IndiaPost_03-05-2010 by Ghanshyam Bisht

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Carol Doscher

Win clients with human touch, SIAEA told Details on page 7

Asian Group endorses India for UN Council

VOL 15, No. 808

March 5, 2010

50¢

Periodical Postage

INDIA SAYS END TERROR; PAK HARPS KASHMIR 'Trust deficit' remains; two sides to remain in touch

Neera Tanden quits Obama Administration Details on page 13

NY lab CEO V. Reddy found guilty Details on page 8

Details on page 7

Community condemns Sikh beheading Details on page 9

Canadian NRI wins UN green prize Details on page 7

NRI shopkeeper killed by UK teenage gang Details on page 7

Church members visits mosque in Chino Details on page 15

INDIA POST SURVEY

REBUILDING TRUST: Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao and visiting Pakistani Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir shake hands prior to their meeting in New Delhi

aimed at ending the chill in bilateral ties, the two sides noted the "trust" deficit in the ties and decided to "remain in touch and continue endeavor to restore trust". Rao told a press conference after the talks that "We have set out to take a first step towards rebuilding trust and I believe my meeting with the Pakistan Foreign Secretary has constituted that first step." Details on page 5

Sridhar electrifies the world with magic box

Should India continue talks with Pak? Last week’s result

Is US becoming risky for Indians? YES 32%

Details on page 22

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 24-25 Classifieds --------------------- 45-47 Community Post -------------- 10-20 Date Book -------------------------- 48 Edit Page --------------------------- 50 HealthScience Post --------- 26-28 Horoscope ------------------------- 21

survey@indiapost.com This week’s question

Sachin hailed on double century feat

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger greets Bloom Energy CEO K.R. Sridhar at the official launch of Bloom Energy Server, dubbed the "Bloom Box," at eBay's San Jose, Calif., headquarters. Former Secretary of State Colin Powell was among the attendees.

NO 68%

(Details on page 6)

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

Immigration Post ------------- 40-43 Life Style ----------------------- 35-37 Philosophy ------------------------- 49 Publisherís Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate ------------------------ 44 Sports Post -------------------- 22-23 TechBiz Post ------------------- 38-39 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 29-32

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he recent quitting of Neera Tanden as special advisor to the Secretary of Health and Human Services in the Obama Administration, to assume the top job at the Center for American Progress puts into perspective the prominent presence of Indian Americans at the center of action in the nation's capital. At last count I found there were at least 35 Indian Americans in key posts in the Obama Administration. There are, of course several more working in lesser posts in the administration, in the White House and on Capitol Hill. We have Indian Americans in departments from Department of State, Homeland Security, Commerce, Justice, Transportation, Energy, Interior, Faith, Agriculture, to the White House offices of the Chief of Staff to Management & Budget, Placement, Intergovernmental Affairs, Social Innovation, Public Engagement, Arts & Humanities to the First Lady's press assistant to White House videographer. A position as important as that of the President's Special Envoy to the Muslim nations is also being held by an Indian American now. By far, the most high profile position in view of the recent Haiti earthquake is that of Rajiv Shah who, as head of USAID has been President Obama's point man in overseeing and coordinating the US aid efforts in the stricken country. Then there are Aneesh Chopra, the first Chief Technology Officer, Vivek Kundra, the Federal Chief Information Officer, Suresh Kumar in the Commerce Department, Preet Bharara, the US Attorney for New York and Neal Katyal, principal deputy solicitor general. It's interesting to note that this set of Americans of Indian origin is so new school, and found the positions they are in through sheer merit. Second generation Indians as they may be, these dynamic people are largely oriented to America and its interests and do not necessarily lean towards anything Indian. Still, it can be a matter of pride for the first generation Indian Americans who paved this very path for the younger set through old school tactics like cultivating and contributing, if not sheer determination to achieve the ultimate American dream of having an Indian American in the Oval office one day.

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When Shah Rukh was conferred a doctorate by a UK university, he broke into a jig in his convocation gown.

Cover Story: Indo-Pak talks India gave Pakistan three dossiers containing names of 34 terrorists wanted by it, including LeT chief Hafiz Saeed.

Community: Strong ties

Robert O. Blake Jr. says that the relationship between India and USA was critical, strong and evolving.

Life Style: Mythili enchants The Getty Museum presented the accomplished, exciting Bharata Natyam dancer Mythili Prakash and Company.

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Travel: Ooty The lush vegetation and the lavenderblue sheen of the mountains offer a promise of a summer of peace

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India says end terror; Pak harps Kashmir 'Trust deficit' remains; two sides to remain in touch

Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao and visiting Pakistani Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir arrive to hold a meeting in New Delhi on February 25

NEW DELHI: Pressing Pakistan to end terrorism directed against this country, India on Thursday gave it three dossiers containing names of 34 terrorists wanted here, including LeT chief Hafiz Saeed, with a demand for handing them over and other effective actions. At the day-long talks between Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao and her Pakistani counterpart Salman Bashir aimed at ending the chill in bilateral ties, the two sides noted the "trust" deficit in the ties and decided to "remain in touch and continue endeavor to restore trust". Rao told a press conference after the talks that "We have set out to take a first step towards rebuilding trust and I believe my meeting with the Pakistan Foreign Secretary has constituted that first step." While India focused on cross-border terrorism, Pakistan raised the issue of Kashmir, Balochistan and the water dispute. The Indian side also voiced concern over the beheading of a Sikh by Taliban in Pakistan. Noting that the trust had been "erased" by the Mumbai attacks, she said the Pune attack, which is still under investigation, "is yet another reminder that our citizens remain vulnerable to terrorist violence." Rao said she had told her Pakistani counterpart that "terrorism cannot advance any cause, but the cause of senseless violence" and that it was the "solemn duty" of Pakistan to "eliminate all terrorist groups, operating from their soil, regardless of their ideology or agenda." With regard to 26/11, India "acknowledged" the steps taken by Pakistan so far to bring perpetrators to justice, but "pointed out that these did not go far enough to unravel the full conspiracy behind the Mumbai attack and to award exemplary punishment to all culprits." India conveyed its persisting concerns

about the continued existence of terror in- were Indian Mujahideen chief Asif Raza frastructure in Pakistan and "unhindered Khan and its senior member Riaz Bhatkal. activities of organizations such as LashkarDetails of activities of Ilyas Kashmiri, a e-Taiba/Jamaat ud Dawa, Hizb ul top terrorist linked to al-Qaida leader, and Mujahideen etc. from Pakistani territory and his threats against India were also enlisted territory under Pakistan's control to perpe- in one of the dossiers. trate terrorist violence against India." India asked Pakistan to investigate the In this regard, a reference was made to claim made by a hitherto unknown organiHafiz Saeed's provocative speech in Lahore zation, Lashkar-e-Toiba Al Almi and a sepaon February 5 in which he openly incited rate claim by Ilyas Kahmiri owning responterror violence against India. sibility for the recent Pune blast. "It was emphasized that the Government "We said it was the duty of Government of India could not but take a serious note of such actions as it was Pakistan sought resumption of composite duty bound to ensure the security of its citi- dialogue that was halted by India in the zens," Rao said. D e s c r i b i n g wake of Mumbai attacks but New Delhi Mumbai attacks as "a disfavored it, saying ‘time is not right" and symptom of a larger problem" of terror appropriate ‘climate’ was required for it emanating from Pakistan, Rao said she and that could be achieved through a ‘ "stressed the impor- step-by-step’ approach tance of expeditious action by Pakistan on these issues, including by following up of Pakistan to take effective action to dison the leads that have emerged following mantle and put an end to the activities of the arrest in the United States of David all such organizations," Rao said. Coleman Headley and Tahawuur Hussain Rao also raised India's concerns over Rana." rise in terrorist infiltration and ceasefire vioAt the talks, Rao handed over to Bashir lations across the Line of Control and Inthree dossiers detailing activities against ternational Border. India by groups and individuals based in She pointed out that infiltration had Pakistan. The dossiers contained 34 names gone up by 40 per cent in the last year. of those involved in Mumbai attacks and Pakistan sought resumption of composperpetrators of other terror acts here. ite dialogue that was halted by India in the India demanded handing over of retired wake of Mumbai attacks but New Delhi disArmy Major Iqbal besides Hafiz Saeed and favored it, saying "time is not right" and some Lashker operatives like Muzzamil, appropriate "climate" was required for it and Abu Hamza, Abu Kahfa, Usman and Sajjid that could be achieved through a "stepMir in connection with Mumbai attacks. . by-step" approach. The other fugitives demanded by India At the Foreign Secretary-level talks, India made known its dissatisfaction about Pakistan's handling of the Mumbai terror probe and wanted it to dismantle terror infrastructure there. With regard to India's demand for action support politically, diplomatically and against Hafiz Saeed, Bashir said Pakistan morally the struggle of Kashmiri people." is of the view that there are no laws in that He complimented Prime Minister country to take action against him on the Manmohan Singh, saying the Indian basis of his speeches. leader has a vision for a peaceful and prosAt this, a dissatisfied Indian Foreign perous South Asia. Secretary underlined that Pakistan has Accusing India of portraying Pakistan enough anti-terror laws under which action as the source of terrorism, Bashir said Pacan be taken against the JuD chief. kistan does not like to be "sermoned" on When Pakistan raised the Kashmir isterrorism and that they knew how to deal sue, Rao told the Pakistan Foreign Secrewith it. "If you keep saying that Pakistan tary that India believes in resolving all outis a source of all your troubles, I am sorry, standing issues between the two countries it is short-sightedness," he said. through bilateral dialogue in "an atmoThe Pakistan Foreign Secretary said sphere free of terror and violence. LeT chief Hafiz Saeed, on whom India "If we are to build upon the past discushanded over a dossier during the talks sions at an appropriate time, trust and contoday, does not speak for the State or govfidence between us must be restored." ernment of Pakistan or the people of the Rao also rejected Pakistan's allegations country. of Indian interference in Balochistan, sayHe, at the same time, said the Indian ing New Delhi does not believe in destabidossier on Saeed is "more of literature than lizing any country. evidence". On water dispute, Rao underlined that Bashir said both the countries should the 1960 Indus Water Treaty was the adbe on a "cooperative mood".-PTI equate mechanism for resolving such issues.-PTI

Pak pitches for quick resumption of composite dialogue NEW DELHI: Pakistan on Thursday strongly pitched for resumption of the composite dialogue with India saying it was "unfair, unrealistic and counter-productive" to allow the issue of terrorism to stall the process of improving relations between the two countries. After a delegation-level meeting with his Indian counterpart Nirupama Rao here, Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir said Pakistan looks forward to reversing the "tide of regression" that has taken place in the relationship between the neighbors after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Bashir also said the core issue remained Jammu and Kashmir and expressed willingness to address and resolve outstanding issues of Siachen and Sir Creek which he believed were "do-able". Both Rao and Bashir held separate press meets after their three-and-a-half hour one-to-one and delegation-level talks. While Rao said in response to a ques-

tion that Kashmir figured briefly in the talks, Bashir disagreed saying it was discussed "extensively". "It is unfair, unrealistic and counter-productive to make issue of terrorism in a generic way and stall the process of overall relations between both the countries," Bashir said. "To create optics of dialogue without substance means we are not taking (the) relationship seriously or dealing with (the) issues seriously," he said. The top diplomat said his country does not believe in "cosmetic engagement" and did not want India to "lecture" them by demanding that Pakistan should "do this or that". He was of the view that there was a "huge gap between expectations and mistrust" that exists between both the countries today. . Bashir also said, "One cannot be really dismissive about the issue of Kashmir and any effort to be dismissive to the issue will not be helpful...Pakistan will continue to

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Sridhar electrifies the world with magic box SAN JOSE, CA: Indian-American rocket scientist Dr. K.R.Sridhar, CEO of Bloom Energy, a company in Silicon valley USA has revealed the much awaited scientific invention "Bloom Box: a fuel-cell." described as a power plant in a box. The invention looks like a miracle if the claims of Bloom Energy are true. Bloom Energy debuted on Feb 24 its highly anticipated power plant-in-a-box that supporters claim represents a breakthrough in clean energy produced from solid oxide fuel cells. The company unveiled the Bloom Energy Server, dubbed the "Bloom Box," at eBay's San Jose, Calif., headquarters. Attendees at the highly orchestrated media event included California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and former Secretary of State Colin Powell. Dr. K.R. Sridhar has a Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering, University of Madras Tamil Nadu, India, M.S. in Nuclear Engineering and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois. He is Professor of aerospace and mechanical engineering at the University of Arizona. Advisor to NASA in nanotechnology and planetary missions At the official launch, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said that 160 years ago people flocked to California for the gold rush and that

KR Sridhar, co-founder and CEO of Silicon Valley startup Bloom Energy, holds up a fuel cell at a news conference at eBay offices in San Jose, Calif., Wednesday, Feb. 24

quench the thirst for future energy needs in homes, business houses and Industries where energy shall be produced in situ. What better dream can come true if ourselves can produce cheap and emission free electricity at our backyard replacing the conventional power we get from hydel, thermal and atomic power plants transmitted from far away lands? This invention has kindled the scientific temper all over the world unprecedented in this century. In

At the official launch, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said that 160 years ago people flocked to California for the gold rush and that same spirit is alive in Bloom Energy's Bloom Box. Colin Powel (Former secretary of state USA) Brian Kelly (Coca-Cola) Larry Page (Google), John Donahoe (eBay) and Bill Simon (Walmart) attended the Bloom Box launch same spirit is alive in Bloom Energy's Bloom Box. Colin Powel (Former secretary of state USA) Brian Kelly (Coca-Cola) Larry Page (Google), John Donahoe (eBay) and Bill Simon (Walmart) attended the Bloom Box launch. Dr. Sridhar has said "We believe that we can have the same kind of impact on energy that the mobile phone had on communications. Just as cell phones circumvented landlines to proliferate telephony, Bloom Energy will enable the adoption of distributed power as a smarter, localized energy sourceâ&#x20AC;Ś It will allow customers to lower their energy costs, reduce their carbon footprint, improve their energy security." This fuel cell is expected to

the history of science at the time of industrial revolution many tried to invent a perpetual machine using the gravitational force. But friction always retarded or stopped the objects from continuous movement. Later turbines and internal combustion engines were invented to tap the energy. In this century more information on the matter from nano to cosmic level are openly available and the thoughts of innovators stray into less traveled areas with a thrust on Environment. The bloom box of Sridhar contains ceramic disks coated with a special type of green and black inks. The disks are separated by metal plates. The input hydrocarbons are pumped from adjacent

tank. This hydrocarbon may be of any fuel such as natural gas or diesel. The oxygen combines with fuels to trigger a chemical reaction to produce electricity. There is no combustion. Each wafer of ceramic can produce 25 watts. From a bread loaf sized unit of fuel cell one kilowatt of electricity can be produced. More units of power boxes can be put together to build a big box to power a campus. The secret in this innovation is the methods of coating green and black dyes on the ceramic. The ceramic wafers with dye Sridhar explains "For the same amount of electricity, you need half the fuelâ&#x20AC;ŚIf you use a renewable fuel you are carbon neutral. Use all the electricity you want and don't feel guilty about polluting the environment." How Dr. Sridhar got this idea is another story. Mr. Sridhar was asked by NASA to find a way to make life sustainable in Mars where there is no oxygen. Initially Sridhar invented one reactor driven by solar power combined

power vehicles. That was meant for Mars not for the earth. Later in the Bloom energy venture Sridhar reversed the same idea to feed oxygen and hydrogen into a cell to generate electricity. Optimistic imaginations run high on seeing this wonderful device. People have started speculating that all the transmission lines in the planet shall be removed. No need to pay electricity bills. The conventional players in energy sector will go out of business. Bloom box may be used in developing hydrogen-powered vehicles therefore all the fossil fuel vehicles may be dumped in to the crushing yard. Skeptics consider the fuel cell as not a new concept and are unable to believe that there could be less emission in fuel cells and say that the electrodes in fuel cell may degrade fast and have a short life. This kind of oxide cells operate at very high temperatures raising up to 1800 degree Fahrenheit. Bloom box of smaller size But the credentials of those

with Martian water to generate oxygen required for breathing, at the same time producing hydrogen to

who promote Bloom Energy are of high stature and world has to put their confidence on them.

Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers in which Mr. John Doerr of Netscape and Google is one of the investor has pumped about hundreds of million fund as Venturecapital into the company. Former US Secretary of State Colin Powell has also joined the board of directors. The customers who have already tried Bloom Box experimentally include Google, eBay, FedEx, Wal-Mart etc, all big names. The cost of Bloom box $9,000 to $10,000 per kilowatt when compared to $2,000 for wind and $5,000 for solar power cannot justify this kind of promotion through propaganda. Bloom energy aims for considerable reduction in cost up to $ 3000 on mass production since this fuel cell use cheap materials. When Edison invented the filament bulb its cost was greater than gas light. From the English parliamentary group to New York Times (16.01.1885) rejected and discouraged his invention. When one of the founders of Edison lighting company asked Edison to tell the cost of making one bulb, he said it was one dollar and 25 cents. Edison asked how much they could pay for one bulb, the man said he would settle for one dollar 30 cents. But Edison fixed unbelievable just 40 cents a bulb with a condition that he would manufacture the bulbs for 15 years. It

was agreed. In the 5th year Edison recovered the loss accrued in the past 4 years and got 10 times profit that too by selling at 22 cents per bulb. But the times have changed. The profit motivation is superseding the service motto which we cannot fault now. Otherwise there is going to be nothing. Yet we only wish such inventions should make the last man to smile. If the commercial world consider this benevolently beyond the business values this news may even revolutionize the life of many million people. According to estimates 1.5 billion people, mostly in South Asia and Africa lack access to modern energy. Bloom box may provide them the much needed energy without damaging environment any further.

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Win clients with human touch, Indian Americans told skills of professionals-- so they are free to make the human connection'. Webb said that successful presentations are the ones where presenter genuinely connects with the audience. "You need to be able to speak to the needs of your audience with comfort and confidence," he said. The seminar was sponsored by MassMutual Financial Group, a company specializing in disability insurance. Todd Parker, the group's consultant presented a variety of options suited to protect professionals in case of disabilities. Introducing the presenters, Ravi Shenoy, president of India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Employing theatrical gestures and appealing body language, former actress Carol Doscher convinced a recent gathering of engineers, architects and construction professionals that they could win their clients' hearts and minds by incorporating human touch in their presentations. The lively seminar was an instant hit among the members of the Society of Indo-American Engineers and Architects, who had organized it as part of an ongoing effort to help its members improve their presentation and leadership skills. The venue of the seminar was the Superstructures Auditorium of AT&T building in New York City. Doscher and her associate Geoff Webb engaged their audience in an hour long interactive performance during which they offered a variety of tips for creating successful business presen-

tations. "Don't depend too much on data in your power point presentation, rather use a lot of graphics to make it effective," they advised. The self designated Chief Encouragement Officer of Graceworks, Doscher reminded the audience that 'the most powerful thing you can do as a presenter is to just be yourself'. She said that interpersonal skills live in the lower right portion of human brain. She advised the audience to work out earlier on the day of the interview and practice to be spontaneous. "Since half of your message is communicated physically, use large purposeful movements to help your listeners understand what you are trying to say," she commented. "The more you engage your body, the more connected you get, the less nervous you feel, and the clearer message becomes," she advised. Webb, who preferred to call himself Chief Freedom Officer,

Canadian NRI wins UN green prize NEWYORK:A portable light that can be recharged by pedalling for 20 minutes and was developed for use in areas not wired for electricity, has won a Canadian of Indian origin the prestigious Sasakawa Prize of the United Nations Environment Programe (UNEP). The device has been developed by Nuru Design (Nuru means light in Swahili), headed by social entrepreneur Sameer Hajee, a Canadian national with roots in India and Kenya. Speaking from Bali where he received the award, Hajee said a pilot project was already in place in Madhya Pradesh and Orissa and he expected the units to be rolled out by this summer with 300,000 units in place by the end of the year. The device, called the Nuru light, is essentially a lighting system that can be recharged by a

pedal generator - the Nuru POWERCycle. According to the UNEP statement announcing the award, "gentle pedalling for 20 minutes using feet or hands, bicycle-style, can fully recharge up to five Nuru lights. The lights give up to two weeks of bright light on a full recharge." The system has been field tested in the African nation of Rwanda. Nuru Design will use the Sasakawa Prize money to replicate the success of the lighting system in India by the end of this year and also in the African countries of Burundi, Kenya and Uganda. "India is one of our biggest markets and one of the areas with the greatest need," the Torontobased Hajee said. He said that he had "an affinity" with India because of his "own heritage", as he did with Kenya.

claimed to be a specialist in setting people free. A Graceworks brochure introduced Webb as a trainer 'who helps deepen the leadership and communication

SIAEA, said that such events proved to be very successful. "We have lined up a number of interesting programs for the benefit of our members", he said ad-

NRI shopkeeper killed in UK teenage gang attack LONDON: A popular Indianorigin shopkeeper in the Yorkshire town of Huddersfield has been killed while trying to repel a gang of hooded teenagers who were trying to rob him. Gurmail Singh, 63, suffered head injuries and fell to the ground during the scuffle at his shop, and died of his injuries at the Huddersfield Royal Infirmary. A group of passers-by tried to prevent the gang of four leaving the shop but they eventually forced their way out after a struggle. The police is treating his death as murder. The gang, all in their teens and wearing dark hooded tops and tracksuit bottoms, went into his shop on Friday night.

Six passers-by heard a commotion inside the building and went to help. Although none of them was injured, they were unable to prevent the gang from fleeing into the night. Detective superintendent David Pervin, who is leading the investigation, said: "Mr Singh was a well-known and popular local businessman who had been in this area many years. "I appeal for anyone with information to contact us as a matter of urgency". Neighbour Ian Davison said there was a drugs problem in the area that was "getting out of hand"; adding Singh's death had left the local community shocked.-PTI

vising them to regularly visit the society's web site for updates. Shenoy asked the members to remain involved in the activities of the society. SIAEA's president-elect Nayan Parikh pointed out that the society was organizing business forums and seminars where experts of the construction industry shared their views with the members. Thanking fellow members for attending the seminar, Parikh invited them to attend the forthcoming grassroots meeting of the Society scheduled to be held on March 7 at Tandoor restaurant in Queens. This would be followed by Society's General Body Meeting on March 20 in NJ.

Asian Group endorses India for Security Council India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s candidature for the non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council for the term 2011-2012, from Asia, for which elections will be held in October 2010, was endorsed by the 53 Member States of the Asian Group in the UN General Assembly, at their monthly meeting on Feb 19, in New York. Nineteen countries of the Asian Group spoke in favor of the proposal to endorse Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s candidature for a 2-year term in the Security Council beginning January 1, 2011. These include Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Thailand, Syria, Singapore, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Maldives, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, UAE, Iran and Lebanon. India was last a member of the UN Security Council during 1991-1992.

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Neera Tanden quits Obama Administration to join CAP India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Neera Tanden is quitting her position as a senior adviser to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius in the Obama Administration to take a top job at the Center for American Progress (CAP). Tanden, who was formerly Hillary Clinton's chief policy advisor, was one of the very few from the Hillary camp to join the senior ranks of the Obama administration. She will now take over as Chief Operating Officer of CAP, which is considered the hub of the Democratic infrastructure. The Center for American Progress said that as it continues to expand its work and impact, Neera Tanden will be rejoining the center to assume the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer. As COO, Tanden will be responsible for CAP's strategic planning and management of the

institution. Her extensive policy experience-particularly in the area of health reform-will give a significant boost to CAP's expanding efforts in health care policy and other arenas. Since President Barack

The Center for American Progress said that as it continues to expand its work and impact, Neera Tanden will be rejoining the center to assume the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer Obama's inauguration, Tanden has served as senior advisor for health reform at the Department of Health and Human Services, where she worked with Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and the White

House Office of Health Reform on the president's health insurance reform initiative. Previously, Tanden was director of domestic policy for the Obama-Biden presidential campaign and policy director for the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign. She also served as Senator Clinton's legislative director; a senior policy adviser to the First Lady in the Clinton White House; a senior policy adviser to Harold Levy, the chancellor of New York City schools; and issues director for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Tanden received her Bachelor of Science degree at UCLA and received her J.D. from Yale Law School. In addition to her work at CAP, she will be an online contributor to The New Republic. "When CAP existed only on paper, Neera had a vision and great instincts for how a serious, idea-based institution could play an important role shaping the na-

tional debate and the policy that it yielded. Her early leadership helped lay the foundation for making CAP the strong institution it is today. But we are not standing still. We are thrilled to have Neera back on board, as-

Tanden's departure from the HHS is likely to affect the President efforts at bringing in healthcare reform, since in her position at the HHS, she developed policies around reform suming a central management role, as American Progress enters the next phase of its continuing growth, maturity, and evolution," said John Podesta, President and CEO of CAP.

