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Rahul Gandhi
Rahul's leave sets tongues wagging Details on page 5
Gabbard to marry in April in Vedic ceremony
VOL 20, No. 1067
February 27, 2015
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INVESTORS STILL NOT SURE ON INDIA: U.S.
HYDERABAD: Maintaining that India needs to address issues related to investor confidence and intellectual property enforcement, the US has said the investor community is eagerly awaiting the results of initiatives taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The investor community is eagerly awaiting the results of the initiatives being taken by the Indian Prime Minister, US Ambassador Richard Verma said here. He was speaking on the topic 'India and the United States: Building Strong and Sustainable Economies for
Our People,' at an event at the Indian School of Business (ISB). "As you all know at 142 in World Bank ranking, investor confidence (in India) is till shaky. Intellectual property enforcement is perceived as still closed to outside investors. "We know that the Prime Minister has made rapid rationalization of bureaucratic procedures a priority on his list of reforms. We eagerly anticipate progress in this direction," Verma said. Details on page 5
Details on page 6
'DJ' Patil named first US chief data scientist Details on page 5
Modi firm on changes in Land Acquisition Act Details on page 7
Few takers in US for Indian languages Details on page 6
Lawmakers to address Indian American docs
12 smart cities to come up at major Indian ports
Details on page 15
Details on page 23
Moves to unite rival Indian associations
CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 28-29 Classifieds ------------------------- 48
Details on page 15
Community Post -------------- 15-22 Date Book -------------------------- 47
INDIA POST SURVEY
Edit Page --------------------------- 54 HealthScience Post --------- 32-35
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Horoscope ------------------------- 49
This week’s question
Immigration Post ------------- 44-46
Instead of going on leave, Rahul Gandhi should quit politics?
Life Style ----------------------- 50-52 Philosophy ------------------------- 53
Last week’s result
Are Indian Americans being treated as Blacks? YES 72%
NO 28%
WHEN NIKKI MET BOBBY: South Carolina Governor. Nikki Haley, (left) and Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, (right) talk before President Barack Obama's arrival to speak to members of the National Governors Association, White House in Washington, February 23. (Details on page 6)
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happened to watch the Academy Awards over the last weekend. Well, the usual pageantry apart, I found the show in bits interesting and thought provoking. Of course it is not the first time that the Oscars platform has been used by the talent to propagate their own form of liberal politics, more often than not - and ironically - against their own big studio elite. But this time around, I was struck by the intensity of the messages that were flying out in some of the acceptance speeches - speeches that one should not have to hear in 2015 America, the so called leader of a progressive, liberal, democratic world that assumes the righteous responsibility to stand on a moral high ground and monitor the world. So, we have the relevance today of John Legend's song 'Glory', written for a film about events that took place 50 years ago, as it wins the Best Original song. The song is about African American struggles from Rosa Parks to Ferguson; and therefore, as Legend told the audience, the struggle for justice was on right now. It was almost embarrassing to watch David Oyelowo, who played Martin Luther King Jr. in the film, nearly sobbing with tears pouring down his face. If that was not telling on racial discrimination in this country, we had Supporting Actress winner Patricia Arquette standing up for all women, in her acceptance speech. "To every woman who gave birth, to every taxpayer and citizen of this nation, we have fought for everybody else's equal rights, it's our time to have wage equality once and for all, and equal rights for women in the United States of America," she said. Really now, this is 2015 America and its people are still "struggling" for equality of race and gender. Last week, President Obama, who had earlier rapped India for religious intolerance, condescended to welcome PM Modi's assurance of ensuring equality for all religions. For a country that is oh-so-preachy to the rest of the world, America is far from learning from its own lessons. Perhaps that's why we have Hollywood to sometimes tell it like it is.
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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Young heroes Yami Gautam considers herself lucky to have got the opportunity to work with some of the young, talented heroes
Cover Story: Investor trust US Ambassador Richard Verma says the investor community is eagerly awaiting the results of initiatives taken by Modi.
Community: Uniting rivals Seasoned community activists have initiated moves to unite rival Indian associations to project common interests
Still hopeful A federal judge has put a hold on Obama's plan to protect illegal immigrants but they haven't lost hope.
Life style: Famous weddings The gorgeous Madhubala of small screen aka Drashti Dhami and well known singer Shreya Ghoshal have got married
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12 smart cities The Modi government is working on an ambitious plan to build one smart city each at India’s 12 major ports
Visakhapatnam Primarily an industrial city, Visakhapatnam, as per Hindu mythology, is the city named after the god Vaishaka
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Investors still not sure on India: US HYDERABAD: Maintaining that India needs to address issues related to investor confidence and intellectual property enforcement, the US has said the investor community is eagerly awaiting the results of initiatives taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The investor community is eagerly awaiting the results of the initiatives being taken by the Indian Prime Minister, US Ambassador Richard Verma said here. He was speaking on the topic 'India and the United States: Build-
ing Strong and Sustainable Economies for Our People,' at an event at the Indian School of Business (ISB). "As you all know at 142 in World Bank ranking, investor confidence (in India) is till shaky. Intellectual property enforcement is perceived as still closed to outside investors. "We know that the Prime Minister has made rapid rationalization of bureaucratic procedures a priority on his list of reforms. We eagerly anticipate progress in this direction," Verma said.
US Ambassador Richard Verma
Referring to a conversation, he said a hotelier told him that it takes 80 permits to build a hotel in India while the same could be done with just six in Singapore. There are 30 million to 40 million pending cases in Indian courts, he said, quoting reports. Verma said the Indo-US trade volume would touch USD 500 billion, as anticipated by the American President, in due course. The 46-year-old US envoy, who took charge in mid January, said the two countries are actively
cooperating in areas such as skill development and clean energy. "Today the (USA) State department is working closely with the Ministry of Human resources development to help the US community to partner with Indian polytechnic school to improve circular and build strong relations with industry." Later, in an interactive session, the envoy said that both the nations would also cooperate in cyber security, counter terrorism and space technology. -PTI
Rahul's sabbatical exposes 'DJ' Patil named first US chief data scientist Congress faultlines NEW DELHI: Rahul Gandhi's surprise sabbatical has exposed faultlines in the electorally-battered Congress, which is bracing for a generational change. The party has tried to downplay Gandhi's sudden move saying he is the leader and will come back soon to play a pro-active role in party affairs. While party sources deny that the break by Gandhi indicates any reluctance on his part to lead the party or renounce politics, the buzz goes that the Congress Vice President was not quite okay with a number of his ideas not being implemented in the parent party after he took over as its Vice President in January 2013 after Chintan Shivir in Jaipur. "It's not that he is quitting politics or will not take any other responsibility. It will also be wrong to say he is sulking and so he did. That is not his way of doing politics. "There are issues and he wants to reflect. After all if he has to lead, he will like do it with his ideas. "He will utilize the sabbatical time to reflect, regroup and chart out the course" for the party, which braces for the AICC session in April, where Congress is likely to come up with a revival roadmap," the sources said. While Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said that such retreats are common for leaders worldwide, the timing of the sabbatical has left many wondering as it happens when the crucial Budget session is on and the party is planning to launch a major agi-
tation on the land ordinance. Gandhi, whose left of the Centre tilt is well-known, had played a key role in passage of the land acquisition bill surmounting the doubts expressed within sections of his own party. The Congress Vice President's "tear act" in 2013 had caught the
sue. A number of ideas of Rahul Gandhi are found to be too radical within some sections of the party, which are not very amused with them and Gandhi had to negotiate with the pulls and pressures in getting them implemented. A number of measures like opening up Youth Congress to elections was not welcomed by sections in the party. Gandhi wanted to implement several new ideas in the party, which have failed to see the light of the day. The Congress Vice President was keen that the practice of high command making key appointments in the party is done away with. He also favored election to the top posts including in Congress Working Committee, where nomiRahul Gandhi nation has been the way so far. Gandhi's idea to hold primaries rank and file of the party by sur- in election going seats was given prise. a go-by after his experiment failed At a press conference at Press in Lok Sabha with none of the Club of India here in September Congress candidates winning in 2013, Gandhi had walked in and 16 Parliamentary seats, where he denounced the controversial or- had brought in US-style primary dinance pushed by the UPA gov- mode to elect candidates. ernment to negate the Supreme Party sources close to Gandhi said there could be more clarity on issues, The buzz goes that the when he puts forth his "plan of action" at the Congress Vice President AICC meet. was not quite okay with a Gandhi has always number of his ideas not given indications that he feels that Congress being implemented in the like other parties is not parent party after he took doing enough to emover as its Vice President power the workers at the grass root. Court verdict on convicted lawThe Congress Vice President makers as "complete nonsense" vented his anguish on party foand had said what "our govern- rums as well as outside giving the ment has done is wrong". impression of someone not satisThere were different opinions fied with the system surrounding within the party itself on the is- him. -PTI
WASHINGTON: A 45-year-old Indian-American has been named the first chief data scientist by the White House to shape policies and practices that will help the US remain a leader in technology and innovation. Dhanurjay 'DJ' Patil joins the White House following "an incredible career as a data scientist - a term he helped coin - in the public and private sectors, and in academia," said Megan Smith, chief technology officer, the White House.
Dhanurjay 'DJ' Patil
He would also be the Deputy Chief Technology Officer. As chief data scientist, Patil will help shape policies and practices to help the US remain a leader in technology and innovation, Smith said. Patil was named to the coveted position, in a move reflecting the growing prominence of big data as both a buzzword and a useful instrument in the management toolbox, said The Wall Street Journal. He will help foster ties to help responsibly maximize the nation's return on its investment in data, and help to recruit and retain the best minds in data science to join us in serving the public, Smith added. Patil will also work on the
Obama administration's Precision Medicine Initiative, which focuses on utilizing advances in data and healthcare to provide clinicians with new tools, knowledge, and therapies to select which treatments will work best for which patients, while protecting patient privacy. In a memorandum to the American people, Patil said his role as chief data scientist will be to responsibly source, process, and leverage data in a timely fashion to enable transparency, provide security, and foster innovation for the benefit of the American public. "Data will continue to transform the way we live and work," Patil said. Most recently, Patil served as the vice president of product at RelateIQ, which was acquired by Salesforce. He has previously held positions at LinkedIn, Greylock Partners, Skype, PayPal, and eBay. Prior to his stint in the private sector, Patil worked at Department of Defense, where he directed efforts to bridge computational and social sciences in fields like social network analysis to help anticipate new threats to the US. As a doctoral student and faculty member at the University of Maryland, Patil used open datasets published by NOAA to make major improvements in numerical weather forecasting. He holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from University of California, San Diego, and a PhD in applied mathematics from University of Maryland College Park.-PTI
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Great opportunity for India- Gabbard to marry in April in Vedic ceremony US relationship: Jindal WASHINGTON: Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal has said there is a "great opportunity" for strengthening Indo-US relationship in the field of bilateral trade and war against terrorism. Emerging out of the White House after a meeting with President Barack Obama, along with other members of the National Governors Association, Jindal
nity for both countries (India and the US)," Jindal, who is the first Indian American Governor of an US State told PTI. "One of the things that the President did talk about (during the meeting) for example was the potential trade deal with the Pacific region and I think, this is one example where countries like India or other nations in Asia that
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, center, joined by National Governors Association Chairman, Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, right, and Vice Chair, Utah Gov. Gary Herbert, speaks outside the White House in Washington, February 23, after meeting with President Barack Obama
said India-US relationship is one area on the foreign policy front where there is a bipartisan support and the two countries would benefit - both economically and politically - from strengthening of these ties. "I think, it is a great opportu-
are friend to America. India is one of them," Jindal. "We have traditional allies like South Korea, Taiwan and Japan, but also other countries including Vietnam. They are friendly to America and want a strong relationship," said the Louisiana Gov-
US envoy discusses investment avenues in AP HYDERABAD: US Ambassador to India Richard Verma met Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu here and enquired about investment opportunities for American companies in Andhra Pradesh, which is aggressively pushing for new ventures and has fast tracked industrial clearances. During the meeting at the Secretariat, Verma discussed potential areas of collaboration between the governments of US and the state, an official statement said here. Verma also enquired about investment opportunities for US companies in sectors of defense, education, science and technology, IT, tourism, infrastructure and ports in Andhra Pradesh. The Chief Minister high-
lighted the potential for collaboration in tourism and logistics sectors in the southern state. Verma, who took charge of his post last month, also sought to know about the ease of doing business in Andhra Pradesh. Responding to this, Naidu said the AP government now provides clearances within 21 days and has a single-desk policy in place for industries. "We have a deemed clause which states that if permission (for a venture) is not given within 21 days, it will be deemed as given," the Chief Minister informed. On partnership with the US on developing Visakhapatnam as a smart city, Naidu said things have to be worked out fast in this regard.-PTI
ernor, who became the governor in 2008. "I think this (India-US bilateral relationship) is good for India. It is good for America. I think, both economically as well as politically there are great opportunities. And there is bipartisan support to do that. That is something that the President could work with this Congress to get done. I think this would benefit both countries," Jindal said. A Republican presidential aspirant, this is for the first time that Jindal has expressed his view on India-US relationship. Highly critical of Obama's foreign policy, Jindal appeared to be supportive of the president's efforts to strengthen ties with India, which he noted is in America's interest. Responding to questions, Jindal supported joint effort between India and the US in the fight against terrorism, in particular Islamic extremism. "Two things have to happen. One is to call on leaders of the Muslim community to not just denounce acts of violence, but also individuals by name who commit these violence, to make clear that such individuals are not going to enjoy or reward after life, but are rather going straight to hell," he said. "Secondly, one of the things which is also very important is that we got to insist on simulation on integration of our societies. That is something that America has a great history of being a melting pot, welcoming folks from all over the world," he said. "The bottom line is we do welcome people as long as they respect freedoms of others to live their lives, to have religious liberty, have freedom of speech, selfdetermination," he added. Referring to his recent visit to Europe, Jindal said one of the concerns that people there have are people who have come to those countries and are non-assimilating. "That is not healthy for those immigrants. That is not healthy for those countries," he said. "So two things that both (India and the US) of our countries can do is, one to call on Muslim leaders to denounce these individuals and insist upon those who come in our countries to assimilate and integrate. We have a proud history in doing that in America," Jindal said, adding that he currently has no plans to travel to India. When asked about his potential presidential bid, Jindal said: "We are still thinking and would be making a decision in next couple of months." -PTI
WASHINGTON: Tulsi Gabbard, the first ever Hindu lawmaker in the US Congress, would marry cinematographer Abraham Williams in April in a Vedic ceremony, a media report has said. The marriage will take place in Hawaii. The second term Democratic Congresswoman from Hawaii, Gabbard, 33, had announced her engagement about a month ago. She disclosed the identity of her fiancĂŠe in an interview to the local Honolulu Star Advertiser. "Both Abraham and I are generally kind of private people. He has nothing to do with politics. He's a humble, great guy who doesn't want to be in the limelight, so this is something new to the both of us," Gabbard told the daily newspaper in an interview. Williams, 26, proposed Gabbard with a 1.17-carat diamond ring when the Congresswoman was visiting Hawaii during Thanksgiving. This would be Gabbard's second marriage and the first one for Williams. Gabbard said she would keep her last name after the marriage, which she wants to keep a low key affair.
Invitation for the wedding are expected to go out US President Barack Obama as well. Williams is a freelance cinematographer who has made some short films and worked on commercial and political advertising campaigns, the daily reported. While Gabbard's first marriage took place before a justice of the
Tulsi Gabbard
peace with only a few family members in attendance, the daily said this time she is planning a Vedic wedding ceremony in keeping with the couple's Hindu faith. "For us it's about having a shared sense of spiritual values and what we hold important. We try to live our lives in service to others and God in a way that has a positive impact on others around us. It was something I learned from a young age," Gabbard said. -PTI
Few takers for Indian languages in the US WASHINGTON: Despite the Indian economy's rapid growth and the increase in Indo-US ties, Indian languages follow a path less traveled as few students take them up for study in the US, according to a new survey. The Modern Language Association (MLA) has released its quadrennial language enrollments survey of foreign languages in US higher education that shows students in American colleges and universities are not signing up for Indian languages at remotely the scale languages like Arabic, Chinese or Korean experience. "Indian languages follow a path less traveled," Alyssa Ayres - senior fellow for India, Pakistan and South Asia at the Council on Foreign Relations - wrote, citing the survey. "The big post-9/11 national security interest that resulted in many more Americans studying Arabic did not have the same impact on Indian languages. (And
frankly, the uptick for Pakistani languages still resulted in enrollments under 500 for every Pakistani language - a topic for another discussion.) "Nor has India's economic rise resulted in the dramatic growth in numbers languages like Japanese, Chinese, and Korean have seen. Of course it's harder to compare India's many languages with each of these, but even when including all the Indian language enrollments in the United States combined, the number still doesn't cross 4,000," she said. The South Asia expert noted that for 2013, Indian language enrollments dropped to 3,090 from the 3,924 of 2009, with 1,800 students opting for Hindi, 533 for Hindi-Urdu, 349 for Urdu, 124 for Punjabi, 82 for Tamil, 64 for Bengali, 51 for Telugu, 44 for Malayalam, 27 for Nepali, 6 for Gujarati, 5 for Kannada and 5 for Marathi.-PTI
February 27, 2015
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PM firm on changes in Land Acquisition Act NEW DELHI: Amid stiff opposition to government's move to amend land acquisition Act, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it clear that there was no going back. The BJP was, at the same time, preparing for discussions with NDA partners to make the legislation more "effective" and "farmer-friendly". At the meeting of the BJP Parliamentary Party here, Modi said the bill will benefit farmers and that the amendments brought by his government were based on suggestions and demands made by Congressruled states and their chief ministers. He asked party MPs to "bust the myths" propagated by Opposition parties on it, sources said quoting the Prime Minister. To make the land ordinance bill more effective in favor of farmers, the BJP and NDA leaders are to meet to discuss and work out means to further improve it. "It was reiterated at the Parliamentary Party that we are for the welfare of farmers and every step that this government will take will be for the welfare of farmers, for the welfare of the poor and the downtrodden," Union Minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy told reporters after the meeting. The sources said the Prime Minister made it clear that the BJP stood for the welfare of farmers and was committed to
‘It was reiterated at the Parliamentary Party that we are for the welfare of farmers and every step that this government will take will be for the welfare of farmers, for the welfare of the poor and the downtrodden,’ them. He told the MPs to remove the "myths" allegedly propagated by opposition parties as the proposed bill was good for the country and farmers would benefit from it. The sources added that the Prime Minister told MPs that there was need to correct the "wrong-doings" of the previous governments, while noting that BJP can never take an "anti-farmer" stand on the bill. "A meeting of Parliamentarians of NDA, including those of the party, will be held to deliberate on issues on how to make the land acquisition bill more effective so as to benefit the farmers, the poor and the downtrodden. For this, a discussion will take place this evening between MPs and concerned Ministers of these departments," Rudy said. Rudy said Coal Minister Piyush Goyal and Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also gave their presentations on coal block allocations and the direct cash transfer scheme. Goyal said that government had benefited to the extent of Rs 1.2 lakh crore by auctioning of coal blocks and a major chunk
of the money will go to states where coal blocks are located. "It is going to be a major support to all those states," Rudy said quoting Goyal at the meeting. On the 'Pehel' scheme for cash transfer to LPG consumers, Pradhan said it was the largest cash subsidy scheme that benefits over 10 crore families, which has never been done anywhere in the world.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi giving statement to the media ahead of Budget Session of Parliament, in New Delhi on February 23
Quoting the Oil Minister, Rudy said he termed it as the "most outstanding" scheme of the government. Rudy said Goyal told the meeting that the "arbitrariness and the corruption" in the coal block allocation during the UPA government stands exposed now. He said the Prime Minister did suggest that the money coming from the auction of coal blocks should go to the states where coal blocks are located and this would be a major boost to these state. "The states would benefit financially through the coal block auctions," he said.PTI
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Obama welcomes Modi's Man indicted with hate crime charges assurance of equal respect WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama has welcomed the recent remarks of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in which he condemned religious based violence and gave an assurance that his government will give equal respect to all religions. "The President welcomed Prime Minister Modi's February 17 condemnation of religious-based violent acts, and his assurance that his government will give equal respect to all religions," the White House said on its website in response to an online petition. Launched by the New Yorkbased Sikh for Justice, the online petition had urged Obama before his India trip to raise the issue of "Sikh Genocide" and "Sikhs' Right to Self-determination" during his talks with Modi. The petition had attracted more than 125,000 signatures. The White House responded to the petition in less than a month after it was launched. Thanking those who signed the petition, the White House said during his recent trip to India, the President discussed the importance of religious freedom and tolerance in India on January
27 during his speech at Siri Fort in New Delhi. "President Obama underscored that India's success depended on the nation not being 'splintered along the lines of religious faith'," it said.
Barack Obama
"As the President said in his January 27 speech, 'In both our countries, in India and in America, our diversity is our strength'. We are committed to working with India to reaffirm this principle not
just within our own countries but around the world," the White House said. Commending Obama's principal stand on equal status to all religions, SFJ legal advisor Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, said "White House's response to Sikh group's petition is yet another reminder to Modi that India's success depends on giving all religious communities freedom and right to profess, practice and propagate their faith without the fear of persecution". While Obama in his speech in India clearly affirmed the equal status for Christians, Muslims, Sikhs, Jains and Budhists in America, Modi in his February 17 response on religious tolerance failed to address the issue of Article 25(b) which labels 'Sikhs' as 'Hindus', Pannun said. -PTI
High air pollution cuts Indian lives by 3 years CHICAGO: India's high air pollution, ranked by the World Health Organization among the worst in the world, is adversely impacting the lifespans of its citizens, reducing most Indian lives by over three years, a new study has said. Over half of India's population - 660 million people - live in areas where fine particulate matter pollution is above India's standards for what is considered safe, said the study by economists from the University of Chicago, Harvard and Yale published in 'Economic & Political Weekly'. If India reverses this trend to meet its air standards, those 660 million people would gain about 3.2 years onto their lives, the study said. Put another way, compliance with Indian air quality standards would save 2.1 billion life-years, it said. "India's focus is necessarily on growth. However, for too long, the conventional definition of growth has ignored the health consequences of air pollution," said Michael Greenstone, an author of
the study and director of the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC). "This study demonstrates that air pollution retards growth by causing people to die prematurely. Other studies have also shown that air pollution reduces produc-
tivity at work, increases the incidence of sick days, and raises health care expenses that could be devoted to other goods." The new figures come after the WHO estimates showed 13 of the 20 most polluted cities in the world were in India, including the
worst-ranked city, Delhi. India has the highest rate of death caused by chronic respiratory diseases anywhere in the world. "The loss of more than two billion life years is a substantial price to pay for air pollution," said R o h i n i Pande, also an author and director of Evidence for Policy Design at the Harvard Kennedy School. "It is in I n d i a ' s power to change this in cost effective ways that allow hundreds of millions of its citizens to live longer, healthier, and more productive lives. Reforms of the current form of regulation would allow for health improvements that lead to increased growth," Pande said.-PTI
NEW YORK: A 55-year-old borhood just after midnight in July man in the US has been indicted last year when Caleca drove his by a US jury on hate crime charges pick-up truck up to the group and for calling a Sikh man 'Osama' and used derogatory language against then intentionally hitting him with them. his truck last year, severely injurHe called Singh "Osama" and ing him. that he should "go back to your Joseph Caleca of Long Island country". was indicted by a grand jury and It is additionally alleged that was arraigned before Acting Caleca then parked his truck and Queens County Supreme Court got out to confront Singh and his Justice Barry Kron on a nine- friends. count indictment charging him After an exchange of words, with attempted murder as a hate according to the charges, Caleca crime, assault, criminal possession returned to his vehicle and drove of a weapon and leaving the scene head-on into Singh, causing his without reporting after hitting 29- body to be caught on the vehicle's year-old Sandeep Singh. Caleca faces up to 25 After an exchange of words, years in prison if conCaleca allegedly struck victed. Queens District At- Singh intentionally with his torney Richard Brown said Caleca is accused vehicle and dragged him of an "unprovoked" at- along the street tack that allegedly began with the defendant driving by Singh and his friends undercarriage. last July and calling him a terrorCaleca allegedly dragged Singh ist and ordering him to leave the along the street until his body discountry. lodged from the vehicle, at which After an exchange of words, point Caleca fled the scene. Caleca allegedly struck Singh inSingh was taken to a local tentionally with his vehicle and Queens hospital where he redragged him along the street. ceived treatment for his injuries, Caleca was initially arrested in which included surgery for interAugust 2014 and was remanded nal bleeding and several staples on continuing bail. His next court to his mid-section. date is in April. The incident had caused outBrown said that according to rage and concern among the Inthe criminal charges, Singh and dian community, with strong calls three of his friends were standing for measures to tackle discriminaon the road in a New York neigh- tion and hate crime. -PTI
Govt intends to talk with all parties on Land Act NEW DELHI: Facing flak from a united Opposition in Rajya Sabha, the government expressed its intent to hold discussion with all parties to find a way out on the new land bill to replace the contentious ordinance on the issue. As members from Congress, Left, Trinamool Congress, SP, BSP and JD-U targeted the government over provisions of the land ordinance calling it "anti-farmer" and aimed at "benefiting corporates", Leader of the House Arun Jaitley assured them that he would convey the suggestion to the concerned minister to "hold discussions with parties" on the issue. The House resumed its normal business at noon after the Finance Minister's assurance following a heated discussion which
went on for an hour. Jaitley's remarks came in response to the comments of Samajwadi Party leader Ramgopal Yadav, who said the government should talk to all parties and find a way out so that farmers' interests are protected while development activities are carried out. Yadav said that while it is true that at times acquiring land becomes difficult but a way should have been found through discussions. "You should have taken the Opposition into confidence," he said. "I do not want a deadlock in Parliament. You talk to all parties and find a way out," he said. K C Tyagi from JD-U also supported Yadav's demand for a discussion on the issue at an allparty meet.-PTI
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India calls for UN Security Council reforms this year UNITED NATIONS: India has called for an urgent action to reform the UN Security Council this year, arguing the most-powerful body of the United Nations itself
embodies the undemocratic stranglehold of the privileges of a few, forged by a wartime alliance that no longer exists. "It is ironical that calls for de-
With higher funds, states can design own schemes: PM NEW DELHI: Government has accepted the Finance Commission's recommendations for a substantial hike in share of states in central taxes and asked them to tailor make schemes as per their needs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said here. In a letter to all Chief Ministers, Modi said the states are free to change Centrally Sponsored Schemes and plan the course of their development. "The 14th Finance Commission has recommended a record increase of 10 per cent in the devolution of the divisible pool of resources to states. This compares with the marginal increases made by previous Finance Commissions," he wrote. The states share will now be 42 per cent of the entire kitty as compared to 32 per cent previously. "The total devolution to states in 2015-16 will be significantly higher than in 2014-15. This naturally leaves far less money with the Central Government," Modi said according to an official statement issued here. He said that while the Finance Commission was in favor of all state plans being met through the resources being devolved, the Centre will continue to support national priority projects like poverty elimination, MNREGA, education, health, rural development, agriculture and a few others. "...when you (states) are flush with resources, I would like you to have a fresh look at some of the erstwhile schemes and programs supported by the centre. States are free to continue or change these schemes and programs as per their discretion and requirement," Modi said. He added that with this "we are moving away from rigid centralized planning, forcing a 'One size fits all' approach on states. States have always been voicing their opposition to this philosophy for years". Modi said the NDA government has decided to devolve maximum money to states and allowed them the required freedom to plan the course of their development, accepting the long standing concerns and long-felt lacunae in the country's planning process. The additional 10 per cent of
resources being devolved will give you this freedom. "This is all towards the fulfillment of my promise of co-operative federalism. We have decided to involve states in discussing and planning national priorities... This is our strategy to take the country to a faster and yet inclusive growth trajectory through co-operative federalism which is real and true federalism," Modi said, while drawing reference to formation of NITI Aayog.-PTI
mocracy and the rule of law are being made in a Council that itself embodies the undemocratic stranglehold of the privileges of a few, forged by a wartime alliance that no longer exists," the Indian Ambassador to the UN Ashoke Kumar Mukerji said here. "The logic of democracy and the anguished faces of human suffering across the world call for urgent action to reform the Council. We must do so this year if we are to learn the right lessons from history," Mukerji said in his address to an open meeting of the UN Security Council on Maintenance of International Peace and Security. India, the world's largest democratic country, top economic and world power is a rightful claimant to a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. Almost all the veto-wielding mem-
bers of the UN Security Council The United States, Britain, France, Russia and China have supported India's place in this most powerful wing of the United Nations.
permanently in the Council that the Council's invocation of these purposes and principles appear selective, to suit the national interests of powerful member states," he said.
