribes ROME: Italian police has arrested the chief executive of aerospace and defense giant Finmeccanica for corruption and embezzlement in relation to alleged bribes given to the Indian government, media reports said. Giuseppe Orsi had been under investigation for months and had denied any wrongdoing in the deal for the sale of 12 AgustaWestland helicopters to India in 2010. The magistrate in the case also issued an order for the head of AgustaWestland, Bruno Spagnolini, to be put under house arrest.

Giuseppe Orsi

Two suspected intermediaries in the bribes who reside in Switzerland have also been targeted

with extradition requests, Italian media reported. Finmeccanica is not the only Italian industrial giant under investigation. Prosecutors last week announced they were looking at Paolo Scaroni, chief executive of energy major ENI, over allegations of bribes paid to Algerian officials to win contracts there. Italy's third largest bank, Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena, has also been shaken by a series of investigations over mismanagement that has forced it to seek a public bailout. -AFP

Mahindra buys out US-based Navistar's stake NEW DELHI: Auto major Mahindra & Mahindra has said it has completed the entire stake buyout of US based Navistar in two joint ventures - Mahindra Navistar Automotives and Mahindra Navistar Engines. "M&M has completed its purchase of the Navistar Group's stake in Mahindra Navistar Automotives Ltd (MNAL) and Mahindra Navistar Engines Pvt Ltd (MNEPL)," Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd (M&M) and Navistar International Corporation said in a joint statement to the BSE. The deal has received regulatory approval in India and

Mahindra has now taken complete ownership of operations and continues to sell MNAL and MNEPL products, they said. M&M has bought the remaining 49 per cent stake in the joint

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Mahindra remains committed to growing its presence in the Indian commercial vehicle industry with Mahindra's Truck and engine businessesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

venture with US-based Navistar International Corp. Financial details were not disclosed. "Mahindra remains committed to growing its presence in the Indian commercial vehicle industry with Mahindra's Truck and engine businesses continuing to play a critical role in helping us achieve this goal," M&M President Automotive and Farm Equipment Sectors Pawan Goenka said. In December last year, Navistar had announced its intention to exit the joint venture as part of its strategy to focus on strengthening North American core businesses.-PTI

Pak reacts cautiously to Afzal Guru's execution ISLAMABAD: Pakistan reacted cautiously to the execution of Afzal Guru, hanged for his role in the 2001 attack on the Indian parliament, saying it did not want to "go into details" of his trial. Responding to a question regarding the hanging of Guru, Foreign Office spokesman Moazzam Khan said he "would not want to go into details of the trial process". The matter was "being discussed and debated by the media and the human rights organizations", he said in a statement. "However, we reaffirm our solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir and express our serious concern on the high-handed

measures taken by India in the wake of Afzal Guru's execution to suppress the aspirations of Kashmiris by arrests and detention of Hurriyat leaders, curfew, news blackout and other coercive

Kashmiri groups and organizations like the Jamaat-ud-Dawah organized protests in several Pakistani cities against the hanging of Guru

means," Khan said. Pakistan calls for the "lifting of repressive measures and immediate release of Hurriyat leaders", he said. Kashmiri groups and organizations like the Jamaat-ud-Dawah organized protests in several Pakistani cities against the hanging of Guru. Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chief Yasin Malik, currently on a private visit to Pakistan, held a 24-hour hunger strike and demanded that Guru's body be handed over to his family. Rights activists in Pakistan have criticized the execution and questioned the evidence that was used to convict him. -PTI

Free Orthopedic Medical camp held in Tanda, Punjab THAKAR BASATI

LUDHIANA: A free medical weeks and the boy will have norOrthopedic Camp was held at mal foot. If it wasn't for the camp, Tanda, Punjab, India where 13 the boy would be limping all his complete knee and hip replace- life and it would have been imposment surgeries were done. sible to enjoy normal life for him. Over 600 patients were seen in Another great advantage was OPD. Over two dozen minor treat- that local hospital employees and ments were given to people who doctors learnt American way of had chronic pain in their feet, treating patients and improving knees. Dr Richard Goslin, a Retired lives of people. It needs to be Professor from California took two pointed out that all visiting teams Registered Nurses and an Operation Theater Technologist with him. Two Registered Nurses The Camp was funded from Vancouver Canada by Charitable Maheshwar joined him there. The Camp was Foundation from Florida, funded by Charitable USA. It was held at Baba Maheshwar Foundation from Florida, USA. Balwant Singh It was held at Baba Charitable Hospital Balwant Singh Charitable Hospital under the auspices of Baba Gurdial Singh. buy their own tickets to India. The Thakar Singh Basati from Chicago Foundation and hospital provide was the coordinator for free stay, transportation and mediMaheshwar Foundation. cines. The shining moment was the The visitors enjoyed Punjabi treatment of a month and half old delicacies but were surprised the boy who came with club foot. The by number of overweight people. doctors straightened the foot a They has different image of little bit and applied plaster. Punjabi people but were sadLocal orthopedic doctor was dened by the sedentary life style instructed to do it for next six of Punjabis now.

Alert AI crew saves passenger's life India Post News Service

MANGALORE: Air India Express flight IX586 from Sharjah to Trivandrum made an emergency landing at Mangalore International Airport on February 6 after one of its passengers suddenly fell ill. Sources at the airport said that P A Sabu from Trivandrum started vomiting blood during the flight. The captain of the flight and the crew swung into action and immediately asked for medical assistance at Mangalore airport. The pilot made an emergency landing at Mangalore airport at 3.30 pm. As the crew had already alerted the airport officials, ambulance and doctors were ready

when the aircraft landed. The passenger was rushed to Yenepoya hospital in the city, where he is said to be recovering. Air India Express Mangalore manager Melwin D'Silva rushed to the airport and handled the situa-

tion, making all necessary arrangements and informing Sabu's family in Trivandrum. The flight that was supposed to reach Trivandrum at 4.30 pm took off from Mangalore at 5.30 pm.

Tech News Google announces Mapathon 2013

TechBiz

n an initiative to improve the In dian Google Maps, Google has announced the "Google Mapathon" competition. It is the first ever mapping competition being organized in India. Registrations for the competition have begun and will end on March 25. The contest is open to all Indian citizens and there is a prize for those who log on to improve Google maps. The top 1000 mappers in India stand a chance to win Android tablets, smartphones, gift vouchers and Google merchandise. Ones interested in it are required to improve the Map through Google Map Maker. It is a tool to add details to Google Maps via satellite imagery or users' own local knowledge. Once an entry has been submitted to Google, it will be verified and then added to Google Maps. Apart from adding new locations, participants can also update sites that are already listed on Google Maps.

I-T Dept to quiz PAN holders not filing returns NEW DELHI: In a stern warning to those not paying taxes, the Income Tax Department of India has said it is sending letters to 35,170 PAN holders in the first phase for not filing returns and will take appropriate follow up action. There are over 12 lakh PAN (Permanent Account Number) holders who had not filed income tax returns, the Department said, adding it has set up a nodal cell to monitor such cases. "In the first batch, letters are being sent to 35,170 PAN holders by the Directorate of Intelligence and Criminal Investigation...there will be online monitoring system to ensure follow-up action and track return filing and tax payment of the target segment", it said. The high priority cases for action have been identified on the basis of specific 148 codes of information available in Annual Information Returns (AIRs), Central Information Branch (CIB) data and TDS/ TCS returns. The exercise also takes into account the Cash Transaction Reports (CTS) of Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU)-India. The Department said that it has identified "target segment of 12,19,832 non-filers linked to more than 4.7 crore information records. Rule base algorithms have been used to identify high priority cases for follow-up and monitoring". -PTI

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February 22, 2013

President & Chief Executive Officer of Honda Cars India Ltd. Hironori Kanayama during the launch of 4th Generation Honda CR-V in New Delhi on February 12

India-focused US entities' lobbying bill was $212 mn in 2012 WASHINGTON: A handful of about 20 US-based companies and industry bodies spent more than USD 200 million (over Rs 1,000 crore) during 2012 on lobbying among the American lawmakers for their Indian business interests and other issues affecting their businesses globally. The year-end lobbying disclosures of these companies, which are part of the Congressional records with the US Senate and the House of Representatives, come at a time when global retail giant Wal-Mart's lobbying in the US for access to Indian market is being probed by the Indian government. An analysis of thousands of lobby disclosure reports filed by the US-based lobbyists here every quarter shows that India-focused issues figured in the lobbying activities of at least 17 entities during 2012, along with other topics. Together, these 17 entities, which include companies as well as industry bodies, paid a total amount of USD 212 million (about Rs 1,100 crore) to their lobbyists. Among these, entities like Biotechnology Industry Association, Aerospace Industries Association of America, Dell Inc, Alcatel-Lucent, Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, Business Soft-

ware Alliance, Chamber of Commerce of the USA, Pfizer and Colgate Palmolive lobbied for India-focused issues in the last quarter ended December 31, 2012 as well. The Indian government has launched a probe into Wal-Mart's US lobbying for seeking access to India. The retail giant, which also continued to lobby for In-

The Indian government itself has a lobby firm presenting its case with the American lawmakers, while a number of Indian companies and entities also indulge in lobbying activities in the US through their respective lobbyists. During last quarter, the Chamber of Commerce of the USA lobbied for the intellectual property issues related to India and other

The Indian government has launched a probe into Wal-Mart's US lobbying for seeking access to India. The retail giant, which also continued to lobby for Indian market in the last quarter, has spent more than USD 34 million on its various lobbying activities in the US since 2008, when it began lobbying for Indian market access as well dian market in the last quarter, has spent more than USD 34 million on its various lobbying activities in the US since 2008, when it began lobbying for Indian market access as well. Lobbying is a legal activity in the US, but the lobby firms hired by the corporate entities need to make quarterly disclosures about their activities and payments. However, there are no specific regulations about lobbying in India.

countries, as also for Bilateral Investment Treaty negotiations with India, Indo-US economic relations, India's cyber security, and US-India commercial and trade ties. Pfizer, on the other hand, lobbied on issues relating to an Indian Supreme Court decision on generic medicine pricing and issues relating to cancellation of patent in India. Other entities having lobbied for India-related issues earlier in

2012 included computer maker HP, telecom firm Qualcomm, financial services majors like Morgan Stanley and Prudential Financial, as also lobby groups like Financial Executives International, Business Roundtable and Financial Services Forum, as well as consumer goods maker Cargill Inc. Giants like Boeing, AT&T, Starbucks, Lockheed Martin, Eli Lilly and GE have also lobbied in previous years with US lawmakers on "specific lobbying issues" related to India, which include discussions on market opening initiatives and support for sales and business opportunities in the country. One of the most active entities with India-related lobbying issues in 2012 was Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers with its opposition to the regulation of carbon dioxide emissions in the US until India along with China and Russia implement similar reductions. Besides, insurance major Prudential Financial has been lobbying for "Indian financial market access and equity ownership issues". Like the government decision to open FDI in retail, a proposal to increase FDI cap in insurance sector is also being vehemently opposed by various political parties. -PTI

Ambani appointed Chair of BAT India Advisory Council LONDON: Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries, has been appointed the Chair of India Advisory Council of British Asian Trust (BAT). Prince Charles made the announcement at Windsor Castle at a gathering to celebrate the 5th Anniversary of the British Asian Trust, a charity founded in 2007 by British Asian business leaders. "It is a privilege to be working with an organization that understands the importance of genuine impact and sustainability. I am confident that

Mukesh Ambani

the work we will undertake together will make a lasting and a big difference," Ambani said in a release. The British Asian Trust has worked with South Asian NGOs to touch the lives of one million disadvantaged people by tackling various issues, including mental health, child abuse and providing business qualifications for illiterate rural women. The India Advisory Council will provide the British Asian Trust with further in-country insight and further assist with their rigorous selection of future projects, the release said. -PTI

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February 22, 2013

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Ten billionaires in Gulf Indians rich list DUBAI: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have 10 Indian billionaires, according to a new survey. According to the first-ever GCC Indian Rich List published by financial weekly magazine 'Arabian Business', Landmark Group founder Micky Jagtiani who once worked as a London cab driver topped the list with an estimated wealth of USD 4.5 billion. The top 50 between them are worth USD 40.2 billion, with their average wealth at USD 1.57 billion. Jagtiani was ahead of food magnate Feroz Allana at USD 4.3 billion, with legendary Dubaibased investor Ragu Kataria placed third on USD 2.5 billion. The top five included EMKE Group's Yussuf Ali on USD 2.2 billion and BR Shetty on USD 1.9 billion. The highest ranked woman on the list was Jumbo Electronics boss Vidya Chhabria

occupied the eighth place with a wealth of USD 1.4 billion. "The contribution and success

people on the list - such as Micky Jagtiani and Yussuf Ali - are self made, starting with absolutely

Micky Jagtiani

of the Indian community in this region is nothing short of remarkable, and our list fully reflects that. What is fascinating is many

nothing. Their stories are an inspiration to all of us," Arabian Business Editor Ed Attwood said. -PTI

Aspiration of countrymen will ensure growth: Ambani

ANERT plans 10,000 roof-top solar panels in Kerala

NEW DELHI: Reposing faith in and European Union and the US. India's vibrant democracy, Reli"I think that China is maintainance Industries' (RIL) Chairman ing steady growth, it is not decelMukesh Ambani exuded optimism erating. Europe has found its own over the country's long-term transition path and they will transgrowth saying its 100 billion people, each one of whom is a part of the system, will ensure Stating that the India story is prosperity with their as- a "really a bottom-up" one pirations. "I am very bullish on and not the other-way India because it is really round, he said, "We are on the aspiration of a billion people and ours is long-term growth trajectory a country where all the and this is just not growth in billion count. There are some countries in the terms of GDP numbers, this world where one person is really for well being of counts, there are some where the Politburo or each and every Indian and 12 people count. "The Treaty of India that's the aspirationâ&#x20AC;? is that all our billion people count and they have aspirations," Ambani said in gress through the financial sysan interview to a news channel. tem in an orderly way and it is my Stating that the India story is a expectation. India has had some "really a bottom-up" one and not slow growth. But, I am very optithe other-way round, he said, "We mistic on India," he said. are on long-term growth trajectory On the US, he said, "I am more and this is just not growth in terms optimistic than the most. of GDP numbers, this is really for My view is that this year, we well being of each and every In- will see the beginning of a recovdian and that's the aspiration." ery, particularly in the US. There However, it is not just India, has been a fundamental transforAmbani is also bullish on the pros- mation in the energy scene in the pect of other economies like China US." -PTI

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: State-owned Agency for Nonconventional Energy and Rural Technology (ANERT) is planning to set up 10,000 solar roof-top panels in houses across Kerala. The project was being carried out in view of the severe power crisis in the state, a statement said. More than 6,000 persons had already registered for the scheme. Around Rs 93,000 would be made available to beneficiaries by the Central and state governments for the scheme, which costs Rs 1,90,000. Solar panels with 1 KW capacity would be installed atop houses. The entire project could create 10 MW of power in the state. Power generated during the day can be reused by house owners with the help of batteries as per their requirements. A 12 square meter space is required to set up the panels and more than 100 units of power could be generated with this in a month, the release said. With the new facility, bulbs, fans, televisions and computers could be operated without the help of inverters being used in homes at present which consumes a lot of power. -PTI

US Secy impressed by recent Indian reforms WASHINGTON: A top US official while praising the recent steps taken by the Indian government said she hopes that New Delhi would continue with the reforms in particular in the infrastructure sector and financial markets. "I have been very favorably impressed by some of the recent reform efforts undertaken by the Indian government," the US Under Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs Lael Brainard told reporters ahead of the upcoming G-20 Meeting of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors in Moscow. Brainard said the outgoing Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner had very good conversations with his Indian counterpart P Chidambaram when he was in Delhi earlier this year.

"We have seen some important reform commitments subsequent to that, which I think bode well," she said. "Of course he is going to continue to want to improve its investment in areas such as infrastructure and in financial markets to enable more vibrant investment response. We support those efforts, and we're going to continue to engage India through our bilateral dialogue and also in the G-20," Brainard said in response to a question. "I have to say we worked extremely well. We have mutual interests with the Indian government in promoting demand in the G-20, and we've been working very well in that forum together," she said.-PTI

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February 22, 2013

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Govt for providing Aakash at Rs 1,500 NEW DELHI: Government is keen to take Aakash tablet to the people at a cost of Rs 1,500 apiece, Telecom and IT minister Kapil Sibal said here. "I asked Rajat Moona (Director General, C-DAC) to help us in Aakash. Let us take that Aakash to the people of this country for a sum of Rs 1,500. Each student must have an Aakash in his/her hand so that they can see the world with it," Sibal said at a function here. At present, the government purchases the device from Datawind, the maker of Aakash tablet PC, at Rs 2,263 apiece. The government will distribute the tablet to students at subsidized rate of Rs 1,130 apiece. Sibal said that there is need to gain expertise in providing cutting-

edge technology at affordable prices to people, and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) should work

towards developing such technologies. The minister also said that C-DAC should work in the direction of providing cheap and

Smartphone users check mobiles 150 times a day LONDON: People are increasingly becoming dependent on their cell phones, checking them every six-and-a-half minutes, according

first thing many people do each day - as they use its alarm function - and is also the last, the study commissioned by a mobile phone

to a new research. In total, users check their smartphones an average of 150 times during a waking day of 16 hours, the study found. Looking at their phone is the

brand found. In between, phones are used to check the internet and read emails, as well as to make calls and send texts, the 'Daily Mail' reported. Even people who have less-

sophisticated devices check their phones frequently, it was found. A person just using a phone with basic functions will rack up dozens of uses a day. Mobile technology consultant Tomi Ahonen who analyzed the study, wrote on his blog that people make, receive or avoid 22 phone calls every day. They also send or receive text messages 23 times a day, Ahonen said, and check the clock 18 times. "The average phone user places three calls per day and also receives three calls," Ahonen said. "Where are the other 16 times? Interruptions! We have a dropped call (one per day) or we make a call attempt that won't go through (one per day)," he said. Setting the alarm, playing games, changing songs, taking pictures and plugging and unplugging the phone all added to the number of phone views, he said. PTI

Chatti Milk inks MoU with Canadian firm for pig farming CHANDIGARH: A city-based company Chatti Milk Dairy has signed an agreement with Canadian company Polar Genetics to promote pig farming in India. Under the deal, the Canadian firm will supply its Indian partner frozen genetically improved boar semen, technologies and manage-

ment systems to be shared with farmers to make the entire process of breeding and slaughter of pigs, and processing and marketing of pork meats hygienic and scientific, Chatti Milk Director Darshan Singh Bal said. Chandigarh-based company Chatti Milk Dairy floated a company

Polar Genetics to sign the memorandum of understanding, Bal said. "India is a highly unorganized market for pork meat despite there being a huge demand for it. Signing an MoU with a Canadian company is an effort to make this market more organized one in the country," said Bal.-PTI

effective technological options for the security of women. "Recently, we had this very very unfortunate event in Delhi and I

called Rajat and said I want a technological solution of the safety of girls and women in our country. "I want a wrist watch, which will video graph, which will set up an alarm, which will call up dedicated lines. Let's have a GPS system and let's produce this for less than Rs 1,000 for the citizens of our country for their safety," Sibal said. He added that the country needs to scale up its technology skills and attain self-reliance. "As we look into the 21st century, we realize that there are several areas where we need to be selfreliant. Super computing is of exceptional importance one such area. I see C-DAC as a technology leader in the world. India should provide technological solutions to the world," he said. -PTI

Govt move to cap lowest, highest air fares NEW DELHI: Soaring air fares have led the Civil Aviation Ministry to consider a proposal to cap the highest and the lowest ticket prices, which the airlines would not be allowed to cross. The Ministry is working on a mechanism to fix the highest and the lowest price bands, with Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh expressing concern over the sharp rise in fares, especially during peak hours and seasons, forcing hap-

low fares announced by SpiceJet. Industry experts, while opposing any move to "restrict commercial decisions", felt that the best solution would be to link the air fares with the revenue per kilometer (RPKM) calculated by the airlines. A formula to determine the fare bands needed to be devised, they said. Currently, the price bands of each airline generally ranges from 12 to as high as 22 set on various

less passengers buying tickets at the last moment to shell out large sums. Official sources said though the government would not determine the fares, it was working on a formula to determine the lowest and highest ranges in consultation with the airlines. The fares would not be allowed to go beyond a fixed multiple of the minimum air fare during a given period, the sources said, while referring to the recent limited-period

sectors. While there was a need to make the price bands more transparent, there should also be some rationale behind the huge difference between the highest and the lowest air fares in these price bands, the official sources said. To questions, the Minister refuted reports that fares had gone up due to the closure of Kingfisher Airlines' operations, saying high jet fuel prices and airport charges were responsible for it. -PTI

TechBiz Post

February 22, 2013

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BSNL video calling service Subbarao warns of record CAD in east, south NEW DELHI: State-run BSNL has launched video telephony service in south and east zones of the country in partnership with public sector company ITI and

very significant step. From consumers point, it is an important step and from the government it will bring lot of efficiency," Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal said while in-

ing Rs 750 and Rs 350 for 30 days each. These plans will allow subscribers to make 900 and 150 minutes calls free respectively and thereafter they will be charged Rs 2.5 for each 60 second call. BSNL CMD RK Upadhyay said that these are initial plans and rates in future will depend on the response that company gets from the market. "With the launch of Video Telephony, organizations can have instant faceto-face meetings, sales reviews, training sessions at 25 per cent of the current cost," Upadhyay said. Union Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Kapil Sibal addressing at the BSNL has allaunch of Video Telephony Service of BSNL, in New Delhi on February 11 ready launched the service in technology firm Click Telecom. augurating the service. north and west zones. "Broadband business through Users of the service will have Sibal said that at present the this (video telephony) service will to pay Rs 2.5 for a 60 second call. service will be used by "state govget them (BSNL) a lot of money. BSNL is also offering unlimited ernments, public sector organizaIt's a good business model to im- calling facility for this service un- tions but in times to come they will prove health of the organization. der 30-day plan costing Rs 2,200. be used by ordinary consumers." From business point of view, it is There are other two plans cost- -PTI

US slaps nonproliferation sanctions on 12 foreign companies WASHINGTON: US has slapped non-proliferation sanctions against 12 foreign companies, including four from China, under an act that prohibits transferring of equipment and technology to Iran, North Korea and Syria. The sanctions have also been imposed on four Chinese companies which include BST Technology and Trade Company, China Precision Machinery Import and Export Corporation (CPMIEC), Dalian Sunny Industries, and Poly Technologies Incorporated. Companies from Belarus, Iran Sudan and Venezuelan too have been slapped with sanctions. "Iran, North Korea and Syria Nonproliferation Act (INKSNA) sanctions were imposed on these entities and individuals because there was credible information indicating they had transferred to, or acquired from, Iran, North Korea, or Syria, equipment and technology listed on multilateral export control lists.