Tanden's departure from the HHS is likely to affect the President efforts at bringing in healthcare reform, since in her position at the HHS, she developed policies around reform, and worked with the Hill and with outside groups on the president's health reform legislation. She also served as co-chair of the Federal Coordinating Council on Comparative Effectiveness Research, which advised the secretary on how to best invest the $1.1 billion in comparative effectiveness research as allocated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Before the presidential campaign, Tanden was Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at the Center for American Progress, which she rejoined. She was one of the first senior staff members at CAP, joining as Senior Vice President for Domestic Policy when CAP first opened its doors.

NY buildings safety testing lab CEO found guilty of fraud India Post News Service

NEW YORK: A five-monthlong trial of the Testwell Group charged with falsifying safety certificates of major New York City buildings including the new Yankee Stadium and the Freedom Tower at Ground Zero, and Jet Blue Terminal at JFK International Airport, ended with the jury finding Testwell Laboratories and its Chief Executive Officer V. Reddy Kancharla and vice president Vincent Barone guilty. A jury in New York State Supreme Court in Manhattan came back Feb 24, with the guilty verdicts on charges of enterprise corruption for faking tests on concrete and steel at landmark New York buildings, against Kancharla and Barone. Prosecutors said Testwell's operation was riddled with fraud, from doctored results on concrete samples from construction sites to made-up steel tests that reported inspections of welds that didn't exist. The jury had given partial guilty verdicts against the three on a myriad of other counts earlier. Enterprise corruption is the state's version of a racketeering charge. It carries up to 25 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for April 7. Testwell, one of the largest construction materials testing companies in the New York metropolitan area, was accused by the Manhattan District

Attorney's office of fraud involving 102 projects, including wellknown buildings, firehouses, schools, apartment buildings, hospitals and hotels. Defense attorney Paul Shechtman, who represents Kancharla, called the verdict "surprising and disappointing" in light of other charges Kancharla was acquitted on earlier. Kancharla was acquitted on more

A jury in New York State Supreme Court in Manhattan came back Feb 24, with the guilty verdicts on charges of enterprise corruption for faking tests on concrete and steel at landmark New York buildings, against Kancharla and Barone than 20 counts and other pattern acts, many involving offering a false instrument for filing steel reports and invoices. He also was convicted of 14 counts and 20 pattern acts, including a scheme to defraud. Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr. said in a statement following the verdict that

"today's guilty verdicts should send a loud message to companies tempted to skirt safety requirements: This Office will aggressively investigate and prosecute this type of conduct to the fullest extent of the law." "Testwell's conduct was reprehensible not only for its pattern of theft and deception, but for its utter disregard for the safety of the public at large, motivated by profit," Vance said. "We thank the jurors for their extraordinarily long service and careful attention in this very important case, and we are pleased the jury found certain defendants guilty of the top charge, Enterprise Corruption, and related counts as well. "Testwell's conduct was reprehensible not only for its pattern of theft and deception, but for its utter disregard for the safety of the public at large, motivated by profit. This prosecution - and the verdict - was important for two main reasons. First, this was not just a case about naked cheating. What made the conduct of the convicted defendants contemptible is that the public at large relied upon Testwell, as a full-service testing, inspection and quality control and assurance organization, to do the safety inspection work on important public construction projects for which it was paid. "Second, the investigation demonstrated the importance of good corporate citizens working

in cooperation with this Office, to detect and prevent crime. Two victimized companies hired, at their own expense, project integrity monitors who uncovered the fraud and the victims alerted this Office to what they uncovered. Unlike the defendants, these companies put the safety of their projects and the public ahead of their bottom lines and have taken additional steps to ensure that

Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr. said in a statement following the verdict that â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;today's guilty verdicts should send a loud message to companies tempted to skirt safety requirements: This Office will aggressively investigate and prosecute this type of conductâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; their projects are safe. Good corporate citizens helped us in our effort to prevent construction fraud. "Today's guilty verdicts should send a loud message to companies tempted to skirt safety requirements: This Office will aggressively investigate and prosecute this type of conduct

to the fullest extent of the law. "I want to thank Assistant District Attorneys Diana Florence and Leah Keith, both assigned to the Labor Racketeering Unit - Construction Industry Strike Force, for their hard work in successfully prosecuting this difficult, complex and serious case. Ms. Florence and Ms. Keith were supervised by Unit Chief Assistant District Attorney Michael Scotto. "I would also like to thank the Inspector General of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the Inspector General for the Dormitory Authority, the New York City Department of Investigation and its Commissioner, and the Inspector Generals of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority of the State of New York and the New York City School Construction Authority for their assistance to this Office during the investigation, as well as many of the victims themselves who reported discrepancies directly to us. This prosecution was a model of cooperation between the private sector, law enforcement and government." Meanwhile, the city Buildings Department said the Freedom Tower, the 2nd Avenue subway line, the Yankee stadium and at least 23 other buildings have been declared safe after retesting - at a cost of $100,000 per building. But officials are still awaiting results on at least 67 more.

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Community condemns Sikh beheading by Pak Taliban India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The Sikh community in the US has condemned the killing of a Sikh by the Taliban in Pakistan while mourning his death. Jaspal Singh, a resident of Peshawar, was brutally beheaded by Pakistan Taliban. He was one of three Sikhs abducted by the Taliban more than a month ago and held for ransom. The other two abductees, Gurvinder Singh, and his uncle Surjeet Singh, are reported to be still in the custody of Taliban, their release pending their families' payment of the demanded ransom. Indian National Overseas Congress, USA strongly condemned the brutal and barbaric killing and urged the Prime Minister of India to demand the extradition of those perpetrators who remain free in Pakistan. "Cold blooded murder of innocents is a crime against humanity and no religious tenets would justify such an insane act,"

said Dr. Surinder Malhotra, President of INOC. 'This dastardly incident once again reveals the lack of resolve on the part of Government of Pakistan to protect its minority citizens." INOC said it shares the grief

He was one of three Sikhs abducted by the Taliban more than a month ago. The other two abductees, Gurvinder Singh, and his uncle Surjeet Singh, are still in the custody of Taliban and sorrow of the families involved and requests the Government of India to do its utmost to bring those terrorists to justice and compensate the families in their distress. United Sikhs meanwhile ap-

pealed for concrete action to protect minority communities in the Peshawar region of Pakistan. The organization has also appealing to several international and national level human rights organizations for concrete measures that will protect Sikhs and other minorities in Pakistan against such gross injustices. According to United Sikhs, local sources suggest that Jaspal Singh, Surjeet Singh and Gurvinder Singh, all residents of Dabagaree Garden, Peshawar were en route to Khyber Agency to meet with relatives when Taliban militants kidnapped them in the Chora Tanga Akaakhel area on January 21. Initially, the Sikh community in Peshawar was reluctant to report this incident to media or to the Government due to fear of repercussions from Taliban, and the families, along with the local community and local Sikh leaders attempted to negotiate the release of three Sikhs. Sources report that the Paki-

US asks India to raise FDI cap in defense to 49 pc WASHINGTON: Buoyed by its armament majors securing multibillion contracts, US has asked India to raise its cap on FDI in defense sector to 49 per cent from existing 26 per cent. Making a pitch for this, the Obama Administration also wants India to undertake more sweeping reforms to attract new investments, saying this will propel New Delhi to a higher growth rate. "Reforms to date have made Indian companies leaders in areas such as IT, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, and now increasingly, in manufacturing as well as in clean energy. We hope the India will seize the opportunity to undertake new reforms that will both attract new investment and propel higher growth," Assis-

tant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Robert Blake has said. Blake was more particular on opening up of the defense sector, saying, "We are urging the Indian Government to raise the cap on foreign equity in Indian defense firms from 26 per cent to 49 per cent to provide more opportunities for US companies interested in defense sales in India." His comments at the Washington International Business Council meeting come as US defense majors Lockheed Martin, Boeing and other firms have bagged almost all the major Indian armed forces contracts worth more than USD 10 billion. These includes sale of Hercules C-130 J transport aircraft

and Boeing P-8A maritime reconnaissance aircraft. US companies are in strong contention for sale of next generation fighter aircraft to the Indian air force. . Noting that the US recently had some important sales to India, Blake said there are significant new sales on the horizon, up to USD 18 billion worth of contracts, for which American companies are competing. Calling India as a rising global power, soon to be the world's most populous country, with a trillion dollar-plus economy, Blake said it is a model of a tolerant pluralistic society in the region. "And it is a country increasingly comfortable with working with the United States," Blake said. -PTI

stan Taliban viciously beheaded Jaspal Singh the night of February 20 in the Upper Tirah valley Region on the border of Khyber and Orakzai agency and threw his body on the rocks. In a letter that was found on the body of Jaspal

‘We urge the Government of India to ask the Government of Pakistan and exert pressure on it to punish the guilty to the fullest extent’ Singh, the Taliban demanded 20 million Pak Rupees ($235,000 USD) for the release of the other two Sikhs, warning relatives and the Sikh community against approaching the media. The letter further stated that the Sikh minor-

ity community would risk the lives of the two Sikhs in captivity and could also face threats of suicide attacks if the details of beheading and kidnapping were revealed to the media or security forces. Condemning the killings, NRIs for Secular and Harmonious India said in a statement: We urge the Government of India to ask the Government of Pakistan and exert pressure on it to punish the guilty to the fullest extent. We also ask the Government of India to exert pressure on the Government of Pakistan to seek release of the Sikhs and Hindus who are in the captivity of the Taliban and to provide the captives protection to live in peace. We strongly suggest the Government of India demand that all minorities, their properties and religious institutions, that is, gurduwaras, temples, churches, and Ahmadiya mosques be safeguarded against barbaric attacks by the Taliban and other extremists operating in Pakistan.

Vindaloo Against Violence

Mamta Vora (far L) greets diners by applying a tilak to their foreheads as they sign a book at a restaurant in the Melbourne suburb of Footscray as part of the ìVindaloo Against Violenceî campaign on February 24. More than 16,000 Australians were expected to visit Indian restaurants for the ìVindaloo Against Violenceî campaign aimed at showing support for Indian students after a series of attacks in suburbs like Footscray

US for resumption of 'direct' Indo-Pak talks WASHINGTON: The US favors the resumption of "direct talks" between India and Pakistan and "encourages" them to proceed with the dialogue as it is in their mutual interest, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said. Hours before the Foreign Secretaries of India and Pakistan held talks in New Delhi, their first meeting since the Mumbai attacks, Clinton told lawmakers that the Obama Administration is in favor of resumption of direct Indo-Pak

talks "which were suspended when (then Pakistan) President (Pervez) Musharraf, left office." "With respect to India and Pakistan, we have encouraged the resumption of the direct talks," she said appearing before a Congressional panel. "Those talks between President Musharraf and Prime Minister Singh had actually been quite productive, particularly in producing results on the ground in Kashmir," Clinton said in response to a ques-

tion on Indo-Pak relations. The Obama Administration has "encouraged" both countries to begin a dialogue," she said. "They are going to be doing so... and we are sensitive to the concerns that they each have, that it's their issues that they have to address." "We continue to raise it and make the case to each separately as to why it's in their mutual interest to proceed (with the talks)," Clinton said.-PTI

Swaranjeet Kaur (R) delivers food to the tables at a restaurant as Melbourne High Schoolís senior class and teachers book out the restaurant for a protest lunch as part of the Vindaloo Against Violence campaign in Melbourne

Desi News Fundraiser to help victims of Haiti disaster RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Gandhi Memorial Trust and Indian Community of Niles Township has planned hosting a "Musical Fund Raising Evening" for Haiti Victims at Holiday Inn in Skokie on Friday, March 12 at 7 pm. The highlight of the program is that the artists are local and are quite talented. Singers include Shaila Khedkar, Santosh Varghese, Raju Bankapur, Rita Modi among others. They will render classical and Hindi film songs. The fundraiser is part of ongoing efforts by members of Indian community to render help to the Haiti earthquake victims. Details on page 12

Music, dance & fashion show by Niles school SURESH BODIWALA

SKOKIE: Continuing the celebration of Indian Independence month by the Village of Skokie, the Niles North and Niles West students in coordination with "Coming Together in Skokie" hosted an entertainment program at Niles North High school in Niles, a Chicago suburb. The underlying theme was cultural integration and students of Indian and Pakistani origin mixed and mingled to make the program a success. Coming Together in Skokie is a new movement dedicated to promoting more in-depth knowledge about the many different cultures in Skokie through fine arts. Details on page 14

Correction

issouri Governor Jay Nixon has appointed Sreenu Dandamudi on the Administrative Hearing Commission. In our report last week, it was inadvertently mentioned that he was appointed by the Mississippi Governor. The error is regretted. -Editor

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Church members visits mosque in Chino

March 5, 2010

Details on page 15

US-India ties a defining global partnership: Blake CHANDRAKANT MODI

CHICAGO: Robert O. Blake Jr. Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affair, said here that the relationship between India and USA was critical, strong and evolving, and that this partnership is good for global economic growth, besides ensuring regional security and

present. Among them were Indian Consul General Ashok Kumar Attri, CEO and President of the Executives Club of Chicago Kaarina Koshenalustra, Co-chair of Chicago-Delhi Sister City Committee Smita Shah, and Chief Executive Officer of Globe Union Group Michael E. Werner.

He said that President Obama and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh have both signaled a continual and evolving partnership between and India and USA meeting threat of global terrorism. Blake was the keynote speaker at the luncheon hosted by Chicago Council on Global Affairs at the Chicago Club in Downtown Chicago. Close to fifty invited guests and businessmen were

Blake started with emphasis on relationship between the two countries quoting President Barack Obama that the relationship between the US and India will be one of the defining partnership of 21st century. He said that Presi-

L-R: Robert O. Blake Jr. Assistant Secretary of State and Kaarina Koshenalustra, President and CEO, Executive Club of Chicago

dent Obama and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh have both signaled a continual and evolving

partnership between and India and USA. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 12

Array of vendors at South Asia Bridal Expo SURESH BODIWALA

CHICAGO: An Arizona based Dulhania Bazaar organized its second Bridal Expo in Chicagoland last week with quite an array of

ing debut in Chicago last year by when they hosted their first South Asian Bridal Expo in February 2009 that showcased pre-

Dulhania Bazaar had its exciting debut in Chicago last year by when they hosted their first South Asian Bridal Expo in February 2009 that showcased premier South Asian vendors vendors marketing their products usually needed for a South East Asian (Indian, Pakistani Bangladeshi )wedding. Dulhania Bazaar had its excit-

mier South Asian vendors in different wedding categories including Milan Banquet Hall. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 11

Khursheed and Mariam Khan from KM Exclusive Fashion Jewelry & Designer Wear

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Valentine Day celebration at Indo-American Center KRISHNA RAJ

Valentine couple Mr and Mrs Sudaksha Kapoor at IAC

CHICAGO: Close to 100 members of Indian community including Hindus, Muslims and Christians joined a Valentine Day celebration at Indo American Center (IAC) in Chicago for fun and fair. The celebration was organized and coordinated by Gita Chawla of the Center. The event kicked off with music and thereafter it was emceed by Syed Hamid who invited Mrs. Sudaksha Kapoor who gave a brief description of Valentine Day as to why it is celebrated and gave some old references with stories,

lyrics etc., She also said that celebrating Valentine day is deemed auspicious for a long and happy marriage. And she also mentioned that anybody can be Valentine including brother, sister, husband and wife and therefore, she presented a photograph to Chawla as her Valentine of the day. Earlier, Syed Hamid also emphasized that Valentine is the day of love and affection to everyone and it should not be confined to husband and wife. So in order to meet the day real Valentine Day a

A group of Indian couples gathered at Indo American Center for Valentine Day celebrations

A couple who was present there Mr. and Mrs. Sudaksha Kapoor was called on behalf of Indo-American center to be Valentine of the day marking the celebration

couple who was present there Mr. and Mrs. Sudaksha Kapoor was called on behalf of Indo-American center to be Valentine of the day marking the celebration. The program was followed by cultural program which was presented by Saif Ali, Nalini Parekh and Nikhat Ali who rendered beautiful songs. It lasted for two and half hours followed by sumptuous luncheon. Later IAC invited all married couples for a group photograph and Govindbhai Limbachia urged everyone to join the celebration

that leads to love and harmony. Shiv Chawla also helped for various activities of the program and Mrs. Chawla who is the Seniors' Program Coordinator of this wonderful program thanked all the community members for their presence and co-operation, especially Ms. Javanika Parikh and Ms. Yamini Chokshi who prepared delicious food which was served on the occasion. She also expressed gratitude to Bharati Patel who volunteered in making phone calls and Kemal Huric for keeping the Center clean on that day.

Array of vendors at South Asia Bridal Expo Cont’d from page 10

The second bridal expo with more than 400 attendees and 40 vendors was held at Milan Banquet Hall, Renaissance Convention Center in Schaumburg (a north west Chicago suburb) and it again showcased a complete wedding solution ranging from trousseaus, accessories, jewelry, wedding gifts, make-up artists, wedding planners, wedding photography, honeymoon packagers and more. The objective for Dulhania Bazaar South Asian Bridal Expos, according to Shy Khan, vice president Dulhania Bazaar, is to provide the community a place to come and plan/shop for their wedding, meet vendors, build relationships and network by bringing various vendors under one roof. It provides the brides and grooms and their families what they are looking for. It's a great place for-them to come and have access to all the vendors they need for their-wedding or any special event The show has reflected the latest trends in attire, jeweler designs and also in display were stalls of

Youngsters Sonali Odak, Reena Bagn, Uma Iyer, Reekha Murali enjoying bridal show

wedding gifts, make-up artists, wedding planner, wedding photography, honeymoon packagers, hair stylist and many more. With the latest trend in attire and jewelry design, the show was also the fusion of traditional as well as a latest style. The core idea of the show was to provide choice and variety to consumers, and in the process, bring the business community to direct contact of the buyers. Rohit Sharma, one of the visi-

‘Milan is an expression that combines the concept of beauty and togetherness with the feeling of friendship. says Aliza Javed and Khalid Raza, two of the organizers’

Wedding accessory from Bhaavani Shah

tors at the exhibition, said, "The exhibition has everything that one would require while planning a wedding. I came here to look at clothes and accessories for my wedding." Samira Khanse, who was one of the visitors at the exhibition, said, "The exhibition is very convenient for people like me who are going to tie the knot soon." Jitubhai Patel, Manager, Fairfield Inn, said "the advantage of an exhibition like this is that we have a

target audience and we get the desired footfalls. We have created specific honeymoon packages for this exhibition. The response has been great and the popular destinations are Mauritius, Singapore, Malaysia and Egypt, besides Kerala on the domestic front." "Milan is an expression that combines the concept of beauty and togetherness with the feeling of friendship. Said Aliza Javed and Khalid Raza, two of the organizers.

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Fundraiser to help victims of Haiti disaster

Dr. Chandrakant Modi of Skokie, Illinois is seen treating injured woman and young man in Haiti.

RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

America" to render medical help to those injured and disabled. He spent a week there starting January 17. Giving his first hand observation and assessment of urgent and long term needs for Haitians, he said that over a million people displaced from their

relief. Many more people will succumb to the spreading malnutrition and infectious disease including malaria and diarrhea. Most people, he said, are crammed into overcrowded temporary camps and are huddled under bed sheets strung between

Just a month ago Indian physician Dr. Chandrakant Modi traveled to Haiti for a disaster medical relief mission along with other members of "Flying doctors of America" to render medical help to those injured and disabled. He spent a week there starting January 17 homes and hearths are in urgent need of shelter, food, water, sanitation supplies and health care. Earthquake still continues to take its toll on survivors. Nearly 300,000 are injured. Children and pregnant women are especially at serious risk without immediate

poles or sticks - hardly enough to block out the sun, but useless against the torrential downpours of Haiti's rainy season. In addition, stories of violence against women are spreading, in the absence of police and hospital services. He pointed out that the emer-

gency response in Haiti requires • Food, safe drinking water, shelter, water and sanitation facilities, emergency supplies of water purification packets, mattresses, blankets, clean delivery kits, newborn kits and hygiene kits. More importantly, survivors need to be provided with emergency waterproof shelter and decent sanitation before the rainy season begins. There are about 37,000 pregnant women in the disaster zone who are in urgent need of food, safe water and access to health care. There is an urgent need to support their needs with clean delivery kits, mattresses and more. • Also needed is planning for immediate recovery activities that could include actions such as rebuilding homes and implementing a cash-for-work program for people to help clear debris. Cont’d on page 15

US-India ties a defining global partnership: Blake Cont’d from page 10

Recently these two countries announced a series of new commitments to work together to revitalize global economic growth, while strengthening co-operation on clean energy, health, regional security, climate change and food security and eliminating terrorism. India is the largest vibrant pluralistic, tolerant democracy with vibrant and fast growing vibrant private sector. The economy of India currently ranks 4th largest in the word. Trade between the two countries has doubled in the last five years with USA importing three times more goods from India than it exports. Majority of India's growth has fueled large growing middle class which has doubled in last decade. However there are problems that India has to overcome that relates 30% illiteracy rate, about 20 percent of the population still earning less than 2 dollars per day, and growing threat from terrorists including Naxalites. The relationship between US

and India has grown considerably. Main areas of co-operation between the countries through private small business participation include agriculture, education, science and technology, defense and counter rising geo-political terrorism. To emphasize the relationship and seek solutions, the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was the guest of honor at the first State dinner hosted on November 24, 2009, by US Presdient Barack Obama. Agriculture is an important area of cooperation between India and the USA in present times. Agriculture consists of 20 percent of India's GDP and 70 percent of Indian population is living in rural area, largely dependent on activity of farming. Considering the fact that both the nations at present have a vast pool of human resources adept at knowledge economy, it is only natural that the most optimal course such partnership can aim at is harnessing these human resources by concentrating on development and dissemination of

agricultural knowledge through research, education and training etc. An initiative to forge such a partnership is the 'India-USA Knowledge Initiative on Agricul-

Many of the universities here like University of Chicago, Northwestern University etc are already involved to expanding the higher learning opportunity in India ture. One example of this co-operation includes establishment of Walmart in city of Amritsar in Punjab to distribute agricultural related products on wholesale basis with joint India private agricul-

ture business partnership. Improvement of infrastructure in India is another important bilateral business partnership. India has ambitious plan to develop infrastructure and plans spending almost 500 billion dollars in the next five yars. Midwest companies like Caterpillar, John Deer and other corporations will be a big part of the development. India has well educated dynamic work force. Every year about 200 million students graduate from the secondary schools. Out of this, due to shortage of higher educational institutions and faculty, only 10 million students enroll in college for higher education. About 100K students also come to USA for further studies. To address this challenge, many of the universities here like University of Chicago, Northwestern University etc are already involved to expanding the higher learning opportunity in India. They have been expanding their presence in India, providing partnership by exchanging university faculty, increasing number of student visas and in-

creasing Fulbright scholarship quotas etc. Clean Environment to address global warming and increasing energy requirement in India is also a big area of bilateral agreement. Nuclear and solar power projects are being rapidly developed in India by joint US-India partnership. President Bush signed bilateral nuclear energy exchange agreement in 2008. This treaty was ratified by the legislature in both the countries and construction of the nuclear power plants are in pipeline. Besides bilateral partnership has also resulted in solar powered electrical generation project which will produces 20,000 megawatt clean solar energy in Punjab. The presentation was followed by a brief question answer period as to addressing solution to global terrorism. Ambassador Blake responded that the State Department is working to address this by trilateral negotiation between India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. The event conceded after vote of thanks by Marshal M Bouton of the Club.

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Indian films fast getting universal acceptance MOHAMMADE GHOUSE

CHICAGO: Bollywood films are getting more and more acceptable globally. This is evidence once again that the 38th Belgrade International Film Festival will screen three Indian films -"Gulaal" directed by Anurag Kashyap, "Delhi-6 directed by Rakesh Mehra, and "Dev D again by directed by Anurag Kashyap. Besides, the Festival that is held in Serbia from February 19 to 28 will also be screening Ramchand Pakistani which deals with a Hindu father and his son living in Pakistan. Madhu Patel, an Indian architect and a singer, said that Indians should be feeling proud that their films are now getting universal acceptance and respect. Two decades ago some interest in Bollywood made films was sparked by a runaway success of Gandhi but then it died down despite the fact that Bollywood is probably producing more films than Hollywood and the industry employs more than those employed by Hollywood film makers. Congratulating the filmmakers, Rajan Zed, the chairperson of Indo-American Leadership Confederation in Nevada, said that the time has come for organizing an international film festival in India. This needs, he added, an integrated effort in funding, encouragement, marketing/promotion and exposure in global avenues. The film "Gulaal" has nothing to do with the Indian festival of color, Holi. Here it symbolizes blood - blood that signifies relationships, betrayal, loyalty, patriotism, and many other hues of life itself. It revolves around a Rajput boy who lost his virtuousness in the dark world of betrayal and politics. Cast includes Kay Kay Menon, Jesse Randhawa, Ayesha Mohan, and Mahie Gill. "Delhi-6" takes up the subject of hope,

love, and discovery of self amidst the chaotic but touching life inside walled city of India's capital Delhi. The cast includes Waheeda Rehman, Abhishek Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, and Om Puri. Interestingly, "Dev. D" is based on Saratchandra Chatterjee's famous novel, but an attempt is made to modernize the theme. It stars Abhay Deol, Mahie Gill, and Kalki Koechlin. "Ramchand Pakistani", which is about a

Interestingly, "Dev. D" is based on Saratchandra Chatterjee's famous novel, but an attempt is made to modernize the theme. It stars Abhay Deol, Mahie Gill, and Kalki Koechlin Pakistani Hindu father and his son, who accidentally cross the border to India. Directed by Mehreen Jabbar, it stars Shaood Alvi, Adarsh Ayaz, Atif Badar, Karim Bux Baloch and Nandita Das. "Videocracy" (Erik Gandini), is a documentary being shown in the Fest, about Italians consumed in celebrity worship which also shows Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. It was partly shot in India. Belgrade International Film Festival, launched in 1971, has had four million visitors and shown 3,800 international films.