‘The logic of democracy and the anguished faces of human suffering across the world call for urgent action to reform the Council. We must do so this year if we are to learn the right lessons from history,’ Mukerji said In his remarks, Mukerji said the Security Council has taken the lead in referring to the purposes and principles of the Charter while attempting to maintain international peace and security. "It is a matter of concern for us, who are not privileged to sit
"The Council's decisions on issues not directly linked with maintaining international peace and security cannot encroach upon the jurisdiction of the General Assembly, where all of us are equally represented," Mukherji said. -PTI
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British Army plans raising new Sikh regiment LONDON: The British Army is examining proposals to re-establish a Sikh Regiment, along the lines of the erstwhile British Indian Army. Chief of the general staff, General Sir Nicholas Carter, is looking into the feasibility of a Sikh unit, including the possibility of a reserve company, and it "may well have merit," UK armed forces minister Mark Francois told the House of Commons recently. A new unit would inherit many of the "proud traditions of Sikh regiments" from the army's past, he said.
Speaking during defense questions in Parliament, former defense minister Sir Nicholas Soames urged ministers to "do away with political correctness" and raise a Sikh regiment. He told Francois, "You will be aware of the extraordinary gallant and distinguished service by
Sikhs to this country down the generations. "Would you not agree with me that it's high time to do away with the political correctness which infects some of this thinking and actually raise a Sikh regiment to serve in the country and make up a very serious gap in our Armed Forces?" he asked. Francois replied, "With regard to your specific suggestion, can I say that you are one of a number of Members of Parliament who have raised this suggestion with me recently. "We have passed this possibility on to the chief of the general staff (CGS), who is now looking at this issue and we are awaiting CGS's comments back. But the idea may well have merit," he said. Rory Stewart, chairman of the UK's Defense Select Committee, suggested a Sikh company within the reserves could be "a starting point". "I said earlier the idea may have merit but we've looked at one specific option, or are looking, at the possibility of a reserve company - not least one which would inherit many of the proud traditions of Sikh regiments going back through many years in the British Army," Francois told him. Latest figures show the British armed forces have around 160 Sikhs in their ranks, including 130 in the army. Thousands of Sikhs had served in the British Indian Army during the two world wars. They were known for their bravery and gallantry and won as many as 10 Victoria Crosses, the highest British battlefield honor. In 2007, the UK's ministry of defense had scrapped a similar plan after the Commission for Racial Equality warned it could be seen as divisive and perceived as "segregation". The Network of Sikh Organizations said it was in favor of a Sikh unit. -PTI
Pakistan has stake in Afghan peace process: US WASHINGTON: The US has said Pakistan has a stake in the Afghan peace process stating that it has encouraged Islamabad in facilitating peace talks between the Afghan government and Taliban. "We have long encouraged Pakistan to support (Afghan) President (Ashraf) Ghani's reconciliation efforts. We remain in support and in contact with President Ghani on these matters as well as certain countries like Pakistan who have a stake in the outcome," the State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki told reporters. Responding to questions, Psaki said the US has seen comments about talks between Taliban and the Afghan government, but does not have any confirmation of it. "We certainly remain supportive of an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned reconciliation process whereby the Taliban and the Afghans engaged in talks towards a settlement to resolve the conflict in Afghanistan. We don't have confirmation of the talks," she added. -PTI
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Doubts raised over India's tiger success story LONDON: India's claim of a robust revival in its tiger population may have been premature and the result of a flawed research method, a new Oxford-led study suggests. Flaws in a method commonly used in censuses of tigers and other rare wildlife put the accuracy of such surveys in doubt, researchers said. A team of scientists from the
jump since the last count in 2010. "Our study shows that indexcalibration models are so fragile that even a 10 per cent uncertainty in detection rates severely compromises what we can reliably infer from them," Arjun Gopalaswamy, lead author of the report from the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit at University of Oxford, said. "Our empirical test with data
‘We are not at all disputing that tigers numbers have increased in many locations in India in last 8 years, but the method employed to measure this increase is not sufficiently robust or accurate to measure changes at regional and country wide levels,’ said Karanth University of Oxford, Indian Statistical Institute, and Wildlife Conservation Society exposes, for the first time, pointed out inherent shortcomings in the 'index-calibration' method that means it can produce inaccurate results. Among recent studies thought to be based on this method is India's national tiger survey (January 2015) which claimed a surprising but welcome 30 per cent rise in tiger numbers in just four years. The survey showed that tiger population in the country had risen to 2,226 in 2014, a 30 per cent
from Indian tiger survey efforts proved that such calibrations yield irreproducible and inaccurate results," said Gopalaswamy. Index-calibration often relies on measuring animal numbers accurately in a relatively small region using reliable, intensive and expensive methods and then relating this measure to a more easily obtained, inexpensive indicator (such as animal track counts) by means of calibration. The calibrated-index is then used to extrapolate actual animal numbers over larger regions. "This study exposes funda-
mental statistical weaknesses in the sampling, calibration and extrapolations that are at the core of methodology used by the government to estimate India's numbers, thus undermining their reliability," said Dr Ullas Karanth, a co-author from the Wildlife Conservation Society, and a member of India's National Tiger Conservation Authority. "We are not at all disputing that tigers numbers have increased in many locations in India in last 8 years, but the method employed to measure this increase is not sufficiently robust or accurate to measure changes at regional and country wide levels," said Karanth. To investigate index-calibration the team created a mathematical model describing the approach and then tested its efficiency when different values, representing varia-
from fieldwork data. The index-calibration model was shown to be unreliable again, with any high degree of success shown to be down to chance, rather like being dealt a single incredibly 'high value' poker hand, that could not be replicated. "Index-calibration relies on the assumption that detection rates of
noisy 'real world' data to make accurate predictions," Gopalaswamy added. "The findings have wider consequences for several applied sciences where sampling and direct extrapolation is involved, especially when sampling errors are influenced by unknown detection probabilities," said Professor Mohan Delampady, a co-author from the Indian Statistical Institute. The team urges conservation practitioners to guard against these sources of error, which could mislead even the best conservation efforts, and suggests a constructive way for-
tions in data, were inputted. Under most conditions the model was shown to lose its efficiency and power to predict. The team then tested this mathematical model on a real world example: attempting to derive tiger numbers
animal evidence are high and unvarying. In reality this is nearly impossible to achieve. Instead, there are many flexible approaches, developed over the past decade by statistical ecologists, which can cut through
ward using alternative methods of counting rare animals that avoid the pitfalls of the index-calibration approach. The research was published in the journal Methods in Ecology and Evolution. -PTI
China protests Modi visit to Arunachal Pak approves multi-billion dollar BEIJING: China summoned In- said. dian Ambassador here and lodged During the meeting with a protest over Prime Minister Kantha, Liu said that Modi's visit Narendra Modi's visit to "undermined China's territorial Arunachal Pradesh, saying it "un- sovereignty, right and interests". dermined China's territorial sovChina claims Arunachal ereignty, right and interests". Pradesh as part of Southern TiIn the second Chinese protest in as many days, Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin "called in" Indian envoy Ashok Kantha to lodge the protest on Modi's visit to the "disputed border region", staterun Xinhua news agency reported. "Liu expressed 'strong dissatisfacPrime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to tion and staunch opArunachal Pradesh position' to the Indian side's insistence on arrang- bet. This has been contested by ing the visit by its leader to the India which has maintained that disputed area on China-India bor- the north-eastern state is its inteder," the report said. gral part. Earlier, the Chinese embassy in Liu said "such act by the InIndia had lodged representation dian side artificially amplified difwith the Indian authorities on the ferences between the two counvisit last night, the Xinhua report tries on the border issue and thus
went against the principles and consensus that the two sides reached on properly addressing the issue," the report said. He reiterated that China "which has consistent and clear-cut stance on the border issue never recognized the so-called 'Arunachal Pradesh' unilaterally set up by the Indian side". "It's a universally recognized, un-evadable fact that significant disputes do exist on the eastern section of the China-India border," Liu said. While China routinely protests and criticizes high level Indian visits to Arunachal Pradesh, the twin protests over Modi's visit came in the midst of the two countries improving relations with a host of initiatives including steps to improve relations between the troops patrolling the border. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj visited Beijing early this month and held talks with President Xi Jinping and other officials, especially about Modi's planned visit to China in May this year.-PTI
economic corridor with China ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has approved an ambitious multi-billion dollar strategic economic corridor linking China to Gwadar port at the mouth of the Arabian Sea that passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is the country's biggest road and
southern Gwadar Port to China's northwestern Xinjiang via highways, railways and pipelines to transport oil and gas. Once the corridor is constructed, it will serve as a primary gateway for trade between China and the Middle East and Africa. The 60-km-long 4-lane fenced Hazara Motorway in Khyber-
rail project and the work on it started in December when Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif inaugurated a motorway from Havelian to Thakot as phase-I of the Islamabad-Raikot section of the corridor. The CPEC is a development program to connect Pakistan's
Pakhtunkhwa province would cost USD 297 million and take two years to complete. India has expressed its reservations to China over the Corridor as it is laid through the PoK. China defends the project saying it helps regional development.-PTI
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UK to honor Indian soldiers at World War I event LONDON: The UK will honor the Indian soldiers who fought alongside their British officers during the World War I with spe-
Victoria Cross for their service alongside a total of 145 overseasborn fighters from Commonwealth countries such as Pakistan, Nepal,
Indian Army during World War I
cial plaques to be unveiled at a war memorial next month. The National Memorial Arboretum at Staffordshire in the West Midlands region of England will honor 11 soldiers from undivided India who were awarded the
Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand and Canada at a commemorative event on March 5. "The First World War was a truly global war, one which pulled in people from every corner of the earth. People from every back-
ground united in their shared values, fighting for liberty," said UK communities minister Stephen Williams. Among some of the early stones already laid out in the lead up to the event is one for Sepoy Chatta Singh, born in Kanpur or Cawnpore as it was referred to under the British. "Despite the differences of culture and faith between Chatta Singh and his officer, he recognized that what mattered was that his comrade was in danger. He displayed exceptional compassion and bravery in risking his life for that of his fellow man and we can all still learn from his example 100 years later," Williams said. "The stone that we will lay in the National Memorial Arboretum for Sepoy Singh is a small token of our gratitude and a recognition of all of our shared history. I hope that for many years to come it will remind us of the gallantry of the brave men who fought for Britain and their role in the history of the First World War." The 11 VC winners from undivided India include six from modern day India, three from Pakistan and two from Nepal.
UK business appeal over Indian students LONDON: Britain's senior business leaders have issued an appeal to the UK government to curb the sharp drop in international students from countries like India. According to statistics released recently by the UK's Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), Indian students studying at British universities had registered a 12 per cent drop from the previous year to 19,750 from 22,385. It reflected an extremely concerning fall from 39,090 during the peak period of 2010-2011. Chiefs of major UK-based firms and parliamentarians in an open letter published in 'The Financial Times' launched an attack on "illthought-out immigration policies" and demanded that students be excluded from the country's net migration targets. "Whoever is in government after May 2015 general elections must consider removing university international students from any net migration target, as well as increase opportunities for qualified international graduates to remain in the UK, for some time at least, once they complete their studies," the letter said.
The letter has been signed by the NRI entrepreneur and Cobra Beer founder Lord Bilimoria and Simon Collins, UK chairman and senior partner of KPMG. The group also strongly fa-
vored allowing foreign students to be allowed to stay and work in the UK after graduating, a key factor for Indian students being put off applying to study in the UK. Universities UK, a representative organization for the UK's universities, welcomed the new intervention and stressed that shortterm post-study visas were crucial to attracting overseas students.
While the HESA figures released last month reflected a slight overall improvement in overseas student enrolling at UK universities, the drop in Indian student figures was flagged as a concern. "International figu r e s showed modest recovery during this period 201314], but problems remain with recruitment from India. There is growing demand for quality higher education around the world, so the UK should be capitalizing on this, rather than seeing the stagnation of the last few years," Dandridge has warned in the past. Last year, the Conservative-led UK government had indicated tougher new plans to send students back to their home countries at the end of their course in Britain. -PTI
Besides Singh, the other five Indian VCs were awarded to Ressaidar Badlu Singh, Naik Darwan Singh Negi, Rifleman Gabbar Singh Negi, Lance Daffadar Gobind Singh and Lance Naik Lala. On the list of medal winners born on the Indian subcontinent during the Raj era also include 11
paving stones in the birthplace of each such VC recipient to honor their bravery and to provide a lasting legacy within the communities of their local heroes. The first Victoria Cross Paving stones were laid on August 23 last year to mark exactly 100 years to the day that the first VCs were awarded during World War
Despite the differences of culture and faith between Chatta Singh and his officer, he recognized that what mattered was that his comrade was in danger. He displayed exceptional compassion and bravery in risking his life for that of his fellow man British soldiers born in India and one born in Pakistan. A VC is the highest military honor awarded for bravery on the battlefield. A total of 628 VCs were awarded during World War I, of which 145 were awarded to servicemen who fought for Britain but were born overseas. The UK Department of Communities and Local Government has been laying commemorative
I. The last stones will be laid in November 2018. A public competition was held to choose a design for the paving stones and this was judged by a panel of seven experts. The competition was won by Charlie MacKeith from London whose winning design will feature on all the paving stones that will be laid in communities across the country. -PTI
UK to unveil Gandhi statue on March 14 LONDON: The much-awaited firm bond of friendship between Mahatma Gandhi's bronze statue the world's oldest democracy and at Britain's historic Parliament its largest," Cameron said in a Square here will be unveiled on statement. March 14, Prime Minister David "Mahatma Gandhi is an inspiCameron announced here. ration. His approach of non-vioThe announcement came as lence will resonate forever as a the Gandhi Statue Memorial Trust positive legacy - not just for the surpassed the 1UK and India, but million pound the world over. He mark in donawas a man of tions, with steel great insight and tycoon Lakshmi many of his obserN Mittal adding vations remain as 100,000 pounds fresh and relevant and the Infosys today as when he Board chaired by first made them K V Kamath that we should be 250,000 pounds the change we in the last few wish to see in the Mahatma Gandhi's bronze weeks. world is timeless Finance Minadvice, well worth ister Arun Jaitley is expected to following," he said. be the special guest at the cerElaborating on the close Indiaemony to install the statue which UK ties, the British PM said the will be the last one to up in the relationship "continued to go square alongside South African from strength to strength anti-apartheid leader Nelson through mutual respect as equals, Mandela and Britain's war-time through cooperation, trade, and Prime Minister Winston Churchill. of course through the one-and-a"The statue in Parliament half million Indian Diaspora living Square not only marks his huge in Britain today who bring our two importance in the history of both nations closer, to the benefit of our countries, but will enrich the both".-PTI
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Defense Ministry worker arrested for leaks NEW DELHI: A casual worker employed at the Defense Ministry has been arrested for allegedly providing forged identity card to a key accused in Petroleum Ministry leaks case. The police however maintained that no sensitive documents were leaked or stolen from the Defense Ministry. With this, 13 people have been arrested in the corporate espionage case related to Petroleum Ministry. One person was arrested on charge of leaking confidential documents from Coal and Power ministries. Seven persons have also been detained in this connection. According to the police, Virender Kumar, employed as a casual worker at Ministry of Defense, had allegedly given a forged ID card to Lalta Parsad and also a paper with the official letter head. "This document was used by
Ram Kumar Chaubey to prepare the fake permission of his vehicle and projected it as being hired by Government of India," said a senior police official.
However, he added, "no sensitive document has been stolen from the Defense Ministry". Lalta Parsad and Ram Kumar Chaubey were first to be arrested in the case when the Crime Branch blew the lid on February 19.
Ex-Maldivian prez arrested on terrorism charges MALE, Maldives: Mohamed Nasheed, the former Maldivian president and opposition leader, has been arrested under anti-terrorism laws for allegedly ordering the arrest a senior judge in 2012 that triggered violence in the Indian Ocean island. Nasheed, 47, was arrested around 2:45pm, his Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson Ali Waheed tweeted. The country's first democrati-
avoid being arrested in connection with the same case in February 2013. According to the office of the former president, Nasheed has been transferred to Dhoonidhoo prison. MDP Chairperson Ali Waheed has also been taken into police custody, Minivan News reported. Nasheed became the country's first democratically elected leader in 2008. He claims he was forced to quit in February 2012 after soldiers and police mutinied and overran his party's headquarters in the capital Male. However his successor, Mohamed Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed being Waheed, who taken to criminal court in Male on February 23 had been servcally elected leader was arrested ing as vice-president, said that on terrorism charges over the con- Nasheed left of his own accord troversial detention of Criminal following protests triggered by Court Judge Abdulla Mohamed in Nasheed's order to arrest the January 2012. The arrest warrant judge. issued by the Criminal Court He lost the controversial Nostates that the former president vember 2013 presidential election might abscond from the trial. to Yameen, the half-brother of Nasheed took refuge at the In- former strongman Maumoon dian High Commission in Male to Abdul Gayoom.-PTI
Virendra Kumar was arrested later in connection with the first FIR registered by Delhi Police. This module stole documents from the petroleum ministry. Police had arrested one Lokesh Sharma and registered a second FIR as this was a different module which operated in power and coal ministry. Cracking down on a suspected case of corporate espionage, Delhi Police arrested two junior Oil Ministry officials and three other middlemen for allegedly leaking classified government documents to energy companies.-PTI
Reuters bureau chief found dead in Pakistan ISLAMABAD: The bureau chief for Reuters in Pakistan Maria Golovnina, a Russian national, was found dead at her office-cum-residence here. 34-year-old Golovnina, who was also looking after Afghanistan, passed out at her office and was rushed to hospital where doctors were unable to save her, Reuters said in a statement. The cause of death is being investigated. "Maria was a superb journalist with a long and varied career at Reuters," the statement said. She joined the company in 2001
as a foreign correspondent in a number of places, including London, Singapore, Moscow, Af-
Maria Golovnina
ghanistan and Iraq. She had been bureau chief for Afghanistan and Pakistan since 2013. -PTI
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Desi News Niles Indian Americans celebrate R-Day SURENDRA ULLAL
CHICAGO: The new board of Indian Community of Niles Township (ICNT) celebrated India's 66th Republic Day on February 14 at the Skokie Public Library in the Petty Auditorium with cultural music and dance performances. Frigid cold weather and gusty winds notwithstanding, the auditorium was full to capacity. The audience cheered every performance and fully enjoyed making it a very successful affair. The event was interspersed with remarks by the organizers, Mayor George Van Dusen of Skokie Village, Carolyn Anthony, Director of Skokie Public Library, Sunil Shah, founding president of FIA, Mrs. Gulzar Khemani of Sahara Elderly Care and guests. Details on page 17
COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA
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Non-attachment: The Secret of Karm Yog
February 27, 2015
Moves to unite rival Indian associations to project common interests RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service
CHICAGO: Two Indians and three associations - that is the standing joke concerning the Indian American community. It means one for each and the third combined. This reflects the state
cluding second generation Indian Americans. It is in this context that two moves - both unrelated - were initiated last week, one by seasoned activists while the second one by second generation Indian youth. Both have a way common aim - getting the community united to project its views
many others - have decided to set up Indian American Political Action Committee (IPAC) to work in building civic awareness and leadership while educating our legislators on social and business issues of our community and ask for their support on key legislative initiatives.
Enlightening discourses at allday Shiva event Asian Media USA
CHICAGO, IL: The Maharudram Committee of the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago, (HTGC) organized the "Rudra: Who Really is He? Part 2 All Day Shiva Event" on Saturday, February 21 at Sama Rathi Auditorium in Lemont, a southwest suburb of Chicago. The auditorium was fully packed with over 500 guests and invitees cheering 300 plus children showcasing their talents with great enthusiasm and interest. The grand inauguration ceremony of the prelude series titled "Rudra: Who Really is He?" was on January 31. This is the prelude program to the main event "Maharudram and Navachandi Mahayagnam" which will be on June 12, 13, and 14. Details on page 19
Details on page 22
Announcing the launch of IAPAC; Sohan Joshi, Krishna Bansal and Vandana Jhingan
of affairs with different groups in the community pulling in different directions which has been impacting adversely on the common interests of the community, feels a group of right minded people, in-
to the right people and further its interests in the right direction. A group of seasoned community activists - Vandana Jhingan, Harendra Mangrola, Sohan Joshi, Krishna Banal, Vinesh Virani and
Indian American Community has grown significantly in Illinois in the past few years, two decades for sure. An estimate is that 400,000+ people of Indian origin are residing in Illinois State. Be-
sides the growth in numbers, it is a generally held that they constitute among the most educated and affluent wing of society at large that is engaged in the development of the State. The legislative decisions of elected officials greatly influence the manner in which the life and business are delivered in Illinois, but sadly this academically and economically powerful group lacks muscle to influence the legislative process at the State or even local level. The purpose of IPAC is to identify, train and help candidates of Indian origin, who have demonstrated an understanding, interest, and commitment for the betterment of Illinois State while serving the needs of Indian American community. To the extent necessary to achieve its purpose, IPAC may also educate citizens of Indian origin about the political process and encourage their participation through outreach and advocacy efforts. It will also hold forums and provide endorsement to candidates in key races based on service to Indian American community, irrespective of their party affiliation. Cont’d on page 19
Lawmakers to address Indian American doctors India Post News Service
NEW YORK: Dr Ravi Jahagirdar, President of American Association of Physicians
26 through Saturday March 28. A number of influential US lawmakers would address the Indian American doctors at the meeting where the AAPI members are ex-
ranged a brainstorming program in league with the local Chapter GWAPI. AAPI is the largest ethnic organization of physicians, representing over 100,000 physi-
front in bringing many burning healthcare issues facing the community at large and bringing this to the Capitol and to the US Congress," indicated Dr Sudhir
Seniors celebrate Shivratri & Valentine Day SURESH SHAH
CHICAGO: More then 200 Bhartiya Senior Citizens of Chicago celebrated Valentine Day and Maha Shivratri at Rana Regan Community Center in Carol Stream, northwest suburb of Chicago, on Saturday February 20 with lot of enthusiasm and religious fervor. Details on page 21
AAPI and its Presdient Dr Ravi Jahagirdar
of Indian Origin (AAPI) has announced the holding of the three-day meet of the combined AAPI Legislative Day and Spring Governing Body in Washington, DC from Thursday March
pected to raise issues related to immigration and health care. The venue is the Cannon Caucus Room. Dr Sudhir Sekhsaria with his Legislative Committee has ar-
cians of Indian origin, who want to make their voice heard on Capitol Hill and around the nation, particularly on issues relating to healthcare. "AAPI is once again in the fore-
Sekhsaria. He urged AAPI colleagues and everyone interested in or connected with providing healthcare to attend this event. Cont’d on page 20
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February 27, 2015
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CG Sayeed's fruitful visit to Minneapolis SURENDRA ULLAL
CHICAGO: During his visit to Minneapolis from February 5 to 8, Indian Consul General Dr Ausaf Sayeed had favorable interactions with Minnesota officials and business interests besides cordial interactions with Indian Americans Dr Sayeed met with the Minnesota Secretary of State, Steve Simon, former Secretary of State Mark Ritchie and senior officials of the Department of Employment and Economic Development, the US Small Business Administration, the India Chamber of Commerce; the Minnesota World Fair Team and business houses like CVRx, Life Science Alley and Innovations Inc. The Consul General visited the University of Minnesota and met with several heads of departments and renowned professors and scholars, including Dr Kumar G. Belani, Assistant Vice President, India Affairs, to discuss avenues for expansion of educational and scientific cooperation between the University of Minnesota and their academic counterparts in India. He
also visited the Masonic Cancer Center at the University and was given an extensive briefing by Prof (Dr) Ashok K.Saluja and his team, which is doing pioneering re-
meeting at the Hindu Temple in Minnesota and interacted with members of the Indian-American community on matters relating to Consular and Visa services, be-
Prime Minister's portal Mygov.in. He delivered a keynote address at the 'Connect India 2015' event organized by the Indian Association in Minnesota (IAM) on February 7 at Wilder Center, Saint Paul, Minnesota. Dr Sayeed lauded the valuable contribution made by the Indian-American community towards the socio-economic, academic and scientific progress of
Minnesota, highlighting the success stories of several members of the Indian Diaspora in the United States. The Consul General also highlighted the huge economic potential that exists between India and the United States with particular reference to the nine states of the US Midwest covered by the Consulate.
IACS organizing corporate leadership conference RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service
(L-R) Seann Nelipinath, Chairman, India Chamber of Commerce USAMinnesota, Consul General Dr Ausaf Sayeed and Secretary of State Steve Simon
search to develop a drug called 'Minnelide' for treatment of pancreatic cancer. The CG addressed a Townhall
sides a host of other issues such as 'Swach Bharat Abhiyan' and opportunities for people's participation in governance through the
dent of ITW. The panel will be focusing on what it means to be a leader by highlighting the intangible skills and qualities required. They will also discuss how important it is to always have a global mindset. Some of these panel discussion topics are ubiquitous throughout the professional business world and stimulate personal growth and development for young and experienced attendees alike. This conference is open to pub-
CHICAGO: Indo American Community Services (IACS), a Chicago-based not-for-profit national organization, will host an IACS Leadership and Professional Conference/Networking on Saturday March 14 at 6 PM at Schaumburg Marriott, in Schaumburg, a northwest suburb of Chicago. Sreenivas Katragadda, President of IACS, explained that this event is designed to inspire, engage and support future Indian American corporate leaders. Sivasankaran Somasundarm and Rajan Nagarajan The event also provides great opportunity lic and people interested in attendfor professionals to network with ing can register at this link : http:/ other corporate executives and /www.iacsinfo.org IACS is a one of the premier leadership teams from corporations. This is an annual leadership national not for profit organizaconference that IACS organizes tions supporting South Asian calling various Indian American American community through diversity job fairs, women's empowindustry executives. This year some of the execu- erment forms, professional, leadtives that are on the leadership ership, business and entreprepanel include S o m a Somasundaram, CEO and President of Dover Energy, Mark Hector, Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Chief Administrative Officer of Motorola SoluMark Hector and Sundaram Nagarajan tions, Rajan Nagarajan, Vice President Strategic Business Pro- neurial conferences. It also process Transformation of Kraft vides student internship opportuFoods and Socka Suppiah, Co- nities both in public and private Founder and COO of Saggezza. sectors, and free job portal, Moderating the panel is Sundaram mentoring and career counseling Nagarajan, Executive Vice Presi- services.
