IndiaPost_02-28-2014

Top Stories

V O I C E

O F

I N D I A N S

W O R L D W I D E

India Post www.indiapost.com

Sangeeta Bhatia

Indian develops paper test for cancer Details on page 32

Seven Indians get Sloan Fellowship Details on page 5

NEW YORK • WASHINGTON D.C. • CHICAGO • ATLANTA • CALIFORNIA

VOL 19, No. 1015

February 28, 2014

50¢

Periodical Postage

10 INDIAN-AMERICANS IN RACE FOR 2014 POLL

WASHINGTON: Even as the 2014 general elections in the US are still more than eight months away, as many as 10 Indian-Americans have already announced their decision to enter the race for elected public offices, including the House of Representatives.

Ami Bera, the only Indian-American Congressman and the third ever, is seeking re-election from the 7th Congressional District of California. Another Indian-American Kamala Harris too announced her decision to seek re-election for Attorney General of California.

Republican Neel Kashkari has entered the fray for the top post of Governor of California. If elected, he would be the third ever Indian-American Governor after Bobby Jindal of Lousiana and Nikki Haley of South Carolina.

However, all eyes are expected to be on the 17th Congressional District of California from where Ro Khanna, the former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce in the Obama Administration, has thrown up a serious challenge to his own party colleague Mike Honda.

Details on page 5

Devyani Khobragade

UN certifies Devyani had immunity Details on page 6

US Indians get ready to campaign for LS Details on page 6

Indian wins USD 1m for selling jackpot Details on page 7

Gautam Raghavan

People yearn for change, says Gen VK Singh

White House efforts for AAPI opportunities Details on page 16

Details on page 19

India may take US to WTO if included in list

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 28-29 Classifieds ------------------------- 52 Community Post -------------- 16-25

Details on page 12

Date Book -------------------------- 48 Edit Page --------------------------- 54

INDIA POST SURVEY

HealthScience Post --------- 32-35

survey@indiapost.com

Horoscope ------------------------- 26

This week’s question

Immigration Post ------------- 44-47

Can Indian Americans make a mark in 2014 poll?

Life Style ----------------------- 49-51 Philosophy ------------------------- 53

Last week’s result

Is April right time for US roadshow in view of Indian elections?

YES 37%

NO 63%

ENHANCING FRIENDSHIP: President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh with the visiting Governor General of Canada, Mr David Johnston and Mrs Sharon Johnston, at the Ceremonial Reception, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on February 24. Sharmistha Mukherjee, daughter of President Mukherjee, is also seen. (Details on page 8)

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate -------------------- 38-39 TechBiz Post ------------------- 12-15 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 40-43

2

India Post

www.indiapost.com

February 28, 2014

February 28, 2014

www.indiapost.com

India Post

3

4

India Post

India Post www.indiapost.com The Weekly Newspaper Serving Indians Worldwide

Romesh & Sunita Japra Publishers Rajesh Verma Co-Publisher Vikram Paul President Krishan Sharma Mg Director & Joint Editor Vinod Dhawan Senior Editor Naresh Sodhi General Manager Amit Saini IT Director Ghanshyam Bisht Supervisor Graphics SAN FRANCISCO & SILICON VALLEY Vijay Thapar CPRO & Advertising Deepak Chhabra Promotions Priya Nayar Bureau Chief Ritu Maheshwari Director Promotions Rakesh Kapoor Correspondent Ratika J. Paul Photo Journalist Neeloo Kapoor Photo Journalist Sudesh Kumari Correspondent Rama Mehra Advertising Vidya Sethuraman Correspondent Archana Asthana Correspondent Sujata Singh Correspondent Raaj D. Photo Journalist LOS ANGELES Mrs Shashi Trivedi Bureau Chief J S Bedi PR & Marketing Mrs Prem Kishore Sr Correspondent Greg Heffernan Correspondent Ms Bobby Sharma Correspondent Babeeta Kaur Dhillon Correspondent Pavan Kaur Bhatia Correspondent CHICAGO Ramesh Soparawala Resident Editor A Q Siddiqui Correspondent ST. LOUIS Ashwin Patel Correspondent NEW YORK & NEW JERSEY Pinky Kaur Bureau Chief Srirekha N. Chakravarty Correspondent Nikita Japra Correspondent Sukhvinder Saini Circulation ATLANTA Sanjay Saggere Bureau Chief FLORIDA B K Madnani CANADA Firdaus Ali Correspondent BOSTON Gope Gidwani Bureau Chief DETROIT Ashok B Jain, M D Bureau Chief Gurminder Singh SAN DIEGO Neelu Bhardwaj Bureau Chief SACRAMENTO Madan Sharma Bureau Chief Janak Sidhra Correspondent Upen Shukla Correspondent CENTRAL VALLEY (CA) Dr Ram Saini Bureau Chief Sheila Rogers Correspondent YUBA CITY (CA) Satnam Tatla Correspondent CAROLINAS Nalini Raja Patel Correspondent INDIA Vinod Dhawan Senior Editor & Bureau Chief NEW DELHI Vijender P Shah Graphics Jitender Singh Rawat Graphics PUNJAB Shiv Japra Bureau Chief Anil Kanwar Senior Correspondent/ Marketing DOABA, PUNJAB Romesh Kaura Correspondent HYDERABAD M Sagar Kumar Bureau Chief MUMBAI Nidhi Soparawala Correspondent Frank Fernandes Correspondent Diana Gabriel Marketing VADODARA, GUJARAT Vaidehi Patel Correspondent India Post (ISSN-1064-3868) is published weekly for $30 for 52 issues yearly by India Post, 1860 Mowry Ave # 200 Fremont, CA 94538. Periodicals postage paid at Norwalk, CA and additional mailing office.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the corporate headquarters: 1860 Mowry Ave # 200 Fremont, CA 94538 Copyright © 1994 Indamec, Inc. DISCLAIMER India Post assumes all advertisers to be reliable and responsible for all liability for their claimers

February 28, 2014

IndiaNewsweekly Post Mission Statement To empower the Indian Diaspora and make their voice strong and effective in countries of their adoption. RJ Media conglomerate offers a credible, professional and complete package of news, opinion, entertainment, networking and information.

Publisher’s Diary

Y

et another campaign is on in the Hindu American community in the name of Diwali - this time for having the festival declared as a public school holiday in New York.

A coalition of almost 40 organizations and temples from across the country, has dashed off a letter to the Mayor of New York Bill de Blasio to include Diwali in the public school roster of holidays, well, not only because of its importance to the city's Hindu, Jain and Sikh communities, but also because the Mayor recently declared Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha and the Lunar New Year as public school holidays and did not include the Hindu festival.

The Hindu American Foundation says that Hindus deserve to be treated on par with the city's Muslim and Chinese communities.

Well, it's not like Hindu Americans lack support, or that Diwali lacks for political recognition. Several Congressional leaders and the NY City Council have asked for a Diwali holiday in NY public schools.

Already, besides the many State Assemblies recognizing the Hindu holiday with relevant declarations each year, the White House has been hosting the festival on its premises under successive administrations; last year the first-ever Congressional Diwali was held in the House; In 2011 and 2013, the US Senate passed a resolution recognizing Diwali, and so did both chambers of Congress in 2007.

New York City already follows suspension of alternate side parking on Diwali following legislation. Two districts in New Jersey already observe Diwali as a school holiday. And as the HAF release says, last year California State declared to observe October as Hindu American Awareness & Appreciation Month highlighting the importance of Diwali.

Also, there is a concerted move by Hindus across the country to have a postal stamp issued to commemorate Diwali.

Now, guys, I think we need to appreciate the fact that America definitely does not ignore Hindus, or their favorite festival Diwali, so do we really need to find at the turn of every corner reasons to keep pushing the festival as a symbol of Hindu existence in the country? And do our public schools really need more holidays?

Romesh K Japra rkjapra@indiapost.com

INFO-CENTER CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 1860 Mowry Ave # 200 Fremont, CA 94538 Tel: 510-565-9993, Fax: 510-790-2806; E-mail: priya@indiapost.com E-SUBSCRIPTION: Priya Nayar Tel: 510-565-9993; E-mail: priya@indiapost.com Classifieds: Tel: 510-938-8668; E-mail:classifieds@indiapost.com or Tel: 510-565-9993, E-mail: priya@indiapost.com Graphics Inquiry: Tel: 510-936-9490; E-mail: ghanshyam@indiapost.com For Editorial: Priya Nayar Tel: 510-565-9993; E-mail: priya@indiapost.com

For advertisement rates call the office nearest to you: SAN FRANCISCO & SILICON VALLEY 1860 Mowry Ave # 200 Fremont, CA 94538 Tel: 510-938-8667 e-mail: nareshsodhi@gmail.com Priya Nayar: 510-579-2760 e-mail: priya@indiapost.com

LOS ANGELES

16224 Alpine Pl. La Mirada, CA 90638 Tel: 562-441-5511, shashi19@yahoo.com

CHICAGO

2543 W Devon Ave Chicago IL 60659 Tel: 773-973-7394; Fax: 773-973-7396; Email: sramesh@aol.com

NEW YORK

Tel: 908-338-3752 (Marketing) Tel: 732-283-4939 (Editorial) E-mail: indiapost2000@yahoo.com

ATLANTA 67 Peach Tree Dr., Ste. 102, Buckhead Atlanta, GA 30309, Tel: 404-425-3021 E-mail: sanjay@eBolo.com FLORIDA 8401 West Sample Road 30, Coral Springs, Florida - 33065

Patch-up?

Speculation is high that Hrithik Roshan and his estranged wife Suzanne Khan might reconcile very soon.

Cover Story: 10 Indians in race 10 Indian-Americans have announced their decision to enter the race for 2014 elected public offices

Community: Plans for AAPI White House has announced plans to expand opportunities for Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders at the national level

Fed shutdown hurt The federal government shutdown last year delayed more than 37,000 immigration hearings by months or years

Life Style: IIFA in Florida Members from the film fraternity joined US Ambassador Peter Haas to show support for the upcoming IIFA in Florida

DELHI Jin Kushal Suri Complex, 3rd Floor, 230-A, Masjid Moth, (NDSE Part-II) New Delhi - 110049 Tel: 11-26257769 / Fax: 11-46142969 E-mail:delhi@indiapost.com MUMBAI • Fernandes Mansion Tam Taloa, Bassien (W) Mumbai Tel: 09619 330159

Trade war

BOSTON

VADODARA

• Vaidehi Patel E-mail: v_patel83@yahoo.com Tel: 011 91 98797 79976

For editorial, contact: editor@indiapost.com or call 510-797-7799

28 1 16

Immigration:

Techbiz:

• Diana Gabriel Ismail Building, Veer Savarkar Road Fort Mumbai 400 001 Tel: 98200 28348 E-mail: drassociates.singh@gmail.com

Tel: 617-298-9200; Fax: 617-298-1104 GOPE; E-mail: ggidwani@aol.com

Bollywood:

TORONTO, CANADA Tel/Fax: 416-744-8610

21 Longfellow st., Carteret, NJ 07008 Tel: 732-969-1114; Fax: 732-969-3735 E-mail: indiapost2000@yahoo.com

NEW JERSEY

HIGHLIGHTS

India is likely to drag the US to WTO if America includes it in the list for intellectual property rights violators

Travel: Kausani Kausani offers a spectacular 300 km-wide view of the Himalayan peaks of Trishul Nandadevi and Panchuli.

44 49 12 40

Cover/Top Stories

February 28, 2014

India Post

5

www.indiapost.com

10 Indian-Americans in race for 2014 poll

Ami Bera

Kamala Harris

Neel Kashkari

Ro Khanna

Vanila Mathur Singh

WASHINGTON: Even as the 2014 general elections in the US are still more than eight months away, as many as 10 IndianAmericans have already announced their decision to enter the race for elected public offices, including the House of Representatives.

Ami Bera, the only IndianAmerican Congressman and the third ever, is seeking re-election from the 7th Congressional District of California. Another Indian-American Kamala Harris too announced her decision to seek re-election for Attorney General of California.

Republican Neel Kashkari has entered the fray for the top post

of Governor of California. If elected, he would be the third ever Indian-American Governor after Bobby Jindal of Lousiana and Nikki Haley of South Carolina.

However, all eyes are expected to be on the 17th Congressional District of California from where Ro Khanna, the former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce in the Obama Administration, has thrown up a serious challenge to his own party colleague Mike Honda.

Khanna has not only raised a record amount of fund, but has also taken services of the victory team of the Obama's reelection campaign.

The 17th Congressional Dis-

trict has gained added attraction as another Indian-American Vanila Mathur Singh, an associate professor at Stanford University's School of Medicine, has entered the fray from the Republican Party.

While Singh has little chance of winning the seat, this would be for the first time that two Indian-Americans are contesting against each other from one Congressional seat.

Upendra Chivukula, the first Indian-American lawmaker in the New Jersey State Assembly, this month announced his intention to try his luck for US House of Representatives from 12th Congressional District of New Jersey,

which is being vacated by his own party colleague Rush Holt.

Chivukula would have to win the Democratic primary this summer to bag the party's ticket for November elections. He had lost the 2012 House elections from a different seat.

Never give up, says the Iraq war veteran Manan Trivedi, who has announced to contest for the third consecutive House of Representatives election from sixth Congressional District of Pennsylvania.

Top Republican leader Paul Ryan, who was the vice presidential candidate in the 2012 elections, is receiving a serious challenge from Indian-American

Amerdeep Kaleka, from the first Congressional district of Wisconsin.

Kaleka is son of the president of Sikh Temple of Wisconsin Satwant Kaleka, who was shot dead by a white supremacist in a Gurdwara shootout in 2012.

Swati Dandekar, the first Indian-American to be elected to Iowa House of Representatives in 2002, is seeking to enter the House of Representatives from the first Congressional District of Iowa. She has received good support from Indian Americans.

Indian-American Manju Goel is seeking election on a Republican ticket from eighth Congressional district of Illinois. -PTI

Upendra Chivukula

Manan Trivedi

Amerdeep Kaleka

Swati Dandekar

Manju Goel

7 Indian-Americans get Sloan Research Fellowship HOUSTON: Seven IndianAmericans have been selected for a prestigious fellowship program by the Alfred P Sloan Foundation for their contributions to science-related fields.

The researchers are among the 126 fellows who would receive USD 50,000 award from the foundation to further their research.

The fellowships, awarded annually since 1955, are given to scholars whose achievements

Animashree Anandkumar

and potential identify them as the next generation of scientific leaders.

The number of recipients vary from year to year, but has recently been consistently in the neighborhood of 115 to 130.

Among the seven young promising scientists, three are women.

Animashree Anandkumar (Computer Science) is an assistant professor at the University of California, Irvine.

Nayantara Bhatnagar (Math-

Nayantara Bhatnagar

Sushmita Roy

ematics), from the University of Delaware, is conducting research on aspects of probability and statistics, and their relationship with physics.

Sushmita Roy (Computational and Evolutionary Molecular Biology) is an assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin at Madison.

Prashant Jain (Chemistry) is an assistant professor at the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign. His research deals

Prashant Jain

with nano-optics and molecular imaging.

Anshul Kundaje (Computational and Evolutionary Molecular Biology) from the Stanford University is pursuing his research on creating models and frameworks for genetic sequencing.

Tapan Parikh (Computer Science) is at University of California at Berkeley.

Pradeep Ravi Kumar's (Computer Science) research interest is in "statistical machine learning."

Anshul Kundaje

The Sloan Research Fellowships are awarded in eight scientific and technical fields with close cooperation from the scientific community.

Forty two fellows have received a Nobel Prize in their respective fields, since the beginning of the program in 1955.

Candidates must be nominated by their fellow scientists while the winners are selected by an independent panel of senior scholars. -PTI

Tapan Parikh

Pradeep Ravi Kumar

6

Top Stories

India Post

February 28, 2014

www.indiapost.com

UN certifies Devyani had immunity on Dec 12 NEW YORK: Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade's status as a "Special Advisor" to the UN entitled her to diplomatic immunity from prosecution at the time of her arrest last year on visa fraud charges, according to a letter from the United Nations.

The letter from UN Assistant Secretary General for Legal Affairs Stephen Mathias was submitted in a US court by Khobragade's lawyer Daniel Arshack to bolster the claim that she had immunity when she was arrested in December for allegedly making false declarations in a visa application for her maid.

Arshack said the 39-year-old diplomat was credentialed as a "Special Advisor" to the UN from August 26 to December 31 last year.

He said "Khobragade was appointed an advisor in August last year ahead of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit for the UN General Assembly session.

Given that Khobragade had a UN credential of Special Advisor, she was immune from arrest on December 12 and prosecution on visa fraud charges," he said.

Arshack submitted the letter from the UN Assistant Secretary General as an exhibit in court along with his motion to dismiss the indictment against Khobragade.

The letter states that according to the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the UN adopted by the General Assembly, "...representatives of members to the principal and subsidiary organs of the United Nations and to conferences convened by the United Nations shall, while exercising their functions and during their journey to and from the place of meeting, enjoy the...privileges and immunities" set forth under sections of the Convention unless the person is a "representative in a state of which s/he is a national or of which s/he has been a representative".

It said the expression representatives "shall be deemed to include all delegates, deputy delegates, advisers, technical experts and secretaries of delegations".

The letter clarified that application of the rules of immunities in any specific situation "would depend on the facts and circumstances of the specific situation".

Khobragade was strip-searched and held with criminals after her arrest, triggering a diplomatic row between India and the US. After her indictment on visa fraud, she returned to India in January after she was asked to leave the US by the State Department.

Assistant Secretary-General Mathias said in the letter that the UN office of legal affairs provides formal opinions only at the request of inter-governmental bodies of the UN or at the request of UN departments and offices.

He said he was responding on an "informal basis" to India's ques-

He also submitted in court a computer screen shot of the UN Protocol and Liaison Service's listing of Khobragade's accreditation as an advisor to the UN for the General Assembly meeting.

In previous motions, Arshack told the court Khobragade had full diplomatic immunity at the time of

Devyani Khobragade

tions about privileges and immunities enjoyed by UN officials.

"We are responding to your questions on an informal basis and would appreciate your conveying this to your government," Mathias said in the letter addressed to India's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Bhagwant Bishnoi.

He further said the legal affairs office does not provide formal le-

"This proceeding has been wrongfully commenced against Khobragade. She should not have been arrested in the first place and she was indicted despite the fact that the government knew that her diplomatic status precluded a prosecution gal opinion to UN member states, including those concerning the interpretation and implementation of the Convention.

Arshack said Khobragade had immunity when she was appointed Deputy Consul General at the Indian Consulate in New York and following her transfer to India's Permanent Mission to the UN.

her arrest since she was appointed a Special Advisor to the UN in August last year.

"Obviously, the (US) Government knew when it obtained that indictment that there could be no prosecution of Khobragade since her diplomatic status had already been changed and she was therefore immune from prosecution," Arshack said.

It was due to her diplomatic status that Khobragade did not get arraigned on the indictment, he said.

Arshack said Khobragade's immunity "should have prevented" her arrest, handcuffing, jailing, strip-searching and imposition of bail conditions.

"This proceeding has been wrongfully commenced against Khobragade. She should not have been arrested in the first place and she was indicted despite the fact that the government knew that her diplomatic status precluded a prosecution of Khobragade," he said.

The Manhattan federal prosecutor, Indian-origin Preet Bharara, had filed a memorandum in federal court opposing Khobragade's motion to dismiss her indictment.

He also submitted a US Department of State declaration that concludes Khobragade did not enjoy immunity from arrest or detention at the time of her arrest and that she does not enjoy immunity from prosecution for the crimes in the indictment. -PTI

Indian-Americans get ready to campaign in LS polls WASHINGTON: Taking ad- be campaigning through social vantage of the latest info tech media and phone calls, for which revolution, an unprecedented several thousands volunteers number of Indian-Americans are have come forward and their numgearing up for active participation ber is swelling every day," he said, in the upcoming Lok Sabha elec- adding hundreds of BJP supporttions. ers are planning to travel to India A few of the Indian-Americans for the campaign. have already started campaigning "The voice of NRIs have a to get a Lok Sabha ticket from vari- greater impact on the people," he ous political parties - the BJP, the said. AAP-USA leader Pran Kurup Congress and the Aam Admi said his party was doing frequent Party.

Google hangouts with NRIs. Given the initial response so AAP has in fact launched a far, there seems to be greater en- dedicated website for the Indian thusiasm among the supporters of Diaspora. the BJP and AAP in the US. The American While hundreds of them chapters of both the political parties have would travel to India during already created an army the election campaign of volunteers.

While hundreds of period, several thousands of them would travel to India during the elec- supporters of both these tion campaign period, parties would call their several thousands of supporters of both friends and relatives back these parties would call home to vote in favor their friends and relatives back home to vote of their candidates in favor of their candidates.

Encouraged by the success in In an effort to boost their party Delhi assembly polls, the AAP base, both the Overseas Friends supporters are planning to adopt of BJP-USA and AAP-USA over Lok Sabha constituencies. the past one month have been "Several volunteers' teams holding a series of Google hang- have been formed all across the outs with their top leaders urging world, including many cities in the them to expand their party base in US. These teams are self-running the US, but also donate funds for for the most part similar to AAP's election and launch phone cam- Swaraj concept while they are still paigning. sufficiently coordinated to share "This is a historic election. We the do's and don'ts from each Indian Americans need to actively other," he said. participate in the general elecThe party is also using Google tions," said Chandrakant Patel, hangouts for fund raising campresident of OFBJP-USA. paigns. For instance in one hang"Indian-Americans supporters out last month, it generated doof BJP and Narendra Modi would nations of over Rs 20 lakhs. -PTI

Top Stories

February 28, 2014

India Post

7

www.indiapost.com

China refutes Modi's 'expansionist Indian wins USD 1m mindset' remark for selling jackpot BEIJING: China has asserted that it had never waged a war to occupy "an inch of land of other countries", days after BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi slammed the Communist giant for its "expansionist mindset".

"You mentioned expansionism by the Chinese side. I believe all of you can see that China has never waged a war of aggression to occupy an inch of land of other countries," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told reporters while responding to questions on Modi's remarks.

"We always reiterate that we take real actions to commit through the peaceful development path" and are committed to good neighborliness and cooperative relations, she said.

"There has never been any armed clashes in border areas over the years. So there is very strong evidence that we have the capability to maintain peace there. This is very good for the future development of the bilateral relations," she said, highlighting that there was no major confrontation at Sino-Indian

borders after the 1962 war.

"It is not only good for our two people but also to the whole region," Hua said, adding that "we hope to work together with our Indian counterpart to that end".

Hua Chunying

Modi, at a rally in Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh had asked China to shed its "expansionist mindset".

"China should shed its expansionist policy and forge bilateral ties with India for peace,

progress and prosperity of both the nations," he said.

"Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India and will always remain so. No power can snatch it from us. People of Arunachal Pradesh didn't come under pressure or fear of China," Modi said.

Responding to Modi's remarks, Hua said, "Our position on the Eastern sector of the boundary is very consistent and clear cut. We would like to develop good neighborliness and friendly relations with our neighbors and resolve relevant disputes and differences through dialogue and consultations."

China claims Arunachal Pradesh as Southern Tibet and it is part of the dispute over the 4000 km-long Line of Actual Control between the two countries.

Hua said currently China and India are maintaining good momentum of bilateral relations.

"The two leaders have degree of consensus on the significance of growing bilateral relations. We hope to settle the boundary negotiations as soon as possible," she said. -PTI

India, China agree on defense cooperation measures NEW DELHI: Pushing their defense engagement, India and China have agreed on a slew of measures, including holding of joint Army exercise this year and strengthening maritime security cooperation while maintaining peace and tranquility on the dispute border.

At the 6th Annual Defense Dialogue here, the two sides discussed increasing the number of interactions between them at multiple levels along with the setting up of hotlines between the two Armies at brigade, corps and command levels along with a similar setup at their respective Army headquarters, Defense Ministry sources said here.

The two sides agreed to continue to expand the exchanges between their armed forces to foster mutual trust and understanding.

"Both sides took note of the successful conduct of the Joint Army exercise in China in 2013 and agreed to conduct the next joint Army exercise in India in 2014," a Defense Ministry statement said.

Other agreed measures include strengthening of maritime security cooperation between Navies and officer exchanges and profes-

sional interactions at various levels of all Services, it said.

During the Dialogue, led by Defense Secretary R K Mathur from Indian side and Deputy Chief of General Staff of the PLA Lt Gen

quility on the border was an important guarantor for the development and growth of the bilateral relationship between both countries. It was decided that both sides should continue to take suit-

Dy. Chief of General Staff of the Chinese PLA, Lt. Gen. Wang Guanzhong calling on Defense Minister A. K. Antony in New Delhi on February 24

Wang Guanzhong from the Chinese side, the two countries also agreed on increasing "exchanges in the areas of peacekeeping, counter terrorism and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief."

The two sides agreed that maintenance of peace and tran-

able measures in this direction, the statement said.

India and China noted that 2014 was being celebrated as the "Year of Friendly Exchanges".

In this backdrop, the Chinese Defense Minister will visit India later this year. -PTI

LOS ANGELES: An Indian-ori- name basis, though he is happy gin man in California will get USD for whomever is about to cash in. one million for selling the winning "There are a lot of deserving ticket for the USD 425 million people," he added. "I'm super exPowerball jackpot, one of the larg- cited to find out. I really want to est lottery jackpots in American know." history.

Some customers outside the Kulwinder Singh, who co- Chevron were abuzz. owns a convenience store, re"My co-worker just called me ceived USD one million after the right now. 'Did you buy your ticket California Lottery announced that at the Chevron?' I was like, no. She the winning ticket was sold from his shop.

The winning num- Kulwinder Singh was on a bers were 17, 49, 54, 35, plane to India when the 1. The Powerball numnews of the winning combo ber was 34.