Viswa Hindi Divas celebrated at NY Consulate India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Academicians, litterateurs and Hindi lovers in general discussed the promotion of Hindi language in the US at an event to celebrate Viswa Hindi Divas held at the Indian Consulate in New York on Feb 20. The first session of the event, moderated by Prof. Surindra Gambhir, brought out the efforts for 'promotion of Hindi' in USA'. Sushma Malhotra, Assistant Principal of New York City Department of Education made a presentation on promotion of Hindi in schools while Dr. Bindeswari Aggarwal of New York University discussed the status of Hindi teaching in US universities; and Dr. Ved Chaudhary, President of Educator's Society for the Heritage of India on the popularization of Hindi in USA. In the second session, moderated by Prof. Susham Bedi, patriotic poems in Hindi were recited with a preface of their

Mahashivratri at St. Louis Hindu Temple

historical context by Hindi exponents -Mathilisharan Gupta by Anoop Bhargava; Ram Naresh Tripathi by Dr B K Mehta; and Subhadra Kumari Chauhan and Makhanlal Chaturvedi by Dr P Jayaraman. Around 100 guests including academicians, litterateurs, representatives of ethnic media and people interested in Hindi language and literature attended the event. On the occasion, the message of Prime Minister of India was read out by Consul General Prabhu Dayal. In his welcome remarks, the Consul General laid emphasis on the need for popularization of Hindi language and exhorted the audience to begin the process by using Hindi at home. Lively discussions followed after each session. There was unanimity amongst the audience for concerted action to promote Hindi teaching in schools and universities. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by PK Mohanty, Consul (Education).

Shiv Pooja being done at St. Louis Hindu temple

ASHWIN PATEL India Post News Service

ST. LOUIS: The festival of Mahasivarathri was celebrated at Hindu temple of St. Louis on Thursday Feb 11 great enthusiasm and devotion among devotees coming from across St. Louis city and suburbs. The Rudrabhishekam started in the

evening at 6 p.m. Poojas and Bhajans were conducted through the night and the temple was kept open until next day morning. Devotees had a chance to pour milk on Shiva idol in the evening. Over 500 devotees attended. At the end of pooja prasadam was served. The Temple will be celebrating Chandramana Ugadi on March 16 and Sri Rama Navami on March 24.

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Music, dance & fashion show by Niles school SURESH BODIWALA

ing of the many different ethnic groups that live in our village. There were several boutique shops set up as a shopping bazaar in the lobby of the school and near the entrance of the auditorium, displaying Indian dresses, ornaments and other accessories. Attendees had the option buying any of these items at a very reasonable cost. There were approximately 150 students and parents in attendance, many of whom were dressed in gorgeous Indian-Pakistani outfits. The Evening started with a scrumptious Indian dinner followed by seating and the starting of the program. The Indian anthem was sung by Ankush

A group of student artists who performed at the entertainment program

Next item was a colorful and vibrant dance by Reetesh Bulsara, Ankush Verma, Abtaha Ahmed Muhammad Mansoor Ul-huq and Shaizan Khan. A team of students presented the next item with an

Patel. The program ended with open and free style dances by parents, teachers and students; some dressed in Indian colorful outfit, with rhythmic contemporary tunes

The program ended with open and free style dances by parents, teachers and students; some dressed in Indian colorful outfit, with rhythmic contemporary tunes from DJ Illest also known as Sanu. Participants were of diverse in age from two years to senior citizens Niles North students dancing

brella group to support community unity by sponsoring a variety of special projects aimed at developing a better understand-

Verma and Krunal Bodalia followed by the American anthem sung by Sarah Abraham in her melodious voice.

All religious groups to pray together India Post News Service

NEVADA: "First Annual InnerFaith Night" of University of Nevada-Reno (UNR), to be held on Wednesday, March 3 will see major religious groups coming together in prayer and dialogue. According to coordinators of this event, UNR Unity Commissioner Maggie Overmoen and religious statesman Rajan Zed, the purpose of this prayer meet is to promote trust, mutual loyalty, culture of tolerance, and life of truthfulness; despite seriously different traditions. They plan to make it an annual tradition where students, area clergy belonging to various religions and denominations, and civic and educational leaders can come together and seek unity that celebrates diversity.

equally bouncy performance by Daina Mathew, Aliza Hyder, Nidhi Shah, Malav Shah, Asher Baig, and Faizan Tai. This was followed with was a lively dance by Faizan Khan, Shaizain Khan and Riti

from DJ Illest also known as Sanu. Participants were of diverse in age from two years to senior citizens. The event was successful because of the hard work of Daina Mathew (president of the Indian

USC organizes Aman Ki Asha SURESH BODIWALA

This unity celebration will include prayers, music, and dialogue in Christian (various denominations), Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Jew, Baha'i, Native American and Unitarian Universalist traditions.

The purpose of this prayer meet is to promote trust, mutual loyalty, culture of tolerance, and life of truthfulness; despite seriously different traditions Some area civic and educational leaders are also expected to participate besides students, clergy and others. UNR Unity Commission and Inner-Faith Council are co-sponsors.

Association), Mrs. Sharmin Patel, Niles North and Niles West students. Diana Mathew had earlier welcomed the guests while Sarmin Patel proposed a vote of thanks. Their costumes were very colorful and attractive. The whole event was very enjoyable and memorable. The Indo-Pak Club and distinguished faculty worked together to make the night a big hit. Presidents Daina Mathew and Punit Modi along with Vice Presidents Krunal Bodalia and Christy Thomas put a significant amount of hard work into making the night enjoyable. Sponsor of Indo-Pak Club Ms. Shamim Patel and librarian Ms. Linda Moore worked especially hard in overseeing the night.

Vikas and Ejaz Alvi addressing Aman Ki Asha in Chicago

rdu Cul tural So ciety, Chicago organized "Aman Ki Asha: Peace Pow-Wow" last week at Iqra Foundation, in Skokie as part of its monthly meeting. USC seeks to promote intercultural awareness and bridge building across societies through Urdu/ Hindi language. Around 100 people belonging to India, Pakistan, and Chicago, attended the Peace-Pow-Wow.

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Church members visits mosque in Chino JS BEDI India Post News Service

LOS ANGLES: On Friday, Feb. 19 the Baitul Hameed Mosque in Chino hosted 15 members of an adult Sunday school class from Christ Lutheran Church in Chino. Imam Shamshad A. Nasir welcomed the members of the adult Sunday school class, led by Nancy Perez. The guests were interested in observing the Islamic Prayer service as part of their ongoing study of different world religions. They also wanted to engage the

not be Imams because men and women do not pray together in Islam. Since the purpose of prayer is to focus on God alone and pray to God without any distractions, and because both men and women naturally notice one another, their attention would easily be turned away from God and onto fleshly concerns if they prayed together. Imam Shamshad reminded his guests that Jesus told his followers not to commit the "adultery of the eye," so what then should be the remedy to prevent this from happening? The Lutherans admit-

Both Faith communities agreed that mutual understanding and respect were possible only through such friendly dialogs and meetings between different religions. Imam Shamshad invited the guests to return with their minister whenever they wished Imam in a Question-and-Answer session to better understand the Islamic Faith. The group arrived in the evening in time to observe the Maghrib prayer, which is held after the sun goes down. The Imam answered some questions about specific parts of the prayer ritual such as why Muslims raised their hands to their ears and said "Allaho Akbar" (God is the Greatest) at the start of the prayer, and why the prayer was done in Arabic, and whether Muslims knew what they were saying when they prayed. After the evening prayer, the guests were escorted to a conference room for refreshments and the Question-and-Answer session. Imam Shamshad was asked if women could be Imams, or leaders of the prayer, and Shamshad explained that, no, women could

ted that separation of men and women was the only viable solution. Imam Shamshad also pointed out that the issue of men and women not praying together did not affect the guests anyway, because they were Christians, and therefore they should consider the restrictions placed on them by their own New Testament scriptures, such as the one forbidding women to speak in Church and requiring them to cover their heads in Church as well. Other questions were raised about how Muslim children were educated and how Muslim parents dealt with the problems in American society that apparently clashed so blatantly with the teachings of the Muslim Faith. Imam Shamshad told the guests that all parents had simi-

Fundraiser to help victims of Haiti disaster Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 12

Long range planning for coming years in effort to support Haitians as their rebuild their lives and their communities. In emergencies like this, women and girls are at increased risk of sexual violence, exploitation and abuse when seeking food and other services. "There are a lot of pregnant women in the streets, and mothers breastfeeding new babies. There are also women giving birth directly in the street. The situation is very critical. Women try to

reach the nearest hospital, but most of the hospitals are damaged due to quake. Functioning hospitals are full and overcrowded. It's very difficult for patients to receive the appropriate care. Due to all these reasons, mothers and their babies could die from complications without medical care. In addition to providing sanitation services, latrines and hygiene kits, there is need for helping with a mass immunization campaign targeting residents of temporary settlement sites," he said. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 19

lar concerns and challenges, and besides, in Islam, it was primarily the mother's responsibility to educate the children in the requirements and commandments of the Faith. And in the end, what mattered was whether the religion one followed had solutions to the problems in society and whether or not children could be protected

against the evils of society through adherence to their religion. The meeting with the Lutheran guests lasted two hours, and at its conclusion they all said they enjoyed visiting the Mosque, that they learned a lot about Islam and they had many misconceptions about the religion dispelled. They looked forward to

having members of the Mosque visit them at their Church in the near future, and they hoped to return to the Mosque later for further interaction and exchange of ideas. Both Faith communities agreed that mutual understanding and respect were possible only through such friendly dialogs and meetings between different religions. Imam Shamshad invited the guests to return with their minister whenever they wished, and made an open invitation for them to invite other Churches to come to the Mosque and learn the truth about Islam. The Imam gave the guests free literature on various topics, including the fundamental teachings of Islam and the Ahmadiyya belief that Jesus did not die on the cross but survived the crucifixion and went to India and the Near East to "gather the Lost Sheep of the House of Israel" -his self-stated mission.

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How Gen Jacob secured surrender of Pak Army VED BHARGAVA, LT COL (RETD)

hirty-eight years ago today, on a blustery late afternoon in Dhaka, the commander of the Pakistani forces in East Pakistan, General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi publicly surrendered to the Indian Army, represented by Lieutenant General Jagjit Singh Aurora. In that now famous picture of the surrender of December 16, 1971 at the Ramna Race Course, there is a man standing on the

right, behind Niazi, with his head proudly up, gazing at something over the horizon. He was the man who had masterminded the public surrender. I first met General Jacob-FarjRafael Jacob (Jake to his friends) in November 2006, at his tiny apartment in Som Vihar, New Delhi. I was trying to put together a series on the 13-day war. The first thing that stuck me was the vitality of the man. Age

Michelle Steel endorses Harry Sidhu India Post News Service

ANAHEIM, CA: In yet another major announcement of support, Board of Equalization Member

est ranking Republican woman, and she joins an influential list of Sidhu supporters, including recently announced endorsements from the California Republican As-

Michelle Steel is California's highest ranking Republican woman, and she joins an influential list of Sidhu supporters, including recently announced endorsements from the California Republican Assembly (CRA) Harry Sidhu

Michelle Steel has announced her endorsement of Anaheim Mayor Pro Tem Harry Sidhu for the open 4th District Supervisor seat. Michelle Steel is California's high-

sembly (CRA), and OC Board of Supervisors Chair Janet Nguyen and Vice Chair Bill Campbell, among many others. Cont’d on page 20

(he was on the wrong side of 80 then) had failed to dim the twinkle in his eyes, or dampen his zest for life. His grip was like a vice, and his voice used to command. In an incisive, crisp style, he put the war into perspective for me very quickly. I soon discovered that we had both studied in Darjeeling (in different schools, in different eras), and that among other things, he was a very keen student of mili-

Gen Jacob

tary history. Which perhaps explains why he did what he did in 1971. The son of a Baghdadi Jew who ran a reasonably prosperous business in Kolkata, young Jake went against his father's wishes to join the British Indian Army when he was just 18. It was 1941, and World War II was in full swing. His first posting was to Iraq, and then North

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But before the two nuclear powers and Cold War rivals could get actively involved, Pakistan's eastern wing surrendered to the Indian forces. The war was over. Bangladesh was born. Weeks later, Pakistan's Chief Justice Hamidur Rahman was asked to head a War Inquiry Commission, to examine the reasons for the debacle. On being asked by the commission why he had accepted such a shameful uncon-

Pakistan's Chief Justice Hamidur Rahman was asked to head a War Inquiry Commission, to examine the reasons for the debacle. On being asked by the commission why he had accepted such a shameful unconditional public surrender, when he had 26,400 troops in Dacca and the Indians only a few thousand outside, General Niazi replied: ‘I was compelled to do so, as I was blackmailed by Jacob into surrendering’

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Africa, where his unit arrived too late for any real action. He was then shifted to Burma to fight against the Japanese, and then to Malaysia. When the war ended, he went on to take an advanced artillery course in the UK, before returning to an Independent India. His experience came in handy during the India-Pakistan wars. He fought against the Pakistanis in the deserts of Rajasthan dur-

ing the 1965 war. By 1967, he was a brigadier, and two years later he was promoted to Major General. In 1969, another World War II veteran, Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw, was appointed chief of the Indian army, and one of the first things he did was to name Jacob as Chief of Staff, Eastern Army Command. War clouds were looming once again, with India struggling to cope with the huge influx of Bengali refugees from East Pakistan fleeing persecution by migrants and the military from the western wing, bent on imposing Muslim law and Urdu as the national language. India under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had not only planned and prepared for this war, it also armed and trained the Mukti Bahini (or Liberation Army) -which wanted freedom from West Pakistan - for quite a while. War was officially declared on December 3, 1971, after Pakistani aircraft strafed some 11 Indian Air bases in the west in an attempted pre-emptive strike. As India engaged with the Pakistanis in the east and the west, The Soviet Union and the United States took sides. The US, under President Richard Nixon, chose Pakistan.

ditional public surrender, when he had 26,400 troops in Dacca and the Indians only a few thousand outside, General Niazi replied: "I was compelled to do so, as I was blackmailed by Jacob into surrendering." He repeats this in his book Betrayal of East Pakistan. In Crossed Swords, his authoritative book on the Pakistani military, Pakistani American writer Shuja Nawaz notes that "....in the words of a later Pakistan National Defence College study of the war, the Indians planned and executed their offensive against East Pakistan in a text book manner. It was a classic example of thorough planning, minute coordination, and bold execution. The credit clearly goes to General Jacob's meticulous preparations in the Indian eastern command." It was Jacob who insisted that he could not strike Bangladesh until the rains ended, which also gave him time to make preparations for the war. And when the war did begin, one of things General Jacob did was to blatantly ignore orders to take Khulna and Chittagong and consolidate. Instead, he made a beeline for Dacca. Cont’d on page 20

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Shivratri with authentic 108 Shiva Linga Puja VICTORIA TRUVER

As many as 2000 attended the event

RIVERSIDE: For the first time ever Riverside's Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir celebrated Maha Shiva Ratri with an authentic 108 Shiva Linga Puja. Mandir President Bhoodev Tiwari began the program with an introduction to Swami Paripuranand who gave a pravachan on Maha Shiva Ratri. Swami then gave each sponsor a Narmada Shiva Linga and diyas specially ordered from India for the event. The sponsors were seated

mandap. After this part of the function was concluded everyone was given a chance to perform abhishekam on the main Shiva Linga. More bhaktas continued to arrive all night long. By the end of the evening, at least 2,000 had attended the grand event, which was organized by Mandir President Bhoodev Tiwari, Chairman Surendra Sharma the priests and Festival's Committee Chair Hema

Devotees enjoyed the pravachan given by Swami Paripuranand

everyone was chanting "Om Namah Shivaya" when 2 beautiful magnolia flowers resembling pink lotus fell from Shiva's altar to the chanting devotees. Everyone was delighted. They felt that Shiva had given them a gift. With that in mind, Pandit Shukavak Dasa broke the flowers into petals and gave some to each bhakta as Prasad. Maha Shiva Ratri is the night of Lord Shiva when He himself was created by His own Divine Grace, manifesting himself as

By the end of the evening, at least 2,000 had attended the grand event, which was organized by Mandir President Bhoodev Tiwari, Chairman Surendra Sharma, the priests and Festival's Committee Chair Hema Nakka

Festivals Committee Chair Hema Nakka (right) and Vice-Chairman Sreenivas Nakka prepare for 108 Shiva Linga Puja

in the front rows in the main worship area. Each family had all samagris and supplies needed for puja and abhishekam. As Pandit Seshacharyulu Samudrala chanted from the main Shiva Mandir, Head Priest Dr. Shukavak Dasa gave step-by-step instructions to the participants. Everyone was able to observe the activity in the Shiva Mandir by watching a large screen mounted on the

Nakka. According to Ajai Kumar and his wife Malathi Marimurthu the 108 Shiva Linga Puja was spiritually uplifting and they would like Maha Shiva Ratri celebrated this way again. "108 is a special number for Shiva and the puja had a special remarkable effect which made devotees very happy." remarked Malathi. Ajai Kumar was excited to tell his story. At midnight

Shiva Lingam. On this night Shiva redeems the world. He dances the Tandava Nritya, the dance of primordial creation, preservation and destruction. When creation had been completed, Shiva and Parvati went out to live on the top of Mount Kailas. Parvati asked, "O venerable Lord! which of the many rituals observed in Your honor pleases You most?" The Lord replied, "The 14th night of the new moon, in the dark fortnight during the month of Phalgun, is my most favorite day." It is known as Maha Shivaratri.

Devotees sat in rows for 108 Shiva Linga Puja and abhishekam

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Celebrating the lover: Harinder Singh 'Mehboob' HARINDER SINGH

y introduction to Professor Harinder Singh Mehboob's work occurred in Kansas in September 1993. I found the opening paragraphs of 'the Rider of the Blue Steed" incredible: a fresh, endearing, and intelligent approach to the "life-movement" of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. I would meet him four years later on the Vaisakhi day of 1997at his home in Panjab. As a contemporary personality, I was most impressed with his religious lyrical innocence, unbridled devotion to the Sikh heritage and its institutions, unparalleled evaluation of world literature, uncompromising intellectual honesty and a dervish humility and simplicity. My continuous journey through his works is best expressed as the gold standard for exploring aesthetics, history, philosophy, poetry, folk culture, metaphysics, and contemporary diction - and all at the same time. In the Sikh world, he shall be held in highest esteem not solely as a literary figure, but as a Sikh who inspired Surat state of consciousness - a way of existing among everything which surrounds us that most can only hope to glimpse during those sacred moments in life; the state in which "The Way of the Peaceful Warrior" continuously is 'Jo hai so hai.' Poetry came out of him infused with such genius and perfection as to belie human origin. Prof. Mehboob was a pure instrument of the Guru - a rabab (rebeck) upon which Guru Nanak Sahib plays an exquisite sabad (infinite wisdom). In his vast outpouring of style, ideas, and images such as khalas-kudrat, vismad-naksh, and vijei-tark, he not only captured the whole of the Sikh inspiration, but also transformed it into an exquisite illustration of the Sikh spirit. The most banal experiences were cast in the light of universal truths; the ordinary life of an individual - crowded, busy, and full of uncertainty is shown to be an elegant and necessary step on one's journey of the ineffable Absolute. Though he was a professor of English, Prof. Mehboob wrote his major works in Panjabi - demonstrating the pinnacle importance of articulating in one's mother tongue. He was a product of the Marxist

is no secret that today's most celebrated Panjabi poets used to go seek his remarks and approvals before publishing their work.

Prof. Mehboob was a pure instrument of the Guru - a rabab (rebeck) upon which Guru Nanak Sahib plays an exquisite sabad (infinite wisdom). In his vast outpouring of style, ideas, and images such as khalas-kudrat, vismadnaksh, and vijei-tark, he not only captured the whole of the Sikh inspiration, but also transformed it into an exquisite illustration of the Sikh spirit Harinder Singh Mehboob

Prof. Mehboob did not simply pen ordinary books, he wrote multiple anthologies that re-defined and re-invigorated the South Asian literary world. His essays, both in English and Panjabi, were bold and insightful. His contributions generated thought-provoking discussions and debates across Panjab's borders. To appreciate "Jhana di Rat" fully, one must delve into it often for the rewards commensurate. The reader who returns to the words finds himself steeped in its beauty and in its depths of sentiment. I felt as if I was lost in the streets of

Prof. Mehboob did not simply pen ordinary books, he wrote multiple anthologies that re-defined and re-invigorated the South Asian literary world. His essays, both in English and Panjabi, were bold and insightful. His contributions generated thought-provoking discussions and debates across Panjab's borders intellectual movement (a norm among Panjabi intellectuals), but embraced the Sikh thought and lifestyle after graduate studies. The ideological leanings, the progressive journey, and personal limitations are all were quite visible in his everyday life. After the 1984 genocidal killings of Sikhs in India he became particularly known for his Sikh activism. It

1984 ghallughara (genocide) in a poem 'nind da katal ate shahid da ghazab' is dreadfully powerful. In fact, it invited the wrath of the Indian state which tar-

Lahore; I re-lived the carefree moments and worriless sleep at Nankana Sahib. The love for Panjab and its co-religionists is gracefully articulated in the old glory of multi-cultural des (nation); a culture born through the Grace of the Guru, and able to live in 'Harmony in a World of Difference.' And lastly, lest we forget, the allegorical depiction of the

geted the Professor for elimination. In kind, I return to "Sahije Rachio Khalsa" again and again in order to more properly absorb each nugget of information and insight. It is a work rich with Sikh traditions and feelings and with the author's often religiously powerful "mystic logic." Its poetic prose is exemplified by the believer's conviction. The elaborate explanations that Prof. Mehboob weaves in throughout are more than suffice to satisfy the elements challenging the Sikh traditions from within, as well as from well-planned external attacks. The vocabulary is large; frequently, the sentences are intellectually stimulating. I believe if this work were to be translated into English, it would establish the universalities of Sikh thought at a global level. It addresses the falsity, cleverness, and shortcomings of anti-Sikh theses, effortlessly constructs arguments against Sikhi which scholars studying Sikhs haven't yet thought of, and then demolishes them with the fine lyrical balance of Sikh sensibilities. He highlights the grandeur of the Guru. For me, "Ilahi Nadar de Painde" works its influence at the level of the soul, filtering, like the cry of the loon, through the subconscious. It is an unparalleled poetic rendition of life, love, and the Satigur. The epic is a spiritual flight that pierces through the heart and sends shivers throughout the body. It echoes the spirit and thought we encounter in

the writings of the stalwarts like Bhai Vir Singh and Mahakavi Santokh Singh. I ought to delve even deeper into the first volume to feel the prophet-genius of Guru Nanak Sahib. I am saddened the second volume on Guru Gobind Singh didn't see its completion by Prof. Mehboob; nonetheless, I await its publication. Prof. Mehboob's works were not the product of literary ambition, but rather should be viewed as acts of service. The religious and poetic traditions that produced Prof. Harinder Singh Mehboob, Bhai Vir Singh, and Prof. Puran Singh can be said to understand all of creation as providing the metaphors of Divine Qualities. Like the Sufi poets Abdur Rahman Jami and Jalaluddin Rumi, Mehboob's poetry inhabits many dimensions of life simultaneously. While most poetry leads us through carefully arranged sentiment, Prof. Mehboob wrote from somewhere beyond this common realm of thoughts and feelings, as we know and define them today. His poetry is not so much the search for the immanent truth and knowledge, or some discovery to be made in the outer world, but an elaboration of an instant hereness, the immediate inner song of experience that floods this world but is not of it. It is an ecstasy of wisdom that flows into words, sounds, and images. Prof. Mehboob's labor of love is the experience of the whole as well as the parts. The magnificence of Prof. Mehboob's poetry heartened my faith, his magical

His poetry is not so much the search for the immanent truth and knowledge, or some discovery to be made in the outer world, but an elaboration of an instant hereness, the immediate inner song of experience that floods this world but is not of it words and transcending love arouses an unquenchable hunger in me. Within the folds of his words, I gain entrance to a hidden chamber; I hear whispers that are ancient, yet intimate; I behold an endless love story between an individual being and the Satigur (the perfection). An eccentric resident of 'bhutvara' has embarked on his journey to the world hereafter, but Prof. Mehboob's genius made its everlasting impression on this earth. I consider it my great fortune to have visited Prof. Mehboob at Garhdivala several times, listened to his lectures throughout the land of the five rivers, and enhanced my own outlook with the valuable perspectives of this great teacher. Harinder Singh is a co-founder of the Sikh Research Institute.