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Niles Indian Americans celebrate Republic Day SURENDRA ULLAL
Lamp lighting ceremony at Republic Day celebrations in in Skokie
CHICAGO: The new board of Indian Community of Niles Township (ICNT) celebrated India's 66th Republic Day on February 14 at the Skokie Public Library in the Petty Auditorium with cultural music and dance performances. Frigid cold weather and gusty winds notwithstanding, the auditorium was full
and members of United Senior Pariwar. Virendra Patel and other volunteers from United Senior Pariwar decorated the stage with tricolored long cloth and set two national flags. The auspicious lamp lighting ceremony was performed by Rohit Joshi, president of ICNT, George Van Dusen Mayor of Skokie, Sunil Shah founding presi-
Cultural presentations during the celebrations
to capacity. The audience cheered every performance and fully enjoyed making it a very successful affair. The event was interspersed with remarks by the organizers, Mayor George Van Dusen of Skokie Village, Carolyn Anthony, Director of Skokie Public Library, Sunil Shah, founding president of FIA, Mrs. Gulzar Khemani of Sahara Elderly Care and guests. Among the other dignitaries present were Pramod Shah, Village Clerk, Trustees of Skokie Village, Om Prakash Kamaria, President, Gandhi Memorial Trust, prominent community leaders like Amar Upadhyay
dent of FIA. Rohit Joshi also explained the significance of lamp lighting ceremony. Mayor George Van Dusen appreciated ICNT activities and declared he was ready to support more cultural events in future. He briefly recalled the history of India and introduced Pramod Shah and other officers from Skokie Village Hall. Gulzar Kemani made the audience aware about her organization. Amita Bhargav, Srcretary, ICNT emceed the program very well. DJ Nilesh kept the crowd entertained during the show. The event showcased dance performances by the Payaliya Dance Studio, Bal
Group of Niles Township Indian Americans organizing celebrations
Uday Dance School, Surya Dance School, Kalapadma Dance Academy and Ayan Das and Anusha Das. Vocal performances of old, current and patriotic Bollywood songs were performed by Shaila Khedkar and Manish Bhide. They were both a hit with the crowd. Sunil Shah congratulated Rohit Joshi, Usha Kamaria and their team for celebrating Republic Day of India together. Vote of thanks was presented by Vijai Gupta, Vice President and Bhavik Patel, Jt. Secretary. Snacks boxes were served to the audience.
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February 27, 2015
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Enlightening discourses at all-day Shiva event Asian Media USA
CHICAGO, IL: The Maharudram Committee of the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago, (HTGC) organized the "Rudra: Who Really is He? Part 2 All Day Shiva Event" on Saturday, February 21 at Sama Rathi Auditorium in Lemont, a southwest suburb of Chicago. The auditorium was fully packed with over 500 guests and
Swamiji Ishatmananda with HTGC team and organizers Subramanian Sundaram, Dr Vijaya Sarma, Bhima Reddy, Sri Lakshman Agadi and Dr Sangita Rangala
Bhima Reddy honoring Swamiji Ishatmananda
invitees cheering 300 plus chil- celestial marriage of Shiva and dren showcasing their talents with Parvathi. The devotees enjoyed great enthusiasm and interest. the sumptuous wedding feast The grand inauguration ceremony of the prelude series titled "Rudra: Who Really is He?" was on January 31. This is the prelude program to the main e v e n t "Maharudram and Navachandi Mahayagnam" which will be on June 12, 13, and 14. The prelude comprises a series of Srinivasan's dance recital enlightening discourses and cultural presentations from the Prasadam kitchen and bringing out the spiritual symbol- were then treated to a variety of ism of Mahayagnas and their con- cultural programs presented by tribution to universal peace, wel- students of various dance and
Cultural presentations by talented artists
fare and prosperity. The all-day Shiva event started with the grand Girija Kalyanam, the
music schools, including members of a dance school who traveled from Iowa.
Packed Rathi Auditorium audience
Cont’d on page 20
February 27, 2015
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Ramayana across USA through Malaysian puppetry India Post News Service
HOUSTON: A great Sanskrit epic depicting the story of Lord Ram and Ram Parivar, Ramayana performances will be held in various parts of USA through shadow
In "Wayang Kulit: The Shadow Play of Kelantan", an ancient form of puppet theater, the shadows of intricately carved leather puppets will be projected onto a screen, showcasing the plays based on Ramayana. These will be per-
(Texas); "Wayang Kulit: The Shadow Play of Kelantan" received support from Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art and Remo-drumheads manufacturer, reports suggest. David J. Fraher and Peter Capell are President and
Ramayana through Malaysian puppetry
puppetry of Malaysia in the coming weeks Performances will be held in Houston (February 22-28), Atlanta and other parts of Georgia (March 1-7), Gainesville (Florida) (March 8-14). The performances have already ended in Crockett (Texas) on February 21.
formed by a team of puppeteers and musicians from Kelantan region of Malaysia. Produced by Arts Midwest in association with University of Florida, Georgia State University, Houston's Society for the Performing Arts and Piney Woods Fine Arts Association of Crockett
Board Chair respectively of Arts Midwest, an arts organization headquartered in Minneapolis which "nurtures cultural leadership". Ramayana tells the story of Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and it contains about 25,000 shlokas.
Moves to unite rival Indian associations to project common interests Cont’d from page 15
IPAC will work on promoting civic education by holding seminars and sessions while conducting voter registration camps. The best potential candidates probably have never considered running for elected office. For the races involving local, state and federal in Illinois, IPAC will work on identifying citizens of Indian origin who have potential, interest as well as have demonstrated their desire for serving the community and not self-serving. It will provide education, guidance and training to such candidates on issues, processes and election campaign. IPAC will hold candidate forums in key races of Interest to Indian American community and plans to send out a questionnaire to candidates to understand their stand related to community interests. It will also provide endorsements and contributions to key cam-
paigns. From time to time IPAC leadership will be involved in lobbying with Federal, State and Local elected officials regarding issues related to Indian American community.
groups within the community to get united and work for the common interest of the society rather than fritter away their time, energy and resources for personal ends. The immediate goal is to get the
The immediate goal is to get the two rival federations of Indian associations get united under one banner to end the sad spectacle of two India Day parades, two Republic Day banquets, two melas and so on Vandana Jhingan, Sohan Joshi and Krishna Bansal briefed ethnic Indian press on this subject last week at a meet on Devon Avenue and it was hinted that a bigger meet of many prominent community leaders is planned to give credence to the idea and get wider community support. Meanwhile, a move is afoot by second generation Indian American youth Nirav Virani to get different
two rival federations of Indian associations get united under one banner to end the sad spectacle of two India Day parades, two Republic Day banquets, two melas and everything done multiple times with same objectives. This will stop the ignominy of the community being a laughing stock before the public besides saving time and energy and money of the community.
The 90-minute play will be pre- Kulit as a Masterpiece of Oral and sented by10 people traveling. An Intangible Heritage of Humanity English-speaking couple dedi- in 2003. The shadow puppet tradicated "to preserving this art form" tions are endangered by the enwill be with the group from Ma- croachment of big cities. They are laysia, most of whom speak little pure folkloric productions. or no English. There is one pupWhile traditional Wayang Kulit peteer who does all the puppets often use stories from the and all the voices, including mak- Ramayana or another Hindu epic, ing them from leather. Traditional Malaysian instruments are also Residents of the villages used. The puppet master has up to 40 voices. where Wayang Kulit is still Residents of the vil- practiced in Malaysia are lages where Wayang generally Muslim. The story Kulit is still practiced in Malaysia are generally they present, however, Muslim. The story they comes from a Hindu epic present, however, comes from a Hindu the Ramayana. epic, the Ramayana. It's the universal story of good ver- the Mahabharata, there are also sus evil that traveled from India to stories from Javanese folklore. The the regions where the Wayang shadow puppetry has also been Kulit tradition is maintained. adapted by teachers of Islamic and UNESCO designated Wayang Christian tenets.
Lawmakers to address Indian American doctors Cont’d from page 15
migration reform, AAPI urged the Congress to fast-track international medical graduates also for Green Cards along with international students graduating with degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). This proposal will enable highly-skilled workers to remain in the United States after receiving their higher education in America. Among the areas where AAPI had
Healthcare continues to be at the center of the national debate, especially after the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, which affects almost everyone in the country. One out of every seven doctors serving in the US is of Indian heritage, providing medical care to over 40 million in the country. Just as their services to the community in the healthcare arena is vital, so is the need for due With participation from dozrepresentation to them, ens of key Congressmen to listen to their voices, and Senators, the event will expressing of their concerns and meeting their be a unique opportunity for needs. AAPI to be part of the deciDr Ajeet Singhvi, sion making process Chair, Board of Trustees said the Legislative Day would have panel discussions on sought US lawmakers to support topics of importance to AAPI their agenda included increasing members including how they could 15,000 more Residency Positions. With participation from dozens be part of the process in the implementation of healthcare reform in of key Congressmen and Senathis country. "While medical tors, the event will be a unique school enrollment has climbed 2% opportunity for AAPI to be part annually over the past five years of the decision making process on through new schools and expan- matters related to healthcare. sion of existing schools, the numAAPI Governing Body Meeting ber of residency slots funded by will be held on Saturday, from 8 am Medicare has been capped at to 4 pm at the Marriott Gateway Crystal City, VA. The event will about 100,000 since 1997. Increasing GME positions will conclude at midnight with a Banhelp to address access issues in quet hosted by the Local GWAPI United States," Dr Jahagirdar (Greater Washington Association of Physicians of Indian Origin) at pointed out. As part of comprehensive im- Marriott Gateway Crystal City, VA.
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Huge attendance expected With Malice to None: at FIA Holi Mela How Muslims can SURESH SHAH
CHICAGO: Holi, the festival of color, will be celebrated on March 21 at the DuPage Fairgrounds in Wheaton, a suburb of Chicago. Sunil Shah, founder president of The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), a conglomeration of Indian civic organizations, in a talk to this paper said that they expect huge participation of people of Indian origin and general public at the FIA hosted Holi Mela. According to his estimate, more than 1,500 members of Indian community would participate in the day long Mela. Moon Khan the FIA Vice President said the program beginning at 11 am will end at 4 pm. It will feature traditional sprinkling of col-
ors, mesmerizing music, and dazzling dance performances, he said. Sunil Shah added there would be Bollywood dance items with color of Holi; Bhangra fusion
from Chicagoland offering traditional Indian cuisine, marketing Indian jewelry items, Indian dresses and boutiques. The entry fee is only $5. Elected
Festival of Holi in Chicago
dances and other folk dance items to entertain the crowd. For kids there would be buggy jumps. On top of this, the organizers have planned to get 20 plus vendors
city and State officials and news media representatives will have complimentary admission. The Grand sponsors are Haldiram and various community organizations.
Enlightening discourses at all-day Shiva event Cont’d from page 18
Young students of renowned Bharatanatyam teachers, including Smt. Sushmita Arunkumar, Smt. Sangita Rangala, Smt. Vanitha Veeravalli, Smt. Pragnya Yogesh, Smt. Vidya Pandikaran, Smt. Hema Rajagopalan, Smt. Sowmya Kumaran, and Smt. Anupama Rajesh, presented various Bharathanatyam performances. The audience was mesmerized seeing the children in authentic costumes presenting the dances
There were several thematic competitions including drawing, painting, essay writing and quiz programs for the children. It was amazing to watch young children answer questions on various topics centered on Hindu spirituality and the concept of Supreme Consciousness. Dr Sangita Rangala, director of Anand Dance Academy emceed the event gracefully. The evening session started with chanting of Sri Rudram by four young children. Swamiji Ishatmanada of
Cultural presentations by talented artists
with perfect synchronization and confidence. Students of various music teachers, including Smt. Vasanthi Iyer, Smt. Maragatha Mani Sundaresan, Smt. Vaidehi Sudharshan, Smt. Subadra Ramasami, Smt. Shoba Shankar Jagadeesaiyer, and Smt. Saraswathi Ranganathan, presented various performances including vocal music, instrumental ensemble, and devotional prayers.
Vivekananda Vedanta Society of Chicago and the keynote speaker gave a thought provoking talk titled "Shiva: The Great God" and brilliantly explained the concept of Shiva, the consciousness. He gave the spiritual meaning of the story of Lord Shiva consuming Vish poison. The poison of "ego" is all taken by the Lord if we pray sincerely and turn our attention in the direction of God. He explained that once we surrender our ego, we will
become one with God Teachers and students who presented various performances received a certificate and a prize from Swami Ji. The teachers were also honored by Swamiji and the Maharudram organizers. A wonderful Bharatanatyam dance concert "Rudra: The One who Purifies" by Vinay Srinivasan followed Swamiji's speech. His dance presentation commenced with the Siva Panchakshara Stotram "Nahendra Haraya", a beautiful prayer to Lord Shiva composed by Sri Adi Sankaracharya. The central piece of his presentation was "Varugalamo Ayya",(Can I come, Oh Lord?) the portrayal of Nandanar, a lower-caste but ardent devotee of the Lord trying to have Darshan of the Lord at Chidambaram. The grand finale was an Abstract segment called "Jatadhara", specially choreographed for the event Rudra: Who really is He? Srinivasan was later honored by the President of the Temple, Bhima Reddy, for such an awe-inspiring performance. Sri. Lakhshman Agadi, Chair of Maharudram Committee gave the vote of thanks. Fortunately, the weather cooperated with the blessing of the Lord and the program concluded successfully. It is worth noting that the Rathi auditorium was fully packed for the entire duration of the 7-hour program.
fight 'terrorists'
R
A. Q. SIDDIQUI
ecently I attended Friday prayer at Abu Dhabhi's Grand Mosque. While the mosque itself is a piece of architectural beauty on earth, it has another unique distinction. Its gates are open for non-Muslims to visit it and see the simple beauty of Islam. How the Muslims worship One God, the Creator for all mankind. The guards only ask NonMuslims to remove the footwear and stay in the corridor when the prayer begins. Otherwise all are allowed to move around freely. But for me, the Friday sermon was a new experience. The Imam spoke for over 30 minutes in Arabic and all the listeners were in tears. The Imam himself could not resist wiping off tears from his eyes. And what did he speak about? I wish mosques all over the world repeat the same question the Imam raised in his sermon. He simply asked Muslims in congregation repeatedly, are we following the Islam as brought to us by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) or we are following a different faith? Are they Muslims who raid a school and kill innocent children? Are they Muslims who carry bomb and blow themselves? No they are not followers of Islam. The followers know that Prophet (pbuh) even taught to soldiers in war not to kill children, women or elderly men. Do not kill the enemy soldier if he surrenders. Do not destroy a tree that gives shade to travelers. Soon after Friday prayer I heard two Arab youths talking about the Friday sermon delivered by Imam. They were waiting for their women to come out from ladies section and I was also waiting for my wife. I was surprised to hear those simply clad Arab youths talking about world politics. And what I could grasp from their conversation was also important and heartwarming. They were discussing about need for a world body of Muslim intelligentsia that could fight the forces maligning Islam. Terrorists are not Muslims. Why the identity and background of terrorists is never revealed fully in media? All we know in media about Paris
Charlie killers is that they were Russian Muslims? What was their background? Where did they live as children and where did they study? Nobody knows. Is not there a possibility that mercenary killers are picked by enemies of Islam from condemned cells from jails and offered handsome booty to act as Muslims and spread terrorism? It is a fact that terrorists are not Muslims but they pretend to be Muslims. Regardless of their numbers, terrorists are now generated by enemies of Islam to carry the tag of Islam or announce themselves as Muslims. If Muslims all over the world remain silent, the anti-Islamic forces will win the mission of "maligning Islam". What we can do? A world Muslim body must emerge to investigate the labels of Islam attached to Non-Muslim terrorists. Terrorists are terrorists. They are not Muslims; they are not Chris-
A Q Siddiqui
tians or Jews either. They are only terrorists. So call them terrorists only. The new Muslim body shall ensure that world media is not allowed to call terrorists as Muslims. Muslim organizations all over the world must raise a campaign that we believe terrorists are non-Muslims. Terrorists are followers of the newly emerged religion call it "terrorism". But do not call them Muslims if they simply dress like Muslims. The time has come when Muslims all over the world can fight the terrorists. Declare it boldly that terrorists are not Muslims. They are far from Islam. And that is the truth. A Muslim is only a follower of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) who promised in his last sermon that a Muslim will never go wrong if he follows the practices of Prophet (pbuh) and Koran. Have a comment? Email to indiapostchicago@gmail.com
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India Post 21
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Seniors celebrate Shivratri & Valentine Day SURESH SHAH
BSC members enjoying dancing on Valentine Day
CHICAGO: More then 200 Bhartiya Senior Citizens of Chicago celebrated Valentine Day and Maha Shivratri at Rana Regan Community Center in Carol Stream, northwest suburb of Chicago, on Saturday February 20 with lot of enthusiasm and religious fervor. The program began with "Ganesh Vandana" and a talk on how celebrating Valentine
Day started in USA. Senior members Kalyani Patel, Madhusudan Patel of the Executive Committee gave brief highlights about program and importance of Maha Shivratri. Vandana Jhingan presented birthday cake for those whose birthdays fell in February. She presented flowers and birthday wishes to seniors. She also gave information the recent incident
in Alabama where a senior parent who came from India got abused by the local police because of language barrier. She urged all seniors to be extra careful to avoid a similar situation. "If you or any senior visiting USA and if he goes outside his residence, do carry an ID card, home address and phone number. Also, do pick up or learn a little or understand basic English
BSC seniors enjoying program
words. This will help avoid repetition of the unsavory situation that Suresh Patel of Alabama faced," she said. After that all seniors enjoyed dancing on Bollywood movie 'Baghban' song 'Chali Chali Hava Chali..... for Valentine celebration. This special dance was prepared by senior member Chandrakant Chudasma. Laugh-
ter is the best medicine and for that laughing therapy, seniors enjoyed clips from 'Tarak Mehta ka Ulta Chashma" comedy show. At the end, video clips of US President Obama's visit to India on January 26 for Republic Day were shown to BSC members. All video clips prepared by Executive member and media photographer Jayanti Oza. The seniors enjoyed delicious dinner at the end.
An open letter to Modi by Francois Gautier Dear Mr Prime Minister, irst let me tell you that many a times I felt that some Divine Force was inspiring you - the way Sri Aurobindo said that Churchill was guided by Him to fight the Nazis‌But then, I have to say, as someone who travels extensively in India and has spent a lot of time in Delhi for the last 40 years (I have interviewed 7 Indian PMs), that nothing much has changed. Your ministers are still as unreachable as the Congress ones, functioning in the same system with four layers of secretaries. Even if you have an important work - there is no way you can meet one of your ministers unless you have some pull. Your MPs, as the Congress ones before them, once they come to Delhi, with their cars, bungalows, countless aides, and so many sycophants coming for favors, quickly lose sight of why they were elected. You need to send them back to their constituencies the way Mao Tse Tung sent back all his cadres to the countryside. Delhi is a microcosm of India and you seem to have lost there some of the Hindu electorate who voted for you unitedly, from the Dalit to the businessmen. Some of us had seen this coming for a few months already. You need to have around you people who will tell you what the mood of the people is without any fear - for I have
F
seen, even with gurus, that their followers always want to please them, flatter them and thus shield them from the truth. It is something inherent to the Hindu psyche. If this had been done, maybe we could have told you that the middle class and lower class Hindus who voted for you, want a change at the grass root level. They are not concerned about
Your MPs, as the Congress ones before them, once they come to Delhi, with their cars, bungalows, countless aides, and so many sycophants coming for favors, quickly lose sight of why they were elected. Obama and nuclear energy, or the way you are skillfully loosening the Chinese encircling grip, or the remarkable unifying of intelligence and their agencies you are doing with Mr Doval, but about the daily problems and the constant bribes that are asked by petty bureaucrats and policemen. I myself experience this in Maharashtra as I am asked bribes for getting permissions for a Museum, which is free, dedicated to Shivaji Maharaj and a Sewa project!
Also, they do not understand why you were so fiery and outspoken while campaigning - and now that you are elected, you do not seem any more to be promoting their Hindu causes. They cannot fathom, for instance in their simple minds, why you are being so friendly to Sonia Gandhi, who wanted you in prison or even dead - and why you are keeping away from those who supported you in your darkest hours, when nobody thought that you would become PM. These old friends of yours are still keeping quiet, out of respect for your work, but I know many who are bitter. The common Hindu man does not comprehend either why no one in your government stands by re-conversions of Christians or Muslims to Hinduism. During the last Tsunami, at least 10% of the Tamil Nadu fishermen were converted by Christian missionaries, using financial baits, such as free boats. I was there and saw it. Or why when one of yours says that Hindus must produce more children, he is booed down. We know that Muslims produce seven to eight children per couple and in some areas of India they are now in majority and will not vote for you. It is true that there have been vandalizing of churches in Delhi, whether intentional, or just by some common thieves. But this is an old trick of Indian Christians to evoke sympathy from Obama and Co and bring pressure and discredit upon you. You should know
better than that: Christians have been the aggressors in this country and the Pope still thinks that India is a fair target for mass conversions. We understand that you must be the Prime Minister of all Indians and that you have to rise above sectarianism, but there has to be in the public a perception that you are the Prime Minister of Hindus because it is they who
Why so many Hindu gurus and activists such as Sadhvi Pragya and Colonel Purohit, whose innocence has been proven, are still languishing in jail. Congress had no qualms in favoring their people voted for you - not the Muslims whatever Ram Madhav told you before the Kashmir elections, which is going to be another thorn in your heel (and if you do not remove Article 370 soon, most Hindus will lose faith in your government). To cultivate the Muslims, thinking that they will like you in the end, as Mr Vajpayee did, under the influence of the nice but misguided Suddeendhra Kulkarni, is not only a waste of time, but also
may alienate you from Hindu voters, whom you are going to need in four years again and at different state elections. Let the Muslims of India know that they possess the same rights as any Hindus, Sikhs or Christians, which they actually have, including total freedom of worship, that Hindus have neither in Bangladesh, Pakistan or Saudi Arabia, but do not go out of your way to please them. When the common man of Delhi sees that you received Aamir Khan, whose film PK, is a deliberate insult to all Hindu gurus and Hindus, they think something is not right. Also they do not understand why so many Hindu gurus and activists such as Sadhvi Pragya and Colonel Purohit, whose innocence has been proven, are still languishing in jail. Congress had no qualms in favoring their people and flouting all decent rules. This isn't about ethics, but if your aim is just, dharmic, and I believe it is, it does not matter what means are used. The Congress got elected and elected again with mostly the Muslims votes, till Kejriwal came. You need to cultivate the Hindu electorate, Sir, by making gestures; even if you let your people do them and stand back. And that has to be done quickly. If they are convinced that you are working for them, you will have the two or even three terms you need to achieve a real Renaissance of India. Cont’d on page 22
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Non-attachment: The Secret of Karm Yog
I
n the last article, as we entered the second chapter of the Gita, Shree Krishna ex plained Karm yog to Arjun. We learnt that in order to perform Karm yog one must not be attached to the outcome of one's actions, nor must one be attached to inaction (chapter 2, verse 47). While keeping your mind in God, you must perform your duty free from attachment and be unaffected by either success or failure (chapter
SWAMI NIKHILANAND
mind). Thus, we first form a goal in our mind, and then we undertake the action. In this case, how could we not be attached to the outcome? Here we must understand some of the nuances of karm and deeper workings of the mind. Example: Building a Temple Let us say someone has a goal in mind to build a temple so more people can be inspired to do devotion to God. He desires this positive outcome, and it is only be-
No person is successful in all his endeavors. Thus, if we are attached to the outcome of those endeavors, we will spend our whole life on a roller coaster ride of emotions sometimes elated, sometimes disheartened, and always vacillating between the two. 2, verse 48). Then you will transcend good and bad actions and attain freedom from the bondage of karm (chapter 2, verse 50). By performing your actions while renouncing the fruit of those actions, you will be freed from the bondage of birth and death and will attain a perfect, eternal Divine state (chapter 2, verse 51). This brings up several questions. 1) How can an action be performed without being attached to the outcome? By nature, when we undertake an action, it is with a specific goal in mind. In fact, Darshan Shastras say 'prayojan manuddishya mandopi na pravartate' (even a total fool doesn't perform any action without having an aim in
cause of this that he will undertake the many years worth of actions required to achieve this goal. But is he attached to the outcome? Let us understand more. Gita encourages us to undertake good actions (don't be attached to inaction either), but advises us not to be attached to the outcome. If we are attached, then it means that we will be disheartened if our goal is not achieved, and we will be elated if our goal is achieved. A person undertakes many such endeavors in his life, from trying to graduate with a particular degree, to trying to land a particular job, to trying to marry a particular person, to trying to raise good kids, to trying to attain optimum health, to trying to help others through charitable
'Sacred Traditions of Himalayas' exhibition in NY India Post News Service
NEW YORK: The Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in New York is displaying "Earring for a Deity Showing Vishnu Riding Garuda" (17th-19th century) in its "Sacred Traditions of the Himalayas" exhibition which will run till June 14. It is also showcasing 17th-19th century "Dish for Ritual Offerings with Durga Defeating a Demon", 17-19th century "Amulet case with Vishnu" and a scroll painting dated 1651 showing Kubera and Durga. The exhibition announcement says that this installation features devotional sculpture, jewelry for the gods, elaborate mandalas, etc. A highlight of the display will be ritual costumes used by masked
dancers who reenacted divine conflicts to ensure abundance and ward off malicious forces. Founded in 1870, Met, one of the top art museums of the world, has large collections of ancient art; including Greek, Roman and Near Eastern. The Met's mission includes art that "collectively represent the broadest spectrum of human achievement". Thomas P. Campbell is Met's Director and CEO, while Daniel Brodsky is Trustees Chairman. Applauding Met for showcasing Hindu deities in an exhibition, Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, said that art had a long and rich tradition in Hinduism and ancient Sanskrit literature talked about religious paintings of deities on wood or cloth.
projects, etc. No person is successful in all his endeavors. Thus, if we are attached to the outcome of those endeavors, we will spend our whole life on a roller coaster ride of emotions - sometimes elated, sometimes disheartened, and always vacillating between the two. This type of emotional instability makes our life stressful and unhappy. In Karm yog, a person undertakes the action with a positive goal in mind, but is not personally attached to the outcome (success or failure) of the action. In other words, if the action produces the desired result, they are not elated; they move on to the next good undertaking. And if the action fails to produce the desired result, they are not disappointed; they simply try again. There is a saying which illustrates this facet of Karm yog: "Take your job seriously, not yourself." Let's return to the temple example. If the person fails to build the temple, even after years of effort, he may be embarrassed and be ashamed to admit his failure in front of others. This shows that he was not doing it as an act of Karm yog; he was personally attached to the outcome of his endeavor. Even while trying, he would have been experiencing the fear that, "If I fail, I will be embarrassed. Others will think less of me." This fear would have paralyzed his creative thinking to some degree and inhibited him from giving his best effort. The same fear may prevent him from persisting and trying again if he is met with failure. In the same way, if he succeeds in building the temple, he may feel proud of his accomplishment, feeling that he has done something great. This also shows that it was not an act of Karm yog - part of his undertaking was due to his personal attachment to his own success and failure, and how
he will be viewed by others. Example: Arjun fights the battle of Mahabharat Let's look at the example of Arjun in the Mahabharat war. Once he chose to fight the battle, he did so without personal attachment to the outcome - he did not want to become the ruler of India, nor to enjoy the pleasures of the earth or of swarg. He did not care if people viewed him as a great warrior. He chose to fight the war because it was the right thing to do - it was his dharm. He fought the war with care and attention, but he was not personally attached to the outcome. He desired to win the war and to remove Duryodhan from power, because it was the right thing to do. He was very focused and determined in his efforts on the battlefield. Had he been careless or slow-acting, he would have been killed immediately. Yet, he was not worried about his personal loss or gain which may have happened as a result of winning
Swami Nikhilanand
or losing the battle. Thus, he did it as an act of karm yog. Now you must have understood the difference between undertaking an action with a positive goal in mind, and undertaking an action with a personal attachment to the outcome. The next important practical matter to be addressed is that the only way a person can actually
undertake an action without personal attachment to the outcome is if his mind is attached in God instead. How to accomplish this will be explained in the next article. Disciple of Shree Kripaluji Maharaj: Swami Nikhilanand Ji is a Canadian born Hindu spiritual leader based in Austin, Texas. He is a sanyasi disciple and pracharak of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj. Attracted to the teachings of Hinduism from a young age, Swamiji eventually let his deep spiritual longing lead him to India, where he was most fortunate to come under the guidance of Shree Kripaluji Maharaj. Thereafter, living in the ashrams of JKP, he extensively studied Hindi, the philosophy of the prime Sanskrit scriptures (Vedas, Darshan Shastras, Gita, Bhagwatam), and practiced meditation in the tradition of raganuga bhakti. In 2003, he was given sanyas. Now, with the blessings of his Guruji, he offers satsang programs throughout America, engaging audiences with his clear explanations of Hindu philosophy coupled with inspired chanting of Sanskrit mantras and shlokas and charming nam sankirtan. His informative and compelling speeches provide practical insight into how to adopt the teachings of Sanatan Dharm into our daily lives, and inspire us to awaken our inner spiritual potential. To stay in touch with Swami Nikhilanand Ji, like his Facebook page at https:// w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / SwamiNikhilanand or follow him on twitter at https://twitter.com/ Swami_Nikhil.