The golden ticket came from one of his stores, was sold at Dixon Landhis son and co-owner ing Chevron in Milpitas, a Bay Area Parmeet Singh said town just north of San Jose. The business reaped its says, 'Oh my God, someone just own one million for its part in mak- hit it there.' Crazy, could have been ing its customer rich, CNN re- me," Jocelyne Garcia told CNN ported. affiliate KPIX. Kulwinder Singh was on a This jackpot ranks as the sixth plane to India when the news of largest in U.S. history. the winning combo came from one The largest was USD 656 milof his stores, his son and co- lion in the Mega Millions game in owner Parmeet Singh said.

March 2012. That was split by "I think it will mean a lot," three tickets sold in Illinois, KanParmeet Singh told CNN. sas and Maryland.

"From an investment point of The Powerball game is played view, it's just a great opportunity." in 43 states, the District of ColumHowever, the big victor is yet bia and the US Virgin Islands. A to come forward. Singh hopes he single ticket costs USD two, and or she happens to one of the the odds of winning the jackpot "regulars" staffers know on a first- are 1 in 175,223,510. -PTI

'Glimpses of India' festival in 12 Chinese cities BEIJING: Seeking to enhance people-to-people understanding, India will hold a series of cultural and business events across 12 Chinese cities to mark 'India-China Year of Friendly Exchanges'.

Indian Embassy in Beijing along with its Consulates in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong will organize series of events under the "Glimpses of India" festival.

The Friendly Exchanges initiative has already been formally inaugurated by the Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao at India's Republic Day reception here last month while his Indian counterpart Hamid Ansari kicked off the same at the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi recently.

"The Glimpses of India Festival will feature Indian performing arts, exhibitions of modern Indian art and calligraphy, visual and photographic exhibitions on Buddhist heritage of India and links with China," the Indian Embassy

said in a statement today.

The festival will also depict India's scientific achievements, food and film festivals, as well as events involving eminent Indian and Chinese scholars and writers.

Tourism and business promotion events will also constitute key components of the Festival.

The 12 Chinese cities that will witness activities associated with the festival include Beijing, Chongqing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Hong Kong, Dali, Kunming, Shanghai, Urumqi, Lhasa and Qingdao.

The first set of events will be held beginning April in the cities of Beijing, Chengdu, and Hong Kong.

The activities and exchanges under the Glimpses of India Festival will further strengthen the people-to-people dimension of the India-China Strategic and Cooperative Partnership and contribute towards enhancing the understanding of India in China, it said. -PTI

8

Top Stories

India Post

February 28, 2014

www.indiapost.com

Indo-Canadian cooperation set for further rise NEW DELHI: India and Canada have held talks on a range of bilateral and international issues and decided to expand ties in diverse sectors including health, audio-visual co-production and skill development.

Canada's Governor General David Johnston held talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid and discussed ways to further enhance ties between the two countries.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh shakes hand with Governor General of Canada David Johnston after MoU signing ceremony at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on February 24

India's relations with Canada are on an upswing. It had signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement with Canada in 2010 that allowed them to initiate negotiations for uranium supply from Canada.

India is also keen on buying crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Canada on long-term basis to meet its vast and growing energy needs.

After his meeting with the Prime Minister, both countries inked three pacts including the India-Canada Audio-Visual Coproduction Agreement.

This agreement between the Ministry of Information and the Broadcasting and Heritage, Canada, will open doors for audio-visual collaborations between the two countries. As per the pact, co-productions will receive national treatment in both the countries.

Another pact for collaboration between the Department of Biotechnology and Grand Challenges, Canada, was signed to address health and development needs.

The 'Program of Cooperation' will pave the way for a collaborative roadmap for addressing global health challenges, especially relating to women and child health, early child development and mental health.

An MoU between National Skill Development Corporation and Association of Canadian Community Colleges was also inked.

Trade between India and Canada surpassed USD 5.8 billion last year. This represents a 12 per cent increase over 2012 and a 39 per cent increase since 2010.

Besides, Canadian investment in India totals USD 644 million, whereas Indian investment in that country is valued at USD 3.7 billion.-PTI

Indian-American Pentagon official to join think-tank WASHINGTON: Vikram Singh, the highest- ranking IndianAmerican at the Pentagon, is joining an eminent US think-tank after serving the Obama Administration in various positions for over five years.

Singh, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia, is joining the Center for American Progress (CAP) as its vice president for National Security and International Policy and will oversee its work on national security around the globe, while continuing his focus on Asia.

He will officially join CAP in March.

"Vikram is a leading foreign policy thinker of his generation and has tackled the country's greatest foreign policy challenges during his time at the State Department and the Pentagon," CAP president Neera Tanden said in a statement.

"As we continue to shape a pragmatic foreign policy strategy

over the next decade, Vikram's insights, sharp strategic mind and experience will guide our work," Tanden said.

Before his current appointment at the Pentagon, Singh was the Deputy Special Representative

Vikram Singh

for Afghanistan and Pakistan at the Department of State, during which he played a key role in shaping the Af-Pak policy of the Obama Administration.

Singh has also served in the Department of Defense as a senior advisor, representing the department in National Security Council policy reviews of Pakistan and the war in Afghanistan and later leading the development of the department's post-2014 strategic approach to South and Central Asia.

Prior to his most recent assignments at the Pentagon, Singh served in the Department of Defense from 2003 through 2007 on a number of defense policy issues, including programs to train and equip foreign military forces, US military counter-insurgency and irregular warfare capabilities, stability operations, disaster response and humanitarian assistance, and the 2005 Quadrennial Defense Review.

As a fellow at the Center for a New American Security from 2007 to 2009, Singh published widely on defense strategy, national security policy, and Asia.

Singh lived and worked in Sri Lanka while running a Ford Foundation program on minority rights and conflict in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Lanka. He also reported on the Lankan civil war for the Voice of America. -PTI

Top Stories

February 28, 2014

India Post

9

www.indiapost.com

Govt has caved in to pressure from Italy: BJP NEW DELHI: The BJP has accused the government of "meekly caving in" to pressure from Italy after it agreed to drop some stringent sections of the law slapped against the two Italian marines who have been charged with killing Indian fishermen.

BJP spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad also hit out at Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid for targeting the then Home Secretary RK Singh, now a BJP member, for allegedly harming the case.

Prasad asked whether government policy was determined by a home secretary or by the ruling dispensation at the political level.

Accusing the government of going overboard to secure to the marines one relief after another, he said, "My charge is that this government has meekly caved in to pressure from Italy. Should the nation presume that India today is finding it difficult to resist pressure from Italy?

"It is most unfortunate. Government must come out with all the facts as to why this decision was taken and under what pressure."

Meanwhile, dismissing the charge that he was responsible for having handled the case poorly as the home secretary, Singh said crucial decisions were taken at a meeting attended by the attorney general and senior External Affairs and Home Ministry officials.

"No question," Singh shot back when asked if he was responsible for decisions which might have weakened the case.

He instead accused the government of "short-circuiting" the judicial process and suggested that it might have to do with the fact that the marines were from Italy.

The apparent reference was to Congress President Sonia Gandhi's link with her country of birth.

The allegations by BJP drew a sharp retort from Congress, which asked whether the opposition believed that Supreme Court had given in to pressure from Italy.

At an AICC briefing, party spokesman Abhishek Manu Singhvi remarked that "BJP is forever tilting at windmills. Does it mean that Supreme Court has given in to (pressure from) the government of Italy.

"You should ask them whether the trial court has given in to the government of Italy... It is something which is monitored minute by minute in pending proceedings in Supreme Court," Singvhi said. -PTI

Italy claims its firmness led to decision on marines ROME: Hours after India decided not to prosecute two of its marines accused of killing Indian fishermen under the stringent anti-piracy SUA law, Italy has said the decision was the "fruit of Italian firmness".

The decision not to "apply the anti-terrorism law was the fruit of Italian firmness", Italian Premier Matteo Renzi said after chairing a meeting of a task force on the marines.

Italy would continue to push to have the case assessed by international bodies, Renzi was quoted as saying by Italian news agency ANSA. Earlier in New Delhi, the Indian government told the country's Supreme Court that marines Massimiliano Latorre and

Salvatore Girone accused of killing two Indian fishermen off Kerala coast in 2012 will not be prosecuted under the SUA law that attracts death penalty.

The marines shot dead two fishermen whom they believed to be pirates, sparking diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

Earlier this month, Italy had petitioned the UN over the trial of its two marines in India under a strict anti-piracy law. However, UN Secretary-General Ban Kimoon asked Rome to resolve the issue bilaterally.

Meanwhile, European Parliament Speaker Martin Schulz has said India should respect international law in the case of the marines. -PTI

Indian-origin man jailed for murder in UK LONDON: An Indian-origin man in the UK, previously sentenced for killing a pedestrian, has been jailed for life for the "coldblooded murder" of his friend to claim an insurance policy worth 319,000 pounds.

Jagdev Singh Rai slit the throat of 41-year-old Jasbir Singh Bains, whom he had known since his school days, and flung his body in Dartmouth Park Lake in West Bromwich. The body was found floating on November 28, 2012.

Wolverhampton Crown Court found Rai guilty by a majority verdict on February 20.

"It was a premeditated, coldblooded murder with Mr Bains lured to that cold and lonely place," Judge John Warner said

during the sentencing.

During the trial the jury was told how Rai stole his friend's name in order to encash a life insurance policy worth 318,913 pounds, according to local court reports.

In the event of the death of Bains, Rai stood to gain more than 375,000 pounds. Bains was homeless and struggling with drink and drugs at the time of his death.

After the sentencing, Bains's family said: "Jasbir was a kind, caring, hard working man who was well-liked by everyone who knew him and he would never have harmed anyone. "We are overjoyed by the verdict and the sentence and feel justice has been done, however this will never bring Jasbir back to us. -PTI

Top Stories

10 India Post

February 28, 2014

www.indiapost.com

Missouri spelling bee runs out of words CHICAGO: A spelling bee competition in the US has been tied between a 13-year-old Indian-origin boy and an 11-year-old girl after they dueled for 66 rounds until finally the judges ran out of words.

Kush Sharma, a seventh-grader at Frontier School of Innovation, and Sophia Hoffman, a fifthgrader at Highland Park Elementary, battled in Missouri county's annual spelling bee competition with both of them getting every word right.

Finally, the judges ran out of words and the contest between them will resume on March 8 for a spot in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington.

"We did not want to just go through the dictionary and give them more words. We feared that someone would get a word that was too easy while the other would get an extremely difficult word," said Mary Olive Thompson, outreach coordinator for

Sophia Hoffman and Kush Sharma

Kansas City Public Library where the event was held.

"We wanted to be a bit more calculated and neutral, and we wanted to give each an equal op-

portunity," she was quoted as saying by CNN. The original pool of 25 students was quickly whittled to just Sophia and Kush.

The program provides a list of words for contests across the country. Sophia and Kush burned through that list, as well as 20 other words organizers picked from the

dictionary when they realized it was possible they might need more words, Thompson said.

"The officials were fatigued.

The kids weren't tired. They had endless energy and were doing an amazing job," Thompson said.

Kush cannot remember exactly what word was the hardest for him to spell - something French that started with an "R".

He told CNN he will work hard for the rematch and would study every free minute of the day if he scores a place in the national bee.

"I'm looking forward to seeing how far Sophia can push me and how far my skills can go," he said.

For Sophia, the most difficult word was 'schadenfreude', which describes the enjoyment one can get from someone else's bad luck.

She knows how to spell the word, but she apparently does not feel it. "Kush worked really hard. I wish we could both go (to the national competition)," Sophia said. -PTI

NYC Mayor urged to include Momentum for Modi can attract any ally: Jaitley Diwali as holiday WASHINGTON: A broadbased coalition of about 40 organizations and temples from New York City has asked the Mayor Bill de Blasio to include Diwali alongside the new proposed public holidays for Eid and Lunar New Year.

In a letter to the New York City Mayor, the Diwali Coalition highlighted importance of the festival for the city's Hindu, Jain and Sikh communities and urged him to take into consideration the significant number of the city's public school children who celebrate this festival.

"Diwali is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in our community," said Diwali Coalition of NYC member Dr. Uma Mysorekar, president of the renowned Ganesh temple in Flushing, Queens.

"For Hindus, Diwali celebrates the victory of good over evil and is a time for families to come together to pray for the well-being of all. We hope the Mayor will take our community's request to heart and include Diwali among the new public school holidays," she said.

This week, Congressman Joe Crowley, co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, along with lawmakers

Diwali has gained on the national stage.

Crowley and other members hosted the first-ever Congres-

Mayor Bill de Blasio

Charles Rangel, Grace Meng, Carolyn Maloney, Yvette Clarke and Gregory Meeks also come out in support of the move.

In a letter to Carmen Farina, Chancellor of Education, spearheaded by Crowley, they noted the "increased recognition"

SUBSCRIBE TO INDIA POST E-PAPER Mail to: priya@indiapost.com or login to http://www.indiapost.com/subscribe/

sional Diwali celebration in 2013, and the White House has recognized Diwali under successive administrations.

Both letters also drew attention to the huge number of temples and gurdwaras in the five boroughs as well as the plethora of Diwali celebrations in the city that draw thousands each year.

The Diwali Coalition also noted that last year the City Council of New York urged the Department of Education to "establish Diwali as an official school holiday for NYC public students". -PTI

NEW DELHI: Latching on to ant for power. If Congress is reopinion polls projecting it much duced to a double-digit figure, he ahead of its rivals, BJP pitched it- said quoting the polls, it would self as the nucleus of the next rul- be a clear loser. ing alliance, saying the momentum in support for Narendra Modi could attract any ally.

Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley said BJP's eventual tally will be higher than the forecast of pollsters and suggested that NDA led by it could even reach the majority figure on its own.

"These large crowds at Modi rallies are bringing a clear message -the front-runner's score eventually will even be higher than what the pollsters Arun Jaitley are capturing. If Modi's rating are over 50 percent, surely every state is impacted by it. I won't be surprised if the last “If Modi's rating are mile eventually takes care of it- over 50 percent, surely self," he said in a statement.

Noting that there are larger every state is impacted state groups which have tradi- by it. I won't be surtionally pursued non-Congress politics in states, he said prised if the last mile the choice of aligning with eventually takes care Congress at the Centre either by giving or taking support is of itself," he said not a long-term option for them.

"It cannot be the nucleus of an "These groups have to make a alliance." clear choice. They either align in The Third Front and the FedDelhi with NDA or follow Con- eral front have too many claimants, gress option," he said. he said, adding there is hardly a He said BJP-led alliance was large single claimant with presseemingly the only viable claim- ence in more than one state. -PTI

Top Stories

February 28, 2014

India Post

11

www.indiapost.com

Shinde denies saying 'crush Mukesh Ambani refutes AAP allegations electronic media' SHOLAPUR, Maharashtra: After threatening to "crush" the electronic media, Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde did a U-turn, claiming he was referring to the social media and not journalists.

"I have recording of my speech. I was referring to social media and the violence incited against students from the Northeast in Hyderabad and Karnataka.

My comments were not about journalism", he said here.

Shinde had stoked a controversy by threatening to "crush" the electronic media, alleging a section of it was unnecessarily provoking the Congress by indulging in "false propaganda" against it.

The outburst by Shinde, a Congress leader who hails from Maharashtra's Sholapur district, came at a Youth Congress event.

Shinde, who is a Lok Sabha MP from Sholapur, alleged that since the last four months a section of the electronic media is "manipulating" news about him and his party.

The video footage of his remarks along with his clarification were aired by news channels.

"What is happening in the electronic media largely I am aware of it. In the last four months there have been efforts by the media to provoke us (Congress). We will crush such elements in the electronic media, which are indulging

in false propaganda, if it did not stop" he said.

The Home Minister also left no one guessing when he said that he had got inputs from intelligence agencies about a section of the media.

Sushilkumar Shinde

"I have the intelligence department under me. I know who is doing such things. I know what is happening. Some forces are behind this," he added but did not elaborate.

Shinde's remarks came against the backdrop of a series of opinion polls in the national and regional media which predicted a poor showing for the Congress in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls while forecasting a big win for BJP

Indian doctor loses latest bid to stay in Australia MELBOURNE: An India-born doctor, convicted of sexually assaulting a patient while working at an Australian hospital, has lost his bid to stay in the country.

A Federal Court judge dismissed Suhail Durani's plea, but his defense lawyer Shahid Shakur said they intend to take the case to the full bench of the court.

Durani, 36, has been fighting to stay in Perth since he was released from jail after serving more than 18 months for sexually abusing a 19-year-old girl at Royal Perth Hospital in 2010.

"He's utterly disappointed of course. He has been in detention now for nearly six months and at the time of the judgment obviously we expected a different decision," Shakur was quoted as saying in an ABC report.

"We respect the decision. It's obviously appealable but it will depend on the counsel's advice,"

under Narendra Modi.

Urging the media to focus on positive stories, which will be welcomed by the people, Shinde said the people of the country will not accept those dividing the country by disturbing society.-PTI

he said.

His client who had a wife and young son, had an arguable case, he said.

"We believe that the Minister has made the errors. While we respect the judgment of his Honor, as soon as we have the counsel advice and we have read the reasoning for the decision, we will be in a decision to take further steps," he said adding "We have not been able to read the judgment as yet."

Shakur said Durani was not yet facing deportation and would remain in detention until the appeal process is resolved.

"If he doesn't appeal then he faces deportation under the law, but if he appeals against the decision he does not obviously," he said.

"As we understand, appeals can take up to six months," Shakur said. -PTI

NEW DELHI: Refuting AAP allegations, Reliance Industries Ltd has said neither the company nor its Chairman Mukesh Ambani holds any illegitimate accounts anywhere in the world.

Aam Admi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had at an election rally in Rohtak in Haryana read out numbers of what he claimed were two Swiss bank accounts belonging to Mukesh and Anil Ambani.

"RIL strongly denies all allegations made by AAP against Reliance and Mr Mukesh Ambani in their public meeting recently," the company said in a statement.

"As stated earlier, it is being reiterated that neither Reliance Industries Limited nor Mr Mukesh Ambani have or had any illegitimate accounts anywhere in the world," it said.

The company said it has business interests in several countries with turnover of thousands of

crores of rupees.

"As a part of their normal business, these international subsidiaries of RIL deal with several global banks. These accounts are fully compliant with all regulations and are disclosed in their appropriate jurisdictions and in India," the statement said.

RIL said the allegations being leveled against it by AAP and its leaders appear to be instigated by vested interests.

"The continued tirade of baseless allegations being made by AAP against us appears to be instigated by vested interests," it said.

Days before quitting as Delhi Chief Minister, Kejriwal had ordered FIRs to be registered against RIL, Mukesh Ambani, Oil Minister M Veerappa Moily among others for creating artificial scarcity of natural gas in the country and jacking up prices.PTI

Try us once, BJP to Muslims NEW DELHI: Reaching out to Muslims ahead of Lok Sabha elections, BJP has asked the community to give it a chance and not go by the "propaganda" spread by Congress while promising to stand for equality and apologies for any "mistake" or shortcoming in the past.

"Please note that whenever, wherever if there has been any

mistake and shortcoming on our part, I assure you that we will apologies to you by bowing our heads," said BJP Chief Rajnath Singh while addressing a gathering of Muslims here.

Singh said BJP was not against Muslims and the community should not go by the propaganda against it. He asked them to vote for BJP this time for the sake of

the nation.

"Try us once. We don't come up to your expectations, don't look at us ever again," he said at the event "Modi for PM - Mission 272+ role of Muslims" here.

The BJP chief asked the Muslim community not to vote for electing a government but for a strong nation where brotherhood and humanity shall prevail.-PTI

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, center, speaks to reporters outside the White House in Washington, Monday, Feb. 24, following a meeting between President Barack Obama and members of the National Governors Association (NGA). From left are, Maryland Gov. Martin OMalley, NGA Chair, Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin, Jindal, Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin, and Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy

Tech News High exports, farm output improve confidence NEW DELHI: After a slide in the second quarter of the current fiscal, higher exports, enhanced farm produce and moderation in inflation improved business confidence during the October-December period, think-tank NCAER has said.

The Business Confidence Index (BCI) rose by about 21.8 per cent in the January 2014 survey over the previous quarter, National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) said in a latest study. BCI increased to 122.3 points from 100.4 in July-September quarter, 2013-14.

There was a continued slide in business sentiment through 201213 on concerns of slower growth coupled with high inflation, it said.

However, business conditions witnessed some fluctuations in 2013-14 as "exports improved, agricultural output grew combined with signs of moderation of inflation rate."

"The BCI...reflects these fluctuations as it shows significant improvement in its latest survey for the third quarter of FY13-14 following a decline in the previous quarter," it said.-PTI

Many new CEOs expected to be 'external hires' NEW DELHI: Quest for innovative ideas in a highly competitive environment is pushing a large number of Indian firms to look beyond their organizations, and even the sector, while recruiting chief executives.

According to a study by executive search firm MANCER Consulting, as much as 30 per cent of the new CEOs this year are expected to be 'external hires' as companies seek candidates who have a global approach, along with proven capabilities and experience, which may not be available in their internal talent pool.

Presently, external hirings for the top job have been mostly observed among the young sectors such as e-commerce, automobiles, technology and aviation, while the trend has also emerged with growth of small and medium enterprises and entry of foreign corporates, experts said.

However, mature industries such as Banking and Financial sector firms as well as manufacturing entities have not often gone outside the industry to recruit their leaders. Experts are of the view that companies have a greater tendency to hire externally when they face some crisis or there is a need for change.-PTI

TechBiz 12 India Post

www.indiapost.com

February 28, 2014

General of Canada David Johnston shakes hands with MoS Commerce and Industry EMS Natchiappan during a business meeting in New Delhi on February 24

India may take US to WTO if included in priority country list NEW DELHI: India is likely to drag the US to WTO if America includes it in the 'Priority Foreign Country' list for intellectual property rights, a development that could further escalate trade tensions between the two.

The US industry and trade lobbies are putting pressure on their government to put India under this list, sources said.

Officials here said the demand is "completely wrong" as India's intellectual property rights are complaint with global laws, including the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Under the US Trade Act, a Priority Foreign Country is the worst classification given to those which deny adequate and effective protection of intellectual property rights (IPR) or fair and equitable market access to the US persons relying on IPR protection.

Inclusion into this list leads to trade sanctions.

"If the US does that, then India probably will have no option but drag them to the WTO's dispute settlement mechanism," an official said.

The US International Trade

Commission (USITC), a quasi-judicial federal American agency, has already initiated an investigation against India's trade and investment policies. It has alleged that New Delhi's laws discriminate against the US companies.

"The country's IPR (intellectual property rights) laws are fully compliant with WTO. If America

dragged India on the country's national solar program.

The Obama administration has been strongly criticizing India's investment climate and IPR laws, especially in the pharmaceuticals and solar sectors.

The USITC wanted to meet Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh

sell cancer-treatment drug 'Nexavar' at a price over 30 times lower than charged by patentholder Bayer Corporation.

The USITC has raised this issue besides the rejection of patent to Bristol-Myers Squibb's Sprycel and Novartis' Gleevec. It has stated that Indian IPR laws are not Trade Related Aspects of Intellec-

The USITC wanted to meet Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia, 15 secretaries and 6-7 joint secretary level officers from ministries including DIPP, Animal Husbandry, Health, Telecommunication, Commerce and Health. has any issue with our laws, they can raise that in the WTO," the official said.

To follow up the probe, USITC officials have sought a meeting with Indian officials. However, the government has rejected the request.

India and the US are fighting several cases in WTO's dispute panel. Recently the US has

Ahluwalia, 15 secretaries and 6-7 joint secretary level officers from ministries including DIPP, Animal Husbandry, Health, Telecommunication, Commerce and Health.

American pharma companies had objected India's move to issue a compulsory license (CL) in March, 2012 to Hyderabad-based Natco Pharma to manufacture and

tual Property Rights (TRIPS) compliant under the WTO. Swiss pharma major Novartis AG had lost a legal battle for getting its blood cancer drug Gleevec patented in India and to restrain Indian companies from manufacturing generic drugs. The Supreme Court had rejected the multinational company's plea last year. -PTI

India ups exposure to US securities to USD 68.5 bn WASHINGTON: Increasing its exposure for the third straight month, India owned American government securities worth USD 68.5 billion at the end of December 2013.

India has been slowly raising its holding of US Treasury bills since September when the same was worth USD 56.8 billion - even as the developing world is apprehensive about the Federal Reserve's move to taper the stimulus program.

Latest data from the US Treasury Department show that India's holding rose to USD 68.5 billion in December last year from USD 63.9 billion in November.

The holding stood at USD 59.9 billion in October 2013.

Except for India, all other BRICS nations trimmed their ex-

posure to American government securities in December. Other countries in the grouping are Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa.

During that period, China, the largest holder of such securities, cut its exposure to USD 1.27 tril-

preceding month.

Besides, Russia cut its exposure to USD 138.6 billion while South Africa's holding was marginally down to USD 11.3 billion.

In November last, these countries held securities to the tune of USD 139.9 billion and USD 11.7 billion,

The holding stood at USD 59.9 billion in October 2013. Except for India, all other BRICS nations trimmed their exposure to American government securities in December. Other countries in the grouping are Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa. lion from USD 1.32 trillion in November 2013.

Brazil also slashed its holding to USD 245.4 billion in December from USD 246.9 billion recorded in

respectively.

Japan continues to be the second largest holder of American treasury bills with holdings worth USD 1.182 trillion in December

last. It also slightly trimmed exposure from USD 1.186 trillion seen in November 2013.

American economy is on the recovery path and its GDP has been improving in recent quarters.

The country's real gross domestic product (GDP) increased 3.2 per cent in the three months ended December 2013, as per advanced estimates of the US government.

