India-Post_03-06-2015_e-paper

Top Stories

V O I C E

O F

I N D I A N S

W O R L D W I D E

India Post www.indiapost.com

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

Kent temple in Washington State vandalized

March 6, 2015

50¢

Periodical Postage

SIKH BOY IN GEORGIA RACIALLY ABUSED

Details on page 5

Strong plea to create NRIs encyclopedia

VOL 20, No. 1068

Harsukh Singh

NEW YORK: In a shocking case of racism, a young Sikh boy in the US state of Georgia has been called a "terrorist" by a group of school children, with the video of the abuse now going viral on the Internet.

In the video posted on Inquisitr, the bespectacled Sikh boy is seen sitting in what appears to be a school bus and is surrounded by students.

He whispers to the camera: "The kids are being racist to me."

A young girl sitting behind him then shouts "terrorist! terrorist!" and points her finger at the boy, who remains calm and even shouts "who cares" when the kids hurl abuses at him.

Details on page 5

Details on page 6

HISTORIC EMBRACE:

Skilled immigrant spouses can soon work in US

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulating Mufti Mohammad

Details on page 44

Sayeed after he was

CG seminar sees india business hopes

Republicans appoint Raj Shah to top post Details on page 5

India needs to achieve 9% growth: Jaitley Details on page 6

Govt does not endorse Mufti's statement Details on page 8

Five Indian women among billionaires Details on page 8

sworn in as Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister at Jammu

Details on page 17

INDIA POST SURVEY

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 28-29 Classifieds ------------------------- 48

University in

Community Post -------------- 17-25

Jammu and

Date Book -------------------------- 47

Kashmir on

Edit Page --------------------------- 54

survey@indiapost.com

March 1.

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

This week’s question

Governor of

Horoscope ------------------------- 49

Racist abuse in America is only increasing?

Jammu and

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

Kashmir N.N.

Life Style ----------------------- 50-52

Vohra is on left.

(Details on page 8)

Philosophy ------------------------- 53

Last week’s result

Instead of going on leave, Rahul Gandhi should quit politics?

YES 83%

NO 17%

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate -------------------- 37-39 TechBiz Post ------------------- 12-16 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 40-43

2

India Post

www.indiapost.com

March 6, 2015

March 6, 2015

www.indiapost.com

India Post

3

4

India Post

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

Romesh & Sunita Japra Publishers Rajesh Verma Co-Publisher Vikram Paul President Krishan Sharma Mg Director & Joint Editor Vinod Dhawan Senior Editor Naresh Sodhi General Manager Amit Saini IT Director Ghanshyam Bisht Supervisor Graphics SAN FRANCISCO & SILICON VALLEY Vijay Thapar CPRO & Advertising Deepak Chhabra Promotions Priya Nayar Bureau Chief Sonia Sidhu Marketing Analyst Ritu Maheshwari Director Promotions Rakesh Kapoor Correspondent Ratika J. Paul Photo Journalist Neeloo Kapoor Photo Journalist Sudesh Kumari Correspondent Rama Mehra Advertising Vidya Sethuraman Correspondent Archana Asthana Correspondent Sujata Singh Correspondent Manasi Maheshwari Youth Correspondent Raaj D. Photo Journalist LOS ANGELES Mrs Shashi Trivedi Bureau Chief J S Bedi PR & Marketing Mrs Prem Kishore Sr Correspondent Greg Heffernan Correspondent Ms Bobby Sharma Correspondent Babeeta Kaur Dhillon Correspondent Pavan Kaur Bhatia Correspondent CHICAGO Ramesh Soparawala Resident Editor A Q Siddiqui Correspondent ST. LOUIS Ashwin Patel Correspondent NEW YORK & NEW JERSEY Pinky Kaur Bureau Chief Srirekha N. Chakravarty Correspondent Nikita Japra Correspondent Sukhvinder Saini Circulation ATLANTA Sanjay Saggere Bureau Chief FLORIDA B K Madnani CANADA Firdaus Ali Correspondent

March 6, 2015

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

Publisher’s Diary

S

o let it not be said that the US government is not doing enough on the immigration reform front. Especially since recent executive orders by the Obama Administration and policy actions in turn by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are going to be benefitting hundreds of thousands of Indians.

First it was the Deferred Action for Parental Accountability (DAPA) program and the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program for undocumented parents of US citizens or green card holders, and eligible youth respectively, that allow them to legalize themselves; and then it was the new policy for spouses of certain H1B visa holders who can now legally seek employment.

Let me put it this way. In sheer numbers, Indians stand to gain the most by these two programs considering over 75% of the 180,000 eligible H4 holders and some 450,000 undocumented immigrants are Indians.

Immigration advocacy groups, however, deem these allowances insufficient, and that they are quite a distance away from reaching comprehensive immigration policy. Groups like South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) of course want that all H4 holders should unconditionally be allowed to work. And while Indians in general feel the H1B quota for India should be increased, the tens of thousands of employment based permanent residency applicants who are languishing in the backlog feel it is high time they get a break from the perpetual wait.

How about we put aside the Indian angle for a bit and consider the immigration situation in the country as a whole. It is now a cliché that this system is broken and chances of it being reformed meaningfully seem nearly impossible even with the best of intentions of the Administration and a Congress that may actually be conducive.

My question as an American citizen is what is best for America? Should the immigration policy allow only those who make economic sense to the country, or should it take the moral route by letting dependent families of those already working here to move in even if they do not positively add to the economy? Let's be objective.

Romesh K Japra rkjapra@indiapost.com

BOSTON Gope Gidwani Bureau Chief DETROIT Ashok B Jain, M D Bureau Chief Gurminder Singh SAN DIEGO Neelu Bhardwaj Bureau Chief SACRAMENTO Madan Sharma Bureau Chief Janak Sidhra Correspondent Upen Shukla Correspondent CENTRAL VALLEY (CA) Dr Ram Saini Bureau Chief Sheila Rogers Correspondent YUBA CITY (CA) Satnam Tatla Correspondent CAROLINAS Nalini Raja Patel Correspondent INDIA Vinod Dhawan Senior Editor & Bureau Chief NEW DELHI Vijender P Shah Graphics Jitender Singh Rawat Graphics PUNJAB Shiv Japra Bureau Chief Anil Kanwar Senior Correspondent/ Marketing DOABA, PUNJAB Romesh Kaura Correspondent HYDERABAD M Sagar Kumar Bureau Chief MUMBAI Nidhi Soparawala Correspondent Frank Fernandes Correspondent VADODARA, GUJARAT Vaidehi Patel Correspondent India Post (ISSN-1064-3868) is published weekly for $30 for 52 issues yearly by India Post, 1860 Mowry Ave # 200 Fremont, CA 94538. Periodicals postage paid at Norwalk, CA and additional mailing office.

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

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

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

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

CHICAGO

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

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

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

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

HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: No, Sir! After Salman Khan called her boyfriend Virat Kohli "too metrosexual" Anushka Sharma has refused to work with him.

Cover Story: Shocking racism In a shocking case of racism, a young Sikh boy in of Georgia has been called a "terrorist" by a group of school children

Community: Business with India The Consulate General of India, Chicago organized a seminar which saw exciting opportunities for business with India

Obama confident President Barack Obama has expressed confidence that his deportation directives won't be thrown out in court.

Life style: Women bikers Twenty-five women bikers have taken up their passion for a novel cause - engage common people on the skewed sex ratio

TORONTO, CANADA Tel/Fax: 416-744-8610 DELHI Jin Kushal Suri Complex, 3rd Floor, 230-A, Masjid Moth, (NDSE Part-II) New Delhi - 110049 Tel: 11-26257769 / Fax: 11-46142969 E-mail:delhi@indiapost.com MUMBAI • Fernandes Mansion Tam Taloa, Bassien (W) Mumbai Tel: 09619 330159

Techbiz:

VADODARA

Travel:

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

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

5 17

Immigration:

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

• Vaidehi Patel 31/32 J\Jaysantosi Nagar Society, behind Utkarsh Petrol Pump, Karelibaug, Vadodara-390018. Gujarat (India)

28

Possible successor Berkshire Hathaway has named Ajit Jain, who manages the Berkshire Reinsurance, as possible successor to Warren Buffett.

Itanagar Itanagar, the Capital of Arunachal Pradesh is an enchanting city enthralling with its mystique and modern attitude.

44 50 12 40

Cover/Top Stories

March 6, 2015

India Post

5

www.indiapost.com

Sikh boy in Georgia racially abused NEW YORK: In a shocking case of racism, a young Sikh boy in the US state of Georgia has been called a "terrorist" by a group of school children, with the video of the abuse now going viral on

boy is seen sitting in what appears to be a school bus and is surrounded by students.

He whispers to the camera: "The kids are being racist to me."

A young girl sitting behind him

Harsukh Singh in bus

the Internet.

In the video posted on Inquisitr, the bespectacled Sikh

then shouts "terrorist! terrorist!" and points her finger at the boy, who remains calm and even

shouts "who cares" when the kids hurl abuses at him.

Inquisitr reported that the video was uploaded by a user named 'Nagra Nagra' and identified the Sikh boy as Harsukh Singh.

Singh apparently uploaded the video initially which has so far got 130,000 views, with the description," Kids being racist to me and calling me an Afghan terrorist.

Please don't act like this towards people like me. If you don't know, I'm not Muslim I'm Sikh."

An online user described the video "disgusting" in which the young Sikh boy is "being bullied with racist chants on a school bus. The Sikh bravely states that he doesn't care what they think of him."

The Inquisitr reported that Singh is a student at the Chattahoochee Elementary School in Duluth, Georgia.

The incident comes weeks after a Hindu temple was vandalized in Seattle. A Nazi swastika and the phrase "get out" was found spray-painted in red on the exterior of the temple and cultural centre in Washington State.

According to the Council on

Last year, 29-year-old Sikh man Sandeep Singh was brutally injured after a Long Island man slammed his pick-up truck into him after calling him 'Osama' and that he should "go back to your country."

Joseph Caleca was indicted by a grand jury on a nine-count

Singh apparently uploaded the video initially which has so far got 130,000 views, with the description," Kids being racist to me and calling me an Afghan terrorist. Please don't act like this towards people like me. If you don't know, I'm not Muslim I'm Sikh."

American-Islamic Relations, FBI hate crimes statistics shows that anti-Muslim hate crimes are still at about five times more common than they were before the 9/11 attacks.

indictment charging him with attempted murder as a hate crime, assault, criminal possession of a weapon and leaving the scene without reporting after hitting Singh. -PTI

Kent temple in Washington State vandalized India Post News Service

KENT, WA: Indian Americans nationwide are highly concerned over reports of various broken windows and scrawling of word "FEAR" at Kent Hindu Temple wall in Washington State late February 26 night.

Vandals used bricks to break several windows and then painted the word "fear" on the wall of the Kent Hindu Temple.

This was the second such incident in recent days in Seattle metropolitan area after scrawling of "GET OUT" on Bothell Hindu Temple was discovered on February 15. These two vandalized temples are about 34 miles apart in Seattle metropolitan area of Washington State.

Members who came to worship last Friday night were greeted by shards of broken glass. A count was done and seven broken windows and some graffiti on the temple walls was found. Regulars at the temple were askance if a possible hate crime left its mark on the Kent Hindu temple. However, many doubted if they were targeted for their faith or if neighborhood teens were just causing trouble.

Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, said that it was shocking for the hard-working, harmonious and peaceful US Hindu community numbering about three million; who had made lot of contributions to the nation and society; to receive such signals of hatred and anger. He urged administration for swift action to

regain the falling confidence of the Hindu community.

The success of the US Hindu community in the areas of education, wealth and long-lasting harmonious marriages were because of their continuing with the tradi-

council on American Islamic relations felt that the Hindu temple was mistaken as a Muslim worship place and observed that this could be an outcome of religiously motivated crimes in the last few weeks.

Kent temple

tional values of hard work, higher morals, stress on education, sanctity of marriage, etc., in USA amidst so many distractions.

It is interesting to note that the

Both the FBI and Kent police have been told about the vandalism.

Sanatan Dharma Temple and Cultural Center (SDTCC) is a non-

profit organization formed in 2002 to meet the community's growing need for a religious, spiritual and cultural center in South King County. The temple is located in Kent and conveniently connected with Highway 167. Temple building has a lot size of 40,075 sq ft with a main floor of 10,000 sq ft and upper floor of 5,000 sq ft with adequate parking.

It opens daily and besides regular worship services, organizes festivals; Indian music, dance and language classes; yoga; weekly children's-parents' activities; etc. Jugal Thakor is Temple President, while Rishikesh Tiwari is the Priest.

It has announced hosting two

religious event in the first week of March. The event on March 7 is dubbed Maa Bhagwati Seva and it will involve worshiping and praying Maa Kali, Maa Lakhi and Maa Sarasvati. It will begin 6 pm.

The annual festival of colors, Holi, is scheduled to be celebrated on March 8.

Hindu idols at the Kent temple

Republicans appoint Raj Shah to top post WASHINGTON: Having lost two successive US presidential elections, the Republican Party has appointed an Indian-American and a well-known Hillary Clinton critic to a key post in the party's research and communication department.