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Welcoming guests: East vs. West DR. JASWANT SINGH SACHDEV

he other day, I had to accompany one of my Indian friends to the house of an American for tentative purchase of a personal property. It was summer time and Phoenix, being one of the hottest places in US, temperature was sizzling hot. Any extended stay for more than couple of hours at one place, even if it were inside the house under the shade, would have naturally made one tiresome, listless and thirsty and we were no exception to the rule. After having been in discussion for a while, both of us felt extremely thirsty. But to our sur-

towards the water outlet in the kitchen. As expected, water was at the room temperature and not cold enough. Given the fact that mercury was hovering at 110 degree outside, such a drink wasn't going to satisfy my thirst and I certainly didn't like it. Finding no choice, I decided to gulp it anyway. In my mind, I started to compare this kind of behavior of an American host to that of a family from the Indian subcontinent, regardless of the duration of its stay in the West. Being from the Eastern culture, we naturally take for

The guests in India are treated or at least were treated in the past with utmost respect, affection as well as care and concern. The host, regardless of the financial situation, would go all the way for the well-beings of his or her guests prise, neither the owner of the house nor his wife cared to ask for, or offered us a glass of water despite the fact that the need for such a gesture was very much called for. Unfortunately, we didn't carry the bottled water with us. As a hind sight, this was a serious flaw on our part. After sometime, thirst started to bother us and when it became too much, I had to ultimately break the protocol for so-called 'etiquettes' and asked for water. To add insult to injury, she handed a plastic glass to me and pointed

granted that the host would be offering a drink or at least a glass of cold water, if nothing else. The tradition of offering a glass of water to the guest back home is something instantaneous. This is a built-in characteristic within most of the people of the East irrespective of their social/financial standing or of their guests. In fact, such a behavior is obvious all over and everywhere regardless of the weather or the season. Such traits are not easily eroded, and nor they should be from the psyche of an Indian, ir-

Fundraiser to help victims of Haiti disaster Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 15

Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world, and this earthquake is making things worse for impoverished men, women and children there. There are many reputable charitable organizations which will accept cash donations. Due to logistic nightmare of delivery of goods like clothes including blankets, shoes and other goods to Haiti in view of severely damaged sea port and airport, monetary contribution is preferred. The Three Idiots fame R Madhavan who was in Chicago last week also had gone to Haiti to have a first hand feel of the problem. He represented Habitat for Humanity that helps building homes for homeless at the global level. He also pitched for extending help to Haitians.

Gandhi Memorial Trust is also accepting donations. Those who would like to help can contact

Due to logistic nightmare of delivery of goods like clothes including blankets, shoes and other goods to Haiti in view of severely damaged sea port and airport, monetary contribution is preferred Omprakash & Usha Kamaria: (847)673 0811, Dr. C.M. Modi :( 847)677 6008, Suresh Bodiwala :( 847)420 4789.

respective of the cultures of the West where oftentimes the concept of life and living turns out to be one hundred eighty degrees apart. Putting it lightly, more often than not, life here is self-centered if not outright selfish, to say the least. The guests in India are treated or at least were treated in the past with utmost respect, affection as well as care and concern. The host, regardless of the financial situation, would go all the way for the wellbeings of his or her guests, in fact so much so, that taking care of the guest has always been perceived akin to a religious act. Open any book watch any T.V. show and talk to anyone, the answer always would be that the treatment of the guests must be abovepar. The sweet memories of our childhood related to a courteous and pleasant welcome to the guests by

our Indian parents irrespective of their financial situation had been permanently encrypted in the grey matter of our brains and such a memory refuses to fade away. As and when a guest would show up, and soon after he or she could sit down, a cold glass of water followed by a formal soft drink, tea and snacks etc. depending upon the weather and desire of the guest was the business routine. This behavior was a built-in cultural reflex and everybody in the houses-hold, from a child to the adult followed this unwritten and unsaid protocol. Not only did we enjoy the tradition, rather, felt proud about it. So much so, that we always looked forward to the appearance of the guests. As children, we knew that parents always had some tasty sweets and other snacks re-

served for the guests and with their arrival we would also have the opportunity to enjoy portions of such niceties once again, that otherwise wouldn't have been possible. Come night time, the guest would be offered the best room possible in the house, and if need arose the host would not hesitate in giving up the comforts of his her own bed and wouldn't mind sleeping on the floor if the situation demanded. The people of the East always brought this point home to the children and that too, rather forcefully, that serving the guests truly separates a human being from an animal. In fact, all the Dharmic faiths of the East have always encouraged such kind of attitude among its followers. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 20

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Welcoming guests: East vs. West Cont’d from page 19

No doubt then, that such a behavior has become fully ingrained into an established Eastern culture. This kind of formal welcome in the West is neither feasible, nor is felt essential, thanks to the obvious cultural dissimilarities and styles of living. The culture of the West entails and encourages the children from early on to abstain and shy away and maintain distance from the so-called 'strangers' that otherwise could be considered 'guests' in Eastern vernaculars. The children of the West are constantly primed with a continuous dose of advisement that the strangers could turn out to be injurious to their lives and as such not to be believed or trusted upon. Unfortunately, this is not without truth for occasionally a child is hurt simply because he or she couldn't distinguish between occasional drop-in genuine guests versus harmful strangers. Moreover, as a consequence of an overabundance of hotels motels and fast food eateries, this so-called hospitality industry has entirely taken over the business of welcoming of the guests and their stay, but of course with a price. Unfortunately, this is not a matter of dollars and cents, rather the love, affection, inner connection and intimacy have all vanished away as a result. Offering a glass of water to the guest at home isn't the issue here. Rather, my point happens to be about the attitude that people of the West possess towards their guests

based on their perception, which in turn depends upon their modern environments. Fortunately most of the members of the diaspora, regardless of the length of stay in the Western countries, still happen to maintain that golden cultural asset to some extent which keeps on encouraging them to receive a guest with a smiling face and open

The children of the West are constantly primed with a continuous dose of advisement that the strangers could turn out to be injurious to their lives and as such not to be believed or trusted upon. Unfortunately, this is not without truth arms. Treating them with all the due respect is of utmost importance. Certainly, as time passes by there will be modifications in such behaviors as a consequence of changed environments. But I sincerely hope that this cultural asset of the East doesn't fade away totally and pass into oblivion once for all. From the author of a recently published book, 'Square Pegs, Round Holes.'

How Gen Jacob secured surrender of Pak Army

Cont’d from page 16

When he reached the outskirts of the capital, he had 3,000 men. Niazi had nearly 30,000. But Niazi also knew that the Bengali people were against him and his men, so he sought a ceasefire under UN auspices. On December 16, armed with nothing but a surrender document drafted by him but yet to be cleared by the Indian high command, Jacob entered Dacca, and headed for Niazi's headquarters. Fighting was going on in the streets of the capital between the Mukti Bahini and the Pakistani army. Niazi tried to bluster, but Jacob was firm. "General, I assure you if you surrender in public, accept these terms, we will look after you and your men. The Government of India has given its word and will ensure your safety and that of your civilians. If you do not, then we can take no responsibility," Jacob recalls telling Niazi. "He (Niazi) kept talking until I said, General, I cannot give you any better terms. I will give you 30 minutes. If you don't comply I would have no option but to order resumption of hostilities." He walked out, and paced up and down outside Niazi's office.

On his return, Niazi kept quiet. "I walked up to him. The document was on the table and I asked him: General, do you accept this document? I asked him three times but he didn't answer. So I picked it up. I said, I take it as accepted." Thus was the first and perhaps only

‘General, I assure you if you surrender in public, accept these terms, we will look after you and your men. The Government of India has given its word and will ensure your safety and that of your civilians. If you do not, then we can take no responsibility’ public surrender in modern military history won. The rest, as they say, is history. Sadly, we do not learn from our history. Today, as the nation celebrates 'Vijay Diwas', it is worth pondering that General Jacob is not on any official invitation list. Is this how we treat our heroes?

Horoscope

March 5, 2010

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ARIES Mar 21-Apr 20 You will have few reasons to celebrate. Some issues involving a child on hold for long will come to a pleasing end. Money will go on buying some expensive items and even gifts for others. Opponents will try to hurt but end up helping you. Financially it can be another rewarding week if you take actions quick and play your cards right.

LEO Jul 23-Aug 22 Suddenly you will be full of energy. Success in attempts will make you try for more. You may receive some valuable gifts from in laws. Business will improve and you will see old clients returning after long time. Long awaited news will brighten up everybody's face. You will be assigned additional work with some words of assurance.

SAGITTARIUS

March 5 to March 11

Nov 23-Dec 22 Tough attitude will create more differences with someone who was too close at one time. You may visit or call an government agency frequently to get an important job done. Money will go on adding more beautiful items in the house. Tension will reduce a lot at work and all previous uncertainty will go away.

TAURUS Apr 21-May 20 Meetings with people in power will go as planned and you will receive the assurance also. An influential person will help you get out of a tricky situation at work. You may make some money through stocks also. It looks like a promising week for people working as brokers. Planets will help improve image in social circle and make money too.

VIRGO Aug 23-Sept 22 Strong Venus in seventh will bring many opportunities to make extra money to your doorsteps. Your offer will be selected among many competitors and the contract is on its way to you. You may invite few close relatives at your place this week. Some of you will be spending time away from home for business purpose during the week.

CAPRICORN Dec 23-Jan 19 Strong Venus should bring some positive activities in career. You will be taking a trip to an interesting place this week by yourself. Someone will motivate you to aim high and a s a result you will make few phone calls and put some people to work on your new ideas. Money wise you will continue to do better.

GEMINI May 21-Jun 20 Financial pressure will go away but only after meeting your commitments. Expect some improvement in relationship as well as on career front. You may pan an outing with one of the colleague at work. There will be some last minute change in travel plans. A distant relative will call and seek your help. A big check coming via mail.

LIBRA Sept 23-Oct 22 Opponents will not sit quit so be careful and take extra precaution. Money will come and disappear very fast. Chances of an addition in the family are very strong for next few weeks. Spouse will have total different views about career change at this point. You will spend some money on repairs to your car or may purchase another one.

AQUARIUS Jan 20-Feb 18 This is the right time to launch your project. Right help is within your reach. You will be associated with very bright people. You have big chunk of money coming your way. You may go out and buy some cloths for yourself too. With diplomacy you will overcome many hurdles. Idea of taking a short trip overseas will cross your mind.

CANCER Jun 21-Jul 22 With cool mind you will take better and rational decisions. Some one you kicked out of your life will try to make peace but you will completely ignore him. The choice of right words only in the letter will be enough to get the job done quickly. You will meet your commitments and still have some left. A long distance trip is in the air.

SCORPIO Oct 23-Nov 22 Trip will be fruitful and the new contacts will take you closer to goals. If were waiting for any clearance from a government agency, it could come this week. You may also receive a small check from insurance too. Negotiations will save you close to thousand dollars in a year. You may make money through stocks also.

PISCES Feb 19-Mar 20 Do not open up so quickly with the people you recently met or will regret soon. Financial juggling will save money in short as well as long term. Large gains possible from overseas. You may finally get that big contract this week. Spouse will support your ideas and encourage you. You will call a close relative living in another state.

Sports Track Indian media hails 'God' Sachin Tendulkar NEW DELHI: Indian media lined up to shower the "God" Sachin Tendulkar with front-page tributes and predict the recordshattering batsman was not finished yet. Tendulkar, who turns 37 in April, smashed the first-ever double century in One-Day International, pounding the South African bowlers with 25 boundaries and three sixes. It was the latest achievement by the world's most prolific batsman, who has scored more runs and centuries than anyone in both Test and One-day cricket. Tendulkar's landmark dominated the front pages of leading newspapers, even overshadowing the India-Pakistan diplomatic talks. "Immortal at 200", screamed a banner headline in the Times of India, while the Indian Express ran a half-page photo of a celebrating Tendulkar with the word "God!" A similar front-page photo in the Hindustan Times, headlined "200 not out", was followed by an appreciation by Tendulkar's former team-mate and bowling great Anil Kumble. "The way he celebrated when he reached his 200 epitomized the man's persona," Kumble, an exIndia captain, wrote.

SPORTS 22 India Post

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'The greatest ever'

March 5, 2010

achin Tendulkar is the greatest batsman the game has ever seen. There is just no question about that. See his record! Who else has got 90-plus centuries, 17000-plus runs in ODIs and 13000-plus runs in Test cricket? He is comfortably the greatest batsman ever. He should aim for more. I think he should go for a triple century in Test cricket. This is something he doesn't have but is very capable of. This is well within his reach and he should go for it. He should, may be, look for a Test innings of 450 or an ODI knock of 250. And then he himself wants to win next year's World Cup. There is a little boy in Tendulkar who wants to keep playing. - Sunil Gavaskar

'Prayers of the people have helped my career' S

achin Tendulkar's world record double hundred was yet another landmark for the champion in a career of miles and milestones. The pavilion at the Roop Singh Stadium here will be named after him. A road in the city will also bear the maestro's name shortly. "I need the good wishes of the people. If somebody gives me an award, I would have to respect the sentiments behind it. It is the prayers of the people that has helped me in my career," he said. Tendulkar added, "I do not play for records. I enjoy my cricket and I play with passion. I have done this for 20 years." The legend said he had struck a purple patch since the 2007 World Cup.

Tendulkar said coach Gary Kirsten had held the side together. "We have been bonding very well and there is great spirit within the side

Top 10 ODI knocks

op 10 highest individual knocks in the history of one day cricket. 200 not out: Sachin Tendulkar (Ind) vs South Africa in Gwalior on February 24, 2010. 194 not out: Charles Coventry (Zim) vs Bangladesh in Bulawayo on August 16, 2009. 194: Saeed Anwar (Pak) vs India in Chennai on May 21, 1997. 189 not out: Viv Richards (WI) vs England in Manchester on May 31, 1984. 189: Sanath Jayasuriya (SL) vs India in Sharjah on October 29, 2000. 188 not out: Gary Kirsten (SA) vs United Arab Emirates at Rawalpindi on February 16, 1996. 186 not out: Sachin Tendulkar (Ind) vs New Zealand in Hyderabad on November 8, 1999. 183 not out: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Ind) vs Sri Lanka in Jaipur on October 31, 2005. 183: Sourav Ganguly (Ind) vs Sri Lanka at Taunton on May 26, 1999. 181 not out: Matthew Hayden (Aus) vs New Zealand in Hamilton on February 20, 2007. 181: Viv Richards (WI) vs Sri Lanka in Karachi on October 13, 1987.

Sachin Tendulkar raises his hat and helmet to celebrate scoring a world record breaking double century (200 runs) during the second ODI cricket match at the Captain Roop Singh Stadium in Gwalior on February 24

Better than even Bradman: Nasser Hussain LONDON: Former England captain Nasser Hussain is convinced that Sachin Tendulkar is the greatest batsman the game has ever seen, better than even the iconic Don Bradman. "I have never liked compari-

sons between great players, but after Wednesday's incredible game it must be said Sachin Tendulkar is the greatest batsman of all time," Hussain wrote in his column for 'The Daily Mail'.

Sachin Tendulkar drives on his way to world record double century

Tendulkar became the first batsman to crack a double century in the four-decade-long history of one day cricket against South Africa and Hussain felt that should settle the debate on who is the greatest batsman ever. "Better than Brian Lara and Ricky Ponting, the other two great players of my era. Better than Sir Viv Richards, Sunil Gavaskar and Allan Border. And I would even say better than Sir Don Bradman himself," wrote the Chennai-born English cricketer of Indian origin. Hussain said Tendulkar has somehow managed to retain his early enthusiasm even after two decades of international cricket which he found incredible. -PTI

Asked about his record-breaking double hundred, he said, "I realised I had a chance when I got to 180 with so many overs left." On being at 199 at the start of the final over, he said, "I knew I would get my chance in the over. I will remember this innings. But I will not compare it with my other efforts. Each innings is different, the circumstances are different. No record is unbreakable. But I would be happy if an Indian breaks my record. " He gave credit to Dinesh Karthik, Yusuf Pathan and Mahendra Singh Dhoni for their efforts. "Yusuf and Dhoni, in particular, played some very big shots." Tendulkar said coach Gary Kirsten had held the side together. "We have been bonding very well and there is great spirit within the side," he said. South African captain Jacques Kallis said, "Tendulkar took full advantage of the conditions. He got to his double hundred without slogging and did so with authentic cricket shots. A lot can be learnt from that." -PTI

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March 5, 2010

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Greatest batsman I have seen: Clarke British media heaps praise Gwalior was a batting master class that flattened South Africa and India won by 153 runs to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the threematch series. "I didn't watch any of it but I'd like to get back this afternoon and see some highlights," said Clarke, ahead of Australia's first Twenty20 match against New Zealand. Clarke was particularly impressed with Tendulkar's longevity and said cricket was blessed to have such a genius.

on Tendulkar

achin Tendulkar's stupen dous feat of becoming the first cricketer to score a double century in one-dayer has been hailed by the British media, which described the little master as the "finest batsman" ever. "Tendulkar underlined his sensational class with a double century in Gwalior. To have reached

entire innings," the report read. Meanwhile, The Times tried to anticipate whether the Indian can complete a century of centuries in international cricket by the end of this year. "All kneel down and praise whatever god you fancy for the mighty Sachin Tendulkar. This could just be turning into the

His greatest strength is the longevity, to be able to be so successful at a young age and to still be doing the same thing 20 years on

The cover drive on way to double century

WELLINGTON: Australia's Twenty20 captain Michael Clarke rates Sachin Tendulkar is the best batsman he has ever seen and said he is not really surprised to see the iconic Indian smashing the first double century in the history of one-day cricket. "His record speaks for itself. I

can't say I'm surprised," said Clarke, who is here for Australian team's tour of New Zealand. "He's probably the greatest batsman I've ever seen play, live," Clarke was quoted as saying by the Australian Associated Press (AAP). Tendulkar's unbeaten 200 at

"He's a wonderful guy and someone I not only enjoy watching on TV, but I've loved having the opportunity to play against him as well," said Clarke. "He has got so much class. His greatest strength is the longevity, to be able to be so successful at a young age and to still be doing the same thing 20 years on. "He made his (Test) debut at 16 and he's still as good as ever, if not better. We're blessed to still have such a great player playing this game," he added.

Being congratulated by South African cricketers Hashim Amla (C) and Alvero Petersen (L)

such a landmark, with a single in the final over, only serves to underline his class and add to the legacy that already surrounds arguably the finest batsman to have played the game," BBC Sports said. "His innings, the 46th one-day century of his career, was typified by wristy strokes, trademark boundary shots and, above all, stamina as he batted through the

greatest year of his international career, more than 20 years after it began," the report said. "Tendulkar now has 93 hundreds in international cricket - 47 in Tests and 46 in ODIs - which is 25 more than the next best man, Ricky Ponting. At the age of 36 and in such great form, he could reach 100 hundreds by the end of the year," it added.-PTI

Raj Kishan - rare Indian American athlete ily in a village near Chandigarh in India Kishan received his education from Panjab University. A competent athlete even then, he won medals for the University for which he was felicitated by Late S.Partap Singh Kairon the then Chief Minister of Panjab. After the

Kishan won two gold medals in the 2nd Asian Veteran Meet for which he was felicitated by former Prime Minister of India the Late Indira Gandhi India Post News Service

NEW JERSEY: The adage 'Old is gold' cannot be more apt than in the case of Raj Kishan, for quite literally, this septuagenarian is a rare Indian American athlete to win three gold medals at the last Senior Olympics held in Woodbridge Township in New Jersey. Competing in the 75+ age group,

the amazingly fit Kishan made a clean sweep of the gold in the 100 meter, 200 meter and 400 meter races. More than 600 athletes participated in the NJ Senior Olympics. Last year he was selected to represent New Jersey in US Senior Nationals, which he could not however participate in due to family circumstances. Born into an agricultural fam-

formation of Haryana he represented Haryana in National Athletics from 1980 to 1987 and every time won medals in his pet events of High Jump and 110 mts hurdles. Kishan won two gold medals in the 2nd Asian Veteran Meet for which he was felicitated by former Prime Minister of India the Late Indira Gandhi. Later he won medals from International Veterans Athletics in

Singapore and Hong Kong in the years 1985 and 1987 respectively. For his outstanding achievements he was honored by the Haryana Governor at a special function in Chandigarh at the time. Kishan's interest in athletics did not wane with advancing age. For the Senior Olympics in the US, he was the only South Asian to make inroads into a domain that is domi-

nated by the African American and Caucasian American communities. Kishan was honored by the Mayor of Woodbridge Township following his spectacular performance at the Senior Olympics. Kishan is the proud of father of two sons -- the elder son a Major in the Indian army, was involved in the Kargil war and fight against insurgency in Kashmir.

1 Tere Naina - My Name Is Khan

6 Karle Mujhse Pyaar - Toh Baat Pakki!

2 Cham Cham - Striker

7 Kaise Jiyu - Hide and Seek

3 Noor E Khuda - My Name Is Khan

8 Sajda - My Name Is Khan

4 Neeyat Kharab Hain - Teen Patti

9 Aameen Suma Aameen - Click

5 Hey Ya! - Karthik Calling Karthik

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March 5, 2010

10 Tere Bina Jiya Na Jaye - Shaapit

ere are nine things about Shah Rukh Khan revealed in the documentary called 'Revealed' by Samar Khan: *When Shah Rukh was conferred a doctorate by a UK university, he broke into a jig in his convocation gown. It was his first co nvocation ceremony because he never attended the one in Jamia Milia Islamia. *After he finishes working on a film, Shah Rukh takes a three-hour-long shower. He believes that's the way to get the film out of his system completely. *SRK feels that he has lost touch with his extended family over the last 20 years. He says he's been so busy that he has not been able to carry out his responsibilities to them. *Shah Rukh has been having coffee in the same steel mug for the last decade. He takes it with him everywhere he goes. *His make-up man hasn't changed in the last two decades. Ravi Dada applied make-up on him for his first shot in Dil Aashna Hai. He's still around though he could make way soon for his son. *One of Shah Rukh's favorite games is Trivial Pursuit. The only one to beat him at it, 90 per cent of the times, is his daughter, Suhana. *It's a joke among his friends that his diet includes only protein (since chicken is a part of all his meals), caffeine (from the coffee he is constantly sipping) and nicotine (from the cigarettes he chain smokes). *Shah Rukh hates being captured on camera while he is eating. That's the only time he doesn't let anyone shoot him. *He's the official babysitter of his group. When everyone else is partying or holidaying, Shah Rukh is quite happy to sit and play with their children at home. He loves spending time with Aryan, Suhana and their friends.

Bollywood

March 5, 2010

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Aamir vs Javed

he first love for Shruti Hassan, the daughter of legendary actor, Kamal Hassan, has always been music though she was liked by the critics for her beauty and performance in her debut movie 'Luck'. Shruti has given musical scores for many films including the Tamil film 'Unnai Pol Oruvan' which had her father Kamal in the lead role. Once again she is all set to compose music for another South flick with her daddy in the lead role. The film is from the filmmaker K.S Ravikumar titled 'Yaavarum Kelir'. This is out-an-out commercial flick unlike her previous film which was a thriller. Thus, Shruti once again dons on her musical caps to impress her fans with her varied colors and talents.

t was a meeting meant to sort out the imbroglio between film producers and lyricists-writers, the latter's forum represented by Javed Akhtar. But matters took a turn for the worse when Aamir Khan, siding with film producers, said lyricists don't really contribute much to the impact of a song. It was just too much for poet-lyricist Javed Akhtar to take, and it soon became a war of words. Says an eyewitness, "Aamir made it clear that he felt a song becomes a hit because it is picturised on a big star. To this Javed asked him, 'Your first big song was Papa Kehte Hain. Did it make you a star or did you make that song run?'" Things began to get heated, but Aamir stuck to his stand. "When Aamir again insisted that it's the star who makes a bigger contribution to a song becoming a hit, Javed retorted, 'Your socalled contribution is nothing but interference. We lyricists would be eternally grateful if you keep your so-called contribution to yourself. We manage to do good work not because of, but in spite of your contribution.' But when Aamir went a step further to claim that in any film, a writer contributes more than a song-writer to the film, it was the last straw for Javed. He said, 'Good for Chetan Bhagat'." An angry Aamir at first resigned from the committee, but has now taken back his resignation.