"Current-dollar GDP - the market value of the nation's output of goods and services - increased 4.6 per cent, or USD 189.6 billion, in the fourth quarter (ended December last year) to a level of USD 17,102.5 billion," the Bureau of Economic Analysis had said last month. PTI

TechBiz Post

February 28, 2014

India Post

13

www.indiapost.com

Samsung's new smartwatches have fitness features BARCELONA, Spain: Samsung has unveiled two new computerized wristwatches, this time including health sensors and related fitness features to give people a reason to buy one.

Samsung's first Galaxy Gear smartwatch came out last fall amid much fanfare, but it landed with a thud in the marketplace. Samsung and its smartwatch rivals had failed to persuade many consumers that they need to be able to constantly check messages from their wrists.

Wearable devices that succeeded tended to be fitness products such as the Fitbit.

The new Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo will have a heart rate sensor, a pedometer and various tools to measure exercise, sleep and stress levels. The low-resolution, 2megapixel camera on the Gear 2 is being moved to the main body; it was on the strap on the original Gear. The Gear 2 Neo has no camera and is slightly larger, but lighter. Available colors are also slightly different.

It's unclear whether the new watches will continually display the time. In the original Gear, that was shut off to save battery,

which lasted just a day. The new watches promise two or three days under normal use, putting them more in line with what rivals offer.

Samsung didn't announce prices for the new watches, but

The move gives some credence to a fledging system that Samsung and other backers want to see on all sorts of devices, including televisions, refrigerators and cars.

Samsung already has a Tizen cam-

said they would be available in April. The original cost $300.

Samsung Electronics Co. announced the new watches before the Mobile World Congress wireless show in Barcelona.

The company decided to make the latest smartwatches with a little-known operating system called Tizen OS, instead of the Android system from Google used in the original Gear, as the South Korean electronics company tries to break the dominance Google has on mobile devices.

era out, but a Tizen phone has yet to emerge, despite expectations of one last year. For now, Samsung is putting Tizen on a smartwatch instead.

Although Google gives away Android for any manufacturer to use in its gadgets, it's loaded with a range of Google services, including stores for apps, music and video. Samsung is trying to promote its own stores as well and ends up confusing users by including two of everything.

Samsung unveils smart cameras with NFC, WiFi NEW DELHI: Korean electronics major Samsung has unveiled a new range of smart cameras with advanced NFC and Wi-Fi capabilities priced in the range of Rs 12,49021,290 for the Indian market.

The cameras come pre-loaded with suite of standard Smart Mode and Smart Auto Mode features, which allows the user to capture photographs with an unparalleled level of customization and functionality, Samsung said in a release.

Smart Mode allows for a number of different customization and personalization settings, while Smart Auto analyses shooting environments and selects the most optimal settings for any situation, it added.

"The new line-up includes the WB35F, WB50F, WB350F and WB1100F offering superb image quality and next-generation sharing capability, offering photographers of all abilities a great way to capture and share their world," it said.

Besides, the brand new Tag & Go feature takes sharing seamlessly connects the cameras with smartphones by touching the two devices together, no configu-

ration is required.

The Photo Beam feature immediately transfers the image being viewed on the camera to a

smartphone or tablet, while AutoShare saves images straight to the device in real time, removing the burden of manually backing up pictures.

"Remote Viewfinder offers flexibility when setting up shots, as the camera can be controlled via a smartphone to act as a viewfinder, while Mobile Link allows transfer of selected images to smartphones, making sharing quick and easy," Samsung said. -PTI

To prevent Google from having a similar dominance in wearable devices and other gadgets beyond phones and tablets, Samsung is pushing Tizen OS as an alternative.

But before Tizen can take off, Samsung needs the new Gear to be a success.

The original Gear worked with selected Samsung phones to display email and text alerts. It also had a camera on the strap for lowresolution photos and a speakerphone on the watch to make calls, Dick Tracy-style. The Gear's 1.6inch screen keeps the watch small enough - at least for men - to work as a fashion accessory. Straps came in six colors.

The device had many short-

comings, however.

Its $300 price tag was 50 percent higher than what Sony Corp. charges for its SmartWatch 2. And the Gear worked only with selected Samsung phones - in fact just one model when it launched while watches from Sony and Qualcomm Inc. work with a greater pool of Android devices from a variety of manufacturers.

In addition, app selection on the Gear was limited, while the apps that were available fell short on functionality. Although the Gear was supposed to offer quick access to information so you don't have to constantly pull out your phone, many of the alerts simply tell you to return to the phone to read a new message. -AP

14

TechBiz Post

India Post

February 28, 2014

www.indiapost.com

Facebook's Zuckerberg is the new mobile king BARCELONA: Billionaire 29year-old Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg stars in the mobile industry's biggest fair, fresh from his USD 19 billion takeover of smartphone messenger WhatsApp. The keynote speaker at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, Zuckerberg has come a long way in the mobile world in a short time.

When Facebook sold its shares to the public in an initial public offering in May 2012, "it literally had no mobile advertising revenues," said Eden Zoller, analyst at the research house Ovum.

"It did actually have a pretty strong mobile user base at IPO but what it had failed to do at that time was actually monetize those mo-

bile users," she said.

At the time of the float, worries over the lack of money coming in from the mobile business sent Facebook's shares sliding.

But the social network - boasting more than 1.2 billion members - quickly repaired its strategy.

By the end of 2013, mobile devices accounted for 53 per cent of Facebook's advertising revenue, bringing in USD 1.2 billion in the last quarter and more than USD 3 billion over the whole year.

However mobile advertising can be "highly intrusive", Zoller cautioned, especially if it interrupts a user's engagement with an application.

"You have to be very careful."

Nevertheless, the social network needs to keep up the momen-

Mark Zuckerberg

tum, the analyst said.

"It can't be complacent. On the mobile front it is particularly important. Consumers have an in-

G20 to rev up global GDP; address India's concerns SYDNEY: World's top 20 nations have pledged to boost global growth by 2 per cent, or over USD 2 trillion, over five years, and agreed to work on automatic tax information flow and IMF reforms - meeting key demands of India.

it said.

A satisfied Indian Finance Minister P Chidambaram later told PTI: "The communique has been drawn by the deputies sitting together and I think our concerns have been fully reflected in the communique".

Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Christine Lagarde gestures as she delivers a closing statement to the media during a press conference at the G-20 in Sydney

The communique, issued after the G20 finance ministers and central bank governors meet, also took into account concerns of emerging economies, like India, about the impact of US stimulus withdrawal by asking central banks to calibrate and clearly communicate monetary policies.

"We will develop ambitious but realistic policies with the aim to lift our collective GDP by more than 2 per cent above the trajectory implied by current policies over the coming 5 years. This is over USD 2 trillion more in real terms and will lead to significant additional jobs,"

The G20 ministerial joint statement committed a global response to Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) based on sound tax policy principles.

"We endorse the Common Reporting Standard for automatic exchange of tax information on a reciprocal basis and will work with all relevant parties...," it said.

The G20 also expressed hope that it will implement the automatic tax exchange information among themselves by 2015.

Facing challenges to get transborder details on tax issues, India has been pressing for smooth ex-

change of financial information.

The G20 also expressed "deep regret" over delay in IMF quota reforms implementation as the US is yet to ratify it.

"Our highest priority remains ratifying the 2010 reforms, and we urge the US to do so before our next meeting in April," the twopage communique said.

Quota reforms, which were to be implemented by January 2014, will increase the say of emerging economies in IMF. On monetary policies, the communique said they need to remain accommodative in many advanced economies, and should normalize in due course, with the timing being conditional on the outlook for price stability and economic growth.

"All our central banks maintain their commitment that monetary policy settings will continue to be carefully calibrated and clearly communicated, in the context of ongoing exchange of information and being mindful of impacts on the global economy," it said.

In an interview to The Australian Financial Review, Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan said New Delhi is well placed to weather financial crisis and argued that the central banks of developed nations must also keep in mind emerging nations while framing monetary policies.

"I don't think we can proceed forward saying everybody is in their own boat and they sink or swim alone," he said in reference to the need for advanced nations, like the US, to take heed of countries vulnerable to the stimulus withdrawal. -PTI

creasing number of social media and social messaging alternatives to Facebook."

The company still has a weak

point, however, she added: its failure to carve out a strong position in mobile payment systems, which are expected to show strong growth in the next few years.

Nonetheless, Facebook is clearly building a base for further revenue growth.

Last week, the social network announced its takeover of WhatsApp, which followed last year's smaller purchase of online photograph-sharing site Instagram.

"Facebook is paying for one of the fastest growing audiences in history WhatsApp is now nearing half a billion users globally - and the monetization potential that that brings," said Guillermo Escofet of research house Informa. -AFP

G20 agree to plug tax loopholes, share tax info SYDNEY: World's 20 leading members by the end of 2015." economies have agreed to start Finance Minister P automatic sharing of tax infor- Chidambaram told PTI that Inmation by end 2015, while em- dia has a huge stake in the auphasizing that multinational tomatic exchange of information corporations be taxed in coun- for the tax purposes as well as tries where they earn their prof- BEPS project. its.

Some global companies, Amid large number of tax Australian Treasurer Joe avoidance cases, India and Hockey, said, "...aren't paying other economies have been their fair share of tax anywhere. pressing for effective system We want a global response". for getting financial information The G20 asked all tax jurisfrom other nations, especially dictions that have not yet comlow tax jurisdictions.

Shifting corpoAmid large number of tax rate profits from high-tax countries avoidance cases, India and to low tax jurisdic- other economies have been tions is being debated worldwide in pressing for effective system the backdrop of for getting financial informaseveral large MNCs not paying tion from other nations, esfair share of taxes pecially low tax jurisdictions. anywhere.

"We are committed to a global response to plied with the existing standard Base Erosion and Profit Shift- for exchange of information on ing (BEPS) based on sound tax request to do so and sign the policy principles. Profits should Multilateral Convention on be taxed where economic activi- Mutual Administrative Assisties deriving the profits are per- tance in Tax Matters. formed and where value is cre"We will engage with, and ated," said the communique is- support low-income and develsued after the meeting of G20 oping countries so that they finance ministers and central benefit from our work on tax," banks governors concluded. the communique added.

While endorsing Common It said by the Brisbane sumReporting Standard for auto- mit in September, G20 members matic exchange of tax informa- will start to deliver effective, tion on a reciprocal basis, G20 practical and sustainable measaid: "We expect to begin to sures to counter BEPS across exchange information automati- all industries in an increasingly cally on tax matters among G20 globalize economy. -PTI

February 28, 2014

TechBiz Post

India Post

15

www.indiapost.com

Chidambaram satisfied with G20 outcome SYDNEY: Satisfied with the outcome of G20 meeting, Finance Minister P Chidambaram has said India's concerns with regard to withdrawal of US stimulus and the need to expedite IMF quota reforms have been taken on board by the group of rich and developing nations.

"The communique has been drawn by the deputies sitting together and our concerns have been fully reflected in the communique," he told PTI in an interview after conclusion of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meet.

The Minister said "yes", when asked whether he was satisfied with the G20 communique.

The communique was released at the end of the conference which among others was attended by Finance Ministers of several important countries including the US, Japan, France and Australia.

Representatives of global bodies like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and European Central Bank also participated in the conference.

Collectively G20 represents 85 per cent of the global economy.

India, Chidambaram said, has expressed concern over impact of monetary easing by the US Federal Reserve on the developing

Reserve Bank Governor Raghuram Rajan speaks with Finance Minister P. Chidambaram during the opening session of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting in Sydney

countries and underlined the need to expedite the IMF quota reforms which seeks to give greater say to emerging economies in the multilateral lending body. "...when countries withdraw from quantitative easing they should keep in mind the spillovers on the developing countries," he said.

Emerging economies followed the advice of the IMF when the major economies went through a period of downturn after the 2008 global financial crisis, Chidambaram said.

"So when they (developed world) sought

Indian CEOs' confidence is 'muted' this year NEW DELHI: Business leaders in India looking at new markets to grow revenues continue to be confident of growth pros- as well as to improve their competitive popects, although their enthusiasm is muted sition. in comparison with earlier years, a survey These new markets include venturing

by PwC has found. across borders as well as tapping new pockAccording to the 17th Annual Global ets of opportunities within India driven by CEO Survey (India report), rapid urbanization and ris49 per cent CEOs continue ing incomes in rural and to be confident of growth semi-rural regions. prospects in the short Over-regulation was term (12 months) and 70 considered as a common per cent are very confident threat for Indian as well as of revenue growth over the global CEOs, while exnext three years. change rate volatility and Ten years ago, CEOs the availability of key from India were the most skills are concerns specific confident of all CEOs and to India. this trend continued till last The survey said the year. However, this year in three mega trends that are Deepak Kapoor terms of CEO optimism, Inlikely to impact and shape dia lags behind countries businesses in the long term like Korea, Taiwan, the Middle East, Russia include technological advances, demographic and Africa, the report said. shifts and shifts in global economic power.

The report further noted that India still "For CEOs in India, radical changes are figures in the plans of global companies, underway. The interplay between the several countries consider India important megatrends will yield opportunity as well for overall growth. as challenge," Deepak Kapoor, Chairman Moreover, CEOs in India have started PwC India network of entities said. -PTI

our cooperation during the economic downturn it is only fair that they cooperate with developing countries during the economic recovery," he said, while referring to the remarks of German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble that India should not attribute its problems to monetary polices

of developed nations.

As regards the tapering by the US Federal Reserve, Chidambaram said the concerns of the emerging economies have been acknowledged by the G20 and it was "for the US to follow up and address the concerns of the developing countries."

The US Fed's tapering has caused flight of capital out of emerging economies and in turn hammering their currencies.

On the general mood at the G20 conference, which was taking place in the backdrop of IMF projecting acceleration of global growth to 4 per cent next year from 3.7 per cent in 2013, he said, "the general mood is cautious...(it is) cautiously optimistic."

Taking on board India's concern with regard to the impact of tapering, the communique said that, "all central banks (will) maintain their commitment that monetary policy settings will continue to be carefully calibrated and clearly communicated, in the context of ongoing exchange of information and being mindful of impacts on the global economy." -PTI

Desi News Sizzling Asian Wedding Expo on March 2 RITU MAHESHWARI India Post News Service

A

s the South Asian community gets stronger, there is increasing integration between Indian community here and latest cultural trends. Grand Asian Wedding Expo being organized in Sacramento is one such exquisite event.

Gorgeous Bollywood actress Preity Zinta will grace the occasion and Sangya Lakhan Pal will showcase the latest bridal outfits and lead the show. Many local and Indian fashion designers and jewelers will participate. The admission is free. Also there is free parking, bridal registry, photo booth, raffle prizes, live DJ, and performances.

The event is being held at Red Lion Hotel Woodlake, 500 Leisure Lane, Sacramento, CA 95815.

Brahma Kumaris Meditation Center celebrates Shivratri India Post News Service

MILPITAS, CA: Over 400 people from across the Bay area and beyond celebrated the Maha Shivratri program held by the Brahma Kumaris Silicon Valley Meditation Center (BK) at the Jain Center, Milpitas, California on Saturday, February 22.

One of the highlights of the evening was the drama, "Paradise Reborn", that entertained the audience resulting in plenty of laughter. The drama was written, produced, directed and performed by the BK Brothers and Sisters. It depicted how a serene and happy human life in the Satyug (Golden Age) goes through the degradation to the constantly stressful life created by the struggle with greed, attachment, ego, anger and lust in today's Kalyug (Iron Age).

Details on page 22

People yearn for change, says Gen VK Singh RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: India is set for a change at the helm because a vast majority of people want the change. Bogged down by scandals, corruption and declining moral values, people are fed up to the hilt and are yearning for better times.

Details on page 19

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA www.indiapost.com

16 India Post

$1.5 million Sanatan Mandir coming up in Tampa

February 28, 2014

Details on page 20

New White House efforts to expand opportunities for AAPIs India Post News Service

WASHINGTON: Building on themes outlined in President Obama's State of the Union address to Congress last month, White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) Executive Director Kiran Ahuja has announced new plans to expand opportunities at the national level and increase community engagement at the local level.

Joining Kiran Ahuja were Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Director Konrad Ng, and White House Office of Public Engagement Advisor Gautam

AAPI Executive Director Kiran Ahuja with Indian Americans and others in Chicago

White House Office of Public Engagement Advisor Gautam Raghavan

Raghavan, regional federal officials and community leaders across the country on the Google + Hangout.

They discussed the Initiative's ongoing work to improve the quality of life of AAPIs and expanding access to federal resources and opportunities. The meet outlined key elements of a re-

gional strategy designed to build upon the Initiative's success over the past four years in improving access to services and protections for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders across the country.

Ahuja said the Initiative is providing the building blocks toward accessible education, affordable health care, and secure retirements for all. And that they are building

on what they've learned and done nationally and offering new ideas to meet the demands of the nation's fastest growing demographic.

"A better America is possible, one with policies that strengthen us and a government that serves all of us, including the AAPI community" said Ahuja.

Cont’d on page 19

Indians support Sercye for Cook County Commissioner SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: A good number of Indian businessmen, professionals, and community leaders met here to show their support for Blake Sercye, a Democrat running for Cook County Commissioner from District 1. The meet was held on Sunday February 23 at Kinderhook Tap, Oak Park, a Chicago suburb.

Blake Sercye, 27, an associate at the law firm Jenner & Block LLC, is a rising star in Cook County Democratic politics and has received a rare dual endorsement from Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.

Cont’d on page 19

People in the picture (L-R): Joe Langley, James Pappachen, Geeta Singh, Sreenivas Katragadda, Blake Sercye, Krishna Mushyam, Dhenu Savla, Anil Saldhana, Jagan Bukkaraju and sitting: Venkata Majeti

February 28, 2014

Community Across America

India Post 17

www.indiapost.com

DuPage Democrats celebrate Presidents' Day ASIAN MEDIA USA

CHICAGO: The Democratic Party of Dupage County celebrated Presidents' Day 2014 with a Gala party on Saturday February 22 at Carlisle Banquets, Lombard, a southwest suburb of Chicago. This year's theme was "Rebuilding the Middle Class,

Duckworth, State Senator (and State treasurer candidate) Mike Frehrichs plus several Democratic candidates running for county, state and national offices in the upcoming election. Among them were Mike Quiroz, candidate for Dupage County Sheriff, Jean Kaczmarek candidate for Dupage County Clerk, Moon Khan, candidate for Dupage County Board from District 4 and Pamela Miles, candidate for Dupage County Board from District 3, Shannon Burns for Forest preserve in District 6 and Laurie Nowak for County Board District 6.

Cont’d on page 20

Dr Ram Gajjela (IADO Past President) and Bob Peickert (Chairman of The Democratic Party of DuPage County)

Rebuilding the American Dream." Over 300 members and guests attended this exciting program.

The Master of Ceremony, Bob Peickert, Chair of the Democratic Party of Dupage County welcomed the guests and thanked them for supporting DPDC. The program began with Senator Dick Durbin's initial remarks where he asked IL Democrats to work together in a coordinated effort to help elect Governor Quinn and his running mate Paul Vallas in the next election.

Paul Vallas, in his brief address, commended the efforts of Governor Quinn in creating more jobs, expanding early childhood education programs, improving K-12 and special education programs, creating funding for veterans benefits and implementing Medicaid reform in Illinois. He assured his full support to continue the work that is in progress and ensure financial growth of our state.

Prominent leaders from the Democratic Party who attended the gala include Senator Dick Durbin, State Senators Dan Kotowski, Stefanie Kifowit and Michael Noland, Congresswoman Tammy

Jitendra Digvenkar and Raja Krishnamoorthy, two Democratic party activists at Presidents' Day Gala 2014

The Democratic Party of DuPage County officers and volunteers

18 India Post

February 28, 2014 www.indiapost.com

February 28, 2014

Community Across America

India Post 19

www.indiapost.com

People yearn for change, says Gen VK Singh RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: India is set for a change at the helm because a vast majority of people want the change. Bogged down by scandals, corruption and declining moral values, people are fed up to the hilt and are yearning for better times.

The most important thing, said retired Indian Amy Chief of Staff General VK Singh, that is sought now may come from the top. But he emphasized what is more important is it has to come from the grassroots level to make the impact solid and permanent. It is with this end in view that a group of right minded Indians have banded together to seek the grassroots level changes sending their message direct to the people, cutting political and party lines.

Singh, with a group of like minded activists and with the blessings of Gandhian activist Anna Hazare, has launched Jantantra Morcha, a non-political group attempting to reach a consensus on 25 doable projects. The Morcha will touch base with all political groups and those who commit to their implementation, irrespective of their party affiliations, will get its support. It is in this context that the Morcha has announced supporting the candidacy of retired judge Santosh Hegde, seeking Parliamentary seat from Karnataka, he said.

Singh was in Chicago as part of his brief visit to USA and was talking to Indian news media at Mysore Woodland restaurant on Gandhi Marg in the city. He addressed a group of students and faculty members at the Kellogg School of Business at Evanston and he was interviewed on a variety of topics, including Anna Hazare, Arvind Kejriwal, rampant corruption, electoral challenges,

dismal state of Indian politics, and the role of the armed forces. He distributed copies of his signed autobiography, released last October, titled "Courage and Conviction" to the press corps He asserted that his group is for change but it is not supporting any particular candidate or a party. He refused to comment on Narendra Modi or BJP chance to head the government next year and merely observed that the people

of political campaigning, Singh spoke of their word-to-mouth rallies attracting 15K people waiting for 5-7 hours to hear the speakers.

After such time-consuming public-funded mobile tours (yatra) across northwest and north India to awaken the masses, Singh now deems it more effective "to focus on consensus building among all the political parties on at least 17 points."

However, only Mamata

Sercye also has good ties with the Indian-American Community, serving on the advisory board of Indo-American Community Services (IACS), a not for profit organization that seeks to nurture and foster the development of the South Asian community in the region through job fairs, women's empowerment forums, student internships and professional networking opportunities "Our coalition is diverse and

those present with his simplicity and sagacity, but doubts still lingered if he would succeed without a broad based organizational support.

Singh became the 26th Chief of Army Staff on 31 March 2010 and is the first commando to be promoted General. He also has the distinction of being the first serving Indian military chief to take the Government to court for miss-recording his date of birth resulting in early retirement.

New White House efforts to expand opportunities for AAPIs Cont’d from page 16

General VK Singh

need a change and it is up to them to decide who should don the crown.

Singh's Jantantra Morcha, patronized by veteran Hazare on January 31 last year, is a social reform movement which has begun to make a dent with the people at large. It traveled to hundreds of villages in North India and the response everywhere was "overwhelming". Despite the absence

Banerjee, who heads the Trinamool Congress, has responded positively. Now that Lok Pal (ombudsman) Bill has been passed, the Morcha is looking to field a clean popular capable candidate that all other parties could support. Morcha initially would support two to four candidates per State to start with and then slowly broaden the base so that real democracy takes deep root and does

Indians support Sercye for Cook County Commissioner Cont’d from page 16

not end when the elections get over.

Singh showed his displeasure with Aam Admi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal for his diatribe against Anna and antics of his party workers seeking to torpedo Morcha's yatra in North Indian villages. He was also critical of lack of change in bureaucratic approach and colonial attitude displayed by the ruling junta which includes not only political leaders but also bureaucrats. Singh impressed all

representative of the entire 1st District" said Sercye, pointing to the number and diversity of organizations supporting him.

District 1 includes parts of Chicago's westside, Oak Park, Forest Park, Maywood, Westchester, Hillside, Bellwood and Broadview. March 18th is the Primary election date.

This well attended Meet and Greet Fundraiser was organized by a group of Indian professionals including Anil Saldhana, Venkata Majeti, Krishna Mushyam, Jagan

Bukkaraju and Praveen Medikundam and Sreenivas Katragadda.

Sercye holds a J.D. from University of Chicago Law School and an A.B. from Princeton University.

He is also a member of Illinois Medical District Commission, a position to which he was appointed by Gov. Pat Quinn. He had served as Field Coordinator for Governor Pat Quinn's 2010 campaign for governor and also Political Director for Rahm Emanuel's 2011 mayoral campaign.

"We're reinforcing relationships, forging coalitions, bolstering institutions and the capacity of community based organizations in order to ensure the federal government better serves us all."

Ahuja said regional interagency working groups of officials representing more than 20 federal agencies and sub-agencies have been formed and trained to work with Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

Regional working groups in New York, Chicago, Boston, San Francisco and Los Angeles have already hit the ground running. In the last few months, they heard directly from community members about their challenges and have started to demystify the work of the federal government and its programs and services and create new partnerships with community leaders.

To solicit feedback on the plans, the Initiative launched an interactive module where the public can "like" specific aspects of each

plan and make comments about particular activities. The feedback module will be open until March 31, 2014 and can be found on aapi.ideascale.com.

HERITAGEMONTH During the Hangout, Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center director Konrad Ng announced its theme for this year's Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May: "I Am Beyond." Its aim is to recognize the depth, breadth and richness of America's Asian Pacific heritage, he said On October 14, 2009, President Barack Obama signed the Executive Order reestablishing the White House Initiative on AAPI (Initiative). Chaired by U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan and led by Executive Director Kiran Ahuja. It works to improve the quality of life and opportunities for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders by facilitating increased access to and participation in federal programs where they remain underserved.

Community Across America

20 India Post

February 28, 2014

www.indiapost.com

$1.5 million Sanatan Mandir coming up in Tampa

Prototype of proposed $1.5 million Sanatan Mandir

RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Indian Americans in Tampa, FL, came in large numbers along with the Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn to take part in a ground breaking ceremony organized by Hindu Samaj for establishing a new $1.5 million 10,600 square feet Sanatan Mandir. It is a dream coming true for many a resident there.