An open letter to Modi... Cont’d from page 21
Democracy is a beautiful but skewed system, easy to hijack by adharmic forces. To realize all the great things you have undertaken, you need a unified Hindu vote. The trap now is to listen to the media which says that your party lost in Delhi because of 'communal' reasons - vandalizing of
churches, statements by your people about re-conversions, or your so-called ten-lakh suit. This will prod you and your government to go more secular, let go of more of the pledges you made for the Hindu cause during your campaign, the same way the Vajpayee Government veered away gradually from its Hindu ideals - and lost the elections to Sonia Gandhi. But think of it like that: You got
elected in May last year with a massive mandate because of your dedicated, sincere and fiery Hindu promises. There is no reason why it should not work the same way now that you have the power. You need to stick by what your pledged Sir - whatever the media, Obama, your bureaucrats or the foreign press say. Namaste Francois Gautier
Tech News 13 per cent jump in Japanese firms in India NEW DELHI: Amid the government's efforts to ensure 'ease of doing business', the number of Japanese companies in India has increased by 137 in last one year, marking a 13 per cent jump over the previous year. The total number of Japanese companies registered in India now is 1209 against 1072 as in October 2013, according to official figures. The number of Japanese companies in India is targeted to be raised to 2000 by 2019, official sources said. Japan is one of the countries which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is focusing on for investments. To make it easier for Japanese companies to do business in India, the government has established a 'Japan-plus' unit in the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) in the Ministry of Commerce. The cell, which has a Japanese official in it, focuses on facilitating business of Japanese companies in this country and in getting faster clearances. Japan has appreciated this initiative, which was announced by Modi during his visit to Tokyo in August while inviting greater investments from that country.-PTI
Businessman in Mamata's entourage arrested KOLKATA: Businessman and film producer Shibaji Panja, who accompanied eastern Indian state of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on her three-day Bangladesh visit, was detained at the airport here by a Delhi Police team in connection with a fraud case. He was detained by the immigration at the NSC Bose International Airport shortly after Banerjee, along with the entourage, returned to the city, a senior official of the Bidhan Nagar Commissionerate said. Panja had allegedly taken a Rs 18 crore loan from Industrial Financial Corporation, a government organization which lends short term loans to firms, after submitting some fake documents. A case of fraud was registered in this regard with the Economic Offences Wing of the Delhi Police. "Four days ago a look out notice was issued for Panja at all the airports. Our investigating officer will now go to Kolkata and then he will be formally arrested and brought to Delhi for questioning," DCP (EOW) B K Singh told PTI.
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Managing Director of Isuzu Motors India, Takashi Kikuchi along with other executives launching MU7 vehicle in Gurgaon on February 21
12 smart cities to come up at major Indian ports NEW DELHI: Indian government is working on an ambitious plan to build one smart city each at the country's 12 major ports, at an estimated total investment of Rs 50,000 crore, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has said. "Each port will construct one smart city. We are trying to do this. Each city will be built with an expenditure of about Rs 3,000-4,000 crore," said the Minister for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping. "These will be green smart cities. We are starting work on these in four to six months. You will see all these complete in five years," Gadkari told PTI in an interview. The 12 major ports under Central government's control have between them an estimated 2.64 lakh acres of land which is being mapped through satellites and are major resources with Shipping Ministry. Mumbai Port Trust alone has
Nitin Gadkari
about 753 hectares of land with it, valued at about Rs 46,000 crore. "We are identifying our property through GPS system. We do not want to sell land to builders and developers. We will develop these," Gadkari said, adding that companies will be invited to construct houses there and private investment will be roped in. Detailing the concept, he said these cities will be built as per international standards and have wide roads, green energy, advanced townships and greenery. In addition, these smart cities
and ports will have e-governance links, international standard facilities, special economic zones, ship
sia," he added. As part of its plan to revamp the country's top 12 ports, the
national operating standards. The ports have also been asked to come up with a shelf of projects
breaking and ship building centers besides allied things, he said. "Port water will be recycled. Port wastes will be turned into bio gas. Vehicles will run on bio fuel. Solar energy and wind power will be generated at ports. These cities will be pollution-free and very green smart cities. We are starting these," Gadkari said. Besides, electric vehicles will run here and these smart cities would house schools, commercial complexes and other amenities, he added. . The 12 major ports in the country K a n d l a , Mumbai, KEPT, Marmugao, New Managlore, Cochin, Chennai, Ennore, V O Chidambarnar, Visakhapatnam, Paradip and Kolkata (including Haldia) - handle approximately 61 per cent of cargo traffic. Gadkari said his Ministry has plans to encourage setting up of some bio diesel plants at these ports, including Haldia, where bio diesel will be made from palm oil residue. "India imports edible oil worth Rs 1 lakh crore annually and maximum oil is imported from Malay-
Centre has already asked the ports to prepare land data base and development plans to achieve inter-
to augment their capacity to 1,600 million tonnes from the present about 800 million tonnes. -PTI
US, India differ on 'differentiation' concept at farm talks GENEVA: The US wants to in- on a study of five developing natroduce the concept of 'differen- tions tiation' of developing countries in China, India, Brazil, Turkey and the WTO negotiations on agricul- Thailand - by an agricultural trade ture, a move that has been rejected lobbying firm DTB Associates, by countries like India and China. had said that these countries have The concept of 'differentiation' breached the maximum aggregate makes a distinction between de- measure of support (AMS) and veloping countries that have ex- have increased their minimum supisting domestic support programs port prices for crops. in agriculture that could influence Under the Doha Declaration, global trends and other develop- special and differential treatment ing countries which do not have such schemes. Developing countries like In the WTO General Council meeting, the US India and China have resaid that some studies jected the concept of differhave indicated that US entiation and have called will have to make significant cuts in its outlay for respecting the existing for domestic support mandate. under the present draft modalities and termed it as "blood for water" or "blood for air". for developing countries is inteReferring to India and China, gral to enable the countries to meet the US said that trade distorting their needs particularly food sepayments have expanded expo- curity. nentially since 2008 but these Developing countries like India countries do not have to do much and China have rejected the conto reduce their subsidies. This cept of differentiation and have outcome that America cannot en- called for respecting the existing dorse, it added. mandate. Cont’d on page 25 Some US farm lobbies, based
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India's wheat subsidies illegal: US industry WASHINGTON: America's wheat industry has accused India of offering export subsidies to its farmers which are illegal under its WTO pledge, saying countries like China and India have far exceeded their WTO commitments on key commodities resulting in serious trade distortions. "Increasing support levels gave Indian farmers an artificial
government used faulty tactics to calculate the number it reported, a number that many other WTO members have questioned, it alleged. Over the same time, Indian wheat exports increased from 300,000 metric tons (MT) to 6.5 million MT, the release said. "The study also included evidence that India is offering wheat
incentive to produce more wheat. In fact, India's wheat production increased by 35 per cent over those seven years (2005-06 to 2013-14) to record levels. That buoyed world wheat supplies and increased pressure on prices that hurt wheat farmers in other countries," the US Wheat Associates said in a media release. Referring to a recent study by Washington-based DTB Associates, it said India's minimum support price for wheat increased by 111 per cent between 2005-06 and 2013-14. India recently notified the WTO of a much lower increase but the study showed that the Indian
export subsidies that are also illegal under its WTO commitment," it claimed. "Yet, claiming it must maintain a large public stockpile of grain to maintain food security as an advanced developing country, India has demanded exemptions to its trade-distorting levels of support," it said. "We agree with our US agricultural negotiators that we see no possibility of concluding the Doha agreement by pursuing the same approach used over the last decade," said USW vice president of Policy Shannon Schlecht. "Hopefully the facts in the study will help raise awareness of
the current realities of trade-distorting farm subsidies. Without this information it will be impossible for WTO members to achieve a balanced Doha Round conclusion across the domestic support, market access and export competition pillars," Schlecht said. The study claims that the governments of India, China, Turkey, Brazil and Thailand have dramatically increased trade distorting subsidies for wheat, corn or rice production over the past 10 years to levels that exceed their WTO agreements. "US wheat farmers strongly support the goals of the WTO and the Doha Round," said USW president Alan Tracy. "We also believe every WTO member must follow the rules. Sadly, the facts we have uncovered show this is not the case." Member countries are required to report their domestic support levels to WTO regularly, but more than 650 notifications were late as of November 2014, Tracy noted. China has not reported since 2008 and India just submitted a notification last fall covering seven crop years to make them current through 2010. However, the study demonstrates that even notifications that have been reported often rely on faulty methodology. -PTI
US, India differ on 'differentiation' concept at farm talks Cont’d from page 24
India stated that trade for commercial purposes that impinges on policy space does not lead to development. It further contended that the present global trading system is highly inequitable and there was a need for a level-playing field. The present round was for trade for development not for enhancing market access and outcomes should be fair and equitable, India stated. China argued that it was impor-
tant not to mix different kinds of domestic support - there is a difference between giving domestic support to big and rich farmers and support to poor farmers. The issue of food stockpiling for food security purposes as well as the calculation of AMS has been a major area of contention between India, China and other developing countries and the developed countries, primarily the US. India had caused much furor among developed nations last year when it blocked the Trade Facilitation Agreement - for cutting down
red tape in global trade - so its food security program will not be challenged under WTO rules. An interim peace clause was finally brought in November 2014 which legally protected existing stock holding programs of developing countries if purchases at government-set prices take the countries' above the limits they have agreed for trade-distorting domestic support. The member states have a deadline of obtaining a detailed work program for post Bali agenda by the end of July. -PTI
India exposure to US govt securities $83 bn WASHINGTON: Touching billion followed by Russia with one-year high, India's exposure to holdings worth USD 86 billion. US government securities stood In the three months ended Deat USD 83 billion in December, amid cember, American economy grew the world's largest economy see- 2.6 per cent, as per latest estimate ing signs of recovery. from the US Bureau of Economic India, one of the significant hold- Analysis. ers of securities issued by the US "The sum total in December of Treasury Department, has been in- all net foreign acquisitions of longcreasing its exposure intermittently term securities, short-term US seduring last year. In December 2013, curities, and banking flows was a the country's exposure was worth monthly net Treasury Internaonly USD 68.5 billion. tional Capital (TIC) outflow of Neighboring China remained the largest holder of such securi- Neighboring China reties with exposure worth mained the largest holder of over USD 1.24 trillion at such securities with expothe end of December last year. However, it sure worth over USD 1.24 was lower than USD trillion at the end of Decem1.25 trillion seen in Nober last year. vember. Latest data from the Treasury Department shows that USD 174.8 billion. India's holdings rose to USD 83 "Of this, net foreign private billion in December, an increase of outflows were USD 143.7 billion, USD 2.5 billion compared to the and net foreign official outflows previous month. In November last were USD 31.1 billion," the Treayear, the exposure touched USD sury Department said in a recent 80.5 billion. statement. India has been hiking its holdForeign residents increased ings since October 2014 when the their holdings of its bills by USD same stood at USD 77.5 billion. 24.8 billion in December. Foreign Among the BRIC nations, India resident holdings of all dollar-dehas the least exposure to US gov- nominated short-term US securiernment bonds. At the end of De- ties and other custody liabilities cember, after China, Brazil had the increased by USD 10.1 billion, it maximum exposure at USD 255.8 added. -PTI
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Tax sops likely to win over middle class NEW DELHI: Eager to win over middle class after the Delhi poll debacle, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on February 28 is expected to present a common man friendly Budget by either raising tax slabs or hiking investment limit in savings instruments. Besides giving sops to the individual tax payers, he is also expected to unveil initiatives to boost investments by corporates and promote manufacturing as part of the Make In India campaign that aims to make India a global manufacturing hub and create jobs. Jaitley, who in his maiden Budget in July 2014 had outlined his approach to providing relief to individual tax payers, is expected to continue this in the BJP government's first full year Budget on Feb 28. Last year, he had raised the personal Income Tax exemption limit by Rs 50,000 to Rs 2.50 lakh and also raised by same amount the exemption from payment of I-T on savings to Rs 1.50 lakh. However, this time around Jaitley, according to experts, may choose only one of them as he looks at additional revenue to boost public spending and push economy to high growth path. He may also look to raise the tax exempted investment limit in
health insurance as well as well as exempt savings in pension schemes at all three stages - entry, accrual and withdrawal. Another option before the Finance Minister is to expand the scope of Leave Travel Allowance
on housing loan. Last year Jaitley had raised the tax exemption limit on repayment of housing loans to Rs 2 lakh from Rs 1.5 lakh. The Finance Minister, who did not make any changes in the rate
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley
(LTA) and allow people to claim tax benefit every year. The BJP government fared badly in the recently concluded Delhi Assembly elections, wining only three out of 70 seats. With the government focusing on core sector, Jaitley may come out with tax saving infrastructure bonds and greater tax relief for payment of interest and principal
of surcharge on corporates or individuals last year, may retain them at the existing level. A surcharge of 10 per cent is levied on individuals on income of over Rs 1 crore and for corporates with a profit of over Rs 10 crore. On the corporate side, Jaitley is expected to postpone the implementation of the controversial General Anti Avoidance Rules
A broken door sent sleuths on espionage trail! NEW DELHI: It is being touted as a major 'corporate espionage' story involving large business houses, but it was an amateurish rushed job by players on the ground that blew the lid off a long-running syndicate leaking 'secret' official documents from the oil ministry. First, an important document was found lying on a photo-copier
ing talked about as a major crackdown on a suspected 'corporate espionage' ring with a dozen arrests already. It has been one of the worstkept secrets in the national capital that key official documents often find their way to the corporates and their lobbyists from the small rooms and narrow corridors of the
Duplicate keys were apparently made for seven rooms including that of Special Secretary, two Joint Secretaries and some Directors dealing with sensitive issues machine one morning about eight months ago in the Ministry, soon after the new government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office. The suspicion grew further when the door of a director's room was found to be compromised and a thorough probe was launched to catch those transporting 'secret' documents out of the Ministry, culminating into what is now be-
famed Shastri Bhawan, which houses many key ministries. What has surprised many is the modus operandi of breaking into the rooms late in night with the help of duplicate keys and ID cards. However, one of the main accused Shantanu Saikia has now claimed that it was a Rs 10,000crore scam and he was only doing the "cover-up" job. While refusing to identify the
specific instance that led to the probe, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan told PTI, "We had discomfort (over a certain incident) and the competent authorities were informed." Duplicate keys were apparently made for seven rooms including that of Special Secretary, two Joint Secretaries and some Directors dealing with sensitive issues like exploration policy, petroleum pricing and gas pricing. Locks have been changed for all rooms since then and the Ministry is now also strictly adhering to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of handing critical information. "Any secret file or document has to be hand-delivered or sent in a sealed envelop," Oil Secretary Saurabh Chandra said. Besides, it has been decided that many other standard drills will also be followed in "letter and spirit". "There is an SOP. That has to be strictly adhered to, right from my office to down below," Pradhan said. -PTI
(GAAR) by at least two years as it might adversely impact the investment climate which the government is seeking to improve Pressure is building on Jaitley to announce tax concessions for the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) to bring back investors who have been surrendering permissions obtained by them to set up SEZs. On the indirect tax side, the Finance Minister will lay the ground for implementing the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which is expected to come into force from April 2016. Towards this he may gradually raise the Service Tax rate from the
current 12 per cent as the GST would have only one rate of indirect tax. As regards the inverted duty structure the Budget may address the concerns of the industry, especially in sectors such as auto, electronics and pharma. Inverted duty structure refers to taxation of inputs at higher rates than finished products that result in build-up of credits and cascading costs. Industry has been demanding that government should remove the anomalies with regard to taxation of raw material and other inputs. -PTI
Deepak Parekh for large PSU divestments MUMBAI: Pitching for disinvestment in public sector behemoths like LIC, Air India and BSNL, top industry leader Deepak Parekh has said it can unlock huge funds worth "lakhs of crores of rupees" and shares should be given to retail investors without depending on the overseas entities. However, one of the major requirements for such largescale disinvestments is a government thinking on those lines, as lack of political will and union pressure have been halting such proposals for a long time including during the tenure of the previous UPA government, he said. Giving examples from the UPA regime, Parekh said he has been part of many important government panels, including those on BSNL and Indian Railways, but nothing moved on the suggestions made by those committees. "...if you run down a company to that level in the public sector that no private sector entity will want to take it, then what will you do?" he wondered. Parekh also hoped the first full Budget of the Narendra Modi government will focus on reforms without much populism and pitched for incentives for the companies to launch new projects and give a boost to the 'Make in India' campaign. He said the government's finances are in a much better po-
sition to go ahead with reforms, following steps like reduction in subsidy and checking of wastages and leakages, but it would have to remain within its means. While echoing Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's assertion that reforms can happen through 365 days a year, rather than being only on the Budget day, Parekh said that the BJP's defeat in Delhi elections was unlikely to result in any kind of populist measures at the cost of reforms.
Deepak Parekh
He also flagged a continuing fear among bureaucrats of being hauled up as a major reason for inordinate delays in the decision-making process, saying things can change for better if they are assured of protection. Parekh, a leading industry voice who has been always vocal with his frank views on the issues faced by the companies and investors from India and abroad, said that the Prime Minister has been time and again assuring the bureaucrats that they should not worry and "act without fear or favor".-PTI
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India can also be 'supplier to world': Lord Paul LONDON: Pitching for removal of barriers that come in the way of setting up businesses in India, NRI industrialist Lord Swraj Paul has said the country can compete with China as 'suppliers of the world'. Stating that non-resident investment was key to China's growth, he also urged the Indian government to give due importance to NRIs looking to invest in India, rather than classifying their capital inflows as foreign investments. He said NRIs bringing in a certain amount of investment can be offered Indian citizenship by getting the necessary laws passed by Parliament, as a majority government has come into power after 30 years. Paul, Chairman of the UK-based diversified conglomerate Caparo Group, said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' campaign has huge potential, if the government removes barriers that come in way of businesses. "The initiative is very good. I think we need the machinery to see it through. If the Prime Minister can make sure that some of the problems which come in the way of setting up industries are removed, India has tremendous potential," Paul told PTI in an interview here. The USD 2 billion Caparao group is present across 40 countries with a 10,000-strong workforce, while India accounts for over 15 per cent of its global
business. "I also believe that India should be competing, in a friendly way, with China as suppliers of the world," he said, while adding that his son and Caparo CEO Angad Paul has recently talked about the group expanding its footprint in India and for utilizing it as an export base.
Lord Swraj Paul
The Caparo Group Chairman also called for giving the due importance to the NRI investors. "The non-resident investment, which helped the Chinese to start with, is still treated by India as foreign investment.
China provides $10 bn tax break for SMEs BEIJING: China has provided USD 10 billion worth of tax concessions to small and micro businesses to help them to ward off negative effects of its economic slowdown which touched a 24 year low last year. China has expanded preferential tax policies for small companies and reduced their tax burden to boost economic growth and employment, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. Nearly 80 per cent of urban jobs are provided by small companies, which were also the mainstay of China's exports. Tax breaks for the SMEs amounted 61.2 billion yuan (USD 10 billion) in 2014, the State Administration of Taxation (SAT) has said. Business income tax of 10.1 billion yuan was reduced or
The NRIs are even more loyal to India than even the residents because they bring in the money to India. "Why not offer, as a gesture to NRIs, that those who invest a certain minimum amount of money will be offered Indian citizenship as a second passport. I know it needs a law by Parliament, but now the
scrapped from 2.46 million small and micro businesses, as companies with annual taxable business income below 100,000 yuan were eligible for a 50 per cent reduction. Value added tax and turnover tax cuts were worth more than 51. 1 billion yuan from 22 million small and micro businesses through a temporary suspension for certain small firms from August 1, 2013, to September 30, 2014, according to SAT. The tax incentives were aimed SMEs coping up with the slowdown of the economy which grew at 7.4 per cent last year, a 24 year low. IMF projections said that the Chinese economy was expected to decline to 6.8 this year and 6.3 next year. -PTI
government has a majority after 30 years and they should utilize it." On the first eight months of the Modi government, Paul said he is hoping for substantial changes over a five-year period, but it is not possible to expect any miracle in one or two years. "We cannot afford this government to fail for the sake of India and for the sake of Indians because there are high hopes. While Modi is doing and saying the right things, there is no overnight solution to change the attitudes and the values. "But my hope and wish is that he is able to make substantial changes in five years and that will be good for India. Do I expect any miracles in one or two years -- it is not possible," Paul said. On the upcoming Budget, he said, "I am looking forward to the Budget. But again, do I expect miracles? No. Do I expect a very sensible Budget? I absolutely hope so." Talking about the upcoming general elections in the UK, he said it would prove to be a wake up call for the country's three main political parties and they must get their act together. Britain goes to the polls on May 7 and the Conservatives, Labor and Liberal Democrats have been struggling to woo the voters. -PTI
Ex-babus assail callous bureaucratic approach NEW DELHI: The corporate departments should suo motu disespionage scandal is a result of close governance details in pubcallous administrative approach lic domain as mandated under the and non-compliance of standard Right to Information (RTI) Act. operating procedures in Indian "Central government ministries government offices dealing with should put up all the details in sensitive and secret matters, ac- public domain. For Petroleum Mincording to former bureaucrats. istry, production sharing contracts Some of them criticized the way and minutes of the management secret matters were being dealt. committee meetings and other "There have been things must be put in public. So government's instructions on deal- that there is transparency," he ing with sensitive and classified said suggesting that this may also information. There are standard operating procedures too. In this in- Sarma, who has been a cident, it seems some- former secretary of Power one at some level has been callous," Former and Finance ministries, said Cabinet Secretary T S R that government departSubramanian said. Former IAS officer E ments should suo motu A S Sarma criticized the disclose governance details procedure of unnecessary classifying documents as "secret" or "classified". put an end to incidents of corpo"There is a habit of unneces- rate espionage. sarily classifying every document Former IAS officer G Sundaram as secret or classified. In the pro- hit out at the security mechanism cess the actual secret documents and emphasized its tightening. lose importance. There has to be a "There has been laxity of the proper segregation of documents. people. There are security norms "Sensitive ministries like De- in the sensitive ministries and fense and Petroleum must have a they should be tightened," he strict security system to deal with said. visitors and secret files," he told Asked whether restricting the PTI. entry of private corporate personSarma, who has been a former nel can help in checking corporate secretary of Power and Finance espionage, Sundaram said it was not ministries, said that government practically possible to do so. -PTI
'Those who subverted system will be punished' NEW DELHI: Against the backdrop of leakage of documents from his ministry, Indian Oil and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has asserted that all those who subverted the system would be punished but made it clear that the government was not targeting any particular corporate. He also said that his ministry is ascertaining whether standard operating procedures (SOPs) for handling confidential information was violated. "Yeh kisi ek ke bare mein ya kisi ek ki khilaf nahi hai. Hamare ghar mein chori hui hai and humne competent system ko approach kiya is cheeze ko throughly investigate karne ke liye. (this is not about anyone (corporate) or against anyone. Our house has been burgled and we approached the competent authority for investigation,"
Pradhan told PTI here. "One thing is clear that this government will not allow anybody to subvert the system. This government is determined to punish those who break law," he told PTI here. His comments came as the probe by Delhi Police continued to expand with 12 people, including five executives of private companies, being arrested and raids being carried out at various places. Those arrested include two staffers of the ministry. According to police, some of the accused allegedly used fake ID cards to gain access to Shastri Bhawan, the building that houses the Petroleum Ministry on the second floor, in the middle of the night to get hold of confidential documents and allegedly sold them to purported agents of certain corporates.-PTI
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India expands consular services in UK LONDON: The Indian High Commission here will expand its consular services for visa, passport and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) applications to cut waiting time and make the system more user-friendly in the country. It will be outsourcing many of the services to VFS Global, an outsourcing and technology service specialist for diplomatic missions and governments worldwide, from March 1 and launch 14 centers across the UK. The expansion is geared towards easier access for UK-based applicants, who will no longer have only a few application centers to choose from. "VFS will introduce Online Appointment System for all services for the convenience of the applicants across the UK. All applicants will be required to book an appointment online to submit their applications at the respective India application centers," the Indian High Commission said in a statement. "No applications via post will be accepted at High Commission of India, and its respective consulates in Birmingham and Edinburgh or at the Applications
Centers managed by VFS across UK from 14th March 2015," it added. The UK-wide application centers will include three centers in London and one each in Birmingham, Edinburgh, Manchester, Belfast, Bristol, Bradford, Newcastle, Cardiff, Liverpool, Le-
icester and Glasgow. Most of the new centers will be operational from early March with the remaining by March 14. The services on offer at the centers will include "multilingual staffs, waiting lounge, photo booth, photo-copy, and passport return by secured courier, information helpdesk, and internet kiosk facilities." The new system coincides with the launch of biometric data col-
lection for Indian visas globally as part of the larger IVFRT (Indian Visa and Foreigners Registration and Tracking) Program. "Biometric Data collection, including fingerprint data and facial imagery will be a mandatory requirement for all visa applicants soon. As a result, all visa applicants will need to first apply online and, thereafter, be physically present (mandatorily) at India Visa and Consular Services centers, by appointment, for submission of visa application and biometric data enrolment," the High Commission statement said. Diplomatic and Official passport holders, traveling on official purposes, are exempted from applying at India Visa and Consular Services centers and may lodge their applications directly at the High Commission of India in London or its Consulates General of India in Birmingham and Edinburgh, as per the Consular jurisdiction, it added. An estimated 2,600 applications are expected to be processed by VFS daily, which would add up to around 400,000 visa and 75,000 OCI card requests. -PTI
HAL has absorbed 'Hawk' AJT technology BENGALURU: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has absorbed the technology of British Advanced Jet Trainer "Hawk" completely and would be able to support the project for the next 40
HAL Pavilion at the ongoing "Aero India 2015" airshow at Yelahanka air base on the outskirts of the city. The aircraft is being produced at HAL under license from BAeS,
Hawk
years, HAL Chairman T Suvarna Raju has said. He said this as HAL handed over the 75th Hawk aircraft to Indian Air Force at a function at the
UK. The first aircraft was handed over to IAF in August 2008. "Hawk has been of great service to IAF and has flown over 70,000 hrs," HAL in a release quot-
ing Air Marshal Ramesh Rai, AOCin-C (Air officer commanding in chief), Training Command, as having said at the handing over ceremony. Hawk 132 is an Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) with tandem dual seats meant to provide basic, advanced flying and weapons training, HAL said. The aircraft has the capabilities to be used as a ground attack aircraft or for air defense, it said, adding that the Hawk has excellent flying characteristics with good stability and can be flown at night in addition to performing a wide range of aerobatic maneuvers. Production program of 42 Hawks to IAF was concluded in 2011-12. Further, the second contract was signed between IAF and HAL on July 23, 2010 for supply of 40 Hawk AJT and associated equipment. -PTI
Shell launches bike lubes from natural gas
MUMBAI: The world's largest lubes player Shell Lubricants has launched its next generation bike oil, Shell Advance Ultra, developed from natural gas, in the domestic market. The company said new lube is produced using its advanced ultra pure-plus technology through a revolutionary gas-to-liquid process that converts natural gas into a crystal-clear base oil with none of the impurities found in crude oil. Launching the new lubes at Asia's biggest biking festival, India Bike Week, held over the weekend in Goa, Shell Lubricants India Managing Director Nitin Prasad said the new lube is a revolutionary motorcycle oil which is the result of intensive R&D. "With an ever increasing num-
ber of motorcycles on our roads, we believe Shell Advance Ultra will improve the riding experiences of bikers, given varied climatic and geographical conditions in the country. "With the new lube, Shell aims at providing bikers a clean bike engine with better protection and an optimized, more efficient power transmission that can further contribute to their perfect riding experience," said the company's Chief Marketing Officer Mansi Tripathy. Shell's portfolio of lubes brands includes Shell Helix, Pennzoil, Quaker State, Shell Rotella, Shell Tellus and Shell Rimula. The company manufactures base oils in eight plants and blends base oils with additives to make lubes in over 50 plants spanning over 100 countries. -PTI
Jaguar Land Rover recalls 2K vehicles INDIANAPOLIS: Jaguar Land Rover North America is recalling 61,793 vehicles because the front, passenger-side air bag may be disabled if a lightweight adult sits in the seat. The recall affects s o m e Range Rovers from the 2 0 1 3 through 2015 model years and Range Rover Sports from 2014 through 2015. The company says it will start notifying owners in April, and
they will be able to take their vehicles to dealers for a free software update. Jaguar Land Rover says it has received no reports of accidents or injuries tied to the problem. It started looking into the issue last fall, after customers said a light indicating that the passenger air bag was off stayed illuminated in some cases when an adult sat in the seat. -AP
TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS
1 Sooraj Dooba Hain : Roy 2 Tu Hai Ki Nahi : Roy 3 Jee Karda: Badlapur 4 Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan: Roy 5 Khamoshiyan : 28 India Post
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Khamoshiyan 6 Jeena Jeena : Badlapur
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ami Gautam considers herself lucky to have got the opportunity to work with some of the young, talented heroes of the industry. The actress shares screen space with Varun Dhawan in Badlapur. The fresh pairing has grabbed eyeballs. And their warm equation goes beyond reel life. During their extensive promotional tour across cities, the two bonded over their common interests -retro music and old Bollywood films. Says Yami, "Varun's energy and passion for cinema is infectious. Despite coming from a film family, he doesn't take his stardom for granted." The actress also teamed up with Sidharth to endorse an ice cream brand. Initially, the duo was to shoot only for a single commercial. However, their playful chemistry was liked so much by the audience that an entire series of romantic commercials was shot with them. She says, "He is very calm and shoots with him are easygoing." Of course, Ayushmann Khurrana holds a special place in her heart - the two had made their debut together with Vicky Donor. "It's always special when you work with someone on your first project. He is a multitalented guy," she adds.