"...(Australia Group, Chemical Weapons Convention, Missile Technology Control Regime, Nuclear Suppliers Group, Wassenaar Arrangement), or items that are not listed, but nevertheless, could materially contrib-

There was credible information indicating they had transferred to, or acquired from, Iran, North Korea, or Syria, equipment and technology listed on multilateral export control lists ute to a weapons of mass destruction (WMD) or cruise or ballistic missile program," the State Department said in a statement. A separate determination was made to impose missile prolifera-

tion sanctions under the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and Export Administration Act (EAA) on the Chinese individual Li Fangwei (aka Karl Lee) and his company, Dalian Sunny Industries, for transferring equipment and technology controlled under the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) Annex to MTCR-class (Category I) missiles in a non-MTCR country. "The United States also imposed sanctions on Li Fangwei (aka Karl Lee), Dalian Sunny Industry, and the Iranian entities Shahid Bakeri Industrial Group (SBIG), Shahid Sattari Ground Equipment Industries, and the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL). "...because these entities contributed materially (or posed a risk of contributing materially) to the proliferation of WMD or their means of delivery (including missiles capable of delivering such weapons)," the State Department said. -PTI

MUMBAI: Reserve Bank Governor Duvvuri Subbarao has cautioned the country was headed for the highest ever current account deficit this fiscal, after it rose to 5.3 per cent of GDP in the second quarter. "Last year, CAD was 4.2 per cent of GDP, but this year we expect it would be significantly

Duvvuri Subbarao

higher than that. It's going to be historically the highest CAD measured as a proportion of GDP," the Governor said, though he refrained from giving any figure. He also expressed concern over the way the CAD, which is the gap between forex gained and forex spent, is being financed by volatile inflows instead of more foreign direct investments. Subbarao was addressing the convocation ceremony of the RBIset up Indira Gandhi Institute of

Development Research (IGIDR) here. The trade gap is widening mainly because of higher import of oil and gold. The third quarter numbers are expected later this week. Flagging his concerns over CAD, which was the overriding theme of the third quarter monetary policy announced on January 29, Subbarao said these were regarding its level, quality and the way it is being financed. "We would not worry if the widening CAS is on account of import of capital goods, but here it is high on account of import of oil and gold. "The other concern is the way we are financing it. We are financing our CAD through increasingly volatile flows. Instead, we should ideally be getting as much of FDI as possible to finance the CAD. On the other hand, what we are getting is a lot of volatile flows to finance it," Subbarao said. In FY12, after hitting a high CAD of 4.3 per cent, which was then a record, CAD had declined to 3.9 per cent of GDP, though it was 10 bps above the year ago period. -PTI

Rs 1,500 cr post harvest management project in Haryana CHANDIGARH: Haryana State Agriculture Marketing Board has taken up an ambitious project of Rs 1,500 crore to develop a modern post harvest management support system for which about 493 acres of land has been acquired at Ganaur near Sonepat. "This market would have backward linkages with entire Haryana along with the states of northern region and would have forward linkages with the metropolitan cities of the country," a spokesman of the state Marketing Board said here. He said this would be an ultra modern wholesale fruit and vegetable market complex having facilities of cool chambers, ripening chamber, grading, sorting and packaging lines. "This market would be connected to about 100 collection

centers throughout the state initially and it would offer a clean and hygienic market environment. "Initial works have been started at site and an expenditure of Rs 6.44 crore has so far been incurred on boundary wall, hoarding, entrance road, landscaping, kiosks, etc," he said. He said that with a view to providing modern facilities in existing vegetable markets, the Board is taking up a number of projects with the assistance of National Horticulture Mission Projects. "In the first phase, cold chain, ripening chambers, grading, sorting and packaging facilities are being set up. All these schemes have been introduced for value addition to the produce of farmers. -PTI

Desi News MAFS celebrates R-Day with patriotic fervor HARISH RAO

Dance, music & fashion show at Valentine event VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service

Skokie-Niles Indians celebrate Republic Day SURESH SHAH

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA www.indiapost.com

16 India Post

February 22, 2013

Details on page 24

Colorful R-Day celebration by So Cal community DILIP BUTANI

ARTESIA, CA Indian Community of Southern California celebrated India's Republic Day in a grand way on January 26, 2013 at the Haveli Restaurant, Artesia, CA. The guests of honor included Mayor Dr Prakash Narain, Mayor Sally Flowers, Mayor-pro-tem Tony Lima, former assemblyman Tony Mendoza, popular music director Jatin Pandit and business tycoon Sunil Tolani. The program started with Ganesh Vandana by students of Savitri Arts Academy. Thereafter emcee Payal Pancholi spoke about Republic day and invited Chairman Dilip Butani, who welcomed the gathering and invited the guests and committee members for lamp lighting. This was followed by national anthems of USA and India and patriotic song 'ai mere watan ke logo' sung by Veena Singh. Dr Prakash Narain spoke on significance of Republic Day and presented plaques to Dilip Butani and Amrit Bhandari. Ex VP Ramesh Ramnani introduced Sally Flowers, who complimented the ICSC on the wonderful program. VP Manu Patel introduced Tony Lima who spoke on the success of Indian Community in USA. Ex VP Mohan Sharma introduced Tony Mendoza

Mayor Dr Narain, Mayor pro tem Tony Lima, Tony Mendoza & Jatin Pandit with Executive team

who spoke about the Assembly's recognition of India's Republic Day. Ex VPs Prakash Pancholi, Ramesh Bhatt & Vijay Patil then introduced Jatin Pandit who sang a couple of popular numbers. President Amrit Bhandari introduced Sunil who also complimented the team on the extraordinary program and spoke about unity among Indian associations. Sunil was presented with Philanthropy and Outstanding

Dilip & Ratna Butani with music director Jatin Pandit

Humanitarian Award. In introduction it was mentioned that Sunil Tolani was one of top vote winner of Holiday Spirit award in Orange County where the judges mentioned that owner's focus is people, not money. The recognition is for those who are kind, generous and full of good will all year long. Sunil is well known for supporting not only the Indian community but many communities worldwide. He is a highly respected and outstanding Indian American Social & humanitarian entrepreneur. He is founder and CEO of Prince Organization; a Los Angeles based luxury, hospitality and real estate development company which includes hotels and restaurants.

Details on page 22

Sikhsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; contribution in World Wars on display Details on page 23

Bengali music week at University of Chicago

Indian Community of Southern California Executive Committee

Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 17

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Accountability & perseverance lead to goal reaching

Progressive result in wellness CHITRA THAKUR

ast week the class went through 4th week of the 12 weeks. It was about weight and other measurements. As a coach I am satisfied that all students are doing well. The results are satisfactory to expectation level. It is happening because of the accountability and consistency all the students have towards their goal. On re-measurement, it was seen that students have lost pounds, fat, and gained muscle mass. Their physique is improving. They are happily enjoying the grain free

and low Gi foods with Fiber and Proteins in every meal. In this week we introduced the supplements called "Accelerators". These are the natural, herbal products, directed to belly fat loss, avoiding carbohydrates and fats getting into circulation causing, liver overwork and fat accumulation. The stress relieving and calming supplement is designed to produce energy, happiness by supporting one's own stress handling system and avoiding fat accumulation through stress. The energy creator supplement is directed to

Colorful R-day celebration by So Cal community

Chief Guest Sunil Tolani with Dilip Butani, Amrit Bhandari, Ramesh Ramnani and Vijay Patil Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 16

He is instrumental in bringing talent and inspiration to newcomers and young students. Community leader Ravji Patel was also given plaque for his community services. Next were dance items that included Bharat Darshan by students of Savitri Arts Academy, Bollywood dance by Karishma Ramnanai, Prerna Chhugani and Gehna Chhugani and Bhangra by

Ramneet and Navneet. These were followed by item India Meri Jaan by Hitesh Keshwala. After dance numbers was a lively music session by top singers Bhavna Chawla, Dr Dhiren Bush, Sunny Singh. Rahim Khan and Dr Kailash Dhamija. The former Ms California and recently crowned Ms California runner-up & finalists and organizer Dr Shekhar Rahate were also recognized.

Mayor Sally Flowers, Mayor Pro Tem Tony Lima with Certificate Awardees

leptin control, by controlling the appetite and hence craving. We are looking forward to have positive results in the students by using the accelerators, to maintain their success story going on. A Testimonial A software engineer came with the goal to reduce weight and feel

energetic. After the last class, she had the following to say: "After finishing the 12 weeks program, I have lost nominal weight but the fat loss was significant. The vital changes in eating habits have made the break through difference in life style. A more disciplined way of eating

could keep me away from cravings. I now feel more energetic and happy. I also know how to stop the craving and control the stress. I am looking forward to continuing with the Lifestyle changes and achieve my goal." Chitra Thakur is TLS coach 510-474-1368

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Dance, music & fashion show at Valentine event VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service

FREMONT: Star Entertainment created the Golden Era in Valentine Bash 2013 with more then 500 Bay Area guests of all ages celebrating the Valentine event on February 8. Organized by Peter Sahjani and Dahya Mistry at the Chandni Restaurant, it was one of the most memorable Valentine events of the decade with "pyar kia to darna kya," the golden era song and dance number from film Mughal-E-Azam enacted by Bay Area talent Elena Elsoukov. The evening began with a beautiful romantic song by Madhuvanti Bhide, Mandeep Singh, Moonmita Ghosh. There was a guest appearance by Raj Sohal and his duet with Alka Bhatnagar was followed by "Latin Salsa Dance by Starlight Group. There was colorful Bhangra dance by Bhangra Knights, Bollywood dance by Samy Singh, Belly and Bollywood dance by Elena Elsoukov. The event manager for the show was Shalini Raj Singh, Emcees of the event were Smith Deepak and Deepa Thakor. The highlight of the event was a fashion show with 15 Bay Area beautiful models conducted by fashion designer Sonali's Closet. The finale music was provided by Saxophone player Ramesh Meraj. After dinner Raffle prizes were presented from Bay Area sponsors India Cash & Carry, Chaat Bhavan, PNG Jewelers, Bibi's Fash-

Sonali Fashion Show

Peter Sahjani and Dahya Mistry

ion, Chandni Restaurant and Sugandh Imports. Grand sponsor for the evening was Chaat Bhavan, Platinum Sponsors were Roger Bakshi and Neem Wahab of Cal Coast and Intero. Gold Sponsors were Rewa Kumar Ji of Divine Vastu and PNG Jewelers. The other Sponsors were Indian Chili, Divine Intuitions. Media partners were GRMD "Gata Rahe Mera Dil, Women Now TV, India Post, Chalte Chalte Radio and Azmi Gil of Urdu Newspaper.

Elena plays Anarkali

February 22, 2013

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Janyaa makes kids creative problem solvers VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service

FREMONT: Janyaa Supporters Appreciation Event was held at Dosa N Biryani on February 2 from 3:30 to 6:30 pm. Janyaa's vision is to change the lives of under-privileged rural children in India. This outstanding program ingrains math and science concepts by using 'learn-by-doing' techniques. Janyaa provides educational kits like experiments and games to the schools and trains the teachers on the use of these kits. The result of this program is that the kids are creative problem solvers and innovative designers who can lead lives very different than their parents. The program was started in 2009 by Venu Nadella and her team at four schools and has grown ex-

Janyaa volunteers with Ms.Anu Natarajan. Pics Raaj Dhanjal

CAIR hosts documentary on torture

Mr.Parthasarathi

ponentially to 25,000 students in 270 schools across Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Maharashtra. The event was organized to thank the supporters, media partners, volunteers, sponsors who have helped in the noble cause and made the program a grand success. Guests of Honor included Mr N. Parthasarathi, Consul General of India, Mrs Geetha Parthasarathi and Anu Natarajan, Vice Mayor of Fremont. The guest spoke on need for creative education in rural India to empower the future generations. This will pave way for bet-

India Post News Service

Venu Nadella, Shobana Ramamurthi and Anu Natarajan

ter and powerful India, he said. Venu Nadella thanked the volunteers and supporters and hoped that Janyaa grows manifold in

Janyaa team with Mr. N. Parthasarathi

years to come. As a token of appreciation, certificates were awarded to sponsors, media partners and volunteers.

"The governments and individuals who tortured them and all governments and individuals who torture, including those acting in the name of the United States, must be held accountable. This brave film is a crucial step in that direction." Towards the end of the event, attendees received a list of action

ANAHEIM, CA: The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) recently cohosted a screening of the documentary "The Tortured: Stories of Survival" before a packed house at the Titan Theater in California State University, Fullerton. "As some mainstream The screening was followed films and television shows continue to normal- by a frank discussion with ize and whitewash torture, Los Angeles-based filmwe forget the human stomaker Murad Aldin ries of victims who are subjected to this inhu- Amayreh, survivor and local mane practice," said activist Hector Aristizabal CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush, who (an interviewee in the film) moderated the panel disitems including simple steps to cussion following the screening. The screening was followed by take action against torture. To book a screening of the film a frank discussion with Los Angeles-based filmmaker Murad or to pre-order a copy, please email Aldin Amayreh, survivor and lo- the film's producer at: cal activist Hector Aristizabal (an contact@zahrapictures.com. interviewee in the film) and Visitwww.thetorturedsos.com for Stephen Rohde, constitutional updates on screenings and release lawyer and lecturer. The inspira- dates. CAIR is America's largest Mustional discussion shed light on the process of healing after surviving lim civil liberties and advocacy ortorture, local efforts to aid survi- ganization. Its mission is to envors, and policy initiatives aimed hance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil at banning the use of torture. "This is a powerful, disturbing liberties, empower American Musfilm that brings graphically to life lims, and build coalitions that prothe horrific reality of torture as in- mote justice and mutual underflicted in our time," said Rohde. standing.

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Surrender is abandoning of doer-ship to God SWAMI MUKUNDANANDA

t is so wonderful to recall that when we were newly born, we could do nothing and our mother did everything for us. When we grew into small children, we did some tasks on our own, and so our mother lessened her responsibilities. And today as grownups we do everything on our own. We are also very proud of the things we do: run businesses, create houses, and earn money. It is because we possess this pride of performing our actions that we are responsible as the doer, and we have to suffer the consequences of our actions good or bad according to the Law of Karma. As long as we are bound by the Law of Karma we will not get liberated from this material bondage. Then how can we perform our actions in daily life, so that we may attain liberation and consequently the divine bliss? To attain divine bliss we will have to simply surrender this pride of doer-ship to God just as we surrendered to our mothers as newly born children, by doing so we will become non-doers and God will become the performer of our every action. God states in the Bhagavat Geeta (Chapter 18, Verse 66) sarva-dharman parityajyaâ&#x20AC;Ś "O Arjun! Abandoning all concerns of religiosity and irreligiosity, simply surrender to Me. Then I, who dispense justice to all, will cease to be a mere judge. Bestowing My Grace, I will pardon all the sins of your innumerable past lives, and grant you liberation." This is the immense Grace of God. Question: What does it mean to 'surrender to God'? Swami Mukundananda: Just as devotion the term surrender has also been defined from varied per-

spectives by Saints. Surrender means to give up our independent desire, and to desire in accordance with the Will of the Supreme. A natural corollary of this is to utilize our body, mind and possessions in the service of God. Further, surrender is characterized by complete dependence on the grace of God. This involves dissolution of the ego that depends upon crutches such as wealth, position, family, etc., and the development of faith that God

Surrender is not a one-time procedure rather we have to keep surrendering at every moment. Our mind is made of Maya (material energy) and it naturally runs towards the world but we need to beat this mind with the intellect alone is my shelter. Some scriptures have explained surrender by enumerating six points: 1. To desire in accordance with the Will of God. 2. Not to desire against the Will of God. 3. To have firm faith that He is protecting us. 4. To always realize His Grace in all things. 5. To feel that all we have belongs to God and our Guru. 6. To give up the ego of having surrendered. What stops one from complete surrender? How can one over-

come one's inherent negativities and make progress towards selfsurrender faster? SM: Surrender is not a one-time procedure rather we have to keep surrendering at every moment. Our mind is made of Maya (material energy) and it naturally runs towards the world but we need to beat this mind with the intellect. First, we must illumine our intellect with the spiritual knowledge given to us by our Guru. Then, with this purified intellect we must work on the mind, to detach it from the world and attach it to Names, Forms, Pastimes, Virtues, Abodes and Saints of God. To speed up the process of surrender, we should strengthen the sentiment, "God and Guru alone are mine." When we develop love for God and Guru, surrender becomes natural and automatic. If we can keep increasing our desire to serve, that is also a very potent tool for progress. How can we inflame our aspiration to traverse the path to Godrealization? SM: To inflame your aspiration for God requires chintan, or contemplation. Repeatedly contemplate upon the Divine knowledge of the scriptures, and the knowledge you have heard from your Guru and the Saints. Usually seekers feel great inspiration when they attend the lecture series, but once it is over, they find their enthusiasm waning. The reason for this is that while hearing the lectures, the knowledge remains fresh in their intellect. But then, due to lack of revision, the knowledge starts evaporating, causing a dip in their enthusiasm. Contemplation about what you have heard and read is the antidote for this, which will strengthen your decision that your

eternal relationship is with God alone. And a strong decision will be your asset to further steps. If God is causelessly merciful then He should bestow His grace without our doing anything. If we first have to surrender, then how is He causelessly merciful? SM: Surrender itself means to come to a state of doing nothing. As already stated, by simply giving up the pride of doing we are liberated from material bondage

Swami Mukundananda

and rewarded with Divine Bliss. If we were required to do something to become beneficiaries of God's Grace, then we could have had occasion to complain. However, what effort is involved in surrender? It is the process of giving up everything to attain everything. As long as a bird holds a piece of flesh in its beak, other birds chase it and do not allow it to rest in peace. The moment the bird gives up this piece of meat, i.e. surrenders everything, it attains peace. In the same way, surrender involves no effort at all. Without any effort if we receive Divine Grace, then that Grace is definitely causeless. If God is all powerful and He can do anything, then why does He

not simply bestow His grace on everyone without their surrender and liberate all souls from the material realm. Why does He require us to fulfill any conditions for bestowing His Grace? SM: This statement that God can do anything needs to be understood carefully. It means He can perform feats like the creation of world etc that are absolutely impossible for us. However He also has His own rules of action that He never breaks. For example, He has a rule stated in Ramayan: Karam pradhan vishva kari rakhaâ&#x20AC;Ś "The Law of Karma prevails in this world. Whatever you do, you shall reap accordingly." This law has been created by God Himself, and He never breaks it. He says, "The rule is the rule. It is immaterial whether someone is My mother or father. This is not a homely affair that the Judge (God) has become a member of the family, and so there will be some concessions. Everyone will get the results according to their karmas." That is why everyone has faith that they can expect justice from God, although worldly people may cheat them, for there cannot be an unfair God. Similarly, there are innumerable other rules that God never breaks. Swami Mukundananda is a world renowned spiritual teacher from India, and is the senior disciple of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj and founder of JK Yog. He has received his degrees in engineering from world renowned institutes in India, IIT and IIM. He has inspired people all over the world on the path of spirituality, holistic health, yoga, meditation, service to society and God realization. For more information visit: http://www.jkyog.org/

300 compete in Spandana Spelling Bee RITU MAHESHWARI India Post News Service

San Ramon, CA: Spandana Foundation organized 2nd annual spelling bee competition at Windmere Ranch middle school, San Ramon on Sunday, February 10. More than 300 students from 1st to 8thgrade competed in three categories of Juniors, Intermediate and Seniors. Students from all parts of Bay Area participated in this event representing 82 schools from 31 cities in Bay area. San Ramon Mayor Bill Clarkson graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Addressing the audience Mr. Clarkson said that he was

Spandana Spelling Bee 2013

very pleased to see such high level of performance with so many students fiercely competing for honors. He said that City of San Ramon

will also recognize all the category level winners of this competition. Giri Lankepalle, Director and Founding member mentioned to

parents that "Every participant fee from this event is spent to support one year of high-school education back in India". He requested all parents to remind their kids that their participation is not only for winning Spelling Bee but also to support an underprivileged student in India. Chandrasekhar Azad and Hari Moola, Foundation board of directors and event coordinators thanked all the volunteers and sponsors. Lucky Sandhu, Founder and President of Reliance Financial said, "It is great to see the enthusiasm, passion and intelligence in these young children."