Raj Shah, who most recently served as co-founding partner and Managing Director of America Rising LLC, where he developed the organization's Hillary Clinton opposition re-

search book, has been appointed as new Research Director and Deputy Communications Director of the Republican National Committee (RNC).

"Raj will take the helm of a topnotch Research Department as we prepare to defeat Hillary Clinton and the Democrats in 2016 and to hold them accountable for their records. Raj is the expert on the subject of all things Clinton, and his expertise will be an asset to our party," RNC chairman Reince

A graduate of Cornell, Raj worked on Senate and presidential campaigns and served in the Office of residential Personnel during the administration of former President George W Bush

Priebus said.

A graduate of Cornell, Raj worked on Senate and presidential campaigns and served in the Office of residential Personnel during the administration of former President George W Bush.

"Americans cannot afford a third term of the Obama administration, but that's exactly what we'll get if another Democrat wins the White House in 2016," said Shah.

Cont’d on page 6

6

Top Stories

India Post

March 6, 2015

www.indiapost.com

Strong plea to create encyclopedia of NRIs RUCHIT SHAH India Post News Service

AHMEDABAD: Lord Bhikhu Parekh, Member of the British Parliament, observed here that to meaningfully engage overseas Indians in Gujarat and India, it was of utmost importance that an encyclopedia of Non-Resident Indians be created through scientific study, providing complete history of Indians residing abroad.

Lord Bhikhu, recipient of many international and national awards, a political philosopher and a writer, was addressing a well attended meet of the Non Resident Gujaratis Sammelan-Diaspora Day organized by the NRG Foundation Government of Gujarat under the aegis of NRG Center of Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He pointed out that this type of encyclopedia would help in getting to know their contribution abroad and thereby make best use of the talents in the country

of their origin.

The meet was held on February 26 at the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad. The prime objective was to understand various

to contribute for the development of Gujarat /India.

"The Government of Gujarat can take a lead in this direction and establish an Institute of Migration Studies which could un-

mittee under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister of Gujarat could be constituted to work out the roadmap for the purpose," he observed.

Lord Bhikhu also mentioned

From left: Vijay Shah, Treasurer, GCCI, K H Patel, Chairman , GCCI NRG Committee, Rohit Patel, Senior VP , GCCI , Mukesh Patel, International Tax expert, Lord Bhikhu Parekh, UK, Rakesh Shah, President, GCCI, B.M. Chavda, Director, GSNRGF and Gopinath Amin, Senior Advocate, Gujarat High Court

issues faced by Non-Resident Indians / Non-Resident Gujaratis and guide them through expert advice as their love for the motherland is everlasting, and they like

derstand the entire gamut of the migration pattern of Non-Resident Gujaratis, understand their aspirations and help them attract to the motherland. An advisory com-

that migration of Indians had centuries of old history and today second and third generation of Indians are staying outside the country. "This group has no, or poor,

India needs to achieve sustained growth of 9-10 pc NEW YORK: Finance Minis- he said before a packed house at rate of growth over the next 10 ter Arun Jaitley has said that In- a session on 'Indian Economy: years we would have substandian economy needs to grow at The Way Forward'. tially created a better infrastruc9-10 per cent and sustain that The event was also attended ture and brought down poverty growth rate over the next decade by former Columbia professor rates at a faster pace," he said, and beyond to provide better in- Arvind Panagariya, who has been adding that "I would like to see frastructure and bring down pov- appointed as Vice Chairman of the India grow by that rate over the erty rates. newly created NITI Aayog. next 10 years, I would like to see a Jaitley, who is here on a private Jaitley said India needs re- very large part of that resource visit, said India should aim to sources to push up growth rates plus all that investment." achieve 8 per cent growth rate this year and grow it to 9-10 per cent over the next 10 years and more.

"I can sound very optimistic but I will be realistic," he said in response to a question about his vision for India over the next 5-10 years during a session at C o l u m b i a University's School of International and Public Affairs here.

Citing the example of China, Jaitley said Arun Jaitley (right), Union Minister of Finance and Minister of Corporate Affairs and Minister of Information and Broadcasting, speaks about challenges and opportunities for the Indian the Asian country economy as Lee Bollinger, President of Columbia Universuity looks on, at an event at the grew by about 9 per university in New York on March 2 cent on an average for over three decades and but it cannot get those resources He said there is a need to correached where it is today. unless it grows by 9- 10 per cent. rect one of the political debates in "If we are able to reach 8 per He stressed that a sustained growth India of "are you pro-industry (or) cent this year, grow it further and rate of close to 10 per cent over the are you pro-poor. aim for 9-10 per cent growth rate next decade and more is required to "As though there is a conflict and then continue at that pace for create improved infrastructure and between the two. I think that is many many more years than 10 bring down poverty rates. the mistake the previous governyears, that is what India requires," "I think if we continue at that ment made. In order to just con-

centrate on distribution of resources, they forgot the steps which were required to push up the growth rates."

He also underscored that India will need to get investment from outside in order to fuel economic growth.

"I have no doubt about the fact that the investment available within the country is very modest. Even our banks' ability to finance that is modest therefore we need it from wherever it is available and a lot of those resources have to go into infrastructure, a lot of additional enrichment of the government has to go into further strengthening our poverty alleviation and elimination schemes," he said.-PTI

knowledge of India. To attract them to India/Gujarat it is necessary that a 'Know Your Country' campaign is carried out on a regular basis wherein we attract the second and third generation youth to the country and show them the hinterland, make them aware of the rich traditions and culture of the land or their origin through conducted tours," he added.

Another distinguished speaker Prof. Mukesh Patel, International Tax Expert and a TV Anchor, advising the participants of the Sammelan said that times have changed and India today has become Tax and Investment Heaven as NRIs can make investment in any sector except agricultural land.

"Non-Resident Indians can also open Non Resident External (NRE) Bank Account and Foreign Currency Non Resident (FCNR) Bank Accounts and have tax free deposits," he pointed out.

Under the NRO A/c one million US dollars can be sent abroad, he said.

Gopinath Amin, Senior Advocate, Gujarat High Court and an educationist guiding the participants on legal matters informed that the Citizenship Act of India was the base for all citizenship issues in the country and for NRIs and NRGs. A citizen of India can be by birth, by descent or by registration.

He also stated that a Non-Resident Indian is considered an Indian citizen. Moreover there was a provision by which Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Indian Citizens (OCI) residing outside can move freely in the country and are free to acquire and possess property except agricultural land. They are free to open bank accounts as also invest in shares. However they cannot fight elections.

Amin also dwelt on the changing dynamics of citizenship matters in view of surrogacy and talked at length on the issue of a German couple.

Republicans appoint Raj Shah to top post Cont’d from page 5

"RNC Research will ensure that the American people will be informed of the facts, the failures of Democrat leadership, and the Clintons' long history of lies, shady dealings and distortions," Shah said.

In the past Indian-Americans have overwhelmingly supported the Democratic Party.

US President Barack Obama has appointed the largest number of Indian-Americans in any presidential administration.

Appointment of Shah to a key RNC position is seen as an effort by the Republicans to rope in Indian-Americans, who of late have emerged as a major political donor and highly influential ethnic community in the US. PTI

March 6, 2015

www.indiapost.com

India Post

7

8

Top Stories

India Post

March 6, 2015

www.indiapost.com

Govt does not endorse Mufti's Five Indian women on statement on J&K polls Forbes billionaire list NEW DELHI: The Government has said it did not endorse the controversial statement of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed on the state assembly polls, after a vociferous Opposition disrupted Lok Sabha proceedings seeking a clarification from the Prime Minister.

Responding to the Opposition demand, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said "there is no question of welcoming such remarks" and "there is no question of endorsing the Chief Minister's statement."

Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said what the "Home Minister has said is the sense of the House. Let us move forward", following which the Opposition unrest over the issue died down.

The Home Minister said he has already made it clear that the government and BJP fully disassociate themselves from Sayeed's statement and added that the credit for the smooth conduct of J&K assembly polls goes to the Election Commission, the Army, paramilitary forces and the people of the state.

The Opposition had earlier created an uproar demanding a clarification from the Prime Minister on the statement by Sayeed, who had courted controversy within hours of taking oath on Sunday saying the Hurriyat, militant outfits and "people from across the border" - in an oblique reference to Pakistan - allowed conducive atmosphere for the polls.

A combined Opposition disrupted the Question Hour, forcing Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to adjourn the proceedings twice for brief periods in quick succession.

When the House met, Mahajan allowed Saugata Roy (Trinamool Congress) and Deepender Hooda (Cong), who had given adjournment notices on the matter, to briefly put across their points.

Roy said the issue was sensitive as the Home Minister had in-

there was no need to raise the issue again.

Leader of Congress Mallikarjun Kharge also said a statement by the Prime Minister was necessary as the people wanted to know the stand of the government. "Sky will not fall if

Home Minister Rajnath Singh

formed the House that the Prime Minister was not told by Sayeed about his views on the smooth conduct of polls, even as the Chief Minister had claimed he had spoken to Modi on the issue. Raising the issue, Hooda said distancing from Sayeed's remarks "is not enough and the House must pass a resolution condemning the statement" of the Chief Minister.

He said the Chief Minister should be "reined in" as BJP is an alliance partner in the state government.

The Home Minister said since he has already clarified on the stand of the Centre and the BJP,

PM makes a statement," he said.

The Speaker said the Home Minister's statement was enough as he has the authority to speak on the government's behalf.

Not satisfied, opposition members from Congress, Trinamool Congress, the Left, JD(U) and RJD rushed in to the Well of the House, raising slogans like "Pradhan Mantri statement do" and "ninda prastav (resolution condemning Sayeed's remarks) lana hoga."

The Question Hour resumed after the Home Minister and Naidu's statement following two adjournments of 15 minutes each.-PTI

Refuse to be drawn into 'ugly battle,' says Kejriwal NEW DELHI: With the party facing escalated internecine conflict, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal has said he was "hurt and pained" by what was going on within the outfit, terming it as an "ugly battle" which has "betrayed" the trust reposed by the people.

Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal, who is the party's national convener, refused to be drawn into the "ugly battle", saying he will concentrate on Delhi's governance.

"Deeply hurt and pained by what is going on in the party; this is betrayal of trust that Delhi posed in us," Kejriwal said in a

tweet.

"I refuse to be drawn into this ugly battle. Will concentrate on

Arvind Kejriwal

Delhi's governance. Will not let peoples trust break under any circumstances," he further said.

Sharp differences have come to the fore within AAP with allegations that senior AAP leaders Prashant Bhushan and Yogendra Yadav were trying to "remove" Kejriwal from the post of party convener.

AAP has convened a meeting of its national executive to decide on all issues, including the latest controversy over differences in the party. -PTI

NEW YORK: Five Indian Rai Gupta, who died in November women have made it to the Forbes 2014, debuts on the Forbes Billist of the world's billionaires that lionaires List after shares of saw a record number of women Havells India rose 74 per cent in this year, although they still ac- the past year, spurred by rising count for just about 11 per cent of profits. the total.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, the The number of Indian women founder of Biocon, India's largest in this year's list witnessed an in- publicly traded biopharma firm crease over last year, when only which she built from a garage two Indian women were included startup into a maker of drugs for on the Forbes billionaire list. diseases such as cancer and diaGlobally also the number of betes was placed at the 1,741 rank women in the coveted rich list with a fortune of USD 1 billion. reached a record high. Of the toGlobally, Christy Walton, who tal 1,826 billionaires, 197 are women, up from Indu Jain who chairs media 172 in 2014; but women still account for just a conglomerate Bennett small percentage, 11 per Coleman & Co, was placed cent of the total.

Among Indian at the 603 rank globally. women, Savitri Jindal & Her net worth stands at family was ranked 283 USD 3.1 billion on the list with a net worth of USD 5.3 billion in 2015, up from USD 4.9 billion in inherited a stake in retailer Wal2014. After a 3-year decline Savitri Mart, retained the title of world's Jindal's O.P. Jindal group, which richest woman at USD 41.7 billion, she chairs, has revived. followed by Liliane Bettencourt, Indu Jain who chairs media the principal heiress to the L'Oreal conglomerate Bennett Coleman & cosmetics fortune in the second Co, was placed at the 603 rank glo- place with USD 40.7 billion. bally. Her net worth stands at USD The third richest woman is 3.1 billion.

Alice Walton (USD 39.4 billion), Meanwhile, after a three year daughter of Walmart founder Sam hiatus, Anu Aga regained her bil- Walton and sister-in-law to lionaire status on a jump in shares Christy Walton. of engineering firm Thermax, in Forbes, noted that many of the which she owns 62 per cent. Anu women among the billionaires Aga was ranked 1,312 on the list ranks inherited their wealth from with a fortune of USD 1.5 billion. either their husbands or their faOthers on the list include Vinod thers, while just 29 of the 197 Gupta ranked 1,533 with a fortune women are self-made billionaires.of USD 1.2 billion. Wife of Qimat PTI

NJ school district declares holiday on Diwali WASHINGTON: A small school district in New Jersey has declared Diwali as a public holiday on November 11 this year, meeting the long standing demand of the Indian Americans of the area.

A decision in this regard was taken by the Glen Rock Public School Board of Education.

The public school has more than 2,300 students enrolled in its six schools in New Jersey.