It would also have been a dream come true for late Sadhu Ram Rattan, father of one of the prominent

parcel of land that housed a Jewish synagogue in mid nineties, was one of the prime movers behind the temple project donating the land for Sanatan Mandir and community center. In a talk to this paper, Dr Rattan said that Tampa city had long back cleared the building of this new temple which will have five shikhars visible from Interstate 275. Besides, it will have a state-of-the-art audiovisual system and community center for conducting many a social and religious events.

Dr Kiran Patel explaining Mandir project details to Mayor Bob

community activists Dr Pawan Rattan since it was he who had goaded his son to divide his busy time in medical practice and spiritual pursuit equally, as Moksha is the ultimate aim for all humans irrespective of their religious beliefs.

Dr Rattan, who had bought a

The construction for the Mandir would commence very soon, he said, adding that it will house Hindu deities - Ganesh Ji, Ram Parivar, Shri Hanumanji, Radha Krishna, Goddess Durga and Sai Baba. "It will be functioning in less than a year from the

Dr Pawan Rattan, Pankaj Patel (Temple President) and Pandit Rushi Vyas.Pics courtesy Dr Rattan and Tampa Bay Times

Ground breaking ceremony for the Mandir. People in the Picture are (L-R) Dilip Kanji, one of the founders of Indo-US Chamber of Commerce, Dr Rattan, Dr Veena Rattan, two daughters of Mayor Bob Buckhorn followed by the Mayor, Dr Pallavi and Dr Kiran Patel and guests

time construction starts as we have large support from our community," he said Citing two examples reflecting huge support of the community he pointed out that on the day the ground breaking ceremony was slated a devotee - Bimal Agarwal with his wife Ranjana - announced a hefty donation of $50,000. Besides, a good number of devotees have promised to bear the cost involved in the making and transportation of idols of deities from India, he said.

Among the dignitaries present along with Mayor Bob Buckhorn were Dr Kiran and Dr Pallavi Patel, Dr Pankarj Patel, co-founder of Indo US Chamber of Commerce Dilip Kanji, Shri and Smt Bimal Agarwal. Hindu Samaj, a nonprofit body in Tampa overseeing the Mandir project, has funds too which would be further augmented by organizing a fundraiser in the course of this year, Dr Rattan added. The management team consists of Dr Pawan K. Rattan, Board of Trustees Chair; Pankaj Patel, President; Raman Patel Manager with two priests Manikya Sharma and Rushi Vyas.

The tagline of the Mandir is "Home of Spirituality." The existing Sanatan Mandir is in about 4,000 square feet. Its history goes back to 1989 when it was a Jewish synagogue.

The site used to be home to Congregation Rodeph Sholom, which was founded in 1903 but moved to Bayshore Boulevard.

The original synagogue building has long since been demolished but Dr. Rattan describes the land as sacred because of its history.

"Our team has decided to keep a stone that has Synagogue engraving to show our respect to other religions as well," he said Sanatan Mandir conducts daily Aarti; weekly Sai Baba Bhajans, Hanuman Chalisa and Sundar Kand and holds annual festivals of Lohri, Diwali, Dussehra, Janmasthami, Uttarayan, Holi, Ram Navmi and Navratri. Holi will

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn addressing the gathering at Ground breaking ceremony

be celebrated this year on March 17.

Sharing the underlying thoughts and beliefs of late Sadhu Ram Pawan and many devout Hindus, Rajan Zed, president of Universal Society of Hinduism observed that it was important to pass on Hindu spirituality, concepts and traditions to coming

generations amidst so many distractions in the consumerist society and hoped that this temple complex would focus in this direction. Instead of running after materialism, the focus should be on inner search and realization of Self and work towards achieving moksh (liberation), which was the goal of Hinduism, Zed added.

DuPage Democrats celebrate Presidents' Day Cont’d from page 17

The Trustees and Executive Committee Members of the IADO were represented by Dr Ram Gajjela, Dr. Ashish Sen and Jitendra Diganvker (Director).

They were joined by several prominent community leaders from Indo-Pak community.

Dr Ram Gajjela was one of the sponsors of the event.

The highlight of this event was the special recognition award given to three women activists who served on the DuPage County Board in 1974. They are Jane Spirgel, Mary Eleanor Wall and Elaine Libovicz who were honored for their service to the county.

Bob Peickert introduced the Keynote Speaker of the evening, Bill Press, who is a talk radio host,

liberal political commentator and author. Bill Press emphasized the importance of focusing on the current 2014 election and winning the House of Representatives back which requires the Democrats to win 17 seats.

Important priorities for the Democratic Party consist of raising the minimum wage, extending unemployment insurance benefit and protecting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. His inspiring speech was greatly appreciated by the audience.

The 2014 award winners were: Rose Fitzpatrick who received the Kathryn "Tinker" Harvey Pioneer Award and Steve Bosco from Naperville Township Democratic Party who was presented with Precinct Committeeman of the Year Award.

February 28, 2014

Community Across America

India Post 21

www.indiapost.com

Meditation helps reduce modern life stress India Post News Service

CHICAGO: A recent study published in the Permanente Journal has found that regular doses of meditation might prevent workrelated stress and burnout. The study examined teachers and support staff working at a therapeutic school for students with severe behavioral problems.

Permanente Journal is a peer-reviewed journal of medical science, social science and medical humanities, being published from Portland Oregon in USA. A random selection of the employees took Transcendental Meditation (TM) courses that were provided by certified instructors. Typically, this type or meditation involves a person sitting with his/her eyes closed for 20 minutes, twice a day and were asked to think about a specific mantra or sound.

Eighty percent of Americans are stressed out by their jobs, according to a recent survey by an Illinois based Everest College.

The survey also showed a 10 percent increase from the previous year.

Multiple factors, it is said, have contributed to this increased level of stress. Among some of the important factors are - troubled economy, the budget cuts, layoffs and longer hours. All these factors can lead to poor compensation, an overwhelming workload and a struggle to find work-life balance, experts say.

The question that is often posed is with so many employed Americans stressed out,

is there anything they can do to relieve their anxiety? Transcendental Meditation (TM) is touted to help reduce or relieve the stress.

Before starting the courses, they were asked questions to assess their stress level, depression and burnout. Four months later, the same questions were asked.

and can also prevent stress from getting into the system. Additionally, she says meditation has been known to lower high blood pressure and decrease tension-related pain.

"If you can't commit to 20 minutes twice a day, try 20 minutes once a day as a start," Lovell-Knouse says. "You may start notic-

Meditation poses

Examination of the data showed that after four months, the stress levels among participants fell from 39 to 34 on a 40-point scale. According to the study authors, the participants who meditated reported that they felt less stressed and more energetic within only a few days. For those who didn't take the meditation courses, their stress levels rose two points during the same time period.

"Stress from work can affect employee's mental and physical health," says Lori Lovell-Knouse, director of the Good Samaritan Health and Wellness Center in Downers Grove, Ill. "Meditation is a great way to cope with the day-to-day pressure."

Lovell-Knouse says that using meditation as a relaxation technique can release stress that has accumulated in the system

ing that giving your mind some time to rest helps you feel peaceful overall."

Stress makes one anxious, tense and worried. Trying meditation by spending even a few minutes can restore your calm and inner peace. When practicing medita-

tion, heart rate and breathing slow down, your blood pressure normalizes, you use oxygen more efficiently, and you sweat less.

Your adrenal glands produce less cortisol, your mind ages at a slower rate, and your immune function improves. Your mind also clears and your creativity increases.

People who meditate regularly find it easier to give up life-damaging habits like smoking, drinking and drugs. Meditation research has shown promising results.

Anyone can practice meditation. It's simple and inexpensive, and it doesn't require any special equipment. And one can practice meditation wherever you are - whether you're out for a walk, riding the bus, waiting at the doctor's office or even in the middle of a difficult business meeting.

Community Across America

22 India Post

February 28, 2014

www.indiapost.com

Brahma Kumaris Meditation Center celebrates Maha Shivratri India Post News Service

MILPITAS, CA: Over 400 people from across the Bay area and beyond celebrated the Maha Shivratri program held by the Brahma Kumaris Silicon Valley Meditation Center (BK) at the Jain Center, Milpitas, California on Saturday, February 22.

One of the highlights of the evening was the drama, "Paradise Reborn", that entertained the audience resulting in plenty of laughter. The drama was written, produced, directed and performed by the BK Brothers and Sisters. It depicted how a serene and happy human life in the Satyug (Golden Age) goes through the degradation to the constantly stressful life created by the struggle with greed, attachment, ego, anger and lust in today's Kalyug (Iron Age).

The drama was preceded by a

Steve Pangelinan, Chief of Police for City of Milpitas and Rober Mihovich, Acting Fire Chief for City Of Milpitas among other community leaders

beautiful Kathak dance performed by an elementary school student Diya Bose-Malakar. The dance was followed by an inspirational talk by Sister Kusum of the BK center in which she covered medi-

Maya Mareech & his army of vices shown in a drama scene

tation, the difference between Satyug and Kalyug, and the relationship between fate and karma.

She pointed out the importance of the celebration of Maha Shivratri as the representation of reincarnation of Lord Shiva on the 14th night of the new moon during the dark half of the month of Phalguna (Feb / March). The event was exclusively covered by IndTVUSA Media house for TV and online webcasting.

The event was graced by the Mayor of Milpitas, Mr. Jose Esteves, Steve Pangelinan, Chief of Police for the City of Milpitas, Robert Mihovich, the acting Fire Chief for the City of Milpitas, Dr Romesh Japra, Convener & Chairman of Federation of Indian Associations and several other community leaders.

Cake cutting: (L-R) Sister Kusum, Director of Brahma Kumaris Silicon Valley; Mr Jose Esteves, Mayor of Milpitas; Dr Romesh Japra, Convener & Chairman of Federation of Indian Associations and BK brothers and sisters

Sister Kusum, Director of Brahma Kumaris Silicon Valley Meditation Center, with BK brothers & sisters

Itasca Health Clinic fundraiser MITUL RAO

Cont’d on page 24

Nilaben Patel passes away CHICAGO: Neelaben, wife of a prominent community activist and committee member of United Senior Pariwar, Ramanbhai Patel, passed away here on Thursday February 20, 2014. Funeral/cremation was held at Bohemian National Cemetery, Chicago on Sunday, February 23, 2014 in the presence of family members and friends numbering over 300 people who had filled up the prayer hall to say the final prayer. Suresh Shah conducted the proceedings with support from Indian community.

Nilaben Patel was a very kind person besides being a devout

Nilaben Patel

wife, mother, and grandmother, always inspiring hubby Ramanbhai to work for the good of the com-

munity. Priest Shri Rajubhai conducted the ceremony.

Vikas Patel, elder son of Neelaben, with his two daughters paid huge tributes to their mother while members of United Senior Pariwar and family friends also offered condolences and prayed for the departed soul.

Nilaben Patel was born on December, 15 1947 in Kheira Kampa, Sabarkantha District in Gujarat.

She was very good at studies, represented her school and college at various district level events of sports, essay etc. and also received many medals.

Prayer and condolence meeting is slated for Saturday March, 1 2014 at Satkaival Gyan Mandir, in Carol Stream, between 3 to 5 pm.

M

idwest Swaminarayan Mandir in Itasca hosted a fundraiser last week at its facility in Itasca to raise funds for its Health Clinic. The fundraiser featured a Gujarati drama 'Two Idiots' performed by Mumbai based Lee Arts. Close to nine hundred devotees and supporters had flocked to the temple last Sunday to attend the event that turned out to be a huge success.

The start was with lamp light-

ing ceremony followed by honoring guests and a brief address by Jagdish Patel about various activities being conducted by the Temple management.

Ramesh Brahmbhatt emceed the event and pointed out that the Health Clinic offers free services to the middle class and uninsured people. Medicines are also provided. A large number of health care professionals offer their services free cost.

February 28, 2014

Community Across America

India Post 23

www.indiapost.com

'The South Asian Health Solution' book launch RITU MAHESHWARI India Post News Service

S

outh Asians have one of the highest risks of heart disease and diabetes in the world, and most books and content don't address their needs in a culturally sensitive way. While traditional wisdom stresses on diet

and exercise, translating it into daily life style has been a huge challenges for many.

"The South Asian Health Solution" is a book written by Dr Ronesh Sinha to address this unique challenge. Dr Sinha is an internal medicine physician for Palo Alto Medical Foundation and winner of the 2013 Silicon Valley

Major victory over dark money as Assembly passes SB 27 purposes.

"If you're going to give money SACRAMENTO, CA: SB 27, a to a nonprofit and you know it's bill that requires greater transpar- going to be used for campaign purency from non-profit organiza- poses, just disclose it," Correa said tions that spend significant after the vote. "It's a very simple amounts on California campaigns, concept, which is that people need passed the full Assembly in an to know who is supporting what overwhelming and bipartisan 58- causes or which candidates."

Nearly 20,000 Californians 18 vote for increased disclosure.

The fact that out-of-state non- signed petitions urging the Asprofit organizations were able to sembly to pass SB 27. It has supfunnel $11 million into California port not only from good governraces in the final days of the 2012 ment groups in California like the election without revealing their California Clean Money Camdonors illustrated the need to paign, California Common Cause, strengthen California's disclosure and the League of Women Voters laws. The Fair Political Practices of California, but also national orCommission imposed a record $1 ganizations like Courage Cammillion fine, but current law does paign, Maplight, the Money Out Voters In Coalition, Progressives United, "If you're going to give Public Citizen, money to a nonprofit and Represent.Us, and the Sunlight Foundation. you know it's going to be "Passing SB 27 is used for campaign purcrucial to closing the poses, just disclose it," loopholes that let billionaires and other speCorrea said cial interests hide benot require all the original funders hind secretive non-profits. We're to be revealed. SB 27 will prevent grateful to Senator Correa for his such secretive spending in future leadership," said Lange. "Now, the races beginning in this Assembly must take the next and equally important step of passing November's election.

"It should not require last- SB 52, the California DISCLOSE minute Supreme Court rulings or Act, so that political ads must use year-long FPPC investigations for the information unveiled by SB 27 voters to learn the names of major to show who really pays for them."

SB 52 achieved the required 2/ funders of California campaigns," said Trent Lange, President of the 3 majority with four votes to spare, California Clean Money Campaign. as all 55 Democratic Assembly "Voters deserve to know who's try- members voted Yes, joined by Republican Assembly members ing to influence their votes."

SB 27, authored by Senator Lou Katcho Achadjian (R-San Luis Correa (D-Santa Ana) and spon- Obispo), Jeff Gorell (R-Camarillo), sored by the Fair Political Practices and Kirsten Olsen (R-Riverbank).

Commission, addresses the prob- SB 27 now moves back to the Senlem by requiring non-profits that ate so it can vote to concur with spend $50,000 or more in Califor- the amendments made in the Asnia races to become a formal cam- sembly, before moving on to the paign committee and report the Governor's desk. If signed, it will contributors that make up their take effect on July 1st.

AB 800, authored by Assembly campaign expenditures. Those contributions then would be avail- member Rich Gordon (D-Menlo able for the public to see on the Park), a bill that strengthens the Secretary of State website. It has ability of the FPPC to audit camreasonable protections for real paign spending, also passed its non-profits and donors whose hurdle in the Senate.

Cont’d on page 25 money is not used for campaign India Post News Service

Business Journal Health Care Hero award for h i s groundbreaking work with high risk South Asians. Dr Sinha runs a consult practice exclusively for high risk South Asians and delivers health education and wellness programs to prominent Silicon Valley companies and to the community.

In this book he shares his highly successful approach to

reversing most chronic health conditions, especially those associated with insulin resistance (obesity, diabetes, abnormal cholesterol, heart disease, etc.), through culturally tailored lifestyle changes. He also includes a chapter devoted to South Asian children given their deteriorating health status, a chapter on Women's health (weight loss geared towards women, gestational diabetes, healthy pregnancy, PCOS), a chapter on healthy aging, and detailed nutrition information, recipes and illustrated exercises that have helped South Asians burn excess body fat and achieve optimal health.

Each chapter ends with a special section for health professionals to help them manage this high risk group.

The book is available for preorder on Amazon.

24 India Post

Community Across America

February 28, 2014

www.indiapost.com

Most memorable Valentine bash of decade India Post News Service

MILPITAS: Peter Sahjani and Dahya Mistry of Star Entertainment presented Valentine bash 2014, a Red Carpet Gala night at ICC Milpitas on Friday February 14th, which was one of the most memorable events of the decade with magic colorful Valentine theme dĂŠcor of Eva Decor, special photo shoot area for the guests with an open bar and much more.

The singing segments began with singers Ria Nilwar, Rakesh Kumar followed by contemporary

dance and Mujra by artist Elena Elsoukov, who has been performing in Bay Area for the past few years, and Harleen Singh. Romantic numbers were sung by popular singers of Bay area Vikas Singh, Ria Nilawar and Sangeetika Advani. The unique special Belly dances on wine glasses were performed by Natica of Natica Dance along with special dance numbers

by Max Dance Company. The Valentine theme fashion show was conducted by Malabis Couture The Emcees of the event were Vishal Kapoor and Aditi Chadda.

Organizer Peter Sahjani honoring Grand Sponsor Dr Rewa Kumar Vastu Specialist (Right) with Miss India Global winner Elveera Rebello holding flower bouquet (left)

The sumptuous Appetizers dinner was catered by Platinum Sponsor Park Balluchi Restaurant. The high price raffles gifts were given away to the winners during dinner time.

Grand sponsor for the evening was Rewa Kumar, Vaastu Specialist, an Authority on Vastu who recently has been conferred with a Ph.D. degree in Vastu Shastra. She has also been felicitated by President Obama for her outstanding contribution towards celebrating cultural values and spreading messages of harmony and peace for mankind.

The other Grand sponsor Ritesh Kumar of Divine Intuitions was not able to be present at the event The other Grand sponsors were 2 Real Estate girls Kim Deol and Phala Sok. The Platinum sponsors Park Balluchi, India Cash and Carry, and Eve decor,

Gold sponsor Uppal Dental Care.

Media Partners were India Post, Diya TV, Radio Zindagi 1550 am

Vikas

and Azmi Gil of Urdu Newspaper.

The event was completed sold out, organizer Peter Sahjani said.

Brahma Kumaris Meditation Center celebrates Maha Shivratri Cont’d from page 22

The program started with a light vegetarian dinner and ended with the special blessings, Prasad and gift by Sister Kusum to all attendees.

Brahma Kumaris Silicon Valley Meditation Center of the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization (BKWSO), with over 8,600 centers in more than 139 countries, teaches and practices Raj Yoga Meditation free of charge. Understanding Raj Yoga means to learn to discriminate between spiritual and human existence, recognize

the faculties of a soul (mind, intellect and character), discover a soul's natural qualities (peace, love, happiness), experience stillness through open-eye meditation, and become a king of the five senses.

Raj Yoga teaches you how to live stress-free, build strong, everlasting relationships, enhance decision-making power, elevate positive thinking and face difficult situations with courage & conviction.

The Raj Yoga course is offered monthly at the BK Silicon Valley Center.

Community Across America

February 28, 2014

India Post 25

www.indiapost.com

YES for Schools honored with Trustees' award India Post News Service

FREMONT, CA: "IAHVYES for Schools" has been honored with the prestigious East Side Union High School District Board of Trustees President's Award by J. Manuel Herrera, Board President.

Presenting the award, Herrera said, "The YES! For Schools program catalyzes inner awareness and higher human potential in our East Side students by teaching them powerful body-mind practices. TIME magazine describes the widespread popularity of these type of body-mind centering programs in a February 3, 2014, cover story titled 'The Mindful Revolution.' The ultimate gift of a program like YES! For Schools, beyond lowering stress and achieving greater focus, is that it awakens you to your deepest essence and higher human capacities. I feel honored to support the work of YES! For Schools in our East Side community!"

YES! for Schools is breathing life into education with youth, educator and community leadership

programs which promote stress free, violence free schools. As we learn how to manage our stress in a healthy way, we exhibit greater confidence and motivation to succeed in school and make healthy choices when faced with life's challenges.

UCLA Research on YES! for Schools in the Journal of Adolescent Health reports a decrease in impulsivity, potentially protecting youth from harmful coping behaviors such as drugs, alcohol, violence (to self and others) and depression.

The YES! for Schools program began in Silicon Valley in 2009, working with classrooms of at-risk students in the East Side Union High School District. The principals expanded the program to the entire student body to transform school climate. Nearly 10,000 of students in ESUHSD have graduated from the YES! for Schools program in the Bay Area.

YES! for Schools is a division of the International Association for Human Values, a 501(c) (3) educational and humanitarian nongovernmental organization.

Major victory over dark money as Assembly passes SB 27 Cont’d from page 23

SB 52, the California DISCLOSE Act, authored by Senators Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) and Jerry Hill (D-San Mateo) and sponsored by the California Clean Money Campaign, passed the Senate in 2013 and will have its votes in the

Assembly later this year. Senator Correa is also a Principle Co-Author of SB 52, along with Senator Mark DeSaulnier (D-Concord) and Assembly Elections Committee Chair Paul Fong (D-Mountain View). Speaker John PĂŠrez (D-Los Angeles) recently endorsed SB 52.

Readers Write... www.indiapost.com

Taxi drivers oppose lowering fare, shutting off meter

T

axi drivers depend on traffic safety like every New Yorker.

30,000 taxi drivers average 60-70 hrs per week behind the wheel. Statistics show that taxi drivers are the safest motorists on NYC streets. Despite these numbers, given the high visibility of taxis, we've also been at the center of the debate regarding enforcement. We want to be part of the progress, not be the scapegoats for a serious issue in our City, especially when we have solutions to offer.

The solutions lie with making changes to traffic patterns and street design so that motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists are not all competing on increasingly narrow and congested space; better lighting, especially at crosswalks; more split signals directing turns; more traffic control agents; and public speed signs.

Reports have circulated about the TLC considering lowering the fare or shutting off the meter if the technology says the car is speeding.

To shut off the meter in the middle of a fare is not only insane Big Brother, it's severe, cruel, and simply unhelpful. Technology that can truly be helpful should be considered, but this would just be overboard. Drivers already have no guaranteed income, only expenses on the lease, fuel and vehicle repairs. Every statistic shows taxi drivers are the safest drivers in New York City. We don't deserve to be singled out and punished to do even better.

Bhairavi Desai Executive Director, New York Taxi Workers Alliance Disclaimer :- India Post does not endorse opinions expressed in the letters.

Horoscope

26 India Post

February 28, 2014

www.indiapost.com

Your Weekly Future

by Pandit Parashar

FEBRUARY 28 TH - MARCH 6 TH , 2014 (March 21 to April 20)

P

resence of three injury inflicting planets in seventh is not favorable. Have patience at home as well as with business partners for next few weeks especially and make sure all gadgets are turned off in kitchen area. For people in job a large financial jump is in the air. People in business can also expect a big surge in sales.

(September 23 to October 22)

H

andle all machines and tools with care and drive carefully. You may buy some beautiful items for the house. You will continue negotiations with a well reputed company. You may also attend a big event with family this week and meet many old friends.

Some of you may start going to a gym to get back in shape this week.

(October 23 to November 22)

(April 21 to May 20)

M

alefic planets in sixth will help you overcome many obstacles in life. One of your main competition may throw in the towel and move away. Planets are really helpful for those seeking a change in career and next few weeks are very favorable to appear for any competitive exam. You should stick to plans and keep your commitments.

Y

our actions and decisions will lack confidence. You will comfortably pay all bills and have enough leftover. You may also finalize some important papers and mail them out this week.

It's going to be a favorable week for people in health industry as they will see sudden growth in business with many first time clients.

(November 23 to December 22)

(May 21 to June 20)

O

ffer will come and you may decline it as this time you are looking for long term and stability. You will spend some time on doing research on your ideas. Watch out for unhealthy food as transiting planets can cause problem in stomach region. You may also get the final clearance from a government agency towards the end of week.

M

oney will pour in from many places. You may finally dispose off some assets and put the money in savings. You may also sell some stocks recently purchased at a decent profit.

Spouse may not feel too good but will feel better with over the counter medicines. You may be getting ready for an upcoming trip.

(June 21 to July 22)

I

f you take the chance, you will hit the goldmine. Do not hesitate to try your luck with lottery and stocks and go for only established company. Vehicle may need repairs and some of you may even remodel some part of home. Spouse if employed will get the much awaited raise or promotion this week. Keep an eye on changing weather.

(December 22 to January 19)

P

resence of Venus and Mercury on your sign gives you the Midas touch. You will reap rich rewards for any attempt you make. All pending issues will get resolved without making any further efforts. A colleague may try to argue over useless thing. Property deal can be yours if you are ready to stretch only a little bit.

(July 23 to August 22)

Y

ou will be spending more on advertising or reaching out people.

Some of you may go slightly out of your way and make an offer on a running business. Deal can happen within next few weeks and you may have to travel in near future for training purpose. You will have another opportunity to spend some time with a successful person.

(January 20 to February 18)

Y

ou will need outside help to resolve issues. Some one lot younger in age can be very helpful if you put hesitation aside. A long distance journey is also in the air for some. Expenses towards children will shot up temporarily. You may be asked for more paper work to support your application. One of your vehicle will need repairs.

(August 23 to September 22)

D

o not stretch your limits and keep an eye on other family members and your credit card statement. There will be some inter esting developments in career and you may need to choose a side. You will continue to gain an edge over opponents. If appearing for any competitive this week, you will come out with flying colors.

PANDIT PARASHAR, CEO & COO Astro Scan USA is also available for individual consultations.

He can be reached at: parashar@parashar.com

(February 19 to March 20)

M

inor surgery will be one of the option to resolve the issue. No matter how hard you try, boss will take his own time to make the recommendation. You may have some work done in or around your property. You may finish some important paper work and file well before the deadline. Property deal can also take place during the week.