New house D

idya Balan cannot stop raving and admiring about her new four bedroom flat in Khar in which she has moved last month from Chemboor where she stayed before this. Vidya has special attachment to her house since she has taken personal care and interest in making the house stand and now, she plans to throw in a house-warming party for her close friends and well-wishers. Vidya says, "It's virtually been built brick by brick by me in the middle of my busy schedules. I wasn't able to give the house time at a stretch. That's why it took time to be put together." "I think it's imprudent to invite all your friends all at once for one party. This makes the gathering unmanageable, guests who don't know one another get uncomfortable. So I'm having a series of sit-in dinners in my new house where groups of friends who know one another, can come together for cosy comfortable conversations and food." "I'm fastidious about cleanliness to the point of being obsessive about my home. If I feel a drawer is messy, I will clean it up at 3 in the morning after a hard day's shooting. So before my house-warming parties start, I need to make sure everything is in place."

ev Benegal's Road, Movie has found an admirer in Hollywood actor Robert De Niro, who asked for a copy of the DVD to be sent to him when he met the film's team at the Doha Film Festival in October last year. "He requested us to provide him with a copy of the film. We were humbled," says actor Satish Kaushik. De Niro asked that the DVD be sent to his New York apartment. Interestingly, the film's team thought De Niro was asking for the DVD merely out of courtesy. "But when his business manager reminded us about it again at the Berlin Film Festival, we were pleasantly surprised. Apart from being a great artiste, he is also a wonderful human being," says Kaushik. Understandably, Kaushik has been raving about the Hollywood star ever since. "When I was introduced to him as a great actor from India, I was completely speechless. When we shook hands, my hands were frozen... it was like a dream come true," he says.

De Niro on Road

Health

Line

Free swine flu shots offered at Dulles

CHANTILLY, Va.: Wondering what to do while you're waiting for a flight at Dulles International Airport? Now, you can get a swine flu shot. The Virginia Department of Health and the Loudoun County Health Department have teamed up with airport officials to give out free vaccinations against the potentially deadly virus. Health officials say there could be another wave of the H1N1, or swine flu, virus, so it would be smart to take advantage of the opportunity. The program started Feb. 16, and about 200 shots a day are being given away. The vaccinations are available from noon to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, in baggage claim areas six and 13 on the ground floor. -AP

New HIV/AIDS cases set record in ND GRAND FORKS, ND: The number of new HIV/AIDS cases in North Dakota set a record in 2009. The state Health Department says there were 39 new cases, up from 28 in 2008 and 26 in 2007. The department says 16 of the new cases last year were diagnosed in-state, while 23 cases were in people with HIV/AIDS who moved to North Dakota. From 1984, near the beginning of the AIDS epidemic, through 2009, there have been 480 reported cases of HIV/AIDS in North Dakota. Through last year, 145 people have died of the disease in the state. -AP

Teton County healthiest in Wyoming JACKSON, Wyo.: A study that culled information from federal data says Teton County is the healthiest county in Wyoming. The findings were released as part of a nationwide report by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. Their report includes countyby-county health rankings for all 50 states. -AP

Health Science

Alaska documents big drop in fetal alcohol cases ANCHORAGE, Alaska: Health officials have released new data showing that Alaska's rate of fetal alcohol syndrome dropped by about one-third. -AP

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March 5, 2010

Raw milk debate spills across US DES MOINES, Iowa: Debate about the health attributes and risks of raw milk is spilling into statehouses and courtrooms across the United States as proponents of unpasteurized dairy products push to make them easier for consumers to buy. Supporters of the raw milk cause say pasteurization, the process of heating milk to destroy bacteria and extend shelf life, destroys important nutrients and enzymes. ``We have new science today that shows raw milk contains ... enzymes that kill pathogens and strengthens the immune system,'' said Sally Fallon Morell, president of the Washington-based Weston A. Price Foundation, a nonprofit group pushing for increased access to raw milk. Enzymes and other nutrients are ``greatly reduced in pasteurized milk,'' she said. Public health officials disagree, saying raw milk carries an increased risk for bacterial contamination that can lead to illness and even death.

More than 1,500 people became ill from drinking raw milk between 1993 and 2006, the most recent data available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of those, 185 were hospitalized and two died. The CDC said not all food borne illnesses are reported, meaning the actual number is likely higher.

ship in a cow in return for raw milk from the animal. Retail sales of raw milk is allowed in nine states and 19 allow the sale of raw milk from a farm directly to an individual. Lawmakers in seven states have introduced measures this year seeking to change laws governing raw milk. The Farmer to Consumer Legal Defense Fund

'We have new science today that shows raw milk contains ... enzymes that kill pathogens and strengthens the immune system,' said Sally Fallon Morell said there also have been illnesses and deaths related to pasteurized products and that linking illnesses to raw milk is not an accurate assessment of the nutritional benefits of drinking unpasteurized milk. The sale of raw milk is prohibited in 23 states, although seven of them let people get milk through so-called herdshare programs, in which customers can buy owner-

also has filed lawsuits in five states challenging various aspects of laws regarding raw milk. The Iowa lawsuit filed last month challenged the state's ban on herdshare agreements. Pete Kennedy, president of the Farmer to Consumer group said the state's law contradicts common sense. ``The farmer can drink milk from cows at the farm, so why can't

someone with an ownership or interest in that cow drink milk from those animals?'' Kennedy said. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey said in a statement that state officials ``feel we have acted within our authority under Iowa code ... in this situation.'' The issues in other states include testing requirements and delivery methods for raw milk, and herdshare agreements. The Iowa legislation, which died in a committee, would have allowed the sale of raw milk from a farmer directly to customers. Supporters said they won't give up. Nick Wallace, a livestock farmer near Keystone, Iowa, said the state's ban on raw milk sales infringe on consumers' rights. ``We feel it's a consumer's right to put what we want in our bodies and if we want to contract with a farmer who sells raw milk we should be able to buy it,'' Wallace said. He said with or without a change in law, people will find a way to get raw milk if they want it. -AP

Avandia maker knew of cardiac risks NEW YORK: A Senate report has said that drug maker GlaxoSmithKline knew of possible heart attack risks tied to Avandia, its diabetes medication, years before such evidence became public. Sen. Max Baucus, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and Chuck Grassley, the committee's ranking Republican, released the report, which follows a two-year inquiry. They are also asking the U.S. Food and Drug Administration why it allowed a clinical trial of Avandia to continue even after the agency estimated that the drug caused 83,000 heart attacks between 1999 and 2007. In a letter to FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg, the senators

said the committee's report was based on researchers' studies of Avandia, internal GlaxoSmithKline documents and FDA documents. They said committee investigators had interviewed GlaxoSmithKline and agency employees as well as

Instead, the company tried to downplay findings that the drug could increase cardiovascular risks while also working to downplay findings that a rival medication might reduce such risks, it said.

The company tried to downplay findings that the drug could increase cardiovascular risks while also working to downplay findings that a rival medication might reduce such risks what it called anonymous whistleblowers. Based on its knowledge of the heart attack risks, GlaxoSmithKline ``had a duty to sufficiently warn patients and the FDA of its concerns in a timely manner,'' the report said.

GlaxoSmithKline said in a statement the drug is safe. It said the committee report took data out of context from analyses of Avandia. In their letter to Hamburg, the senators said the documents the committee reviewed included an analysis conducted by two safety

officials at the agency. The analysis compared Avandia to Pfizer Inc.'s Actos diabetes drug, and found that Avandia has an increased risk of heart attack and heart failure. The letter also quoted the researchers as saying that said the study itself was dangerous, as it meant patients continued to take the drug. FDA spokesman George Strait said the FDA is reviewing new data on Avandia and will present those findings to an advisory committee this summer. ``Meanwhile, Commissioner Hamburg is reaching out to ensure that she has a complete understanding and awareness of all of the data and issues concerning this drug,'' Strait said. -AP

March 5, 2010

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Health Science Post

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March 5, 2010

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Exposition reaches out to mobility impaired SALEM, Ore.: Michael Neher hasn't walked since high school; not since 1981, when he became paralyzed from the chest down. `Ì broke my neck playing football when I was a sophomore,'' said Neher, who grew up in a Mid- Valley grass-seed farming family and attended Central Linn High School in Halsey. `Àbout a year later I was in an accident ... I fell asleep on Coburg Road South near Eugene.'' The two incidents combined left Neher in a wheelchair. It was from that chair that he helped people at the Health and Wealth Expo at the Kroc Center. Neher represents Performance Mobility Inc., adaptive equipment specialists out of Portland. Performance and R&J Mobility Service of Independence were two among dozens of vendors at the expo. Performance's business is helping people get around. Neher is intimately familiar with it. ``Yes, I know this business,'' said Neher, 46. `Ì just sort of stumbled into it.'' The gregarious Portlander enjoys his work for what it allows

him to do help people. ``I really like helping people, especially people who are newly injured,'' Neher said. ``I like showing them the ropes; showing them hope.'' That attitude reflected what organizer Byron Loosli and expo planners sought when putting the show together, the first of its kind

'I really like helping people, especially people who are newly injured,' Neher said. 'I like showing them the ropes' in the area. Loosli, the community liaison director for Oregon Paralyzed Veterans of America, said the event's ubiquitous tropical theme was part of the positive experience planners wanted to achieve. Maafu Veikune set the mood for people walking into the Kroc Center, strumming his ukulele and singing island-themed songs. ``Isn't he wonderful?'' Loosli

asked, marveling at the instant mood conjured by one brawny Pacific Islander and his tiny stringed instrument. ``A lot of expos tend to be medicinal, clinical. We wanted wellness and health to be emphasized; make people feel alive, upbeat tropical.'' The tropical theme was everywhere as nearly all vendor representatives wore leis, and many exhibits were festooned in cheery tropical decor, which was reinforced by a sunny clear day. ``This (theme) leads you into hoping for spring soon,'' said Theresa Green of The Joys of Living Assistance Dogs. ``And with this weather, it sure feels like it.'' Joys of Living, based in Keizer, was among the many vendors. The diverse range included Wellspring Center for Extraordinary Living from Woodburn, the Alzheimer's Network, Salem-Keizer Transit, Brownell Photo and Video, Costco, Senior Helpers, Marquis Spas and Willamette Financial Group, to name a few. There were also a series of motivational speakers throughout the day. -AP

Respiratory virus hits young children in Arizona PHOENIX: Hundreds of small children throughout Arizona are being hospitalized with the potentially life-threatening respiratory syncytial virus, which typically spikes this time of year. Some 1,302 cases have been reported this year - 64 percent in the past three weeks. Phoenix Children's Hospital admitted 38 babies and toddlers with RSV in one 24-hour period. Arizona Children's Hospital on the Maricopa Medical Center

campus in Phoenix reports 60 percent of its pediatric beds filled with children with RSV. RSV doesn't cause serious problems for older children and adults, but it can cause life-threatening respiratory infections in some infants. For children under a year, it's the most common cause of pneumonia and an inflammation of the small airways. Arizona typically has 1,900 to 2,900 laboratory-confirmed RSV cases each year. -AP

Close call for New York man trapped in garbage compactor FARMINGTON, NY: Surgeons almost had to amputate the arm of New York man to free him from the grip of a garbage truck compactor. The 49-year-old Geneva man was trapped for three hours when his arm became wedged in the compactor's steel jaws.

For a time, things looked so grim that two trauma surgeons and an anesthesiologist were flown to the accident scene in Farmington for a possible amputation. Rescuers were finally able to free the man using cutting torches. The victim was being treated at a hospital in Rochester. -AP

29 India Post

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here is something special about Ooty. The lush vegetation and the lavender-blue sheen of the mountains offer a promise of a summer of peace. Couched amidst those gorgeous blue mountains of southern India, this erstwhile British township draws tourists, adventure enthusiasts, honeymooners and the film industry like bees to nectar. Sure, many wise travelers believe that Ooty is a dumpyard, a degraded, over-rated hill station, and so on. Nevertheless, the wiser one will see how Ooty can soothe strung-up nerves and become the backdrop for a wondrous holiday. Ooty nestles in an amphitheatre created by four majestic hills-Doddabetta, Snowdon, Elk Hill and Club Hill. These hills are part of the Nilgiri ranges that are really the meeting point for the Western and the Eastern Ghats. But why the 'blue' mountains-one would naturally wonder at the name. When the lavender-blue flowers of the famous Strobilanthes cover the hills in floral profusion, it would be time to stop wonder-

March 5, 2010

Ooty nestles in an amphitheatre created by four majestic hillsDoddabetta, Snowdon, Elk Hill and Club Hill. These hills are part of the Nilgiri ranges that are really the meeting point for the Western and the Eastern Ghats. But why the 'blue' mountains-one would naturally wonder at the name! ing, for it is these funnel-shaped blossoms that are the reason for the name. Although signboards all around scream and beg to make people call this 36-sq-km hill resort Udhagamandalam, their pleas obviously fell on deaf ears. Ooty will always be Ooty to everyone. As the blaze of the afternoon sun gives way to a nippy evening, one can make one's way towards the nearby lake. This part of Ooty was once a huge bog with a west-flowing stream. In 1824, the lower part of the stream was converted into a lake. Though the lake seems ordinary enough, what really gets the tourists all excited is the warmth and buzz of activity in the vicinity. There is a boathouse where rowboats and motorboats can be had on hire. A Tamilnadu Tourism Development Corporation venture, it remains open from 8 am to 6 pm. Sitting at the edge of the lake and watching the sun dipping down to herald darkness, is a soothing experience, to put it lightly. The beautiful Botanical Gardens are, in a word, Ooty's milestone. Reaching the sprawling maze of greens and blooms, up northeast of the township, one's first thought is of the incredible influence of British rule in India. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 32

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Rural tourism sites to be showcased globally NEW DELHI: With the aim of promoting rural tourism in a big way, the government has decided to undertake major initiatives to showcase it in international market. "We will take initiatives at the Centre to have better inter-ministerial coordination for promotion of rural tourism and marketing it both at domestic and international level," Union Minister of State for Tourism, Sultan

Ahmed, said. Ahmed was speaking at the inauguration of the two-day national rural tourism workshop in Hyderabad. State governments should also take up the responsibility for promoting their rural tourism products individually as the success of it largely depends on effective marketing, he said.

Tourism Ministry has launched more than 158 rural tourism sites across the country. He said establishment of the linkage with the travel industry including tour operators and travel agents, is a key step in marketing the rural tourism projects. This, he said, can be done only by educating the travel trade fraternity on the rural tourism products and make them confident

in selling it to the consumers. Devesh Chaturvedi, Additional Director General, Tourism Ministry, said rural tourism recognizes the role of women in civil society, the primacy of human development and preservation of heritage sites. For the visitor, it adds value through programs in art and craft imparted by skilled local artisans. -PTI

Orissa approves Rs 718 cr for tourism

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BHUBANESWAR: The Orissa Government has approved a fiveyear prospective plan of Rs 718 crore for the development of tourism in the state, including employment generation in the sector. The plan envisages jobs to about 4.2 lakh people, including direct jobs to 1.2 lakh, Tourism Minister Debi P Mishra said after Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik approved the plan. The amount earmarked would be spent over five years from 2009. The plan was prepared last year and some projects taken up last year were brought under it. As the rate of foreign tourist flow was low, the state government had decided to launch its campaign in international media in a

Of the 69.1 lakh tourist arrival in the state last year, the ratio of foreign tourists was only one per cent, he said adding that efforts were on to woo them by developing beach tourism, eco-tourism, rural tourism and Buddhist tourism bid to attract foreigners, Mishra said. Of the 69.1 lakh tourist arrival in the state last year, the ratio of foreign tourists was only one per cent, he said adding that efforts were on to woo them by developing beach tourism, eco-tourism, rural tourism and Buddhist tourism. Besides, the plan also included establishment of an International Buddhist Conclave and Orissa Travel Mart. The government was also planning to introduce house boats and boating facilities in Chilika Lake and Hirakud reservoir, he said. The state has set a target of one crore tourist arrival by 2014. -PTI

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Post LTTE, tourism gets a boost in Sri Lanka COLOMBO: Largely aided by a surge in visitors from India, the number of tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka has increased by 30 per cent, months after the defeat of the LTTE, even as people visiting the once restive northern province has recorded a remarkable increase. The number of tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka went up 31.9 per cent to 50,757 in January 2010, compared to January 2009 according to figures released by Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. This was large aided by a surge in visitors from India, up 73.5 per cent to 9,141, following promotions in the sub-continent by the Sri Lanka tourism authority. The increase in Indian tourists is attributed to the simplified visa policies for people coming from the neighboring country. Sri Lanka provides visas on arrival to tourists from India, which has become the main tourist generating market for Sri Lanka since 2008. According to the Secretary in the Sri Lankan Ministry of Tourism George Michael, there is a marked increase in the number of tourists arriving from European countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Italy. The number of local and foreign tourists visiting the Northern Province has recorded a remarkable increase.

Nearly 5,50,000 local and foreign tourists have toured Jaffna via A-9 road (that was opened in January this year) during last week, the Ministry of Tourism said. The Tourism Development Authority said that there has been a

According to the Secretary in the Sri Lankan Ministry of Tourism George Michael, there is a marked increase in the number of tourists arriving from European countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Italy

25 per cent rise in tourist arrivals from the UK since the end of the civil war. Figures also show that tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka rose by nearly 32 per cent in January. Sanjika Perera, Director of the country's Tourist Board operation in the UK and Ireland said the first

winter season since the end of the civil war has seen a huge increase in the interest in Sri Lanka. Perera pointed out that the vast majority of the tourists from the UK have been arriving from London's two major airports; Heathrow and Gatwick though a considerable number have arrived from Manchester. He said "there does not seem to be any impact" by the "boycott Sri Lanka" campaign unsuccessfully carried-out by sections of the Tamil Diaspora in England. The Sri Lankan Government said that the increasing demand from the UK has been facilitated by the relaxation of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel advisory. Besides the major tourist attractions, such as Yala National Park and Arugam Bay, which were closed due to security reasons for years during the conflict has now reopened. There was also an increase in the number of Asian tourists arriving from countries such as Japan, India and Malaysia, he observed. Statistics said that in January alone, 50,757 tourists visited the country which is a healthy improvement compared to only 447,890 tourists who visited the country during the whole of last year. -PTI

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Ooty: Long lovely walks amid serenity of Nilgiris Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 29

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And these images, reminiscent of the Raj, were all over Ooty. Not surprising, considering that the hill resort as we know it now was founded by the British, in the early 1800s, to serve as the Madras Government's summer headquarters. The Botanical Gardens of Ooty, established in 1847, are much like the typical, manicured and planned gardens one sees so often. But the real beauty of the place is its plants - an amazingly diverse array with trees, shrubs and herbs of a mind-boggling number of species. And the flowers were really something to write home about. The great charm of Ooty is not so much the specific tourist destination; it is, in fact, the long lovely walks that it offers. Anywhere you go, the serenity of the Nilgiris will be all around you. Specially the strategic points from where one could either see Ooty or the view all around, like Snowdon, Ketty Valley, the Wenlock Downs and, of course, Doddabetta. Further, one could hire a horse either near the boathouse or at the Savoy-for a slightly more exhilarating excursion in and around town. Ooty is a haven for the seeker of sports, adventure or otherwise - from hiking and riding to fishing for trout and playing tennis and snooker. Then, of course, there is the gorgeously scenic golf course tucked away in the northwest almost straight across town from the Gardens. Many avid golfers believe that the links of the Ooty Gymkhana Club are among the best in the world. Then there is the Race Course, in the heart of town. Tourist attractions:

All along the hill slopes in the Nilgiri Mountains, you will find that omnipresent, glossy, stout bush with fragrant white or pink flowers and a melodious name camellia (Camellia thea). Tea, brought to the Nilgiris in the 1860s, is amongst India's most prominent plantation crops, what with the country being the world's largest producer, consumer and exporter of black tea. This is perhaps why the slopes of the Nilgiris, all round Ooty,

The famous Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, 67 km from Ooty, stretches over 321 sq km. Traveling to Ooty from Mysore and Bangalore, one passes the sanctuary with its dense vegetation crowding the banks of the lovely Mayar River. Avalanche, Upper Bhavani, Mukurti and Pykara are all places that are near Ooty and must be seen for their scenery. The reservoirs at Avalanche and Upper Bhavani are excellent waters for angling with the rain-

The great charm of Ooty is not so much the specific tourist destination; it is, in fact, the long lovely walks that it offers. Anywhere you go, the serenity of the Nilgiris will be all around you. Specially the strategic points from where one could either see Ooty or the view all around, like Snowdon, Ketty Valley, the Wenlock Downs and, of course, Doddabetta Coonoor and the like, seem to have tea bushes almost like a second skin. Excursions information: Ooty has the singular distinction of having many places around that are worthy of a visit, or sometimes even a halt. Heading east from the southeast of Ooty will take one to Coonoor and Wellington, two very beautiful townships. Coonoor, though small, had much to boast of Sim's Park, Lamb's Rock, Dolphin's Nose and generally pretty landscape. Wellington, of course, is a typical army township, clean and smart. Coonoor may easily charm one enough to stay longer, with its lush, tea bush slopes and attractive British houses.

bow trout in particular abundance. All these places have an attractive mixed landscape of forests, shola-grasslands and tea-filled slopes. Finally, for the scientifically curious, en route to Avalanche from Ooty is India's largest radio telescope. So also the Hindustan Photo Films in the Wenlock Downs, the only factory of its kind in India, manufacturing sensitized photographic materials. The Narrow Trail: This is a journey nobody should miss. A journey where you

jostle with unimaginable crowds and squeeze into tiny coaches, a journey where you feel you can actually reach out and touch the elusive Nilgiris. It starts at Mettupalayam, 46 km southeast of Ooty, where you board the Blue Mountain Express that gets pushed by an engine instead of being pulled! When you hear frequent references to the Ooty mountain train, you would somehow conjure up Lilliputian images of people sitting in orderly, storybook fashion. That's sure mistake, for this small train of the Nilgiris couldn't be more full, with human forms oozing from every pore! And if you still harbor rosy images, try clambering on from Coonoor where it stops en route to Mettupalayam. This is a precious travel tip, mind you. Best time to visit: June to September and October to December How to reach: Rail: Nearest broad gauge railway head is Mettupalayam (46 kms). Major broadgauge railway junction is Coimbatore. It is connected with all major cities. Air: The nearest airport is in Coimbatore, 100 km away. You can catch a direct flight to Coimbatore from Chennai, Kozhikode, Bangalore and Mumbai. Road: There is a regular bus service from Bangalore, Mysore, Coimbatore, Calicut, Kanyakumari, Thanjavur, Tirupathi and Cochin. Buses ply regularly to Mudhumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Kotagiri, Coonoor and Doddabeta.

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PREM KISHORE

LOS ANGELES: Sounds of LA, an annual concert series produced by the J Paul Getty Museum celebrates the work of master artists as well as up and coming musicians. On February 13, 14, the Getty Museum presented the accomplished, exciting, innovative Bharata Natyam dancer Mythili Prakash and Company. Mythili Prakash is a compelling Bharata Natyam dancer in the United States and in India. She draws on deep rooted traditions with all its beauty and complexity and takes a soul searching approach to ancient lyrics and style that successfully integrates melodies, rhythms, and movement to make it an exhilarating and moving experience. Mythili has the gift of reaching out to a wide international audience whether she is performing an exquisite padam or dazzling footwork. She is quickly earning recognition as one of

Bharata Natyam's most important artists. There is an elegant stage presence, theatrical and expressive delineation of emotion as she creates a context with wide ranging possibilities in interpretation. Take Rithu Varna/Seasons of Love which Mythili choreo-

Mythili has a distinctive style and rare emotional depth showing new insights, subtly or otherwise, oftentimes pushing the boundaries of classical with an aching sensuality graphed. She selected poetry by Harikesa Muthiah Bhagirathi (20th century) Palai Patiya Perunkatunko (Sangam poetry from 100 BC TO ad 200) and songs sung in Telugu, Tamil, Urdu, Hindi - many splendored exploration of the moods of Bharata Natyam and compositions. Mythili took us on a metaphorical journey of dance and music to describe the varying emotions in relation to seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter. Mythili has a distinctive style and rare emotional depth showing new insights, subtly or otherwise, oftentimes pushing the boundaries of classical with an aching sensuality and intense energy. Trained by her mother the accomplished, renowned, dancer Viji Prakash, she has shaped her art over the years infusing youthful grace with the essence of spirituality and myriad classical traditions. Viji herself was brilliant in the nattuvangam, vocal recitation.

Mythili has a thorough knowledge of music. She says, "Musicians have to do more than provide accompaniment; for their collaboration to work, both parties must be on equal footing." Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 37

Miss Asia USA bridges cultural relationships

n its continuing effort to strengthen cultural relation ships amongst many of the various Asian communities in America, the Miss Asia USA organization participates in an exciting variety of cultural celebrations. Recent collaborative efforts include the following highly attended events. The National Costume Fashion Show for Saigon TV, produced and aired in celebration of the Vietnamese New Year, presented a dazzling showcase of traditional costumes which included twenty of the Miss Asia 2010 delegates gracing the stage in National Costume dress. The costumes, rich in color and tradition, were applauded with delight as the ladies supported the celebration with characteristic poise and beauty. Mayor Margie Reese

produced by Indonesian Media was joyously attended by a broad range of Asian and cross cultural people impressed with the delegate's show of traditional costumes.

of Westminster and over 800 other attendees enjoyed the show held at the Rose Theatre in the city of Westminster, Orange County. The Tet Festival Vietnamese Parade celebrated on February 13th provided another opportunity for cultural celebration and exchange within the Asian communities. Miss Asia USA and Mrs.