Following are the award winners: In the Junior Catagory - Anisha Kumar(1st), Lavanya Sundar (2nd) and Anwesh Sahu (3rd), In the Intermediate Category Pragadeeswar Daksinamurthi (1st), Anish Kashyap (2nd), Aditya Ramakrishnan (3rd) and In the Senior Category - Surya Auroprem(1st), Nikhilesh Kumar (2nd), Sunidhi Sridhar (3rd). Spandana Foundation is a non-profit organization working to improve the lives of poor and the needy in the fields of education and health. Spandana Foundation can be contacted at Spandana.org

February 22, 2013

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MAFS celebrates R-Day with patriotic fervor HARISH RAO

CHICAGO: Metropolitan Asian Family Services (MAFS) presented a vibrant 64th India Republic Day Gala that showcased heightened patriotic fervor on January 24, at its Chicago location. The celebration started with the rendition of the Indian Nation Anthem by Chicago staff. The celebration was set in motion with a string of colorful patriotic, Bollywood, drama and dance presentations by MAFS seniors and staff members from Niles, Chicago, Carol Stream and Naperville locations. Chief Guest Ald Ameya Pawar in his remark extended warm India Republic Day greeting to MAFS seniors and staff members. He praised leadership of Santosh Kumar, Executive Director MAFS for uniting and bonding community together with such colorful

Ald Ameya Pawar, Ms Santosh Kumar and attendees at MAFS Republic Day celebration

into effect. The patriotic fervor was witnessed not only in the inspirational Republic Day remarks but also in cultural programs presented by the senior clients. They had taken extra measures to make the day remarkMAFS Naperville seniors and staff presenting 'I love my a b l e India' dance performance through and cultural extravaganzas. Pawar their exuberant performances. Sespoke on India's achievement and niors enacted sacrifices made by its contribution to world. He our great freedom fighters through praised Indian Constituent As- their dramatic representations. sembly for drafting the world's From Pandit Nehru to Mahatma lengthiest and among the best constitutions. He urged everyone to be proud of their culture and heritage. Sudkasha Kapoor, ranking member of Hindi Loversa Club, spoke eloquently on the importance and significance of the day. Sher Rajput, Board member of Indo-Democratic Organization also commended the service of MAFS to community at large. Mrs. Kumar thanked invited guests, and MAFS staff and seniors clients for attending the event. Speaking on the significance of the day she said that though India achieved independence on August 15, 1947 it didn't have a permanent constitution of its own till 1949. The system of government it was functioning under was the laws enacted and implemented by the British. The Constitution was approved and accepted on November 26, 1949 and it came into force in a fullfledged fashion from on 26 January, 1950. Thus, Republic Day celebration is the moment to remember the coming of the Constitution

Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhai Patel to Netaji Bose they gave life to every role they depicted. Shantilal Thakkral acted as Gandhiji, Girijashankar Bhatt acted as Jawaharlal Nehru, Govind Desai as Lal Bahadur Shastri, Prafful Chandra Shah as Maulana Azad, Babubhai Modi as Subhash Chandra Base, Gurubachan Singh as Bhagat Singh, Burra Sreenivas as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Manju Checker acted as Bharat Mata. 'Aye mere watan ke logo' song was sung by Carol Stream seniors. Gurubachan Singh, MAFS senior client, talked on the meaning and significance of the Indian national flag. 'I love my India' dance was presented by Naperville clients and staff members. Hina Mehta, MAFS Naperville Adult Day Care program coordinator

MAFS Carol Stream seniors singing 'Aye mere watan ke logo'

tickled everyone with her hilarious gags. Suryakant Patel, MAFS senior client, presented a talk on the importance of the day Proposing a vote of thanks, Nalini Goyal, MAFS Board member, appreciated everyone for paying tribute to Indian democ-

racy with their amazing presentations. Over 150 prominent MAFS/ Universal Asian Family Service members attended this program. It was compeered by Himali Bharucha, MAFS Media Coordinator.

Seniors enacting sacrifices made by our great freedom fighters through their dramatic representation

Community Across America

22 India Post

February 22, 2013

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Skokie-Niles Indians celebrate Republic Day SURESH SHAH

Skokie Library Ms. Carolyn Anthony, State Representative Daniel Biss, Director of Drug Compliance Yesh Amin, Skokie

ICNT, welcomed the guests and talked about the significance of Indian Republic Day. She also briefed the audience

Usha Kamaria, ICNT President and Skokie Mayor Van Dusen addressing the gathering

Park District Supt Mike Reid, Indian community leaders like Naren Patel, Sunil Shah, Iftekhar Shareef and Tusar Chotlia. Usha Kamaria, president of

Lamp lighting ceremony at ICNT Republic Day event

CHICAGO: Members of the Indian Community in Niles Township (ICNT) kept up their tradition of celebrating national Indian festivals with a grand celebration of Indian Republic Day at Fairview High school auditorium in Skokie recently in the presence of Chicagoland elite and elected officials of Nile-Skokie villages. The events started with the traditional lamp lighting by guests led by Skokie Mayor Van Dusen and Acharya Rohit Joshi of Northeastern Illinois University. Van Dusen, in his keynote address, praised Indian Americans in Skokie village for their active participation in the mainstream society keeping their cultural identity intact. He was happy to be part of the Republic Day celebrations, stressing the importance of democratic traditions that India opted for and was following them to the core. The dignitaries present on the occasion included the Director of

Guests at the ICNT event

Local artists presenting cultural shows

about the various activities that her organization has been undertaking regularly over the past over two decades. She pointed out that besides celebrating important festivals, ICNT has been rendering yeomen service to the community with lot of support and cooperation of community members and the officials of the Skokie village. The other highlight of the near three-hour program was cultural presentations by local artists and local art organizations. Eye catching dances were presented by students of Kalapdama Dance Academy, Tarana Dance Academy, Payalia Dance studio and Bhangra team from DePaul University. The singers who captivated the audience with Bollywood and patriotic songs were Raju Bankapur, Santosh Verghese, Sonal Patel and Shaila T Khendker. They mixed it up with old time melodies and the modern songs. It was not only the residents of Niles and Skokie townships who came to attend the program but many from far away suburbs also flocked to be part of the celebrations.

Community Across America

February 22, 2013

India Post 23

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Sikhs’ contribution in World Wars on display JS RAJU

CHICAGO: Posters depicting contributions of Sikh soldiers in two World Wars is on display at the Palatine Public Library in the village of Palatine, a north side suburb of Chicago. There are 12 posters but only eight carry quotations by renowned military officials of that time. It is the first time ever that a public library has allowed such a display. It will remain there during the month of February. The library also has a good collection of Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu books. Palatine Library is open from 9am to 9pm during weekdays and 9am to 5pm Saturdays and noon to 5pm Sundays. The library also has rooms available for meetings, lectures etc. The posters will also be displayed at Schaumburg Public Library during the month of Septem-

ber and also at Memorial Day celebrations. The American Sikh community is a participant with the city for Memorial Day and Americans appreciate it. People are surprised that Sikhs contributed with their lives for the victory in World Wars won by Allied forces. They are

Sikhs are victims of mistaken identity and many Sikhs have been killed by strangers not knowing about Sikh faith and these posters help educate that Sikhs are not strangers but faithful allies

impressed when they read, “In the last two World Wars, 83,005 turban wearing Sikh soldiers died and 109,045 wounded for the freedom of Britain and the world during shell fire, with no other protection but the Turban, the symbol of their faith” a quote by General Sir Frank Meservy. Sikhs are victims of mistaken identity and many Sikhs have been killed by strangers not knowing about Sikh faith and these posters help educate that Sikhs are not strangers but faithful allies. Young children proudly take these pictures on their I-phones and pass it on to their fellow students/ coworkers. Many Gurdawaras have also displayed these posters permanently and got positive feedback. Sikhs are encouraged to participate in their local civic body celebrating National Holidays.

Rajan Zed honored by multi-faith clergy ANGELA LEE

Sparks Mayor Geno R. Martini garlanding Rajan Zed

NEVADA: In a remarkable interfaith gesture, the Northern Nevada clergy belonging to various religions and denominations organized a reception in honor of interfaith leader and President of Universal Society of Hinduism, Rajan Zed in Nevada recently. Participants included Christians (various denominations), Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jews, Baha'i, New Age, Pagans, non-believers, etc. Sparks Mayor Geno R. Martini, who presided, garlanded Zed on the occasion. Thakur Chakrapani Singh, well-known classical musician from India, accompanied by tabla players Pete Fairley and David Freeman, entertained with ancient Kachhapi Veena. Various organizations/leaders sent testimonials to Rajan Zed, which were read on the occasion, and which included: Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval, United States Senate Majority Leader

Harry Reid, Nevada Lieutenant Governor Brian K. Krolicki, United States Senator Dean Heller, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, Northern Nevada Muslim Community, Reno Buddhist Center, City of Sparks, Reno Police Department Chief Steve

Pitts, Green Business Chamber and UNR Interfaith Students Club. Pagan community presented a plate inscribed "Om", the mystical Hindu syllable containing the universe, to Zed on the occasion. Speakers, who mostly listed Zed's interfaith efforts to bring communities together in Nevada-USAworld and spoke about his religious statesmanship; included Nevada State Treasurer Kate Marshall, Roman Catholic Diocese of Reno Chancellor Brother Matthew Cunningham, Member Quorum of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints George M. Keele, President Nevada Clergy Association Right Reverend Gene Savoy Junior, Northern Nevada Muslim Community President Dr. Sherif A. Elfass, Executive Editor of Gannett publication Reno GazetteJournal Beryl Love, Temple Beth Or Rabbi Elizabeth W. Beyer, and University of Nevada-Reno Interfaith

Students Club President Daniel R. Sanchez.

reception in a town in northern India in November and he had in-

Participants included Christians (various denominations), Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jews, Baha'i, New Age, Pagans, nonbelievers, etc. Sparks Mayor Geno R. Martini, who presided, garlanded Zed on the occasion. Thakur Chakrapani Singh, well-known classical musician from India, accompanied by tabla players Pete Fairley and David Freeman, entertained with ancient Kachhapi Veena Reverend Stefani Schatz, Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, delivered the invocation on the occasion; while well-known musician Jim Eaglesmith gave the benediction with a fusion multi-faith song. Zed was also accorded a civic

Group consisting some of the attendees (Zed is sitting in the middle in front row)

terfaith dialogue with Catholics, Muslims, Sikhs and others during this trip to India. He has delivered invocations at the 29 city councils and county commissions in California and Nevada in the last few months.

24 India Post

Community Across America

February 22, 2013

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Bengali music week at University of Chicago SURI SWAMY

CHICAGO: The University of Chicago's (UC) South Asian Sound Interventions Series (SASI) hosted a week of events from Feb. 11-16 focused on Bengali music. According to Prof. Kaley Mason, UC Director of Undergraduate Studies, musicians, activists and scholars from South Asia, Europe, and United States gathered to discuss, perform, and imagine situated alliances, encounters, and mobility affordances in the region spanning Bangladesh, the states of Northeast India, West Bengal and beyond. These events coincide with the opening of a temporary exhibit at the Smart Museum of Art titled "The Sahmat Collective: Art and Activism in India since 1989." "Performing the Bengal Borderlands: Music, Movement and Encounter" comprised events with Somjit Dasgupta (sarod), Amie Maciszewski (sitar) and Manpreet Bedi (tabla) performing in the inaugural concert "Hindustani Strings at the Borderlands" on Monday Feb 11 at the Performance Penthouse, Reva and David Lo-

gan Center for the Arts. A reception followed the concert. Somjit Dasgupta in his workshop on "Musical Instruments across the Bengal Borderlands"

worlds of public ethnomusicology, documentary film-making and musical performance. The workshops were hosted by EthNoise!, UC gradu-

Franke Institute for the Humanities with scholars from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds studying expressive cultural practices along politically derived

University of Chicago presenting music and Indian culture in Chicago

The weeklong fest culminated on Fri. Feb. 15 at the Fulton Recital Hall in a musical encounter (mehfil) "Musicians in Movement across the Borderlands." Attendees were invited to bring their musical instruments and singing voices to this cross-cultural music-making described and showed the footage that traces instrument production from raw materials in villages to finished products in urban centers. Amie Maciszewski's workshop on Feb. 13 explored the

ate research workshop in ethnomusicology. These workshops paved the way for the international symposium on "Performing the Bengal Borderlands" on Feb. 14 at the

boundaries. The welcome address by Prof. Ralph W. Nicholas, Chair, AIIS Board of Trustees, UC Dept. of Anthropology, was followed by a panel on new research featuring

Bertie Kibreah, Rehanna Kheshgi, and Kaley Mason (discussant), all three from the UC Dept. of Music, joined by Munjulika Rahman, Dept. of Performance Studies, Northwestern University. Kibreah spoke on "Performing Baul-ness in the Borderlands," Kheshgi on "Exploring intersections of race and gender in India's Northeast," and Rahman on "Folk, Famine, and Fishermen: Emergence of Bangladeshi 'Folk' Dance." The weeklong fest culminated on Fri. Feb. 15 at the Fulton Recital Hall in a musical encounter (mehfil) "Musicians in Movement across the Borderlands." Attendees were invited to bring their musical instruments and singing voices to this cross-cultural music-making. All events were free and open to the public. The program was cosponsored in part by the Department of Music, Committee on Southern Asian Studies (COSAS), Logan Center for the Arts, University of Chicago Arts Council, and the Franke Institute for the Humanities.

February 22, 2013

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India Post 25

Astro Buzz

26 India Post

February 22, 2013

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

DR ASHIT JALUI FEBRUARY 22ND - FEBRUARY 28TH 2013

lthough the weekend looks relatively relaxed, remember that you're an Aries. The long-term outlook is stormy, and disputes come to a point of no return. It's time to face the truth on a number of personal issues, and do what you can to create a harmonious situation.

he current energetic planetary conditions may be to your liking, but in reality you're ready to enter a less stressful phase of existence. Whether this will come to pass or not is another matter, and as the weeks pass, the range of options open to you will increase.

ense planetary alignments could work to your advantage if you concentrate your efforts. If you ignore routine interests now, you may find that next week's plans unravel. The best advice is to do the minimum necessary to keep your life ticking over - and spare time for a little fun.

oday's stars continue unsettling trends, but only in a mild sense. Actually, you can enjoy the fact that the future is up for grabs. Yet you must never give way to complacency, otherwise you'll lose control.

t's been a week of uncertainty at work in spite of your undoubted achievements, and you're in need of rest. However, domestic chores require attention and partners keep you on the go. Yet, you know best. If partners don't realise this, that's their problem.

estless conditions are bound to affect every area of your life, and you're not in a position to withstand disturbances to your routine. Make the most of every opportunity and try to see this time as an opportunity to deal with long-standing irritations.

s there's an emotional Moon shining today, you won't have a chance to relax. It's better to be on the go, but try to maintain your sense of self-preservation. Watch out if you're handling cash - you could be dreaming of great riches but about to make a blunder.

hen the Moon supports your sign you tend to feel that the world is on your side. You'll find that a more open approach will deal with most routine problems. Even if you travel for pleasure, the results could be a shift of direction in a major longterm ambition.

oday's stars will bring a boost to your energy, but only if you're in a receptive mood. Personal relationships require careful handling and you might have to put someone else's interests first, at least for this week.

oney matters should be treated delicately, as mistakes could be costly. If you're concerned about a transaction, there's much to be gained from seeking a second opinion. An emotional relationship could be hard work but every extra effort will be worth it.

omestically, you may get the feeling that everything is working against you. However, you'll be surprised how partners come round to your way of thinking, with a little tact and sweet talk. Children and younger relations need a steadying hand, and you're the person to provide it.

ou may be gearing up for big changes, but at all costs don't allow yourself to be drawn into arguments that are of other people's making. Stick to your own course and do what you know is right.

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

Datebook

February 22, 2013

India Post

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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

NEW YORK

NEW JERSEY

ILLINOIS

Upcoming

Sat Feb 23

Fri Feb 22

• Bollywood Salsa Night

• Grant Information Day

Venue: Arka, 725 N Fair Oaks Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94085 Time: 10:00 pm Contact: 510-432-6385

Venue: Long Beach City College, Building T2373, 2nd Floor Computer Lab, 4901 E. Carson Street, Long Beach Time: 9 am - 3 pm Contact: 310.914.5000 | 310.914.5007

Sat Feb 23 • LUSH White Affair

Sat Feb 23

Venue: Horizon Ultra Lounge, 498 Broadway St, San Francisco, CA 94133 Time: 10:00 pm Contact: 209-275-4923

• NetIP Retro Night

Sun Feb 24

Venue: Lush Lounge, 49 S Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802 Time: 8:30 pm Contact: 213-399-3820

• Night of January 16th

Sat Mar 23

Venue: Cubberley Theater, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303 Time: 3:00 pm Contact: 650-762-8627

• HOLI on the Beach

Sun Feb 24 • Satsang Venue: Society of Abidance in Truth, 1834 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Time: 10:00AM Contact: Society of Abidance in Truth (831425-7287) Highlight: Elegant Parisian Theme /Photo Corner, Couture Fashion Show, Dance Performances, Musical Performances, Fun Games, DJ Dancing, Full Bar, Gourmet Dinner.

Tue Feb 26

Sat Feb 23

Fri Feb 22

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

• The Legend Padmabhushan Maestro Ilaiyaraja Live In Concert

• Siddharth Randeira is coming to Chicago in GUJJUBHAI NI GOLMALL, Dinner & Drama Night

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

Venue: Prudential center, 165 Mulberry St, Newark, NJ 07102 Time: 6:00 pm Contact: 732-800-2336

Venue: Jain Center, Bartlett, IL Time: Dinner 6:30 pm and Play 8 pm

Fri Mar 1

Venue: JClarion Inn/Waterford Banquets, Board Room, 933 South Riverside Drive, Elmhurst, IL 60126 Time: Every 2nd and 4th Sun. 3:30pm-5:30pm

Thu Mar 7 • Bridezilla and her Minions Venue: Devi Restaurant, 8 E 18th St, New York, NY 10003 Time: 6:00 pm Contact: 612-220-3617

Sun May 05 • Masters of Indian Music Venue: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway at 95th Street, New York, NY 10025 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 212-545-7536

Fri May 10 Venue: Will Rogers State Beach (between towers 5&6), Pacific Coast Hwy, Los Angeles, CA 90272 Time: 11:00AM Contact: 843-503-2133

ATLANTA Upcoming

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

WASHINGTON DC Upcoming

Sat Feb 23 Wed Feb 27 • Atmotsava Venue: Society of Abidance in Truth, 1834 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Time: 7:30 pm Contact: 831-425-7287

Sat Mar 9

• International Bridal Fashion & Jewelry Week Venue: 200 Peachtree, 200 Peachtree Street Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30303 Time: 06:30PM Contact: Mosaic International Group LLC (678-973-9717)

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

• Maha Shivratri

Sun Mar 24

Fri Mar 15

Venue: Anubhuti Meditation &amp; Retreat Center, 820 Bel Marin Keys Blvd, Novato, CA 94949 Time: 11:00 am Contact: 4158842314

• My Shadi Bridal Expo

• Adnan Sami Live In Concert

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

Venue: Warner Theatre, 513 13th St NW, Washington, DC 20004 Time: 8:00 pm Contact: 202-596-2784

• Stressed Out? -- Art of Living Venue: Princeton Junction, 25 Landing Ln, Princeton Junction, NJ 08550 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 9084440702

Sat March 30 • Rang Barsey 2013 Venue: Deewan Banquet, 560 Stelton Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854 Time: 10:00 am Contact: 914-479-2596

• J K Yog Satsang & Bal Mukund Hindi Classes

• 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) Time: Every 1st and 3rd Sun. 11am-1pm Contact: jay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-5614807 www.jkyog.org

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

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

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inger Mika Singh was detained at the Mumbai airport for allegedly carrying currency beyond permissible limit as per the FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act) rules. The 35-year-old, who was returning from Bangkok was detained for around four hours, before he was released on a bail of R1 lakh. "He was found in possession of $11,000 and Rs. 2.75 lakh in cash. The liquor bottles were totally valued at $1,000 (equivalent to Rs.