510-886-4370 www.parashar.com

February 28, 2014

www.indiapost.com

India Post 27

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

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

www.indiapost.com

February 28, 2014

6 Maahi Ve: Highway 7 Jashn-e-Ishqa: Gunday

peculation is high that Hrithik 8 Kinare : Queen Roshan and his estranged wife Suzanne Khan might reconcile 9 Zabaan Jale Hai: Dedh very soon. Hrithik and Suzanne Ishqiya issued a statement about their break-up last year in December. Their 10 Jugni: Queen separation news has come as a big shock for Hrithik Roshan's fans who touted Hrithik and Suzanne as an ideal couple of Bollywood. But now the latest report about the estranged couple is that Suzanne is thinking to get back to Hrithik very soon.

According to Hrithik's statement, it was Suzanne who wants to breaks up with him and ends their 17 years relationship. Close pals of the couple were optimistic that Hrithik and Suzanne will soon patch up and now it seems that the good thing is going to happen soon.

Like Hrithik, Suzanne is also highly depressed with the separation and she has confined herself to the house and did not attend sister Simone Khan's birthday.

After seperation, Hrithik was a couple of times spotted with his two sons, Hrehaan and Hridhaan but Suzanne was nowhere to be seen.

Suzanne after break-up said that their responsibilities toward their two children will remain the same.

According to Hrithik's statement, it was Suzanne who wants to breaks up with him and ends their 17 years relationship.

Close pals of the couple were optimistic that Hrithik and Suzanne will soon patch up

S

tardom comes with a price. After Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif has fallen sick. The actress came under the impact of cold weather in Shimla. She returned to Mumbai from 'Bang Bang' shoot with Hrithik Roshan and was caught up with high fever and weakness. Doctors have advised her bed rest for a few days.

Katrina has been under the weather for the past few months. Even while shooting for Dhoom 3, she had to vigorously rehearse her trapeze movements and this in turn contributed to her ill-health. Post this shoot, she started work on Jagga Jasoos, Phantom and now she is shooting for Bang Bang.

She fell ill during her US tour, when she was down with flu again. And with the freezing weather in Shimla and Manali, she fell sick once more. So the director decided to give her a break.

Off late Katrina has been traveling non-stop and excessive work load has taken a toll on her health.

February 28, 2014

Bollywood www.indiapost.com

B

W

hile many of her con temporaries like Sonakshi Sinha, Anushka Sharma and Nargis Fakhri have worked with big heroes like Khans, Kapoors and Kumars, one wonders why Parineeti Chopra, the actress with an overpowering screen presence and who has given many hits in a short span of her career, still hasn't worked with the big stars of Bollywood.

So far she has been paired with newcomers like Arjun Kapoor, Sushant Singh Rajput and Sidharth Malhotra. Rumor has it that big heroes are staying away from her as they fear getting overshadowed while the trade sources say that Parineeti is losing out and she is paying the price for delivering power-packed performances.

But Parineeti, who would love to work with Ranbir Kapoor, has a different story to tell. "Of course, I have been offered roles opposite big stars but I refused those films because there was nothing much for me to do. Some of those films have already released and some are about to release and I don't want to talk about them," says Parineeti, who has always chosen meaty roles so far.

Rumor has it that big heroes are staying away from her as they fear getting overshadowed while the trade sources say that Parineeti is losing out and she is paying the price for delivering power-packed performances

ollywood duo - Dabangg star Salman Khan, and director, Sooraj Barjatya - come together after 14 years with 'Bade Bhaiyya'. They have earlier produced such super-hits as 'Maine Pyaar Kiya', 'Hum Aapke Hain Kaun' and 'Hum Saath Saath Hain'.

The story is about two brothers and Salman will act in both roles. The 48-year superstar was last seen playing a double in David Dhawan's 'Judwaa.'

Rajshri Productions, the maker of the film, had approached Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor for leading lady role opposite Khan. But sources say things did not work out with Deepika because of issues over dates.

"Most likely, it is Sonam who is going to act in the film," said a source from Rajshree Productions.

The film centers on a young royalty where the lead actress will be seen as a princess. Sources said Sonam's traditional looks made him prefer her.

The 48-year superstar was last seen playing a double in David Dhawan's 'Judwaa.'

A

lia Bhatt already seems to be getting experimental after playing a fashion-conscious and arrogant young girl in her debut film 'Student Of The Year' she will now be seen as a deglamourized character in 'Highway'. She says she won't do something as bizarre as going bald for a movie, but she's game to being bold.

Her father, filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, is known to have produced several bold movies like Murder, Jism, Raaz and Kalyug and Alia doesn't find it tough to take up bold roles.

So what if she started her career with a typical Karan Johar film? The actress said, "I would love to do a film like 'Murder'."

"As far as my limitations are concerned, I would never shave my head for any role and so far as bold scenes are concerned, I have no issues at all," the 20-year-old said in an interview.

Her connect with her father goes beyond her appreciation for his body of work. She keeps her personal life private, but admits she turns to him for advice regarding her professional decisions. As a person, she believes she is like her father. "I have his will power. I am like him and I value my audience," she said

India Post 29

30 India Post

www.indiapost.com

February 28, 2014

India Post 31

February 28, 2014

www.indiapost.com

New York (Hicksville)

AIRWING TRAVELS INC.

Tel: (516) 931 4600

SEEMA WORLD TRAVEL, INC. One of the Oldest Travel Agencies in St. Louis

Competitive Rates & Confirmed Seats for All Major Airlines 10635 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132

Tel: (314) 423-9990 or (800) 55 SEEMA

Est. 1991 Toll Free: (866) 532 3413

New Jersey (Iselin)

Tel: (732) 658 5450

Lowest Fares / Confirmed Seats to INDIA & Other Destinations Worldwide Save upto 40% on First and Business Class OPEN 7 DAYS - Call or Email : AIRWINGTRAVELS@GMAIL.COM

NEWS on your desktop

Fax: (314) 423-0391 www.indiapost.com

„ Health

Line

Docs use 3-D heart copy to aid child's surgery LOUISVILLE, Ky.: Doctors operating on a 14-month-old child with heart defects studied a 3-D replica of the child's heart to aid the successful surgery.

Roland Lian Cung Bawi's heart was riddled with defects before the surgery at Kosair Children's Hospital.

Roland's surgeon Dr. Erle Austin told The Courier-Journal he expected the surgery to be tricky and wanted a model that offered more detail than two-dimensional scans. So his team contacted the University of Louisville engineering school, which used a 3-D printer to create a polymer model of Roland's heart.

Austin says once he had a model, he knew exactly what to do and how to do it.

Hospital officials say the Feb. 10 surgery was the first time 3-D printing was used for a pediatric heart patient in Kentucky. -AP

„ California officials report more measles cases SACRAMENTO, Calif.: State health officials say the number of flu-related fatalities in the San Francisco Bay area is falling, but warn that measles cases appear to be on the rise.

The California Department of Public Health has announced that they have confirmed 15 measles cases statewide.

The Oakland Tribune reports two people were infected with the virus in Contra Costa County, one in Alameda County

Health Science

2 US states move to hike smoking age to 21 Details on Page 33

32 India Post

www.indiapost.com

February 28, 2014

Indian-American develops paper diagnostic for cancer WASHINGTON: In a breakthrough, an Indian-American scientist at the prestigious MIT has developed a simple, cheap, paper test that could improve cancer diagnosis rates and help people get treated earlier.

The diagnostic, which works much like a pregnancy test, could reveal within minutes, based on a urine sample, whether a person has cancer, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) announced.

This approach has helped detect infectious diseases, and the new technology allows non-communicable diseases to be detected using the same strategy, it said.

The technology, developed by MIT professor and Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator 46-year-old Sangeeta Bhatia, relies on nanoparticles that interact with tumor proteins called proteases, each of which can trigger release of hundreds of biomarkers that are then easily detectable in a patient's urine.

"When we invented this new class of synthetic biomarker, we used a highly specialized instru-

ment to do the analysis," says Bhatia, the John and Dorothy Wilson Professor of Health Sciences

Sangeeta Bhatia

and Technology and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

"For the developing world, we thought it would be exciting to adapt it instead to a paper test that could be performed on unprocessed samples in a rural setting, without the need for any specialized equipment. The simple readout could even be transmitted to a remote caregiver by a picture on a mobile phone," Bhatia said in a statement.

Bhatia, a member of MIT's Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research and In-

stitute for Medical Engineering and Science, is the senior author of a paper describing the particles in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The paper's lead authors are graduate student Andrew Warren, postdoc Gabriel Kwong, and former postdoc David Wood.

In 2012, Bhatia and colleagues introduced the concept of a synthetic biomarker technology to amplify signals from tumor proteins that would be hard to detect on their own.

These proteins, known as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), help cancer cells escape their original locations by cutting through proteins of the extracellular matrix, which normally holds cells in place.

The MIT nanoparticles are coated with peptides (short protein fragments) targeted by different MMPs. These particles congregate at tumor sites, where MMPs cleave hundreds of peptides, which accumulate in the kidneys and are excreted in the urine, it said.

Cont'd on Page 35

Indian doctor serves Afghans in Taliban hub

and one in San Mateo County.

An infected college student from UC Berkeley was one of the Contra Costa County cases, but officials did not say if the other victims were infected by that person. The virus spreads through the air, and symptoms typically begin with a fever followed by a cough, runny nose and watery eyes.

The number of flu deaths throughout California has jumped to 278. -AP

KANDAHAR: Set to complete a decade in this run-down former power hub of the Taliban, Dr Shah Nawaz, the 'lone Indian' here, is happy to serve the warweary Afghan people in their medical needs.

Nawaz, 45, working at a private hospital, says he is happy to serve the people in Kandahar, the southern province of Afghanistan, also the birthplace of the Taliban movement.

Recalling his journey to Afghanistan, Nawaz said an Afghan businessman here who was into dry fruit business had contacts with his family in India and he often told him about the plight of people in Kandahar and their medical needs.

"I then gave him a proposal to build a hospital. He (the busi-

nessman) was ready to invest and I expressed readiness to come to Afghanistan and serve the people," Nawaz told PTI.

from Maharashtra.

"I am here since August 2005.

My family is not here. They are in Malaysia. I visit them twice or

Doctor Shah Nawaz is the only Indian national working at a private hospital in Kandahar since 2005.

"People here are very simple, their needs are very limited. Actually even basic treatment is not available," said Nawaz, who hails

thrice in a year, and they come once in a year to India," he said.

Officials said Nawaz was the only Indian working in the city

apart from a handful of staff at the Indian Consulate in Kandahar city, which was the headquarters of the erstwhile Taliban regime during 1996-2001.

About life in Kandahar, Nawaz said though he was the only Indian working in the city, a number of his compatriots were employed in a huge US military base here.

Sources said the Indians working at the US base come through Dubai and are not registered with the Consulate.

India recently helped Afghanistan establish its first agriculture university here as part of a major capacity - building project to help the war-torn country to increase farm output and attain economic independence.

Cont'd on Page 35

February 28, 2014

Health Science Post

India Post 33

www.indiapost.com

Berwick stresses health care in race for governor BOSTON: Don Berwick is proud to tell an audience how he was once called ``the second most dangerous man in America.''

The label, he explains, was put on him by conservative commentator Glenn Beck at a time when Berwick, a Democrat now running for governor on a progressive platform, was playing a lead role in the early implementation of President Barack Obama's health care overhaul.

Berwick's praise for aspects of the British single-payer health care system also marked him for criticism from congressional Republicans, who said it showed his affinity for big government programs. They blocked his confirmation as permanent head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and Berwick left Washington after a 17-month recess appointment.

With Democratic Gov. Deval Patrick not seeking re-election, the 67-year-old pediatrician from Newton decided last year to make his first run for elected office in Massachusetts, which in 2006 pioneered its own universal health insurance law that later became the model for the federal law. ``This is a state that does get things done,'' he recently told an audience at Suffolk University.

Born in New York and raised in a small Connecticut town, Berwick earned degrees in 1972 from both Harvard Medical School and the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard, setting in motion a dual career path as practicing physician and na-

tionally recognized health care policy ex- of single-payer health care should be conpert. sidered an option in light of high costs At Harvard, he served as both profes- and inefficiencies associated with the sor of pediatrics and a professor and lec- current system. turer in health care policy. In 1991, he be``The single payer system is the plan came president and chief executive of the Cambridge-based Institute for Healthcare Improvement, where his work caught the eye of officials in the Obama administration and led to his appointment to CMS in 2010.

Beck and other conservatives saw him as an advocate for health care raDon Berwick, candidate for Massachusetts governor, speaks at the tioning, which state Democratic Convention in Lowell, Mass. he denied. ``I deeply believe health care is a hu- B we should develop if we can't execute man right.'' Berwick said in an interview properly the multi-payer system,'' he said. with the Associated Press. ``We are the Berwick's gubernatorial campaign only Western democracy that hasn't made faces enormous hurdles, not the least of it a human right.''

While optimistic the federal Affordable Care Act will succeed despite its shaky rollout, Berwick said an American version

2 US states move to hike smoking age to 21 DENVER: Two Western states with some of America's lowest smoking rates are considering cracking down even more by raising the tobacco age to 21.

Utah and Colorado lawmakers both voted favorably on proposals to treat tobacco like alcohol and take it away from 18- to 20year-olds, a move inspired by new research

on how many smokers start the habit as teenagers.

Both proposals face several more votes.

But they're the furthest any states have gone to curb access to cigarettes by teens.

The director of tobacco studies at University College London didn't know of any

other countries considering a tobacco age threshold of 21, but he said raising the tobacco age from 16 to 18 in the United Kingdom proved to be "a public health winner."

Altria Group Inc., owner of the biggest U.S. cigarette company, Philip Morris USA, did not immediately provide comment.

A paper published last year in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine said that 9 out of 10 daily smokers in the US have their first cigarette by 18 years of age, and that about 90 percent of cigarettes purchased for minors are obtained by people between 18 and 20 years old.

The Washington-based Campaign For Tobacco-Free Kids advocates the higher smoking age and argues that it could make a serious dent in tobacco deaths down the road.

Armando Peruga, program manager of the World Health Organization's Tobacco Free Initiative, said he supported the US proposal, provided that it would be strictly enforced and that it was accompanied by other tobacco control measures, such as high taxes and smoke-free regulations.

"It needs to be part of a comprehensive policy to counter the tobacco industry's influence on young people," Peruga said. -AP

which is qualifying for the September primary ballot by gaining support from at least 15 percent of the delegates to the Democratic state convention in June. Attorney General Martha Coakley and state Treasurer Steven Grossman are both seen as likely to win a significant share of delegates, leaving Berwick and the two other Democratic hopefuls, Juliette Kayyem and Joseph Avellone, to divvy up what's left.

A Suffolk University/Boston Herald poll of 600 likely voters in early February found nearly three in four had never heard of Berwick. As he tries to become better known, he's also seeking to build a platform beyond health care, his area of greatest expertise. To that end, he's rolled out a series of position papers on education, transportation, energy and homelessness, among other issues.

Berwick is the only Democratic candidate for governor calling for outright repeal of the state law that authorizes up to three resort casinos and a slots parlor in Massachusetts.

While acknowledging that casino gambling could bring more jobs and tax revenues, ``Nonetheless, I believe, the costs are simply too high for this to be the best step for our state,'' he said. -AP

34 India Post

Health Science Post

February 28, 2014

www.indiapost.com

In a first, US bans bidi products Girl Scout's effort to sell cookies goes to 'pot' from Indian company WASHINGTON: US regulators for the first time have banned the sale and import of "bidi" products made by an Indian company as they did not meet regulatory standards.

The US Food and Drug Administration in a statement said the products manufactured by Pune-based Jash International Sutra Bidis Red, Sutra Bidis Menthol, Sutra Bidis Red Cone and Sutra Bidis Menthol Cone were found to be not substantially equivalent to tobacco products commercially marketed.

The ban is first one issued by the FDA under the 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. This means they can no longer be sold or distributed in interstate commerce or imported into the United States, the FDA said.

"Historically, tobacco companies controlled which products came on and off the market without any oversight. But the Tobacco Control Act gave the FDA, a science-based regulatory agency, the authority to review applications and determine which new tobacco products may be sold and distributed under the law in order to protect public health," said Mitch Zeller, director of the FDA's Center for Tobacco Products.

The regulator said under the Under the Tobacco Control Act,

Jash International did not identify eligible predicate tobacco products as required for the FDA to perform a substantially equivalent (SE) review.

Also, the company did not provide information necessary to determine whether the new products had the same characteristics as that of its previous products, or had different character-

istics but did not raise different questions of public health, the basis used by the FDA to review SE applications, it said.

"Companies have an obligation to comply with the law - in this case, by providing evidence to support an SE application," said Zeller.

"Because the company failed to meet the requirement of the Tobacco Control Act, the FDA's de-

cision means that, regardless of when the products were manufactured, these four products can no longer be legally imported or sold or distributed through interstate commerce in the United States," the official said.

Existing inventory may be subject to enforcement action, including seizure, without further notice. Companies that con-

tinue to sell and distribute these products in the United States may be subject to enforcement actions by the FDA, the statement said.

Bidis are thin, hand rolled cigarettes that are made mostly in India and other Southeast Asian countries. The tobacco is wrapped in a tendu or temburni leaf, and tied with a colorful string. -PTI

Access Healthcare BPO to hire 1,500 this year NEW DELHI: Business process outsourcing firm Access Healthcare has plans to hire 1,500 executives to take its total headcount to 3,000 level in about a year.

"We were 200 people in the beginning last year and are about 1,500 today and we are on the way to reach 3000 in a year or so," Chairman Access

Healthcare Anurag Jain told PTI. Chennai based Access Healthcare started operations in the year 2011 with one client and now it has about 21 clients.

"The company has seen a year on year growth rate of almost 300 per cent. We are now expanding our footprint in Manila where we will have capacity of 300 seats. We have added two new centers in Chennai that took our capacity in India to 1,400 seats," Jain said.

Access now has four facilities in Chennai

and one in Manila.

Jain led health technology BPO companies in 1997 which he sold to Perot Systems in 2003.

Subsequent to that, he worked with Perot to build BPO application infrastructure business.

Jain was one of the 10 top executives retained by Dell from its Perot Systems acquisition. He quit Dell in 2011.

Later, Jain acquired Access Healthcare when it had 100 employees seeing further growth opportunities in the health sector.

"When we left, we realized that the process we had started in 1997 was still being used. It was basically reduction of cost of US India arbitrage, but there was no value addition being done. At Access, we started focusing on automation of process which has paid off," Jain said. -PTI

PHOENIX: Customers of some medical marijuana dispensaries are discovering that they don't have to go far if they have a case of the munchies.

A few days after a teenager sold dozens of cookie boxes outside a San Francisco pot dispensary, 8-year-old Lexi Menees is returning to TruMed Dispensary in Phoenix for the same purpose.

The girl's mother, Heidi Carney, got the idea after hearing about what happened in San Francisco. ``For me, this isn't anything controversial,'' Carney said. ``It's medication. It's no different than standing in front of a Walgreens or a CVS.'' Lexi and her parents came with between 100 and 150 boxes to sell.

Her family said they sold more than 50. ``It's better than she would've gotten outside a grocery store,'' said Justin Menees, Lexi's father.

Susan de Queljoe, a spokeswoman for the Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council, said selling in front of marijuana dispensaries isn't something the organization would encourage, but that it's up to the parents. ``The girls' safety is our primary concern. So we give guidelines out to all the parents and hope that they will follow them,'' de Queljoe said.

Lauren Gooding, an oncology nurse who is the president of TruMed, runs the state-licensed facility with her father and brother.

Gooding said Carney called her with the idea, and she was imme-

Lauren Gooding, an oncology nurse who is the president of TruMed, runs the state-licensed facility with her father and brother. Gooding said Carney called her with the idea, and she was immediately on board. diately on board. In fact, she had already received several messages on Facebook about the San Francisco sale with people suggesting she do the same thing, Gooding said.

Gooding also sent a text message to more than 2,000 customers about the cookie sale and threw in a tie-in deal: Patients who buy at least half of an ounce of pot will have their pick of a free box of Thin Mints, Samoas or any

of the other cookie choices. ``People will wait to buy when there are incentives,'' Gooding said.

She hopes the presence of the Girl Scouts will help eliminate the stigma tied to medical marijuana dispensaries, Gooding said. Furthermore, with a security guard always on site to ensure nobody

Girl Scouts officials said they aren't surprised there are copycats after the story of 13-year-old San Francisco Girl Scout Danielle Lei went viral on social media and various news outlets illegally consumes their pot purchase, there is no danger of Lexi or any child being exposed to marijuana, she said. ``We are not promoting medical marijuana to her,'' Gooding said.

Girl Scouts officials said they aren't surprised there are copycats after the story of 13-year-old San Francisco Girl Scout Danielle Lei went viral on social media and various news outlets. Lei set up a cookie table outside The Green Cross, a licensed marijuana dispensary in that city's Mission district.

Kevin Reed, president of the dispensary, said Lei's mother, a secretary for a city task force on medical cannabis, approached him a couple weeks ago. ``She wanted to help break down the barriers around medical marijuana,'' Reed said. ``I thought it was extremely sweet. So of course with open arms I said yes.''

Reed said this isn't the first time Lei has sold cookies in front of other pot facilities. She did it the last two years but is just now getting attention for it, he said.

The feelings of Girl Scouts officials on the matter seem to vary state to state. Earlier this month, reports about Girl Scouts implementing the same strategy in Colorado, where recreational marijuana is now legal, turned out to be a hoax. The Girl Scouts of Colorado issued a statement on its Facebook page to dispel the rumor, effectively prohibiting members from selling at a dispensary. ``We recognize these are legitimate businesses, but we don't feel they are an appropriate place for girls to be selling cookies in Colorado,'' the organization said. -AP

February 28, 2014

Health Science Post

India Post 35

www.indiapost.com

Indian doctor serves Afghans Indian-American develops in Taliban hub paper diagnostic for cancer

food. Yes I love Indian food very much and when I visit Delhi, I first rush to a good The Afghan National Agricultural Sci- hotel," he said. ences and Technology University "Any way, I have (local) cook, who can (ANASTU) coming up in the sprawling now make Indian-style food after a long Tarnak farm in the former Taliban strong- training, he said. Fortunately, all the satelhold of Kandahar was an important activ- lite channels are available in Kandahar and ity of the India-Afghanistan strategic part- even most of Hindi films are dubbed in nership.

Pashto.

Interestingly, the Tarnak farm was slain "Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden's main Sunny Deol are very popular here. But I think, all these are limited to city only, outside city there is no electricity, no TV "Yes, I always interact with or other forms of entertainment. The local people most of whom are only mode of entertainment for most people is the radio," he said. from outside the city. They are "Yes, I always interact with local very simple, gentle but people most of whom are from outconfused. One thing peculiar side the city. They are very simple, gentle but confused. One thing pewith them is that they don't trust culiar with them is that they don't anybody," he said. trust anybody," he said.

"As long as you are not a party Afghan residence during much of the late (to any side) I don't think there is any prob1990s. From there he oversaw al-Qaeda's lem. Rest is your luck," Nawaz said when plot to fly hijacked airliners into the World asked about the security situation in the city.

Trade Centre in New York and Pentagon in Afghanistan and Kandahar in particular Washington that killed nearly 3,000 people. has the potential of becoming an economic About city life, Nawaz said there was no hub for the entire region. Kandahar city was night life. once the hub of international cargo move"Here, there is no night life and day starts ments in mid 1950s and 1960s, local offivery early in morning and he misses Indian cials say. -PTI Cont'd from Page 32

Cont'd from Page 32

In the original version of the technology, these peptides were detected using an instrument called a mass spectrometer, which analyzes the molecular makeup of a sample.

However, these instruments are not readily available in the developing world, so the researchers adapted the particles so they could be analyzed on paper, using an approach known as a lateral flow assay the same technology used in pregnancy tests, MIT said.

To create the test strips, the researchers first coated nitrocellulose paper with antibodies that can capture the peptides.

Once the peptides are captured, they flow along the strip and are exposed to several invisible test lines made of other antibodies specific to different tags attached to the peptides, the statement said.

"If one of these lines becomes visible, it means the target peptide is present in the sample. The technology can also easily be modified to detect multiple types of peptides released by different types or stages of disease," it said.

To help make that happen, the research team recently won a grant from MIT's Deshpande Center for Technological Inno-

vation to develop a business plan for a startup that could work on commercializing the technology and performing clinical trials.

Bhatia says the technology would likely first be applied to high-risk populations, such as people who have had cancer previously, or had a family member with the disease.

Eventually, she would like to see it used for early detection throughout developing nations.

Such technology might also prove useful in the US, and other countries where more advanced diagnostics are available, as a simple and inexpensive alternative to imaging.

"I think it would be great to bring it back to this setting, where point-of-care, imagefree cancer detection, whether it's in your home or in a pharmacy clinic, could really be transformative," Bhatia said.

With the current version of the technology, patients would first receive an injection of the nanoparticles, then urinate onto the paper test strip.

To make the process more convenient, the researchers are now working on a nanoparticle formulation that could be implanted under the skin for longer-term monitoring, the MIT said. -PTI

36 India Post

www.indiapost.com

February 28, 2014

India Post 37

February 28, 2014

www.indiapost.com

SKY WORLD TRAVEL 1-888-695-0005

If You are looking For the BEST & the MOST AUTHENTIC VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT IN TOWNCome to One and Only One Place

CONSOLIDATORS (INTL. & DOMESTIC) : 3HWHUVRQ 6WH &KLFDJR ,/

SPECIAL LOW FARES TO BOMBAY, DELHI, MADRAS, CALCUTTA, DHAKA, KARACHI, LAHORE etc.