7 Chaar Kadam : PK 8 Tu Har Lamha : Khamoshiyan 9 Dance Basanti : Ungli 10 Piddly : Shamitabh
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hahid Kapoor wants to learn horse riding. The actor does not know how to ride a horse and it is something he has wanted to learn since a long time. In his film Kaminey, Shahid was seen running with horses. But he never got the opportunity to mount one. During the shoot of Shaandar recently, Shahid learnt basic horse riding. It has only got him more intrigued by the sport and he wants to learn it properly. Shahid finds horse riding very exciting and thrilling. Shahid is on a high after the success of the critically acclaimed film Haider. He has been bagging awards for his phenomenal performance in the movie. He has currently finished shooting for Shaandar and is soon going to begin the shoot for Udta Punjab.
elhi has always been a special city for Imtiaz Ali. The filmmaker, who has grown up in the capital, has shot some portions of each of his films there. So it comes as no surprise that even for his next, Tamasha - that sees him team up with Ranbir Kapoor after Rockstar (2011) Imtiaz has gone back to Delhi. However, this time, he is exploring regions beyond the main city. Imtiaz is taking Ranbir to parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) that the actor has never visited. While they have already canned portions of the film in Vasant Kunj and Hauz Khas Village, Ranbir has also been spotted shooting in the popular Cyber Hub in G u r g a o n , Haryana. "Ranbir was seen on set there in a corporate avatar, complete with an ID card around his neck. Later, the team also shot in some other buildings on MG Road, which is also in Gurgaon," says an insider. After wrapping up work in NCR, the makers will move to Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, before coming back to Delhi.
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nushka Sharma feels fortunate that she could work with actor Neil Bhoopalam in her production debut 'NH 10' as she feels his talent has influenced her performance. In the film, the two will be seen as a couple that goes on a road trip which gets transformed into a complete nightmare, leaving the couple to fight for survival. "Neil is one of the best actors that our country has today. I feel really fortunate that I could work with him because when you work with good actors, it has an effect on your own performance," Anushka said during the film's promotion at a college. "I have had a great time. He is like a buddy and I feel like I have known him for years," she added.
ajid Nadiadwala is ready with the script of Houseful 3. The cast of the third film in the hit franchise includes the returning duo of Akshay Kumar and Riteish Deshmukh with Abhishek Bachchan completing the trio. Its Entertainment directors, Sajid-Farhad came on board to helm the project. A source informs, "Jacqueline Fernandez will be romancing Akshay in the film while Amy Jackson who replaced Kriti Sanon in Singh Is Bling has been cast opposite Abhishek Bachchan and Bigg Boss favorite Elli Avram will woo Riteish Deshmukh." Director Sajid Samji informed that the film will roll in July. "Ninety per cent of the film will be shot in London since the destination has proved lucky for Sajid sir earlier," he added.
While our script and treatment is different from its prequel, we've taken the story ahead from the premise of the original. For instance, the actor who plays Nana Patekar's son is the same boy who played his son in the first film
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ana Patekar is back with Ab Tak Chhappan 2, which also features Gul Panag, Ashutosh Rana, Vikram Gokhale, Mohan Agashe, Govind Namdev and Raj Zutshi. Directed by Aejaz Gulab, the film progresses from where the first installment ended 11 years ago. Says Aejaz, "Many times, filmmakers make sequels which have no connection with the previous film. While our script and treatment is different from its prequel, we've taken the story ahead from the premise of the original. For instance, the actor who plays Nana Patekar's son is the same boy who played his son in the first film. Gul plays his daughter and carries the narrative forward." Aejaz also adds that he has tried to keep the interpersonal equations of the characters intact in the film, presented by Wave Cinemas Ponty Chadha.
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„ Health
Line
New app helps people avoid suicidal thoughts NEW YORK: A new smartphone app can help those struggling with thoughts of suicide. The Broome HOPE app allows people to recognize warning signs of suicide and start a conversation. The app, recently launched in Broome County, US, also connects users who show warning signs of suicide to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Suicide warning signs can include a person saying he or she has no reason to live or feels trapped, and behavioral changes such as isolation from family and friends, depression, recklessness and giving away prized possessions. Broome Deputy Commissioner of Mental Health Katie Cusano said that the new app will help show people the right ways to approach thoughts of suicide, 'Press & Sun-Bulletin' reported. The app's information is categorized by group, including adults, teens, young adults and veterans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide was the 10th leading cause of death for Americans in 2013. -PTI
„ Vermont health program lowering patient costs BURLINGTON, Vt.: Federal studies show Vermont's Blueprint for Health - a program aimed at reaching patients with chronic conditions, keeping them in better heath and saving money by reducing hospitalizations and medical procedures - is helping slow the growth of Vermont health care costs, Gov. Peter Shumlin has said. Shumlin wants to increase spending to $9 million for the pilot program, which began in 2003. ``The state has been successful in improving Vermonters' lives through these programs,'' Shumlin said, while lowering health care costs to them ``in a really innovative and creative way.'' A Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services report said the Blueprint program reduced total annual Medicare expenses for a net savings of $9.2 million. The agency said it did not see a reduction in inpatient and emergency room care after the first year of the study but acute care hospital expenses were ``a major driver in the reduction in total Medicare expenditures suggesting that costliness of inpatient care may have decreased.''.-AP
Health Science
WHO urges billions to fight neglected tropical diseases
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Florida has highest number of enrollees under health law FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.: Florida has eclipsed California to become the state with the highest number of consumers buying health coverage through new insurance markets under the Affordable Care Act, according to federal statistics. Florida's roughly 1.6 million enrollees include both first time enrollees and some of the nearly 1 million Floridians who enrolled last year. California led the country last year with 1.2 million consumers, but lagged behind this year with a total of 1.4 million 300,000 fewer than the state's goal. The state has struggled to target hard-to-reach populations including Latinos. Florida's enrollment win comes despite significant Republican opposition in the state and a much smaller population than California, which has embraced the law, spent millions on outreach efforts, and established its own state exchange. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 3.8 million of Florida's 19.5 million residents were without health insurance, making it the third-highest in the nation at 19.5 percent. By comparison, 6.5 mil-
lion of California's nearly 38 million residents were without health insurance, about 17 percent. Florida's high numbers show the pent-up demand for insurance. Florida's roughly 20 percent of uninsured residents ranks it
Census Bureau last fall. Florida's Republican lawmakers have strongly opposed Medicaid expansion, which would provide coverage to an estimated 1 million additional low-income Floridians. In contrast, an additional
Navigator Dianelys Dominguez, left, assists Giovanny Vega, 18, of Miami, right, sign up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act at the Borinquen Medical Center in Miami. Florida has eclipsed California to become the state with the highest number of consumers buying health coverage through new insurance markets under
behind only Texas and Nevada. Texas had a rate of 22.1 percent and Nevada's was 20.7 percent. California came in ninth, according to figures released by the U.S.
3 million Californians gained coverage due to Medicaid expansion. Last month, Indiana became the 28th state to agree to expand Medicaid, and the latest state with a
Republican governor to do so. At least 9.7 million people have gained coverage through the law's Medicaid expansion, which targets low-income adults with no children living at home. Florida hospitals, health advocates and a growing part of the business community have made numerous efforts to pressure key Republicans to expand the program during the legislative session which begins next month, but it again seems like a non-starter. House Speaker Steve Crisafulli says there are no plans to consider Medicaid expansion during the upcoming session. And it is unlikely supporters will get any help from Gov. Rick Scott, who entered politics running ads against the health law. He said it's not one of his priorities, but won't stand in the way if the Legislature makes a move. Florida overtaking California fits into a broader national pattern. In 2015, the enrollment growth was driven by the federal HealthCare.gov, according to the market research firm Avalere Health. Cont'd on Page 35
Tobacco firms fight over smoking effect claims WASHINGTON: America's biggest tobacco companies say they are ready and willing to pass along factual public health information about cigarettes. But they say they will not go along with being forced to underwrite an ad campaign that would have the companies brand themselves as liars. In 2006, U.S. District Judge Gladys Kessler ordered the largest cigarette makers to publicly admit that they had lied for decades about the dangers of smoking. The ruling came after testimony from 162 witnesses, a nine-month bench trial and thousands of findings by the judge that defendants engaged in a massive campaign of fraud. The companies argue that the
ads are designed to ensure that the public ``does not believe anything the companies say on any topic,'' and they want an appeals court to set aside the ``corrective statements,'' as the ads are known, and craft new ones. Oral arguments are to be held before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. The ads would be in all cigarette packs sold for 12 weeks over the course of two years, in TV spots once per week for a year, in a separate newspaper ad by each company, on company websites indefinitely and at certain retail outlets. They stem from a civil case the government brought in 1999 under RICO, the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. The preamble to the ads says a
``federal court has ruled that Altria, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco, Lorillard and Philip Morris USA deliberately deceived the Ameri-
U.S. District Judge Gladys Kessler
can public.'' The companies say the statement is overbroad and misleading.
The companies in the case include Richmond, Virginiabased Altria Group Inc., owner of the biggest U.S. tobacco company, Philip Morris USA; No. 2 cigarette maker, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., owned by Winston-Salem, North Carolina-based Reynolds American Inc.; and No. 3 cigarette maker Lorillard Inc., based in Greensboro, North Carolina. Kessler required the companies to publicly address smoking's adverse health effects, nicotine manipulation and the health impact of secondhand smoke. The judge also required that the companies address the truth about ``light'' and ``low tar'' brands and the nature of cigarette addiction. -AP
February 27, 2015
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Avoid 'wastages' in health system, States told NEW DELHI: The Government has cautioned states against "wastages" in public health system and asked them to increase their health spending "significantly". Emphasizing that one of the key areas of concern was quality of healthcare in public health system, Union Health Minister J P Nadda said that healthcare needs to be patient centric where "dignity" of the patient is also respected. Nadda said that the Centre was committed to "cooperative federalism" and it will work with the states as "true partner" and support them financially and technically to strengthen their health systems. "The states must increase their healthcare spending as the government also tries to supplement their efforts," he
Union Health Minister J P Nadda
Diets of people worldwide are worsening LONDON: There may be more fruit, vegetables and healthy options available than ever before, but the world is mostly hungry for junk food, according to a study of eating habits in nearly 190 countries. International researchers combed
through more than 320 self-reported diet surveys from 1990 to 2010 and looked at how often people said they ate 17 common foods, drinks and nutrients including healthy choices like fruits, vegetables and fish and unhealthier alternatives like salt, processed meat and sugary drinks. Experts found that even though people are eating more healthy foods including whole grains and fish, there has been an even bigger jump in the amount of junk food eaten. The study was paid for by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Britain's Medical Research Council and was published online in the journal, Lancet Global Health, as part of an obesity series. Older adults ate better than younger adults
and women ate healthier than men. Some of the best nutritional improvements were seen in Mongolia, Latin America and the Caribbean. Countries needing to curb their junk food habits included Bosnia, Armenia and the Dominican Republic. There was a mixed picture in the U.S., with increases both in the amount of healthy and unhealthy foods eaten. "There's still a long way to go," said Dr Dariush Mozaffarian, of the Friedman School of Nutrition at Tufts University and one of the study authors. He said that despite Westerners being among the biggest eaters of junk food, China and India were catching up and that governments should step in. "We can't leave it unchecked," he said. Researchers found in some countries in Africa and Asia, there has been no improvement in their diet during the past 20 years. -AP
said during the second meeting of the Mission Steering Group (MSG) of National Health Mission (NHP). "The health minister also cautioned the states against wastages in public health system while stressing the need for collective effort to improve the efficiencies," a Health Ministry statement said. Nadda said that decentralization lies at the heart of the health sector reform process under NHM as also a consciousness that the principles of federalism and "subsidiary are paramount". "The government is committed to the concept of cooperative federalism wherein the Centre will work with the state governments as true partners and support them financially and technically to strengthen their health systems," he said. Nadda noted that the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) form the basis of the Ministry's effort at health system reform.
He also hoped that in implementing NUHM, the states would incorporate learnings from NRHM, to rapidly scale up implementation. "While we will continue to strengthen the NHM approaches, there will be shift in emphasis based on our learning from various evaluations and Common Review Missions," he said. Urban Development minister Venkaiah Naidu, Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Sanjay Gandhi, HRD Minister Smriti Zubin Irani, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot, Minister of AYUSH Shripad Yesso Naik were also present during the meeting. Nadda said that providing assured and comprehensive health services will be the foremost priority of the Ministry. "The ministry will provide an assured set of services encompassing preventive, promotive, curative and rehabilitative healthcare," he said. He said that the Ministry proposes to give a major thrust to improving quality of healthcare in public facilities. Nadda assured the members of the Steering Group that their valuable suggestions to further enrich and strengthen the NHM will be discussed and incorporated.PTI
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WHO urges billions to fight Remove superstition, neglected tropical diseases Modi tells doctors GENEVA: The World Health Organization has urged countries to invest billions of dollars to tackle 17 neglected tropical diseases - including dengue fever, leprosy and sleeping sickness which kill 500,000 people globally each year. WHO said some 1.5 billion people across 149 countries are affected by the diseases, insisting additional investments would save lives, prevent disability, end suffering and improve productivity. "Increased investments by national governments can alleviate human misery, distribute economic gains more evenly and free masses of people long trapped in poverty," WHO Director General Margaret Chan said. Dirk Engels, who heads the WHO department of control of neglected tropical diseases, told reporters in Geneva that Africa is the "continent where the most absolute number of these diseases occur," with many people suffering from more than one of them. He said some 450 million people in sub-Saharan Africa are at risk of contracting these dis-
eases. But the diseases also hit people across Latin America, the Middle East, Central Asia and Asia, and can even appear in European countries, Japan and the United States, the WHO said. In addition to dengue, sleeping sickness and leprosy, there are rabies, trachoma, buruli ulcer, yaws, chagas, leishmaniases,
The WHO recommends countries invest USD 2.9 billion (2.5 billion) annually until 2020 to treat the diseases or fight the insects and other vectors that carry them. After that, it said, investment requirements for the subsequent decade would drop to USD 1.6 billion annually as the diseases are reduced or eliminated. The total investment for 16 years adds up to USD 34 billion. Great strides have already been made in some places, WHO officials said, pointing to the elimination of river blindness in Colombia in 2013. A boy affected by dengue fever rests at a hospital in Bangladesh Tegucigalpa, Honduras and Nepal are taeniasis, Guinea-worm disease, meanwhile on a path to beating echinococcosis, foodborne visceral leishmaniasis, a disease trematodiases, lymphatic filari- transmitted through the bites of asis, river blindness, schistoso- infected female sandflies, and miasis, and soil-transmitted hel- which attack internal organs. minthiases. AFP
Arizona panel blocks funds for health law PHOENIX, Arizona: A Republican-dominated House committee has approved four bills designed to block state spending on federal acts, regulations and executive orders, including President Barack Obama's health care law. Backers said the bills help establish and protect state sovereignty_ a phrase that peppered the hearing. Rep. Justin Olson, R-Mesa, said the proposals embody the spirit of voter-approved Proposition 122, which allows the state to opt out of federal laws deemed unconstitutional by the voters or the Legislature. Olson sponsored House Bill 2643 that stops state and local governments from using financial resources to enforce and implement the Affordable Care Act. The proposal passed the same day federal officials announced that more than 200,000 Arizonans had signed up for health insurance during the just-ended open enrollment period, according to the U.S. Health and Human Services Department.
The bill will not affect those enrolled in the program, but is designed to prevent future legislation that would establish a state exchange, Olson said. ``We want to make sure that state dollars are not used to enforce the Afford-
House Bill 2055 stops state and local governments from using any resource to enforce or implement changes made to U.S. waters on behalf of the United States Environmental Protection Agency. able Care Act,'' he said. The Federalism and States' Rights Committee voted 5-3 along party lines to pass the legislation. The bill is set to move to the House floor after a routine con-
stitutional review. Rep. Bob Thorpe, R-Flagstaff, sponsored three bills preventing the state from funding executive orders and policy directives. ``Our president and the departments under the president have no direct authority over the states,'' he said. • House Bill 2058 blocks state funding for any federal rule, policy or regulation that has not been voted on by Congress or signed into law. • House Bill 2368 blocks state funding for executive orders and policy directives from the United States Department of Justice. • House Bill 2055 stops state and local governments from using any resource to enforce or implement changes made to U.S. waters on behalf of the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The Senate public safety committee also passed a bill that prohibits state and local governments from enforcing or funding future federal laws regarding guns. -AP
BENGALURU: Citing lack of knowledge and awareness and superstition as the challenges in the field of mental health, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked young professionals to treat patients with empathy and work for eradicating superstition regarding mental illness in society. Delivering his convocation address at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) here, he said "superstition often blocked proper treatment and cure for the mentally ill". He said the field of mental health faces the triple challenges of lack of knowledge, lack of awareness, and superstition, and people should understand that mental illness is curable scientifically. Modi, who started his speech by greeting the audience in Kannada, welcomed poor children from different schools in Bengaluru who were present at the Convocation, calling them 'special guests'. Stating that it was his wish that some poor school students be invited at the convocation that he attends across the country, he said "when these children attend such events it will give rise to aspirations in them." He also encouraged the stu-
dents who were being awarded degrees at the convocation to interact with these children, saying it could prove inspirational for them. NIMHANS that evolved from mental asylum in 1850 became the All India Institute of Mental
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Health founded by Dr Govindaswamy in 1954 and in 2013 it rose to the status of Institute of National Importance. Advising the graduating students that they should always attempt to live and work for the benefit of the poor and underprivileged sections of society, Modi said it was the way to find inner happiness. He said along with skill and education, empathy was also required from doctors, while treating patients suffering from mental ailments. -PTI
UCLA says 100 have encountered 'superbug' LOS ANGELES: A potentially deadly "superbug" resistant to antibiotics infected seven patients, including two who died, and nearly 200 others were exposed at a California hospital through contaminated medical instruments, UCLA has reported. A total of 179 patients at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center were exposed to CRE during endoscopic procedures between October and January, University of California, Los Angeles spokeswoman Dale Tate said. The bacteria may have been a "contributing factor" in the deaths of two patients, a university statement said. Similar outbreaks of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) have been re-
ported around the nation. They are difficult to treat because some varieties are resistant to most known antibiotics. By one estimate, CRE can contribute to death in up to half of seriously infected patients, according to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The bacteria can cause infections of the bladder or lungs, leading to coughing, fever or chills. CRE infections have been reported in every state except Idaho, Alaska and Maine, according to the CDC. UCLA said infections may have been transmitted through two endoscopes used during the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic and bile-duct problems. -AP
February 27, 2015
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MNsure misses mark for health insurance signups ST. PAUL, Minn.: MNsure fell short of its target for signups in its second round of open enrollment, the health insurance exchange announced - another setback for the beleaguered agency that officials insist will only result in minor cuts to its budget. The exchange signed up about 60,000 Minnesota residents in commercial coverage offered by private insurance companies, 7,000 short of a more modest goal it set when MNsure slashed its target for those signups by a third late last year. Those plans are critical to MNsure's budget because the exchange skims a fee from them to fund its operations. MNsure officials and members of its board downplayed their final total as a nearmiss that was buoyed by a late surge of more than 10,000 registrations. They said the exchange, from top to bottom, was much improved from the clunky website that crashed and frustrated consumers a year
ago. But Republicans portrayed the shortfall as just the latest sign that the exchange can't sustain itself as promised, piling on criticism on the heels of a wide-ranging audit which concluded MNsure's failures outweighed its successes in its first year of operation.
Small numbers of residents will continue to trickle in due to a special enrollment period MNsure extended for those who started but couldn't finish an application in time
Smartphones to monitor real-time air pollution LONDON: Your smartphone can turn into a personal, real-time pollution monitor by pinpointing where and when pollution is at its worst, scientists say. "As urban residents know, air quality is a big deal. When local pollution levels go up, the associated health risks also increase, especially for children and seniors," researchers said. But air pollution varies widely over the course of a day and by location, even within the same city. Now scientists have used smartphone and sensing technology to better pinpoint where and when pollution is at its worst. Mark J Nieuwenhuijsen from the Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL) in Barcelona, Spain, and colleagues note that many studies have investigated people's exposure to air pollution, which is associated with respiratory
and cardiovascular problems. But they usually create a picture of exposure based on air pollution levels outside people's homes. This approach ignores big differences in air quality in school and work environments. It also ignores spikes in pollution that happen over the course of the day such as during rush hour. Nieuwenhuijsen's team wanted to test technology's ability to fill in these gaps. The researchers equipped more than 50 school children with smartphones that could track their location and physical activity. The children also received sensors that continuously measured the ambient levels of black carbon, a component of soot. Although most children spent less than 4 per cent of their day traveling to and from school, commuting contributed to 13 per
Florida has highest number of enrollees under health law Cont'd from Page 32
Enrollment increased by 58 percent in the 37 states served by the federal market, compared to a 9 percent increase among state-operated exchanges such as California's. ``It's not surprising that some states are catching up,'' said Anthony Wright, executive director of Health Access California, a consumer coalition. ``We had a good first year, but other states are catching up.'' Nationally, about 11.4 million signed up before the second enrollment period, which ended Feb 15. They did so with relative ease compared to the first year's rollout, which was plagued by technological difficulties.
``The news for MNsure is bad and just keeps getting worse,'' said Rep. Matt Dean, R-Dellwood. ``It's financially unsustainable. It's missed every benchmark it has put out.'' MNsure has continually fallen short of both its own targets for commercial coverage and more ambitious initial hopes of insuring more than 1 million residents by
The total number puts the Obama administration ahead of its nationwide target of 9.1 million people enrolled and paying premiums in 2015. But some experts say it is still too modest. Nonpartisan congressional analysts have estimated 12 million people will sign up in the new insurance markets. ``We often say that this is really a fiveyear implementation. It takes time to implement something that is complicated and has a lot of moving pieces,'' said Kevin Counihan, chief executive officer of healthcare.gov. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that this year there will be 19 million fewer uninsured Americans than if the law had never passed. -AP
2016. That lackluster enrollment in private plans since MNsure launched in 2013 has forced the state to pick up more of the tab for the exchange. Gov. Mark Dayton has proposed an additional $11.7 million in state money for the exchange, which is supposed to be self-sustaining, because public plan enrollments have far outpaced commercial coverage signups. That trend continued in its second go-
around, as MNsure announced it has enrolled nearly 100,000 Minnesota residents in public programs MinnesotaCare or Medical Assistance since open enrollment began. Unlike private plans, enrollment in those programs is open year-round. Leitz noted the exit of the marketplace's largest insurer last year, PreferredOne, was a major setback for MNsure in its second year. PreferredOne had cornered nearly 60 percent of the market but, as of late January, just a third of its customers had returned to the exchange to select a new plan. Still, Leitz said coming up short in commercial plans would require only modest budgetary changes, if any. He said MNsure would not seek any additional funding from the Legislature. Small numbers of residents will continue to trickle in due to a special enrollment period MNsure extended for those who started but couldn't finish an application in time and others who were shocked by penalties on their 2014 tax filings for being uninsured. MNsure board chair Brian Beutner said fewer residents are in the market for health insurance due to Minnesota's dropping uninsured rate. ``We enrolled more this year than last year, and we are fishing in shallower waters,'' he said. -AP
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Realty Tidbits
Canadians buying property on Maui WAILUKU, Hawaii: Don't be surprised if you see more Maple Leaf flags flying on homes on Maui. Canadians were the largest foreign group buying property in Maui County last year, The Maui News reported. A report from Title Guaranty Hawaii says Canadians bought 94 properties on Maui, Molokai and Lanai for a total of $84 million. The Hawaii title company says the second largest group of foreign buyers were Japanese, who spent about $8 million on seven properties on Maui. Japanese were the largest buyer of properties statewide, the report says. Japanese residents bought 291 properties in Hawaii, at a total of $278 million. Most of those were on the state's most populous island, with 260 homes bought on Oahu. Japanese buyers also purchased 24 homes on the Big Island. There were three Maui properties bought by residents of Singapore and two from Australia. There was one purchase each by residents of New Zealand, Hong Kong, Israel, Spain, France and Germany. -AP
Hallmark to set up solar power plant in TN CHENNAI: Real estate developer Hallmark has made a foray into the renewable energy sector and plans to set up a 50MW solar power plant in Tamil Nadu. "Hallmark has also ventured into the energy sector and there are plans to start a 50MW solar power plant in Tamil Nadu", the company said in a statement. On the real estate front, Hallmark Group has completed over 0.5 million square foot of construction activities and has set a target to construct over 10 million square foot over the next four years. The company's upcoming project Hallmark Emerald was launched here by popular film actress Hansika Motwani. Hallmark Emerald would come up on a 6.82 acre land at Singaperumal Kovil near Chennai. It would have 860 apartment of 11 to 18 floors with single and double bed room units. The apartments range from Rs 28 lakh, the release said and added that the delivery of the project was expected to happen by December. The company is eyeing generate revenue of Rs 450 crore from this project, the release said. -PTI
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Myrtle Beach to remove property for development MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.: City officials in Myrtle Beach are considering demolishing some blighted property in the southern part of downtown to clear the way for economic redevelopment. The city hopes to secure a $10 million loan pool for purchases and demolition, The Sun News of Myrtle Beach reported. The city would then sell the property to private companies for redevelopment. -AP
6 must-do's before buying a home
Y
ou may think you're ready to be a homebuyer, but have you done your homework? Do you know about credit score requirements? Are you familiar with the different mortgage options that could be available to you? Have a checklist
Whether you are a first-time buyer or an experienced owner, buying a house requires a "preflight check," in the words of Barry Zigas, director of housing policy for the Consumer Federation of America. "It's a brave, new world with respect to credit requirements for mortgages," says John Ulzheimer, president of consumer education at CreditSesame. One old rule still applies: The higher your credit score, the lower your monthly payments. "Below 660 or 680, you're either going to have to pay sizable fees or a higher down payment," Zigas says. And that's pretty much the cutoff score for getting a mortgage, he says. Higher scores wanted Vicki Bott, a former official at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, says that her office noticed much the
DANA DRATCH
same thing. "While there are many qualified borrowers in the 580 range, the market today is probably (looking for) 640 to 660, at a minimum," Bott says. On the other end, a score of 700 to 720 will get you a good deal, and 750 and above will garner the best rates on the market, Ulzheimer says.