February 22, 2013 6 Oye Boy Charlie: JMatru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola 7 Darmiyan: Inkaar 8 Jee Le Zaraa: Talaash 9 Khamakha: Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola 10 Heer: Jab Tak Hai Jaan

WRONG ONE

Z 53,000). As per Customs norms, Indian passengers coming from abroad carrying over USD 5,000 need to declare the same," says the head of the customs team that detained him. Mika says, "It's a little embarrassing to be caught with only 10,000 dollars, if you must get caught, it should be like Rahat, with a large stash. Some time back I was made to pay Rs. 1.5 lakh for a watch that I had been wearing for ages.

f marriages are made in the Maasi's (aunt's) mind, then Priyanka Chopra is going to marry a TV ac tor! Indeed, Priyanka's maasi has selected TV actor Mohit Raina who is playing Lord Shiva in 'Mahadev' for her niece. Priyanka's aunty is totally smitten with Mohit Raina and she feels he is the perfect match for her. Piggy Chops's aunt considers him to be a well-behaved, honest young man who is perfectly right for Priyanka. While Priyanka's family has revealed that they have selected Mohit Raina as her man, when Mohit was informed about the same, he was left speechless. Well, it seems Priyanka too is interested in Mahadev!

eenat has found A-man. But it's not the one that a section of the media has dug up. Ever since glamour diva Zeenat Aman made it known that there was a man in her life, curiosity about the gentleman's identity has touched the sky. Some enterprising television channels sprang up the name of the 35-year old Shiv Sena member and real-estate d e a l e r Sarfaraz A h s a n Ahmed as the man Zeenat is all set to marry... and the lucky Mr. Ahmed suddenly became a celebrity in his own 'rite'. Zeenat was laughing so hard she could b a r e l y s p e a k . "They got the wrong guy. This is not the man in my life at all. This gentleman that a section of the media has made into the man in my life is someone I've known over the years. He is part of the Shiv Sena. I met him when I attended a couple of Shiv Sena events. I've known him through his association with Bala Saheb." "I just happened to mention casually to a journalist that there's someone in my life and there may be marriage in future. The next thing I knew I was hounded for information on my personal life." Zeenat says she is in no mood to reveal any more about her personal life than she already has.

Bollywood

February 22, 2013

India Post 29

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JUNIOR to play SENIOR

B Jr. who has till date steered clear of his father's films remakes, has finally agreed to be part of one. In fact he will be seen playing the role originally essayed by Big B in the remake of the film Do Aur Do Paanch. Producer-director Kunal Kohli has roped in Abhishek for the role. The yesteryear film that featured Shashi Kapoor in addition to Bachchan was the story of two petty thieves who are employed to abduct the son of a rich businessman. However everything goes awry

While Abhishek will essay the role of Bachchan, Bobby Deol will play Shashi's role. However, the girls are still being finalized when the duo fall in love with Hema Malini and Parveen Babi respectively, who change them into good men. While Abhishek will essay the role of Bachchan, Bobby Deol will play Shashi's role. However, the girls are still being finalized. The film will be directed by newcomer Akshaye Puri.

Producer lad

ost taking Bollywood by storm with his acting prowess, Ranbir Kapoor who has been talking about venturing into the field of film production, has finally taken the leap. In fact the actor, who is currently working on Besharam, will be teaming up with Phantom films for Anurag Kashyap's most ambitious project, Bombay Velvet. Initially Ranbir was roped in to play the lead role in the film; however later seeing the actor's involvement in the filming process, the makers requested him to join them in producing the film. Apparently, Ranbir was more than happy to join in as co-producer. To facilitate the inclusion of the Kapoor lad, Anurag has been having several meetings with the film's presenters Viacom 18. With a budget of approximately Rs. 95 crores, Bombay Velvet, based on historian Gyan Prakash's Mumbai Fables, is the story of how the city became a metropolis against the backdrop of love, greed, violence and jazz music. The film is a part of a trilogy that aims at recreating Bombay of the 50s, 60s and 70s and co-stars Anushka Sharma.

Sunny ka Kamaal B

ig Boss' not only gave Sunny Leone her fair share of opportunities and good luck but also a good enemy in the form of Kamaal R Khan. We do not know whether these are all a publicity gaining stunt or not but the actress landed in an unnecessary controversy due to her provocative tweet. This tweet caused a stir in the networking site and drew angry reactions. However, it was Kamaal R Khan who sent the controversy spiraling out of limit with his inflammatory tweet "Ye loâ&#x20AC;Ś Sunny Leone says Rape is not a Crime, It's just a Surprise Sex." This is what he claimed that Sunny Leone has said. But Sunny vehemently denied that she has said something so insensitive and her twitter stream also doesn't show any quote in line with what Kamaal R Khan claims.

Realty Tidbits

Tier II & III cities new growth centers for realty

Real Estate

s per the 2011 census, there are 53 urban areas with a population of more than a million each. The manufacturing, trading and services activities in these cities are the major contributors to the Indian economy. The top seven cities of Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi-NCR, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and Pune play an extremely important role in the country's economic growth. However, these cities have reached saturation levels and hence many industries are moving to other cities which offer immense potential. These cities offer a number of attractions such as cheaper talent pool, sizeable and cheaper land and real estate options, relatively lower operating costs and conducive business environments created by state and local governments. Rapid industrialization and increase in growth of services sector

The growth in tier-II and III cities is well supported by government policies and initiatives that have over time encouraged developers to tap potential real estate demand activities has resulted into increasing disposable income, favorable demographics, changing lifestyles and growth of population, which is becoming upwardly mobile. Prominent tier-II and tier-III cities such as Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Visakhapatnam, Surat, Chandigarh, Vadodara, Indore, Lucknow, Coimbatore, Nagpur, Bhopal, Lucknow, Bhubaneswar, Kochi to name a few are witnessing increased interest by investors, particularly in the residential real estate market. A number of factors such as increased cosmopolitan population, increasing employment opportunities and improvement in infrastructure have primarily aided this growth. The growth in tier-II and III cities is well supported by government policies and initiatives that have over time encouraged developers to Cont’d on page 31

India Post

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February 22, 2013

Mumbai societies face high property tax bills MUMBAI: Residents of Mumbai have been taken in by surprise in the last one month as housing societies have received hefty bills on account of property tax dues, which the city's civic body, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is charging with retrospective effect from 2010. The bills, which have reached even a whopping R1 crore in case of some South Mumbai properties, have Mumbaikars in protest, calling it 'unjust and unfair'.

Commercial real estate recovery to continue throughout 2013 CHICAGO: Frustrated by continued uncertainty, a sluggish recovery, and a challenging investment environment, investors generally appear eager to put the past behind them and adjust to the new normal, as outlined in Expectations & Market Realities in Real Estate 2013-Turn the Page, a new annual report published jointly by Real Estate Research Corporation (RERC), Deloitte, and the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). According to the report, investors appear to realize that this environment will likely be with us for the foreseeable future, and that adjustments may need to be made to maximize commercial real estate investment performance and yield in our continuing slow-growth economy. The three organizations have drawn on their respective capabilities to examine the economy, capital markets, and commercial real estate property markets; to thoroughly assess and analyze existing research; and to offer an outlook for com-

"It is time to stop waiting for the economy and the investment environment to get better. This is it - this is the new normal - and we need to turn the page on the past and make the adjustments needed to be successful for the balance of this decade" mercial real estate for 2013 and beyond. Findings indicate that the economy is expected to im-

prove only modestly in 2013, with the budget deficit, tax increases, and cuts in government

spending expected to continue the economic uncertainty. In general, capital remains available for commercial property investments, but the discipline for capital has been inching upward and is becoming more selective. The report also carefully analyzes and offers an assessment of the office, industrial, apartment, retail, and hotel property sectors, as well as for commercial real estate as an asset class, for 2013. "It is time to stop waiting for the economy and the investment environment to get better. This is it - this is the new normal - and we need to turn the page on the past and make the adjustments needed to be successful for the balance of this decade," stated Kenneth Riggs, Jr., chairman and president of RERC. "Investors are facing the challenges ahead, and commercial real estate continues to be an attractive investment for a variety of reasons in this economic climate." Cont’d on page 31

Dubai to get world's highest theatre venue DUBAI: Already famed for a number of record-breaking buildings which include the tallest tower, highest hotel and biggest shopping mall on the planet, Dubai is now all set to have the world's highest theatre venue. The backers of the new cabaret venue claim they are "looking to push the boundaries" of what is currently on offer in Dubai's nightlife, a news report said. The new facility is set to be launched in March on the 42nd and 43rd floor of the Shangri La

hotel on Dubai's Sheikh Zayed Road, and will host a number of cabaret-style clubs that have already proven popular in Las Vegas, New York and London. The new addition to Dubai's nightlife will be home to the first Middle Eastern outpost of a series of cabaret-style clubs already popular in New York, London and Vegas, the Arabian Business report said. The clubs have attracted a mix of celebrity clientele and investors, with actor Jude Law, Oscar-win-

ning actress Rachel Weisz and musician Moby listed as backers of the Manhattan venue and Britain's Prince Harry, model Kate Moss and several Premiership footballers reportedly regulars to the London outlet. "There will still be lots of incredible live performances from all over the world but with more of an emphasis of humor, skill and spectacle. We are still looking to push the boundaries where we can to bring a diverse and unique concept to the

Dubai nightlife," Simon Hammerstein from Variety Worldwide, the company behind the club, told Arabian Business. "Being the world's highest theatre has got to be one of our unique selling points along with being the first theatre club with dining in the region. As well as that we really set ourselves apart with the international acts that we will be flying in from all over the world including Russia, US, Germany, France and Japan," he was quoted as saying. -PTI

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February 22, 2013

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Exterior replacement projects provide biggest return LEANNE JERNIGAN

WASHINGTON: Homeowners looking for the most return on their investment when it comes to remodeling should consider exterior replacement projects. According to the 2013 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report, Realtors® rated exterior projects among the most valuable home improvement projects. "Realtors® know that curb appeal projects offer great bang for your buck, because a home's exterior is the first thing potential buyers see," said National Association of Realtors® President Gary Thomas, broker-owner of Evergreen Realty, in Villa Park, Calif. "Projects such as siding, window and door replacements can recoup more than 70 percent of their cost at resale. Realtors® know what home features are important to buyers in your area and can provide helpful insights when considering remodeling projects." Results of the report are summarized on NAR's consumer websiteHouseLogic.com, which provides information on dozens of remodeling projects, from kitchens and baths to siding replacements,

including the recouped value of the project based on a national average. According to the Cost vs. Value Report, Realtors® judged a steel entry door replacement as the project expected to return the most money, with an estimated 85.6 percent of costs recouped upon resale. The steel entry door replacement is the least expensive project in the report, costing little more

pected to return 79.3 percent of costs, vinyl siding, expected to return 72.9 percent of costs, and foam backed vinyl, expected to return 71.8 percent of costs. Two additional door replacements were also among the top exterior replacement projects. The midrange and upscale garage door replacement were both expected to return more than 75 percent of costs. According to the report, two

"Projects such as siding, window and door replacements can recoup more than 70 percent of their cost at resale. Realtors® know what home features are important to buyers in your area and can provide helpful insights” than $1,100 on average. A majority of the top 10 most cost-effective projects nationally in terms of value recouped are exterior replacement projects; all of these are estimated to recoup more than 71 percent of costs. Three different siding replacement projects landed in the top 10, including fiber cement siding, ex-

interior remodeling projects in particular can recoup substantial value at resale. A minor kitchen remodel is ranked fifth and is expected to return 75.4 percent of costs. Nationally, the average cost for the project is just under $19,000. The second interior remodeling project in the top 10 is the attic

Tier II & III cities new growth centers for realty Cont’d from page 30

tap potential real estate demand. These cities have better infrastructure, more open spaces and greener areas unlike other congested metropolitan cities. With the growth of sectors such as manufacturing, IT/ITeS, banking and financial services industry, consumer goods, the demand for commercial real estate space in these cities has been increasing consistently over the last few years. This rise in demand for commercial properties has resulted in increased employment opportuni-

ties within the cities, which has further fuelled the demand for residential real estate. Many reputed developers have built and are coming up with residential projects in these cities that offer lifestyle facilities, comfort and security similar to those in tier-I cities. Also, since tier-II and III cities offer investment options that are relatively cheaper, individuals with limited risk appetite and investment size may opt for diversifying their investment portfolio. The risk factors with respect to such investments are rela-

Commercial real estate recovery to continue throughout 2013 Cont’d from page 30

"Moderate positive and stabilizing trends in commercial real estate markets are expected to add value to institutional portfolios as we turn the page to the next chapter of the real estate cycle," noted Matthew Kimmel, principal and U.S. real estate sector leader for Deloitte Financial Advisory Services LLP. "Overall the office, industrial, retail, apartment and hotel property sectors are expected to experience various elements of slow funda-

mental increase and growth." The group expects the commercial real estate recovery to continue throughout 2013. "A pent-up demand for commercial property space has been developing with the nearly 5 million net new job creations in the past three years," noted Lawrence Yun, Ph.D., NAR chief economist. "That demand steadily reaching the market, combined with little new construction, will likely help lower vacancy rates and push up rents."

tively less as most markets are driven by fundamentals and speculative activity is limited. Therefore, these cities are likely to witness a stable and steady price appreciation and not volatile price movements over time. The growth in residential property prices in these cities portrays a promising future to the investors and end-users both. The offerings are also varied with residential properties such as apartments, plots and villas in both mid- and high-end segment at relatively affordable prices. Recreational options are also growing in these cities as several new malls, multiplexes, sports facilities such as stadiums, golf courses, etc are opening up to cater to the needs of change in resident population and rapid urbanization. Rising income levels, increase in quality and number of educational facilities, availability of bank loans, variety of supply of residential projects and improvement in economic conditions are collectively contributing to the increase in demand. These cities are also witnessing a rise in demand for homes from NRIs and individuals wanting to retire to smaller towns and cities due to better quality of life and greener environments available. -Courtesy Indian Express

bedroom, which landed at number eight and tied with the vinyl siding replacement with 72.9 percent of costs recouped. With an average national cost of just under $48,000, the attic project adds a bedroom and bathroom within a home's existing footprint. The improvement project projected to return the least is the home office remodel, estimated to recoup less than 44 percent. The 2013 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report compares construction costs with resale values for 35 midrange and upscale remodeling projects comprising additions, remodels and replacements in 81 markets across the country. Data are grouped in nine U.S. regions, following the divisions established by the U.S. Census Bureau. This is the 15th consecutive year that the report, which is produced by Remodeling magazine publisher Hanley Wood, LLC, was completed in cooperation with NAR. Realtors® provided their insights into local markets and buyer home preferences within those markets. The 2013 national average cost-to-value ratio rose to 60.6 percent, ending a six-year decline. The ratio represents nearly a threepoint improvement over 2011-2012. Lower construction costs are the principal factor in the upturn, especially when measured against stabilizing house values. In addition, the cost-to-value ratio improved nationally for every project in this year's report and is higher than it was two years ago for both remodeling and replacement projects. "A Realtor® is the best resource for helping homeowners decide what improvement projects will provide the most upon resale in their market," said Thomas. "Each neighborhood is different, and the desirability and resale value of a particular remodeling project varies depending on where you live. When making a home remodeling decision, resale value is just one factor that homeowners

should take into consideration. Consult a Realtor to make sure you are making the best decision." Most regions followed the national trends; however the Pacific region, consisting of Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington, once again led the nation with an average costvalue ratio of 71.2 percent, due mainly to strong resale values. The next best performing regions were West South Central, South Atlantic, and East South Central. These regions attribute their high ranking to construction costs that were lowest in the country. While still remaining below the national average, most remaining regions showed strong improvement over last year. These are Mountain, New England, East North Central, Middle Atlantic, and West North Central. To read the full project descriptions and access national and regional project data, visit www.costvsvalue.com. "Cost vs. Value" is a registered trademark of Hanley Wood, LLC. HouseLogic is a free source of information and tools from the National Association of Realtors® that helps homeowners make smart decisions and take responsible actions to maintain, protect, and enhance the value of their home. HouseLogic helps homeowners plan and organize their home projects and provides timely articles and news; home improvement advice and how-tos; and information about taxes, home finances, and insurance. Founded in 1976, Hanley Wood, LLC, is the premier media and information company serving the housing, commercial design and construction industries. Through its operating platforms, the company produces awardwinning magazines and websites, marquee trade shows and events, market intelligence data, and custom marketing solutions. The company is also North America's leading publisher of home plans.

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After PTSD probe, Army doctor suspended SEATTLE: A 15-year veteran Army doctor has been suspended for alleged problems with patient care, but the Dr. Russel Hicks says the suspension is for providing information on Madigan Army Medical Center's troubled PTSD diagnosis program to investigators. The Seattle Times reports that the psychiatrist was suspended in January from his hospital duties because he allegedly practiced outside the scope of his clinical privileges and did not properly document patient records. During an initial investigation that could last a month or more, he must refrain from any diagnosis, prescriptions, charting or treatment -AP

Program targets children's mental health services NDIANAPOLIS: Officials with Indiana's Department of Child Services say they're pleased with a pilot program that's designed to provide mental health services for children in need. The Times in Munster reports the state launched the program in mid-November in southeastern Indiana and expanded it to Elkhart and St. Joseph counties in January. DCS deputy director of services and outcomes Lisa Rich says 19 children have been referred to the program so far.-AP

Scientists back EPA on Libby asbestos risks BILLINGS, Mont: Federal officials say they anticipate finishing by late 2014 a risk study to guide the cleanup of a contaminated Montana mining town where hundreds have died from asbestos exposure. That comes after a panel of scientists recently backed a draft study that said even minuscule amounts of asbestos from a W.R. Grace & Co. vermiculite mine outside Libby, Mont. can lead to lung problems. The risk study will determine when Libby's cleanup can end. It has so far has cost more than $447 million over more than a decade. Environmental Protection Agency toxicologist Deborah McKean says the agency will complete the study earlier if it can, possibly by the end of this year. -AP

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February 22, 2013

Iowa man pleads guilty in false Hepatitis B claim CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa: A Cedar Rapids man has pleaded guilty to charges that he falsely told FDA investigators he was a Hepatitis B carrier who had bled into batches of a consumer product made by his former employer. -AP

Emails show change in Oklahoma health exchange policy OKLAHOMA CITY: A 2011 decision by Oklahoma's insurance commissioner to return a federal health care grant came just days after a prominent conservative encouraged state officials to reconsider their approach to President Barack Obama's health care overhaul. Insurance Commissioner John Doak announced he would return $1 million in federal funds barely a week after Barry Goldwater Jr., board member at the Goldwater Institute, proposed in an email that the state return all money associated with the new law. The money was intended to pay for health insurance premium rate reviews as required under the Affordable Care Act. Emails - which show how Doak and Gov. Mary Fallin progressed from supporters of a state-based exchange to critics - were made available in response to an open records request filed by The Oklahoman in November with the insurance commission, the governor's office and the attorney general's office. The email from Goldwater - addressed to Katie Altshuler, a senior policy adviser to Fallin - criticized Oklahoma state officials for moving ahead with plans to com-

ply with the new health care law while simultaneously suing the federal government to strike down the mandate. ``I am hard pressed on how to

fight this battle,'' Goldwater wrote in an email to Altshuler on April 4, 2011. ``What would happen if the Governor just gave the money back?''