Tel: 773-728-9071 773-315-8597

E-mail us at: skyworldtravels@hotmail.com

Publicly Acclaimed Top Vegetarian Restaurant Serving NORTH INDIAN • SOUTH INDIAN • GUJARATI • JAIN DISHES

TASTE OUR 30 PLUSE MOUTH WATERING DISHES ONCE YOU COME TO US YOU WILL NOT ELSEWHERE THAT IS OUR GUARANTEE

2508 W. Devon Ave.Chicago, IL 60659

Tel:(773) 274-5800 Fax: (773) 262-4465 E-mail: aryabhavan@aol.com www.aryabhavan.com CATERING IS OUR SPECIALITY

FOR ALL YOUR

MATCHLESS EXPRESS TOURS 2600 W. Peterson Ave., Suite 105 Chicago IL 60659 Experienced Travel Consultants Pasport and Visa Services available * Confirmed seats (Even in High season) * Low Airfares * Courteous Service

Call and Contact

Tel. (773) 338 6260

TRAVEL NEEDS INTERNATIONAL DOMESTIC AIR INDIA AND ALL OTHER MAJOR AIRLINES. PACKAGE DEAL TAJ TOUR-SOTC

CALL:

Sita Ram Patel @ 847-568-0535

Realty Tidbits

Bengal govt will not acquire land till elections KOLKATA: For the next couple of months from now, the Mamata Banerjee government will not acquire any land from farmers even if it is required for government projects. The message has already reached government departments after the chief minister's press meet with Anna Hazare in New Delhi.

The Trinamool chief will champion the cause of farmers as she did earlier. All infrastructure projects in Bengal will therefore, have to wait till the Lok Sabha polls are over.

Mamata Banerjee doesn't want any land controversy before the elections. State departments have been asked not to place any proposals for land acquisition for the time being. This even after the government has acquired land for several irrigation projects and those for Aila victims after the Trinamool chief came to power.

Jaipur to develop mega housing scheme JAIPUR: Nearly after a gap of four years, the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) is planning to launch a mega housing scheme project soon near the Ajmer road.

The scheme is proposed to be developed on around 250 bigha land and will have 1,510 plots.

Approval for layout plan of the housing project, titled Anand Vihar, was given in the project works committee meet. It will be located along in Jaisinghpura, Kaakroda and Privthiraj Singh Pura areas.

"The JDA will allot 1,297 plots through a lottery system while 213 corner plots will be auctioned. The plot sizes will be between 45 and 360 square meter," an official said.

As per the proposal, the JDA will develop 499 plots of 45 square meter , 343 plots of 90 square meter , 419 plots of 162 square meter , 180 plots of 252 square meter and 69 plots of 360 square meter.

Real Estate 38

India Post

www.indiapost.com

February 28, 2014

No single window clearance slowing housing growth

T

he housing sector is experiencing a slow growth due to a host of factors such as non-availability of singe-window clearance and unnecessary delay in projects, a top official of realty firm Mahindra Lifespaces said.

The housing sector expects single window clearance, that is clearance within 90 days. But it has been taking not less than two years, including six-month wait and later one more year for clearance, Mahindra Lifespaces Managing Director Anita Arjundas told PTI.-PTI

Existing-home sales drop while prices continue to grow WALTER MOLONY

WASHINGTON: Existing-home sales fell in January to the lowest level in a year-and-a-half, but ongoing inventory shortages continue to lift prices in much of the U.S., according to the National Association of Realtors®.

Total existing-home sales1, which are completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, dropped 5.1 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.62 million in January from 4.87 million in December, and are also 5.1 percent below the 4.87 millionunit pace in January 2013. Last month's level of activity was the slowest since July 2012, when it stood at 4.59 million.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said unusual weather is playing a role. "Disruptive and prolonged winter weather patterns across the country are impacting a wide range of economic activity, and housing is no exception," he said. "Some housing activity will be delayed until spring. At the same time, we can't ignore the ongoing headwinds of tight credit, limited inventory, higher prices and higher mortgage interest rates.

These issues will hinder home sales activity until the positive factors of job growth and new supply from higher housing starts begin to make an impact."

The median existing-home price for all housing types in January was $188,900, up 10.7 percent from January 2013. Distressed homes3 - foreclosures and short sales -

accounted for 15 percent of January sales, compared with 14 percent in December and 24 percent in January 2013.

Eleven percent of January sales were foreclosures, and 4 percent were short sales. Foreclosures sold for an average discount of 16 per-

ing inventory at the end of January rose 2.2 percent to 1.90 million existing homes available for sale, which represents a 4.9-month supply4 at the current sales pace, up from 4.6 months in December. Unsold inventory is 7.3 percent above a year ago, when there was a 4.4-

cent below market value in January, while short sales were discounted 13 percent. Total hous-

month supply. A supply of 6.0 to 6.5 months represents a rough balance between buyers and sellers.

According to Freddie Mac, the national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixedrate mortgage slipped to 4.43 percent in January from 4.46 percent in December; the rate was 3.41 percent in January 2013.

NAR President Steve Brown, co-owner of Irongate, Inc., Realtors® in Dayton, Ohio, said that in addition to disruptive weather, higher flood insurance rates are impacting the market in areas designated as flood zones, which account for roughly 8 to 9 percent of sales. "Thirty percent of transactions in flood zones were cancelled or delayed in January as a result of sharply higher flood insurance rates," he said. "Since going into effect on October 1, 2013, about 40,000 home sales were either delayed or canceled because of increases and confusion over significantly higher flood insurance rates. The volume could accelerate as the market picks up this spring."

Cont’d on page 39

Private equity funds returning to realty space MUMBAI: Optimistic about the revival of economy after Lok Sabha elections, foreign and domestic private equity players are now returning to Indian real estate sector, but with caution and will focus on top six-seven cities, say industry experts.

Last year witnessed as many as 393 PE deals totaling USD 9.67 billion, out of which USD 40 million were in the real estate sector.

"We believe the current sentiment cannot become worse than (in the) last few years. The real estate sector is expected to witness a revival this year. This positive sentiment is encouraging private equity players to relook at the sector for investment," PwC executive director Shashank Jain told PTI. Both the domestic as well as international players are looking at investing in the sector, he added.

In January, ASK Group raised its first tranche of USD 50 million of USD 200 million off-shore funds to invest in mid-income residential projects. Brick Eagle Group is raising USD 100 million to invest in lands for affordable housing development.

jor metros. IPAL has begun the process to raise USD 250-300 million through an offshore fund, and Rs 300 crore through a domestic fund to invest in redevelopment projects in the megapolis.

Qatar Investment Authority is in talks to invest USD 200 million in some residential property in the country, while Milestone Capital Advisors is also in the process of raising Rs 500-crore real estate fund, which is likely to be launched in the next few months, according to industry sources.

"Improvement in policy framework, banking sector reforms, and increase in construction activities are encouraging Foreign and domestic private equity investors to look at real estate. players are now returning to Indian real estate sector, but with caution and will There have been investments in real estate asset class, which are focus on top six-seven cities giving double digit returns of Indiareit Fund Advisors has around 20-22 per cent," Milefinished raising USD 160.5 million stone Capital director Rubi Arya to buy property assets in the ma- said. -PTI

February 28, 2014

Real Estate Post

India Post 39

www.indiapost.com

Holdover rental has risks for homebuyer STEVE MCLINDEN

Dear Real Estate Adviser, Sellers often ask to stay in the home for a short time after closing and I have seen your advice regarding this. But what if the seller wants to stay and rent for six months?

- Esther Dear Esther, In real estate parlance, this is known as a "holdover" or "post-closing possession," though buyers burned by these arrangements might have a more derogatory term for them. These deals, however, are a fact of life in the constant struggle for buyers to coordinate their move-outs with their move-ins.

In most cases, a holdover is a no-risk proposition for the seller and a multirisk one for the buyer. Though the chances of some-

thing going badly askew in a possession of a few days or even weeks are small, the odds of something bad happening increase enormously as the months - or half a year in your case - go by, especially without ironclad protections built into the contract.

First off, determine if you're even allowed to make this concession. Check with your prospective home insurer to see what kind of coverage for fires or other catastrophic losses you have when you're not the occupant of your home. You might need to buy something akin to renters insurance. Same goes for the lender. Would such an arrangement violate terms of your mortgage? These institutions might be a little flexible on these arrangements, but a half-year could be a

Existing-home sales drop while prices continue to grow Cont’d from page 50

Congress is considering legislation to halt new flood insurance rates so the Federal Emergency Management Agency can complete an affordability study and determine the full impact of the law.

The median time on market for all homes was 67 days in January, down from 72 days in December and 71 days on market in December 2013. Short sales were on the market for a median of 150 days in January, while foreclosures typically sold in 58 days and non-distressed homes took 66 days.

Thirty-one percent of homes sold in January were on the market for less than a month.

First-time buyers accounted for 26 percent of purchases in January, down from 27 percent in December and 30 percent in January 2013. This is the lowest market share for first-time buyers since NAR began monthly measurement in October 2008; normally, they should be closer to 40 percent.

All-cash sales comprised 33 percent of transactions in January, up from 32 percent in December and 28 percent in January 2013.

Individual investors, who account for many cash sales, purchased 20 percent of homes in January, compared with 21 percent in December and 19 percent in January 2013. Seven out of 10 investors paid cash in January.

Single-family home sales fell 5.8 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.05 million in January from 4.30 million in December, and are 6.0 percent below the 4.31 million-unit pace in January 2013. The median existing single-family home price was $188,900 in January, up 10.4 percent from a year ago.

Existing condominium and co-op sales were unchanged at an annual rate of 570,000 units in January, and are 1.8 percent above a year ago. The median existing condo price was $188,700 in January, which is 13.0 percent above January 2013.

Regionally, existing-home sales in the Northeast declined 3.1 percent to an annual rate of 620,000 in January, and are also 3.1 percent below January 2013. The median price in the Northeast was $241,100, up 6.6 percent from a year ago.

Existing-home sales in the Midwest dropped 7.1 percent in January to a pace of 1.04 million, and are 8.8 percent below a year ago. The median price in the Midwest was $140,300, which is 7.6 percent higher than January 2013.

In the South, existing-home sales declined 3.5 percent to an annual level of 1.95 million in January, but are 1.6 percent higher than January 2013. The median price in the South was $161,500, up 9.4 percent from a year ago. Existing-home sales in the West dropped 7.3 percent to a pace of 1.01 million in January, and are 13.7 percent below a year ago. Sales in the West are attenuated by tight inventory in many areas, pushing the median price to $273,500, up 14.6 percent from January 2013.

Rs120 cr in tax dues from over 1,000 properties NEW DELHI: Property tax worth Rs 120 crore is due from over 1,000 commercial and residential properties in north Delhi, the North Corporation has said while warning of measures to name and shame defaulters.

Chairman of the high-powered property tax committee of the North Delhi Municipal Corporation Rajesh Bhatia said that property tax of Rs 120 crore is due from about 1,094 commercial and residential properties for the last many years.

The chairman has warned the defaulters to pay their taxes on time else a strict action would be taken against them under the provisions of the DMC Act. The action to be taken might also include publishing the names of the defaulters in newspaper, placing boards with their names in localities, beating of drums outside their homes, attachment of their accounts and auction of their properties, he said.

The Corporation from time to time, he said, has brought amnesty schemes with waiving of penalty and interest for facilitation of tax payers.-PTI

Terminator character.

More importantly, ask for an escrow of 2 percent to 3 percent of the purchase price to serve as a damage deposit in the event your seller departs with appliances that were supposed to reMore importantly, ask for an escrow main, sullies or scars the place, or reveals damage preof 2 percent to 3 percent of the viously obscured by furnishings. In a conventional deal, purchase price to serve as a dama buyer's final preclosing age deposit in the event your seller walk-through would protect you from most of these departs with appliances that were but not in a post-clossupposed to remain, sullies or scars things, ing possession. the place, or reveals damage The seller's monthly rent or fee should also include a Unlike a lease, where the process for evict- proportionate share of mortgage interest, ing a resident can be time-consuming and real estate taxes, insurance, utilities or costly, a license may be quickly revoked other ongoing charges. These and other by you for any number of reasons set forth contract addendums can be drawn up by in your contract. Such occupiers, in other an experienced and conscientious real words, typically aren't covered by the estate agent, though a qualified attorney is always preferable. community's renter rights.

To further deter the seller from lingerUltimately, such attorneys might tell ing in your home past the agreed-to date, you that you're better off delaying the closestablish a daily fine that greatly exceeds ing rather than allowing a seller-dweller to the cost of what the possessor might linger in the house, though yes, that's not spend at a nice hotel. A penalty of $400 or always possible. $500 per day says "get out" as emphatiGood luck! Protect yourself, please. cally as Arnold Schwarzenegger's cyborg -Courtesy Bankrate.com tough sell.

If you do sort all that out and agree to oblige the seller, presumably to grease the deal, you need to structure the holdover in the form of a license rather than a lease.

40 India Post

www.indiapost.com

ausani is a Himalayan village in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand. It is located at an altitude of 1890 meters above sea level. This small and serene hill resort is known for its natural beauty and it offers a spectacular 300 km-wide view of the Himalayan peaks of Trishul (the Trident of Shiva, 7120 m), Nandadevi (Goddess of bliss, 7817 m) and Panchuli.

It is a cute picturesque village with scenic splendor and vibrancy but less than 300 inhabitants.

This majestic hill resort is placed on the ridge of the hillock. The panoramic views of the Someswar Valley on one side and Baijnath Katyuri and Garur on the other side are breathtaking. The Sun rising above the Himalayan peaks is really a wonderful, unforgettable experience from Kausani. The green Kausani is sur-

February 28, 2014

rounded by dense pine forests.

The cool and pleasant ambience of this unspoiled and serene location makes it a much sought holiday destination for tourists, nature lovers and environmentalists. Many breathtaking picnic spots are available in and around this location. Enriched with attractive wild flowers and cool soft breeze carrying the fragrance of the hilly regions, Kausani is really a must see tourist location in India.

ATTRACTIONS Sumitranandan Pant Gallery: It is a museum dedicated to the great Hindi poet Sumitranandan Pant whose birth place was Kasauni. The museum is housed in the place where the poet spent his childhood.

Cont’d on page 42

February 28, 2014

Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post

41

www.indiapost.com

Develop tourism in friendly manner: Parvez Dewan India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: Mr Parvez Dewan, Secretary Tourism has urged all the site developers to develop and preserve tourism heritage by protecting ecology, environment and nature in and around it. He recommended that the best way to develop and preserve them in India would be by evolving efficient manufacturing techniques with imagination on lines adopted by successful international players such as British and German governments.

He was inaugurating the 3rd India Heritage Tourism Conclave2014 organized by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry here.

The Secretary, Tourism recommended that tourism and heritage

sites all over the country and especially in terrains and landscapes within the Himalayan range and other places should be developed in such a way that original structures are intact and protected.

For development and preservations of palatial places and sites, the best way would be to turn them into hotels so that those who choose to stay in such places enjoy and imagine the culture and heritage of such vintage, suggested Mr. Dewan.

In observations Mr S M Khan, Director General, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting said that the government in consultation with all States and concerned stake holders were taking all possible measures to develop tourism and preserve our ancient culture

Nepal to overhaul Everest security after brawl KATHMANDU: Nepal will overhaul security on Mount Everest, a tourism official said, a year after a brawl between European mountaineers and local guides made global headlines.

Soldiers and police will be stationed at Everest base camp so climbers can approach officers "if there are any issues" on the world's highest mountain, senior tourism ministry official Madhusudan Burlakoti said.

The move comes after a fight last April between three European climbers and Nepalese Sherpa guides at the camp that shocked the mountaineering community.

The brawl fuelled concerns that overcrowding on the "roof of the world" was raising tensions and leading to arguments over climbing rights.

"We are setting up a government-run tent on base camp so climbers can approach our officers if there are any issues, whether for medical help, rescues or anything else," Burlakoti told AFP. "We want to make things easier for climbers," Burlakoti said.

Currently, a liaison officer, either from the army, police force or

tourism ministry, is assigned to each group of mountaineers during the peak climbing months of April and May. Once the tent station is set up in April, climbers will be able to access officers more easily in the event of trouble, rather than relying on a single assigned liaison officer, Burlakoti said.

The fight between the Europeans and local guides erupted when the Nepalese asked the mountaineers to stay in base camp while they fixed ropes on an ice wall for climbers.

The Europeans refused, saying they were free to ascend since they did not need to use the ropes, sparking the violence.

The move comes soon after Nepal slashed individual climbing fees for Everest and other Himalayan peaks to attract more mountaineers, sparking concerns of further traffic on the mountains.

Everest is a key revenue earner for the impoverished country, with hundreds scaling the mountain every year, but many in the climbing community warn of the dangers of over-commercialization. AFP

in a manner that was not hostile to nature and scenic beauty.

Mr Sharad Jaipuria, President, PHD Chamber in his welcome remarks assured the participants that

the Chamber would take the initiative for promoting tourism and heritage to all 12 States in which the PHD Chamber operates and even in overseas economies in

Mr Parvez Dewan, Secretary Tourism, inaugurating the 3rd India Heritage Tourism Conclave-2014 organized by PHDCCI

which the PHD Chamber interacts with its counterparts for mutual economic gains.

Mr. Saurabh Sanyal, Executive Director, PHD Chamber, in his Special Address said that the total market size of tourism and hospitality industry in India stood at around US$ 118 bn currently and is expected to double in the next five years.

Among others who spoke on the occasion for all round development and promotion of tourism and heritage comprised Mr. Vijay Mehta, Chairman, Tourism Committee, PHD Chamber; Mr. Madan Mohan, Director, Deneb & Pollux Group of Companies and Capt Krishan Sharma, MD of India Post, who spoke on improving infrastructure for tourism, particularly in Himalayan states.

42

Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post

February 28, 2014

www.indiapost.com

KAUSANI, UTTARAKHAND Spectacular 300 km-wide view of Himalayan peaks Cont’d from page 40

The museum displays manuscripts of his poems, draft copies of his literary work, his day-to-day use articles, the awards received and also the letters written by him and received by him. The museum is located at the backdrop of hilly greenish landscapes. The compact library in the museum is worth visiting.

Kasauni Tea Estate: Kasauni Tea Estate and Factory is a world renowned tea plantation located close to the town. This is the most important industry of the region and is spread over more than 208 hectares in 21 divisions. It is from this plantation that delicious high flavor Girias Uttaranchal tea is produced. This tea is popular abroad including in USA, Korea and UK. The view of the scenic green tea plantations is an amazing experience. . The tourist can go through all the tea manufacturing process with the help of an experi-

enced guide. Tourists can pick up the best quality favorite tea brands from the factory for a moderate price.

Rudradhari Falls and Caves: Rudradhari Falls and Caves are located amid terraced fields, lush green paddy fields and dense green pine forests. These magnificent waterfalls can be viewed while trekking to Adi Kailash region. The Rudhadhari falls is a natural attraction here and many ancient caves are found nearby.

The Puranic stories relate to this place with Lord Shiv (Rudra) and Lord Vishnu (Hari). The caves are natural and very impressive.

The Shiv Temple at Someshwar is situated close to the waterfalls.

Gandhi Ashram (Anashakti Ashram): Anashakti Ashram, popularly known as Gandhi Ashram, is a highly revered ashram, which was blessed with the stay of Mahatma Gandhi for some days. It was during that period that he wrote a commentary on Anashakti Yog. The Ashram is in a very calm and secluded area. It is placed in the backdrop of scenic surroundings, with majestic views of Himalayan ranges all around. One can do meditation in the calm atmosphere of the Ashram without any disturbance of the outside world.

Kot Bhramari Temple: Kot Brahmari temple, located at the top of a mountain enclosed by a fort, is known popularly by Bhramari Devi or Kote-ke-mai temple. Legend relates this place to Adi Guru Shankaracharya. It is believed that he spent some valuable time in this temple on his way to Garhwal region.

The unique feature of this temple is that the main deity, Goddess Bhramari is facing north and devotees offer prayers from the south direction of the temple.

Devotees throng to this temple during a grand fair held annually in August. During this festival known as Nanda Raj Jat, the idol is taken out in a procession through the surrounding region.

TREKKING Kausani is an ideal destination for vacations and adventure seekers as it has one of the best trekking routes in the region. The region experiences snowfall during the months of December and January. Though summer time is best for trekking, one can plan a tour during winter in order to enjoy the lovely snowfall.

Cont’d on page 43

February 28, 2014

Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post

43

www.indiapost.com

MP witnesses 620 pc increase in tourists BHOPAL: Madhya Pradesh has witnessed a record 620 per cent increase in number of tourists from India and abroad in the last seven years.

In 2005-06, only 74,14,375 tourists from India and abroad visited the state, while in 2012-13, a record 5,34,13,039 came to MP, State

Tourism Development Corporation (MPSTDC) General Manager R P Chouhan said.

Thus, in the last seven years from 2005-06 to 2012-13, a total 620.40 per cent increase in tourists arrival was recorded in the

state, Chouhan said.

In the last two years, there was a sharp increase in tourist arrival, while in the current year 2013-14, a total of 6.33 crore tourists have already visited the state, he said.

MPSTDC's earning was Rs 12.80 crore in 2003-04, which went up to Rs 91 crore in 2012-13 and thus, there was an increase of 610.94 per cent in the earnings in the last nine years, he said.

World's biggest Manta Ray sanctuary in Indonesia JAKARTA: Indonesia is now home to the world's biggest Manta Ray sanctuary covering millions of square kilometers, as it seeks to protect the huge winged fish and draw more tourists to the sprawling archipelago.

New legislation gives full protection to the creatures across all the waters surrounding Southeast Asia's biggest country, which for years has been the world's largest shark and ray fishery.

Protection group Conservation International hailed the "bold" move and said it was influenced by a recent government-backed review that showed a single manta ray was worth one million dollars in tourism revenue over its lifetime.

This compares to between USD 40 and USD 500 if caught and killed, the group said.

Many foreign tourists come to Indonesia every year to dive in some of the world's most bio-diverse waters and manta rays are a favorite sight.

The gentle beasts have wingspans up to 25 feet (7.5 meters), which they flap to propel themselves gracefully through the wa-

ter.

"Indonesia now has the second-largest manta ray tourism industry in the world, with an estimated annual turnover of USD 15 million," said Agus Dermawan, a senior official from the ministry of marine affairs and fisheries.

"Given the huge area of reefs

donesia, such as Raja Ampat off the northwest tip of New Guinea Island and around the resort island of Bali.

In recent years their numbers of rays have declined rapidly, however, due to voracious demand in China for their body parts for use in traditional medicine.

and islands in our country, if managed properly, Indonesia could become the top manta tourism destination on the planet."

Indonesia is one of the few places in the world where tourists can easily see both species of manta rays, the oceanic and reef varieties. The new legislation protects both.

Taking tourists out to view rays and other creatures provides livelihoods for many people working in popular dive spots across In-

The new legislation protects manta rays within Indonesia's 5.8 million square kilometers of ocean, banning fishing of the rays and their export.

It came a year after the local government in Raja Ampat announced the creation of a 46,000square-kilometre shark and ray sanctuary.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies both species of manta ray as vulnerable. -AFP

There was a budget of Rs 15 crore for Madhya Pradesh tourism in 2004-05 which increased up to Rs 150 crore in 2013-14, going up ten times during the last nine years, official sources said.

The new areas like eco tourism, heritage tourism and spiritual tourism have attracted tourists from India and abroad, Chouhan said, adding that state has secured a strong visibility on the world tourism map.

MP recently got the award for best comprehensive development

of tourism, and for best tourism film and best civic management of tourist destination - hill station Pachmarhi. It also received the award for making the best TV film 'Sau tarah ke rang hain...Malang hain', for boosting tourism, he said.

A total of 1.12 crore tourists visited the state in 2006-07, which increased up to 1.41 crore in 2007-08 and the number went up to 2.23 crore in 2008-09. In 2009-10, the figure increased to 2.32 crore, in 201011 to 3.83 crore and in 2011-12 to 4.43 crore, he said.-PTI

KAUSANI Cont’d from page 42

One of the best trekking routes is from Kausani to Adi-Kailash via Dharchula. Adi Kailash is also known as Chhota Kailash. The name originated as the snow on this peak forms an impression of 'OM' imprinted on it. One gets to see the Parvati Lake and Jollingkong Lake here. The trek gives one a chance to view the beautiful snow peaks of Annapurna, thick forests, waterfalls and wild flowers.

Kasauni to Sundergandha is a hard trek route. Sunderdhunga Glacier is in the Pindar region.

Sunderdhunga means the valley of beautiful stones. This valley is situated to the west of the Pindar Valley and has two glaciers, Maiktoli and Sukhram. An awe-in-

spiring view of Tharkot, Mrigthuni and Maiktoli peaks is available from here.

Best time to visit Kausani is from September to May. HOW TO REACH

By Train: Nearest railway station is at Kathgodam. Kathgodam to Kausani city is about 142 km.

By Air: The nearest airport to Kausani is Naini Saini in Pithoragarh, which is nearly 112 km away from the heart of the city. The major international airport near Kausani is Delhi, which is nearly 425 km away from the city.

By Bus: Bus services connect Kausani to other hill stations like Almora, Ranikhet, Nainital and Pittorgarh. Many overnight tourist bus services run by private companies are available from New Delhi.

In Brief Nugent backlash rare misstep for Texas GOP AUSTIN, Texas: Rock musician Ted Nugent has been an outspoken friend to many conservative politicians in Texas. But it's unlikely he'll get an encore in the Texas governor's race after blowback from his appearances with Republican candidate Greg Abbott.

Abbott, the Texas attorney general, took heat for inviting Nugent to join him at campaign events.

Nugent has suggested treating immigrants like ``indentured servants.'' He was quoted last moth calling President Barack Obama a ``subhuman mongrel.''