According to local NorthJersey.Com, Rona McNabola, the board's president, said she hopes the vote "sends a message to other com-

munities" with growing Indian populations to at least consider recognizing Diwali with a day off.

Hindu-Americans living in the area had last year requested the Board that schools be closed on Diwali to make it easier for Hindu families to observe the holiday.

Sanjiv Ohri, the school board's vice president, said that Glen Rock's "Indian community is very happy that the school has recognized the change and addressed the need of a growing community," the local daily said. -PTI

Top Stories

March 6, 2015

India Post

9

www.indiapost.com

PM asks IT industry to develop security solutions NEW DELHI: With cyber security worrying the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked the Indian IT industry to innovate solutions to counter the global menace as well as work on path breaking ideas like 'cloud godowns' and 'cloud lockers' to

cyber security is a concern. Can Indian youth work on solutions for cyber security?" Modi said at a Nasscom event.

The Prime Minister also said that ideas from the public will be invited for developing a mobile app for his office (PMO) to make

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing at the Silver Jubilee Celebration Ceremony of NASSCOM, in New Delhi on March 1

help keep data secure.

"The whole world is concerned.

Since I have become the Prime Minister, I have met around 50 world and political leaders and out of that, almost 25-30 have said

it mobile friendly for citizens.

Stating that cyber security will be a "very big market", Modi suggested that Nasscom should form a task force to see how this opportunity can be leveraged as In-

dian IT professionals can do a lot for cyber-safety of digital assets across the world.

"I look forward to path breaking ideas from young talent across the country to build innovative technology solutions," he added.

The PM said if security is not provided, people will be scared of using their mobile phones fearing their privacy and data may be compromised.

Tech-savvy Modi, who was among the first political leaders to effectively use social media, said the Indian IT industry should start working on creating 'Cloud Godowns' and 'Cloud Lockers' which can be hired or used by banks and others to safely keep data without the fear of it being compromised.

Referring to the Gold Bond scheme announced in the Budget that gives people an option to own precious metal without physically buying it; he said the instruments can be kept safely in 'Cloud Lockers'.

He was speaking at a special event to mark the completion of Nasscom's 25th year.

The Prime Minister said there was immense potential for the Indian IT sector to innovate and

provide mobile applications to deliver citizen centric services and mobile governance.

Speaking of the Digital India initiative, Modi said e-governance also implies easy governance, and economical governance.

The government, he said, is building IT infrastructure, and would adopt innovations. "Like Highways, i-ways are also essential for growth."

The Prime Minister explained

Modi said the Indian IT industry should start working on creating 'Cloud Godowns' and 'Cloud Lockers' which can be hired or used by banks and others to safely keep data without the fear of it being compromised how technology was helping to curb corruption and gave examples of the coal block auctions, and Direct Benefit Transfer of LPG subsidy.

Modi added that technology, as an enabler, also plays an important role in governance as it brings in transparency.

"We have used technology while auctioning the coal mines.

Coal mine auctions Asian firms challenge Apple CAG's loss figure justified with new smartphones NEW DELHI: CAG's astronomical Rs 1.86 lakh crore loss figure in coal block allocations had raised some doubts initially, but the auction of less than 10 per cent of those mines alone has garnered Rs 1.10 lakh crore, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said.

Speaking at a Nasscom event, Modi said that against the age-

said.

Coal block allocation during the UPA period led to loss of staggering Rs 1.86 lakh crore as per the estimates of the official auditor CAG. The report had caused tremendous discomfort for the UPA government and the Congress that headed the coalition.

Modi said that when CAG estimated the loss figure of Rs 1.86 lakh crore Modi said that when CAG "we also used to talk estimated the loss figure of about that politically, but we also couldn't Rs 1.86 lakh crore "we also believe", but after the used to talk about that auction all the doubts politically, but we also have been cleared.

The disbelief was couldn't believe" because people had not seen such old practice of allocating coal humongous figures, he said. blocks "after getting a letter" from "People who had only seen a a certain quarter, the NDA-gov- pond can not imagine the size of a ernment devised a transparent e- sea," the Prime Minister added. auction process through which all Modi said that after the canthe coal blocks are being allo- cellation of the blocks by the Sucated. preme Court, the present govern"Out of the total 204 (coal ment brought in ordinance within blocks, the allocations of which three months. Through the use of were cancelled by the Supreme modern technology, the Prime Court), only 19 have been auc- Minister said, transparency has tioned till now and we have gar- been brought in the process of nered Rs 1.10 lakh crore," Modi auction. -PTI

BARCELONA: Several big Asian phone companies have launched new high-end smartphones and other wireless gizmos hoping to challenge US giant Apple in a big year for wireless gadgets.

Samsung, fellow South Korean firm LG and hip Chinese maker HTC timed their smartphone launches to grab the attention on the eve of the Mobile World Congress, the world's biggest telecoms trade fair, in Barcelona, Spain.

In a head-on challenge to Apple's popular iPhone 6 which was released last year, Samsung came out fighting with the Galaxy S6, a smartphone with a touchscreen that curves around the edges and has a wireless charger.

It also presented the larger S6 Edge, a "phablet" somewhere between a tablet and a phone in size.

LG unveiled a new top-line phone with a curved back to sit snugly in the palm, the LG Flex 2, as well as a range of four new midrange smartphones and two new luxury internet-connected watches.

There were 204 coal blocks which the Supreme Court has cancelled saying there was a scam in that...

In three months, we prepared the full scheme and brought ordinance.

"CAG had said in the coal block allocation, there was a scam of Rs 1.86 lakh crore... Till now we have done auction of 19 coal blocks and we have used technology for that... Out of the total 204, only 19 blocks have been auctioned," he said.

At a noisy stage presentation before a crowd of hundreds, HTC chief executive Peter Chou meanwhile presented the HTC One M9, with a grey metallic handset molded from a single piece of aluminum.

HTC also revealed a new connected "fitness band" body -

monitoring bracelet and a virtual reality headset that it said it hoped to sell commercially by the end of the year.

Apple as usual was staying away from the Barcelona show but was reported to be preparing a coup with the launch next month of its new Apple Watch, reflecting a major trend in wearable gadgets this year.-AFP

Modi added that the government has received bids worth Rs 1.10 lakh crore for 19 blocks.

"This is the example how technology can brought in transparency. No body raised finger on this," he said.

Modi said that Indian IT sector can boost tourism in India by making virtual museums that showcase country's heritage. He called upon industry leaders to contribute towards creating e-libraries for schools.

Modi said while connectivity will be a major source for increasing GDP, it is concerning that the country has not been able to produce a 'Google' from India.

Modi said his office will also invite ideas from the public for developing a mobile app for the PMO to make it mobile friendly for citizens.

Modi said the USD 146 billion Indian IT sector has changed the way the world looks at the country and the need now is to focus on newer areas like apps.

"The faster you all (industry) make mobile apps, the faster you will capture the market. We need a revolution in mobile governance... We will launch a competition through mygov.in to seek ideas for PMO mobile app," he said.

The Prime Minister launched the website MyGov.in to provide a platform to citizens to contribute their views and opinions on important issues like clean Ganga or skill development.

The government will work with global technology giant Google for selecting the best ideas and the teams will be sent to the US. "The second part will be to develop the entire software. I would like my department to be helped with technology," Modi said.-PTI

10 India Post

Top Stories

March 6, 2015

www.indiapost.com

China kicks off Silk Road infrastructure project BEIJING: China has launched a massive USD 79.8 billion infrastructure project in the northwest province of Gansu which will facilitate trade and people exchanges between China and central Asia as part of its ambitious Silk Road plan.

Though the province does not share its borders with any central Asian countries, it will be an important stretch of the Silk Road Economic Belt, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

The six-year development project will add more than 60,000 kilometers of road, including 4,070 km expressways, and improve the connectivity of the existing transportation network, it said.

The provincial authorities have not re-

leased the funding source, but officials said that local government-backed financing vehicle Gansu Provincial Highway Aviation

Tourism Investment Group had invested in the project.

Road construction receives fiscal sup-

port from the central government.

The province is also expected to build 12 civilian airports in the next six years, expanding the reach of its air service to 82 per cent of the province's population, at 25.57 million in 2010.

Since the third quarter of last year, China has approved a slew of transportation projects to boost regional connectivity.

It also launched a USD 40 billion fund backed by the country's foreign reserves to support infrastructure building in countries along the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

The Silk Road projects involved a maze of roads and ports connecting Asia, Europe and Africa. -PTI

Consensus needed for Posco project: Pradhan BHUBANESWAR: Noting that lack of cohesion among stakeholders delayed the proposed mega steel plant by Posco in Odisha, Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has said a consensus was needed for implementation of the country's largest FDI project.

"Everyone wants Posco. Odisha government wants it as also some people in the society. However, some people opposed it and triggered confusion by giving it a different color and the country's largest FDI is yet to materialize," Pradhan said.

It is necessary to arrive at a consensus among different sections in the society to pave way for setting up of the Rs 52,000 crore mega steel project near Paradip in Jagatsinghpur district, he said.

The union minister was speaking after

Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan

inaugurating third national exhibitioncum-seminar organized by Utkal Chamber of Commerce and Industries (UCCI) here, showcasing the growth of trade and industry in Odisha.

Stating that Odisha has the potential to become the logistic hub of the country, he said the state government and the Centre should make efforts in this direction.

On 'Make in India' campaign by the NDA government, he said unlike states Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh and North-East, Odisha is a natural place due to its natural resources, hard working and reliable people for which there needs to be a consensus.

"These are state's USP and for this 3 C - clarity, consistency and certainty (in policy making) is needed", he said.

Pradhan said Odisha is the only state with potential for setting up an ultra mega power project and could earn Rs 10,000 to 15,000 crore annually from these projects.

Odisha can be described a natural choice for setting up of one of the UMPPs proposed by the Centre, he said.

The primary objective of the five-day expo was to provide an effective platform to member companies and other corporate entities, banks, financial institutions and PSUs to showcase their products, services, technologies and schemes.-PTI

Top Stories

March 6, 2015

India Post

11

www.indiapost.com

Finance Ministry for consolidation of PSU banks NEW DELHI: Concerned over Anybody eligible would be sub-optimal performance of the able to apply through a website PSU banks, the Finance Ministry which will soon be made public, it has said it would encourage them said. to restructure business strategies "The focus of these reforms is and consider consolidation and to improve the quality of deliberamerger with other lenders. tions in bank boards, leading to "Government wants to encour- better asset quality and further reage bank boards to restructure sulting in better market valuatheir business strategy and also tions," it said. suggest way forward for their Highlighting some of the recent consolidation and merger with measures taken to improve the other banks if it is winwin for both," a Finance ‘The focus of these reforms Ministry release said.

In order to improve is to improve the quality of the governance of public sector banks, it said, deliberations in bank the government intends to set up an au- boards, leading to better tonomous 'Bank Board asset quality’ Bureau' with professional members.

The board would be respon- performance, it said, the post of sible for search and selection of Chairman and Managing Director heads of PSBs, as also for non- has been separated. official directors of the banks.

Bankers from both public and This, it said, would be an interim private sector can apply for the step towards moving in the direc- top job, the statement said addtion of having a Bank Investment ing "higher salary can be given in Company, which will be a holding appropriate cases". company for PSBs. The Finance Ministry has also On appointment of non-official revamped the selection system by directors, it said, guidelines are be- including structured three sepaing re-visited to ensure that bank rate interviews, allotment of banks boards get people with relevant on merit-cum-preference basis. expertise.

PTI

Reebok plans 15 ‘Fit Hub’ stores in India NEW DELHI: Continuing with its strategy to reposition itself as a fitness brand, Reebok plans to open up to 15 new format stores 'Fitness Studios' in India by the end of the next year.

"In 2012, we decided to focus only on fitness and we have taken

steps to reposition Reebok from a sports-gear to a fitness brand.

Going forward, we are planning to open up to 15 new format 'Fitness Studios' stores by the end of 2016," Reebok India Brand Director Somdeb Basu told PTI. Apart from selling Reebok's merchandise, Fitness Studio's

also undertake classes in yoga, aerobics and other forms of workouts. At present, there is one Fitness Studio in the country in Mumbai.

In its image transformation bid, the company apart from launching new format retail stores has also changed its product assortments.

"We have completely exited from selling sports merchandise like cricket bats etc. We have introduced products catering to fitness," he said.

The company, part of the Adidas Group, is also looking at converting all its existing stores into its new format 'Fit Hub' stores by mid 2017.

"Currently, there are 300 Reebok stores in India, out of which 130 are Fit Hub stores. We plan to convert all our existing stores in to Fit Hub format stores," Basu said.-PTI

Hyundai recalls 263,000 cars over power-steering NEW YORK: Hyundai is recalling about 263,000 cars in the U.S. and Canada because a sensor problem could cause drivers to lose power-assisted steering.

The company has not reported any injuries or accidents. A representative for Hyundai Motor America wasn't immediately available for comment.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says a sensor in the affected cars could detect a discrepancy in the steering input and signals and disable power-assisted steering as a result. Cars would revert to manual steering and require greater effort to steer at low speeds, raising the risk of a crash.