Beginning in 2014, exchanges will serve primarily individuals buying insurance on their own and small businesses with up to 100 employees, though states can choose to include larger employers in the future, according to the foundation

On April 11, 2011, Doak, a Republican, told his staffers to prepare a news release announcing he would return the grant, which was accepted by his Democratic predecessor. An attachment in an email two days later indicates Fallin had also decided by then that she would return $54 million in federal funding that would have helped develop a health care exchange, a primary component of the health overhaul. Doak and Fallin made their decisions public shortly thereafter. Health insurance exchanges are one of the most debated elements of the Affordable Care Act. Exchanges are organizations set up to create an organized and competitive market for buying health insurance, according to the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, a health policy analysis group. Beginning in 2014, exchanges will serve primarily individuals buying insurance on their own and small businesses with up to 100 employees, though states can choose to include larger employers in the future, according to the foundation. Cont’d on page 35

NY hopes to add 500,000 residents to Medicaid ALBANY, N.Y.: With New York's Medicaid coverage already broader than federal law requires, the state expects to add about 75,000 more people to the program next year under the health care overhaul, plus another 425,000 who are already eligible but don't know it. Medicaid, the government health insurance program for the poor, currently covers 5.1 million New Yorkers, more than onefourth of the state's residents. The income threshold to qualify for most programs is already above the federal poverty line. ``There are 1 million who are eligible but not enrolled. The hope is that roughly half will

come in as a result of the new welcome mat effect,'' said Elisabeth Benjamin, vice president for health initiatives at the

begin enrollment Oct. 1 in a new health insurance marketplace known as an exchange. That's expected to enroll another 1.1 million New York-

Community Service Society of New York, an advocacy group. Separately, New York plans to

ers who have no health insurance but make too much money to qualify for Medicaid. They would pay pre-

miums and could qualify for subsidies depending on their income. The exchange is expected to reduce costs that individuals pay for insurance. New York officials are putting together a marketing plan to help increase the number of residents who have insurance coverage. They expect to sign up more than half of the 2.7 million uninsured among the state's 19 million residents. Benjamin said New York probably has the best public health insurance programs in the U.S., including Child Health Plus, now available to all its children under age 19. It won't change. Cont’d on page 35

February 22, 2013

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Kasich's Medicaid choice aligns with his approach COLUMBUS, Ohio: Yes, Ohio's Republican governor is supporting the expansion of Medicaid, one of the government's biggest programs. While that looks like a contradiction for a conservative governor who's rejected federal stimulus money, the move by Gov. John Kasich is right in line with his matterof-fact approach. Kasich proposed the Medicaid expansion in his two-year budget plan framing his decision as recapturing Ohio taxpayers' federal money. The federal government will pay the entire cost of the Medicaid expansion for the first three years, gradually phasing down to 90 percent - still well above the state's current level of 64 percent. Many Republicans are averse to President Barack Obama's signature health care law and resistant to expanding government programs. But Kasich insists his decision to broaden Medicaid coverage ``is not an endorsement'' of the health care overhaul and separate from the law's mandate that almost everyone obtain health insurance. Nonetheless, the Medicaid expansion is one of the key components of the law. Of the nearly 30 million people expected to gain insurance coverage under the law, about half would get it from the Medicaid expansion. Kasich's decision is significant not only because Ohio is a political bellwether, but because of his previous service in Congress, where as chairman of the House Budget Committee in the late 1990s he helped pass major legislation to reduce federal debt. The governor is casting his move as an effort to maintain the state's competitive edge by taking advantage of federal tax dollars to create a healthier workforce. Now, he'll have to persuade Republi-

Kasich's decision is significant not only because Ohio is a political bellwether, but because of his previous service in Congress, where as chairman of the House Budget Committee in the late 1990s he helped pass major legislation to reduce federal debt cans who control the Legislature to back the plan despite the fact that many dislike the law's mandated coverage and campaigned against it just a few months ago. ``When you look at the facts, when you strip out ideology or, you know, political considerations and you kind of focus on what makes the most sense, I'm very hopeful at the end of the day that they will get this,'' Kasich told reporters. The state would see $2.4 billion from the federal government to cover those newly eligible for Medicaid over the next two years beginning in July, and $13 billion over the next seven years, according to the Kasich administration.

The governor has powerful groups supporting his cause, including the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, the Ohio State Medical Association and AARP Ohio.

taxpayers wouldn't be stuck with the bill. Kasich has been quick to reject federal dollars before. Even before he was elected in 2010,

would ride it. Instead, Kasich wanted to use the $400 million in federal stimulus money on other transportation projects such as road construction or freight lines. When that idea fell flat, he sought to have the dollars returned to the federal treasury to reduce

"The opportunity to provide health care coverage to the working poor versus a slow train that no one would ride that would cost Ohio taxpayers millions of dollars annually?'' he asked. "It's a slam dunk"

Ohio Governor John Kasich speaks to a crowd at Early Express Services in Dayton

Some conservative groups have criticized his decision, including the Virginiabased Americans for Limited Government. ``Thanks to Gov. Kasich, the American people will be paying interest on Ohio's Medicaid expansion for posterity,'' Bill Wilson, the organization's president, said in a statement. Kasich, a former Fox News commentator, hasn't been afraid to confront interest groups to push through his ideas. Just days after his 2010 election, he issued a stern warning for lobbyists to put aside business as usual or they'd be left out of the budget-writing process that is a livelihood to many. ``Please leave the cynicism and the political maneuvering at the door because we need you on the bus,'' he said. `Ànd if you're not on the bus, we will run over you with the bus. I'm not kidding.'' The governor defended his decision to expand Medicaid this week on the conservative website RedState.com. ``Whenever federal resources are being distributed to the states _ and there's nothing we at the state level can do to prevent that spending _ then Ohioans shouldn't be robbed of their fair share,'' Kasich wrote. `Ì make no apologies for ever standing up for my state and any governor who would is in the wrong job,'' he continued. The state anticipates almost 366,000 Ohioans will be eligible for coverage beginning in 2014 by expanding Medicaid, the health program for the poor that already provides care for one in five residents in the state. To be sure, Kasich has his own reservations about whether Washington will honor its financial commitments for the latest Medicaid expansion. His budget proposal calls for an automatic `òpt-out'' trigger. So if the federal government doesn't pick up its share of expanded coverage, the program for newly eligible Ohioans would shut down and state

Kasich declared dead a project that would have created passenger train service between Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland. He said the service would be too slow and questioned whether enough people

the deficit if it couldn't be used to meet other Ohio needs. Federal officials sent the money to other states, much to Kasich's chagrin. Kasich's spokesman Rob Nichols said the two decisions aren't comparable. ``The opportunity to provide health care coverage to the working poor versus a slow train that no one would ride that would cost Ohio taxpayers millions of dollars annually?'' he asked. ``It's a slam dunk.'' -AP

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February 22, 2013

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School health clinics expand to serve communities LOS ANGELES: When Maria Barrales' children got sick, she would drive two hours south from her East Los Angeles home to the Mexican border and spend two more hours waiting to cross so she could go to an affordable doctor in Tijuana. Now, Barrales, who does not have health insurance, can walk a couple of blocks to Garfield High School and see a modestly priced physician at a new health clinic converted from an auto shop on the school grounds. ``This is something so necessary here. A lot of people don't have insurance, and they don't have the means to go to Tijuana,'' she said in Spanish. The clinic is one of 14 new ``wellness centers'' that the Los Angeles Unified School District is rolling out this year at schools in impoverished neighborhoods in an initiative that expands the mission of traditional schoolbased health centers from treating only students into one that treats the general public, too. While a smattering of school clinics across the nation have long been open to the public, more are looking to expand their patient base to reap revenue that can subsidize the care often given for free

to youngsters as well as fill a dire larger need for community health care access. ``The more folks you're seeing, the more revenue you're generating,'' said Tracey Schear, who oversees 26 school-based health centers for Alameda County Health Services Agency in Northern California. ``We're trying to make more

About 1,800 schoolbased centers, which are usually run by a nonprofit or public health care provider in school-owned buildings, operate across the country visits reimbursable.'' About 1,800 school-based centers, which are usually run by a nonprofit or public health care provider in school-owned buildings, operate across the country. They provide a combination of primary care, mental health counseling, dental and vision screenings, and health education and prevention to youth who may

have grown up with few, if any, doctor visits. Around since the 1980s, school health clinics received a shot in the arm from the federal Affordable Care Act, which earmarked $200 million from 2010 to 2013 to build and equip more centers and expand services. With fewer than half of public schools now employing school nurses, some districts have used the money to add health centers, which have traditionally been located in high schools, at elementary and middle schools and add mental health, vision, and dental care. The federal funding, though, does not cover operational expenses, and more providers are looking to become financially sustainable in an era of shrinking public money and increasing competition for private donations that typically fund school clinics. Some clinics have closed in recent years. The National Assembly of School-Based Health Care is now lobbying Congress to appropriate $50 million to help centers maintain their operations, said President Linda Juszczak. With health care reform approaching, school-community

health centers are also ramping up to enroll people in public insurance programs that will become available. ``We're looking at long-term sustainable plans,'' said Maryjane Puffer, executive director of the Los Angeles Trust for Children's Health, a nonprofit that supports the school district's clinics.

"It's about building income so you can see as many people as you can,'' she said. "We don't need a big margin but we do need to be able to cash-flow this" One Los Angeles Unified school center that has served the community for a long time has been successful doing that, she noted. About four school-based health centers have opened to the general public in California's Alameda County, and two centers under construction at schools in the Oakland Unified School District are

Veteran dies in Pennsylvania after getting Legionella PITTSBURGH: A veteran who died last month after being treated for pneumonia in a Veterans Affairs hospital in western Pennsylvania was confirmed to have the Legionella bacteria, but officials say it isn't clear whether he contracted it in the hospital system where an earlier outbreak linked to the water supply killed five patients. The VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System said in a statement that the patient died in late January, and two preliminary tests taken while he was at the hospital had shown no sign of the infection. But spokesman David Cowgill said that officials had just received test results confirming the presence of the Legionella bacteria, which causes the Legionnaires' form of pneumonia. ``The source of the veteran's infection remains unknown,'' the statement said. Additional testing by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will assist in determining whether the case was ``hospital- or community-ac-

quired.'' Test results are not expected for several weeks. Legionnaires' cases treated at the Pittsburgh-area VA hospitals

Security guards patrol the sidewalk in

have included illnesses that began in the federal hospital system and elsewhere. Cowgill said samples from areas where the veteran was seen tested negative for

break Nov. 16 and switched its water treatment systems at two hospitals in Pittsburgh. A report last week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the VA hospital lab in Pittsburgh didn't report positive test results for Legionnaires for more than two days in violation of hospital protocols. Five patients who were infected at Pittsburgh's Veterans Affairs hospitals died while others were successfully treated. The report said extensive construction work may have contributed to the outbreak and suggested that water treatment equipment wasn't effectively killing the Legionella bacteria. front of a Veterans Affairs hospital in Pittsburgh Cowgill said that caused by bacteria that can be workers conduct environmental spread through mist or vapor from sampling of hospital water every contaminated water or air condi- two weeks and have found that tioning systems. the cleaning efforts were successThe VA announced the out- ful. -AP the bacteria. Legionnaires' disease most often strikes the elderly and can cause deadly pneumonia. It's

being designed to serve the community as well as students. Other clinics are choosing a more limited model that serves school staff, who have private insurance, and students' families. In Oklahoma City, nonprofit community health care provider Variety Care is rolling out its first school clinic at Capitol Hill High School that is open to the staff and student families, said Chief Executive Lou Carmichael. Although United Way donations help to cover expenses, how the clinic would be financially selfsufficient was a key issue, she noted. ``It's about building income so you can see as many people as you can,'' she said. ``We don't need a big margin but we do need to be able to cash-flow this.'' Carmichael said the agency already has a waiting list of schools wanting clinics, but she noted that she'll have to see how the first program works first. ``The need is so great, but how do you pay for it?'' she said. Advocates say the combo clinics make sense because neighborhood schools are convenient locations to reach underserved people, especially in rural areas, but accepting community patients has some caveats. Safety is a concern because schools do not want strangers wandering around their grounds. A health center open to the public typically needs two entrances _ one from the school for students and another street entrance for adults, and may require longer hours, as well as different equipment and staff, such as internist, to deal with adult health problems. Security issues have prevented a number of clinics in Connecticut from expanding because they're located within older school buildings, noted Jesse WhiteFrese, executive director of the Connecticut Association of School Based Health Centers. The state has one school clinic open to the public in north New Haven. Another key issue is privacy for adolescents, who may be seeking contraception, pregnancy tests or treatment for sexually transmitted infections and might shy away from going to a place where they could run into someone they know. At Garfield High School in East Los Angeles, the clinic is installing a partition to divide the center into two areas after realizing students could feel the waiting room was a little too open, said Rafael Gonzalez-Amezcua, medical services director for Bienvenidos, the nonprofit health care agency running the center.-AP

February 22, 2013

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Emails show change in Oklahoma health exchange policy Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 32

States that decline to develop a health care exchange will be rolled into a federal exchange instead, according to the law. Emails demonstrate that just a few weeks before, both Doak and Fallin were intent on using the funds to develop an Oklahoma-based, pro-growth health care exchange. In a written statement Doak said his decision against participating in the new federal health care law was not influenced by conservative organizations. Doak, who took office in January 2011, said he was opposed to Obama's plan since its inception but that he instructed his staff to gather information anyway about creating a ``private market solution'' without influence by the federal government. ``As we became more familiar with Obamacare, we realized that wouldn't be possible,'' he wrote. The Insurance Department's spokeswoman, Kelly Collins, said in a separate written statement that the reversal was the natural progression after Doak began studying the federal program. ``After taking office, Commissioner Doak interacted with many conservative think

onstrate Fallin was supportive of a health care exchange just a matter of weeks before sending back the $54 million. ``Unlike the federal exchange Washington may try to force on us, the exchange we are trying to build offers a positive, freemarket alternative to the big government, tax-and-spend plan that is the (Affordable Care Act),'' Fallin wrote on March 22. In addition to the Goldwater email and several emails from other local and national conservative groups, Doak also received emails from insurance providers who complained an exchange could impact their bottom line. An email dated March 1 from Tim Hendricks, owner of Tulsa-based insurance company Business Planning Group, to Doak and others said insurance agents and brokers could not maintain a level playing field if an exchange were to be developed. ``Buying direct via an Exchange will cost the consumer less than through an agent or broker,'' Hendricks wrote. ``Unless Comm. Doak and our friends in the State Legislature can design a state Exchange that requires accessing broker services before an applicant can purchase health insurance, our profession is doomed.'' Another vocal critic of the state plan

Doak, who took office in January 2011, said he was opposed to Obama's plan since its inception but that he instructed his staff to gather information anyway about creating a ``private market solution'' without influence by the federal government. "As we became more familiar with Obamacare, we realized that wouldn't be possible,'' he wrote tanks and ultimately made the decision that an Oklahoma exchange without federal strings could not be accomplished,'' she wrote. The Insurance Department emails dem-

came from within the Insurance Department. Former state Sen. Randy Brogdon, a deputy commissioner under Doak, publicly protested a state-based exchange but not in his capacity at the department.

NY hopes to add 500,000 residents to Medicaid Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 32

The program provides health coverage on a sliding fee scale up to 400 percent of the federal poverty line, with full premiums after that at about $150 a month. Health Department officials estimate 90 percent of New York children have coverage. The 2010 federal Affordable Care Act calls for expanding Medicaid eligibility and establishing state insurance exchanges with help from federal subsidies. New York now provides Medicaid for single adults up to the poverty line, about $12,000 a year for an individual. That will rise in 2014 and is expected to add 75,000 people to the program. Under Family Health Plus, its Medicaid-expansion program, the state now covers parents up to 150 percent of the pov-

erty line, or $37,000 for a family of three. That is expected to drop to 138 percent next year as that program ends, but a Cuomo administration proposal will grandfather in about 36,000 adults enrolled at the higher threshold. Benjamin said there are probably another 36,000 people in that income group who are not enrolled and who could be left out next year. ``The big issue is affordability,'' where the insurance exchange may still be too expensive for lower-income residents in this high-cost state, she said. At the same time, New York is expected to get up to $2.5 billion more in federal reimbursement for the overhaul. Total federal, state and county Medicaid spending is tentatively budgeted to rise from nearly $54 billion this year to $57.6 billion for the 2013-14 fiscal year. -AP

Rather, Brogdon was listed as the lead author of an email in March sent out by the Tulsa County Republican Platform Committee that called on Fallin to return the $54 million in federal funds. Brogdon was the only senior adviser in the Insurance Department who was opposed to building a state-based exchange, according to emails.

Top Doak advisers were concerned that his acceptance of federal dollars might put him in a bind. In dozens of emails they encouraged him to walk a fine line between opposing Obama's plan and pushing for a state-based exchange ``On the surface a state exchange sounds like a better choice, but ultimately I believe a state exchange will usher in full fledge Obamacare to Oklahoma,'' he wrote in a policy paper prepared by the department. The emails demonstrate top Doak advisers were concerned that his acceptance of

federal dollars might put him in a bind. In dozens of emails they encouraged him to walk a fine line between opposing Obama's plan and pushing for a state-based exchange. ``There could be serious political repercussions for being involved in the implementation of the exchange,'' wrote Rick Farmer, another deputy commissioner, in a policy paper shared via email. ``A large part of your political success was the overwhelming opposition of Oklahomans to this overreaching, federal incursion. Implementing Obamacare will taint you.'' In another email, Farmer asked the Heritage Foundation, another conservative think tank, to write opinion pieces for newspapers in Tulsa and Oklahoma City that would explain why the grants and exchanges are OK, saying, ``we are getting beat up pretty hard here in Oklahoma.'' Rep. Mike Ritze said that he would attribute the sudden change of plans more to pressure by ``boots on the ground'' - Oklahoma residents and lawmakers who did not want Fallin to pursue an exchange. Ritze said several large rallies at the Capitol encouraged many top policymakers to reconsider the effort. ``The biggest concern would be the exchanges leading to a kind of backdoor approach to Obamacare,'' he said. -AP

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February 22, 2013

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Air pollution linked to low birth weight in babies Pregnant women who live in areas with high air pollution are significantly more likely to bear children of low birth weight, according to the largest international study of its kind. Mothers who are exposed to particulate air pollution of the type emitted by vehicles, urban heating and coal power plants risk having babies of low birth weight, according to the study. The study analyzed data collected from more than three million births in nine nations at 14 sites in North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. The study was led by co-principal investigator Tracey J Woodruff, professor of obstetrics and gynecology and reproductive sciences

at UC San Francisco along with Jennifer Parker, of the National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The researchers found that at sites worldwide, the higher the pollution rate, the greater the rate of low birth weight.

Low birth weight, a weight below 2500 grams, is associated with serious health consequences, including increased risk of postnatal morbidity and mortality and chronic health problems in later life, noted lead author Payam Dadvand, of the Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL) in Barcelona, Spain. In the study, published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, the team assessed data collected from research centers in the International Collaboration on Air Pollution and Pregnancy Outcomes, an international research collaborative established in 2007 to study the effects of pollution on pregnancy outcomes. Most of the data assessed was collected during the mid-1990s to the late 2000s, and in some cases, earlier. "What's significant is that these are air pollution levels to which practically everyone in the world is commonly exposed. These microscopic particles, which are smaller than the width of a human hair, are in the air that we all breathe," said Woodruff in a statement.

'Bad' gut bacteria may help control diabetes WASHINGTON: A stomach bacteria believed to cause health problems such as ulcers and gastric cancer may actually be beneficial to diabetics, a new study has found. According to immunologists at the Virginia Bioinformatics Institute of Virginia Tech, the bacteria Helicobacter pylori, usually the villain in studies of gastric cancer and peptic ulcers, balances the stomach's ecosystem and controls body weight and glucose tolerance. "H pylori is the dominant member of the gastric microbiota and infects about half of the world population. While H pylori infection can be associated with severe disease, it helps control chronic inflammatory, allergic, or autoimmune diseases," said Josep Bassaganya-Riera, director of the Nutritional Immunology and Molecular Medicine Laboratory and the Center for Modeling Immunity to Enteric Pathogens (MIEP) at Virginia Tech. "We demonstrated for the first time that gastric colonization with H pylori exerts beneficial effects in mouse models of obesity and diabetes," Bassaganya-Riera said.