Asia USA delegates also participated in this Orange County event which is one of the largest Southern California parades. Bridging cultural relationships continued with the annual Indonesian Fair celebration on February 20th where the Miss Asia USA 2010 delegates performed their National Costume Fashion Show. The fair

Reigning queens Mrs. Asia USA Kimberly Vodang, and First Runner Up Elizabeth Yang also joined in the Chinese New Year of the Tiger celebration Reigning queens Mrs. Asia USA Kimberly Vodang, and First Runner Up Elizabeth Yang along with 2010 delegates representing Russia and Armenia also joined in the Chinese New Year of the Tiger celebration by participating in the Golden Dragon parade in

Downtown Los Angeles on February 20. On the same day the Queens and delegates went on to the largest Persian TV network Tapesh TV to do a full hour interview with Jimmy Sedji. The delegates were individually interviewed about their goals, their passion as cultural ambassadors and their aspiration of becoming the next Miss Asia USA. The organization continues its quest to bridge Asian communities with current preparations for several major Persian New Year events. Delegates plan to share their costumes, poise, friendship, and joy in this coming month of March. Miss Asia USA and Mrs. Asia USA are now accepting applications to participate in the pageant set for Saturday, August 21.

March 5, 2010

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Naeem Khan makes a splash in NY

Naeem Khan showcasing his Fall 2010 Collection (above and below) during Mercedes -Benz New York Fashion Week on February 18 Designer Naeem Khan greeted by his friends after the Fall 2010 Collection during Mercedes -Benz New York Fashion Week on Feb 18. , Bombay born Naeem Khan recently designed First Lady Michelle Obama's dress for the State dinner in honor of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh

All pics by Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia

IAAC Fashion Show to feature 10 global designers India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC) in partnership with Misha Nicole is presenting Global Runway's Night Out, a fashion event on April 15 at New York's hip boutique hotel, the Paramount. This one-of-a-kind star-studded fashion show brings together on one stage, 10 global designers showcasing their latest collections - right off the runway. They include Naeem Khan, Padma Lakshmi, Amrita Singh, Ports 1961, White + Warren, Sachin + Babi, Réva Mivasagar, Payal Singhal, Shekhar Rahate and Stephanie

Singh. The Paramount Hotel and Peepul PR are co-organizers of the evening. The exciting roster for the fashion show includes a mix of prominent US and international designers with glittering fan bases of celebrities and fashionistas. Playing off cultural influences and a rich heritage, these designers have unique individual visions but share a global sensibility in presenting their creations. Through her collaboration with innovators in fashion and her devotion to the beauty of fine classical design, Amrita Singh continues to design intriguing and com-

plex jewelry for the modern woman. Many of the world's most stylish women are devotees to a new name in fashion: Naeem

Amrita Singh continues to design intriguing and complex jewelry for the modern woman Khan. His luxurious collection consists of impeccably cut dresses, sophisticated gowns and chic cashmere separates - all em-

broidered by hand. Michelle Obama wore one of his designs to the First State Dinner. Padma Lakshmi's vision as a jewelry designer is as eclectic as her life and her work. Padma Lakshmi has had a successful career in fashion as a model for over a decade and is currently the host of Bravo's Emmy nominated Top Chef. Payal Singhal established her label in India in 2000 to fill a niche for eclectic Indian clothing for girls her age. Now thanks to a global design sensibility North African-born, Vancouver-bred designer Tia Cibani's collections are designed for a fashion consumer with great

taste and a global sensibility. Driven by a whole new generation of global minded women living without borders, Ports 1961 is designed to meet the ever accelerating needs of the modern woman. Réva Mivasagar's work is always inventive yet classic, edgy yet sophisticated, modern and stylized with a hint of vintage. He juxtaposes exquisite detail in his cuts, seam work, and hand embroideries against texture, color, and finally into feminine shapes echoing soft fluid bias draped gowns or architectural and sleek lines for the modern woman. Cont’d on page 37

March 5, 2010

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Bollywood actors to tour US in new comic play India Post News Service

NEW YORK: A comical theatrical sketch, The Blue Mug play is set to reshape the experience of dramatics across the world. After scintillating performance in 'Wake Up Sid!' Konkona Sen Sharma comes on stage in this rib-tickling comedy play with Ranvir Shorey, Vinay Pathak, Rajat Kapoor, Sheeba Chadha and Munish Bharadwaj. Mediasphere, a leading marketing and event management firm along with their partner Shailja Productions, chaperons this glittering star crew of contemporary Bollywood actors to their first International Tour in April & May this year, summing up 20 shows traversing three countries after performances in India. An experimental production from Mumbai's The Company Theatre, The Blue Mug play, "is a creation of one story of 'The man who mistook his wife for a Hat' by Oliver Sacks" describes Atul Kumar,

founder and artistic director of the group who is at the helm of the production. With no written script, no props, no fancy costumes, this long-running theatre production

friends who have worked with me before." The director adds that slowly the cast learned to play themselves on stage. Rajat Kapoor wears many artis-

Ranvir Shorey said, ‘A live act is a very different medium as compared to cinema. You face a live audience and do not get the privilege of another take’ creates a laugh riot as the artists narrate memories. Atul admits "It wasn't easy in the beginning to have them open up to the audience but the actors are my old

tic hats - actor, director, model, writer - and has made a mark in Indian theatre and cinema. In The Blue Mug play, he goes down the path of personal memories to

Mythili enchants Cont’d from page 35

So the music was lushly layered and the ensemble brought great pleasure to the audience with their virtuosity, and individual strengths. Carnatic music is scientific, powerful and deeply spiritual and the group consisting of Roopa Mahadevan and Aditya

depict the larger canvas of Indian memory. One of the finest film actors in India with two National Awards for performances in 'Omkara' and 'Mr and Mrs Iyer', Konkana Sen Sharma continues to explore the

Prakash (vocals) Pirashanna Thevaraja (mridangam) Krishna Kuttykumar (violin) and Ashwin Krishnakumar (bansuri) presented a vivid, collaborative performance -Swaralahari (Cascades of Melody) a musical piece created for this concert. The ensemble drew on the nuances of varied

raagas with improvisations, melody and rhythm to showcase the skills of the musicians and vocalists. It was exhilarating to see young Aditya, Mythili's brother sing with a remarkable finesse and versatility from a diverse repertoire. He has been studying vocals for thirteen years and presenting concerts since he was twelve. Working with the maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar and Anoushka Shankar he has performed and toured all over the US, Canada and Europe. He is also proficient on the mridangam and is learning Hindustani vocals from Ustaad Shujaat Khan while studying ethnomusicology at the University of California. Young Roopa Mahadevan (vocals) brought an unusual, energetic cadence to the program. She has performed in major venues in India and North America and is not only a Bharata dancer but performs R& B, Motown and pop music. She has collected a bachelor's degree in biological science, and master's degree in psychology from Stanford University. Mridangam player Pirashanna Theravada, a brilliant percussionist also has performed extensively across Europe, India, Canada and the United States. It was a delight to see him perform. Ashwin Krishnakumar (bansuri) has given solo performances in India and the United States and gave excellent support to the ensemble.

commercial as well as experimental cinema. She is visibly excited about her performance in The Blue Mug play. "It is lovely. I have good fun being on stage," says Konkona.

Vinay Pathak has never been typecast into any particular role. Describing his performance in The Blue Mug he says, "The fact that we play our own set of characters is exciting. I enjoy working in this play a great deal. These guys are great friends and it has been a lot of fun." Like Vinay, Ranvir Shorey is a maverick of sorts, and is known for a gamut of roles, each removed from the other. He feels, "A live act is a very different medium as compared to cinema. You face a live audience and do not get the privilege of another take." The chemistry between these actors lends fresh wit to the play, something which is rarely instituted in conventional theatre. Following its Mumbai premiere, the play will now travel across India, Dubai, Muscat, Brazil, New York, Washington, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Austin and Raleigh until May, 2010.

Twelve Indian films at San Francisco Festival India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Twelve Indian or India related films will form part of "28th San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival" (SFIAAFF) to be held from March 11 to 21. It will include: Today's Special (David Kaplan), Love Aaj Kal (Imtiaz Ali), Cooking With Stella (Dilip Mehta), Diana (Aleem Khan), Scene 32 (Shambhavi Kaul), Talentime (Yasmin Ahmad), and Flying (Kirthi Nath). In addition, following Indian or India re-

lated shorts will participate: Narmeen (Dipti Gogna), Clap Clap (Tanuj Chopra), Anjali (Maya Anand), Kavi (Gregg Helvey), and A Day's Work (Rajeev Dassani). The SFIAAFF, presented by Center for Asian American Media (CAAM) every March, is claimed to be the nation's largest showcase for new Asian American and Asian films, annually presenting approximately 120 works in San Francisco, Berkeley and San Jose in California (USA) since 1982. Chi-hui Yang is Festival Director while Stephen Gong is CAAM Executive Director.

IAAC Fashion Show to feature 10 global designers Cont’d from page 36

Sachin + Babi is a unique blend of classic silhouettes and hip and cool colorways and textures. The collection translates as a designer collection, with the same fine fabrics and finishing that you would see in a luxury collection. Exotic fabric, intricate detail, ornate colors: these are the elements of a haute couture gown, and designer Shekhar Rahate's collection of high-class evening dresses more than encompass the beauty and elegance of a highfashion frock creation. Student designer, Stephanie Singh studied fashion design at Philadelphia University as well as

the American University of Rome. It was at these top universities where she learned design concepts and color theories that helped her create one-of-a-kind collections for men, women, and children. White + Warren started out 1997 with a mission to make cashmere accessible, affordable, and most importantly, relevant in this competitive environment. Since then White + Warren has expanded well beyond the cashmere sweater, creating total knitwear collections featuring head-to-toe knit dressing, while continuing to refine and improve on the classics and wraps that created their loyal customer base.

Tech News Harris brings latest digital outof-home LAS VEGAS: International communications and information technology company, Harris Corporation is demonstrating latest advancements made to its comprehensive digital out-of-home (DOOH) solution at Digital Signage Expo (DSE) 2010. "2010 is a foundational year for digital signage," said Denise MacDonell, director and general manager for digital signage, Harris Broadcast Communications. "We believe the industry will see significant progress made in advertising-funded, out-of-home network deployments for sports, QSR, retail, transit and other verticals." "This is largely due to improved technology for content targeting and placement," added MacDonell. "Harris digital signage solutions allow businesses to merge compelling content with profitable, scalable out-of-home networks that create real revenuegenerating opportunities."

DRM technology at Radio Asia 2010

ne of the most eye catchy presentations at the RadioAsia 2010 conference, held in New Delhi is the demonstrations of the Live broadcast of radio by deploying the digital broadcast technology developed by DRM (Digital Radio Mondiale) Consortium. DRM Consortium, the principal sponsors for conference, is demonstrated the difference that is created by digital broadcast over analogue for the radio medium. "DRM is the global digital technology which can convert analogue broadcasts to digital thus significantly improving the audio quality and bringing many other benefits to broadcasters and listeners through its added features" says the Consortium.

Fujifilm cameras conferred with two awards

ujifilm India Pvt. Ltd. has an nounced receiving two awards for its compact cameras from one of the leading magazines on the photography, Better Photography. The Fujifilm's FinePix F70EXR, the world's smallest 10x zoom digital camera has bagged the BP Excellence Award for Basic Compact Camera of the Year 2009 while Fujifilm FinePix S200EXR was declared the Advanced Camera of the Year 2009.

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New full touch dual-SIM from Fly

dding more to its offerings of the mobile handsets, Fly Mobile has announced the launch of its new full-touch dual-SIM phone - LINKZ (E145). A handset that is stylish in appearance offers an array of multimedia features. According to Fly the handset would be targeted at youth in the age bracket of 18-35 years living in metros and mini metros, who prefer to chat and network with friends on the go. This new mobile phone supports the instant messaging and social networking has the multiple award winning Nimbuzz application incorporated along with support for Skype, Windows Live Messenger (MSN), GTalk, Yahoo!, AIM, MySpace, ICQ, and others.

Brown on charm offensive to seek Indian investment LONDON: Prime Minister Gordon Brown went on what is described as a 'major charm offensive' to encourage multinational companies, particularly those in India and China, to invest more in

pean countries. Several Indian company representatives were present for the conference, and their comments on the benefits of investing in the UK were widely circulated in press re-

Investment from India increased by 44 per cent last year, making it the second-biggest investor in the UK, behind the US. China, which invested in 59 UK projects last year, is the eighth-biggest investor in the UK the UK. The Prime Minister was joined by Lord Davies, Trade minister, and Peter Mandelson, Business secretary, at the Global Investment Conference as he attempted to persuade 250 chief executives from across the world to invest in the UK rather than in other Euro-

leases issued by the UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), the government organisation that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy. Investment from India increased by 44 per cent last year, making it the second-biggest investor in the UK, behind the US.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

China, which invested in 59 UK projects last year, is the eighthbiggest investor in the UK. On average, over 30 companies per week invest in the UK, official

India, US to strengthen co-operation in Aerospace standards India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: SAE International, USA, the largest global player in Aerospace Standards in the world with over 6800 Aerospace standards to its credit and with a presence in 97 countries, is seeking to strengthen its ties with India in the Aerospace segment. Mr Bruce Mahone, Director - Washington Operations, SAE International has sought Indian co-operation and inputs in "beginning a dialogue" in evolving Aerospace Standards and its harmonization with existing standards. "We seek Indian participation and welcome its inputs in Aerospace standards formulation" he said in his presentation during the "Interactive Session on US India Cooperation in Standards & Conformance in Aerospace" in New Delhi. Relating the entire transparent process of Standards formulation in SAE, he pre-

sented his organization as one of preferred choice because of its proven track record, internationally accepted standards, high level of support and well known for its technical competence adopting a proven consensus process with adequate checks

tite agreement on mutual co-operation in the area of Standards and Conformance. This program was an effort in the involvement of sectoral agencies in the Standards formulation process. Others who spoke included Mr Nalin Kohli, Chairman, De-

Relating the entire transparent process of Standards formulation in SAE, he presented his organization as one of preferred choice because of its proven track record, internationally accepted standards, high level of support and well known for its technical competence and balances. The program was jointly organized under the Standards and Conformity Assessment Program of American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) who already have a tripar-

fense Sub-committee on SME's and CEO, Terabyte Informatics and Ms Elise Owen, Representative for China and India Affairs, American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Mr Gurpal Singh, Deputy Director General, Confederation of Indian Industry gave the Welcome Remarks.

sources said. Brown used the conference to promote Britain as the most scientifically and technologically advanced country in Europe. -PTI

Infra sector grows by 9.4 pc in January NEW DELHI: Core infrastructure industries grew by a robust 9.4 per cent in January against meager 2.2 per cent in the yearago period reflecting the sound state of recovery in industrial production. Six key sectors -- crude, petroleum refinery products, coal, electricity, cement, finished steel - showed a growth of 5.4 per cent in April-January 2009-10 against 3 per cent in the same period last year, an official statement said. These sectors have a weight of 26.68 per cent in the country's total industrial output. Finished steel and cement expanded by 16.2 per cent and 12.4 per cent, respectively in January, against 3.2 per cent and 8.3 per cent last year. Crude oil output, too, registered a significant growth of 9.7 per cent in the month under review after contracting by 8.1 per cent in January last year. Petroleum refinery products recorded expansion of 3.8 per cent against a dip of 1.3 per cent last year. -PTI

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UP lifts ban on raw sugar imports

Farmers agitate over sugarcane prices in New Delhi last November. The ban was imposed after farmers attempted to torch consignments of raw sugar at some places in the state.

by UP that hampered sugar production, late last year fuelled a rise in prices of the sweetener that neared Rs 50 a kg last month. "The government had earlier

decided that supply of raw sugar would not be allowed till the time cane crushing was not completed by sugar mills in the state," they said. -PTI

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LUCKNOW: In a move that would ease prices of sugar, the Uttar Pradesh government has lifted a nearly three- month ban on import of raw sugar into the state, official sources said. "Cane Commissioner Sudhir M Bobade has written a letter to the Railway Board stating that it can supply raw sugar in the state," a government source said. About eight lakh tonnes of raw sugar have been lying at various ports across the country following the UP government's ban in November on movement of imported raw sugar. The commissioner in his letter stated that supply of raw sugar was banned in the state in November last year keeping in view the law and order situation, sources said. The ban on raw sugar was imposed after farmers, who had launched an agitation demanding higher cane price, attempted to torch consignments of raw sugar at some places in the state. Refusal by cane farmers to sell their produce unless they were paid remunerative prices, coupled with the ban on raw sugar imports

Survey hits out at poor food management policies NEW DELHI: Concerned over the sluggish performance of agriculture sector, the Economic Survey hit at food management policies that have led to very high inflation and asked the government to take serious policy initiatives for a targeted four per cent farm sector growth. Pointing out that farm sector, which is still the mainstay of Indian population, continues to be a cause for concern, the Survey said there is a need for serious policy initiatives to reach the four per cent growth target. Farm sector growth is estimated to decline by 0.2 per cent in 200910. "It could be argued that the excessive hype about Kharif crop failure, not taking into account the comfortable situation in respect of food crop and the possibility of

an improved rabi crop, may have exacerbated inflationary expectations encouraging hoarding and resulting in higher inflation in food items... "...in the case of sugar, delay in market release of imported raw sugar may have contributed to the overall uncertainty, thereby allowing prices to rise to unacceptably high levels in recent months," the Survey, tabled in Parliament, said. It called for reversing the decline in private sector investment in agriculture, saying "consistent decline in the share of private sector investment in the agriculture sector is a matter of concern." Although agriculture provides livelihood to over 60 per cent of India's workforce, it accounts for less than 20 per cent of the country's GDP. -PTI

In Brief Investigator admits police report is inaccurate CENTENNIAL, Colo.: An investigator says he was told there were two people in an SUV that crashed and killed three people, including a 3-year-old boy in an ice cream shop, bolstering claims by an illegal immigrant that he wasn't the driver. Aurora traffic investigator Johnny Lee testified that a report quoting a witness as saying there was only one person in the SUV is inaccurate. A police officer who testified said the department is investigating Lee's conduct. Francis Hernandez faces vehicular homicide charges in the September 2008. His defense says that police focused on Hernandez and ignored the possibility that someone else may have been driving. Defense attorneys also pin some of the blame on the driver of a pickup truck who had methamphetamine in her system. -AP

Va. program IDs more than 600 illegal immigrants FAIRFAX, Va.: Fairfax County has identified more than 600 illegal immigrants over the past year using a jail fingerprinting program. The county checks the fingerprints of anyone processed at the jail against an immigration database to see if officials have noted they should be deported. The Secure Communities program found 619 inmates with matches in 2009. Another 474 illegal immigrant inmates were identified in other ways. About a third have been deported; the remainder are in immigration proceedings or serving sentences. Fairfax County was among the first of about 100 jurisdictions nationwide to participate in the program which the Obama administration plans to expand to the nation's some 3,100 local jails by 2013. -AP

Mexican gets back child in Miss. case JACKSON, Miss.: A Mexican immigrant walked out of the Mississippi Supreme Court holding the daughter who had been taken away from her by state officials in 2008 after she was accused of being an unfit mother. Cirila Balthazar Cruz and her 15month-old child, Ruby, were surrounded by Southern Poverty Law Center officials as they left the court. No one could discuss the case in detail because all Youth Court matters are sealed. -AP

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NYC terrorism suspect pleads guilty to conspiracy NEW YORK: Terrorism suspect Najibullah Zazi has pleaded guilty in New York City to conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction. -AP

NAM tells Congress to better utilize ethnic media for Census India Post News Service

WASHINGTON-The US Census Bureau is missing opportunities to provide reporting instructions to diverse communities in the United States by failing to fully utilize the ethnic media that can reach more than 60 million adults in those communities, according to testimony from New America Media (NAM) in Congress. Sandy Close, NAM's executive director, called the 2010 Census advertising program an "unprecedented investment" in ethnic and community media, having identified 3,000 media outlets across the country. But she cautioned that many key media outlets were left out, including 47% of those that attended roundtable sessions organized by NAM and the Census Bureau last year to learn how they could help with the count. She noted that several prominent African American papers had

been excluded. "Many are frustrated - they don't know why they fell through the cracks. Some are bitter. All very urgently want a role - even if small and believe, as I do, that together they can move the needle those extra percentage points," said Ms. Close, testifying before the Oversight and Government

coast. The ethnic media participating included media giants like Univision, Asian language dailies, BET and Clear Channel stations to established black and Spanish language weeklies, upstart radio and TV stations, as well as niche print and online outlets serving Burmese, Ethiopian, Arab, Russian, Mixtec, Punjabi and Samoan communities.

She cautioned that many key media outlets were left out, including 47% of those that attended roundtable sessions organized by NAM and the Census Bureau last year Reform's Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census and National Archives. Her organization represents more than 2,500 ethnic media outlets across the country. The roundtable discussions organized last year included more than 600 ethnic media representatives in 12 cities from coast to

"Their hunger to participate in the 2010 Campaign is intense-you could cut the exuberance at these gatherings with a knife," Ms. Close testified. "For many media, it was the first time they'd come together as a media sector in the same city. They get the Census: they get their community's stake in a complete count, and

they get their own." In citing the importance of an accurate Census count not only on federal dollars, but private ones as well, she noted the experience of Juan Carlos Ramos of the El Tiempo Hispanic newspaper in New Orleans. Mr. Ramos said the 2000 Census undercounted Hispanics in New Orleans and as a result Coca Cola dropped New Orleans, and his paper, from their national ad campaign. Many ethnic media outlets are frustrated by being excluded from the Census advertising. "From our first briefing in March of 09 until our last one in early December, ethnic media attendees also expressed a uniform anxiety over the lack of transparency in the decision making process of the Census ad buy," Ms. Close said, adding that she has received correspondence from ethnic media outlets across the country not been utilized. Cont’d on page 43

Tips on filing immigrant petition for alien worker CYRUS D. MEHTA

n January 21, 2010, U.S. Citizenship and Immi gration Services (USCIS) released a Q&A on ways to ensure that an Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker (Form I-140) will not be rejected. Some tips include: • Use the most current edition of the form, although older editions may be accepted. • Make sure you follow the instructions carefully regarding which location to file your I-140 petition. • Select only one visa preference category in Part 2 of the I140. (USCIS will reject the I-140 petition if Part 2 is left blank or if more than one visa preference category is selected in Part 2.) • Respond to all questions and provide information in all of the "answer" and "check" boxes. Write "none" or "n/a" in an answer box if a question does not apply to you. • Print or type information us-

ing black ink only. Do not "highlight" or "background shade" your entries. • Make sure the petitioner signs the I-140. • Include the correct fee specified in the form instructions. If you file the petition with other related applications for the beneficiary, attach the fee to the petition by paper clip or staple, and indicate

Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative, if applicable (with original signatures of both the representative and the applicant or petitioner). • For petitions that are filed electronically, send the supporting documentation to the address identified in the directions for efiling. Do not submit any other paper-filed applications or peti-

The memo also includes tips for various types of I-140s, such as aliens of extraordinary ability; outstanding professors or researchers the name of the applicant on the payment document (i.e., in the memo field). • Submit one check per application. If more than one petition or application is filed using a single check, and any of the forms are found to be improperly filed, all forms will be rejected. • Submit Form G-28, Notice of

tions with the supporting documentation for the electronically filed I-140. Other questions and answers include what to do if an incorrect visa category is selected in Part 2; what to do if the petitioner wants to request consideration of multiple visa categories on behalf of a worker; how to file an I-140 that

requires a Department of Laborapproved labor certification; and how to organize the evidence with the I-140 petition. The memo also includes tips for various types of I-140s, such as aliens of extraordinary ability; outstanding professors or researchers; multinational executives or managers; aliens of exceptional ability; members of the professions holding an advanced degree; and national interest waivers. Among other things, the memo discusses how a successor employer can establish a successor-in-interest relationship with a predecessor employer in order to use that employer's approved labor certification when filing an I-140 on behalf of the beneficiary named on the labor certification; and tips on "porting" to a different employer if a beneficiary's I-140 is still pending. Cont’d on page 43

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Cuba blasts US leaders for meeting with dissidents HAVANA: Cuba scolded a top US delegation for meeting with political opposition leaders following high-level immigration discussions, saying it proves Washington is out to topple the country's communist government. A senior American official defended the meeting, saying US policy is to reach out to all sectors of Cuban society not just the communist government. American officials ``called together dozens of their mercenaries'' hours after concluding highly anticipated talks on migration issues with Cuban leaders in an undisclosed Havana location, Cuba's Foreign Ministry said. Elizardo Sanchez, head of the independent Cuban Commission on Human Rights and National Reconciliation, confirmed that a group of Cuban dissident leaders met with the US delegation at the residence of the head of the US Interests Section, which Washington keeps in Havana because it has no diplomatic relations with the island. Such a meeting is not unusual when US diplomats visit. But enraged Cuban leaders say the dissidents are not pro-democracy activists, independent journalists and organizers of political opposition groups, but paid agents of Washington planted to destabilize the island's political system. In a statement published in the Communist Party newspaper Granma, the Foreign Ministry said US leaders' meeting with dissidents was ``contrary to the spirit of cooperation and understanding showed on Cuba's part'' during the immigration talks and ``demonstrated anew that (US) priorities are

more related to supporting the counterrevolution and the promotion of subversion to destabilize the Cuban revolution than with the creation of a climate conducive to real solutions to bilateral problems.'' ``From the very day he arrived in the country, the head of the North American delegation was warned'' that a visit with dissidents would not be tolerated. The Ministry claimed that Washington funnels more than $20 million to groups that openly oppose its government, many based in southern Florida. When asked why the meeting with dissidents went ahead despite Cuba's explicit request that