Hyundai Motor America says it plans to notify owners and that dealers will fix the control unit of the electronic power steering at no cost.

The affected cars include model years 2008 to 2010 of Elantras

made between June 1, 2008 and April 30, 2010 and Elantra Touring vehicles made between Nov. 1, 2008 and April 30.

The recall includes nearly 205,000 cars in the U.S. and about another 58,000 in Canada. -AP

Tech News No major relief for struggling aviation sector NEW DELHI: Indicating that the Budget had failed to give any relief to the ailing aviation sector, industry experts have said that the domestic aviation sector will continue to struggle for another year.

"Overall, nothing to write home about. India's troubled aviation sector will continue to struggle for another year," global consultancy KPMG partner and India head of aerospace and defense Amber Dubey said.

The beleaguered industry's long pending expectations of tax rebates on jet fuel, Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services, airports and general aviation have been ignored yet again, Dube said, adding a higher service tax will enhance airfares and the loss of MRO revenue, jobs and taxes to Sri Lanka, ASEAN and gulf countries will continue.

Terming ad silver lining government's proposal to unveil a comprehensive Bankruptcy Code in the current fiscal, which aims at improving the ease of doing business environment in the country, Dhiraj Mathur, executive director at global consultancy PwC said that had government taken such a step earlier, some airlines would have been flying today.

"The only silver lining for the aviation industry is the bankruptcy code," Mathur said.-PTI

Imported mobile, tablets prices may go up NEW DELHI: In a move to boost local manufacturing of mobile phones and tablets, the government has increased duty benefits for domestic producers of these electronic items.

Excise duty structure for mobiles handsets, including cellular phones, is being changed to 1 per cent without CENVAT credit or 12.5 per cent with CENVAT credit, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said while presenting the Budget in Parliament.

Earlier the duty structure for mobiles was 6 per cent with CENVAT credit.

For tablet computers, the duty structure is "2 per cent without CENVAT credit or 12.5 per cent with CENVAT credit."

"Manufacturer or producer of final product is allowed to take CENVAT credit. This would encourage local manufacturing rather then import," IESA Chairman Ashok Chandak told PTI. Local manufacturer can claim duty benefits on VAT paid on purchase of various input materials.-PTI

TechBiz 12 India Post

www.indiapost.com

March 6, 2015

LPG cash subsidy has stopped leakages: PM NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the landmark scheme to give LPG consumers cash subsidy instead of selling to them below market priced cooking gas has stopped leakages, saving thousands of crores of rupees.

The use of technology has helped transfer of cash subsidy to the actual users of the cooking fuel, he said at a Nasscom event.

"My estimate is that at least 10 per cent of the leakages has been stopped, saving thousands of crore of rupees," he said.

From January 1, all LPG consumers in the country are entitled to get cash subsidy in their bank accounts which they can use to buy a cooking gas refill at market price.-PTI

India-born Ajit Jain in race as Warren Buffett successor NEW YORK: Warren Buffettled Berkshire Hathaway dropped one of the biggest hints about a possible successor to the billionaire investor, describing Indiaborn Ajit Jain and Greg Abel as "world-leading" performers who are "better" business executives than the octogenarian.

In his much-anticipated annual

leaves assumption, his successors would not be 'of only moderate ability'. For instance, Ajit Jain and Greg Abel are proven performers who would probably be underdescribed as 'world-class'. 'Worldleading' would be the description I would choose. In some important ways, each is a better business executive than Buffett," Munger said in his letter to the shareholders.

63-year-old Jain "created He added that he out of nothing" an immense believes that neither Jain nor Abel would reinsurance business that leave Berkshire, "no produced both a huge matter what someone else offered" or desire "float" and a large undermuch change in the writing gain.

Berkshire system.

Munger said 63letter to shareholders, Buffet year-old Jain "created out of nothpraised Jain, who manages the ing" an immense reinsurance busiBerkshire Reinsurance Group, for ness that produced both a huge the way he has grown the busi- "float" and a large underwriting ness over the years. gain.

While Buffet stopped short of Buffett also lauded Jain's "unnaming his successor, company matched" underwriting skills, sayVice Chairman Charles Munger ing he insures risks that no one named Jain and Abel, who heads else has the desire or the capital Berkshire's energy business, while to take on. talking about possible successors "His operation combines cato Buffett. pacity, speed, decisiveness and, "But, under this Buffett-soon- most important, brains in a man-

ner unique in the insurance business. Yet he never exposes Berkshire to risks that are inappropriate in relation to our resources," he said.

Jain's "mind, moreover, is an idea factory that is always look-

"ideally positioned" for life after he and Munger leave the scene.

"We have the right people in place - the right directors, managers and prospective successors to those managers. Our culture, furthermore, is embedded through-

Ajit Jain

ing for more lines of business he can add to his current assortment," Buffett said.

Jain was born in Odisha and is an alumnus of IIT and Harvard.

Long been the front runner to succeed Buffett, Jain has been associated with Buffett for nearly three decades.

The 84-year old investor and philanthropist said Berkshire is

out their ranks," he said.

Buffett has suggested that his son, Howard, succeed him as a non- executive Chairman to further ensure continuation of the company culture.

Buffett also made clear that if elected, his son would receive no pay and would spend no time at the job other than that required of all directors. -PTI

Need to declare income from India investments RAJESH DHRUVA

India has signed Inter Gov- (IRS) of USA and obtain Global ernmental Agreement (IGA) un- Intermediary Identification Numder Foreign Assets Tax Compli- ber (GIIN) before 1st January 2014. ance Act (FATCA) with the US In this context, 644 Indian fiGovernment on nancial institutions; 11th April 2014. family trusts and comAlthough the panies / entities which agreement is include Indian banks; signed "in submutual funds; insurstance" and the fiance companies; bronal agreement is kerage houses; family awaited following trusts & private comprovisions of panies have applied FATCA; the Refor GIIN. Detailed list serve Bank of India is posted on our Rajesh Dhruva has advised Indian w e b s i t e financial institutions to register femaonline.com at http:// with Internal Revenue Service www.femaonline.com/FATCA/

FIIList-India/ These entities include all private and public sector banks like State Bank of India, Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, ICICI Bank,

almost all insurance companies like ICICI Pru Life Insurance Company, Birla Sunlife Insurance Company etc. Also included are brokerage houses like Motilal

The Reserve Bank of India has advised Indian financial institutions to register with Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of USA and obtain Global Intermediary Identification HDFC Bank etc; almost all Indian mutual funds like ICICI Pru Mutual Fund, Birla Sunlife Mutual Fund, L&T Mutual Fund, HDFC Mutual Fund, Reliance Mutual Fund and

Oswal Securities Ltd, Edelweiss Securities Ltd, Goldman Sachs India Securities Ltd and Morgan Stanley Securities Ltd. Cont’d on page 14

March 6, 2015

TechBiz Post

India Post

13

www.indiapost.com

Budget a bold roadmap to ease doing business: USIBC WASHINGTON: A leading tal markets and reduce tax uncerbusiness body in the US has tainty would spur domestic ecohailed India's 2015-16 Budget as a bold roadmap for improving the ease of doing business in the country.

The US-India Business Council (USIBC), a business advocacy organization representing global compaUSIBC president Mukesh Aghi nies investing in India, said many reforms announced in the budget nomic growth. targeted to encourage infrastruc"We applaud Finance Minister ture development, modernize capi- Arun Jaitley for the ambitious re-

form agenda and welcome concrete policies that demonstrate the Government of India's commitment to a new era of growth," said USIBC president Mukesh Aghi.

"US companies stand ready to partner with the Government of India on priority initiatives including Smart Cities, Make in India, Jan

vides us positive steps forward in strengthening this partnership," said the new USIBC president.

USIBC, he said, supports the commitment to expeditiously implement a Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime by April 2016.

"Once implemented, the GST will dramatically increase govern-

USIBC applauded the focus on infrastructure, including rejuvenation of public-private partnerships, announcement of a National Infrastructure Investment Fund to provide public capital in support of increased private investment Dhan Yojana, National Financial Inclusion Mission, Clean India, and Digital India. This Budget pro-

ment revenue while streamlining operational and cost planning for businesses and could increase

Black money holders will have a last chance NEW DELHI: The Government cealment of overseas income and you have. You have a certain has disclosed that it will offer a evasion of tax will be prosecut- amount of time to disclose "window" to Indians holding able with punishment of rigorous that...If they don't disclose, they black money in foreign bank ac- imprisonment up to 10 years. will be liable to punishment of counts to come clean but categoriIn case of non-filing of returns various imprisonment up to 7 cally ruled out any amnesty or filing of returns with inad- years." scheme for them. equate disclosure of foreign asMoreover, as per the proviA day after Finance Minister sets, the punishment will be rig- sions, the account holder will Arun Jaitley announced in his orous imprisonment up to seven have to mandatorily specify the budget that a stringent law will years. date of opening of foreign acbe brought providing for up to 10 years imprisonment for concealment of income, Government said that foreign bank account holders would be provided a window to disclose their accounts and assets.

In an interview to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley along with MoS Finance Jayant Sinha addressing the post budget press conference in New Delhi on February 28 PTI, Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha said the Sinha said penalty for con- count in the return of income. failure to unveil assets abroad will cealment of such income and Besides enacting a new law, invite a rigorous jail term of up to assets would be at the rate of 300 the efforts to curb black money seven years, while concealment per cent of the tax. include changes in the benami of income and tax evasion would The minister ruled out bring- transaction act and restrictions result in 10-year imprisonment. ing any amnesty scheme." There on acceptance of cash beyond Rs These provisions will be part is no amnesty scheme. We have 20,000 as advance for real estate of a Bill that the government said very clearly, we expect ev- transactions. plans to bring in the current ses- erybody, who has any undisWhile unveiling his budget sion of Parliament to check the closed wealth, accounts, so on proposals, Finance Minister Arun black money menace. ...outside the country should Jaitley had said, "tracking down Jaitley had said that the of- disclose that. and bringing back the wealth fences under these provisions "We have created a window which legitimately belongs to the would be non-compoundable and to do that. There is no amnesty country is our abiding commitSinha elaborated, saying that con- at all. You have to disclose, what ment to the country.

"Recognizing the limitations under the existing legislation, we have taken a considered decision to enact a comprehensive new law on black money to specifically deal with such money stashed away abroad. To this end, I propose to introduce a Bill in the current Session of the Parliament."

Besides other things, the abettors of offences, whether individuals, entities, banks or financial institutions would also be liable for prosecution and penalty.PTI

India's GDP growth rate by 1-2 per cent by establishing a free-trade zone within its own borders," he said.

A delay in implementation of the General Anti-Avoidance Rules (GAAR) is a welcome move which will allow time for critical business planning, he said.

"Reduction in the corporate tax rate and a more clear direct tax regime - both key announcements of this budget - will rejuvenate the investment outlook and increase predictability," the statement said.

USIBC also applauded the focus on infrastructure, including rejuvenation of public-private partnerships, the announcement of a National Infrastructure Investment Fund to provide public capital in support of increased private investment in infrastructure, and steps toward bankruptcy reform which will unlock liquidity in stalled projects.

USIBC hailed the budget for allowing foreign investment in Alternate Investment Funds - a longawaited reform - as well as important steps toward developing a more robust pension system providing financial stability for all Indians.-PTI

14

TechBiz Post

India Post

March 6, 2015

www.indiapost.com

Super rich senior citizens to take biggest hit NEW DELHI: Individuals with an annual income of above Rs 10 lakh but below Rs one crore have emerged as the biggest beneficiaries of the new taxation proposals, if they are aged below 60 years, while the super rich above this age bracket will be hit the hardest.

As per an analysis of new income tax proposals, an individual aged below 60 years can make additional saving of up to Rs 24,596 a year if his or her annual income is above Rs 10 lakh but below Rs one crore. For senior citizens in this income bracket, savings would be little lower at Rs 21,630.

At the same time, senior citizens

above 60 years of age would have to pay additional tax of Rs 64,550 a year if their annual income is more than Rs one crore.

tax works out to a little lower at Rs 61,271, according to an 'impact report' prepared by consultancy major PwC for the income tax pro-

Raising the limit of health insurance premium, transport allowance exemption and additional deduction of 50,000 for NPS will help taxpayers save little more in taxes. However, super rich tax payers (having taxable income exceeding Rs 1 crore) will have to shell out more For the individuals below 60 years of age, with annual income of over Rs one crore, the additional

posals made by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his Budget.

Jaitley has announced increas-

ing the super-rich surcharge to 12 per cent from 10 per cent for those individuals earning more than Rs one crore. However, he has also proposed additional deductions in lieu of investments in pension and health insurance schemes.

The additional savings would be the lowest at Rs 7,210 for senior citizens in the age bracket of 60-80 years and with annual income of below Rs five lakh. For individuals below 60 years of age in this income bracket, the additional savings would be Rs 8,199.

In case of annual income of Rs 5-10 lakh, the additional savings would be Rs 16,398 for individu-

Budget 'unkind' to the poor: Chidambaram NEW DELHI: Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram tore into the Union Budget alleging that it was "unkind" to the poor and was leaning heavily in favor of the corporates and could fail the targeted 8 per cent growth next year.

"This Budget has been unkind to the poor is the kindest thing I can say about it", the senior Congress leader told reporters at the AICC headquarters.