Improve your chances by: pulling your credit reports and ensuring you're not being unfairly penalized for old, paid or settled debts, Zigas says. Stop applying for new credit a year before you apply for financing. And keep the moratorium in place until after you close on your home, Ulzheimer says. The buyer's mantra: Get a home that's financially comfortable. There are various rules of thumb that will help you get an idea of how much home you can afford. If you're using FHA financing, as almost one-fifth of buyers get FHA-insured loans, your home payment can't exceed 31 percent of your monthly income. But with some mitigating factors, FHA will let you go higher. Realistic debt-to-income ratio For conventional loans, a safe formula is that home expenses should not exceed 28 percent of
your gross monthly income, says Susan Tiffany, director of personal finance information for adults for the Credit Union National Association. For a rough assessment of how much house you can afford, check out Bankrate's new house calculator. Improve your chances by: trying on that financial obligation long before you sign the mortgage papers, says Tiffany. Before you home shop, calculate the mortgage payment for the home in your intended price range, along with the increased expenses (such as taxes, insurance and utilities). Then bank the difference between that and what you're paying now. Not only does it allow you to build a nice nest egg, but "you can back away from it," or scale back, if the payments start to pinch, she says. Depending on your credit and financing, you'll typically need to
Improve your chances by: banking your own money and seeking down payment assistance, Tiffany says. Often it's location-based or tagged to a certain type of buyer, like first-timers, she says. Search online with the city name, then the county name, along with word combinations such as "down payment assistance," "first-time homebuyers" and "homebuyer's assistance." In a buyer's market, you can also negotiate to have the seller pay a portion of the closing costs. Building your savings is something you should do over and above saving money for the down payment and closing. Your lender wants to see that you're not living paycheck to paycheck. If you have three to five months' worth of mortgage payments set aside, that makes you a much better loan candidate. And some lenders and backers, like the FHA, will give you a little more latitude on other fac-
save enough money for a down payment -- somewhere between 3 percent and 20 percent of the home's price. If you're using FHA financing, then you need a credit score of 500 or higher. And in the 500 to 579 range, if you can find a lender, you'll have to put 10 percent down instead of 3.5 percent. One exception: Veterans Affairs loans, which require no down payment.
tors if they see that you have a cash cushion. That money will also help cover maintenance and repair issues that come up when you own a home. While repairs are sporadic, items such as a new roof, water heater or other big-ticket items can hit suddenly and hard. Improve your chances by: setting aside money every month. A good rule of thumb: On average, you'll spend 2.5 percent to 3 percent of your home's value annually on upkeep, repairs and maintenance, says Joseph Gyourko, professor of real estate at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. If you're buying a $250,000 home, aim to save $520 to $625 per month.
Don't forget loan fees Another cash expense: closing costs. Whatever your loan source, you'll also need money to pay closing costs, which run (depending on where you live ) from $2,300 to $4,000. Get the average closing costs in your state at Bankrate's closing costs map.
Cont’d on page 38
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Housing prices rise by 3% in Delhi-NCR NEW DELHI: Housing prices in Delhi-NCR rose by an average 3 per cent during October-December period of 2014 compared to the previous quarter as property market showed some signs of improvement, according to a report by real estate portal 99acres.com. "With healthy appreciation in housing prices in most residential pockets, the realty atmosphere in Delhi NCR seems to be improv-
ies of India. Micro-markets of Greater Noida, Bhiwadi and Dharuhera have recovered from last quarter's dip and so have most localities in Delhi, the report said, adding that the growth is seen as a result of key policy announcements and stability of new governance at the Center. "...Delhi NCR realty market is showing some signs of improve-
ing," the portal said in its report 'Insite', which focuses on capital and rental price trends in housing segment across seven major cit-
ment after a sluggish patch of two years. Number of queries have considerably increased, however, the transaction volumes are still
low," company's Chief Business Officer Narasimha Jayakumar said. Surajpur in Greater Noida topped the ROI (return on investment) charts for Delhi NCR in October-December 2014 with 20 per cent rise in the capital value of residential flats. This was followed by Sector 31 in Gurgaon and Mayur Vihar III in East Delhi with an appreciation of 18 per cent each. Some other localities in Gurgaon that fared high on the ROI chart include Sushant Lok Phase-I (16 per cent), Sector-68 and 59 that rose by 15 per cent each and Sohna that rose by 13 per cent. In Ghaziabad, Kaushambi and Vasundhara witnessed 7 per cent capital appreciation each, whereas housing prices in Vaishali and Indirapuram jumped by 5 per cent and 4 per cent, respectively in the October-December period of 2014 compared to the previous quarter. "Bhiwadi which suffered due to the overall slump in Delhi NCR in July-September 2014, grew by five per cent in October- December 2014," the portal said. -PTI
Godrej Properties joins hands with Snapdeal MUMBAI: Realty firm Godrej Properties says it has tied up with Snapdeal to offer online booking of its real estate projects.
Godrej Properties already offers online booking through its website and has added this addi-
tional sales channel to further enhance customer access, the company said. The tie-up with Snapdeal will offer customers increased flexibility and unique offers at the time of booking, it added. "We are happy to have tied up with Snapdeal and look forward to a long-term relationship that will benefit customers immensely. Our
aim is to strategically enhance our sales channels while offering our customers greater ease and convenience," Godrej Properties Ex-
ecutive Vice President Marketing and Sales Girish Shah said. -PTI
6 must-do's before buying a home Cont’d from page 37
For serious home shoppers, "the No. 1 thing is they better have everything in order," says Dick Gaylord, broker with Re/Max Real Estate Specialists in Long Beach, California, and former president of the National Association of Realtors. That means that, before the real home shopping begins, you want to get financing in place, he says. And the preapproval process
is "much more extensive" than it was a few years ago, he says. Bott agrees. "That documentation around income and assets is very essential, more so than in the last five years," she says. Improve your chances by: getting financing in place "before you walk through the first house," Gaylord says. Otherwise, he asks, "How do you know how much you can afford?" If you're buying today for yourself and your family, you want a
home that will make you happy for the next few years. Gone are the days when you could count on a quick sale, Tiffany says. And depending on how much you put down, and how much you have to shell out to sell and relocate, short-term ownership can be a pretty expensive proposition. Improve your chances by: stepping back, Gyourko says, and making certain "you like the house." -Courtesy Bankrate.com
Realtors seek tax sops in Budget NEW DELHI: The real estate industry has sought more tax incentives and lower interest rates for the home buyers in the upcoming Budget to revive demand. Besides, it sought infrastructure status for housing. Addressing a real estate conference organized by RICS, CREDAI President (Elect) Getamber Anand said the government should provide some fiscal incentives to the real estate developers to build affordable housing. NAREDCO Chairman Naveen Raheja said: "There should be some stimulus for the home buyers in form of lower interest rates." "Please give infrastructure status to housing if not the entire real estate," Raheja said in his budget wish list.
the government should provide some clarification on tax treatment of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), particularly on Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT). In September 2014, market regulator SEBI had notified norms for listing of new business trust structure REITs that would help attract more funds in a transparent manner into the realty sector. The norms were notified after Finance Minister, in the last year's budget, had provided REITs 'pass through' status for the purpose of taxation. SARE Homes MD Vineet Relia said that in order to 'Make housing for all a Reality' the government should look into relaxation of taxes, incentivise cheaper financing for the developers and
Speaking on the occasion, CBRE South Asia Chairman and Managing Director Anshuman Magazine felt that infrastructure development and low cost funding were key for the revival of the sector. "Sales are down. It is worst than post-global financial crisis. Sales are not happening so this is good opportunity to buy," Magazine said, adding that "we are at the bottom; it can only go up from here". Embassy Office Parks CEO Michael Holland demanded that
build adequate infrastructure". Commenting on the need to incentivise the affordable housing segment, RICS Global Managing Director - Emerging Business & MD - South Asia Sachin Sandhir said: "Despite the inherent fundamentals of the real estate market, things have slowed down in recent times and we must introspect as an industry the reasons why this has happened, and address the issues. The core issue of increasing affordability and supply of housing should be addressed." -PTI
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Fairpro makes home buying available online India Post News Service
CHENNAI: In a day and age where a customer is seeking convenience and everything is going digital, IndiaProperty.com in association with CREDAI has made home buying available online. For the first time in the history of Indian Realty sector an industry body has allied with an Online Real Estate portal to take Chennai's most awaited property expo CREDAI FAIRPRO 2015 online. The offline event which started on the 20th of February, was open to public for three days but the online bookings and offers can be availed for ten days, ending 1st of March. This extended time gives property seekers more time to evaluate and a chance to go for a site visit before making the booking. Click on the link to register and explore homes http:// w w w. i n d i a p r o p e r t y. c o m / fairpro2015/. With 85 builders on-board FAIRPRO Online will give prop-
erty seekers a true e-commerce platform for home buying by providing the widest range of properties available for online bookings. At FAIRPRO Online, powered by IndiaProperty.com all the participating 85 builders would have a wide variety of projects across Chennai on offer for online booking. For the first time the online property bookings can also be made via mobile phones. Exciting deals FAIRPRO Online is not just about convenience, it is also about giving customers exciting deals. CREDAI is offering a 2% interest rebate for the first two years of property purchase along with a brand new iPad Air for all the online and offline bookings made during FAIRPRO 2015. Property being a high investment and once in a life time decision, it was never thought it could be sold online. But today it's becoming a possibility with the improving technology which is enabling buyers to view the whole project online in detail. With features like TruView by IndiaProperty.com, a buyer can have a look at the aerial view of the project which will give him the
flexibility to select and discover the tower, floor and even the unit of his choice. He can explore the project to the fullest via 3D Floor Plan and Virtual Tour. TrueView is a virtual representation of the project which gives an estimate of the true image of the home. One can also get other information like the direction facing, vaastu/ Feng-Shui compliance of the property, offers on booking, payment schedule, possession date etc. With secured payment gateways a buyer can pay booking amount online or choose to make payment offline by opting for a cheque or DD pickup. The offline payment option is an industry first initiative to make online bookings available to thousands of property seekers who either don't have access to online payment or are hesitant to make one. This works like any other cash-on-delivery system and the cheque or DD would be collected by our executive within 24 hours. FAIRPRO would no longer be limited to Chennai and will now expand to global audiences. With the combination of online and offline payment mode and availability on mobile phones, IndiaProperty.com is taking CREDAI FAIRPRO to the next level and making wide variety of projects available at buyers' fingertips. Ganesh Vasudevan, CEO IndiaProperty.com says, "IndiaProperty.com is proud to be chosen by an industry body like CREDAI to power their biggest property show online. Technology has enabled us to provide views that are so detailed that sitting at home one can explore a property in minute detail. And with secured payment gateways buying property online is becoming a reality. It's a great platform for NRIs and Indian buyers who want to purchase a property in a different city." New era of home buying Sivagurunathan, Executive Committee Member -CREDAI and Advisor - FAIRPRO 2015 says: "Property buying has evolved over the years from being broker driven to being run by industry professionals. Representing a new era of home buying experience, our latest venture Fairpro Online is a landmark event in the history of
Indian real estate. Moving property buying online has been a natural progression and this was made possible with the platform and technology support provided by industry leaders IndiaProperty.com. Property buying and reviewing is now accessible to buyers across the globe with state-of-the-art features like TruView, 3D Floor Plan & Virtual Tour developed by IndiaProperty.com. We believe that Fairpro Online will change the
property buying experience in a big way!" About IndiaProperty.com India Property Online Pvt. Ltd., is the country's leading portal in the online real estate space. IndiaProperty.com offers one-stop property marketing solutions serving builders, real estate agents and home owners, to sell or rent their properties, while offering a feature rich interface for property buyers to search and identify properties that match their requirement. In-
dia Property has pioneered several innovations such as Assisted Property - India's first online assisted buying service; Gruhapravesh - India's first series of virtual and offline property shows, 3D Virtual Tour and India's first augmented reality based Real Estate Mobile Application amongst others. The portal has over 5 million registered users with over 700000 property listings and 8000+ builders and agents using the platform to market properties.
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rimarily an industrial city, Visakhapatnam, as per Hindu mythology, is the city named after the god Vaishaka and is popularly known as Vizag. Visakhapatnam city, headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command, has the biggest ship building yard in the country. The major port in Vizag handles huge volumes of Cargo every day. It is an industrial main centre in South India. Visakhapatnam has a rich cultural and historical heritage. Once part of the ancient empire of Kalinga, it has been ruled by eminent kings such as Ashoka and Krishnadeva
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Raya. It had also been a Dutch colony in the 18th century. Now a comfortable urban hangout, the city offers the best of both ancient and modern worlds. It is a paradise for tourists of all kinds, whether nature lovers, environmental lovers, wild animal enthusiasts, bird watchers or those who look for physical modern entertainments. Natural beauty is abundant in this majestic city, with ranges of pretty big hills, golden beaches along the Bay of Bengal coastline and natural valleys. The city has maintained its greatest appeal to tourists all along the centuries. The beaches are
February 27, 2015
against a setting of low ranges of scenic hills and lush greenery spotted with quiet coves and creeks. Vizag is surrounded by three amazing hills, Sri Venkateswara Konda, Ross hill and Dargah Konda. Each hill carries the legacy of housing the shrines dedicated to three different religions. Venkateswara temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva on Venkateswara Konda; Church of the Virgin Mary on Ross Hill and the tomb of a Muslim saint, Baba Ishaq Madina Dargah on Dargah Konda. The popular tourist attractions are Kailasagiri Hill Park, VUDA Park,
Mudsarlova, Dantapuram, Simhachalam Temple, Rushikonda Beach and Araku, a scenic hill-station. The city boasts of a submarine museum known as 'Smritika' at Rama Krishna Beach, the first of its kind in South Asia. Tourist Attractions Buddhist Excavations: Bhavi Konda, Thotla Konda, Bojjana Konda, and Salihundam located around Visakhapatnam are places of Buddhist excavations. These were hamlets of Buddhism during the secCont’d on page 42 ond century AD.
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Kerala tourism launches video sequencing contest THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Tourism has launched yet another promotional initiative by conducting a month-long video sequencing contest that puts people's technical skills and creative abilities to test by getting them to order video clips of a movie. "In this era of internet and smartphones, websites have become one of the most popular media for cost effective tourism pro-
motion. This will become a global competition and the contest aims to attract maximum participants from various destinations", said Tourism Minister A P Anil Kumar. He also said that it was a matter of pride for all that Kerala Tourism website gets the maximum visits among the tourism websites of India and comes within the top ten positions in website traffic among all countries of Asia Pacific and the Middle East. A total of 30 videos, each of two minutes duration will be created for the contest, highlighting diverse
aspects of Kerala. Each video will be then divided into six portions of 20 seconds each and uploaded to the site. These divided portions will be in jumbled order. "Tourism promotion is an area where there is heavy competition, and each destination is vying to increase traffic to their website. In this context, the video sequencing contest will serve as a major promotional tool for the tourism department," said Kerala
Tourism Director P I Sheik Pareeth. The competition will run until March 17, he said. "We pioneered the use of online video for destination promotion has embarked on timely actions and state of the art technology to maintain its current supremacy," said Kerala Tourism Secretary, G Kamala Vardhana Rao. Kerala Tourism had conducted the Clint Memorial Global Painting Competition last year which drew huge responses from across the globe. -PTI
Kerala continues to be a huge tourist draw NAGPUR: Kerala continues to be the most preferred destination for domestic as well as international tourists, a Kerala Tourism official said here. The foreign tourist arrival in Kerala in 2014 stood at 9,23,366 which showed an increase of 7.6 per cent over 8,58,143 visitors in 2013. Similarly, the footfall of domestic tourists rose by 7.71 per cent at 1,16,95,411 in 2014 compared to 1,08,57,811 in the previous year, Deputy Director of Kerala Tourism department, Nandakumar K P said. He said with the rise in arrival of foreign tourists, the foreign exchange earnings for 2014 rose by 15.07 per cent at Rs 6,398.93 crore. The total revenue from tourism during last fiscal (2013-2014) was
estimated at Rs 24,885.44 crore which is an increase of 12.11 per cent. He said his department has declared the period of April 2015March 2016 as 'Visit Kerala' year and has planned an array of activities for tourists. He said aggressive campaigns targeting potential travelers from the traditional markets will be conducted in United Kingdom, France and Germany through trade fairs and road shows while exploring the possibilities of attracting tourists from neighboring China and Sri Lanka. Leveraging the increased air connectivity, a focused 'Ayurveda' and 'monsoon' campaigns will be organized in Gulf countries where about 90 per cent of the Diaspora are from Kerala. -PTI
Govt may relax LTC norms in Budget to boost tourism NEW DELHI: In order to give boost to the tourism sector, the Budget for 2015-16 is likely to expand the scope of LTA and LTC by including hotel and other expenses besides travel for the purpose of tax benefit. The Ministry, sources said, it is also considering a proposal to allow employees to avail Leave Travel Concession (LTC)/ Leave Travel Allowance (LTA) every year as against the current practice of two times in a block of four years. At present, LTA or LTC covers only economy class air travel or first class (AC I Class) rail fare. An announcement in this regard is likely to be made in the Budget to be presented by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on February 28. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier expressed his keenness to promote tourism. Experts are of the view that encouragement to the tourism sector will promote development of
different regions and create employment opportunities. "To boost domestic tourism and also provide some tax relief to the individuals, the Leave Travel Concession benefit should be increased to one visit for every fi-
of a holistic benefit. The LTC/LTA is available to the individual and his family including spouse, two children, parents, brothers and sisters, who are wholly dependent on the assessee. "There is a huge scope for developing the tourism industry in
nancial year," KPMG (India) Partner Vikas Vasal said. He further suggested that tax concessions should also be made available for stay in hotel may also be covered to help families avail
India which provides direct and indirect employment to millions of people. Therefore, an enhanced tax relief to individuals on LTC will benefit the overall economy," Vasal said. -PTI
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Visakhapatnam Best of both ancient and modern worlds Cont’d from page 40
Excavation during 1906 in these places brought out many Buddhist monuments such as stupas and chaityas. It is believed that some of the corporal remnants of the Buddha were conserved at these sacred Buddhist places. The visitor is blessed with the view of architectural remnants of the Buddhist period dating from 200 BC to 700 AD, one of the earliest of its class in South India. War Memorial: A memorial, also known as 'Victory at Sea', dedicated to the great soldiers who sacrificed their lives to the cause of national integrity and border protection, renowned as War Memorial, is located in Vizag on the left of the beach road and facing the submarine museum. Bheemli Beach: The calm and serene Bheemunipatnam Beach is located at the confluence of Gosthani River and the Bay of Bengal. Bheemunipatnam is featured by the ruins of a 17th century fort and cemetery, and history reveals that this was a Dutch settlement earlier period. The beach, known also as 'Bheemli', is renowned as the safest and calmest location for swimmers. Dolphin's Nose: Dolphin's Nose, a mammoth rocky headland of about 174 meter high, is situated in the southern part of Visakhapatnam city. The rock resembles a dolphin's nose is nicely placed at an altitude of 358 meter with its projection to the Bay of Bengal in Visakhapatnam. This is a verdant attraction for many visitors as it is nature's gift in its rarest form.
Agra
Gangavaram Beach: Simply spectacular, is the one word to describe the scenic Gangavaram beach located on the south of Vizag near Visakhapatnam steel plant and the beach. It is beautifully lined up with palm trees. This beach attracts many film and TV serial makers as it provides natural picturesque spots. Kailasa Giri: An attractive and local favorite hill station, Kailasa Giri offers a spectacular view of the sea. It has serene and beautiful Rushikonda beach and RK beach on the left and hillock on the right. As the name suggests, the hill is
The majestic sea with shallow crystal clear water and calm waves here is ideal for swimming, sun bathing and surfing. The beach attracts tourists due to its picturesque and stunning scenic beauty. Many tourists use the wheatish sands as a resting place and for sun bathing in day time. Ramakrishna Beach: Located at the east coast with a largest stretch of seafront, Ramakrishna beach is a favorite and nice spot to spend the time relaxing on the softy sand. The twin beaches Ramakrishna Beach and Lawson's Bay present the tourists will mind-
Simhachalam: A famous pilgrim centre Simhachalam, also known as Simhagiri, has its importance in its 11th century ancient Sri Varaha Lakshminarasimha Temple. Devotees coming over here steadily growing, the west facing temple has the credit of having lots of revenue making it the second richest temple in the country after Tirupati. VUDA Park: Taraka Rama Park, popularly known as VUDA (Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority) Park, is a majestic attraction in Visakhapatnam and many tourists visit here mainly due
Kailasa, the abode of Lord Shiva and Parvathi, massive sculpture of Shiva and Parvathi is seen here. Kondakarla Ava Beach: Kondakarla Ava beach in Kondakarla village is located in Achyutapuram mandal, a short distance from Vizag. The beach is scenic and beautiful. Those who look for calm away from the stress and strains of the busy city life can spend their holidays here. Lawson's Bay Beach: Lawson's Bay beach, also called as Pedawaltair beach, a calm serene and secluded cute beach with lusting greenery and golden sands is located close to Ramakrishna beach in the way to Kailasagiri Mount from Visakhapatnam.
blowing scenic view of the nature, especially the reddish setting sun. The submarine museum, Rishikonda Beach, the Kali Temple, VUDA Park, statues of prominent personalities, Matsyadarshini, road side restaurants and parks all attracts visitors to this beach. Rushikonda Beach: The lovely Rushikonda beach in Vishakhpatnam with golden sands and vast stretch of water is the best beach in Vizag. Rushikonda Beach, an ideal location to engage in water sports, is spectacular with its golden sand and the tidy waves of Bay of Bengal. It attracts a huge crowd of tourists day by day and many of them enjoy swimming, water skiing and wind surfing.
to its amazing musical fountain. The park is designed and constructed by the VUDA and is in the close proximity of Ramakrishna Beach. Yarada Beach: A perfect beach to have a holiday out, Yarada beach, is located very close to the main city Vizag and offers wonderful scenery with the magnificent greenish around and soft golden sands. The beach is surrounded by picturesque hills on three sides with Bay of Bengal provides the exotic waves the fourth side. Indira Gandhi Zoological Park: The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park in Visakhapatnam is located in the midst of the Kambalakonda Reserve Forest and was opened for
public on 19th May 1977. Named after former Prime Minister of India, Mrs Indira Gandhi, the park is home to more that eighty species of animals. Surrounded by Eastern Ghats on three sides and Bay of Bengal on one side, this park is a delight for nature lovers. Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary: Spanning an area of 70 sq km with dry evergreen forest together with meadows and scrub, Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary is established on the outskirts of Visakhapatnam. The Sanctuary houses many rare species of wild life animals such as panthers, sambar deer, spotted deer, barking deer, jackal, wild boar and wild dog. To have a rare view of precious animals in its habitat, Kambalkonda provides the worthy opportunity to its visitors. Ramanaidu Film Studio: The Ramanaidu Film Studio in Visakhapatnam is a major tourist spot. Spreading on an area of 33 acres of land, it was inaugurated on 17th August, 2008 by Dr Y S Rajasekhar Reddy, the then Chief Minister of AP. It is a tourist hotspot and a major film making centre and till date has produced hundreds of movies in various languages. The film studio is owned by Dr. Daggubati Ramanaidu, who holds the Guinness world record for producing most films. Best periods to visit here are from October to March. How to reach By Train: Visakhapatnam has an important railway station on Chennai - Delhi main line. This station is connected with all cities in India by rail. By Air: Visakhapatnam airport is connected to many cities in India including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Hyderabad. It is nearly 16 km away from the heart of the city. By Bus: Vizag is well connected by road transport public bus services. Many tourist bus service providers offer deluxe, super deluxe and A/C bus services from Visakhapatnam to many major cities in South and Central India, including Chennai, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Bangalore and Mumbai.
February 27, 2015
Travel & Hospitality Post
India Post
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Online campaign against CM Rawat to travel on Char Dham routes Hawaii waterfall HONOLULU: Hawaii officials have long been warning people to stay away from Sacred Falls, a dramatic waterfall where a landslide killed eight hikers more than 15 years ago. But hikers keep returning, encouraged by gushing reviews on websites and YouTube. Now the state is pushing back with its own online campaign. It's releasing a video showing a law enforcement officer citing people for criminal trespassing. It features interviews with officers talking about risking their own lives to rescue people who get in trouble in the valley. Sacred Falls is about an hour's drive from Honolulu on Oahu's lush eastern side. A park there used to be open to the public, but the state Department of Land and Natural Resources closed it in 1999. That's the year tons of boulders, some the size of small cars, came crashing down on dozens of hikers visiting on Mother's Day. Witnesses at first mistook the roar they heard for a flash flood. Instead, a chunk of the upper cliffs had slid down to the base of the falls where people were sitting and swimming. More than 50 people were injured in addition to the eight killed.
The department has since posted signs warning about flash floods and rock falls at the park entrance and along the old trail.