Nugent apologized for that remark. His apology came after Gov. Rick Perry and Republican U.S. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky criticized his language as inappropriate.

Abbott and Democrat Wendy Davis are the leading contenders to succeed Perry, who did not seek reelection after 14 years in office. -AP

„ Phoenix rally on deportations draws 300 PHOENIX: Nearly 300 people gathered in Phoenix to protest deportations as well as the inability of some immigrants to get driver's licenses.

Demonstrators marched more than a mile to the office of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Carrying white balloons, protesters shouted chants such as ``undocumented, unafraid.''

Demonstrators called for Gov. Jan Brewer to allow driver's licenses for young immigrants, or ``dreamers,'' protected under President Barack Obama's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. ``Dreamers'' is a reference to the DREAM Act, a proposed law that would give legal status to people illegally brought to the U.S. as children.

They also called for Obama to halt all deportations while Congress remains deadlocked on immigration reform.

The protesters represented 50 state affiliates of the United We Dream, an immigrant youth-led network that is having its national conference in Phoenix. -PTI

Immigration

Cambodian police probe Canadian's disappearance Details on page 46

44 India Post

www.indiapost.com

February 28, 2014

Fed shutdown last year hurt 37,000 immigrant cases LOS ANGELES: The federal government shutdown last year delayed more than 37,000 immigration hearings by months or years for immigrants already waiting in lengthy lines to plead for asylum or green cards.

While the country's immigration courts are now running as usual, immigrants who had hoped to have their cases resolved in October so they could travel abroad to see family or get a job have instead had their lives put on hold. Many had already waited years to get a hearing date in the notoriously backlogged courts, which determine whether immigrants should be deported or allowed to stay in the country.

Now, some hearings have been pushed into later this year, and thousands more have been shelved until 2015 or later, according to emails obtained by The Associated Press.

"This is a big task, and not one that will be accomplished quickly, especially given our current staffing shortage," Chief Immigration Judge Brian O'Leary wrote in an Oct. 17 email to immigration judges and court administrators obtained through a Freedom of Information

Act request. A day earlier, O'Leary wrote in a separate email to staff that the tally of deferred hearings had surpassed 37,000 and many immigrants probably wouldn't get their cases heard until at least 2015.

The delays triggered by last

of judges. The impact on immigrants has been uneven. Those with strong cases for staying in the U.S. are left in limbo for even longer, while those who face likely deportation have won more time in the United States.

Gladys Hirayda Shahian, 42, originally from Guatemala, poses for a photo holding pictures of her family at her workplace in Los Angeles. Shahian has been trying to obtain a green card through her American husband for more than a decade.

year's federal government shutdown that closed national parks and furloughed government workers has further strained an immigration court system already beset with ballooning caseloads, years long waits and a shortage

"For some people, it probably was a huge reprieve," said Andres Benach, an immigration attorney in Washington. "Just not my clients."

About 70 percent of all immigration court hearings were put on

hold, and all involved immigrants who were not held in detention centers. The rest - immigrants in detention facilities - proceeded with their hearings as scheduled.

About half of immigrants in detention have criminal records.

The situation is especially dire for asylum seekers who may have left family behind in dangerous conditions. They cannot apply to bring relatives to the United States unless they win their cases.

For others, the delay means more uncertainty. Gladys Hirayda Shahian said she has been trying to obtain a green card through her American husband for more than a decade. After getting turned away at the airport after a trip back to her native Guatemala in the 1990s, Shahian said she crossed the border illegally to reunite with him and filed her residency application.

Since then, the 42-year-old from Encino, Calif., has been unable to take her U.S.-born children to visit family in Guatemala or accept a job outside her home. After waiting nearly two years to get an immigration court date in Los Angeles in October, she now has to wait until August because of the shutCont'd on Page 46 down.

Thailand revokes Indian's residency status BANGKOK: Thai authorities have revoked the permanent residency status of long-time Bangkok-based Indian businessman Satish Sehgal, paving the way for his deportation for allegedly defying an emergency decree and leading anti-government protests.

The decision was made at a second round of meetings of the Interior Ministry's immigration committee, newspapers quoted sources as saying.

A secret ballot was held on the issue of revoking Seghal's permanent residency status and five members of the committee voted for it while two others opposed it and two more abstained, the media reports said.

The committee had earlier de-

been submitted to Chalerm Yubamrung, director of the Centre for Maintaining Peace and Order (CMPO) that is overseeing the government's response to the protests.

If the deportation is approved by CMPO, Sehgal can approach the court to oppose the move.

However, Seghal said he had not received anything in writing yet or been informed of any allegation of wrongdoing.

"I am innocent, I did Indian businessman Satish Sehgal not do anything still holds an Indian passport. wrong. I have not been investiThe committee's decision has gated by police or any officials," cided on February 11 that there was not enough evidence to deport 70-year-old Sehgal, who has lived in Thailand for 65 years but

said Sehgal, who has a publishing business.

He said he only knew what the media had reported, adding the matter was now being handled by his lawyers.

The move for Seghal's deportation came after he took part in anti-government protests after the emergency was imposed last month in Bangkok and surrounding areas.

Sehgal has been accused of harming national security by leading protesters to besiege government offices, including the Department of Civil Aviation.

The businessman earlier served as an advisor to several ministers, including those in the administration run by former premier Thaksin Shinawatra. -AP

Immigration Post

February 28, 2014

India Post 45

www.indiapost.com

Arizona governor asked to nix bill angering gays PHOENIX: Four years after igniting a national uproar over immigration, the Arizona Legislature has jumped into the battle over gay rights with a piece of legislation that had opponents predicting business boycotts against the state.

The legislation allows business owners with strongly held religious beliefs to refuse service to gays, and all eyes are on Republican Gov. Jan Brewer as she decides whether to sign the bill.

The conservative governor is already feeling pressure from the business community to veto the bill. A prominent Phoenix group believes it would be another black eye for the state that saw a national backlash over its 2010 immigration crackdown law, SB1070.

Opponents also pointed out that the legislation would serve as a major distraction as Arizona prepares to host the Super Bowl next year.

But Brewer also will be heavily pressured to sign the bill by social conservatives who backed it as a religious-rights bill.

Brewer, who is deeply religious but also pro-business, is caught somewhere in the middle. She hasn't taken a public position on this bill.

Social conservatives and libertarian-minded members of the GOP believe the legislation protects the First Amendment rights of business owners who are expressing their religious beliefs.

The new legislation was passed over the shrill objections of Democrats who said it was clearly designed to allow discrimination against gays. All but three Republicans in the Legislature voted in favor of the bill.

Greater Phoenix Economic Council President and CEO Barry Broome urged the governor to veto the bill and said four companies have already put their plans to open facilities in Arizona on hold until they see if the bill becomes law. The impact could mean the potential loss of ``thousands of jobs,'' Broome said.

In terms of wooing businesses, Broome said the bill is far more damaging than SB1070 was.

``This is coming out of left field ... from a bunch of demagogues who don't care about Arizona's future,'' Broome said. ``I think the political consequences are gonna be greater than people might think.''

Republicans defended the proposal during two days of debate in the House and Senate, saying the bill is only a ``modest update'' of the state's existing religious freedom law, which mirrors exist-

with religious freedom laws on the books, and the proposal in question would expand the act in ways that supporters say do not amount to radical revisions.

She did veto similar legislation last year, but that came during a bill-signing moratorium she put in place while she battled to get recalcitrant conservatives in the Legislature to pass a Medicaid expansion. Still, the veto might be a hint that she won't go along again.

``We are clarifying the protection we thought existed. We're not saying you have carte blanche to do whatever you want,'' Kredit said.

Religious groups were split.

Kredit's group is evangelical Christian, and the Arizona Catholic Conference backs the bill. The Episcopal Diocese of Arizona opposes it.

About 250 protesters gathered outside the state capitol, holding signs with messages such as ``This is Ridiculous'' and ``What About Love Thy Neighbor?'' Another protest was planned in Tucson, where a march to Brewer's southern Arizona office was planned.

Meanwhile, Republican Sec-

retary of State Ken Bennett issued a statement calling the bill ``an unnecessary measure to protect a God-given right already assured by the Constitution.''

After hearing that the legislation was approved, Rocco DiGrazia, owner of Rocco's Little Chicago Pizzeria in Tucson, put up a sign on a window that reads ``We reserve the right to refuse service to Arizona legislators.''

DiGrazia calls the bill's approval ``appalling.''

DiGrazia, who grew up Catholic but doesn't follow any religion now, said he cares more about dishing out pizza to customers - gay or straight. He isn't sure if he'll follow what's on his sign. -AP

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

Former Assistant StateÂ’s Attorney

Civil & Criminal Litigation Felonies, Misdemeanors, Inc DUI 1 Personal Injury, Business, Divorce etc.

1 Property Tax for Commercial Properties 1 1

House Minority Leader Chad Campbell, (D) Phoenix, argues that House Bill 2153 would discriminate against gays and others on the House Floor in Phoenix

ing federal legislation. They frequently cited the case of a New Mexico photographer who was sued after refusing to take wedding pictures of a gay couple and said Arizona needs a law to protect people in the state from heavyhanded actions by courts. ``The world's on its ear,'' said Rep. John Allen, R-Scottsdale, who supported the bill. ``It's alien to me that a business owner can't reflect his faith in his business.''

The bill allows any business, church or person to cite the law as a defense in any action brought by the government or an individual claiming discrimination. It also allows the business or person to seek an injunction once they show their actions are based on a sincere religious belief and the claim places a burden on the exercise of their religion.

Arizona is one of several states

And she's knocked down other controversial bills, including a 2011 bill that would have required President Barack Obama and other presidential candidates to prove their U.S. citizenship before their names could appear on the state's ballot.

Rep. Demion Clinco, a Tucson Democrat who is openly gay, called the bill ``toxic'' and said it will validate attacks on gays and lesbians. ``It actually creates some sort of credibility to be able to tell someone `I'm sorry, I can't serve you in my restaurant or my place of business or provide you services because you're different or because of your sexuality,''' Clinco said.

Josh Kredit, an attorney for the Center of Arizona Policy which helped draft the legislation, said it wouldn't add any new substantive legal rights for business owners.

http://www.proy-singh.com

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

Immigration Post

46 India Post

February 28, 2014

www.indiapost.com

Cambodian police probe Canadian's disappearance PHNOM PENH, Cambodia: Police say they are worried about the safety of a Canadian filmmaker who disappeared from his guesthouse in northwestern Cambodia.

Immigration Police officer Yut Sinin said an investigation has turned up no clues about where Dave Walker of Edmonton may have gone on Feb. 14. He left behind his phone, laptop computer, passport and other belongings. He said Walker, 58, a former journalist who is a partner in a local film production company, has lived in Siem Reap province for two years.

Yut Sinin said Walker occasionally went to neighboring Thailand but it seemed unlikely this time. The Phnom Penh Post newspaper quoted Sonny Chhoun, his partner in Animist Farm Films, as

saying Walker stepped out of his guesthouse room to let it be cleaned. ``I just want to say, I don't think he went anywhere by himself. I

very well.'' ``We are deeply concerned by the disappearance of veteran journalist Dave Walker,'' said Shawn Crispin, senior Southeast Asia rep-

``We are deeply concerned by the disappearance of veteran journalist Dave Walker,'' said Shawn Crispin, senior Southeast Asia representative for the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists. ``We call on the relevant Cambodian authorities to leave no stone unturned in their investigation.'' think something is wrong. I don't think he would just leave, with his phone on the charger, and go somewhere,'' Sonny Chhoun was quoted as saying. ``This is very unnatural for Dave. I know him

resentative for the New Yorkbased Committee to Protect Journalists. ``We call on the relevant Cambodian authorities to leave no stone unturned in their investigation.'' -AP

Former US congressman pleads guilty in Zimbabwe HARARE, Zimbabwe: Former U.S. Rep. Mel Reynolds pleaded guilty to violating Zimbabwe's immigration laws.

He was sentenced by the Magistrate's Court in Harare to five days' imprisonment or a fine of $100.

The court ordered that once he has paid the fine or served the prison sentence that he be deported from Zimbabwe. He is

Fed shutdown last year hurt 37,000 immigrant cases Cont'd from Page 44

"Every time I go to that court, I come out broken, in tears," said Shahian, who has been married for two decades and helps run her husband's clothing design business.

Immigration judges can grant asylum, green cards or other forms of relief - or order someone deported for breaking the country's immigration laws.

About half of immigrants were given deportation orders in immigration court rulings handed down since October, according to a report by the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse at Syracuse University.

The courts overseen by the Justice Department's Executive Office for Immigration Review nearly always have long wait times for hearings. As of January, more than 360,000 immigration court cases were pending for

Immigration Judge Dana Leigh Marks said she doesn't have two weeks open on her calendar in San Francisco's immigration court for merit hearings until June 2017.

And she can't just bump people with court dates this year an average of 573 days, according to TRAC. Oscar, who came to the country as a 17-year-old last year from El Salvador, has been waiting for a decision on whether he can continue to live with his sister in Los Angeles - or be sent back and face street gangs that killed his mother and threatened to kill him if he didn't join their ranks.

His lawyer requested that his last name not be used out of fear for his safety if he is deported.

Former US Congressman Melvin Reynolds arrives at the Harare Magistrates court

still facing separate charges of possessing pornography, to which he has pleaded innocent.

He will appear in court again on those charges.

The state alleges that Reynolds had images of naked men and women on his iPhone 4S. U.S. Embassy officials brought him some food in court but declined to speak to the media.

Reynolds, 62, resigned from his congressional seat in 1995 after being convicted of statutory rape. -AP

Oscar is seeking legal status through a program that helps foreign children in the United States who have been abused or abandoned. A hearing on his case was supposed to happen in October, but now has been delayed until June or later, leaving him to worry about his future.

"I'm afraid they're going to send me back," he said.

Immigration Judge Dana Leigh Marks said she doesn't have two weeks open on her calendar in San Francisco's immigration court for merit hearings until June 2017. And she can't just bump people with court dates this year, because they've also been waiting for their day in court.

"You have this very delicately balanced system. Now we have this added dysfunction to cope with on top of that," she said. "I just think the ripple effect is going to be continuing for a while."

Some immigration lawyers said the shutdown caused heartache for many clients, but is par for the course in an overburdened system. Similar problems occur when a judge is sick or winter weather closes a courthouse.

"The backlog will keep on coming, whether it was shut down or not," said Andrew Johnson, an immigration attorney in New York.

"You just got bad luck if you were one of the ones who were hit during that time."-AP

Man admits immigration scam in NYC, will pay $180K NEW YORK: An Austrian-born man accused of using phony government documents to scam people seeking immigration help has pleaded guilty in New York to scheming to defraud.

Martin Mannert agreed to pay $180,000 in restitution. His case may be closed without jail time or probation if he repays the money

by May 22.

The Manhattan district attorney's office said Mannert held himself out as a legal adviser and

immigration consultant, drawing clients from Europe, Asia and South America and charging each about $10,000. The 42-year-old naturalized citizen isn't a lawyer.

Prosecutors say he sent clients bogus federal documents showing approval for work authorization or other benefits but actually hadn't filed applications.

Defense lawyer Oliver Storch says Mannert made a mistake, accepted responsibility and looks forward to a law-abiding life. -AP

Immigration Post

February 28, 2014

India Post 47

www.indiapost.com

Tuition aid for students in NY illegally gets bump ALBANY, N.Y.: Supporters of a bill that would give New York students in the U.S. illegally access to state tuition assistance weren't giving it much of a chance in this election year, planning instead for a push in 2015.

But unforeseen support from New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and more Democratic law-

age of 16, the New York state Dream Act opens up state financial aid to students in the country illegally.

The proposal includes a budget appropriation of $25 million to open up Tuition Assistance Program money for such students at both public and private colleges, paying up to $5,000 a

Ever since it was first introduced three years ago, opponents have argued that using taxpayer money to fund tuition assistance for people in the country illegally takes opportunity and funds away from students who are citizens. makers has breathed new life into the state's proposed ``Dream Act'' and given hope to students who would otherwise be shut out of state financial aid. ``It's very frustrating to try and further your education and have so many obstacles in your path,'' said Marcy Suarez, a high school senior from Brentwood who was 7 when she crossed the Mexican desert to enter the United States.

Unlike the federal Dream Act, which would provide a pathway to citizenship for people that arrived in the country before the

year for undergraduates at fouryear institutions. Exactly how many would be eligible for the need-based assistance is unclear, but according to a report issued by state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, 8,300 such students in the CUNY and SUNY systems would qualify. ``Evidence of the economic benefits of the Dream Act are indisputable,'' Marti Adams, a spokesman for de Blasio, said last week. ``We don't need to think this further. The Legislature needs to give these students the support they need to succeed.''

Ever since it was first introduced three years ago, opponents have argued that using taxpayer money to fund tuition assistance for people in the country illegally takes opportunity and funds away from students who are citizens. New York is among 16 states that already allow those students to pay instate tuition at public colleges.

Prospects for the immigrant financial aid bill remain uncertain in the Senate, where the new backing from four members of the Independent Democratic Conference leaves it still five votes short. Four other Senate Democrats have yet to publicly weigh in on the bill, which passed easily in the Democrat-controlled Assembly last year.

Sen. Bill Perkins, one of those four Democrats, was the Senate sponsor of the Dream Act in 2011.

Perkins didn't return calls seeking comment on his stance on the since-amended version.

Advocates for the Dream Act say they hope to convince Republican Sens. Martin Golden, Lee Zeldin and Andrew Lanza to back the legislation. Golden said he doesn't support the Dream Act, but would back a ``Dream Fund'' to provide scholarships through private sources. Zeldin and Lanza didn't return calls

Britain considers dramatic visa fee hike LONDON: The UK plans to significantly increase visa fees to plug a 50 million pound gap in its budget, a move that can hit Prime Minister David Cameron's efforts to boost student and business visits from countries like India.

The proposal for an acrossthe-board rise in visa fees is contained in a letter from a Home Office official circulated in the cor-

ridors of power here, The Times reported.

According to the newspaper, the move is aimed at plugging a 50-million pound hole in the Home Office budget and could mean a hike in visa fees by 4 per cent, more than double the rate of inflation.

The move could put the Home Office in a direct clash with Prime

Minister David Cameron's efforts to boost student and business visits to Britain from countries like India and China.

Cameron has already announced premium fast-track visa services for elite travelers from these two fast developing countries as part of his trade drive.

The move comes weeks after Home Secretary Theresa May was forced to back down on compulsory 3,000 pound visa bonds for select countries, including India.

A Home Office spokesperson said: "Visa fees are increasing because we are reducing the cost of the immigration system to the taxpayer. Immigrants and visitors should contribute their fair share to the system.

"The Home Office - like the government overall - is performing well in cutting spending while protecting and improving services." -PTI

seeking comment.

But getting the 32 votes needed for passage is just one hurdle.

Sen. Dean Skelos, the Republican leader, and Sen. Jeff Klein of the IDC can block a bill from reaching the floor. Democrats fear they will have the votes needed for passage, but will be

positive and he has not gotten any signal from Cuomo to stall on the measure. ``We are moving full-steam ahead with our efforts to bring the Dream Act to the floor and see it signed into law this year,'' Moya said.

Cuomo has said he would sign the bill if it passes the Sen-

Prospects for the immigrant financial aid bill remain uncertain in the Senate, where the new backing from four members of the Independent Democratic Conference leaves it still five votes short. Four other Senate Democrats have yet to publicly weigh in on the bill blocked from a floor vote by Skelos.

Skelos didn't respond to requests for comment. He said last year he was open to a Dream Fund, but no taxpayer funding.

A Klein spokesman did not signal the senator's feeling on the bill either way.

But Sen. Ruben Diaz told The Associated Press that Republicans aren't the main obstacle in the way of the Dream Act. He blamed other Hispanic legislators who publicly support the bill and Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who he said told supporters to wait on the bill because Republicans won't allow a floor vote.

Sponsors of the bill and a Cuomo spokesman denied that allegation.

Assemblyman Francisco Moya, sponsor of the bill in the Assembly, said that conversations with Cuomo have been

ate, but disappointed Hispanic legislators and advocates when he didn't include the Dream Act in his State of the State speech or the executive budget. ``We see our own governor stalling our efforts,'' said Cesar Vargas, co-director of the Dream Action Coalition. ``But there's a significant wave and push coming from New York City by de Blasio for the governor.''

In the same vein, Sen. Jose Peralta, sponsor of the Senate bill, said that it was a plus that the mayor has been supportive, but it hasn't moved the needle with the governor.

This past week, Washington state lawmakers passed its version of the Dream Act. Once signed into law, Washington would join California, Texas and New Mexico in extending state tuition aid to students in the country illegally. -AP

Free legal consultation on immigration issues India Post News Service

SIREN (Services Immigration Rights & Education Network) will have an attorney and a Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) certified representative to give free legal consultation to people with immigration issues/concerns.

They can help you read documents, check for eligibility for immigration benefits, and explain the immigration process and how to navigate it. Drop-ins are welcome.

It's first come, first serve. SIREN has Spanish and Vietnamese interpreters.

UPCOMING DATES Berryessa Branch Library;

Thursday, March 27th; 1:00 - 6:00 pm Tully Branch Library; Thursday, April 24th; 1:00 - 6:00 pm Seven Trees Branch Library; Thursday, May 22nd; 1:00 - 6:00 pm Biblioteca Branch Library; Thursday, June 26th; 1:00 - 6:00 pm East Carnegie Branch Library; Thursday, July 24th; 1:00 - 6:00 pm Hillview Branch Library; Thursday, August 28th; 1:00 - 6:00 pm Educational Park Branch Library; Thursday, September 25th; 1:00 - 6:00 pm Alum Rock Branch Library; Thursday, October 23rd; 1:00 - 6:00 pm

Datebook

48 India Post

NEW JERSEY

NEW YORK Upcoming

Upcoming Sun, Mar 9 • Indian Classical Music with Chirag Katti Venue: oria Production Theater, 260 W 36th St, New York, NJ 10018 Time: 4:00 pm Contact: 718-672-3211

Sat, Mar 15

• Page 3 Parties - HOLI HAI Venue: Dorrians, 555 Washington Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07310 Time: 09: 00 am Contact: 201-600-1120

Fri, Mar 28 • Sangam 2014 Venue: The Hindu Temple Society Of North America, 45-57 Bowne St, NJ 11355 Time: 6:00pm Contact: 732-398-9022

Sat, Mar 17 • Sonu Nigam Close To My Soul - NY

Venue: Nassau Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale, NY 11553 Time: 08:00 pm

Fri, Mar 28 • Sangam 2014 - NY Venue: The Hindu Temple Society Of North America, 45-57 Bowne St, New York, NY 11355 Time: 6:00 pm Contact: 347-989-6104

Sat, Mar 29 • Zakir Hussain and The Masters of Percussion

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

February 28, 2014

www.indiapost.com

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

Upcoming

Fri, Feb 28 • Simply Bhangra Nights With

Sat, Mar 1 • Spring Charity Ball With Bollywood Sensation Preity Zinta

Live Dholi !!

Venue: Agenda Lounge, 399 South 1st Street, San Jose, CA 95113, USA, San Jose, CA 95113 Time: 9 pm

Venue: India Community Center, 525 Los Coches Street, Milpitas, CA 95035 Time: 6:30 pm Contact: 408-579-9426

Sat, May 3 • Udit Narayan - Alka Yagnik

Sun, Mar 9 • Aav Taru Kari Nakhu

Venue: Jordan High School

43600 Mission Blvd, Fremont, CA 94539

Auditorium, 6500 Atlantic Ave, Long

Time: 6:00 pm

Beach, CA 90805 Time: 06:00 pm Contact: 310-715-3030

Sun, Mar 9 • Cerritos Music Circle Venue: William and Jane Bristol Auditorium, 16600 Civic Center Plaza, Bell-

Venue: Smith Center at Ohlone College,

ATLANTA Upcoming Sat, Mar 15 • Mohit Chauhan Live In Concert With Mamta Sharma Venue: Atlanta Civic Center, 395, Piedmont Ave, NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 Time: 8:00 pm

flower, CA 90706 Time: 2:00 pm Contact: 310-530-5992

Sat, Mar 22 • Holi On The Beach 2014

Sun, Mar 16 • Chinmaya Tej lighting up the path Venue: South Forsyth Middle School, 2865 Old Atlanta Rd, Cumming, GA 30041 Time: 7:00 am

Venue: Will Rogers State Beach (between towers 5&6), Pacific Coast Hwy, Los Angeles, CA 90272 Time: 11 a.m Contact: 8435032133

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

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

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

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

Sat, Mar 8

• Free Health Screenings Free Assistance with Enrolling in an Affordable Health Insurance Plan through the New Obamacare Healthcare Law Venue: Where: Warren Park, 6601 N. Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60645 Contact: (312.372.7070

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

49 India Post

www.indiapost.com

February 28, 2014

India Post News Service

MUMBAI: As the 15th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend & Awards in Tampa Bay, Florida, draw closer, the Academy held a press conference on the lawns of the U.S. Consulate in Mumbai.

Friends of IIFA, members from the film fraternity were present along with US Ambassador Peter Haas, and the Tampa Bay delegation to show their support for the upcoming celebrations in the United States of America. The 15th Videocon D2H IIFA Weekend and the Tata Motors IIFA Awards will be held from the 23rd - 26th of April.

Actors Anil Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit Nene, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Bipasha Basu and music director Pritam were on hand to announce the details of the Videocon D2H IIFA Weekend. Leading the delegation from Tampa were Mayor of Tampa Bay - Bob Buckhorn, Hillsborough County Commissioner Al Higginbotham and Santiago Corrada, President and Chief Executive Officer of Visit Tampa Bay and the IIFA hosts from Tampa Bay, Dr Kiran Patel and Dr (Mrs) Pallavi Patel.