Lamenting that the allocations of a lot of schemes and programs aimed at the poor including health has been reduced than those during the UPA regime, he said that despite huge benefit due to lowering of global crude prices, government has failed to take advantage.

He said it is a "tall claim" that the economy would achieve 8 per cent growth rate next year as "everyone must pull their weight together to achieve this and it cannot be achieved on the shoulders of the corporates and the IT paying class."

"After the Economic Survey, one had thought of a Victor Hugo moment, Budget has dashed this...", he said in apparent reference to the remarks of Manmohan Singh while presenting the 1991-92 "historic" budget.

(Victor Hugo once said, "No power on earth can stop an idea whose time has come. Let the whole world hear it loud and clear.

India is now wide awake," Singh had said presenting the budget that helped to not just restore investor confidence, but also unleashed the era of economic reforms.)

Chidambaram said "one cannot avoid feeling that this Budget leans heavily in favor of corporate

sector and income tax paying class.....But it does not find acknowledging and addressing the concerns of 100 crore poor". Besides, he said that the poor have

P Chidambaram

been burdened with increases in Excise duty and Service Tax. The former Finance Minister rejected the Prime Minister's charge that the UPA dispensation was not much sincere in unearth-

Completely wrong to call Budget pro-corporate: Govt NEW DELHI: Rebutting criticism that proposals in the Budget for 2015-16 are pro-corporate and anti-poor, government has said the views are "completely wrong and ill founded" and not backed by any data.

"They (critics) are completely wrong...it is ill founded, misguided and certainly not backed up with any data," Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha told PTI in an interview.

He was responding to the criticism that the first full-year budget of the NDA government, presented in Parliament by Finance

Minister Arun Jaitley, is "pro-corporate and unkind to poor".

Former Finance Minister and senior Congress leader P Chidambaram has said that the budget proposal to reduce corporate tax from 30 per cent to 25 per cent would benefit the corporates to the tune of Rs 20,000 crore in taxes every year for the next four years.

According to Sinha, the proposed reduction of the corporate tax from 30 per cent to 25 per cent over a period of four years was a "revenue neutral" exercise as the companies were going to lose all

exemptions in the process.

"Right now, they (corporates) are not paying 30 per cent taxes, they are actually paying 23 per cent taxes. Effectively we are going to get rid of all those exemptions over a period of time. They have some time to adjust and their taxes are going to become 25 per cent," he said.

Anyway, he added, the idea behind the move was not to raise taxes but to "remove distortions and inconveniences" and make the taxation system simple and predictable and improve the ease of doing business.-PTI

ing black money.

Detailing the steps taken when he was the Finance Minister on the matter, he said he has not come across any information the new government has collected and it was working on the "information that we have collected" from Swiss authorities.

He said the SIT was not constituted as the Supreme Court order had come in the last days of the UPA government.

Chidambaram also took exception to the Prime Minister's statement ridiculing the MGNREGA and hoped that he would reconsider it. He said that it is a fact that millions of people were still living in extreme poverty despite anti-poverty programs launched by successive governments.

"It is a very unkind remark. Poor will take it as a snub, a slight", he remarked. -PTI

als below 60 years, while the same would be Rs 14,420 for senior citizens aged 60 years and above.

Under new proposals, further deductions of Rs 50,000 a year would be allowed for contribution made to the National Pension Scheme. Deduction on Mediclaim premium has been raised from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000, while that for senior citizen parents has been increased from Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000.

A fresh deduction of Rs 30,000 has been provided for the amount paid on account of medical expenditure incurred on health of a very senior citizen where no amount is paid towards mediclaim premium.

PwC India Partner and Leader Personal Tax, Kuldip Kumar said that "having raised the basic exemption limit and 80C limit last year, there was hardly any scope for further concession.

"Raising the limit of health insurance premium, transport allowance exemption and additional deduction of 50,000 for NPS will help taxpayers save little more in taxes. However, super rich tax payers (having taxable income exceeding Rs 1 crore) will have to shell out more due to increase in surcharge from 10 to 12 per cent.

"Abolishment of wealth tax will give savings to those who are having taxable wealth. There is a greater focus in the budget on curbing of black money." -PTI

Need to declare income from India investments Cont’d from page 12

In view of the FATCA agreements being signed in finality by the Indian Government, all these entities will report accounts showing the account holder as US citizen or USA address or USA phone number or USA person as power of attorney holder provided balance in such account exceeds US$ 50,000 or insurance value exceeds US$ 250,000 as on 30th June 2014.

Now therefore it is necessary for every US citizen or Green Card Holder to address the issue very seriously if the Indian Income of earlier years has not been declared in Form 1040 or if Indian financial assets exceeding US$ 10000 and

FBAR returns have not been filed for earlier years.

If so, it would also be appropriate to take advantage of US Government's Streamlined Domestic Offshore Procedures (SDOP) whereby immunity from criminal and civil procedures can be availed for such defaults at minimal cost of 5% penalty of maximum value of financial assets during the last 6 year endings and filing revised Form 1040 and paying tax for undisclosed Indian Income for previous 3 years, and filing the FBAR returns for 6 years, together with appropriate estimated fine amount.

Rajesh H Dhruva is Tax Consultant Rajkot India

TechBiz Post

March 6, 2015

India Post

15

www.indiapost.com

NRIs say budget lays road map for growth LONDON: Leading NRI industrialists have given a thumbs up to India's 2015-16 Budget, saying it would improve investment climate and laid a clear roadmap for placing the country on a double-digit growth trajectory.

The Hinduja brothers who run the multibillion dollar global business empire covering automotive, IT, trading, oil, banking and other sectors said the budget which gave the thrust towards infrastructure bodes well for the future of the economy.

S P Hinduja, Chairman of Hinduja Group, said: "The Budget 2015 is a very socially inclusive one. With higher transfer of tax revenues to states, they have been made equal partners with the centre to ensure balanced growth across regions marked by equity and social justice."

In a statement, he said: "Directionally, the Budget highlights clear roadmap for placing the country on a double digit growth trajectory in the medium term."

Higher capital spending proposed to build physical and social infrastructure - irrigation, power, electronic connectivity,

Hinduja brothers

roads, rail lines, ports, education, skill development and healthcare - will bring supply side improvements, create jobs, promoter entrepreneurship and rejuvenate the economy with moderate stable inflation and alleviate poverty, he added.

G P Hinduja, Co-Chairman of the Hinduja group, said the budget is a "tangible translation" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for putting India on a high

growth map.

"It is well understood that the Indian growth cycle can be kick started only with investment and this budget addresses the issue of investment squarely and boldly by deferring the fiscal deficit targets by couple of years," he said.

G P Hinduja further said the announcement of reduction in corporate tax progressively is another incentive for promoting investment.

Lauding the budget as "very positive" and "courageous", NRI industrialist Lord Swraj Paul said it gives India the opportunity to make a mark in the world.

"I congratulate Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for a very positive and courageous budget. He has lived up to what he has been promising since he became Finance Minister plus even more," said Paul, Chairman of the Caparo Group of Industries.

"Here is an opportunity for India to make a mark in the world.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi throughout his election campaign last year and thereafter has promised an India free from corruption, an efficient India and the important 'Make in India', thus providing more permanent jobs to the ordinary people of India," he said.

Paul hoped that "the businessmen, politicians and the civil service and everybody else will get

their acts together and work for India so that we can achieve what India should stand for." -PTI

Defense budget hiked by nearly 11 per cent NEW DELHI: The defense budget has been increased by 10.95 per cent to Rs 2.46 lakh crore for the next fiscal as compared to the revised estimates of Rs 2.22 lakh crore for 2014-15 as the government focuses on 'Make in India' to curtail overdependence on imports.

The defense budget accounts for nearly 13.88 per cent of the total central government expenditure for the year 2015-16 which is Rs 1,777,477.04 crore.

While the government had last year allotted Rs 2.29 lakh

crore in the budget, it was revised to Rs 2,22,370 crore.

The budget represents a growth of about 7.74 per cent over last year's budget estimates. However, it is far below what China spends on its defense. China's defense spending was USD 132 billion in 2014-15, a figure that many believe is under reported.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley underlined that defense of "every square inch of our mother land" comes before anything else.

Cont’d on page 16

16

TechBiz Post

India Post

March 6, 2015

www.indiapost.com

Indian businessmen in the UAE hail Budget DUBAI: Indian businessmen based in the UAE have largely welcomed Union Budget 2015.

They called the budget positive on several fronts and also welcomed strategic focus on financial inclusion.

The focus on Make-in-India will set India off on a faster trajec-

tory of growth opening up more avenues for NRIs to contribute to the nation's development, said B R Shetty, Managing Director and CEO of UAE Exchange.

"Reduction in Corporate Tax from 30 to 25 per cent over a 4year period, allowing foreign investments in Alternative Invest-

ment Funds, as well as replacing FDI and FPI with composite caps, was welcomed graciously by NRIs looking to invest in India," he said.

Welcoming the budget 2015, Kamal Vachani, Regional Director of Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC) and Group Director of Al

More tax benefits; but to pay more on services NEW DELHI: Giving with one hand and taking with the other, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has hiked tax deduction limit for individuals to Rs 4.44 lakh, but slapped an extra surcharge on super-rich and raised service tax rate.

The individual taxpayers would get additional deductions of up to Rs 74,600 a year from their taxable income following new measures, in lieu of investments in pension and health insurance schemes, among others.

At the same time, the increased super-rich surcharge and a higher service tax rate will

help the government mop up a net amount of Rs 15,068 crore in tax revenues in next fiscal.

The ultra-rich would, however, be spared of any wealth tax, which has been scrapped, and all with

annual income of Rs one crore or more would have to pay an increased super-rich surcharge of 12 per cent, up from 10 per cent cur-

rently.

The companies have emerged as the biggest gainer of the new taxation proposals, which include a phased reduction in the corporate tax rate from 30 per cent to 25 per cent over a period of four years.

In his bid to move closer to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, Jaitley raised service tax from 12.36 per cent to 14 per cent which will make smoking and consumption of other tobacco items, as also a whole lot of services including air travel, phone bills and eating out, more expensive.-PTI

Maya Group called it an investment-friendly budget.

The steps taken to boost infrastructure projects will improve roads and ports which will increase foreign trade.

Increasing visa on arrival from 43 countries to 150 countries will boost the tourist industry, he said.

Vachani said that the electronics industry in India will get major push with the abolition of special additional duty on electronics items.

"Providing electricity to all homes by 2020 will lead to increase in demand of consumer durable and home appliances," he said.

New government's first full year budget reflects the roadmap Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been evoking ever since he came to power.

"It is an endeavor in amalgamating aspects of social agenda with economic growth priorities, said Y Sudhir Kumar Shetty, President of the UAE Exchange.

While there are significant steps in the direction of economic growth priorities like the boost in infrastructure spending and phasing out of sick PSUs, the budget largely seems to aim at paving the way for India growth without los-

ing eye on welfare priorities, he said.

According to him, laudable initiatives include facilitating funding to small entrepreneurs with Mudra Bank refinancing microfinance institutions that will strengthen the Make-in-India prospects.

The budget however seem to have missed out on new government's posture of integrating overseas Indians into the country's growth story as there is no specific scheme that could benefit NRIs who remit billions to India, or any policy indication that will encourage NRIs to invest in India projects, Shetty said.

"If you look at the budget from an NRI perspective, it is very disappointing. However, the announcement of amendment to FEMA will hopefully bring some relief to us, said K V Shamsudheen, Director Barjeel Geojit Securities LLC.-PTI

Defense budget hiked by nearly 11 per cent Cont’d from page 15

"So far, we have been over dependent on imports, with its attendant unwelcome spin-offs," he said, adding that government has already permitted FDI in defense.

He said this was done so that the Indian-controlled entities also become manufacturers of defense equipments, not "only for us, but for export".

Speaking on the steps taken to boost the defense sector, Jaitley said the government is working towards self- sufficiency through the Make in India program in defense equipment including aircraft and added that the government has been both transparent and quick in making defense equipment related purchase decisions.

"This year too, I have provided adequately for the needs of the armed forces. As against likely expenditure of this year of Rs 2,22,370 crore the budget allocation for 2015-16 is Rs 2,46,727 crore," he said in his budget address.

He has earmarked Rs 94,588 crore for military modernization, which works out to 38 per cent of

the total defense outlay.

Incidentally, Rs 12,622 crore meant for modernization last year remained unspent. Of this, Rs 5,992 crore was diverted towards revenue spending.

India is seeking to fast-track its military modernization and has a number of pending deals ahead

like the multi-billion contract for 126 multi-role combat aircraft contract.

The other major acquisitions expected to be finalized include the deals for 22 Apache combat choppers, 15 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters and besides new submarines and vessels for the Indian Navy.-PTI

Desi News GOPIO Chicago's business conference in April SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: The Global Organization of Persons of Indian Origin, (GOPIO ) Chicago Chapter has announced hosting a Business Conference and Annual Gala on April-18, 5:30 pm onwards at Oak Brook Marriott, in Oakbrook, a south west suburb of Chicago.