Mice infected with H pylori showed less insulin resistance than uninfected mice or other mice infected with a more virulent strain of H pylori, according to the study published in journal PLOS One. Researchers believe that whether the infection is harmful

metabolic traits required to ameliorate diabetes that humans have not evolved on their own," Bassaganya-Riera said in a statement. The study suggests that the overuse of antibiotics for everything from misdiagnosed infec-

Woodruff noted that nations with tighter regulations on particulate air pollution have lower levels of these air pollutants. "In the United States, we have shown over the last several decades that the benefits to health

particulate air pollution in Beijing, China has recently been measured higher than 700 micrograms per cubic meter. "From the perspective of world health, levels like this are obviously completely unsustainable,"

and wellbeing from reducing air pollution are far greater than the costs. This is a lesson that all nations can learn from," Woodruff said. Study co-author Mark Nieuwenhuijsen observed that

he said. Whether these pregnancy exposures can have effects later in life, currently is under investigation through an epidemiological follow-up of some of the children included in these studies.-PTI

Mass. police to offer drop boxes for drugs NORTHAMPTON, Mass: Fifteen police departments in western Massachusetts are offering permanent drop-off boxes where residents can dispose of unwanted prescription drugs. Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan and the state Department of Public Health plan to unveil the new boxes. Previously, Sullivan's office has participated in National Prescription Drug Days to allow residents to get rid of unwanted drugs.

Now, permanent drop boxes will be located at police stations in Amherst, Athol, Belchertown, Erving, Easthampton, Deerfield, Granby, Greenfield, Hadley, Montague, Northampton, Orange, South Hadley, Sunderland and Ware. Prescription and non-prescription drugs, vitamins and veterinary medications can be dropped in the boxes. Needles, liquid medications, IV equipment and chemotherapy drugs will not be accepted. -AP

Maine produce-for-seniors program gears up

or beneficial depends on the interaction between the genetic makeup of H pylori and the host's immune response. "Our new findings suggest that H pylori may provide important

tions in humans to supplementary livestock feed may destroy beneficial bacteria and contribute directly to diseases such as obesity, allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, and asthma. -PTI

AUGUSTA, Maine: Eligible Maine seniors will be able to get free fruit, vegetables and herbs from local farmers through the state's Senior FarmShare program. The state Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry says the program is gearing up for another season. Last year, more than 19,000 seniors and 130 farmers took part in the program, which provides $50 worth of produce to each participant. Qualify-

ing seniors contract with local farmers for pickup or delivery. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by the state. Last year, Maine received just over $1 million to operate the program. Seniors may contract an Area Agency on Aging at 877353-3771 to find participating farmers. A list will appear in a month or so at www.getrealmaine.com. -AP

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February 22, 2013

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aridwar is the gateway to the four pilgrimages Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand (Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath). Haridwar is an important pilgrimage city and municipality in the Haridwar District of Uttarakhand, India. The River Ganges, after flowing for 253 kilometers (157 miles) from its source at Gaumukh at the edge of the Gangotri Glacier, enters the Indo-Gangetic Plains of North India for the first time at Haridwar, which gave the city its ancient name, GangadwĂĄra. It's also the starting point on the journey to the sacred sources of rivers Ganga and the Yamuna. According to legend, Prince

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Bhagirath performed penance here to salvage the souls of his ancestors who had perished due to sage Kapil's curse. The penance was answered and the river Ganga trickled forth from Lord Shiva's locks and its bountiful water revived the sons of King Sagara. In the tradition of Bhagirath, devout Hindus stand in the sacred waters here, praying for salvation of their ancestors. Haridwar is regarded as one of the seven holiest places to Hindus. According to the Samudra Manthan, Haridwar along with Ujjain, Nasik and Allahabad is one of four sites where drops of Amrit, the elixir of immortality, accidentally spilled over from the pitcher while being carried by the celestial bird Garuda. This is manifested in the Kumbha Mela being celebrated every three years in one of the four places, and thus every 12 years in Haridwar. Amidst t h e Kumbha Mela, millions of pilgrims, devotees, and tourists congregate in Haridwar to perform ritualistic bathing on

February 22, 2013

the banks of the river Ganges to wash away their sins and to attain Moksha. Brahma Kund, the spot where the Amrit fell, is located at Har ki Pauri (literally, "footsteps of the Lord") and is considered to be the most sacred ghat of Haridwar. Haridwar is the headquarters and the largest city of the district. Today, the Haridwar city is developing beyond its religious im-

According to the Samudra Manthan, Haridwar along with Ujjain, Nasik and Allahabad is one of four sites where drops of Amrit, the elixir of immortality, accidentally spilled over from the pitcher while being carried by the celestial bird Garuda portance, with the fast developing industrial estate of State Infrastructure and Industrial Development Corporation (SIDCUL), and the close by township of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited in Ranipur, Uttarakhand, as well as its affiliated ancillaries. Etymology In Sanskrit, Haridwar stands for Dwara of Hari or Gateway to God, where 'Hari' means God and 'Dwar' means Gate. In ancient times, the city was referred to as GangadwĂĄra, the place where the Ganges descends to the plains. Haridwar is a vegetarian city by law, as well as an alcohol-free city. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 42

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Govt looking to reinvigorate tourism in J&K GULMARG: Jammu and Kashmir government has said it is keen to restore the tourism glory of the state and encourage its "vast potential" in adventure tourism. "The government has taken effective steps for the holistic development of tourism sector in the state. We are keen to restore the tourism glory of the state and showcase its vast potential in adventure tourism," Tourism Minister Ghulam Ahmad Mir said after inaugurating a state-of-the-art ski lift here. Adventure tourism holds great potential to generate jobs for the state's people, especially the youth, he said, adding that it should also receive focused attention along with conventional and pilgrim tourism. The government is adding adventure attractions for tourists at various destinations in the state. "The trained and skilled human resource of the state could take a lot of benefit from the adventure tourism industry," he added. Mir cautioned against illegal constructions at any tourist resort, saying the government stands for balanced development as well as conservation of environment and

ecology of the state. "Infrastructural development in sync with the ecology and environment is need of hour," he said. The minister also inaugurated a ski rescue base and a ski heli port and laid the foundation of a Tourist Information Centre. Latest technology has been adopted in the construction of the ski lift. It has a length of 450 meters, with a passenger capacity

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of 720 skiers per hour and has been completed at a cost of Rs 1.70 crore. The tourism minister also said the Tourism Department, in collaboration with Winter Games of India, is holding a four-day national level Junior and Sub Junior Skiing Championship at Gulmarg. -PTI

Record number visited Las Vegas in 2012 LAS VEGAS: Tourism authorities say Las Vegas welcomed a record number of gamblers, clubbers and convention-goers in 2012. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority said that 39.7 million visitors toured Sin City last year. That's 800,000 more guests than 2011, and a half-million more than the previous high, set in 2007. The visitors authority calculated that the flood of tourists brought $40 billion into the local economy. The authority highlighted the resurgent convention industry as one of the factors driving the surge in visitors. Room occupancy increased slightly to 84.4 percent for the year, and average hotel room rates increased by a little less than 3 percent, to $108 per night.

Gambling revenue for Clark County, where Las Vegas is lo-

cated, grew by 2 percent to $9.4 billion. -AP

South Dakota launching new campsite website PIERRE, S.D.: South Dakota parks officials say they're putting the final touches on a new campsite reservation website. Parks and Recreation Director Doug Hofer says the new site will soon have all of the features that campers are used to.

The website will also be adding a campsite availability calendar and customer logins. Campers wishing to book more than one campsite at a time are asked to reserve them through the call center at 1-800710-2267.

Reservations for camping in most state parks can be made within 90 days of arrival dates. Reservations can be made one year in advance for campsites at Custer State Park and for lodges in all state parks and recreation areas. -AP

February 22, 2013

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Kerala to promote leisure-water sports THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Tapping the potential of its long sea coast and network backwaters, canals and rivers, Kerala has embarked on a plan to promote leisure-water sporting linked to its fast emerging adventure and water tourism segments. The state has asked the National Institute of Water Sports (NIWS) in Goa to work out a detailed project report on this, Kerala Tourism Director Rani George said. "We are expecting the report within two months. After that we will obtain the policy clearances and start its implementation in a step-by-step manner," George said during an interaction with a group

of journalists here. The state's assessment is that it has good scope for a wide range of water sporting like windsurfing, kayaking and canoing. Kerala's

ethnic sporting culture like snake boat racing could also be factored in to the plans. These activities could be linked to houseboat tourism on the western side and the adventure tourism which has its focus on hill sta-

tions lying towards the eastern part of the state, which could offer comprehensive packages to foreign as well as domestic holidayers, Rani George said. Set up by Indian Ministry of Tourism, NIWS is an 'apex' body for training, education, consultancy and research to promote leisure-water sporting segment in the country. It covers a range of water sport disciplines such as life saving, boat handling, sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, scuba diving, river rafting and kayaking. Apart from established water-front destinations in Kerala like Punnamada, Ashtamudi, Kumarakom and Bakel, more suitable spots would be identified for leisure-water sporting, she said. Admitting that safety and pollution are two key concerns connected to water tourism, despite it being a vital sector, George said

the government has decided to take some strong measures to tackle these problems effectively. One such plan is to encourage local community to collect waste and litters thrown around by houseboats on a daily basis in major cruising water bodies like Vembabad Lake between Kochi and Alappuzha. "For instance, some kind of raft could be used for this. Its operators could be paid for the service they render and the material they collected could be disposed of safely or recycled," she said. On safety issues, which has again raised concern with recent death of four picnickers at Alappuzha, she said a meeting of officials and stake-holders would be held soon to work out a set of

protocols to be strictly followed by house boat operators. Holding that tourism in Kerala is keeping up its uptrend, she said wellness tourism with focus on

Ayurveda will continue to be a prime area to be promoted abroad. Apart from traditional markets like Britain, the state would be projected in countries like Sweden, Switzerland and Austria this year, Rani George added. -PTI

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February 22, 2013

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Gateway to four famous pilgrimages of India Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 39

Places to Visit Har Ki Pauri This sacred Ghat was constructed by King Vikramaditya (1st century BC) in memory of his brother Bhrithari. It is believed that Bhrithari came to Haridwar and meditated on the banks of the holy Ganges. When he died, his brother constructed a Ghat in his name, which later came to be known as Har-Ki-Pauri. The most sacred ghat within Har-ki-Pauri is Brahmakund. The evening prayer (Aarti) at dusk offered to Goddess Ganga at Har-Ki-Pauri (steps of God Hara or Shiva) is an enchanting experience for any visitor. A spectacle of sound and color is seen when, after the ceremony, pilgrims float diyas (floral floats with lamps) and incense on the river, commemorating their deceased ancestors. Thousands of people from all round the world

Mansa Devi, literally meaning the Goddess who fulfills desires (Mansa), is a popular tourist destination, especially because of the cable cars, which offer a picturesque view of the entire city. The main temple houses two idols of the Goddess, one with three mouths and five arms, while the other one has eight arms. Visitors to Mansa Devi Temple have a number of options for getting to the temple. There are regular taxis, auto rickshaws and cabs available from Haridwar to Mansa Devi. To reach the hilltop, one can use the ropeway-cable car. If looking for a light dose of adventure, one can choose to trek up to the temple. Maya Devi Temple Dating to the 11th century, this ancient temple of Maya Devi, the Adhisthatri deity of Hardwar, is considered one of the Siddhapethas and is said to be the place where the heart and navel of

Chandi Devi Temple

make a point to attend this prayer on their visit to Haridwar. A majority of present ghats were largely developed in the 1800s. Chandi Devi Temple The temple is dedicated to Goddess Chandi, who sits atop the 'Neel Parvat' on the eastern bank of river Ganges. It was constructed in 1929 A.D. by the King of Kashmir, Suchat Singh. Skanda Purana mentions a legend in which Chanda-Munda, the Army Chief of a local Demon Kings Shumbh and Nishumbha were killed by goddess Chandi here, after which the place got the name Chandi Devi. It is believed that the main statue was established by Adi Shankracharya in 8th century A.D. The temple is a three km trek from Chandighat and can also be reached through a ropeway which takes one up in just 5-10 minutes. Mansa Devi Temple Situated at the top of Bilwa Parwat, the temple of Goddess

Goddess Sati had fallen. It is one of few ancient temples still standing in Haridwar, along with Narayani Shila temple and Bhairav Temple. Kankhal The ancient temple of Daksha

Poornima (November) and Diwali (October) are some festivals celebrated here with much festivities. It is estimated that nearly 3 million people attend Kanwar Mela in July.

Mansa Devi Temple

Mahadev also known as Daksheswara Mahadev Temple, is situated in the south Kankhal town. According to Hindu texts, King Daksha Prajapati, father of Dakshayani, Lord Shiva's first wife, performed a yagna, to which he deliberately did not invite Lord Shiva. When he arrived uninvited, he was further insulted by the king, seeing which Sati felt infuriated and self-immolated herself in the yagna kund. King Daksha was later killed by the demon Virabhadra, born out of Shiva's anger. Later the king was brought to life and given a goat's head by Shiva. Daksha Mahadev temple is a tribute to this legend. Sati Kund, another well-known mythological heritage worth a visit is situated in Kankhal. Legend has it that Sati immolated herself in this kund. Piran Kaliyar Built by Ibrahim Lodhi, a ruler of Delhi, this 'Dargah' of Hazrat Alauddin Sabir Kaliyari, a 13th century, Sufi Saint of Chishti Order (also known as Sarkar Sabir Pak), in Kaliyar village, 7 km. from Roorkee, is a living example of religious harmony in India. It is visited by devotees from all over the world during the annual 'Urs' festival, which is celebrated from 1st day of sighting the moon to

16th day of Rabeeull month Islamic calendar. Best time to visit Haridwar is a picturesque destination affording enchanting views throughout the year. The right time to visit would be February, March, August - October. In the summer months between March and June, the days get hot but the nights remain pleasant. One way to cool off is by taking a

How to reach By Road The National Highway no. 45 connects Haridwar to other cities of the state as well as other cities. The road connecting Haridwar to Delhi ensures an extremely comfortable travel. National Highway 58, between Delhi and Mana Pass passes through Haridwar connecting it with Ghaziabad, Meerut, Muzzafarnagar, Roorkee and Badrinath and National Highway 74 originating from Haridwar connects it with Kashipur, Kichha, Nagina, Pilibhit and Bareilly. By Rail One of the main railheads of Northern Railways, Haridwar Junction is connected by meter gauge and broad gauge lines. The nearby station of Rishikesh is connected to Haridwar on a branch line. To-

Haridwar hosts many religious festivals as a place of religious significance. Ramanavami (March-April), Buddha Poornima (May), Kanwar Mela (July), Karthika Poornima (November) and Diwali (October) are some festivals celebrated here with much festivities dip in the holy Ganges. In July there is a festival called Savan where thousands of people flock to Haridwar. Major roads are blocked and hotels are crowded. It is better to avoid traveling to Haridwar during that time. Haridwar hosts many religious festivals as a place of religious significance. Ramanavami (MarchApril), Buddha Poornima (May), Kanwar Mela (July), Karthika

wards west, the major railhead is at Saharanpur (80 km) and going north, the major railhead is at Dehradun (66 km). By Air The nearest domestic airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun which is located 35 km from Haridwar. Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi is the nearest International Airport.

February 22, 2013

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Ministry woos foreign visitors to Mani Majra NEW DELHI: After launching the 'Land of Pi' campaign for promotion of Munnar, the Tourism Ministry has now taken steps to attract foreign visitors at Mani Majra near Chandigarh, the shooting location of Oscar nominated film 'Zero Dark Thirty'. "Till last year Mani Majra, a small town within the Union Territory of Chandigarh, was known mainly for being a prosperous suburb. But after the release of 'Zero Dark Thirty' which was shot in Mani Majra, it has acquired the potential to attract foreign tourists

who are keen to see where the film was shot," a Tourism Ministry official said. The 'Incredible India' website has not only embedded a You Tube video that shows the medieval Mani Majra Fort, but also shows

glimpses of the town and shows the exact locations where the film was shot, the official said. The website also has a detailed map that shows how to reach Mani Majra by air, rail and road f r o m Chandigarh as well as from the four major international airports of India. Tourism Minister K Chiranjeevi, a superstar in Teulgu film industry, has initiated a series of efforts as part of film tourism to promote every part of India that has potential to attract foreign tourists. Earlier, the Ministry had launched a campaign as part of film tourism to promote Puducherry and Munnar in Kerala where acclaimed director Ang Lee's 'Life of Pi' was shot. -PTI

Indian, Chinese visitors to Australia triple MELBOURNE: Setting a new record, the number of Indian and Chinese visitors to Australia has tripled in the last decade despite the Australian dollar going strong.

While the Indian visitors went up from 45,000 to 160,000 between 2002 and 2012, the number of Chinese during the same period increased from 190,000 to 630,000, figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics said here. "Despite a high Australian dollar, Australia's short term visitor numbers were up by nearly five per cent since 2011 with 6.1 million short trips made to Australia 270,000 more than we saw in 2011," said Neil Scott, Assistant Director of Demography at the bureau. While China stands at second place when it comes to short-term arrivals in Australia, India made it to the top-ten list at the last place. Seven out of the top ten countries whose

citizens came to Australia for short-term visit were from Asia. Meanwhile, New Zealand continues to be the source of maximum short-term arrivals. " N e w Zealand remains our b i g g e s t source of overseas short-term

visitor arrivals with 1.2 million trips in 2012 or one in five visitors coming from there, but China is now in second place with one in ten, followed by the UK, the USA and Japan," Scott added. Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Hong Kong and India rounded off the list in that order. "New South Wales remained the most popular destination with a record 2.3 million overseas visitors in 2012, claiming more than

one-third of all short-term visitor arrivals to Australia. "This was followed by Queensland at one-quarter and Victoria with just over onefifth," an official release of the Bureau said. Elaborating about the purpose of these visits, Scott said: "More than two-thirds, or about 4.3 million overseas visitors, came here for holidays or to see friends and family, and the peak age group for short term visitors was 25-29 year olds." -PTI

In Brief A Texas-sized silence as talks ramp up AUSTIN, Texas: With nearly 2 million illegal immigrants and a 1,200-mile border with Mexico, Texas has more at stake than most states in the renewed push to overhaul the nation's immigration system. Yet so far, Gov. Rick Perry and Republicans who control the Legislature have been sitting this debate out. They're not resurrecting dozens of contentious immigration bills that roiled the statehouse in 2011. They're not making the rounds on TV and radio to talk about President Barack Obama's plan for legalizing immigrants. They're not even saying the word ``immigration.'' -AP

New high-profile bipartisan group on immigration WASHINGTON: Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is part of a new bipartisan group that will push for an overhaul of the nation's immigration laws and a path to citizenship for the estimated 11 million illegal immigrants in the United States. The other co-chairs of the new effort are former Democratic Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell; former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Henry Cisneros, a Democrat; and former Republican Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour. The high-profile group, brought together by the Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington, will aim to keep up momentum behind overhauling immigration and serve as a sounding board for policy makers, Rendell said. -AP

Iran urges India to allow visa-onarrival facility HYDERABAD: Iran has urged the Indian government to relax its visa norms and extend the facility of 'visa-on-arrival' for its citizens who are visiting India, a senior diplomat of Iran said here. Hassan Nourian, Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Hyderabad, said currently over 10,000 Iranian students are pursuing studies in various educational institutions in India and 6,000 in southern states particularly. To streamline the relationship between the people of India and Iran, the Government of Islamic Republic of Iran has eased the visa rules for Indian tourists, businessmen and pilgrims, he said. -PTI

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February 22, 2013

Republicans scramble for the center on immigration LITTLETON, Colo: It was little surprise when freshman Republican Rep. Mike Coffman in 2010 voted against a bill to grant citizenship to some young illegal immigrants. After all, the Marine Corps veteran had just won the seat in Congress formerly held by firebrand Rep. Tom Tancredo, who had pushed the GOP to take a harsher stance against illegal immigration. The bill, known as the DREAM Act, died in the Senate. Now Coffman has changed course. He has introduced legislation to let unauthorized immigrants brought into the country as children earn citizenship if they serve in the military. And he spoke hopefully about an immigration overhaul that a bipartisan group of senators outlined last week. Since the November elections, many other Republicans nationwide have tempered their tone on immigration - if not reversed course completely - after years of tacking right to appeal to grassroots activists who dominate GOP primaries. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor became the latest high-profile Republican to shift gears. A leader of the conservative caucus and previous opponent of the DREAM Act, Cantor called for allowing illegal immigrants brought here as children to become citizens. Coffman won re-election by only 2 points and is a top target for Democrats next year. But