The State Department official said the US delegation called for Gross's â&#x20AC;&#x153;immediate releaseâ&#x20AC;? and categorically denied he was spying it not, a senior State Department official said the outreach is part of US government policy around the world, not just Cuba. ``We believe in reaching out to broad sectors of society in all countries that we deal with ... and we don't make exceptions in particular countries,'' the official said. The official, who was not authorized to talk publicly about the meeting, spoke on condition of anonymity. The official said Washington thanked Cuba for allowing American relief planes destined for Haiti to overfly Cuban territory, and also

expressed a willingness to work with Cuban doctors on the ground in the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince. The US delegation was headed by Craig Kelly, deputy assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere affairs and the highest-ranking American official to visit Cuba in years. While meeting with their Cuban counterparts, delegation officials strayed from the topic of immigration and called for the immediate release of an American held in a maximum-security prison without charge for nearly three months. Cuba alleges Alan P. Gross, who came to the island as an American government contractor, is a spy whose arrest is more evidence Washington is working to topple its political system. Relatives of the 60-year-old Maryland resident maintain he is a veteran development worker who was distributing communications equipment to Cuban Jewish groups. The State Department official said the US delegation called for Gross's ``immediate release'' and categorically denied he was spying. ``We made very clear our position,'' the official said, adding that the Cuban side ``took it on board.'' The official said the US asked Cubans to share any evidence against Gross but did not say whether they complied. Except for Gross' case and the subsequent American meeting with dissidents, both sides had offered restrained praise for the immigration discussions, which lasted about five hours. The Cubans said the talks were positive and respectful, while the US called them part of a larger, constructive process. -AP

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Immigrant population decreases in Arizona PHOENIX: Arizona's undocumented immigrant population dropped by more than 100,000 in 2008, the largest decrease of any state, but the reasons for the decline aren't clear. Experts agree the flow of new illegal immigrants entering the United States is decreasing, but they don't agree on whether the number of immigrants leaving has risen. According to newly released estimates from the Department of Homeland Security, Arizona's undocumented immigrant population fell from 560,000 in January 2008 to 460,000 in January 2009 _ a drop of 18 percent. The agency's estimates used immigration, visa and other data on foreign-born residents. Experts cite a poor economy and tougher enforcement against

illegal immigration for Arizona's decrease. ``It's the economy dropping off more than anything else, but I think enforcement also played a role,'' said Erik Lee, associate director of the North American Center for Transborder Studies, an Arizona State University think tank. Nationally, the undocumented immigrant population dropped 7 percent over the year, from 11.6 million to 10.8 million. The decrease followed a surge that saw Arizona's undocumented population grow by 70 percent and the national undocumented population grow by 37 percent between January 2000 and January 2008. Arizona lost 261,000 jobs _ 9.8 percent of the state's work force _ during the recession starting in December 2007, according to the

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Construction, manufacturing and hospitality were especially hard hit. Those also are the sectors where jobs for immigrants, both legal and illegal, are concen-

Experts cite a poor economy and tougher enforcement against illegal immigration for Arizona's decrease trated. The Arizona Department of Commerce said the construction industry lost more than 78,000 jobs, a 37 percent drop. Arizona also cracked down on illegal immigration, including an

employer sanctions law that requires employers to use a federal program to verify whether new workers are legally eligible to work in the US. In addition, the federal government put thousands of additional Border Patrol agents along the U.S.-Mexico border, built hundreds of miles of fences and barriers and deported thousands of illegal immigrants. Jeffrey Passel, a senior demographer at the Washington, DCbased Pew Hispanic Center, said there's no evidence the economic downturn or more enforcement caused more Mexicans to go home. Mexicans make up about 60 percent of the nation's undocumented population and most of that population in Arizona. Passel said, however, there's strong evidence to suggest the

number of immigrants coming from Mexico has dropped. ``The current recession has had a harsh impact on employment of Latino immigrants, raising the question of whether an increased number of Mexicanborn residents are choosing to return home. This new Hispanic Center analysis finds no support for that hypothesis in government data from the United States or Mexico,'' a July Pew Hispanic Center report said. The research director at the Washington, DC, Center for Immigration Studies, Steven Camarota, agrees that the number of illegal immigrants from Mexico has plummeted, but he also believes a growing number of undocumented immigrants are going home because of the economy and immigration enforcement. -AP

World's refugee orphans seeking Kan. man seeks to dismiss genocide-related charges homes in the US HOLLISTON, Mass.: Hiding from merciless militiamen and trekking through unforgivable mountainous terrain, Madhel Majok escaped the mass slayings and genocide of the Sudan that killed his parents. The 9-year-old orphan fled to neighboring Kenya, where he then survived vigilante shellings on his crowded refugee camp. Majok remained in limbo for eight years while waiting for any country to grant him refuge. Now 17, Majok has found safety in a small New England enclave 30 miles west of Boston. He's a star soccer player at Holliston High School, listens to Tupac and Biggie at his leisure and lives comfortably in a foster home, thanks to a federal program that matches refugee minors with American families. ``I like it. It's peaceful... quiet,'' said Majok, who wears American urban-style clothes and stays in a home with four other refugee Asian and African children. ``Took me a long time to get here.'' The US Office of Refugee Resettlement, which has 700 refugee children in foster care, has asked states to prepare to foster more international refugee children like Majok, whose parents either have disappeared or been killed by war or natural disaster. The need is heightened by continuing armed conflicts in Africa and recent events such as the earthquake in Haiti. The request means that Massachusetts and other states must ask more households to open up their homes for foster care or ask existing foster families to take in

another refugee child at a time of economic downturn. ``Between all the wars going on and all the (human) trafficking laws that have changed, more children are needing safe homes,'' said Sherrill Hilliard, the program manager for Refugee Immigration & Assistance Program in Washington. ``And we're doing our best to find them.'' Massachusetts, a state that historically has taken in one of the largest shares of the nation's unaccompanied refugee minors, has been asked to increase its current

The US program, developed in the early 1980s to help thousands of parentless children in Southeast Asia, has aided more than 13,000 refugee children fleeing war share of 93 to 125, said Richard Chacon, director of the Office for Refugees and Immigrants in Massachusetts. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services says 14 states and the District of Columbia, participate in the federal Unaccompanied Refugee Minor Program: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Washington. It is not the only way parentless refugee children can find safe haven in the U.S. The

Obama administration, for example, recently said it will allow orphaned Haitian children to enter the U.S. temporarily on an individual basis. And some groups, like the Heartland Alliance in Illinois, help unaccompanied undocumented children by providing housing and legal representation. The U.S. program, developed in the early 1980s to help thousands of parentless children in Southeast Asia, has aided more than 13,000 refugee children fleeing war, famine and economic turmoil. It remains the most consistent source for refugee children in the U.S., with the assistance of the United Nations. In 2008, foster homes and related facilities in the United States and 67 other countries took in 16,300 orphans, according to Tim Irwin, the spokesman for the U.N.'s High Commissioner for Refugees. That's the highest number since the agency started keeping records, Irwin said. In the U.S., states license foster homes with the help of the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The federal government reimburses states for all costs of the children's schooling, health care and related expenses. It's the same federal program that helped resettle 3,800 ``Lost Boys'' from Sudan in the early 2000s. Cost of care for refugee minors varies, depending on need. In Massachusetts, the state Office for Refugees and Immigrants has budgeted about $3 million to serve 93 minors. -AP

WICHITA, Kan.: A Kansas man accused of participating in the 1994 Rwandan genocide claims a US immigration case against him should be thrown out because the Justice Department has allowed itself to be influenced by a Rwandan government notorious for its human rights violations. Lazare Kobagaya, 83, is charged in federal court in Wichita with fraud and unlawfully obtaining US citizenship in 2006. He has asked a judge to dismiss the indictment against him, based on alleged due process violations in the ``fundamentally unfair'' investigation and prosecution. The Topeka man contends he cannot get a fair trial because Rwandan witnesses are fearful of testifying truthfully. Federal prosecutors disputed Kobagaya's claims, arguing in court documents that Kobagaya failed to identify any wrongdoing on the part of the U.S. government. Prosecutors also said that Rwanda is not influencing the case and does not control prosecution witnesses. The government has said its prosecution of Kobagaya is believed to be the first in the United States involving proof of genocide. His trial is set for Oct. 12. He faces likely deportation if convicted. The Justice Department alleges in its 2009 indictment that Kobagaya lied during naturalization proceedings in Wichita by claiming he had lived in Burundi from 1993 to 1995. It contends he concealed that he had lived in Rwanda during the 1994 genocide

and participated in the attacks and slaughter of hundreds of Tutsis. An estimated 500,000 to 800,000 people were killed in Rwanda between April and July 1994 in ethnic violence. ``While the government may contend that it is entitled to investigate immigration fraud,'' defense attorneys argued, ``the heart of the investigation is really this: Is Mr. Kobagaya a genocidaire?'' Defense attorneys also contended in a motion filed last month seeking to have the indictment dismissed that prosecution wit-

The government has said its prosecution of Kobagaya is believed to be the first in the United States involving proof of genocide nesses may not testify truthfully because they fear reprisals by the Rwandan government when they return to that country. The defense noted the defense cannot compel Rwandan witnesses to testify in US courts. ``Witnesses, although giving statements privately, cannot be assured of their anonymity given the absence of compulsory process and as a result, they are justly fearful of being identified as someone willing to minimize the genocide if they try to exonerate Mr. Kobagaya,'' his defense attorneys wrote. -AP

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NAM tells Congress to better utilize ethnic media for Census Moreover, there was also criticism that some of the communications vehicles chosen by the Census Bureau are not having the desired impact. She quoted Joe Orozco, of Hoopa Radio in northern California, lamenting that the Census spent the "the biggest chunk of money to reach American Indians" on billboards that don't have much of an impact on isolated reservations like his. "Most of us don't do a lot of freeway driving," she quoted Mr. Orozco as saying. Ms. Close said that hundreds of ethnic media like Hoopa Radio want to inform and mobilize their communities to participate in the Census. As the Census Bureau recognizes the regions with the lowest response rates, she recommended that the government fund a program similar to a NAM project launched to reach American Indian and indigenous communities in California. The Save our Services campaign for Census 2010 replicates an approach that NAM has pio-

neered through numerous social marketing campaigns over the last decade. It relies upon local ethnic media outlets to design their own messaging campaigns and earned media components. Under this program, Hoopa Ra-

The Save our Services campaign for Census 2010 replicates an approach that NAM has pioneered through numerous social marketing campaigns over the last decade dio received a small grant of $2,000 that will help pay to develop a PSA that will grab listeners' attention with a message that says: "If we don't let ourselves be counted, they'll say no one lives here and take away our water rights." Ms. Close cited reasons why the Census Bureau should uti-

lize the ethnic media more. She noted that a survey by San Francisco State's Renaissance Center last year found that 68 percent of ethnic media leaders described their primary goal as service to the community, with less than a third listing making a profit as their goal. In addition, she said that while mainstream media audiences have sharply declined, there has been a 16 percent growth in the ethnic media audiences over the last five years. "Even a modest investment of $2 million in those outlets that have been left out or, like Joe Orozco, believe they have more effective ways to message to their audiences could increase the response rate dramatically in some regions between the crucial period between April 15 and the end of July," Ms. Close said. "More important, it would acknowledge that not just the primary ethnic news outlets but the entire ethnic media sector has an indispensable role to play in how government communicates with the governed."

Tips on filing immigrant petition for alien worker Cont’d from page 40

The memo is available at http:/ /www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/ menuitem. DHS grants TPS to Haitians Following the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti, the Obama administration announced that it is granting temporary protected status (TPS) to Haitians who were in the U.S. as of January 12, 2010. The designation will allow eligible Haitian nationals in the U.S. to continue living and working in the country for the next 18 months. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano noted that "[t]hose who attempt to travel to the United States after January 12,

2010, will not be eligible for TPS and will be repatriated." In a related field guidance memo issued on January 15, Secretary Napolitano said that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services "will implement procedures to adjudicate favorably, where possible, applications for change or extension of nonimmigrant status following the expiration of an applicant's period of admission; grant an additional period of parole or advance parole in appropriate cases; and authorize 'F' nonimmigrant students' requests for off-campus employment work authorization." She said USCIS will also

"expedite the processing of advance parole applications and relative petitions for minor children from affected areas," and will "grant employment authorization where appropriate." The field guidance memo, which outlines actions a USCIS officer may take when an applicant is a Haitian national or a habitual resident of Haiti, is available at http://www.uscis.gov/USCIS/ Laws/Memoranda/2010/haitifield-guidance.pdf.

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

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Cont’d from page 40

Realty Tidbits

Ansal reviving SEZ launch in Haryana

Real Estate

nsal API, the New Delhibased real estate player that deferred plans to launch special economic zone (SEZ) projects in the National Capital Region (NCR) due to falling commercial demand in sector, is now launching an agro and food processing SEZ at Murthal in Haryana, spread over 250 acres. The developer is also looking to set up a biotech park in Lucknow across 80 acres, which will house 42 biotech firms. The company would invest Rs 1,000 crore in the unit. In the first phase of the project, Ansal would sell plots in the sizes of 5-10 acres and multiples to companies, which would be operational from early 2011. The developer has already signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) with five rice exporters and is expecting sales in the range of Rs 600-700 crore from the initial phase. The funds raised from selling the plots would be used to construct built-out units in the subsequent phases, which would be either leased or sold.

DLF pricing new project 60% higher

n the strongest endorsement yet of the turnaround in the real estate sector, DLF Ltd, India's largest developer, is pricing its housing project in Delhi 60% higher than its previous launch. The project, Capital Greens 3, which is expected to be launched next month, has been tentatively priced at Rs 12,000 per square foot, according to real estate brokers. Phase I and II of the Capital Greens project, which was launched in April and October last, were sold off in a couple of days as they were priced at Rs 5,500 per sq ft and Rs 7,500 per sq ft, respectively, much lower than the then-prevailing price of Rs10, 000 sq ft. DLF had recently indicated in a conference call that demand for luxury homes is back so it would launch some projects in this year.

44 India Post

www.indiapost.com

March 5, 2010

No hike in interest rates, confirms SBI

BI hiked the cash reserve ratio by 75 basis points but the increase in overall credit was still moving at snail's pace. Keeping this in mind, India's largest lender State Bank of India (SBI) announced that the lending rates would not be changed much and would largely remain stable for the coming 5-6 months. There are now enough liquidity ratios in the system and the credit offtake is still slow thus the home loan rates are to remain stable for some time.

Real estate sector looking forward to successful execution

fter a year of consolidation and successful fund-rais ing, the Indian real estate sector is looking at 2010 as a year to build on the foundation made. While concerns over liquidity and demand constraints have eased, developers are looking to execute the planned projects to maintain cash flows rather than raise more debt. In 2009, the demand for property revived as buyers looked to benefit from low mortgage rates and lower prices. Real estate biggie DLF launched the twophase Capital Greens project with a total developable space of 4 million square feet and it has been completely sold. Its rival Unitech launched over 24.4 million sq ft of residential projects, while HDIL launched 3.3 million sq ft of such projects. Till now, the residential prices have remained stable or moved up nominally which has helped the demand to remain strong. But now prices in several cities have started appreciating significantly and, with rising inflation, higher lending rates and likelihood of a reversal in the government stimulus policy, demand is unlikely to strengthen further. Analysts covering the real estate sector told DNA Money that a large quantum of supply coming up in the national capital region (NCR) is likely to prevent prices from moving up in the very near term, but rates would climb up later in 2010. Developers such as Unitech, Parsvnath and DLF have been able to attract good demand for new projects, which were launched in

April last year at a 30-35% discount to the prevailing market rates of that time. In neighboring Gurgaon, new projects have been launched at a 5-10% discount to the launches in the previous six months. However, in Mumbai, the country's second-largest real estate market, prices have moved up 25-30% over the past six months, especially in regions of South and South-Central Mumbai. Unitech, which has constructed

various project sites… it currently has over 60 projects under execution. Workforce employed at project sites has increased significantly and currently stands at nearly 20,000 workers. Structural work is complete in over 80% of the past projects and nearly half of these projects are in handover/ finishing stages," Sanjay Chandra, managing director at Unitech, said. Even Parsvnath Developers,

This year might also see the ambitious Real Estate Regulation Bill, that aims to facilitate growth and promote a transparent, efficient and competitive real estate market in the country, being tabled in Parliament 35 million sq ft of residential projects since it started off operations in 1986, launched 24.4 million sq ft in the first nine months of the current fiscal. This has led to concerns about the company's ability to execute its plan within the time period. The company plans to invest Rs 1,880 crore and Rs 3,520 crore, respectively, in construction activities in fiscal 2011 and 2012. It recently tripled its construction work force to over 20,000 workers. "During the last 9 months, the company has ramped up construction activity at

the sixth-largest real estate firm by sales, has announced plans to launch 10-12 million square feet of projects in the next fiscal. "We would invest Rs 1,500 crore as cost for these projects, which would be met from internal accruals and customer advances. Our total goal is to launch 42 million sq feet in the next 24 months, but that is it - we are looking to execute these projects rather than launching new ones. 2010 and 2011 will be the execution years for us," Pradeep Jain, chairman, Parsvnath, said. This

year might also see the ambitious Real Estate Regulation Bill, that aims to facilitate growth and promote a transparent, efficient and competitive real estate market in the country, being tabled in Parliament. The government is keen on introducing a system of rating for builders and developers through the Bill. The move is expected to help improve transparency of their operations, and help the beleaguered sector regain the confidence of financial institutions and potential customers. But everything is not rosy in the commercial realty space, which is yet to recover from the slowdown. Though demand has picked up in the third quarter, the absorption levels are still to catch up. There is an estimated 62.3 million sq ft of leasable commercial space to be completed in calendar year 2010 and 45.6 million sq ft in 2011 across Mumbai, NCR, Bangalore, Pune, Chennai and Hyderabad, according to PropEquity, a real estate consultant. The improvement in the commercial realty demand is directly related to IT growth in the country and, with Nasscom predicting 2010 to be better for the sector, the commercial demand may slowly follow the growth in the IT sector.

Foreign investors remain bullish on India

oreign investors have re mained bullish on India's housing, real estate and construction sectors in the last two years, undaunted by scarce global financial resources. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in terms of inflows into equity in the Indian construction and realty sectors have seen a sharp rise from USD 1.19 billion in April-December 2007 to USD 5.6 billion in the first three quarters of the current fiscal, as per the official data. In March 2005, the government had liberalized the foreign investment norms with a view to catalyzing investment in the realty sector. The government allows 100 per cent FDI through automatic route

in construction development projects, including housing, re-

‘Contrary to the commonly held belief of capital flight occurring during 2008, the actual deployment of FDI into India's real estate sector increased 29 per cent year-on-year during the financial year 2009’ sorts, commercial premises, educational institutions, recreational facilities, city and regional level

infrastructure and townships. Though the FDI norms were liberalized in 2005, the government had imposed certain conditions like a lock-in period on repatriation of investment for three years. The repatriation could only be allowed with permission of Foreign Investment Promotion Board. Global property consultant Jones Lang Lasalle Meghraj in a report said, "Contrary to the commonly held belief of capital flight occurring during 2008, the actual deployment of FDI into India's real estate sector increased 29 per cent year-on-year during the financial year 2009." Dubai-based Emaar is a major foreign investor which has entered the country in a big way.

Classifieds

March 5, 2010

India Post 45

www.indiapost.com

MATRIMONIALS BRIDEGROOM WANTED

Parents looking for a groom for their beautiful daughter, American Citizen, 31years, 5'3" tall, Caste No Bar. Please send your picture and biodata to P.O.Box # 342, India Post 29274 Union City Blvd.,

Union City, CA - 94587.

Well Settled in California,

PUNJABI FAMILY INVITES CORRESPODENCE FOR THEIR WORKING DAUGHTER 28 YRS OF AGE, 5'6". SEEKING US RAISED WORKING BOY. SEND RESPONSE TO RSOUGU@YAHOO.COM OR CALL AT 714-234-4921

PUNJABI SIKH PARENTS INVITE CORRESPONDENCE FROM WELL ESTABLISHED FAMILIES FOR DAUGHTER, 24 YRS, BEAUTIFUL, SLIM, 5’3", MASTERS-HUMAN GENETICS, LIVING IN INDIA. PROFESSIONALS PREFERRED. PLEASE SEND BIODATA WITH PICTURE. gundeepsingh8@gmail.com PH:562-201-1130

Punjabi Khatri parents looking for a suitable professional match for their beautiful daughter,

and well educated. Kindly respond with photo and biodata to P.O.Box # 340, India Post, 29274 Union City Blvd., Union City, CA - 94587, USA.

match for Punjabi Khatri handsome son born Nov. 1978, 5'9" educated, selfemployed. Alliance invited from beautiful educated girl. Email biodata and photograph to Dreamsunlimited1@yahoo.com

or Call (626) 374-1942

HINDU SOOD KHATRI PARENTS FROM LOS ANGELES INVITE

slim, 29 years, 5’5” tall

Parents seeking

Khatri Family seeking a suitable match for their handsome, tall, non-

Agrawal parents seeking

Brahmin boy, ( from well-educated family of engineers ) 27 yrs, 5'10",very attractive personality ,from top-tier MBA + B-Tech from US, born/bred in India, US citizen, worked as Sr. consultant in Big four, great sense of humor, respectful in line with Indian culture seeks attractive match willing to settle in SF bay. Caste no bar. Please contact asharmacalishaadi@gmail.com

ALLIANCE FOR THEIR

smoker, non-drinker,

well established profes-

U.S.CITIZEN SON 28/6'

professional son 26 yr old,

sional match for their 36/

HAVING B.S. DEGREE

5' 9'' and well educated

IN ACCOUNTING

family background.

AND FINANCE. IF

Please contact

professional, pretty, fair

510-461-6891

US citizen. Caste no

Tel: 562-644-9523/

bar. 714-220-8576,

Telefax: 562-929-4213

kkansal92@yahoo.com.

jsbedi60@yahoo.com

INTERESTED, PL CALL AT (818) 996-2825 AND/

5'1", daughter, health

or email bio data at rohitdhand2002@yahoo.com

OR EMAIL BIO DATA

For Classifieds Ads Call SOUTHERN CA (J. S. Bedi)

WITH PHOTO AT

abowry25@yahoo.com Looking For A Suitable Match For "Hindu Punjabi" girl, 29, 5'5" working. Boy Should Be Tall, Good Looking, Well Educated, Professional And Financially Stable. Please Email At vivah4ca@gmail.com

Hindu Punjabi parents seek a suitable match for their daughter, 32, 5' 8'', Lawyer in U.S.A. Boy should be at least 6' tall, professional, and brought up in North America. Email: RKGTA@HOTMAIL.COM

or Call 416-464-7471

For Chanderika: Seeking alliance for 41 year old/5’5” Punjabi Khatri, well established professional teacher. Very brief marriage annulled. Seeking mature, responsible match from sincere professional/businessman, West Coast preferred. Email bio-data/photo at matriad41@gmail.com.

SOUTHERN CA 42, youthful, handsome, PhD, professor in prestigious university, IIT undergrad, Brahmin, vegetarian, US citizen, divorcee never lived together, seeks partner below 36, Indian values, caring, PhD, MD, professionals, bio/photo details must.sunjupe@gmail.com

(Shashi Trivedi) Tel: 562-441-5511/ Fax: 562-947-0632 shashi19@yahoo.com NORTHERN CA (Sonia) Tel: 510-938-8668 sonia@indiapost.com

Jat Sikh parents invite a matrimonial alliance for their

CHICAGO

beloved, beautiful daughter,

(Ramesh Soparawala)

age 26 years, 5 feet 5 inches tall, UC graduate and profes-

Tel: 773-973-7394 /

sionally employed in the bay

Fax: 773-973-7396

Nai Sikh 5.1’ 25 Girl B.M.I.T.; P.G.D.C.A., from India.

area. Please contact:

M.B.A (I.T) From USA. Has Student Visa and work

hsnba@sbcglobal.net

permit Trying for H-1B Visa

sramesh@aol.com NEW YORK (Pinky)

Brother Dentist in India. Father & Mother in USA

OWNER OPERATORS WANTED WITH OR WITHOUT

Seeks Suitable Immigrant boy from USA or CANADA.

TRAILER, WEEKLY SETTLEMENT, DEDICATED OVER

Tel: 212-944-1931/

Contact at Email: shoti53@yahoo.com

THE ROAD. CALL

Fax: 212-944-1932

888-827-7525

pinky@indiapost.com

with Bio data and Photo

Classifieds

India Post

March 5, 2010

www.indiapost.com

Great Opportunity

Urgent Help Needed Care giver & companion

Come as a Part Time

for senior male.