GOPIO is one of the largest Indian organizations outside India having chapters in over 20 countries. Its Chicago Chapter President Gladson Varghese along with Executive Board conducted a press conference in Punjabi Dhaba Restaurant on Devon Avenue explaining the details of the April meeting.

Details on page 18

Glenbard North youth host India Night India Post News Service

CAROL STREAM: Glenbard North High School's Indian Student Association (ISA) hosted its seventh annual India Night on Feb 27 and 28. One of the largest high school cultural shows in all of Illinois, it took place at Glenbard North High School.

The theme for India Night 2015 was "A Suitable Ladka" which told the story of a mother trying to find the right boy for her daughter to marry. A palpable tension was present throughout the script as tradition and modernity clashed.

In the end, however, a beautiful love story emerged that demonstrated that you don't have to choose one over the other.

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

17 India Post

www.indiapost.com

Diverting desires & attachments from world to God

March 6, 2015

CG seminar sees exciting prospect of business with India RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: The Consulate General of India, Chicago, organized an Economic Partnership Seminar "India and the Midwest in conjunction with the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday February 17 at the Consulate office in Chicago Downtown. The event was attended by over 130 participants from Illinois, Indianapolis, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri and South Dakota.

The seminar was divided into two panels - Panel One focused on discussions on an Overview of USIndia Business Relations while Panel Two was on India and the US-Midwest Economic Partnerships.

Ms. Denise E. Harvill, Co-Chair of Global Connections Forum and Board Member of the Chicagoland

Indian CG sitting (center) with Midwest group attending seminar. -Pics Asian Media USA

open liaison offices, permanent establishment, branch offices, project offices or set up joint venture projects or partnership com-

panies in India.

Dr Ausaf Sayeed, Consul General, outlined the present economic scenario in India, the state

Details on page 19

Holi celebration in Milpitas on March 7 India Post News Service

FREMONT, CA: India Post has invited all to come and celebrate Holi, the "Festival of Colors" on Saturday, March 7, at Cardoza Park, Milpitas at 11 am. The admission is FREE. Join thousands of people to sprinkle colors and spread cheers with friends and family. This is the only Holi with biodegradable skinfriendly organic colors. Enjoy delicious food and dazzling musical and cultural extravaganza. Dance to the beats of Desi Dhol (Drum) and DJ. The event is being organized by FIA and Fremont temple.

Details on page 23

Details on page 25

Some of the seminar speakers (L-R) Indian CG Dr Ausaf Sayeed, Seann Nelipinath, Doug Potts, CGBP and Ms Mel Bromberg MCPH

Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the assembled guests and spoke of the existing ongoing cooperation between their Chamber and the Consulate.

The first panel comprising Dr Chirinjeev Kathuria, President and Chairman, New Generation Power, spoke about the changes taking place in India under the new government and the attractive prospects in future of doing business with India. He stressed that the energy and infrastructure sectors present huge opportunities in India.

The next speaker on the panel, Edward Weaver, J.D. C.P.A. Illinois and Manager, International Tax Services, Grant Thornton, mentioned about the tax policy in India and the taxes that would be applicable for US companies who

A section of the audience at the seminar

of economic reforms, the expanding infrastructure, economic initiatives taken by the new government led by Prime Minister Modi and its efforts to reduce red tape and expedite processes and transactions, the visa on arrival scheme, rationalization of subsidy on oil and gas, the Make in India campaign initiated by the Prime Minister of India to increase the contribution of manufacturing sector to the country's economy, concept of Smart Cities, the Delhi-Mumbai industrial corridor, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Jan Dhan Yojana and Digital India.

Cont’d on page 20

18 India Post

Community Across America

March 6, 2015

www.indiapost.com

GOPIO Chicago's business conference in April SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: The Global Organization of Persons of Indian Origin, (GOPIO ) Chicago Chapter has announced hosting a Business Conference and Annual Gala on April-18, 5:30 pm onwards at Oak Brook Marriott, in Oakbrook, a south west suburb of Chicago.

GOPIO is one of the largest Indian organizations outside India having chapters in over 20 countries. Its Chicago Chapter Presi-

parts of Chicago and suburbs can attend this event. The meeting is divided in three major sections: At 5:30 pm business networking starts, several business owners and staff will attend this event. Then at 6 pm business conference starts.

Gladson informed this paper that Lt. Governor of IL, Evelyn Sanguinetti, Congressman Danny Davis, Congressman Bob Dold,

At he annual Gala several dazzling dances, live music by very talented Bollywood singers, Fashion Show by American and Indian performers and several other entertainment programs will be presented.

Also at the event several awards will be presented for Leaders from Indian community. Among them are Best Businessman of the Year; Best Student of the year; Best Community leader of the year and Best Women leader of the year.

GOPIO Treasurer Syed Hussaini, Business conference Chairman Vikrant Singh, Secretary M. Savinder Singh, Advisory Board member Hina Trivedi, Jt. Treasurer Joe Nedumgottil, Board members Dr Bapu Arakapudi, Harish Kolasani and Media Advisory Board member Vandana Jhingan explained the details of various events and answered questions asked by the Media.

Tickets will be available at Sulekha.com starting March 15.

Dr Jain seeks to boost AAPI strength & image SURENDRA ULLAL

From left, Hina Trivedi, Syed Hussaini, Gladson Varghese, Vikrant Singh, Joe Nedumgottil, Harish Kolasani and Dr Bapu Arakapudi

dent Gladson Varghese along with Executive Board conducted a press conference in Punjabi Dhaba Restaurant on Devon Avenue explaining the details of the April meeting.

Gladson mentioned that GOPIO Chicago Chapter is very proud to organize this great event in Oak Brook Marriott, which is centrally located, so that people from various

State Senator Daniel Biss, IL Senate President John Cullerton, Business leaders J.P. Morgan Chase Midwest Chairperson and Former congresswomen Melissa Bean among others, would be among the prominent US and state lawmakers to attend this event.

Annual Gala and Dinner starts at 8 pm.

DETROIT, MI: With a substantial back- 1996-1997. He was AAPI Chair of Alumni ing from medical fraternity at large in the Committee and AAPI Legislative Affairs country and endorsement from Michigan Committee. A past President Baroda MediAssociation of Physicians of Indian Origin cal College Alumni Association, he was also (MAPI) and Baroda Medical College Alumna an AAPI delegate for Indo-US Healthcare Association (BMCAA), Dr Ashok Jain has Summit and Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. Cursought an elective trustee position with the rently he serves as Chair of Charitable FounAmerican Association of dation of MAPI. Physicians of Indian Origin Not resting on his laurels, (AAPI) this year.

Dr Jain in a talk to this paper Three of the nine members said that he would strive to of the trustee board are retirbroad base AAPI by raising ing and the positions are to the numbers of its patron be filled by AAPI members members and getting more thru election. Dr Jain appears and more second generation to be a front runner in the field Indian American physicians of six contestants, it is learnt. into its fold. "This should Besides bringing hefty expemake AAPI more effective and rience in the medical field, Dr have its voice heard at the Dr Ashok Jain Jain, an MD from MS Univerlocal, State and Federal level. sity Baroda, has acquitted We need to focus our attenhimself creditably serving the community tion at legislative level to address the need at large in various capacities. for increased Residency slots, permanent He is on the Board of Trustees of Jain and getting SGR - J1 Visa Waiver fixed," he Temple Detroit, Member and active sup- said. porter Covenant House, Detroit, Michigan, It is also important for the national level Chairman Board of Trustees Indo-American body like AAPI to be strong financially and Forum for Political Education (MI Chapter) make its affairs transparent. Jain said that and a Member Public Health Advisory he would strive to achieve these goals, if Council State of Michigan. He has been elected as Trustee. "It is also important that actively serving needy, homeless, and un- we pay back our dues to the country of our derprivileged in the region and is involved origin. There is a crying need to improve in teaching and mentorship. healthcare and medical education in India, Dr Jain has been associated with AAPI and collectively we should make AAPI since 1982 as its Patron member and has proud by contributing our mite in this diserved as its Regional Director NE Central rection," he added.

March 6, 2015

Community Across America

India Post 19

www.indiapost.com

Glenbard North youth host India Night

Pantheraas performs a dance from the state of Gujarat which uses sticks as props. -Pics Shruti Amin India Post News Service

CAROL STREAM: Glenbard North High School's Indian Stu-

strated that you don't have to choose one over the other.

The show included various acts, such as singing, dancing,

Bhangra, a dance from the state of Punjab, amazes the crowd with complex moves

want the show to be a success."

"ISA not only brings students together, it brings people together.

ISA teaches students pride and

All girls fusion group keeps the crowd pumped up with a mix of modern Indian and American

dent Association (ISA) hosted its seventh annual India Night on Feb 27 and 28. One of the largest high school cultural shows in all of Illinois, it took place at Glenbard North High School.

The theme for India Night 2015 was "A Suitable Ladka" which told the story of a mother trying to find the right boy for her daughter to marry. A palpable tension was present throughout the script as tradition and modernity clashed.

In the end, however, a beautiful love story emerged that demon-

acting and fashion show. Dances included Garba, Bollywood Modern, Bollywood Filmi, Bollywood Oldies, Teacher's Dance, Boy's Dance, Fusion, Bharatanatyam/ Kathak, Bhangra, Raas, and Final Dance.

"I couldn't be more proud of the ISA - each year the students continue to impress me more and more with their hard work and dedication," said Kevin Erday, advisor of the ISA. "This is more than just a student association - it's a family, and we all love each other and

the confidence to challenge things they originally thought impossible," said Allyson Feierberg.

"ISA is so much more than just a school organization or a show, it is a family." said Antonina Benigno. "A Suitable Ladka was a realistic presentation that took the audience to an Indian family's living room." said Bob Rajan "Glenbard North India Night isn't just the unique cultural show the audience gets to witness; rather, it is the sense of responsibility, dedication, and leadership that each member develops." said Vivek Patel "I joined ISA as a medium to make friends and get involved in the school. After 4-5 months of being part of this wonderful orga-

nization I didn't make friends, but found myself a new family," said Shrey Maheshwari Glenbard North High School's Indian Student Association (ISA) consists of more than 150 members. Each of them participated in India Night 2015 in some capacity: singing, dancing, acting, fashion show as well as behind the scenes including props, lighting, sound, costume, etc. ISA has three advisors: Kevin Erday, Antonina Benigno, and Allyson Feierberg.

ISA also has a 12-member executive board which includes Priya Patel, Riddhi Soni, Siddhi Soni, Priya Rajan, Bansari Patel, Purva Shah, Sana Abbasi, Sheel Vohra, Karan Mehta, Ohm Shukla, Maria Shenny and Reeva Savani.

Boys' Dance hit their final pose to win over the crowd as they burn up the stage

ISA takes the stage one last time for their final performance

20 India Post

Community Across America

March 6, 2015

www.indiapost.com

Sino-Tibetan Buddhist culture indebted to Kashmiri Pandits ELIZABETH VISUVALINGAM

CHICAGO: The University of Chicago professor Matthew Kapstein's lecture "Pandits and Poets: Kashmir's contribution to Buddhist literature and philosophy in Tibet," here at Block Museum Feb. 18 began with a glowing tribute to Shaiva tantric guru, philosopher and connoisseur, Abhinavagupta (c. 950-1020).

Professor Matthew Kapstein

Abhinava's intuitive aesthetic vision of the fundamental, blissful, unity of worldly experience and ultimate reality was mirrored in subsequent Indo-Tibetan Buddhism with resonances as far away as imperial China. Kapstein explored likely channels of transmission, before coming back a full circle.

Kashmiri Buddhism was not only transmitted indirectly via Ladakh, the focus of Block's ongoing "Collecting Paradise" exhibition on Western Himalayan art.

So central was the "Light of Asia" to Tibet's civilizational identity that its lamas eagerly sought to assimilate the entire framework of classical Indian culture within which "Buddha-nature" had been elaborated and secured.

Ngok Loden Sherab in the 1070s braved difficult terrain to study at the feet of Kashmiri Buddhist luminary Sajjana, bringing back and translating precious Sanskrit manuscripts. Sherab's two companions, who stayed back long enough, were initiated into the esoteric core of their master's tantric teaching that strikingly reflects Abhinava's own unitary Shaiva vision.

Kashmir remained such a creative trans-Himalayan beacon of culture, largely because it continued to draw sustenance from the rest of the subcontinent.

Shakyashri Bhadra (1127-1225), "Great Kashmiri Pandit" of the Tibetans, having mastered the Valley's lore by age 30, moved to Varanasi to study the most esoteric Kalacakra and Cakrasamvara (Buddhist counterpart of the Hindu Bhairava) tantras, before

visiting eastern India and Sri Lanka to teach.

This head of Nalanda and Vikramashila universities, who had to find refuge in Orissa before the marauding Bakhtyar Khilji (1202

Doug Potts, CGBP, International Trade Manager - Europe, Middle East & India, International Trade & Investment Office, Missouri Dept. of Economic Development, initiated discussions on the second panel mentioning that while interest in the Indian market has peaked during the last five years, exports from Missouri have grown significantly with the opening of their office in Pune in 2011. He informed that they would be trying for a visit by the Governor to India in 2016.