Republican Rep. Mike Coffman

Republican Party seems to have gotten the message after its shellacking last fall, though it is still unclear whether softer stances will translate into broad enough support Coffman says his change of heart is personal: He met a constituent who served as a Marine and lost his legs in an IED explosion in Afghanistan. The man was a Canadian immigrant who became a citizen, and his brother joined the military and became a citizen, too. Coffman also recalls a former Spanish tutor telling him about the lack of opportunity for young illegal immigrants. ``For young people who grew

up in this country, and don't know another country, to not be able to serve in the military...'' Coffman said, trailing off. He said the broader overhaul ``seems to be moving in the right direction.'' All this suggests that the Republican Party seems to have gotten the message after its shellacking last fall, though it is still unclear whether softer stances will translate into broad enough support for an overhaul that includes

a pathway to citizenship for the country's estimated 11 million illegal immigrants. Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney won only 27 percent support from Hispanics and even less from Asians. And an AP-GFK poll last month showed 62 percent of voters want to let otherwise law-abiding illegal immigrants eventually become citizens, up 12 percentage points from 2010. During the GOP presidential primaries, Romney wooed the party's right flank by echoing their rhetoric on immigration and advocating ``self-deportation,'' or making life in the U.S. so miserable for illegal immigrants they would voluntarily return home. His campaign staff later said they regretted the sharp turn because it alienated minority voters. Now Republicans are trying to get them back. ``All of their campaign consultants are telling them that the end is near if they don't change,'' said Mark Krikorian of the Center for Immigration Studies in Washington, which advocates tighter immigration restrictions. He added that Republicans have long-favored a narrower version of the DREAM Act formally, the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act which would legalize the status of people brought here illegally as children who graduate from college or serve in the military. Cont’d on page 47

Obama on reform; Senators announce agreement CYRUS D. MEHTA

resident Obama spoke in Las Vegas, Nevada, on his immigration reform ideas and released a statement one day after a bipartisan group of senators proposed principles for comprehensive immigration reform, on January 28. A fact sheet on President Obama's immigration reform proposal outlines four principles: "First, continue to strengthen our borders. Second, crack down

on companies that hire undocumented workers. Third, hold undocumented immigrants accountable before they can earn their citizenship; this means requiring undocumented workers to pay their taxes and a penalty, move to the back of the line, learn English, and pass background checks. Fourth, streamline the legal immigration system for families, workers, and employers." Among other things, President

Obama's proposal includes providing visas to foreign entrepreneurs who want to start businesses in the United States and "helping the most promising foreign graduate students in science and math stay in this country after graduation, rather than take their skills to other countries." He also would provide a legal way for undocumented people to "earn citizenship" by passing national security and criminal background

checks, paying taxes and a penalty, "going to the back of the line," and learning English. Young people could earn citizenship more quickly by serving in the military or pursuing higher education. The President is proposing the following measures, according to the fact sheet: • Mandatory, phased-in electronic employment verification. Cont’d on page 46

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February 22, 2013

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Changes in Hazleton since immigration ordinance HAZLETON, Pa.: Hazleton is a different city from seven years ago when national news crews arrived and crowds lined up outside City Hall to shout opinions about an immigration law. When proposing the Illegal Immigration Relief Act, then-Mayor Lou Barletta sought to make Hazleton the toughest city in America for undocumented residents. Some undocumented residents reportedly left Hazleton as soon as Barletta suggested the law, but courts stopped the law from taking effect. Since then, people moved in, not out of, Hazleton. The 2010 Census showed that Hazleton's population increased by more than 2,000, the first gain in 70 years. An influx of Latinos, who now make up 37 percent of the city's population, led the growth. ``They started buying cars and fixing houses so Lowe's and other businesses started flourishing, and they started paying taxes to the city,'' said Dr. Agapito Lopez, an opponent of the city's immigration law. As the population changed, so did relationships between the Latino and Anglo communities, compared to when the law was proposed. ``The feelings were so raw on both sides, and there was certainly a greater sense of mistrust than we see today,'' Bob Curry said. Curry heads an effort to build a youth center for the Hazleton Integration Project of city native and Major League Baseball manager Joe Maddon. More people donated money, Curry believes, and offered to volunteer for the center, which will serve children of all ethnicities, now than would have offered to help seven years ago during the fight about the law. The fight reached its height on July 13, 2006, when people carrying flags and signs for and against the law filled council chambers, spilled onto the steps of City Hall and jammed sidewalks of North Church Street. Coverage of the issue put Barletta and the city on CBS News'

``60 Minutes'' and CNN's ``Lou Dobbs Tonight.'' Radio programs and newspaper articles spread stories about Hazleton's law around the world. Today, the fight continues in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in Philadelphia. While judges there ruled the law unconstitutional in 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court ordered them to reconsider the case in view of a decision upholding an Arizona law. Laws in both Hazleton and Arizona penalize employers who knowingly hire undocumented residents, whereas Hazleton's law also would punish landlords for renting to undocumented tenants.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;They started buying cars and fixing houses so Lowe's and other businesses started flourishing, and they started paying taxes to the city,â&#x20AC;? said Dr. Agapito Lopez, an opponent of the city's immigration law The nation no longer pays much attention to the outcome of the Hazleton case, although cities and states that considered enacting immigration laws might have prodded Congress to re-think the issue. A group of senators and President Barack Obama have proposed comprehensive changes to national immigration policy. Their proposals include giving the estimated 11 million to 12 million undocumented immigrants a way to become legal residents, but the policy-makers also seek tighter borders, easier ways for employers to verify the immigration status of job applicants and an overhaul of procedures that bring immigrants to America legally. Barletta, who sponsored the law to lessen the expense that undocumented residents put on the police, schools and the hospital in Hazleton, moved with the debate to Washington. Now starting his second term

in Congress, he represents Pennsylvania's 11th District. A Republican, Barletta said he is ready to challenge leaders of his own party who would offer legal status to undocumented residents, a policy that he calls amnesty. His posture doesn't surprise Hazleton residents, whether they supported or opposed the city's immigration law. ``That's what he's known for: the immigration stance,'' said Joseph Yannuzzi, who succeeded Barletta as mayor and continued defending the city's immigration law in appeals court. ``He'll never support anything that resembles amnesty.'' In the last two elections for Congress, Barletta's views about immigration haven't seemed to hurt him, Yannuzzi said. As the years passed, feelings about immigration have become less intense in Hazleton, Yannuzzi thinks. ``The melting pot - I can see things happening and changing, but not to the point where it's completely melted,'' Yannuzzi said. Recently, Barletta, citing a Heritage Foundation report from 2007, said most undocumented Latinos have low skills and might not have graduated from high school. He believes they will support Democratic candidates, who promise social welfare programs, while Republicans led by Sen. John McCain said their party has to start courting the votes of Latinos with more lenient immigration policies. Amilcar Arroyo, publisher of the Spanish language newspaper Molinegocios USA in Hazleton, said he will suggest that Barletta stop making comments like that about Latinos. ``And he is a good friend of mine,'' Arroyo added. ``The GOP party knows they have to be a little bit more openminded,'' Arroyo said. ``The Latino electorate is growing. If they are more friendly, they can get a piece of the cake.'' Victor Perez of the Dominican House of Hazleton, a group that challenged Hazleton law, wonders if Barletta is stuck in the past. ``His mind is in the same time

when he was fighting ... We can't continue in 2006. We don't want to talk about that,'' said Perez, who instead wants to discuss ``what we can do to fix the problem.'' Perez said Dominican House leads classes that help legal immigrants earn citizenship. Tutors all have college degrees, and the class materials, offered in English and Spanish, include a quote from President Harry S. Truman, who said being an American is about more than knowing where you and your parents came from. ``It is a belief that all men are created free and equal and that everyone deserves an even break.'' ``If we are equal, why is Mr. Barletta talking like we are not equals?'' Perez said. He said he can understand why the federal government might want to deport ``the bad apples,''

but ``what are you going to do with the millions of good apples?'' Franklin Rivera, interviewed downtown during a day off from a plastics plant where he works in the Humboldt Industrial Park, said people share the same ambitions regardless of their immigration status. ``There's a lot of them working pretty much the same as us,'' Rivera said. He knows one undocumented worker, trained as a dentist, who lived in the state for 12 years and is scared to go out after work. He sends money to his home country. Rivera questioned the wisdom of spending tax dollars to find and deport a worker like that, who, if given legal status, would pay taxes and invest more in America, Rivera said. -AP

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Obama on reform; Senators announce agreement Cont’d from page 44

The President's proposal provides tools for employers to ensure a legal workforce by using federal government databases to verify that the people they hire are eligible to work in the United States. Penalties for hiring undocumented workers are significantly increased, and new penalties are established for committing fraud and identity theft. The new mandatory program ensures the privacy and confidentiality of all workers' personal information and includes important procedural protections. Mandatory electronic employment verification would be phased in over five years with exemptions for certain small businesses. • Combat fraud and identity theft. The proposal also mandates a fraud-resistant, tamper-resistant Social Security card and requires workers to use fraud- and tamperresistant documents to prove authorization to work in the United States. The proposal also seeks to establish a voluntary pilot program to evaluate new methods to authenticate identity and combat identity theft. • Protections for all workers. The President's proposal protects workers against retaliation for exercising their labor rights. It increases the penalties for employers who hire undocumented workers to skirt the workplace standards that protect all workers. And it creates a "labor law enforcement fund" to help ensure that industries that employ significant numbers of immigrant workers comply with labor laws. The proposal also would elimi-

nate annual country caps for employment-sponsored immigration and add visas to the system. It would allow "greater flexibility" to designate countries for participation in the Visa Waiver Program, and would "staple" green cards to advanced STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) graduates with master's degrees or Ph.D.'s who have found employment in the United States. The proposal would require employers to pay a fee to support education and training "to grow the next generation of American workers in STEM careers." President Obama's proposal would permanently authorize immigrant visa opportunities for regional center (pooled investment) programs; and provide incentives for visa requestors to invest in programs that support national priorities, including economic development in rural and economically depressed regions. The proposal would create a new visa category for a limited number of highly skilled and specialized employees of federal national security science and technology laboratories who have been in the United States for two years. Sens. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), John McCain (R-Ariz.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Lindsey Graham (RS.C.), Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), and Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) proposed the following four "basic legislative pillars": 1. Create a tough but fair path to citizenship for unauthorized immigrants currently living in the United States that is contingent

upon securing our borders and tracking whether legal immigrants have left the country when required; 2. Reform our legal immigration system to better recognize the importance of characteristics that will help build the American economy and strengthen American families; 3. Create an effective employment verification system that will prevent identity theft and end the hiring of future unauthorized

To address these challenges, the senators propose a "new immigration system" that recognizes the characteristics that will "help build the American economy and strengthen American families” workers; and 4. Establish an improved process for admitting future workers to serve our nation's workforce needs, while simultaneously protecting all workers. Among other things, they propose that those who have been working in the U.S. agricultural industry without legal status and who "commit to the long-term stability of our nation's agricultural industries" will be able to "earn a path to citizenship through a different process under our new agricultural worker program." The senators also lament the

Republicans scramble for the center on immigration Cont’d from page 44

The shift has been particularly dramatic in the West, where the most recent wave of illegal immigration began in the 1990s and the GOP's tough response helped drive Hispanic votes to newly ascendant Democrats. In California, a handful of GOP state legislators joined Democratic colleagues at a news conference last week to back a pathway to citizenship in any immigration overhaul. In Nevada, where immigrant votes have given Democrats a lopsided edge in recent elections, the state Republican Party last week endorsed legalizing the status of unauthorized immigrants. Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain is now one of eight senators pushing for an overhaul, along

with Arizona Republican Sen. Jeff Flake. McCain had co-sponsored an immigration overhaul that died in 2005, but he disowned the plan while running for president in 2008, and he ran an ad in his 2010 Senate campaign calling for completion of the ``danged fence'' on the Mexican border. Colorado, where Hispanics comprised 14 percent of the electorate in November, was solidly red at the beginning of the past decade, when Republicans pushed aggressive measures against illegal immigrants and some Democrats joined them. Since then, the state has twice helped elect President Barack Obama, and Democrats have controlled the state Legislature for three of the last four elections. Hispanics also helped defeat tea party favorite Ken Buck in his 2010

challenge of Sen. Michael Bennet. Now Buck, well-known for aggressive enforcement of immigration laws as Weld County district attorney, has joined The Colorado Compact, a coalition of politicians, business and community groups that backs a ``sensible path forward'' for some illegal immigrants. After years of blocking in-state tuition for illegal immigrants at state colleges and universities, some Republican state lawmakers have decided to support the measure. And congressmen like Coffman are taking a warmer stance toward the idea of a broader immigration overhaul though it remains uncertain whether they will ultimately vote for citizenship for most illegal immigrants, the goal of immigration rights activists and Obama. -AP

"broken" U.S. immigration system that "sadly discourages the world's best and brightest citizens from coming to the United States and remaining in our country to contribute to our economy." This failure, the senators note, makes legal entry into the United States "insurmountably difficult for well-meaning immigrants" and "unarguably discourages innovation and economic growth," in addition to creating substantial visa backlogs that force families to live apart and incentivize undocumented immigration. To address these challenges, the senators propose a "new immigration system" that recognizes the characteristics that will "help build the American economy and strengthen American families," in addition to reducing backlogs in the family and employment visa categories. Among other things, they propose permanent resident status to immigrants who have received a Ph.D. or master's degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics from a U.S. university. The senators also recommend a mandatory employment verification system with stiff penalties for egregious offenses. For unauthorized workers, the senators propose legislation that would: • Allow employers to hire immigrants if it can be demonstrated that they were unsuccessful in recruiting an American to fill an open position and the hiring of an immigrant will not displace American workers; • Create a workable program to meet the needs of America's agri-

cultural industry, including dairy to find agricultural workers when American workers are not available to fill open positions; • Allow more lower-skilled immigrants to come here when our economy is creating jobs, and fewer when our economy is not creating jobs; • Protect workers by ensuring strong labor protections; and • Permit workers who have succeeded in the workplace and contributed to their communities over many years to earn green cards. USCIS updates FAQ on DACA, releases latest statistics U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently updated its FAQ on deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA), and released related statistics. The latest version of the FAQ was released on January 18, 2013. USCIS posted new information on the definition of DACA, accrual of unlawful presence, continuous residence requirements, the effect of traveling outside the United States, violations of status, DACA for those living in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, fee waivers, and other issues. USCIS also released the latest statistics on DACA as of January 17, 2013. As of that date, USCIS had approved 154,404 cases and rejected 13,366, of a total of 407,899 received and 394,533 accepted for review. (To be continued)

* Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

Activists push path to US citizenship, nothing less WASHINGTON: Immigration activists have rejected the idea of granting legal status short of U.S. citizenship to illegal immigrants in emerging legislation. The activists said that only citizenship would be acceptable for the nation's 11 million illegal immigrants and that the compromise idea floated by some House Republicans, offering legalization but not citizenship, won't work. Frank Sharry, executive director of America's Voice, said allowing illegal immigrants to legalize their status without the prospect of citizenship would ``create an institutionalized group of secondclass non-citizens.'' ``When we've said to a whole group of people, `You're good enough to work here but not good enough to be one of us,' it hasn't

worked out well,'' Sharry said on a conference call with other activists to urge swift action on comprehensive immigration legislation. A framework for a bipartisan bill in the Senate includes a path to citizenship, which President Barack Obama also supports. But some House Republicans uncomfortable with letting illegal immigrants become citizens - labeled amnesty by critics - have suggested finding another way of dealing with them. At a hearing, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte, a Republican, raised the question, ``Are there options we should consider between the extremes of mass deportation and a pathway to citizenship for those not lawfully present in the United States?'' -AP

February 22, 2013

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wo months after his demise, sitar legend Pandit Ravi Shankar was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Grammy award, which was jointly accepted by his musically-gifted daughters Anoushka Shankar and Norah Jones.

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February 22, 2013

seven... I am still trying to get it. We are very happy to accept the award for him," said ninetime Grammy winner Ms. Jones (33). "It was 60 days ago today that he passed away. It's kind of difficult to be standing up here, like Norah said, I am thrilled that he knew about this award before he passed away at least. But I wish we weren't standing up here for him," said Anoushka Shankar (31), who has accompanied her father at concerts all around the world. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 50

Norah Jones and Anoushka Shankar accepting a Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of their father, the late Ravi Shankar

Anoushka Shankar, a reputed sitarist herself, and Norah Jones, who has carved a niche as a singer-songwriter, attended the preGrammy ceremony at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre to accept the honor bestowed on their iconic father, who passed away on December 11, 2012 at the age of 92. "We know he was very excited to be receiving this award. We really miss him. He lived and breathed music. He was tapping out rhythms on the breakfast table and making me do five over

Salman to go abroad for treatment

alman Khan says he would undertake a long-delayed trip abroad for treatment, which he had put off because of his acting schedule and the blackbuck poaching case in court. "I had to delay going due to the acting schedules and the court cases. But now I will go," he told the media at a Celebrity Cricket League match in Kochi. Salman Khan is charged under the Wildlife Protection Act for allegedly poaching a blackbuck in Rajasthan in 1998. Details on page 50

Norah 'Shankar' to perform in India NEW DELHI: Much to the excitement of her fans, nine-time Grammy winner Norah Jones will perform twice in Delhi. The American jazz singer-songwriter's first ever show in India got sold out within three weeks since the tickets were thrown open. Jones will now perform on two consecutive days - March 5 and 6 - at Sirifort Auditorium. "I'm very excited to be playing in Delhi, and I'm excited to be adding a second show. I hope that we'll have a lot of fun at the shows, and that everyone else is as excited as I am," said Norah Jones. Her performance comes with a cause, as it aims to raise funds and spread awareness about breast cancer. She will kick off her three-city tour with a headlining performance at A Summer's Day music festival in Mumbai on March 3 followed by concerts in New Delhi then in Bangalore on March 8. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 50

Norah to perform on Oscar night

orah Jones will sing Everybody Needs a Best Friend, from the Ted soundtrack, during the 85th Academy Awards ceremony on February 24. The 33-year-old actress and singer will perform one of the five tunes in the Best Original Song category, during the most watched film event of the year. Norah Jones co-wrote the lyrics for Everybody Needs a Best Friend with Seth MacFarlane, who directed the comedy she also featured in. McFarlane is hosting the Oscars ceremony. Jones will perform along with other stars, including Adele, who will sing the Skyfall theme - nominated in the same category - live for the first time.

February 22, 2013

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MUMBAI: Legendry director Yash Chopra's statue was unveiled at the UTV STARS Walk and actress Rani Mukerji became very emotional at the event. Rani, who is reportedly in a relationship with Yashji's elder son, filmmaker Aditya Chopra, could not hold back her tears at the event as the actress broke down while other spoke about Yashji candidly. The statue was unveiled by Yashji's wife Pamela Chopra and son Uday Chopra. Some of the other celebrities who were present at the unveiling were Shatrughan Sinha, Poonam Dhillon, Prem Chopra, Rani Mukerji and Parineeti Chopra. Shatrughan Sinha also referred to Rani Mukerji as Rani Chopra (an obvious direct hint to her much talked about relationship with Aditya Chopra) at the event. Needless to say Rani didn't know how to react! Many in the industry believe that Rani and Aditya have secretly tied the knot in 2012 and have kept mum about it. Whatever it is, Sinha's blooper has just got people talking about the hush-hush affair of Bollywood once again. "I would like to thank UTV for this. It's a great moment for all the people who loved Yash uncle and the people

Yash Chopra's statue unveiled who are associated with the family. We will all miss him," a visibly tearyeyed Rani told reporters.

Shatrughan Sinha also referred to Rani Mukerji as Rani Chopra (an obvious direct hint to her much talked about relationship with Aditya Chopra) at the event. Needless to say Rani didn't know how to react! Many in the industry believe that Rani and Aditya have secretly tied the knot in 2012 and have kept mum about it

Rani Mukerji poses during the unveiling of a UTV STARS walk of the stars, brass statue of late Bollywood legendary filmmaker, script writer, and film producer Yash Chopra in Mumbai on February 11

Chopra died on October 21 last year due to dengue. He was 80. The statue shows Chopra with his trademark cap.

Suraj Sharma loses rising star BAFTA Fined several times but won't remove tinted glasses

LOS ANGELES: Indian actor Suraj Sharma, who played the protagonist in Ang Lee's "Life of Pi", lost out the EE Rising Star Award to British actress Juno Temple at the British Academy Film Awards held here. Delhi-based Suraj, 19, was the only male actor nominated in the category. Other nominees in-

EE Rising Star honors a young actor or actress who has demonstrated exceptional talent and ambition and has begun to capture the imagination of the British public. It is the only award voted for by the public at the EE British Academy Film Awards in 2013 cluded Andrea Riseborough, Elizabeth Olsen, Swedish actress Alicia Vikander and Juno. "Life of Pi" is based on Canadian author Yann Martel's Man Booker Prize-winning novel of the same name. The film is about the journey of an Indian boy who loses his family in a shipwreck and is

ahesh Bhatt, known for his frank speak, once remarked, "Actors crave recognition; from the urchin at the signal lights, to the man on the street, they want everyone to recognize them. Ironically, when their face gets recognition, they roll up their dark glasses and hide behind them." Seems these lines currently apply to Vidya Balan. The poster girl of awards has reportedly paid multiple fines to the Mumbai Traffic Police be-

left to survive with a tiger on a life boat. It also featured Bollywood actors Irrfan and Tabu. Suraj looked dapper in black suit as he walked the red carpet at London's Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. EE Rising Star honors a young actor or actress who has demonstrated exceptional talent and ambition and has begun to capture the imagination of the British pub-

lic. It is the only award voted for by the public at the EE British Academy Film Awards in 2013. Though Suraj lost the rising star award, the film "Life of Pi" walked away with two trophies at the gala ceremony, organized by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA). The film won the award for best cinematography and best special visual effects.

cause her car has tinted glass windows. And, the actress refuses to change that. A source mentions that Vidya has been pulled up quite often over the past few months and was given the option of either paying up the fine or stripping her windows of the tinted glass. But it seems the actress prefers keep the tinted glass for two reasons. Firstly, she doesn't wish to get unwarranted attention and secondly, she has low tolerance to harsh sunlight.