Peter Haas, US Consul General in Mumbai said, "I'm excited by IIFA's decision to hold this year's awards ceremony in

The Nawab, Saif Ali Khan announces that he will host the IIFA Magic of the Movies and Technical Awards in Tampa

( L- R) Santiago Corrada. Commissioner Al Higginbotham, Bipasha Basu, Anil Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit Nene, Pritam, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Consul General Peter Haas, Mayor Bob Buckhorn

Tampa, Florida. Bollywood fans across the United States will be thrilled that India's biggest film stars are coming. We look forward to other Indian companies choosing the United States as their travel destination and stand ready to assist."

The 15th edition of the Videocon D2H IIFA Weekend in April 2014 is set to include multiple star-studded events including the IIFA Rocks (a fashion and music spectacular), the IIFA Magic of the Movies & Technical Awards, and the crown jewel Tata Motors IIFA Awards.

The Tata Motors IIFA Awards will be hosted by Shahid Kapoor and Farhan Akhtar. The first set of star performers at the Videocon D2H IIFA Weekend include Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra, Madhuri Dixit Nene, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ranveer Singh, Sonakshi Sinha, Bipasha Basu, Pritam and Vir Das among others. The performances would be choreographed by the internationally-renowned Shiamak Davar. More stars would be announced in the next few weeks.

Cont'd on Page 51

Anil Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit Nene, Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Santiago Corrada, Commissioner AL Higginbotham

50 India Post

February 28, 2014 www.indiapost.com

From fashion icon to global superstar India Post News Service

W

ith a reputation of excellence in the Bollywood industry, Hrithik's hardwork and versatility projected him onto the international scene as one of the most acclaimed Indian actors of his generation. Excerpts from an interview: How do you rate yourself as a dancer? Aamir Khan thinks you're damn good?

My passion for dance has been there for as long as I can remember. Watching Michael Jackson dance effortlessly, definitely fuelled that passion. Though I don't think I am a great dancer hence I practice a lot to achieve all that I can when I am on the dance floor.

I would love to do some live stage shows hopefully soon! If the right opportunity arises to take part in a dance concert, then I'll certainly consider it.

Tell us a bit more about your fashion line? How did that happen?

I always envisioned HRx - Push Your Extreme to be a platform that could inspire people to bring out their best and to never give up.

My team together with Afsar Zaidi from Exceed Entertainment and Sid Shah from The Wild East Group have taken my philosophy and turned it into a brand. HRx together also represents an extreme state of mind that inspires one to be the best version of themselves.

The lightweight product range includes comfortable casuals as well as leisure sportswear teamed with sports footwear for men. The products are made of premium fabrics crafted with a contemporary slim fit and dominated by vibrant colours. The business model for HRx has been conceptualized by Exceed and The Wild East Group.

They have positioned it as the first celebrity brand extension in

India, thought-through and built in the same way heritage brands are in Western countries, where

We hear you're off to the US for

licensees will be appointed in different categories bringing in spe-

A dance performance

emotions, infused with a generous helping of fun, romance and great song and dance routines.

The script is intriguing and cleverly unwinds into a thrilling and interesting story.

Have you thought about venturing into producing/directing yet?

I actually began my work in the industry behind the screen, assisting my father, so venturing into producing and direction has always been on my mind. In fact I had a very hands-on role with Krrish 3 and was very much a part of the creative and production processes. Being both behind and in front of the camera for a film like Krrish 3 was sincerely a dream come true and epitomizes what I have dreamt of in my work.

Hrithik Roshan

Grand Kerala festival concludes in Dubai DUBAI: Aiming to bring Kerala closer to its one million expatriate population in the UAE, the inaugural edition of the 'Grand Kerala Festival 2014' organized here has come to an end with a scintillating musical performance.

The three day carnival held at Dubai's Wonderland Amusement Park to highlight the culture, cuisine, customs and traditions of the coastal city ended with four female fashion designers launching their designer wears at the venue.

Veteran actor Suresh Gopi inaugurated the festival on Feb 20 which saw artists from different backgrounds enthrall people, including hundreds of Malayalees who thronged the venue during

cific expertise.

a health check-up? What'll happen to your movie projects?

I have completed my health check-ups and, with the grace of God, all film schedules are going as per plan.

What movies are next in line for you?

I have resumed shooting 'Bang Bang', which is India's take on the Hollywood blockbuster Knight and Day, which also stars Katrina Kaif. Bang Bang is set to be a rollercoaster of action and

Tell us a bit more about your fitness regime, what kind of diet you follow and what are your favorite foods?

I do work out every day, ensuring I exercise at least five to six times a week without fail. I eat sensibly and healthily. This doesn't mean that I don't indulge occasionally! But on the whole, I do try and stick to a balanced diet comprising all food groups. To remain fit, you must be strong mentally, not just physically, that for me is the key. My fitness workout is a major release for me, my own method of relaxation.

IIFLA to celebrate 12th year April 8-13 India Post News Service

the weekend, with their performances.

"This will be an annual event for Dubai. We are also planning to A dance performance

launch the event in the UK and some other countries to reach out to a wider group of Malayalees and others," said Sujil Bose, CEO of Chlorophyll Media which organized the event.

Performances of popular art forms of Kerala, live painting shows and exhibitions, besides competitions on embroidery, cookery, short stories and short films were also part of the festival.

The festival also provided a platform to ten women entrepreneurs to display their designer wear at the stalls, Khaleej Times reported. -PTI

LOS ANGELES, CA: The 12th annual Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) will take place April 8-13 at ArcLight Hollywood

The festival will showcase more than 30 films from or about India, host the highly anticipated opening and closing red carpet galas and an awards ceremony, bring back the wildly popular

in Los Angeles, California. The six-day fest will once again bridge the gap between the two largest entertainment industries in the world - Hollywood and India.

"Bollywood by Night" series, and feature live music and dance performances.

The full line-up of films will be announced in the first week of March.

February 28, 2014

India Post 51 www.indiapost.com

Florida gears up for IIFA Magic Cont'd from Page 49

The sale of tickets for the Tata Motors IIFA Awards has been brisk with more than 15000 tickets being already sold without any announcement of performing stars. The response from the audience is phenomenal and the Indian contingent is looking forward to the first-ever IIFA Celebrations in America.

Business events include the FICCI-IIFA Global Business Forum which focuses on business opportunities across the two geographies, the Global Leadership Honors and a Media and Entertainment Strategy Summit led by Ernst & Young and FICCI's Entertainment division.

The FICCI IIFA Global Business Forum will take place over two days (24th & 25th April) at the Tampa Convention Center. Hosted by the University of South Florida College of Business, the business forum will be addressed by several leading visionaries and business leaders including Indian IT visionary, founder and Executive Chairman of Infosys, Mr. Narayan Murthy and FICCI President Siddharth Birla.

The business forum's verticals will focus on renewable energy, pharma, healthcare & life sciences, tourism, IT and cyber security, infrastructure, education and higher education.

For the first time this year, the IIFA EXPO comprising a B2C showcase of businesses from India and US would be on view. The focus areas are property, wellness and tranquility, jewelry, banking, tourism, bridal wear, clothing, handicrafts and artifacts.

Additional unique events include an IIFA Masterclass with an international actor and IIFA Stomp which is a celebration by the Tampa Bay community to welcome IIFA on April 23rd - a unique celebration of Indian music, dance and cuisine in the Curtis Hixon Waterfont Park in Tampa. This open for general public event, will feature popular DJs led by Ravi Drums and Akbar Sami.

Long time friend & supporter

of IIFA, international actor Anil Kapoor said "There is nothing as unique as Bollywood and Tampa is in for a treat this year! The IIFAs are a great platform for us to showcase our work to the world. This April, IIFA will bring the magic of Indian Cinema to America."

Speaking on her years in the US, Madhuri Dixit Nene said, "Very few know that I lived in Florida for a

global audiences. With our newly showcased, next-generation cars - the Zest and the Bolt, at the recent Auto Expo 2014, we also have some new emerging superstars to add to the excitement.

"Engineered for global markets, through global teams across India, UK and Korea, these cars will set new standards in their respective segments just like the IIFA Awards. These cars are a true rep-

Anil Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit Nene, Dr Pallavi Patel, Dr Kiran Patel at the IIFA announcement at the US Consulate in Mumbai

while. I have been to Tampa Bay and I can tell you honestly it is a beautiful city and the people there are warm and welcoming. Thank you for hosting us. We are gonna rock."

Saif Ali Khan commented saying, "It's always amazing to give our Indian and international audience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness one of the finest celebrations of Indian culture and cinema. IIFA is really going to rock this year!"

Mr. Ranjit Yadav, President, Passenger Vehicles, Tata Motors said, "After an exciting debut last year, Tata Motors is again joining hands with IIFA to delight their

resentation of our Horizonext philosophy, with best-in-class offerings and will showcase the Next in Design, Performance and Infotainment. We will bring many more such exciting best-in-class offerings and we hope to receive your support in our journey, in the Future".

Kareena Kapoor Khan said, "There is a great pride when representing your country and the Indian film industry, and IIFA makes that possible for all us. I am excited to reach out to our fans and Indian Cinema aficionados in the USA and across the world. I'm sure IIFA 2014 is going to be a phenomenal success as it ventures

into USA." Mr. Sabbas Joseph, Director, Wizcraft International & IIFA said, "In our 15th year, IIFA continues to build bridges through cinema across communities throughout the world. We are determined to bring the magic and magnitude of Indian culture as Tampa Bay is set to witness the spectacle that is Indian cinema, when IIFA comes to the US, this April."

Bipasha Basu said, "Over the years, I have been privileged to have been a part of and performed at several IIFAs and have watched them grow from strength to strength. It is commendable that IIFA continues to be a magnificent celebration of Indian Cinema and IIFA's efforts to promote Indian Cinema on a global scale are really praiseworthy.

"As an ambassador of Cinema, I whole-heartedly support this noble endeavor and will continue to do so. It would be fun to be in North America this year, because with a huge number of Bollywood fans in the country, it will only be a remarkable celebration."

At the onset of IIFA 2014, Videocon announced the launch of Videocon 4K 4 IIFA Facebook contest where the users can participate, play and win a chance to experience IIFA in Tampa Bay, US. Mr Anirudh Dhoot - Director, Videocon Group stated, "In our 6th year of successful association, Videocon d2h along with IIFA, shares a similar outlook of promoting excellence in entertainment.

"The focus of both IIFA and Videocon d2h is adding variety and value in its entertainment

quotient. Videocon d2h which is now Asia's Most Promising DTH brand strives to provide the best viewing experience in Asli HD through its DTH services and now reaches more than 10 million homes. We provide a very good platform for IIFA as well to reach out to this discerning audience."

Gaurav Banerjee, General Manager, Star Plus said, "We are proud to partner Wizcraft for over the last ten years in the biggest celebration of Indian Cinema with the IIFA weekend. This year with Tampa Bay as the host, a fantastic line up of talent and support from the industry, we promise to create a blockbuster evening reaching IIFA to millions of households worldwide through Star Plus."

Having traveled to some phenomenal destinations across the globe over the last 15 years, IIFA has graced the shores of the UK, Europe, Middle East, South East Asia, South Africa, Sri Lanka Amsterdam and Canada.

Fans and enthusiasts of Indian Cinema from around the world can expect to see their favorite stars descend into Tampa, Florida during the weekend and witness Indian Cinema's most glorious event unfold for the first time in America. With world-class infrastructure and facilities and having hosted a myriad of international concerts, events and the Super Bowl four times, Tampa Bay is the ideal choice for the 15th IIFA celebrations.

The Videocon D2H IIFA Weekend is presented by Videocon D2H and the Tata Motors IIFA Awards is presented by Tata Motors. The IIFA Weekend &Awards will be broadcast globally on Star Plus, for the 10th year running.

52

Classifieds

India Post

February 28, 2014

www.indiapost.com

WANTED FINANCE MANAGER FINANCE MANAGER WANTED URGENTLY. ANY WORK EXPERIENCE CAN APPLY. MUST BE ACCURATE, COMPUTER LITERATE, HAVE GOOD TYPING SKILLS AND HAVE A GOOD SENSE OF COMMUNICATION.

WILL EARN $3040 MONTHLY. Email at

georgecorney001@gmail.com for application

RESTAURANT FOR SALE/RENT Well equipped & very nicely furnished Indian Restaurant on SALE & RENT located in the heart of Devon Ave Market.

Best location in Chicago. Only serious enquiries please.

Call: 312-479-5506

MATRIMONIALS BRIDE-GROOM WANTED

PROFILE OF OUR SON KAPIL ARORA Dear Parents, We are inviting a matrimonial alliance from a respectable family for our son who is currently working as a Manager in a Big 4 Consulting company .He is handsome ,fair ,5'7'' tall and is having a cheerful disposition.

He is honest with good values and is currently residing in San Jose California. He is having excellent credentials and is a Mechanical Engineer from M.I.T., Manipal and M.B.A (Marketing and Finance) from Symbiosis (SCMHRD) , Pune He is earning a handsome salary and his current remuneration would be gross USD 160 K /annum His Birth and Family details are as under: Birth details: Date: Feb-11-1976 Time: 3:38 PM Place: Delhi Marital Status: Divorced Family Details: Self: Retired Ex Senior Civil Service Officer (KAS) J&K and is in social service.

Wife: A Post Graduate running her own educational institution in Jammu. She hails from Delhi and settled in Jammu post marriage.

Elder Brother :Orthodontist by profession happily married and blessed with 2 kids (son and a daughter) and is residing in Vancouver Canada .

Daughter in Law: M.Sc. Physics (Hons.) - She is working in Vancouver Canada and is also a home maker.

We are a small family of 6 members who are very closely knitted, God fearing people with high moral values having properties in Jalandhar, Delhi and Jammu. Our relatives are well educated, professionals and into business in Delhi and Chandhigarh. We are a family of rich values and looking forward for a good human being as a life partner for our son.

In case you find it suitable, kindly mail the particulars of your daughter along with her photograph Contact Details:

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

MRS & MR D.P ARORA

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

Philosophy

February 28, 2014

India Post 53

www.indiapost.com

Page Sponsored by Sahanis SADHGURU JAGGI VASUDEV

M

ahashivarathri is very significant for people who are on the spiritual process; it is also very significant for people who are in family situations, and it is also very significant for the ambitious in the world.

When we say Shiva, most people are looking at him as some kind of a God who is beyond everything.

But if you look at the Shiva Purana and his life process, you will find that he went through everything that any human being would go through. He is the most beautiful, he is the ugliest, he is a great ascetic, and he is a family person. He is the most disciplined, he is a drunkard, a drug addict, he is a dancer, he is absolutely still; he is many things at the same time.

Gods worship him, demons worship him, and all kinds of creatures in the world worship him.

This clearly conveys a key message - if you can accept this man who is a complex formation of every quality you can find on this planet, you can accept every quality you can find in the universe, whether it's beautiful or ugly. Whether it is great or low, whether it is heaven or hell, everything is in him. If you can accept him, you have crossed life itself.

If you can accept this man who is the most beautiful and the THE MOTHER (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 the Yoga 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 concentrationconcentration 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 are spread abroad, roll them up and take a

most horrible at the same time, then you have passed life very easily.

The whole struggle with this life is, we are always trying to pick out what is beautiful and what is not, what is good and what is bad.

Shiva is a terrible combination of everything put together.

For people who live in family situations, Mahashivarathri is worshipped as Shiva's wedding anniversary. For the ascetics, that

there is great significance of the Mahashivarathri day.

People who are on the spiritual path, have special sadhanas on those days, because on that day in the month, there is a natural upsurge of energies in the human body. The Puranas say, "Blessed are those whose spines are erect".

If you were still a creature whose spine was horizontal, you could not make use of it. But blessed are those who have an erect spine, so

is fundamentally an upward movement in energy. Every practice, every sadhana that a spiritual sadhaka does is only to move his energies upward. From being just a biological entity to become a spiritual process, what is needed is an upward movement of energy.

During Mahashivarathri, in the northern hemisphere of this planet, a very special process happens naturally where one can see that

On Mahashivratri day, there is an upsurge of divine energy

Lord Shiva

He is the most beautiful, he is the ugliest, he is a great ascetic, and he is a family person. He is the most disciplined, he is a drunkard, a drug addict, he is a dancer, he is absolutely still;

is the day that he became one with Kailash that is he became like a mountain, still; absolutely still.

After millenniums of meditation, one day he became absolutely still, that day is Mahashivarathri. All movement in him stopped and he became utterly still. So ascetics see Mahashivarathri as the day of stillness.

For the ambitious, the volatile in the world see that day as the day Shiva conquered all his enemies. So whatever the legends,

that on the Mahashivarathri day, effortlessly they can move heavenward. Naturally there is an upsurge of energies, there's an upward movement of energy in the human body on that day.

This night we are supposed to spend awake, aware, with our spines erect so that whatever sadhana we are doing, there is a great assistance from nature on this day, so that the natural upward movement happens.

All evolution in a human being

there is a natural upsurge of energies in every human body. To make use of this natural upsurge of energy, one has to remain vertical in spine.

By making use of this natural upsurge of energies, with the right kind of mantras, meditation and the whole situation, one could step closer to the divine.

Excerpted from w w w. i s h a f o u n d a t i o n . o r g .

Mahashivratri is being observed on February 27

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 efficacy and will give you a particular result. But the central be-

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.

You are to be conscious of your-

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 accept the

The first thing necessary is aspiration for the Divine 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; ing 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

self, 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.

That deep emotional conviction of the presence of a superior reasoning power, which is revealed in the incomprehensible universe, forms my idea of God. - Albert Einstein Faith is a knowledge within the heart, beyond the reach of proof.

- Khalil Gibran Before the throne of the Almighty, man will be judged not by his acts but by his intentions. For God alone reads our hearts.

- Mahatma Gandhi Take the first step in faith.

You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.

-Martin Luther King, Jr. Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.

- Mother Teresa A casual stroll through the lunatic asylum shows that faith does not prove

The Mother (Mirra Alfassa)

other. The duality will present itself at every step and at every step you will have to make your choice.

You will have to be patient and persistent and vigilant.

Excerpted from Questions and Answers 1929 - 1931. The 136th birth anniversary of The Mother is being observed on February 21

anything.

- Friedrich Nietzsche Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light.

- Helen Keller

You Insure all your Valuables, all are replaceable except YOU! So Insure yourself FIRST. Call Sahanis, (Arish, Priya or Shiv) for your Insurance needs 718- 271- 0453. Serving for last 35 yrs

54

Edit Page

India Post

February 28, 2014

www.indiapost.com

Maritime Silk Route & the Chinese charm offensive India Post

VIJAY SAKHUJA

C

hina appears to be in an overdrive to charm India. At the recently concluded 17th Annual Dialogue of the Special Representatives of India and China, state councilor Yang Jeichi proposed a dialogue between the two naives on freedom of navigation and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR).

He also invited India to join the 'Maritime Silk Road' which Beijing announced in September 2013.

The above initiatives auger well for India-China relations and set in motion the planned joint celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Panchsheel.

Indian Ocean Maritime Dialogue The idea of a maritime dialogue is not new and was first proposed

and the Indian Navy in the South China Sea in 1958, 2000 and more recently in 2012 when an Indian warship INS Airawat was challenged by the PLA Navy while it was transiting along the Vietnamese coast.

Notwithstanding that, the proposal can be explored and both sides can deliberate to develop a common understanding and can even work on an INCSEA (Incidents at Sea) agreement to prevent 'close quarter' situations either in the South China Sea or the Indian Ocean.

There is an opportunity for the Indian Navy and the PLA Navy to cooperate and develop best operational practices for HADR operations. This can be an extension of their engagement in the HADR exercises under the ADMM Plus (ASEAN Defense Minister's Meeting Plus) and both navies had par-

Chinese aircraft carrier

by Yang Jeichi himself during his visit to India in 2012. It included joint counter piracy operations and sharing technological knowhow on seabed research. The former emerged in the form of the multi-nation Asian initiative involving China, India, Japan and the Republic of Korea who established an Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC) through which international shipping is escorted by their navies to prevent attacks by Somali pirates.

However, the Chinese proposal to share technical knowledge of the seabed was received with suspicion given the fears that China would obtain sensitive underwater data which could be used for its submarine operations.

Freedom of navigation on the sea is a sensitive issue and has been a subject of varying interpretations based on the national understanding of the 1982 Law of the Sea. There is a history of naval incidents between the Chinese

ticipated in the multinational HADR exercise in Brunei Darussalam in June 2013.

Maritime Silk Route In October 2013, during his visit to Malaysia and Indonesia, President Xi Jinping underscored the 'shared destiny' of China and ASEAN members and invited them to join China to build a 'new maritime silk road' similar to the ancient Chinese trading route and help accelerate economies of the regional countries. Xi even proposed setting up a China-ASEAN Maritime Cooperation Fund to augment maritime-related projects being undertaken by the ASEAN member countries through capacity building.

However, the ASEAN countries do not appear to be very excited about the Chinese proposal since there are a number of issues that require clarification about the management of the fund, Chinese involvement in these projects, pub-

lic-private partnership, and above all security issues which undermine Chinese intentions. The Chinese have clarified that the initiative is just an 'idea', an 'open ended platform for cooperation' and it is open to 'good suggestions from other countries'.

China also shared the idea with the visiting Sri Lankan foreign minister GL Peiris and expressed its interest in jointly developing Sri Lanka's maritime economy, connectivity, fisheries, disaster prevention and mitigation and search and rescue assistance at sea. China is already engaged in the development of the Hambantota port in Sri Lanka.

The 'new maritime silk road' offers a number of opportunities for India which suffers from technological gaps in its maritime infrastructure.

It can harness Chinese capability to construct high quality ships, build world class ports, core technologies for marine bio-pharmaceuticals, seawater utilization, offshore wind, sea water and tidal energy, capture and aquaculture fisheries production and offshore equipment manufacturing. This will also help India-ASEAN maritime connectivity initiative which is languishing due to lack of infrastructure.

However, it is important to point out that the Chinese companies have been barred from participation in India's maritime infrastructure projects due to security concerns. For instance, the installation of a Chinese made 10-cm Sband doppler radar system imported by the Indian Metrological Department for real-time monsoon predictions was rejected. So were Chinese encryption devises in systems and assemblies; joint venture in Vizhinjam Deep-sea Container Transshipment Terminal project involving a Chinese company, etc.

China can be expected to push its idea of the 'Maritime Silk Road' and win support from a number of countries in the Indian Ocean particularly the small island states who are constrained due to lack of expertise and finances. The 'Maritime Silk Road' also helps China to dispel the notion of 'string of pearls' strategy, legitimize its engagement in Gwadar and other maritime infrastructure projects along the 'maritime silk road'.

The writer is Director (Research) Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), New Delhi. Courtesy IPCS

Anti-corruption plank

T

he frequent opinion polls about the outcome of the General Elections are not in a position to hazard a guess about the impact of the anti-corruption plank led by the Aam Admi Party. It might well upset the applecart of the BJPled NDA. Or it may be barely noticed in the large polity that is India.

The anti-corruption movement took roots with the grand fast launched by Anna Hazare in Delhi. But since then Anna's main lieutenant Arvind Kejriwal has broken away from his mentor and launched his own political party. Curiously, Anna Hazare has refused to back him. Has Kejriwal strayed from the path set out by Hazare? The main point of difference between them is that while Anna would have his people fight corruption from outside the system, Kejriwal has accepted the challenge of joining the system and fighting to change it from within. The motive of both is the same.

Anna should have blessed Kejriwal and allowed him try his methods. Instead Anna seems annoyed with Kejriwal. Ostensibly he says he did not reply to the 17-point questionnaire he had sent to all chief ministers. Only West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee replied to the questionnaire. So she has become the queen of hearts. Anna says she is the best qualified to be the Prime Minister of the country. He has also compared her manner of simple unostentatious living with that of Kejriwal. He says she did not make bones about continuing to live in her father's house and not using luxury transport. As against her quiet and dignified simplicity, Kejriwal made a national display of his using his small car and living in his own house. He sees this as his propaganda.

Anna was expected to be the father figure and should have supervised the strategy to see that the corrupt do not get elected.

Instead, he has become a participant and declared that Mamata is a better anti-corruption mascot than Kejriwal.

What is Anna's main, actual grouse against Kejriwal? It seems the veteran fasting champion cannot digest that his protĂŠgĂŠ has stolen his thunder. Kejriwal is more in the news today than Anna who has been overshadowed. Anna's campaign to back only honest independent candidates has not even taken off whereas Kejriwal party has blown the bugle for the General Elections addressing large rallies. It seems a personal pique has taken over and spoiled the relations between the two anti-corruption crusaders.

The anti-corruption plank is therefore going to be divided.

Kejriwal himself is being accused of being more noise than substance. That could be because of the loud media coverage of certain of his actions. There is a definite dent on corruption in Delhi after the short stint of AAP. It is said that cops are no longer extorting their "hafta" (weekly contribution) from small traders and are no longer harassing the auto-rickshaw drivers. In government departments also there is a lull in demanding bribes. And the corruption level has not gone up after the departure of the AAP government because it is generally felt that it would come back with a bigger margin and form its own government free from the pulls of an alliance partner.

In the gaping power vacuum visible in Delhi, more and more regional leaders are throwing their hats in the ring for leading the next Central government. Jayalalitha of Tamil Nadu believes she has a chance herself so she has refrained from backing Narendra Modi. Mamata Banerjee lately bolstered by Anna Hazare's backing has refused to meet US ambassador Nancy Powell on the ground that this will displease the country's Muslims and thinks she has strengthened her claims for Delhi with this act of denial. In spite of the opinion polls it is not yet clear who will be the next prime minister of the country. It is certain however that it won't be Rahul Gandhi.

February 28, 2014

www.indiapost.com

India Post 55

56 India Post

www.indiapost.com

February 28, 2014