Raju Chinthala, President, Indianapolis-Hyderabad Sister City Committee, spoke on the Sister City relationships between Hyderabad and Indianapolis, known for their strengths and partnerships since 2010. He described the way by which such partnerships could be used to strategies economic development of such Sister Cities.

Ms Mel Bromberg, Principle, WaterSHED International LLC, spoke on the Swachh Bharat, cleaning initiative launched re-

cently, stressing the importance of sanitation and allied infrastructure.

Seann Nelipinath, Chairman, India Chamber of Commerce, USA, spoke on the accompanying advances of the Make in India project and the business friendly

Raju Chinthala, President, IndianapolisHyderabad Sister City Committee, spoke on the Sister City relationships between Hyderabad and Indianapolis, known for their strengths changes that have been ushered in by the new government, leading to increased investment opportunities, trade and commerce and the US corporate and business expectations from the new government.

He pointed out that India was the only market that survived glo-

tales, the cosmopolitan Vaishnava poet Kshemendra was induced, probably by Sajjana, to compose Avadana Kalpalata versifying the Buddha's myriad rebirths. Though the integrality of its Sanskrit origi-

The only Hindu artifact on display in "Collecting Paradise" is this magnificent statue of Kashmira, Shaiva tutelary goddess of the Valley. - Pics courtesy Rubin Museum

CE.), left for Tibet with nine disciples, constituting a "traveling university" that was a windfall for the lamas.

Sakya Pandita Kunga Gyeltsen (1182-1251), Shakyashri's illustri-

CG seminar sees exciting prospect of business with India Cont’d from page 17

ous Tibetan disciple, insisted that his cloistered compatriots assimilate Sanskritic culture, resulting in a Tibetan Renaissance. As Pandita's fame spread across the expanding Mongolian empire, he

bal economic crises, primarily due to its strong and stable economic base. He referred to the need to formalize incentives in the role that Midwest companies should foresee in India in the sectors of transportation, construction, education, skill, vocational and insurance centers as also in the pharmaceutical industry.

The last speaker, Sampath Ramesh, Lecturer of Global Initiatives in Management, Kellogg School of Management Northwestern University, stated that the new Prime Minister had recognized the importance of manufacturing in his Make in India project which was directly linked to national economic growth. He categorized the differences between the economic liberalization of 1992 vis-Ă -vis the present initiative. He also referred to the setting up of industrial corridors, the incentives available to potential investors and the opportunities for US Midwest companies.

The closing remarks were made

by Ms Theresa E. Mintle, President & CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce.

was 'invited' to visit their Khan Godan in China, which he did with his 10-year-old nephew and eventually chosen successor Phagpa, who became spiritual preceptor to emperor Kublai Khan before being appointed temporal ruler of Central Tibet.

While guru Shakyashri returned to spend the last 12 of his 99 years in the "vale of paradise" that was his native Kashmir, Pandita died after five years at the Mongol court. What the Tibetan pundits were transmitting to China and Central Asia was their appreciation of Indian Buddhism and Brahmanical learning as a whole.

The basic opposition shaping the intertwined evolution of Hindu and Buddhist philosophical traditions stems from the Upanishadic insistence on a transcendental Self (Atman) that the Buddha deconstructed as a false notion underpinning the painful cycle of rebirth.

But alongside the limited exoteric teaching of 'self' as empty, disseminated as Buddhist orthodoxy, Sajjana's esoteric understanding (Shentong) also received attentive hearing across Tibet.

Developed by Dolpopa Sherab Gyeltsen (1292-1361), Shentong flourished until his successors were persecuted by the Fifth Dalai Lama (1617-1682) for smuggling in the Vedantic Atman through the backdoor. Shentong insists on the immediacy, as opposed to mere potentiality, of our blissful Buddha-nature.

Celebrated in India for his satires, humor and renderings of epic

nal was lost in India, the entire cycle was translated and preserved in Tibetan.

The Fifth Dalai Lama published a bilingual edition and encouraged artistic works based on its themes.

In Eastern Tibet, the authoritative painter-chaplain Situ Panchen (1700-1774), who had them illustrated Chinese style, also popularized Shentong, thereby foreshadowing the eclectic universalist 19th C. movement on the SinoTibetan frontier.

Kshemendra was a disciple of Abhinava, who taught that the "recognition of (the Self's) fullness" (purnata-pratyabhijna) authorized the consummate Shaiva guru to teach Vaishnava and Buddhist doctrines, with genuine sympathy, to respective adherents of these otherwise distinct currents of faith. The present Dalai Lama has a more liberal attitude to this "quasiKashmir Shaiva" tradition.

Tsong Khapa, founder of the Dalai Lama's Gelugpa order, was deemed a reincarnation of and named after Kashmiri Pandit Sumati Kirti, who played a key role in the transmission of Cakrasamvara tantric literature and practices.

What the now Islamized Valley meant as spiritual home and seat of learning to Buddhists across Asia is on display in "Collecting Paradise" through its tutelary Shaiva goddess, Kashmira: the long overlooked consecration text preserved within her 'empty' core is not in her native Sharada script but in Tibetan!-Pic courtesy exhibition curator Robert Linrothe

March 6, 2015

Community Across America

India Post 21

www.indiapost.com

Self-realization is the highest purpose of life

M

aster, what shall I do to be sure of my eternal life?" a disciple asks Jesus. "Love thy neighbor as thyself", replied Jesus and relates a story the upshot of which is that everybody in the world is our "neighbor" and we should not do a thing which we would not do to ourselves. This is a basic tenet of Karma Yoga and a way to salvation or eternal life.

Indian philosophical thought centers around this goal of life - Self realization (Moksha, Mukti or Nirvan) and our Saints, Gyanis or Avatars have reiterated time and again that this could be achieved thru the paths of Karma Yoga, Gyan Yoga or Bhakti yoga.

God - Brahma - the creator in His own subtle way has provided power or a grand opportunity to humans to get self realization or eternal life. Human beings are His best creation. He has given them the gift of super brain-consciousness, which is most precious in the world. He also created beautiful nature with numerous species to maintain the balance of eco-system. All religions do however, emphasize that human life is evolved after a great discerning assessment

by God. In Uttar Kanda, Lord Ram himself says that it is hard even for gods to be born as human beings to enjoy the glory and grandeur of the crePandit Anil Joshi ations of the God. Bade bhagya, manush tan pawa Sur durlabh saddh granth nagawa (42 Doha) Along with beautiful life, as, human beings, we also have responsibilities to protect nature and other living creatures. We have our duties towards family, community, society. At the same time, our religions preach us to speak truth, not to steal, love others, be nice and helpful to others around us, and become a good person with such good qualities. Instead of being thankful to the creator, we forget him and his expectations.

As an individual, we should think about uplifting ourselves with simple values such as being humble and compassionate to others, be satisfied with what God has given us in this life, and perform our duties honestly. Moreover, we should try to realize the goals of life such as Who am I? What for am I here? And what am I doing?

These three questions when thought over seriously, open up the doors to spiritual selfdiscovery. We often become so immersed in our material life that we begin to identify ourselves with our possessions, our jobs, and roles in relationships. We should look beyond this worldly life and materialism. We need to know first, who am I?

PANDIT ANIL JOSHI

In Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna says, "Mamai vansho jivloke jivbhuta sanatana" (Ch. 15, V. 7) which means, "all the living entities in this world are my eternal, fragmental parts and I am the Supreme Controller who sits in the heart of all the living beings. These living beings themselves are riding inside a machine as soul, made up of material elements."

Ishwara sarva bhutanam hrideshe Arjuna tishtati Brahmayan sarva bhutani yantra rudhani mayaya (Bhagavad Gita, Ch. 18, V. 61)

Krishna also says, you are not just body or mind. You are an eternal life force, a part of the super soul of the Creator. You are an

Along with beautiful life, as, human beings, we also have responsibilities to protect nature and other living creatures. We have our duties towards family

undying soul or the spirit or the atma in a human body. You are a human being; you are not just a Hindu, or a Christian or a Muslim. There is no difference among human beings, all are equal. According to Mahopanisad, this whole world is a 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (one big joint family) and we are all brothers and sisters.

Everyone is the part of His creation, and member of His big family it does not matter which part of the earth they are living in or whatever religion they profess.

Cont’d on page 25

Community Across America

22 India Post

March 6, 2015

www.indiapost.com

Holi celebrated with great joy at Sunnyvale Temple

Raj Bhanot and his team of volunteers India Post News Service

FREMONT, CA: In spite of bad whether, Holi festival was celebrated with great joy at the Sunnyvale Hindu Temple by devotees, priests, temple management and staff. Even with the light shower during Holi, over 1,000 people gathered at the annual Holi

Celebrations on Saturday, February 28, at the Hindu Temple and Community Center in Sunnyvale, California. The event featured an assortment of colorful fun, Rang and Raas with lunch, and cultural performances and live DJ music all through the day.

It was surprising that people came out in large groups to enjoy

Holi in the cold and rainy weather.

"Dealing with the rain was a huge challenge for us since our event was outdoors but everything turned out well," Raj Bhanot, Cofounder and Treasurer, told India Post. Nonetheless, folks enjoyed playing with color and dancing to celebrate victory of good over evil.

Holi is the festival of color and

it is celebrated over two days. The first day is Holika Dahan where people light a bonfire that signifies the destruction of evil. The second day is the actual fun part where people play with color and water.

For the past 18 years the Sunnyvale Temple has been celebrating Holi with enthusiasm and this year

was no different. The festival was a great way for families to meet each other and put color on each other.

It was also another venue where children displayed their talents during the cultural program.

NetApp was the parking provider for more than a 1,000 vehicles and the Temple management made arrangements for shuttle buses.

Raj Bhanot honored in Jalandhar with civic reception India Post News Service

JALANDHAR, Punjab: Raj Bhanot, Human Rights Commission member of Californian city San Jose, and co-founder and

Yogi. Members of different religious and social associations took part in the event. On this occasion, Virendra Sharma Yogi revealed that Raj Bhanot was among those few Indians who have kept

Indians there.

Bhanot told the assembly that at the Sunnyvale temple all Indian festivals are celebrated with great respect and according to tradition. Diwali and Holi fairs are

Raj Bhanot, Vipin Bhanot and Satnam Singh Khalsa being felicitated

trustee of the Sunnyvale Hindu Temple, was accorded a civic reception here at a special function arranged in his honor under the chairmanship of Virendra Sharma

the flag of Indian and Hindu culture flying abroad. Even as looking after the administration of the Sunnyvale temple, Bhanot is active in protecting the human rights of

No differences in Temple

R

aj Bhanot said that there are no differences about north and south Indians in the Sunnyvale Hindu temple which he administers. There are seven priests in the temple of which four are from South India and three from North India. Many top dignitaries like RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Anna Hazare, chief ministers of various Indian states and others have visited the temple.

In different parts of America there are different temples for North Indian and South Indians but there are no such differences in the California temple.

held with great pomp and show.

He invited members of Jalandhar religious organizations to visit America. This way they would not only be able to guide us but also see what we are doing there and how successful we have been in our efforts.

Raj Bhanot was honored by different religious organizations.

Among the participants at this event were Satnam Singh Khalsa, Kamal Chatrath, Kamaljit Taneja, Jatindra Sharma, Surendra Sharma of Kesar, Banmali Kant Sharma, Shesh Sharma, Amarnath Yadav, Vijay Gupta, K.K. Bansal, Vipin Bhanot and Rahul Sharma.

Human rights violations in China

four years and earlier also he has been a member of the human rights commission. He said the American government takes the issue of At another event, Raj Bhanot human rights very seriously. He related how Chinese Americans said he once saw an American are ill-treated when they visit their police official ill treating an Indian country. They are even jailed American. He made a video of the there, he said. This was his experi- incident and presented it to the ence as Chinese Americans had Human Rights Commission. As a registered maximum complaints of consequence, the promotion of human rights violations in the San the said official was stopped and Jose Human Rights Commission he was also denied opportunity to of which Raj Bhanot is a member. be police commissioner.

He said when terrorist Kulbir He said the Commission has 11 Singh Badapind was arrested, his members of which two are Indian.

Among the members are Chinese, Vietnamese and some other including Muslim countries.

On receiving complaints the commission sets up an inquiry and its report is Raj Bhanot with Virendra Sharma Yogi sent to the City Councommission had passed a resolu- cil. The City Council then takes up tion requesting Punjab Police to with the concerned countries the matters related to human rights protest his human rights.

Raj Bhanot said his tenure is of violations.

Community Across America

March 6, 2015

India Post 23

www.indiapost.com

Abundance of talent at Spandana Spelling Bee India Post News Service

SAN RAMON, CA: Spandana Foundation organized its 4th annual spelling competition

Chandrasekhara Azad.

The event was a great success with 210 students from 1st grade to 8th grade from over 30 schools of Bay Area, CA competing for

Seniors overall winners

"Spandana Spelling Bee 2015" at Windmere Ranch Middle School, San Ramon on Sunday, February 22.

"The competition was in two stages, written test followed by oral round. Top 50 students from 1st round of written test in each category advanced to the oral round and fiercely competed to win category championship", said Spandana Foundation board of director and event coordinator

honors in three categories of Junior, Intermediate and Senior. "We hope to encourage students to compete and excel for a bright future while at the same time providing a platform for parents to give back to society and cultivate a habit of doing good in children," he added.