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February 22, 2013 www.indiapost.com

Salman to go abroad for treatment

in a decade-old hit-and-run case. The Magistrate noted in his order that Salman Khan had knowledge that his act of rash driving would result in death or injuries to people. Salman was warned by his police bodyguard Ravindra Patil not to drive at a speed of 90 to 100 km per hour as there was a turning ahead or else the vehicle would meet with accident but he did not pay heed to his advice. Salman's lawyer Dipesh Mehta said that the actor would challenge the order in the Bombay High Court. On the night of September 28, 2002, Salman had allegedly rammed his Toyota Land Cruiser into a roadside bakery at suburban Bandra, killing one person and injuring four others who were

sleeping on the pavement. The 47-year-old was earlier charged under IPC Section 304 A (rash and negligent driving) which attracts two years' punishment and is tried by a Magistrate. Now he has been charged under IPC Section 304 part II (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), for which maximum jail term is 10 years. The Magistrate, in his order on January 31, said the actor was under the influence of liquor, according to reports of pathological tests. The court disagreed with Salman's argument that he had no knowledge that there would be an accident and people would die if he drove at a fast speed. On the contrary, the actor had knowledge about this because he stays in the vicinity and knows the topography of the place, the Magistrate noted. The Magistrate rejected Salman's contention that at the relevant time it was dark and the accident was not intentional but an act of God. He reiterated the actor had knowledge that he would meet with accident if he drove at high speed because he was warned by the police bodyguard who was sitting next to him in the ill-fated car.

Norah 'Shankar' to perform in India Cont’d from page 48

"We wanted more fans to be able to hear her perform live, and so we spoke to her, and her management is adding a second show in Delhi," says Vijay Nair, the organizer. Norah Jones will be supported by Portland singer, M Ward, one half of indie pop duo She & Him. Nine-time Grammy winner Norah Jones, 33, is excited about her first performance in India but says that the feeling is "bittersweet". "I'm excited to come. It's also bittersweet because my Dad (late music maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar) just passed away. I've

never played in India, so that's one reason to do it, and also my dad always wanted me to play here. It's always just been a matter of timing, and adding on to tours. It's just never worked out in the past," she says. The American jazz singersongwriter wants to dedicate her performance to her father. "This time I planned it a while ago, and my Dad was really asking me to do it, and I thought it would be nice for him and nice for me. So it's very sad that he's gone now, but I know he was very excited that I was going to be playing in India, so that's a nice thing," she says.

Daughters accept dad's Grammy Cont’d from page 48

"I want to say thanks to my mom... He did his last performance just a few weeks before he died and I believe she was the reason he was able to be as healthy and strong as he was. I am eternally grateful to her for that. "My father always said that music could create world peace because it had the potential to raise the consciousness of people... When I watched him play what moved me was this incredible meditative state where he could take people," she added. Best world music album Grammy Ravi Shankar was also posthumously awarded the best world music album trophy at the 55th Grammys for 'The Living Room

Sessions Part 1', pipping his daughter Anoushka, a day after being given Lifetime Achievement award.

Jones, who has won nine Grammys of her own, said of her father, "We know he was very excited to be receiving this award. We really miss him” Daughter Anoushka, who too was nominated in the same category for her album "Traveller" accepted

the Grammy on behalf of her late father at the Grammy awards show. "It's OK to lose to your father," said the 31-year-old, who is also a sitar player and composer, as she received the award for her father. The Indian icon was among seven artists, including Carole King and the Temptations, named as Lifetime Achievement Award honorees. Jones, who has won nine Grammys of her own, said of her father, "We know he was very excited to be receiving this award. We really miss him. He lived and breathed music." "I remember him drumming on the breakfast table, trying to get me to learn to play seven (beats) over five. I'm still trying to learn that. We are very happy to accept the award for him."

February 22, 2013

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Horoscope

52 India Post

February 22, 2013

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Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar

FEBRUARY 22ND - FEBRUARY 28TH 2013 (March 21 to April 20)

ome of you may finally decide to move on in life and start looking for another job, within and even outside country of current residence. Money wise you will stay comfortable. You may call and old confidant for advice and guidance on career related matter. It will be an excellent week for people in food business.

(July 23 to August 22)

ew strategy will be helpful in turning things around for your benefit. You will be able to prove your point and reap rich rewards money wise. Spouse will be little stressed out for no visible reason. You will continue your search for another location and may fill up some kind of applications in a hurry this week.

(April 21 to May 20)

ou will have better control over things in life and will be able to take all decisions with a cool and rational mind. Any changes in career at this point will be a blessing in disguise. New contract will relieve you of previous tension. You may arrange a small get together at your place and invite few close friends.

(August 23 to September 22)

ou will be selected among number of applicants for the prestigious job. People in business will continue to gain an edge over their competitors with the new strategy. Help will come from totally unexpected place. Just do not stretch your limits and avoid making any big financial commitments during the week.

(May 21 to June 20)

bstacles will cause some frustration. You will travel to another state to attend an important meeting. You may also make final payment on a short term loan or credit card. Home remedy will be enough to resolve health issues. You may be slowly working on taxes also. You will do some serious cleaning inside and outside home.

(September 23 to October 22)

aving almost everything and things going right way, you may still feel little uneasy and lack the real motivation. You have to overcome it quick and just look at what you got and feel content. People in business will experience better sales. Quick thinking and action will help make money through stocks also.

(October 23 to November 22)

(June 21 to July 22)

ou will lay your hands on some real easy money this week. A big refund or payment will also come via mail. Just do not involve your self in other people's problems. Keep working on your plans as ultimate success is just few weeks away. Some of you may start looking for a better place to move this coming summer.

here is absolutely no harm in being ambitious as long it does not turn into greed. Avoid initiating a legal case just to harass some one who could not fulfill his commitment. You will continue to make slow and steady progress as far as money is concerned. You may be traveling to a comparatively warmer area. (November 23 to December 22)

xcellent week for people in marketing and sales. This is the right time to approach boss or a government agency to seek big favors. Its high time that you should throw all your fears out and implement your plans. You may receive some money though small amount through a legal process. Trip will be very fruitful. (December 22 to January 19)

oney will come but will be hard to hold. Loan application will be approved with added conditions. A government agency giving run around in the past, will ease off their requirements and you will start to see the light at the end of tunnel. It is favorable week for those looking for a change in career. (January 20 to February 18)

ith new strategy, you will be able to turn things around in your favor all of a sudden. Some one creating problems will quit the scene. You may one more time put your needs aside and help a needy sibling or a friend. You will be studying some very useful material. You may start your search for another location to move. (February 19 to March 20)

elp will come from unexpected place. An incidence which will make you unhappy will prove to be a blessing in disguise the very next day. You should not not change your travel plans and proceed with positive attitude. Email or letter you mail out will bring positive response. An electric item will need to be replaced.

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

510-886-4370 website: www.parashar.com

Philosophy

February 22, 2013

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mong the lovers of Krishna, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's name is the most outstanding. There is a huge amount of literature on love in the form of poetry and epics and philosophical treatises. One can become knowledgeable about love, write great treatises on love, yet in reality he will not actually know what love is. There is another person who has not read a word about love, but has experienced it, lived it. What is the difference between this man and the one who has gone through a huge pile of literature on love? This man knows love through experiencing; the other man knows it through words and concepts. When Chaitanya says that unity and separateness of the world and God is beyond thought, he means much more than what meets the eye. Meera will say it is unthinkable, but she was never given to serious thinking - she was through and through a woman of feelings. But as far as Chaitanya is concerned, he was a great logician, renowned for his sharp mind and brilliant logic. He had scaled the highest peaks of thinking. Pundits were afraid of entering into argument with him. He was incomparable as a debater; he had won laurel after laurel in philosophical discussions. Such a rational intellect, who had

SRI RAMAKRISHNA

here are two classes of devotees. One class has the nature of the kitten. The kitten depends completely on its mother. It accepts whatever its mother does for it. The kitten only cries, 'Mew, mew!' It doesn't know what to do or where to go. Sometimes the mother puts the kitten near the hearth, sometimes on the bed. Devotees of this class give God the power of attorney and thus become free of all worry. The Sikhs said to me that God was kind. I said to them: 'How is that? He is our Father and our Mother. Shouldn't parents bring up their children after begetting them? Do you mean to say that the neighbors will look after them?' Devotees of this class have an unwavering conviction that God is our Mother and our Father. "There is another class of devotees. They have the nature of the young monkey. The young monkey clings to its mother with might and main. The devotees who behave like the young monkey have a slight idea of being the doer. They feel: 'We must go to the sacred places; we must prac-

indulged in hair splitting interpretations of words and concepts throughout his life, was one day found singing and dancing through the streets of Navadeep. Meera, on the other hand, had never indulged in pedantry and scriptures; she had nothing to do with logic. She was a loving woman; love was in her blood and bones. So it was no wonder when she walked through the streets of Merta with a tanpoora in her hands, dancing

lost and life and love won. That is why among people who walked the path of Krishna, Chaitanya is simply extraordinary, incomparable. When I say so I am aware of Meera, who loves Krishna tremendously. But she does not come near Chaitanya. It is unthinkable how a tremendously logical mind like Chaitanya could come down from his ivory tower, take a drum in his hands, and dance and sing in the

It is in this way that he renounces mind, renounces thinking and declares that, "Reality is beyond thought, it is unthinkable." Chaitanya's case demonstrates that they alone can transcend thinking who first enter into the very depth of thinking and explore it through and through. Then they are bound to come to a point where thinking ends and the unthinkable begins. This last frontier of mind is The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed. - Albert Einstein

Chaitanya demonstrates the victory of love over logic Chaitanya's case demonstrates that they alone can transcend thinking who enter into the very depth of thinking and explore it through and through. Then thinking ends and unthinkable begins

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

and singing hymns of love. It was just natural. But Chaitanya was her opposite; he was not a man of love, and he turned to love and devotion - which was a miracle. This one-hundred-and-eighty-degree turn in his life demonstrates the victory of love over logic. He had defeated all his contemporaries with his logic, but when he came to himself he found it to be a self-defeating discipline. He came to a point where the mind

market place. Can you think of Bertrand Russell dancing through the streets of London? Chaitanya was like Russell - out and out intellectual. And for this reason his statement becomes immensely significant. He makes his statement that reality is unthinkable not with words, but with a drum in his hands - dancing and singing through the streets of his town, where he was held in great respect for his superb scholarship.

where a statement like this is born. That is why Chaitanya's statement has gathered immense significance; it comes after he crosses the last frontier of mentation. Meera never walked on that path; she came to love straight away. She cannot have the profundity of Chaitanya. Excerpted from "Krishna: The Man and His Philosophy." The 527th birth anniversary of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu will be observed on February 18.

tice japa and austerity; we must perform worship with sixteen articles as prescribed by the sastras. Only then shall we be able to realize God.' Such is their attitude. "The aspirants of both classes are devotees of God. The farther you advance, the more you will realize that God alone has become everything. He alone does every-

too far, then the bottom will drop out of their world. One day Keshab was conducting a religious service. He said, 'O God, may we all sink and disappear in the river of bhakti!' When the worship was over I said to him: 'Look here. How can you disappear altogether in the river of bhakti? If you do, what will hap-

in your heart of hearts that they do not belong to you. A maidservant in the house of a rich man performs all the household duties, but her thoughts are fixed on her own home in her native village. She brings up her master's children as if they were her own. She even speaks of them as 'my Rama' or

Do all your duties, but keep mind on God

Sri Ramakrishna

thing. He alone is the Guru and He alone is the Ishta. He alone gives us knowledge and devotion. "The farther you advance, the more you will see that there are other things even beyond the sandal-wood forest - mines of silver and gold and precious gems. Therefore go forward. "But how can I ask people to go forward? If worldly people go

The farther you advance, the more you will realize that God alone has become everything. He alone does everything. He alone is the Guru and He alone is the Ishta pen to those seated behind the screen? (The Master referred to the ladies.) But do one thing: sink now and then, and come back again to dry land.'" Sri Ramakrishna: "Do all your duties, but keep your mind on God. Live with all - with wife and children, father and mother - and serve them. Treat them as if they were very dear to you, but know

'my Hari'. But in her own mind she knows very well that they do not belong to her at all. The tortoise moves about in the water. But her thoughts are on the bank, where her eggs are lying. The 177th birth anniversary of Sri Ramakrishna Paramhamsa will be celebrated on February 18.

What can we gain by sailing to the moon if we are not able to cross the abyss that separates us from ourselves? This is the most important of all voyages of discovery, and without it, all the rest are not only useless, but disastrous. -Thomas Merton Accept my words only when you have examined them for yourselves; do not accept them simply because of the reverence you have for me. - Buddha Since everything is but an illusion, perfect in being what it is, having nothing to do with good or bad, acceptance or rejection, one might as well burst out laughing! - Longchenpa

What we are looking for is what is looking. - Saint Francis of Assisi

Love is... a high inducement to the individual to ripen, to become world, to become world for himself for another's sake. - Rainer Maria Rilke

Compassion is the willingness to play in the field of dreams even though you are awake. - Matthew Flickstein

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February 22, 2013

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Gwadar conundrum: Can India checkmate China? VIJAY SAKHUJA

akistan's decision to hand over commercial operations at the Gwadar port to the Chinese Overseas Port Holdings, a state-owned company, does not come as a surprise. Interestingly, for some, it was a deliberate and a 'smart ploy'; first bring in a foreign operator like the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) and award it port management and development contract for 40 years; dispel the 'China threat' and the oft stated Gwadar as a post in the 'string of pearls' strategy; and then, at an opportune moment and on some pretext, transfer it to the Chinese. Has the gambit paid off? What are the implications? And what can India do?

From a military perspective, Gwadar is a strategic listening post to monitor maritime and naval activity in the Gulf region. The PLA Navy can forward deploy its ships and submarines to ensure safety and security of Chinese shipping carrying vital energy supplies. However, China does not consider Karachi naval base suitable as a forward base since it is conscious of the vulnerability of the Karachi port that was exposed during the 1971 India-Pakistan war. This prompted Pakistan to develop alternative naval bases west of Karachi away from India and Gwadar, 600 kilometers from

joint project to develop the Chabahar port in Iran which is only a few miles from Gwadar is making some visible progress. Significantly, in 2012, Iran, India and Afghanistan signed a tripartite agreement to develop the Chabahar port. India may invest up to US $100 million depending on the expansion of the port including building modern infrastructure and undertaking port operations. Chabahar can be connected through rail and road networks to the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a multinational project involving India, Iran and Russia. It can serve

Strategic significance of Gwadar

Gwadar port located on the Makran coast is a strategic maritime outpost. It is close to the energy rich but volatile Gulf region and about 400 kilometers from the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint through which nearly 16-17 million barrels of oil is transported daily. On an average 20-30 tankers enter the Gulf each day and during peak hours, one tanker leaves the Strait every six minutes. Gwadar has figured prominently in China's Indian Ocean calculus and Beijing had generously invested US $198 million of the US $248 million in the project. It is also fair to argue that Chinese have the capability to build modern ports given that some of their own ports are ranked among the top ten in the world. Gwadar offers China several economic and military advantages. China can directly ship its oil supplies from Iran via the Iran-Pakistan pipeline (erstwhile Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) pipeline project) or other Gulf states through the Gwadar port. In fact Pakistan has offered China the option to build a 1500 kilometers pipeline from Gwadar to Xinjiang in western China. Apparently, China is also set to 're-launch the Gwadar oil refinery project' that had been put on hold in 2009 due to the fear of attacks by the separatist elements in Baluchistan who had kidnapped few Chinese engineers.

Gwadar port

Karachi, is considered safe from attacks by the Indian Air Force.

Strategy for India: Focus on Chabahar?

Developments in Gwadar have invited mixed reaction in India. For the Indian Defense Minister, "it is a matter of concern," but the Foreign Minister has dismissed any apprehensions. Interestingly, he stated that there is no need to overreact over the Chinese engagements in Gwadar. Instead he opined that," We need to take these matters in our stride and in the normal course." Meanwhile, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson in Beijing has defended China's engagement in Gwadar and stated that Chinese companies have participated in projects in Pakistan and, "as long as these things are conducive to China-Pakistan friendship and the development and prosperity of the country, the Chinese side will actively support them," India too has shown some alacrity in developing infrastructure in foreign territories. The ambitious

as trans-shipment hub for Zahedan, Afghanistan through a 600 kilometer connecting road and also as a transit point for the landlocked Central Asian Republics (CARs). The latter fits well into India's 'Connect Central Asia' policy announced last year in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Likewise, for Afghanistan, Chabahar is of strategic importance as an alternative to Pakistani ports through which it engages in international trade. Its supply chains are vulnerable to a number of factors including tensions in Afghanistan-Pakistan relations and threats from terrorist groups. Given its interest in Chabahar, India would like to develop the port to serve military purposes. Iran too is keen to develop Chabahar as an alternative naval base to overcome the vulnerabilities of its main naval base at Bandar Abbas. However, the big question is, would Iran allow the Indian Navy access to Chabahar. The writer is Director (Research), Indian Council of World Affairs, New Delhi

Terror politics

n 2010, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, in a gush of enthusiasm, appointed a three-member committee of three-member interlocutors to address the alienation of Kashmiris. Their report had many good suggestions but as is the wont of the present government, its recommendations were never implemented. The appointment of the committee was obviously a short-term attempt to defuse the disaffection of the valley residents. If over the years the situation in Kashmir was comparatively calm and tourism had reached a record high, it was no thanks to the Central government. Now with 10 state elections due this year and the big test of 2014 looming, the Central government has again skirted with danger by executing Kashmiri Afzal Guru sentenced to death for his role in the 2001 terrorist attack on parliament. Guru was supposed to have been executed in 2006 but the hanging was put off without any explanation. There were others waiting on the death row - the killers of Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh and those involved in the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi. In a secret move, Afzal Guru was executed without informing his family and curfew was imposed in Srinagar and other cities of Kashmir apprehending trouble after the hanging. It is not the case that Afzal Guru should not have been hanged. For six years his case remained undecided, but why was he suddenly hanged now? What was the immediate reason for it? It is difficult not to suspect low Congress politics behind the decision. In fact the Congress, which wears the faรงade of secularism on its sleeve, is being accused of being more communal than the BJP. The Parliament attack took place at the time the NDA led by Atal Behari Vajpayee was in power. So in keeping with its ideology, the BJP had been demanding the hanging of Afzal Guru and the Congress had been ignoring the demand. Recently, the gaffe-prone Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde raised the heckles of the opposition party by alleging that BJP and RSS were involved in training their cadre in terror activities and those allegedly involved in Hindu terror acts were affiliated to them. In protest against his remarks, the BJP decided to boycott and show black flags to Shinde and ignore all communication from the home minister until he tenders an apology. Afraid of BJP reaping the consequent annoyance of the majority community on the eve of a number of elections, the Congress decided to make amends by giving green signal to the hanging of Afzal Guru, a "Muslim" terrorist. The consequent price to be paid in Kashmir for this exercise of politics seems to be a small matter for the Congress. Apprehending a fresh wave of protests in Kashmir, concerned chief minister Omar Abdullah has questioned the hanging as selective. "Why is it that you are in such a rush to execute one and not execute the others?" Omar asked. The executions of Balwant Singh Rajoana, who killed former Punjab CM Beant Singh, and Santham, Murugan and Perarivalan, involved in the assassination of former PM Rajiv Gandhi, have been stayed by courts. The Congress-led UPA government is playing with fire. Shinde, who is proud of his past as a policeman, is trying to project his image as a hardliner to counter the BJP. This image making and trying to be seen to be doing something is the bane of Congressstyle politics and belongs to an earlier age. It is difficult to agree that such pretence will continue to fool the public majority of which comprises young people who are more inclined to the aspirational politics that Narendra Modi espouses. Having muddled trough the middling years of its tenure the Congress is now trying to prove that it is an active government with muscles and might make a few more mistakes of over activity. Perhaps we can see a few more executions coming this year.

February 22, 2013

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