Payment Collection

Live in/out at our home in

Representative to you and it take little

Union City, CA Vegetarian/ Male. must have a GreenCard,

out of your time, it

RESTAURANT HELP WANTED

Passion, patience

pays any amount in a

& desire to help seniors

IN CLEVELAND

month plus benefits

Call Charu

and takes only little

510-381-2105

Upscale Indian Cuisine (Inchin’s Bamboo Garden- Tadka) In Cleveland Ohio is looking for Professional servers Good compensation Call

of your time. Please

(440) 734-0500

remedytexltd1@hotmail.com

send-mail to

NEED HELP

Name Change

EXPERIENCED THREADING LADY FULL TIME OR PART TIME IN UNION CITY. PLEASE CALL TIVIA

I Vaishali D/o Vinod

FEMALE ENGLISH BULLDOG. If you are interested in the puppies. Contact email revjohn.colins99@yahoo.com

or e-mail Charobhatt@gmail.com

Currently seeking payroll clerks and accountants.

“HOTEL HELP/ COUPLE WANTED”

Job comes with great benefits, Applicants should kindly

For FRONT DESK NIGHT AU-

e-mail resumes or

only. Energetic English/Hindi

inquiries to Guiseppina

speaking/Punjabi speaking,

Cavaliere.

Kumar Kashyap and

Couple wanted In Franchise

Guiseppinainc@aol.com

Reena Kashyap R/o

Hotel Florida / Georgia .Good

4828 Wexler

commodation, Immediate

Peak Way, Antioch CA-94531 have

1 MALE AND 1

PAYROLL ACCOUNTANT WANTED

DIT, House-keeping, Laundry,

VENUS SALON NEED

INTERESTED IN PUPPIES?

(510) 441-8462

changed my name to

OR VISIT THE

Vaishali Kashyap for

LOCATION AT 2625

all future purposes.

Salary, Benefits Live Inn Acplacement.

Please contact, Manish or Bobby at (904)891-5278,or (912)729-5454.

DECOTO RD., UNION CITY.

Wanted Motel Manager Couple or Wanted Single Person for Motel Work Experience Preferred. Accommodation Provided & Good Salary Please Call (314)-922-8190 or (213)-926-2727

STORES FOR RENT at Linconwood, Devon and Cove Plaza, Schaumburg. For details Contact LRM Investments Phone : 773-416-3322 Email : lrm.investments@yahoo.com

FINANCING HELP NEEDED

YOU NEED MONEY? CALL US! FAST CASH- SBA LOANS HOTELS MOTELS,

Upscale Salon in Walnut Creek looking for experienced Threader. Please call

925-785-3694 for interview.

BARS, FRANCHISES, GAS STATION & C STORES LEASING MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT PURCHASE & REFINANCE CONSTRUCTION LOANS. LOW INTEREST RATES BAD CREDIT OK CONTACT MAHESH JANI:

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BUSINESS FOR LESS THAN 7K Dry Cleaner Store for Sale For details Contact LRM Investments Phone : 773-416-3322 Email : lrm.investments@yahoo.com

FOR SALE Hotel property in Manhattan NYChelsea .50,000 sq ft Build able .50x100 lot Up to 24 Stories high Price $13 Million J/V possible. Only serious buyersPlease. Email DennisD@citysitesny.com

Classifieds

March 5, 2010

India Post 47

www.indiapost.com

GET FREE PRODUCTS EVERYDAY! There's a company that gives never-ending freebies to you. And you can make a monthly income too! Get FREE groceries, FREE jewelry, FREE electronics, FREE software, and more. In fact, just about anything you can think of, there is a category of freebies. To join, go to www.abm.nocashever.com Questions? getfreebiesnow@yahoo.com

BUSINESS FOR SALE Quiznos in a prime location in Inland Empire area for sale. Only interested parties, CONTACT

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LOOKING FOR A MANAGER Subway restaurant in Cypress and Fullerton . Fluent in English, Experience necessary, Email Resume: nsuva@ca.rr.com

Executive Chef San Francisco based restaurant looking for a EXECUTIVE CHEF/culinary graduate. Must have 10 YEARS of experience.

(650) 271-2849

Staybridge 98 Room Project For Sale in Spring/Houston TX ; Includes land , Plan and Permit . pls Contact Listing for further info Agent

AMIT MEHTA

#832 607 1579

Datebook

48 India Post

March 5, 2010

www.indiapost.com

NEW YORK Upcoming

ILLINOIS Upcoming

NEW JERSEY Upcoming

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA Upcoming

Sat March 6

Fri March 5

Sun March 7

Sat March 6

• Bharata Natyam Student Recital 2010

• An Evening with Imran Khan

• India Literacy Project Cultural Fest - 2010

Venue: City Center Studios, 130 West 56th street, studio #3, NYC Contact: (917) 214-6466

Venue: Victor Hotel Lounge, 311 N. Sangamon, Chicago, Illinois Time: 9pm to 2am Contact: 773-490-0975

• Zara Jhoom "The Ultimate Group Dance Competition"

Sun March 7 • Zara Jhoom "The Ultimate Group Dance Competition" Venue: Hoilday Inn, 3050 Woodbridge Ave, Edison Time: 5pm Contact: 732-277-6687

Tues March 16 • Ugadi Celebrations

Thus March 11

Venue: Hindu Temple, 10915 Lemont Rd, Lemont, Illinois Time: 10:30am to 7:30pm Contact: (630) 972-0300

• Hasya Rus- 3 Hours Comedy Express

Tues March 16 Sat March 13

• Ugadi Celebrations

• Holi Celebration 2010

Venue: Hindu Temple, 10915 Lemont Rd, Lemont, Illinois Time: 10:30am to 7:30pm Contact: (630) 972-0300

Venue: Warde High School, Fairfield, 755 Melville Av., Fairfield, Connecticut Time: 4pm to 7pm Contact: 203-329-3234

Fri March 19 • Shakuntala

Sat March 13 • Zakir Hussain's Masters of Percussion Venue: Rose Theater, Broadway at 60th Street, New York Time: 8pm Contact: 212-545-7536

Fri March 19 • Bombay Jazz - Indian-inspired jazz & jazz-flavored ragas Venue: Skirball Center, for the Performing Arts, 566 LaGuardia Place, Washington Square South, New York Time: 8pm Contact: 212-545-7536

Venue: Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg, Illinois Time: 7:30pm to 9:30pm Contact: 847-755-9625

WASHINGTON DC Upcoming Sat March 6 • Vibha DC Rangeela Rendezvous

• IMPACT Aatif Aslam and Shreya Ghoshal - live in Concert Venue: Trump Taj Mahal Casino, 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic city, NY Time: 7:30pm Contact: 609-432-3301

Sat May 1

Sat March 20 • Naach Revolution Venue: Union County Arts Center, 1601 Irving Street, Rahway, New Jersey Time: 6pm to 9pm Contact: 732-763-0118

Sat March 27 • Marathi Vishwa-Vasantotsav 2010 Venue: Crosroads Middle School- South, 195 Major Road, Monmouth Junction, New Jersey Time: 3pm to 8pm Contact: 732-355-9844

Sat March 27

Tues March 16 • Ugadi Celebrations Venue: Hindu Temple, 10915 Lemont Rd, Lemont, Illinois Time: 10:30am to 7:30pm Contact: (630) 972-0300

Sat March 20 • Nachle Express 2010 Dance Show Venue: The MAC, 425 Fawell Boulevard, Glen Ellyn, Ill Time: 6:30pm to 9:30pm Contact: (630) 216-9632

Sun March 7 • Tamil Folk Songs - Oliver Rajamani Concert Venue: Grand Theatre Center for the Arts Events, Tracy, California Time: 4pm to 6:30pm Contact: 209-831-6TKT

• 2010 Spring Festival

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Upcoming

Venue: Ocean Township High School, Ocean, New Jersey Time: 3pm to 9pm Contact: 732-801-4694

Wed March 24

Sat May 29

Every 4th Sat every Month

• Vishwa Marathi Natya Sammelan

• Durga Mata Ka Jagaran

Venue: Raritan Center, New Jersey Convention Center, 97 Sunfield Avenue, Edison, New Jersey Highlights: The VMNS will be hosted and executed by the US branch of ABMNP, led by Dr. Meena Nerurkar and her team. It will have an attendance of some V.V.I.P.s in the entertainment industry, about 200 top notch artists from Maharashtra, the chief minister of Maharashtra and government representatives.

Venue: 2335 S. Diamond Bar Boulevard, DBC Center, Diamond Bar, CA Time: 6:30pm Contact: 909-519-1579, 626-810-2345

Venue: Hare Krishna Temple, 10310 Oaklyn Drive, Potomac, Maryland Contact: 301-299-2100

Sat March 27 • 2010 Space Odyssey Venue: Heritage Lounge, 1337 Connecticut Ave, Washington, District of Columbia Time: 9:30pm Contact: 402-933-0647

• Dancing STAR ka Damaka Venue: Shreenath Enterprise Inc, 220-15, 92 ave queens village, New York Time: 7pm Contact: 347-513-8526

Venue: Quality Inn, Maple Shade, NJ, Cherry Hill, NJ, Rt 73 North & RT 38, Maple Shade, New Jersey Time: 7:30pm to 10:30pm Contact: 856-313-6741

Venue: FootHill College, 12345 El Monte Blvd, Los Altos Hills, California Time: 6pm to 9pm Contact: 408-340-0428 Highlights: Indian Classical Music: Jugalbandhi by prominent Bay Area artists. Shri Ravi Gutala - Tabla, Shri Shriram Brahmanandam - Mridangam, Shri A. Mahadevan - Morsing, Bollywood Music: Bollywood music by IndianMusic Band "Ehsaaz".

Venue: Heritage India, 1337 Connecticut Ave, NW, WDC Time: 10pm Contact: volunteer@dc.vibha.org

• Ram Navmi

Sat March 27

Venue: Hoilday Inn, 3050 Woodbridge Ave, Edison, New Jersey Time: 5pm Contact: 732-277-6687

Sat April 3 • India Fair 2010

Fri April 2 • The Essence of All Advice Venue: Hare Krishna Temple, Potomac, Maryland, 20854 Contact: 301-299-2100

Venue: New Jersey Exhibition And Convention Center, Raritan Center, 97 Sunfield Avenue, Edison, New Jersey Time: 11am to 9pm Contact: 609-240-2350

Every Thursday evening • Pranayam, Meditation & Healing Venue: 18743, Pioneer Blvd, Suite Artesia, CA 90702 Time: 6:30pm to 8:30pm Contact: (949)235-2960

Every Sat (start from Sat Aug 8) • Gurukul Classes for Children Venue: Sindhu Center, South California Time: 2pm to 4pm Contact: 818-541-1754 & 909-576-1114 Highlights: Children between the ages of 5 and 18. Children will be taught the Fundamentals of Hinduism, Prayers, Shlokas, Bhajans and Values of our culture.

Tues March 2 • Conflict and Hope in the Congo (DRC): Ohlone College World Forum Venue: Smith Center at Ohlone College, 43600 Mission Boulevard, Fremont Time: Discussion-1pm, Q&A-1pm to 2pm Contact: www.ohlone.edu/go/worldforum

Thurs March 4 • South Asian Professional Singles Venue: The Auld Dubliner, 71 South Pine Ave, Long Beach, California Contact: (951)743-4995

Thurs March 4 • Hon. Harry Sidhu for Orange County Superviosor, 4th district Venue: Bombay garden Restaurant, 17221, Pioneer Blvd, Artesia, CA Time: 3pm to 5pm Contact: 562-773-5674 Highlights: Jimmy Sandhu, Rattan Joea, Gary Grewal, Mike Patel

Fri March 26 • Music and Dance Festival 2010 Venue: Jewish Community Center, Los Angeles, California Time: 7pm to 10pm Contact: 858-200-7481

Sat, April 10 • Santa Cruz Venue: United Church of Christ, First Congregational Church, 900 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Contact: 800-475-2369

Sat, April 24 • Berkeley Venue: Unity of Berkeley at The Ecumenical Center on Holy Hill, 2401 LeConte Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94709 Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Contact: 800-475-2369

Philosophy

March 5, 2010

India Post

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ne man was a very Godconscious and loving man and he did a lot of good deeds in his life. He came to know that there was a particular book with a person, that had the names of people who loved God. He was excited to find out if his name was there in the book and went to that person and asked if he could see the book.He searched through all the pages several times but could not find his name in it. He was very disappointed and went away. A year later, he came back to see if his name had been added to the book. Again, he could not find it anywhere. As he was turning to leave, the man said, "Sir, please wait. This book has the list of names of people who love God. I have another very small book that has a few names in it. It is the list of names of people whom God loves." He showed the man the book.The man found his name in it. It is very easy to fall for God. After all, he is so loving, so giving, so powerful and what not. You can continue to say that you love him and remain where you are. But when you start feeling God at the Being level and the transformation happens in you, God will fall for you! You will find yourself being loved in many ways like you have

here are two powers: one is called in Sufi terms Kaza and the other Kadr. One is individual power and the other is God-power. The individual power can work and can accomplish things as long as it is working in consonance with God's power, but the moment the individual power works contrary to God's power the man begins to realize that his strength is diminishing, that he cannot accomplish anything.

never known before. Such is the compassionate love of God. When you open yourself to Existence, it fills you up. How much you open yourself out, that much it fills you up. You all think that you have to work hard to cling on to God. Not at all. Have you seen the way a young monkey clings to its mother? There is every possibility that it might let go and fall. Whereas with a cat, the mother clings on to its kitten; the kitten then is perfectly safe.

Try to remember this joke whenever something is bothering you. Immediately try to connect with the joke and see with awareness what is bothering you. Go deep down and see whether you are really having a problem or you are simply allowing your mind to play. You may just laugh at the end of it. One lady was traveling on a long-distance flight. The air-hostess came serving food for everyone. She found the

Open yourself to Existence, it fills you up PARAMAHAMSA NITHYANANDA

You can continue to say that you love him and remain where you are. But when you start feeling God at the Being level and the transformation happens in you, God will fall for you!

You don't have to cling to God. If you just allow yourself and do your duty leaving the rest, God will cling on to you. Falling for God is not a big deal. Making God fall for you is a big deal! This will happen when you have undaunted faith and live a life of love and service.

lady fast asleep and so she moved on to the next person. The lady woke up after a while and asked for her food. The airhostess brought her food for her. The lady touched the food and flared up, "What sort of an airline are you running? The food is not warm. I have paid through my nose

that everything is a play of the mind, everything is an adjustment of the mind. The mind keeps switching its stance and playing on you, because you have allowed it to take over. You have not centered yourself on contentment and so you sway according to your mind.

derstood the will of God. They think that what they consider good is the will of God, and what they consider not good is not the will of God. But their idea of good and wrong has nothing to do with the power of God; because God's outlook is different from man's outlook. Man only sees so far and no further, whereas God sees all things. But one wonders, if we all belong to the body of God, if we are all as atoms of His Being, why do we not understand, why do we not

to it he sees right and wrong, and his interests in life depend upon it. Therefore he is not always able to work in consonance with the will of God unless he makes it a habit to work in consonance with God's will. What is man? Is man only his body? No, man is his mind, man is the soul. And therefore the power of man is greater than the power of the sun, for the sun we see is only a body, but man is body, mind, and soul.

visible; only one thing which is more visible hides the other which is not so visible. It is the glow and radiance of the human body which is so great that it hides the beings in space. In reality they are all visible; but the radiance of man's form stands out and hides all that are less visible compared with it. When we look at life from this point of view, there is nothing that is invisible. It is only that there are things which our eyes have no power to see, but this does not mean that they are formless. Besides man's mind has a still greater power, and that is the power of will, of mind, that can bring about change in conditions, in environments; it can have power over matter, over objects, over affairs; it can even work so wonderfully that one cannot explain it. When it is told in the story of Daniel that he went into the lions' den and made them all lie tamed at his feet, that is again the spiritual power. It shows what power man has; at the same time, not knowing of it, not being conscious of it, not trying to develop it, he debars himself from that great privilege and bliss that God has given; and with his limited powers he works in the world for money. In the end no money remains with him, nor has he ever known power.

We misunderstand the will of God HAZRAT INAYAT KHAN

Therefore the first thing that masters seek is the pleasure of God, to be in consonance with the will of God. And just as a person who has practiced a gambling game or any kind of sport has learnt the way in which to practice it, so the man who has it continually in mind to do everything in consonance with God's power is helped by the will of God. Very often people have misun-

to take this flight and I can't even get warm food!" The air-hostess apologized saying, "Ma'am, please excuse us. The warmer is not working. The rest of the people also had their food this way." The lady said, "Is that so? Then it is alright." See, the food remains cold even now, but the lady is no more unhappy because she knows that everyone else also had the food that way! This is what I mean when I say

What is man? Is man only his body? No, man is his mind, man is the soul. And therefore the power of man is greater than the power of the sun readily know what is in consonance with the will of God and what not? And the answer is that each atom of our body is conscious of it self. If there is a pain in the finger, the ear does not feel it. If there is a pain in the toe, the nose does not feel it; only the toe feels it. But in both cases the man feels it because the man possesses the whole body. Man lives in a narrow world he has made for him self According

Once man has become conscious of his body, mind, and soul, his power becomes greater than the power of the sun. Because the sun is the material manifestation of the light, but man has all lights within him. The body of man is radiance; a radiance which is so great that all the invisible beings which live in space are hidden by the glow of the human form. Nothing exists which is not

Every soul is in itself absolutly omniscient and blissful. The bliss does not come from outside. -Lord Mahavir An insincere and evil friend is more to be feared than a wild beast; a wild beast may wound your body, but an evil friend will wound your mind. -Buddha Allah is with those who restrain themselves. -Quran God is closest to those with broken hearts. -Jewish quote "As fragrance abides in the flower As reflection is within the mirror, So does your Lord abide within you, Why search for him without?" -Guru Nanak Repeating the name of Ranjha I have become Ranjha myself. O call me ye all "DhidoRanjha," let no one call me Heer . -Bulle Shah If you assert that the world exists, it is your burden to prove that it does. The opponent has only to deny it, until the existence is proved beyond doubt. -Atmananda Krishna Menon

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March 5, 2010

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Evolving a strategic matrix PANKAJ JHA

n the backdrop of an increasingly assertive China and an uncertain Pakistan, India has embarked on a major strategic offensive which includes taking American allies on board, cooperating with countries that are apprehensive of China and, last but not least, using its more than average economic growth to entice export led economies of Asia. If one analyses state visits to India in the last six months, it becomes clear that though climate change and WTO negotiations have been the issues discussed with trans-Atlantic countries, however, economic resilience has proved that India rather than being a 'swing state' is very much on the path of becoming the 'second state' in Asia. The strategic community in India has witnessed visits by the

tion Plan on Security Cooperation' which points to the fact that the 'China threat' is not being ignored under the usual posturing. Issues such as areas of strategic interest, defense cooperation including joint exercises and non traditional threats are highlighted. While China has been harping on the need to secure its supplies and has projected its Indian Ocean policy, India should also devise South China Sea policy on the same argument of 'securing trade and energy supplies'. The visit of Malaysian Prime Minister to India in January 2010 has buttressed India's position - both in the economic and strategic realms. The Malaysian Prime Minister did endorse a joint statement pertaining to labor welfare, defense, science and technology cooperation, energy, climate change and

it surely can erode the cost advantages of the rising economic superpower. In the strategic context, the enhancement of the Andaman and Nicobar base with the proposal of deploying more naval ships (currently there are only about 3-4 logistics ships stationed in the Andaman and Nicobar Command), as well as the proposal for stationing two Sukhoi squadrons in the island group, shows trends towards dual use in terms of securing the idyllic islands as well as projecting power. Mincing no words, it is also important that through the years in the Annual reports of Ministry of Defense, China has appeared as a threat and Maritime Doctrine 2009 also caters to such a strategic compulsion. India's diversified defense procurement as well as development of the long range missiles like Agni V shows that the

Japan also has shown interest in not only economic cooperation with India but also over an 'Action Plan on Security Cooperation' which points to the fact that the 'China threat' is not being ignored President Pratibha Patil along with Chief Guest Korean President Lee Myung-bak at the 61st Republic Day

Japanese Prime Minister, German President, Canadian Prime Minister, Australian Prime Minister, South Korean President, Vietnamese Defense Minister and Malaysian Prime Minister in a period of three months. This shows India's elevation as a relevant regional power. India has initiated a comparatively quick defense procurement process and defense budget allocation has also risen dramatically in the last five years, despite the fact that each year thousands of crores are left unutilized. In its eastern neighborhood, India has signed a defense MoU with Vietnam which includes provisions of training, defense cooperation, cooperation against piracy and joint exercises. Vietnam is currently strengthening its navy and has ordered six kilo-class submarines from Russia and is also keen on the Russian Sukhois. Japan also has shown interest in not only economic cooperation with India but also over an 'Ac-

higher education but the stress was on negotiating a favorable trade agreement with Malaysia. Southeast Asian countries are clamoring for Indian investors' attention and Indian markets while India is keen on markets for its services industry. With the rapid growth of services industry, greater than 35-40 per cent each year, India is keen to cash in on the knowledge base. Also the services industry in Singapore has reached a threshold level and India wants to diversify its services base. In that case Malaysia acts as a lucrative alternative. Malaysia wants to export its palm oil to India on reduced tariffs because of the fact that Indonesia and Malaysia are competing for India's palm oil markets. The Joint Study Reports for both countries have been submitted to the respective governments and economic bargaining has begun. Economics is bestowing strategic leverages to India. Though India cannot compete with China,

will exists to meet strategic challenges. Also cooperation with countries like Korea and Australia shows that India is working on the second arc concept which spans from Japan, Korea and Australia. A number of agreements have been signed with these countries over a wide range of issues. With Korea, there are possibilities of defense cooperation more so in areas of joint exercise, production as well as export of defense equipment, perhaps even the construction of nuclear power plants in India. India is also looking for compatibility with Australia, in spite of the attacks on students the two countries are carefully calibrating their strategic needs and mutual interests. The two countries' Joint Declaration on counter-terrorism, defense and maritime security clearly articulates the strategic convergence. India's current initiatives are thus sure to create in the coming decade a 'strategic parallax'. The writer is Associate Fellow, Institute for Defense Studies and Analyses. Courtesy IPCS

India Post Straws in wind

aving exhausted its leverage with United States to bring India round to talks and to conceding Kashmir to it, Pakistan is now depending on its all-weather friend China to pull its chestnuts out of fire. During all this while it has done nothing to control the terrorists of various nomenclatures which have not only attacked Indian cities but continue killing Pakistanis as well. In fact, after the talks invitation from India, the government of Pakistan seems to have given an all clear to chief India-baiter Hafiz Saeed to spread his venom. There are some indications from China that it does not want to take sides in the India-Pakistan disputes. This should put paid to hopes of Pakistan which has always thrived on the inclination of the West to be partial to it in its disputes with India. It is only when West's own interests were in jeopardy in Afghanistan that it bullied Pakistan into playing its game in return for money. Now that the West wants to play the same game by buying up the so-called moderate Taliban in Afghanistan, Pakistan's rulers have perked up. They now know the US and its western allies are going to walk out of Afghanistan sooner than later leaving the field open for Pakistan to play its tricks, once again in the unruly Afghan country. The West is also not making any protests at increased anti-India jihadi activity leaving Pakistan free to snipe and provoke India. On the eve of Secretary-level talks in New Delhi, Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi did not visit any western country to bolster its case against India. He visited China, the new super power, for five days to plead for support in its demands on India. Interestingly, the all-weather friend has indicated to Qureshi that China wants to avoid action like investing in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which might hamper the India-Pakistan peace talks. A Chinese foreign ministry official said China is conscious about India's sensitivities when it deals with Pakistan. This is a new straw in the wind. Indian foreign ministry officials also say they have picked up similar signals suggesting that China was not interested in any deterioration in India-Pakistani relations at this time. Beijing itself is more concerned about the unstable political situation within Pakistan and in Afghanistan partly because the Taliban exerts some influence over rebels in Xingjian in western China. It is important to note the Chinese reluctance to fan the flames at this time. The Chinese official said his country would do nothing to cause unease in New Delhi. China might also be reluctant to extend help for establishing more nuclear plants in Pakistan at this time, he said. To hope there is a total change in China's approach towards India and Pakistan would be wishful thinking. But it seems China has learnt, unlike Pakistan, that encouraging terrorists means bringing trouble home. Also, when China says Kashmir is a sensitive issue and it is a disputed territory, the language seems to harp back to their own concerns about Tibet and their fear of the autonomy movement led by the Dalai Lama. If China speaks up something in support of Pakistan's stand on Kashmir, a similar parallel could be drawn to its own trouble with the "splittists" meaning the Dalai Lama followers. If it frowns on the Tibetan self-rule proponents and even suppresses them with a heavy hand, it cannot be seen to be supporting such "splittists" in Kashmir. It seems we might be seeing a more nuanced Chinese approach towards India and Pakistan. The stand it took at the London talks on Afghanistan surprisingly seemed taken from India's book!

March 5, 2010

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