Signs note it's illegal to enter and that the fine for trespassing is $2,500. Even so, law enforcement officers issued more than 120 citations for trespassing last year. Officers say people tell them they read about the hike online and that the warning signs are only
posted to protect the state from liability. Many reviews note the hike is illegal and warn about the fines, yet also detail the waterfall's beauty. One review at alltrails.com described Sacred Falls as ``probably the most beautiful waterfall that I have ever seen.'' A YouTube clip from 2013 with more than 15,000 views shows a man exclaiming ``Holy cow, it's pretty'' while filming the cliffs. Amplifying the dangers is that the valley is so narrow and deep that firefighters aren't able to lower rescue baskets to the waterfall from helicopters because their ropes aren't long enough. Firefighters must hike in to help anyone out. ``What people often don't consider, is that if they get hurt and have to be rescued they are putting emergency personnel at great personal peril,'' Dan Quinn, the department's state parks administrator, said in a statement. Sacred Falls is just one of several outdoor sites in Hawaii that are closed to the public but that are reviewed on social media sites. Online reviews direct hikers to climb Haiku Stairs - an Oahu trail that's also dubbed ``Stairway to Heaven'' - at night to avoid security guards posted there during the day. -AP
UK to rename landmarks for Chinese tourists LONDON: Britain's tourism authorities are renaming some of the country's key landmarks to make them more attractive to lucrative Chinese tourists. In China it is popular to give names to favorite celebrities, places and foods that describe what people think of them. As part of the new campaign by VisitBritain, Stonehenge will translate as "Huge Stone Clusters" in Mandarin, Europe's tallest Building The Shard - as "A Tower Allowing Us To Pluck Stars From The Sky" and Brighton's famous Royal Pavilion will be "John's Indian Palace". "Chinese visitors already stay longer in Britain than in our European competitor destinations and are high spenders," said VisitBritain chief executive Sally
Balcombe. "Every 22 additional Chinese visitors we attract support an additional job in tourism. We want to ensure that we continue to compete effectively in this, the world's biggest outbound market and ensure that we deliver growth and jobs across the nations and regions of Britain," she said. British place names cannot easily be translated into Mandarin, so VisitBritain invited Chinese people to come up with their own alternative names that are more descriptive and understandable. The Big Ben will be known to the Chinese as "Da Ben Zhong", London Eye as "Lun Dun Yan" and Buckingham Palace as "Bai Jin Han Gong" which translates as "white, gold and splendid palace". VisitBritain, the UK's nationwide tourism agency, believes that
creating Mandarin names for Britain's famous sites will promote engagement between the British and Chinese populations and encourage more people in China to choose Britain as a holiday destination. As part of its 'GREAT names for GREAT Britain' campaign, which has been carried out on social media over the past couple of months, the agency invited Chinese consumers to come up with the best names for 101 of Britain's most loved attractions, as well as a range of lesser-known places around the country. People make their suggestions through a micro-site and on social media, with the aim of getting them to travel to Britain and take photos of themselves experiencing some of the renamed landmarks.-PTI
DEHRADUN: Asking officials to speed up repair work of roads en route to the four Himalayan shrines, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat has said he will travel by road to the last point of each Char Dham Yatra routes to review preparations for this year's pilgrimage. Rawat has directed the officials to expedite repair and reconstruction of all roads on the yatra route so that they are fit to use before the start of the pilgrimage in AprilMay, an official release here said. He assigned monitoring responsibilities of the different yatra routes to senior bureaucrats and will travel by road to the last point of each of the routes before the start of the yatra season to assess preparedness for the annual Char
Sirobagad and Lambagad and appoint dedicated teams of the PWD for the purpose if necessary. Making it clear that no laxity in this regard will be tolerated, Rawat has asked officials to review repair work on the yatra route every ten days. The Chief Minister asked officials concerned to identify land for relocating families likely to be affected by the repair and reconstruction work of the roads in the Lambagad village. The formalities for construction of a multi-level parking lot in Govind Ghat on way to Hemkunt Sahib must be completed soon. The famous Himalayan shrines of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri and Gangotri are closed for pilgrims annually for winters due to
Dham pilgrimage, it said. The flash floods in 2013 caused severe damages to the roads on Char Dham Yatra routes and was a blow to Uttarakhand's tourism. Arrangements along Char Dham routes must be robust enough to ensure that it does not take long to reopen the roads in case of blockades during the yatra season, Rawat said. He also asked officials to focus on the slide zones like
snowbound conditions and are reopened in April-May every year. Additional Chief Secretary, Rakesh Sharma, has been asked to monitor the repair work of Rudraprayag-Kedarnath route, Additional Secretary Arvind Hyanki has been assigned the task of monitoring Yamunotri route, Commissioner Garhwal has been asked to monitor Badrinath route while IG Garhwal entrusted with the task of monitoring Gangotri route, it said. -PTI
NY tourism site promoting Florida crashes ITHACA, N.Y.: A New York tourism office's suggestion that potential visitors should go to the Florida Keys instead has ended up crashing its website. Bruce Stoff of the IthacaTompkins County Convention and Visitors Bureau tells The Associated Press that the office's overwhelmed server crashed not long after the AP reported on his agency's stunt. Visitithaca.com had posted images of Key West and provided links to Florida Keys websites. The Ithaca site said, ``We surrender'' and ``Winter, you win'' and suggested that a
visit to Key West was a better option than frozen central New York. Stoff says his office removed the Florida link because the nearly 150,000 views crashed the website. The upside: Stoff says his office fielded numerous inquiries about tourism in upstate New York. -AP
In Brief Rubio draws challenge on immigration LAS VEGAS: Likely Republican presidential contender Marco Rubio drew a challenge during a Las Vegas book-signing stop from a Nevada Hispanic activist about his opposition to President Barack Obama's executive action on immigration. Astrid Silva, an activist who has drawn Obama's praise, said the U.S. senator from Florida with Cuban heritage should support the president's effort to offer deportation relief to millions of undocumented immigrants.
Marco Rubio
Obama's executive action has been blocked at least temporarily by a federal judge in Texas. The Las Vegas Sun reports that Rubio said he has a better plan for immigration reform in his book, ``American Dreams: Restoring Economic Opportunity for Everyone.'' Rubio's book tour is scheduled to include stops in the next few days in the early primary states of South Carolina and New Hampshire. -PTI
„ Dallas lawyer held for immigration fraud DALLAS: A prominent Dallas immigration lawyer has been arrested after a federal indictment accused her of submitting fraudulent applications for crime-victim visas for clients. Immigration agents arrested Sherin Thawer at her home in the Dallas suburb of Coppell. She appeared before a federal magistrate in Dallas and was released on her own recognizance. No trial date has been set. The seven-count indictment charges her with single counts of immigration fraud conspiracy, mail fraud and identity theft, as well as four counts of aggravated identity theft. The indictment alleges she used names and badge numbers of police officers without their knowledge to apply for U-Visas, which are given to crime victims.AP
Immigration 44 India Post
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February 27, 2015
Immigration plans on hold after ruling Details on page 46
Immigrants disappointed but not deterred by judge's ruling LOS ANGELES: Immigrants expressed disappointment after a federal judge put a hold on President Barack Obama's plan to protect more than 4 million people living illegally in the U.S. from deportation. But many said they haven't lost hope. A look at immigrant views of Obama's programs: Growing up in Guatemala, Keyla Betancurth used to watch her single mother cry at night because she could not afford to buy food for her children. Betancourt left school at 12 to work at a bakery to help. Then, at 17, she took a bigger step, paying a smuggler to get her to the U.S. ``I wanted a better future for myself and for my mom,'' said the 28-year-old, who wants to apply for Obama's program for the par-
ents of Americans. ``Now, I'm a mother, and I want the best for my kids. I don't want my kids to
suffer like I did.'' Betancurth, who has three young children, has been a
A man stands among signs during a rally in support of President Barack Obama’s plan to protect more than 4 million people living illegally in the U.S. from deportation Tuesday, Feb. 17 in San Diego.
farmworker in California and Iowa and, since moving to Denver three years ago, a maid. Her husband, who is from Honduras, paints houses. For both, steady, well-paid work is difficult to find because they lack Social Security numbers. She wants to return to school to study hairdressing and, one day, open her own salon. ``My big dream is to study,'' she said. Saving for Obama plan Claudia Ramon, 46, said she and her daughters did not give each other presents this past Christmas because they were saving their money to pay the application fees for Obama's immigration program. Cont'd on Page 46
Law and history on our side, says Obama WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama has said both law and history on immigration reform were on his side and his administration will appeal the ruling by a Texas judge that has put on hold orders which could save millions of undocumented workers, including Indians, from being deported. "With respect to the ruling, I disagree with it. I think the law is on our side and history is on our side. And we are going to appeal it," Obama told reporters at the White House. "For those who are now wondering whether or not they should apply, we are going to refer those questions to the Department of Homeland Security that has already begun the planning process. We will be prepared to implement this fully as soon as the legal issues get resolved," he said. Obama's remarks came after a federal judge temporarily blocked his executive action on immigration, giving a coalition of 26 states time to pursue a law-
suit that aims to permanently stop the orders on immigration reform. The executive actions are expected to benefit millions of undocumented workers, including illegal immigrants from India. Obama said, "We are not going to be actually taking applications in until this case is settled. But we
land Security has." "We should not be tearing some mom away from her child when the child has been born here and that mom has been living here for the last 10 years, minding her own business and being an important part of the community," he said. Obama stressed that the focus should be on stopping people at the borders, going after criminals and felons who can be deported and strengthening the systems for legal immigration. Obama insisted that the only way to get a broken immigration system fully fixed is by Congressional action. "We know that there President Obama listens to a reporter's question in the Oval Office of the White has been bipartisan supHouse in Washington, D.C. port in the past with comare doing the preparatory work prehensive immigration reform. I because this is a big piece of busi- held off taking these executive ness and it's important for us to actions until we had exhausted all do in order for us to actually se- possibilities of getting congrescure our borders effectively and sional action done," he said. allocate limited resources to the "With a new Congress, my most important tasks and func- hope has been that they now get tions that the Department of Home- serious in solving the problem.
Instead what we've had is a series of votes to kick out young people who have grown up here, and threats to defund the Department of Homeland Security, which would make it even harder for us to protect our borders and to keep our people safe," he said. "So my strong advice right now to Congress is, if they are seriously concerned about immigration, about our borders, about being able to keep criminals out of this country, then what they should be doing is working together and working with the administration for a comprehensive immigration policy that allows us to continue to be both a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants," Obama said. "Certainly they should start funding the Department of Homeland Security so that they can go forward with all the functions that Republicans say they want carried out, including strong border security functions," the US President said. PTI
Immigration Post
February 27, 2015
India Post 45
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Key issues in the states' lawsuit over immigration WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama's plan to shield more than 4 million immigrants living in the country illegally from deportation is on hold after a judge temporarily blocked the effort. One program to help immigrants brought to the country as children was scheduled to kick in but instead Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services wouldn't accept applications. And preparations for a second program aimed at protecting millions of parents of U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents have been idled until further notice. U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen wrote in a lengthy ruling that without a temporary injunction ``the genie would be impossible to put back in the bottle.'' Twenty-six states sued the Obama administration last year to block the programs. A trial date has not been set. Obama has said he disagreed with the ruling. ``The law is on our side, and history is on our side,'' he said. ``This is not the first time where a lower court judge has blocked something or attempted to block something that ultimately is going to be lawful, and I'm confident that it is well within my authority.'' Here's a look at the case and the programs targeted: THE LAWSUIT In November, Obama announced two programs to protect immigrants in the country illegally from deportation. In the first, Obama expanded eligibility for the Deferred Action for Childhood
Arrivals program first launched in 2012 by eliminating age caps and allowing immigrants who arrived as recently as 2010 to apply. The second program extended protections to parents of U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents. Both groups would be protected from deportation for three years
cuit in New Orleans. STATES SUING Texas is leading the coalition of states suing the administration over the immigrant programs. The other states are: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana,
WHAT'S AT STAKE Hanen's order blocks scheduled launch of the expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA program. The parental program known as Deferred A protester holds an American flag as well as a L.U.P.E flag as she chants in to her megaphone outside of the federal courthouse in Brownsville, Texas, Tuesday, Feb. 17 L.U.P.E, La Union del Pueblo Entero is a non-profit community organizing arm of the farm worker movement. They are protesting the preliminary injunction on immigration case that was granted by U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen.
and get work permits. Twenty-six states, led by Texas, filed suit in December arguing that the president does not have the authority to allow the groups of immigrants to legally stay and work in the United States. Hanen said in his ruling that the federal government violated the Administrative Procedure Act by not allowing for public review or input in the new policies. The White House said it will appeal the judge's ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Cir-
Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. THE JUDGE Hanen routinely handles border cases in his court in Brownsville, Texas, but wasn't known for being outspoken on immigration until he wrote a scathing order at the conclusion of an immigrant smuggling case in 2013.
Texas won't set end date on Guard mission AUSTIN, Texas: Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has predicted that Texas and 25 other states would keep prevailing against President Barack Obama's executive actions on immigration but refused to put a deadline on when National Guard troops will leave the border with Mexico. Flanked by U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and other top Texas conservatives to celebrate an early court victory against Obama's deportation-relief program, Abbott shifted to defending his decision to indefinitely extend the Texas National Guard mission that began last summer. About 200 guard members had been scheduled to leave the Rio Grande Valley next month, but Abbott now says an unspecified
In that case he accused the Obama administration of participating in criminal conspiracies to smuggle immigrant children into the United States by reuniting them with parents living in the country illegally. Unaccompanied immigrant children caught trying to sneak across the border from Mexico are routinely reunited with parents or other relatives living in the United States, regardless of their immigration status. Hanen is one of only two district judges in Brownsville and hears half the civil cases filed there. Cases are assigned by an automated system.
number will remain until Texas hires and trains hundreds of new state troopers to replace the guard. He would not put a timeframe on how soon that could happen, but Texas Department of Public Safety leaders have said that getting started would take a year. Unlike state troopers or Border Patrol agents, guard members do not have arrest authority and are limited to being lookouts. ``It is our goal to ensure that only those who are authorized to cross the border, are the ones who are crossing the border,'' Abbott said. Last summer, then-Gov. Rick Perry deployed 1,000 guard troops to the Rio Grande Valley as Border Patrol agents were overwhelmed with the arrival of tens of thou-
sands of unaccompanied children from Central America pouring across the border. Those numbers have since declined sharply, but Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said that the implementation of Obama's actions would set off ``a new wave of thousands coming here hoping to achieve amnesty.'' Immigrants and Democrats disappointed with the court decision accused Abbott and Republican leaders of being hostile toward Hispanics. ``Law enforcement likes to know who is here,'' Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez said. ``And if people are hiding in the shadows, it's hard to distinguish between those who are harmful and those who are not.'' -PTI
Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents, or DAPA, was scheduled to start accepting applications in May and would be on hold if Hanen's ruling stands. The original deferred action program for young immigrants remains in place. More than 675,000 young immigrants have been approved for the DACA program. Republican lawmakers have derided the protection programs as ``amnesty.'' The programs have also led to a budget standoff in Congress, with funding for the Homeland Security Department due to run out Feb. 27. Republicans have been pushing to pass a spending bill that overturns Obama's executive actions, a move Democrats have fought. Obama has threatened to veto any bill that blocks the programs. -AP
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Immigration plans on hold after ruling WASHINGTON: The Obama administration put its new deportation-relief program on hold on the eve of its launch, complying reluctantly with a federal judge's order that roiled immigrant communities nationwide and seemed to harden an already-tense stalemate on Capitol Hill. President Barack Obama promised an appeal and predicted he'd prevail. But for tens of thousands of immigrants in line to begin applying for work permits and deportation stays under his directives, their plans were canceled, at least temporarily. Talking to reporters in the Oval Office, Obama said he disagreed with the ruling by U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen of Texas that the administration had exceeded its authority. But he said that, for now, he must abide by it. ``We're not going to disregard this federal court ruling,'' Obama said, but he added that administration officials would continue to prepare to roll out the program. ``I think the law is on our side and history is on our side,'' he said. On Capitol Hill, the Homeland Security Department stood 10 days away from losing funding, but Hanen's ruling made a compromise on that dispute look more distant than ever. Republicans are blocking funding for the agency unless Democrats agree to cancel Obama's immigration orders, and they seized on the ruling as validation for their position.
``Congress must reassert its waning power. We must re-establish the constitutional principle that the people's representatives control the purse,'' said Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama, a leading immigration hardliner. Yet Senate Democrats, who have been blocking a Housepassed bill that would fund the department but also undo Obama's actions, said the ruling from Hanen
get runs out Feb. 27, and with Congress now on recess lawmakers will have only a few days to reach an agreement once they return to Washington next week. One possibility is a short-term extension of current funding levels, but House Speaker John Boehner said over the weekend that the House had done its job and he would ``certainly'' let a shutdown occur if the Senate didn't act.
President Barack Obama speaks to the media during a meeting with Secretary of Defense Ash Carter in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, Feb. 17, in Washington. The President spoke about issues including immigration and ISIS.
did nothing to budge them. ``Democrats remain united in our belief that funding for the Department of Homeland Security should not be used as a ransom by Republicans, period,'' said Chuck Schumer of New York. The agency's $40 billion bud-
If the political impasse seemed severe, so were the implications for millions of immigrants in the country illegally who have cheered Obama's executive directives in the face of congressional inaction. ``We feel powerless but not defeated, sure that it will all work
out,'' 46-year-old Claudia Ramon, a native of Colombia, said at a rally in Houston, one of dozens nationwide where immigrants and their advocates vowed to continue with preparations under Obama's programs. Obama's directives would make more than 4 million immigrants in the United States illegally eligible for three-year deportation stays and work permits. Mostly those are people who have been in the country for more than five years and have children who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. Applications for the first phase were to begin when as many as 300,000 immigrants brought illegally to the country as children could begin applying for an expansion of Obama's 2012 program aimed at the younger immigrants known as Dreamers. Yet there was also palpable anxiety, with their apparent White House gains under attack on Capitol Hill and in the courts. Advocates pledged to redouble their efforts to sign up as many people as possible. ``It's extremely important for the community to understand from a legal perspective it is on solid legal footing and actually the larger numbers of people who come forward to apply, the more likely we can protect the expansion,'' said Marielena Hincapie, executive director of the National Immigration Law Center. Hanen's ruling in a case brought
by 26 states led by Texas, said that Obama and his Homeland Security Department lacked the authority to take the actions they did. ``No statute gives the DHS the discretion it is trying to exercise here,'' wrote Hanen, and he issued a stay blocking the actions from taking effect. His order was not a big surprise from a Republicanappointed judge who has showed a hard line on border issues. The Obama administration could seek a stay of his order in addition to appealing to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans. Attorney General Eric Holder said that the Justice Department was deciding its next move. He said, ``I've always expected that this is a matter that will ultimately be decided by a higher court - if not the Supreme Court then a federal court of appeals.'' The drama played out with the 2016 presidential contest getting underway and candidates of both parties eager to win over Latino voters. One potential Republican candidate, Jeb Bush, weighed in with a post to his Facebook page declaring that Obama had overstepped his authority and ``hurt the effort toward a commonsense immigration solution.'' ``Now, more than ever, we need President Obama to work with Congress to secure the border and fix our broken immigration system,'' Bush wrote. -AP
Immigrants disappointed but not deterred by judge’s ruling Cont'd from Page 44
With the delay, the family now plans on exchanging small gifts. ``We feel powerless but not defeated, sure that it will all work out,'' said Ramon, who cleans homes for a living in Houston but was a psychologist in her native Colombia. She said she lives in fear, afraid a simple traffic ticket will take her away from her family. She recalled an accident five years ago when a police officer asked her for her driver's license. She told the officer that she didn't have it and that she had been on her way to take her daughter Isabella, who has Down syndrome, to physical therapy. The officer let her go with a warning. ``I know there are good people. I know there are people who understand the human reasons why we are here,'' she said. Mexican passport
Ericka Alvarez, 35, was planning on applying for Obama's program for those brought to the country illegally as children. She and her husband want to buy a mobile home in Santa Clarita, California, where they can live with their two children. They have saved the $10,000 deposit and qualify for a loan, but the park owner won't let them in because they don't have Social Security numbers, she said. Alvarez also worries about boarding a plane to a training session for her job as a nutritional-supplement saleswoman, because she carries only her Mexican passport. She had hoped Obama's program would change that before her next trip. ``I'm thinking about whether I should go or not,'' she said. Family emergencies Jessica Nuñez, 40, and her husband have been in the United States for 18 years and have
three U.S.-born children. Originally from Santana, in the Mexican state of Sonora, Nuñez
status has been tough, especially when family emergencies arise in Mexico and she can't go back.
A woman holds a sign that says in Spanish, "without fear I am America," during a rally in support of President Barack Obama’s plan to protect more than 4 million people living illegally in the U.S. from deportation in San Diego.
lives in Tucson, Arizona, and has been gathering the paperwork to apply to the new program this year. Nuñez said life without legal
``It's like they have our hands tied,'' she said. Happy with judge
Sabine Durden, 57, welcomed the judge's ruling putting a halt to Obama's immigration programs. Durden came to the United States from Germany more than two decades ago legally as the wife of an American citizen. For many years, the Moreno Valley, California resident questioned the U.S. government's policies on immigration, but after her 30year-old son was struck and killed by a driver who was in the country illegally and who had a prior criminal record, she became an activist. ``It didn't have to happen,'' she said. While she voted for Obama, Durden said she was disappointed by his recent programs on immigration. ``I am happy that finally somebody put a foot down and said we can't just do whatever we want, not even the president,'' she said.AP
Datebook
February 27, 2015
NEW JERSEY Upcoming Sat, Feb 28 • NJTS 2015 Annual Membership
NEW YORK Upcoming Sat, Mar 28 • Hans Raj Hans
Venue: New jersey Tamil Sangam, 30 Ginger Dr, NJ 08837 Time: 9:00 pm
Venue: Performing Arts Center Of York College, 94-45 Guy R Brewer Blvd, NY 11451 Time : 7:00 pm Contact: 917-325-4903
Sat, Mar 7
Thu, Apr 2
• HOLI Mela NJ
• Nafees | Sama Blake Live
Venue: AKBAR, 21 Cortlandt St, Edison, NJ 08837 Time : 10:00 am Contact: 732 763-0118
Venue: Antun's by Minar, 244 W Old Country Rd, Hicksville, NY 11801 Time : 8:00 pm Contact: 516-336-9042
Sat, Mar 14 • Music Workshop by Sharda Rajan
Sat, May 9
Venue: Homewood suites by Hilton, 66 Stanley St, East Rutherford, NJ 07073 Time: 10:00 am Contact: 203-599-1437
• Ranjeet Rajwada Prince Of Ghazal Venue: Hindu Auditorium, 143-09 Holly Ave, Flushing, NY 11355 Time: 7:30 pm Contact: 347-989-6104
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Fri, Feb 27 • Party Club Entertainment &
Sat, Feb 28 • Bollywood Blast * Dhating Naach!!! Dance Party w/Live Dholi In Sf!
Meri saheli Venue: David's Restaurent, 5151 Stars and Stripes Dr, Santa Clara, CA 95054 Time :08:00 pm Contact: 650 669 0281
Fri, Mar 6 • GujjuBhai Banya Dabang Gujarati Drama Venue: Chabot College Performing Arts Center, 25555 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward, CA 94545 Timet: 7:30 pm
Sat, Mar 7 • BAYVP Dhuleti 2015 Celebrations Venue: Shreemaya Krishnadham, 25 Corning Ave., Milpitas, CA 95035 Timet: 07:30 pm Contact: 408-586-0006
Sat, Mar 14 • Naach Meri Jaan: A Reality Dance Competition Judged by Javed Jaffrey and Bollywood Celebrity in Bay Area Venue: Chabot College Center of Performing Arts, 25555 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward, CA 94545 Time: 10:00 pm Contact: 408-389-4179
Sat, Mar 14 • South Asian Heart Center's Seventh Annual Scarlet Night Gala Venue: Mission City Room at the Santa Clara Convention Center at 5001 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA. Timet: 6 to 11:30 p.m Contact: 650 940 7242
Upcoming
Venue: Club OMG, 43 6th St, San Francisco, CA 94103 Time: 9:00 pm Contact: 925-261-8682
Fri, Mar 13 • Zakir Hussain Connection
Celtic
Venue: Pabst Theater, 144 E Wells St, Milwaukee, WI 53202 Time: 8:00 pm Contact: 414-467-3032
ATLANTA Upcoming Sat, Feb 28 • ZN Fashions Atlanta 2015 Bazaar at Gwinnett Center, Duluth
• J K Yog Satsang and Bal Mukund Hindi Classes are held every 2nd and 4rth Sunday of Month Chicago Satsang Information: J K Yog, Chicago - Swami Mukundananda Venue: Clarion Inn/Waterford Banquets, Board Room, 933 South Riverside Drive, Elmhurst, IL 60126 Time: 3:30pm-5:30pm Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-561-4807 Website: www.jkyog.org
1st and 3rd Sunday of Month • Chicago Children's Bal Mukund Character Building Program and Hindi Literacy Classes Venue: Vogelei Center, 650 W. Higgins Road, Hoffmann Estates, IL 60192 (Next to Nissan Dealership) Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-561-4807
Venue: Gwinnett Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, GA 30097 Time: 11:00 am Contact: 630-776-9407
Mondays and Fridays
Sat, Feb 28 • Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana
Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105
Venue: Berkmar High School, 405 Pleasant Hill Rd, Lilburn, GA 30047 Time: 8:30 pm Contact: 678-789-4690
Mon, Aug 31 • MITHAS 2014 Membership Venue: Wong Auditorium, MIT, 70 Memorial Dr, Cambridge, MA 02142 Time: 07:00 pm Contact: 857-205-9731
• Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Metropolitan Asian Family Services
Mondays and Fridays • Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Where: Metropolitan Asian Family Services Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105Time: 5:30 pm
48
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February 27, 2015
Horoscope
February 27, 2015
India Post
49
www.indiapost.com
Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar
February 27th - March 5th 2015 (March 21 to April 20)
M
oney expected will show up as promised. Spouse may be nervous about few issues involving family members. You may receive few offers but may decide to let them go and wait for the right one. All business meetings will go well and change of vendors will save money in long terms. You may relish food of your choice with family at the restaurant.
(April 21 to May 20)
Y
our attention will be on children this week. You may dispose off some money making stocks and put the money aside. Some money will be spent on buying some gifts for others. People seeking a change in career will be called for second interview. You may travel to a nice place with family this weekend. handle all tools with extra care.
(May 21 to June 20)
S
itting is not going to make things happen. You need quick and timely actions as this could be the turning point in your life when planets are in right order to do the magic with little efforts from you. You will enjoy benefits for your efforts for many many years to come. You will be spending lots of money on a child this week.
(June 21 to July 22)
Y
ou will successfully re solve a tricky issue with a government agency. You will try to make good use of extra time on hand and may take spouse to a nice place for dinner. There will be sight confusion but you will ultimately take the right decisions at work. You may be still double minded about taking a trip overseas in near future.
(July 23 to August 22)
(November 23 to December 22)
S
trong Venus will help many obstacles at work. People in business will see sales shooting up this week. You may start looking for a deal to change one of your old vehicle. Efforts you make will continue to bring desired results. You may be writing a small check to a government agency also. Stocks can get you some extra money.
(August 23 to September 22)
M
oney will come but will not stay for long. Old commitments may continue to drain you out for some more time. Things may keep getting slightly tough at existing place and as a result you may start applying for job outside. Some of you may be getting ready to move to a nice place. bachelors will consider recent proposal seriously.
(September 23 to October 22)
A
colleague may try to involve you in an unneces sary argument. You may start the process to obtain a loan or line of equity. You may invite few close friends at your place this week. Luck is definitely on your side so continue working on the new project. You may change your plan to visit a holy place on last minute.
(October 23 to November 22)
A
female will be the cause of trouble and you may have to pay a price for mistake made in past few weeks. you may contact an expert to seek opinion and easy remedy. You may dispose off some stocks and put the money in savings. Money wise you will continue to do well. You may visit a mall and buy some new cloths also.
PANDIT PARASHAR, CEO & COO Astro Scan USA is also available for individual consultations. He can be reached at: parashar@parashar.com
A
ll meetings will go well and sign would be positive. You will start to enjoy company of a new colleague and may take him out for lunch. You may make final payment on couple of bills and still have plenty leftover. Spouse will make big changes in diet at home. Lucky break you had been waiting for just around the corner.
(December 22 to January 19)
L
ittle time spent on phone will help clear few confusions and get roadblocks out of way. You will pay all your bills and still have plenty in the bank. You may buy new furniture or some decorative items for the house. A government agency may give final clearance. You may attend a small celebration in close family this week.
(January 20 to February 18)
Y
ou will take many wise decisions after careful consideration. It will be better to seek expert opinion before you answer any legal query. money will come and will be well spent on good reasons. you may stretch your limits when spending on a child. Good advice coming from a matured person.
(February 19 to March 20)
S
ome one in the family will be going away for few days. You will be looking for ways to have more peace at home. Money will come and disappear fast as usual. A close friend will call and send invitation too. You may try to get in touch with an old friend who was very helpful. Boss may politely ask you about the project on hand.
510-886-4370 www.parashar.com
www.indiapost.com
50 India Post
February 27, 2015
Shreya & Shiladitya
Drashti & Neeraj
S
inger Shreya Ghoshal has married childhood sweetheart Shiladitya in an intimate wedding in Kolkata. The 'Sunn Raha Hai' hitmaker tied the knot with the techie in a traditional Bengali wedding, which was attended by close friends and family members. "Married the love of my life @shiladitya last night surrounded by our families and close friends, exciting new life awaits," Ghoshal, 30, posted on Twitter along with a picture.
A
fter a courtship of almost six years, the gorgeous Madhubala of small screen aka Drashti Dhami has finally tied the knot with her longtime boyfriend Neeraj Khemka. The wedding was held on February 21 and reception was organized in Mumbai. The three day wedding ceremony started
on February 19 with the mehendi followed by the sangeet ceremony. The sangeet ceremony was extremely grand with over 70 of Drashti and Neeraj's near and dear ones grooving to music. The lovely couple had a special performance planned for the family. Nakuul Mehta was seen hosting the sangeet function who had also rehearsed for a jodi performance with his wife for the occasion. The actor had prepared for a special salsa number for the night. Mohit and Sanaya who came to the venue together also danced. Drashti and Sanaya did a performance together. The night also included performance by Mouni Roy and Sanjeeda Sheikh. Reports also suggest that the bride and groom shook a leg during the grand ceremony. Neeraj Khemka is an NRI businessman, who is now settled in Mumbai. His business is related to the corporate world and has also established it in a country other than India. Though, he is a businessman, he also has an interest in movies and daily soaps.
In the wedding photo, Ghoshal donned a red outfit with her forehead covered with vermilion (sindoor). Shiladitya, founder of Hipcask.com, wore a white attire. The playback singer started her career with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Devdas (2002), where she crooned five numbers 'Silsila Ye Chaahat Ka', 'Bairi Piya', 'Chalak Chalak', 'Morey Piya', and 'Dola Re Dola'. Since then she did not turn back and sang many soulful Bollywood numbers.
India Post 51
February 27, 2015 www.indiapost.com
Obama daughter tours colleges without dad WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama is missing out on part of his oldest daughter's life: her college campus tours as she tries to figure out where to study in two years. He was absent when 16-yearold Malia toured Stanford University and the University of California at Berkeley last summer. Her mother, Michelle Obama, accompanied the high school junior on recent visits to New York University, Barnard College and her father's alma mater, Columbia University. One possible explanation for Obama's absence is that presidents attract attention wherever they go and their presence could detract from the visit. Practically everywhere they go, presidents are accompanied by helpers and advisers, Secret Service agents, drivers, doctors, reporters and others who travel in his protective security bubble. ``It's hard to tour college campuses with that moving office in tow,'' said Lisa Caputo, former press secretary and deputy assistant to President Bill Clinton. ``It brings a lot of attention,
which is really not the point of the visits.'' It's easier for presidential chil-
of Stanford. ``I was trying to figure out why it is that a really nice place like this is wasted on young
President Barack Obama, with his daughter Malia Obama, waves as they arrive at the White House in Washington. President Barack Obama is missing out on a big part of his daughter’s life: joining her college campus tours as she tries to figure out where to study in two years.
dren to take these trips with their mother or other family member, she said. Obama checked out Stanford's picturesque, palm-tree lined campus in Palo Alto, California, last week when he addressed a cybersecurity summit there. ``I've got to admit, like, I kind of want to go here,'' Obama said
people who don't fully appreciate what you got. It's really nice. And everybody here is so friendly and smart, and it's beautiful. And what's there not to like?'' Obama said his administration is ``infiltrated'' with Stanford people, including National Security Adviser Susan Rice, Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker
and senior adviser Valerie Jarrett, and said he's always heard about everyone riding bikes around campus and hopping into the school's many fountains. ``Let's face it, I like Stanford grads,'' he said, adding that Stanford ``is the place that made `nerd' cool.'' Bill Clinton, the most recent president to send a child straight from the White House to college, did not tour any campuses with daughter Chelsea. She did that with her mother, Hillary Rodham Clinton. Chelsea's parents accompanied her to Stanford in the fall of 1997 to begin her freshman year, and were there again to wave and blow kisses when she graduated in 2001. Whichever college Malia decides to attend in the fall of 2016, Obama most likely will show up for her big first day as a college freshman. Malia is a junior at the exclusive Sidwell Friends School in Washington, where Chelsea also was a student. Obama is an involved father who has been open about the pain of growing up without his dad and his desire to be a pres-
ence in his kids' lives. Despite his presidential duties, Obama still attends parent-teacher conferences and other kid functions. The rise of modern technology also means Obama doesn't necessarily have to accompany Malia on college campus tours. Obama can use his iPad to take a virtual tour of any school she visits, an option that wasn't available in Bill Clinton's day. Malia could use her iPhone to ring her father in the Oval Office with her impressions or send a note to his BlackBerry if he's too busy to talk. They can also catch up over family dinner. Obama quips that his children are less interested in spending time with him now that they're older, another reason for him to skip her tours. ``Most kids, I don't care who they are, really don't want their parents trailing around,'' said Anita McBride, who was first lady Laura Bush's White House chief of staff. McBride is also going through the college search process with her 17-year-old son. ``They want this to be their experience,'' she said. -AP
'Don't know how Freida fell for Dev'
T
ina Desai who co-stars with Dev Patel in The Sec ond Best Exotic Marigold Hotel admits that he tried to woo both Lillete Dubey and her. Tina Desai who shared Table No. 21 with Rajeev Khandelwal, has graduated to international projects. Her latest film, a sequel to the 2011 hit, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, opens in theatres in March. The film premiered in London with the actress arriving on the red-carpet in an auto-rickshaw. At the gala Tina was not only brushing shoulders with the likes of Judi Dench, Maggie Smith and Richard Gere but also the British royalty. "Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla, were there. It was a proud moment
for me as an Indian," says the actress who trained for four months in Bollywood dance to jive to the Jhoom Barabar Jhoom number in the film. "I never imagined that the
Dev Patel with Freida Pinto
first time I danced it would be in a Hollywood film." This was a second outing for
most of the cast and crew who turned emotional at the premiere. The familiarity could have translated into a relationship with Dev Patel, who is enjoying his newly acquired singleton status and Tina admits he tried to flirt with her but his charm didn't quite work. "Dev is a cartoon... A total clown. I don't know how Frieda Pinto fell for him," she laughs, recalling how his former livein partner would drop by and Dev would instantly transform into a suave gentleman. "We were all very sad when he broke-up with Freida, they looked so cute and
adorable together." However, after the break-up, it seems The Newsroom actor has moved on. "He was besotted with Lilette Dubey and was all flirty and charming around her," she reveals. For the all-work-and no-play Tina, next up is The Matrix makers Andy and Lana Wachowski's se-
ries Sense8. "I sent them my audition clip and was selected. It's a series about seven people from across the world who are emotionally linked. It's a pathbreaking concept set in a parallel world. I can't wait for it to stream on Netflix!" she says about the show that premieres in July.
52 India Post
February 27, 2015 www.indiapost.com
NY antiquities donated to Israel Museum NEW YORK: Two New York philanthropists are donating a major collection of more than 300 ancient Greco-Roman and NearEastern glass vessels to The Israel Museum in Jerusalem. The gift from Robert and Renee Belfer comes as the institution celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. An exhibition titled ``A Roman Villa - The Belfer Collection'' showcasing approximately 100 of the objects will be on view at The Israel Museum from June 5 through Nov. 21. The collection is ``one of the most important private holdings of antiquities anywhere,'' museum Director James Snyder said in a telephone interview from Jerusalem. He called it a ``transformative gift'' of ``pristine'' and ``superlative'' examples that will strengthen and enhance the museum's current collection of Greco-Roman artifacts. ``For us it's like the exquisite icing on the cake,'' he said. They include cast vessels and
blown and mosaic glass pieces, ranging from the 14th century
A first century Roman marble head of a youth. It is part of a major collection of ancient Greco-Roman and Near-Eastern objects that New York philanthropists Robert and Renee Belfer are giving to the Jerusalem museum.
B.C., the Late Bronze Age, through the 14th century, the Islamic period. The collection also includes about 50 important works of Greco-
Roman sculpture and relief work, including bronze and marble sculptures, mosaics, frescoes and pottery. ``A gift from New York of material with such a special meaning here resonates with the museum's narrative about local and global connections,'' the director said. Among the highlights is a firstcentury Roman marble head of a youth, an Egyptian 18th Dynasty glass jar and a Roman mosaic from the second century of an amphitheater, featuring the gods Poseidon and Amphitrite and two ships with sailors. Snyder said the Belfer gift was significant to Jerusalem in two ways. First, because glass-making was an important development in the region and the technique of glass-blowing in the first century B.C. appears to have emerged first in Jerusalem, he said. ``Secondly, the aesthetics of Greco-Roman culture had a hugely important influence on the local iconography of ancient Israel from Second Temple times through the fall of the Roman Empire,'' Snyder
said. He noted that the Belfers began amassing their antiquities collection nearly 50 years ago, around the same time that the museum was founded. Today, The Israel Museum houses encyclopedic collections, ranging from prehistory through contemporary art, and is recognized for its extensive Biblical and Holy Land archaeology, including the Dead Sea Scrolls. ``When deciding on an ideal home for our collection, we could not think of a more fitting venue than The Israel Museum, especially for its emphasis on the foundational narrative of humankind that is so relevant to us all today,'' Renee Belfer said in a statement. ``Our collection represents an important chapter in the history of civilization,'' a story the museum will help preserve and share ``in perpetuity from Jerusalem, one of the central sites of that long history,'' added Belfer, who serves as chair of the executive committee of the American Friends of The Israel Museum.
The Belfers are prominent patrons of the arts whose financial
A bronze mirror with a woman head in relief from the Hellenistic period. It is part of a major collection of ancient Greco-Roman and NearEastern objects that New York philanthropists Robert and Renee Belfer are giving a to the Jerusalem museum.
support established The Robert and Renee Belfer Court for early Greek art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the 1990s. -AP
From drones to snowballs at NY Toy Fair NEW YORK: With 13,000 international buyers and the equivalent of seven football fields full of exhibitor booths, Toy Fair 2015 looks and sounds like the bestbehaved children's party ever. Without the young ones in attendance, of course. Because this party is serious business. Buyers come to see new products and place orders for stores, family restaurants and schools around the globe. Still, there's no doubt you're among toy lovers. In one aisle, a fellow in his 30s is spinning out on a ride-on cart. In another, a group of people have their hands in a table full of squooshy play sand. Around the corner, there's a full-on battle between grown men that involves marshmallows and slingshots. Duck your head, because the air is full of gliders and bubbles and lasers, oh, my! Here's a look at some of the top trends this year: FEELING `APPY High-tech toys on display included wireless remote-control vehicles, teach-and-play tablets, mini cameras and speakers, 3Dprinted toys, and building and shooting games equipped with lasers and apps. Bluetooth technology has been a boon to toy makers. Slap
on a bracelet by Moff that's synced to an app and shoot your arm around to make sounds like animals, vehicles or musical instruments. (www.moff.mobi ) Sync Snap Pets - cute, keychain-size, animal-shaped cameras - to your phone to capture selfies or group photos. (www.wowwee.com ) Tiggly showed several tablet apps for preschoolers that include plastic shapes, numbers and letters that can be tapped on the screen in interactive learning games. (www.tiggly.com ) Lego's Fusion won the award for e-connected toy of the year from the Toy Industry Association. You begin constructing a town, scan your building facades onto a device, and then interact with your avatar and the virtual townsfolk as they finish your projects. (www.lego.com ) Spin Master's Zoomer Dino won the overall toy of the year award at the fair. You can train the remote-controlled dinosaur to follow you, dance, chase and roar. He rolls along on two ball-like legs using proprietary balance technology. (www.zoomerpup.com ) More balancing dinosaurs: The whimsically named Wow Wee Group had a tabletop corral full of
Miposaurs. The ``mip'' stands for ``mobile inverted pendulum,'' a technology that keeps the dinos from tipping over. With a built-in GPS, they can chase a tracking ball, attacking or hugging it depending on the programming, and walk on a virtual leash. (www.wowwee.com )
Sphero had a little rolling toy called Ollie, equipped with rubber tires and hubcaps. Controlled via iPad, Ollie can race outdoors on sidewalks, ramps or more rugged terrain, or whiz and whirl indoors. (www.gosphero.com ) And Ozobot is a bot toy that can perform colorcoded commands; draw a few lines on a piece of paper in different colors, and program your bot to execute the moves with speed, agility or dance flair. (www.ozobot.com )
Drone-type toys were also plentiful, with action-film names like Sky Viper, Nebula Cruiser and Quad Zone. TWEEN CRAFT The lucrative tween crafting market has some new entries. Ann Williams offered kits full of felt loops that just need to be woven together to create scarves or throws. A bent wire tree can be wrapped with yarn for a personalized jewelry stand. And a string art set featured a 3-D heart that could be laced with colored string to create a sculpture for girls of all ages. (www.annwilliamsgroup.com ) Fashion Angel has ``Garbage to Glam'' craft kits because, as spokeswoman Sarah Malchow said, ``tween girls like to be creative and save the world at the same time.'' The kits upcycle plastic bags, bottles, T-shirts, even old stuffed toys into picture frames, jewelry or purses. (www.fashionangel.com ) Flower crown making, sunglass decorating, fleece blanket weaving and marble painting were some of the interesting new kits at Creativity for Kids. (www.fabercastell.com ) OUTDOOR FUN Alex Toys offered a collection
for the young naturalist called Backyard Safari. A ``base camp'' shelter tent, cargo vest, bug vacuum, field tools, specimen containers and canteen were augmented with a couple of cool habitat containers, a mesh butterfly house and even a maze in which to observe your creepycrawly finds. (www.alextoys.com ) Got a bag of mini marshmallows? Load up your edible ammo into a blaster, shooter or launcher from the Marshmallow Fun Company and begin the battle; there's a Ghostbusters model as well as bows and slingshots. (www.marshmallowville.com ) When the snow's all gone, kids can relive winter fun with PlayVisions' indoor snowball fight set. Various-size plush ``snowballs,'' goal posts, launchers and blow-up fortresses will keep the action heated. (www.playvisions.com ) Razor showed some new iterations of its iconic scooter. Ali Kermani, a product designer at the company, was whizzing around the booth on Razor's Crazy Cart, an electric scooter with both wheel and lever controls. Voicing the opinion of many at the show, he said, ``You don't just want to be a parent; you want to be a rad dad!'' -AP
Philosophy
February 27, 2015
India Post 53
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Page Sponsored by Sahanis COLIN DRAKE
H
ere is my response to this recent post on a Facebook group Nonduality High-
lights: "How the hell is awakening to nonduality in anyway helping the suffering on the planet? Isn't it absenteeism? Isn't it neglect of sheer human responsibility? Isn't this perceptive elation actually escapism falling into a space of collective denial of the horror which is here where great men do "nothing"? This is a serious question which has many facets such as: a. How does awakening alleviate the suffering of the 'awakener'? Once Awakening has taken place then anxiety and unnecessary mental sufferings disappear, for these are caused by misidentifying oneself as a separate object in a world of separate objects. This causes us to see each other, and the world, through a murky filter of self-interest, self-concern, self-promotion, self-aggrandizement, self-loathing, the list is almost endless. It is this world-view that causes the anxiety and mental suffering based on concern for the future and feeling we are bound by the past. On Awakening one discovers that there truly is no separate self and so this filter is removed allowing us to see the world 'as it is' with no self-concern for the future or past. (See C. Drake Freedom From Anxiety and Needless SufMOTHER (MIRRA ALFASSA)
W
hat do you want the Yoga for? To get power? To attain to peace and calm? To serve humanity? None of these motives is sufficient to show that you are meant for the Path. The question you are to answer is this: Do you want theYoga for the sake of the Divine? Is the Divine the supreme fact of your life, so much so that it is simply impossible for you to do without it? Do you feel that your very raison d'ˆetre is the Divine and without it there is no meaning in your existence? If so, then only can it be said that you have a call for the Path. This is the first thing necessaryaspiration for the Divine. The next thing you have to do is to tend it, to keep it always alert and awake and living. And for that what is required is concentration-concentration upon the Divine with a view to an integral and absolute consecration to its Will and Purpose. Concentrate in the heart. Enter into it; go within and deep and far, as far as you can. Gather all the strings of your consciousness that
fering, p.5) b. What kind of suffering does this alleviate? I distinguish between pain, mental and physical, which is endemic to life in the body/mind and mental suffering which is caused by identifying oneself as a separate object in a world of such. So, some pain is unavoidable but all mental suffering is avoidable by correct identification. For example: Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Ramana Maharshi and Nisargadatta Maharaj all died of
suffering. He sat there, his face beaming as if there were no trace of illness in his throat. When asked why a devotee of God should suffer so he replied 'it is the body that suffers'. A good example of unavoidable mental pain is that caused by the loss of a loved one which is natural, but leads to unnecessary mental suffering when one 'stews' on this and it becomes self-pity. This can only occur when one is identified with the 'small self', that is as a separate object, rather than the
go beyond this type of suffering? By helping them to go Beyond the Separate Self (see book of same name) providing pointers to awakening, encouraging others to 'awaken' in every way possible and "As the purpose of creation is for the enjoyment of the Absolute (Consciousness), and we are all instruments (and manifestations) of This, then it stands to reason that we should create as much joy in our lives as possible. Moreover, when we find a way to enable others to enjoy their
How does non dual awakening help the suffering? Once Awakening has taken place then anxiety and unnecessary mental sufferings disappear, for these are caused by misidentifying oneself as a separate object Colin Drake
cancer but did not mentally suffer although the body was in great pain, as they were not identified with it ‌ just regarding it like a damaged suit of clothes that they were about to discard. Here is an excerpt from The Gospel of Ramakrishna: The Master's body was being racked with indescribable pain. The devotees could not bear the sight of this illness; but somehow the Master made them forget his
Pure Awareness (Consciousness) that underlies everything. Whereas, an example of unnecessary suffering caused by misidentification is 'the mental pain of not achieving enough in the world and leaving your mark (or at least blaming yourself for not)', for in Reality there is no separate self who is the doer. (C Drake, The Happiness That Needs Nothing, p.99-102) c. How can one help 'others' to
lives more this is as valuable, in fact more valuable if we can facilitate this for a group, as creating joy for ourselves. In the article next week, we will consider four more related questions. For details go to website http:/ / w w w. l u l u . c o m / s p o t l i g h t / ColinDrake. Colin Drake is a spirituality teacher based in Australia To be continued
are spread abroad, roll them up and take a plunge and sink down. A fire is burning there, in the deep quietude of the heart. It is the divinity in you-your true being. Hear its voice, follow its dictates. There are other centers of concentration, for example, one above the crown and another between the eye-brows. Each has its own
are conscious of only an insignificant portion of our being; for the most part we are unconscious. It is this unconsciousness that keeps us down to our unregenerate nature and prevents change and transformation in it. It is through unconsciousness that the undivine forces enter into us and make us their slaves.
Once you are conscious, it means that you can distinguish and sift things, you can see which are the forces that pull you down and which help you on. And when you know the right from the wrong, the true from the false, the divine from the undivine, you are to act strictly up to your knowledge; that is to say, resolutely reject one and ac-
Do you want Yoga for the sake of the Divine? Do you feel that your very raison d'ˆetre is the Divine and without it there is no meaning in your existence? If so, then only can it be said that you have a call for the Path. Mother (Mirra Alfassa)
efficacy and will give you a particular result. But the central being lies in the heart and from the heart proceed all central movements-all dynamism and urge for transformation and power of realization. What is one to do to prepare oneself for the Yoga? To be conscious, first of all. We
You are to be conscious of yourself, you must awake to your nature and movements, you must know why and how you do things or feel or think them; you must understand your motives and impulses, the forces, hidden and apparent, that move you; in fact, you must, as it were, take to pieces the entire machinery of your being.
cept the other. The duality will present itself at every step and at every step you will have to make your choice - refuse to give any chance whatever to the undivine against the divine. Excerpted from Questions & Answers on 7 April 1929. The 137th birth anniversary of The Mother was observed on February 21.
We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature trees, flowers, grassgrows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence... We need silence to be able to touch souls. - Mother Teresa Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them. -Dalai Lama Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree. - Martin Luther Love one another and help others to rise to the higher levels, simply by pouring out love. Love is infectious and the greatest healing energy. -Sai Baba There is a magnet in your heart that will attract true friends. That magnet is unselfishness, thinking of others first; when you learn to live for others, they will live for you. -Henry Ford One has to go beyond the mind to experience the spiritual bliss of desirelessness. -Meher Baba
sure yourself FIRST. Call Sahanis, (Arish, Priya or Shiv) for your Insurance needs 718- 271- 0453. Serving for last 35 yrs
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Resuming dialogue a challenge & opportunity for Pak PR CHARI
F
oreign Secretary Jaishankar is scheduled to visit Pakistan for resuming the interrupted Indo-Pak dialogue, which has got the talking heads in New Delhi into a tizzy. Why on earth did the Prime Minister reverse course after taking the firm position that Pakistan could not indulge in unacceptable conduct and hope to continue efforts to normalize relations with India? It would be recalled here that the Pakistani Foreign Secretary had gone ahead last year during his visit to India to meet separatist leaders from Kashmir in New Delhi, despite being specifically urged not to do so. That act of deliberate intransigence had caused Prime Minister Modi's ire, and his announcement that no further dialogue with Islamabad was
day occurrences. Conspiracy theorists have also speculated that the BJP's humiliating defeat in the Delhi state elections, despite Modi's personal canvassing, alongside other stalwarts of the BJP and the RSS, made it imperative to divert public attention away from this electoral disaster. Hence, the dramatic decision to resume the shelved India-Pakistan dialogue although nothing has changed in the bilateral situation. This conclusion has some merit. But subsequent clarifications by the Government have sought to play down the significance of this overture to Pakistan by urging that the Foreign Secretary's visit to Islamabad is part of a larger diplomatic endeavor. Visits are also planned thereafter to the other SAARC capitals
Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar
possible due to its obduracy. What has happened then to occasion this policy reversal? It has been alleged that US pressure on New Delhi was responsible. President Obama has made the inclusion of Pakistan within the structure of various dialogue processes into an article of faith, despite Pakistan's many transgressions. This is vividly demonstrated by Obama's Afghanistan policy, which privileges Pakistan above all others for being doled out financial largesse, despite its proven links with al Qaeda, Taliban and militant groups of all descriptions. It is therefore quite possible that President Obama strongly urged Modi to resume the dialogue with Pakistan and not complicate the American plans for withdrawing its forces from Afghanistan. Indeed, there are committed elements in India who also believe that dialogue with Pakistan should be an uninterrupted and uninterruptible process that is not subject to the vagaries of day-to-
to infuse new life into this moribund organization. The policy implications of this modality are of the essence and need to be emphasized, especially in the light of Prime Minister Modi's radical declarations during the last SAARC Summit meeting in Kathmandu held in November 2014. After identifying terrorism as the major security threat confronting the regional grouping, Modi predicted that regional integration could occur "through SAARC or outside it" if the group failed to reach consensus on the many fundamental issues that were bedeviling this regional organization. Modi also asserted, significantly, that India would work "through SAARC or outside it, among some or all of its members," which presages a new approach to dealing with India's South Asian neighbors. Plainly, this was Modi's instinctive reaction to Pakistan's obstructive conduct during the Summit meeting, where it did not allow several proposals
for achieving regional cooperation to be passed. Under its Charter, unfortunately, the founders of SAARC had opted for all its decisions being taken by consensus, and not on the basis of majority votes, which has enabled intransigent members to halt decision-making for frivolous and implausible reasons. Modi's message to Islamabad was plain. If the situation so warranted India could work within the SAARC modality or with individual SAARC countries or with smaller groupings of its members. A new relevance was thereby accorded to bilateral relations and sub-regional groupings within the ambit of SAARC. Reportedly, a BJP spokesperson had declared earlier that "South Asia will grow without Pakistan if they don't want to be on board. They anyway see themselves as a part of the Islamic West Asian world; good luck to them." The Foreign Secretary could pursue these propositions during his forthcoming visit to Pakistan, in addition to the set-piece agenda for Indo-Pak meetings that must perforce include border incidents, terrorist activities, hostile propaganda, apart from more constructive items like strengthening trade relations and facilitating peopleto-people relations. In his subsequent visits to the other SAARC countries the Foreign Secretary could also explore the possibility of invigorating the possible sub-regional groupings within SAARC where some natural affinities are available, and trade, communications and similar cooperative linkages are already existing. A sub-regional grouping that would include Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN), or India, Maldives and Sri Lanka (SIM) is presently conceivable. And, a sub-regional grouping comprising Afghanistan, Pakistan and India (API) can be visualized in the fullness of time if the politics of these countries transcends their present dissensions. Viewed in the SAARC perspective the resumption of the Indo-Pak dialogue offers Pakistan both a challenge and an opportunity to redeem its present image of being the global centre for jihad and religious terrorism. It would be in the self-interests of both China and the US to support these initiatives that derive from the SAARC modality. The writer is Visiting Professor, IPCS
India Post Altered strategy
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n overconfident BJP had decided to tide roughshod over the Opposition which was blocking some of its bills aimed at the promised reforms. Half a dozen ordinances were issued to get the process going and inject confidence among investors. It was planned to hold a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament to overcome the threat of the Opposition defeating its bills in the Rajya Sabha where the BJP doesn't have a majority. That was before the Delhi elections. The AAP jolt given by the Arvind Kejriwal party has upset many a BJP plans. It has breathed a new life into the Opposition which now feels emboldened to not only create problems in the Budget session of Parliament but also organize street demonstrations against the bills, particularly the one on acquiring land for industry. The earlier UPA bill on this issue, which the NDA seeks to change, had required the consent of 80 percent of farmers and a social impact assessment before land could be acquired. The Modi government, in its zeal to reform, felt that such an extreme requirement would make any land acquisition practically impossible. The government's ordinance does away with this requirement. This has upset the farmers and their organizations, including the RSS-affiliated Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) which have pointed out that the ordinance goes to the other extreme by doing away with the landowners' consent and social impact assessment even for land being acquired for private industry. The land acquisition ordinance has re-energized Anna Hazare also who has planned to revive the Ramlila Maidan type of agitation against the "anti-farmers moves" of the government. The congress party is also feeling very pleased at so much support coming in for its original bill. The BJP government is now making conciliatory moves all over. The earlier plan of ignoring the Opposition has been abandoned and a move to woo the Opposition parties has been put in place. Nothing demonstrates it more strongly than Prime Minister Narendra Modi surprising rivals Mulayam Singh Yadav and Laloo Prasad Yadav by turning up at the Tilak ceremony (before marriage) of Mulayam Singh Yadav's grand nephew with Laloo Prasad Yadav's daughter in Saifai, Uttar Pradesh. The arch rivals held hands and laughed at private jokes. The rare bon homie has led analysts to believe that Modi's visit had a lot to do with nine crucial bills that can clear the Rajya Sabha hurdle only with Mulayam Singh Yadav's support. The strong man Modi image is being sought to be replaced with a co-operative Modi. If in international field Modi has been surprising the world by seeking out world leaders and creating new equations with them, he is now trying to experiment with the same strategy at home also to win over friends and influence people. Soon after the election results in Delhi where the BJP got a drubbing of its life, Modi invited the Delhi conqueror Arvind Kejriwal for tea. The latest wooing of Mulayam Singh Yadav is part of that strategy. Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu even met Congress president Sonia Gandhi to seek her party's co-operation for conversion of various ordinances into Acts. The government's shift in stance was also necessitated after the RSS leadership reportedly sent a message to senior government functionaries that the land acquisition ordinance was "not acceptable" in the current form. Interestingly, the altered strategy bug has bitten even Nitish Kumar, the newly re-installed chief minister of Bihar, who has expressed his keenness to meet Modi. He had broken with his ally BJP over the promotion of Narendra Modi as the prime ministerial candidate. Now he feels that he won't be able to do much for Bihar by carrying on the confrontation with Modi. The changed political posturing towards Modi is seen as a tactical move to regain his image of 'Vikas Purush' who is ready to build bridges with anyone for the sake of Bihar.
February 27, 2015
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February 27, 2015