It was a pleasure watching such an abundance of talent and fierce competition in each category with "Oral Spelling" segment often go-

Holi celebration in Milpitas on March 7 India Post News Service

FREMONT, CA: India Post has invited all to come and celebrate Holi, the "Festival of Colors" on Saturday, March 7, at Cardoza Park, Milpitas at 11 am. The admission is FREE. Join thousands of people to sprinkle colors and spread cheers with friends and family. This is the

only Holi with biodegradable skinfriendly organic colors. Enjoy delicious food and dazzling musical and cultural extravaganza. Dance to the beats of Desi Dhol (Drum) and DJ. The event is being organized by FIA and Fremont temple.

For more information call 510565-9993 or join www.facebook.com/events/ 1413257125637251

ing into multiple rounds of as many as 18 rounds in the case of Junior category! In each category of Seniors, Intermediate and Juniors top three winners were awarded trophies.

"We also recognize and appreciate so much of talent and to encourage more students, top three students in each grade are recognized with merit certificates" said Hari Moola another director.

The event was graced by San R a m o n Mayor Bill Clarkson and California ass e m b l y woman Mrs Catherine Baker. Addressing the audience Clarkson said that this is the 3rd year in a row he has the honor to be part of this event. Congratulating Spandana Foundation and students he said that City of San Ramon will once again recognize the winners of this competition at city level and award them with certificate of recognition from the city of San Ramon.

Mrs Catherine Baker said that Spandana Foundation is not only doing great charity work beyond the borders of our country reflecting true American spirit but also encouraging the local talent contributing to overall community development. She announced that winners of this competition would be recognized by State Congress as well!

Mr Giri Lankipalle, Director and Founding member said "There are three goals for Spandana in organizing this competition, fundraising for Spandana, providing platform for kids to learn, compete & excel and finally making kids aware of philanthropy. Participation fee of $30 from each student will help supporting 1 year of high-school education in India for the poor and deserving students".

Lankipalle said, in the last 7 years, Spandana helped over 15000 high school kids and helped over 200 medical and engineering students in India for their higher education. He requested all the parents to involve in social service and make a difference to community both here in USA and in India.

Azad thanked all the volunteers for their tireless work for over two months to make this event such a grand success. "Syamala

Spandana Foundation is a nonprofit organization working to improve the lives of poor and the needy in the fields of education and health. Spandana Foundation mission is "to help and aid the poor and the deprived people in the fields of Basic Living, Education and health by actively encouraging and engaging youth in service activities".

Spandana Foundation can be contacted at Spandana.org Spandana Spelling Bee 2015

Intermediate overall winners

Aramandla, Rohit Tiple, Sirish Aramandla, Bheem Sen, Prasad Sabbineni, Sarat Popuri, Sunita Kotapati, Lavanya Penikala, Ravi Penikala, Padmaja Maddali, Shobha Moola, Rajani Lankepalli, Bhagat Aramandla and many others spent numerous hours for over two months to prepare for this

Winners: Senior category: Rutvik Gandhasari (1st place), Sujana Sridhar (2nd place), Sahithi Madireddy (3rd place) Intermediate category: Anisha Rao (1st place), Adi Kumar (2nd place), Shruthik Kulakarni (3rd place)

Junior overall winners

event. We cannot thank enough for their commitment and time" he added. Hari Moola thanked event sponsors for their support.

Junior category: Shashvath Iyer (1st place), Arya Reddyvari (2nd place), Paluck Singhal (3rd place)

24 India Post

Community Across America

March 6, 2015

www.indiapost.com

My trip to India with Obama entourage

T

he White House had invited me to join President Barack Obama on a trip for India's Republic Day. Since I have no political affiliations (I call myself an "American"), I saw this as an opportunity to be part of history. As a boy from Mumbai who came to Boston as a teenager with $50 in his pocket, I owe everything to America. To visit the country of my birth with President Obama

VIVEK RANADIVÉ

was a privilege and an honor I simply could not refuse.

Months earlier, I witnessed history when I watched India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi galvanize 20,000 cheering Indian-Americans at Madison Square Garden. My daughter Anjali sang the national anthem, and while I was there to support her, I was also curious to get a firsthand look at the new leader who had taken India by

storm. I was impressed with Prime Minister Modi's combination of vision, values, action orientation and humility.

Shortly after accepting the invitation, Honeywell's CEO Dave Cote reached out to me. Cote had been Co-Chair of the US-India CEO Forum for 10 years, and I was delighted to learn that my friends PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi, MasterCard CEO Ajay Banga,

Westinghouse Electric CEO Daniel Roderick and other executives would be part of the delegation.

In other words, I would be the

Vivek Ranadive

employment to tens of thousands.

Iger talked about how pirated movies were robbing both local and overseas content creators of large revenue streams. Infrastructure, refrigerated food supply chains and consistent regulations that adhere to global standards were the core issues summarized in our working paper.

The trip was not without its glamorous moments. New Delhi was lit up for the world, as we proceeded throughout the city in the official motorcade. It was a sight to behold: business titans in a minivan taking pictures like school children. We took pictures at the Secretariat Building and met up with other members of the president's delegation. I was proud to see fellow Californians U.S. Congressman Ami Bera (DCalif.) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).

While the meetings with Prime Minster Modi, President Obama and the Indian delegation were special, I cherished the small dinner Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker organized with the President. She left no doubt that while there were always hurdles, we would grow and improve the U.S.India relationship. We talked late into the night about the trip, cul-

underachiever on this road trip.

The delegation arrived in Delhi in the early hours of Saturday from different locations - Indra, Ajay and myself directly from Davos.

Over lunch, Cote guided the delegation as we crafted a working paper on how best to increase trade; in Silicon Valley speak, in a "nonlinear" fashion. The goal was to expand trade between the two countries from $100 billion a year to $500 billion a year over the next decade. Not an unrealistic target, considering China's trade with the U.S. is currently over $500 billion a year. There was also the matter of resolving liability issues around There will be a shift in nuclear energy, which both sides were keen to India to a postcolonial, accomplish. post-socialist country Each of us contributed to the working pa- strongly aligned with the per based on our backgrounds and expertise, United States and I focused on technology and infrastructure. While it is great to have bril- ture, art, geopolitics and, of course, liant software engineers in India, my Sacramento Kings. The Presiif it takes hours to commute and dent had vast and deep knowledge they have limited Internet access, on a variety of subjects, and I then productivity is severely lim- asked for his help in getting ited. Wearing my Sacramento "Boogie" (DeMarcus Cousins, my Kings hat, I lamented the fact that team's center) on the NBA All-Star India currently does not have an team.

NBA-class arena to serve as a galAs the trip ended, I reflected vanizing force and civic space in on how proud I am to be an Amerithe community. Indeed, Prime can. Our business leaders are the Minister Modi has a dream of cre- finest in the world. I believe there ating smart cities, and arenas will be a shift in India to a should be central to that project. postcolonial, post-socialist counThis is not a new idea - after all, try strongly aligned with the cities have been built around coli- United States. We will quintuple seums for thousands of years. trade with India over the next deSorenson wanted to open ho- cade. India will become one of tels, and he explained how it took America's most important partners at least 106 permits in India and in the 21st century and finally just six in Singapore. Roderick had achieve its full potential.

Vivek RanadivĂŠ is Sacramento spent six months in India trying to build nuclear reactors and provide Kings Chairman

March 6, 2015

Community Across America

India Post 25

www.indiapost.com

Diverting desires & attachments from world to God

I

n the last article, while discussing the practical aspects of karm yog, I explained the difference between undertaking an action with a positive goal in mind, and undertaking an action with a personal attachment to the outcome. The question thus arises: How can a person undertake an action without personal attachment to the outcome - that is only possible if the mind is attached in God. Let us understand this aspect more.

Why does our mind seek happiness?

Why is attachment of the mind in God necessary? Can the mind not be simply detached from the world? The reason is that the mind

SWAMI NIKHILANAND

up desiring happiness, we must change the field in which we seek that happiness. In other words, we should desire happiness from God, instead of from the world.

Since there are only 3 eternal entities (God, maya and the souls), there are only two possible places for the souls to seek happiness either in God, or in maya (the world).

If we choose to seek happiness from the world, then we will become attached in the world, and we would not be able to perform karm yog. But if we choose to seek happiness in God, then we become attached to Him. To the extent we become attached to God, we become unattached from the world,

It is up to us: we should decide where to attach our mind based on what we want to attain. Attachment in the world leads to rebirth in the world, and attachment to God leads to the attainment of Divine bliss. The choice is ours. can never remain in a pending state, because it is always actively seeking happiness. Wherever it develops a hope of finding happiness, it becomes attached.

Thus, the only way to stop forming attachments would be to stop desiring happiness. Yet, it is impossible to stop desiring happiness, because that is the nature of every soul. Every soul is an ansh of God (a part of God), who is Divine bliss, and it is the nature of an ansh to desire his anshi (the one to whom he belongs, or the one of whom he is a part). Thus, it is the nature of every soul to desire God, since every soul is an ansh of God. Just like water is drawn towards the sea, we are drawn towards God. But this pull of our soul towards God is felt in the mind as the desire for happiness (since God is happiness). Then how could we stop desiring happiness?

It is against our very nature. Thus, as long as we are seeking happiness, we will continue to form attachments to the objects, people and attainments we believe will bring us happiness. Then how could we undertake any action without attachment to the outcome? It is impossible for anyone who desires happiness, as is proven above.

The secret of attachment & detachment Then how can we practically do karm yog, which requires us to perform actions without attachment? In order to perform karm yog, we must attach our mind in God. Since it is unnatural to give

and to the same extent we are able to perform actions as karm yog.

The main point is that the mind will definitely be attached either in the world or to God - there is no third option, and it is unnatural to have no attachment. This shows why the mind cannot remain in a state of pending, but instead is constantly seeking happiness and forming attachments. Thus, the only way to perform actions without attachment in the world is to divert the desires of the mind towards God. Understanding this secret of attachment and detachment is imperative; otherwise we will always struggle with the idea of practicing karm yog.

Are all desires and attachments bad?

Desiring happiness from God instead of from the world will only happen when we have accepted that true happiness is in God, not in the world (explained in previous articles on this chapter). In other words, when a person believes that he will get happiness by seeing Krishna (not by seeing the world); by hearing Krishna (not by hearing the world), etc., then he will begin to desire Krishna instead of the world.

This raises a question - isn't de-

siring God a desire too? Is being attached to God not also an attachment? Why would we be rewarded for continuing to foster desire and attachment? Because desire and attachment are not inherently wrong. They are natural and unavoidable, as explained above. The critical point is only this - where is our mind attached? Do we desire maya, or God? By desiring maya, we foster mayic attachments, and this adds to the impurity of the mind, and multiplies our mayic bondage.

By desiring God and attaching our mind to Him, we create a connection with Him, which causes our mind to purify. Thus, desiring and forming attachments is a natural process of the mind, and if this process is turned towards God, it becomes the means of joining our mind with God and purifying the mind.

If we attach our mind in the world, we will attain the world, which is not the form of true happiness, and will lead us to disappointment and stress. If we attach our mind to God, we will attain true happiness.

Thus, it is up to us: we should decide where to attach our mind based on what we want to attain.

Attachment in the world leads to rebirth in the world, and attachment to God leads to the attainment of Divine bliss. The choice is ours.

Now you have learned how to attach your mind to God, instead

Swami Nikhilanand

of to the world. This will allow you to perform actions without attachment to the outcome, as instructed

by Shree Krishna. The next question is that without attachment, how will we do our duty properly?

Will we not become uncaring and apathetic? In such a state, how will we care for our children? How will we be able to work? These questions will be addressed in the next article.

Disciple of Shree Kripaluji Maharaj: Swami Nikhilanand Ji is a Ca-

nadian born Hindu spiritual leader based in Austin, Texas. He is a sanyasi disciple and pracharak of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj.

Attracted to the teachings of Hinduism from a young age, Swamiji eventually let his deep spiritual longing lead him to India, where he was most fortunate to come under the guidance of Shree Kripaluji Maharaj. Thereafter, living in the ashrams of JKP, he extensively studied Hindi, the philosophy of the prime Sanskrit scriptures (Vedas, Darshan Shastras, Gita, Bhagwatam), and practiced meditation in the tradition of raganuga bhakti. In 2003, he was given sanyas.

Now, with the blessings of his

Guruji, he offers satsang programs throughout America, engaging audiences with his clear explanations of Hindu philosophy coupled with inspired chanting of Sanskrit mantras and shlokas and charming namsankirtan. His informative and compelling speeches provide practical insight into how to adopt the teachings of Sanatan Dharm into our daily lives, and inspire us to awaken our inner spiritual potential.

To stay in touch with Swami NikhilanandJi, like his Facebook page at https:// w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / SwamiNikhilanand or follow him on twitter at https://twitter.com/ Swami_Nikhil.

Self-realization is the highest purpose of life Cont’d from page 21

self by asking, when God has given you a beautiful life, family, society, nature and the world, whether you are enjoying being a part of them and serving them in your own way for their enhancement for our next generation.

We are responsible for our actions in life whether they are good or bad. Self-realization of the goals of life is essential to prepare for next life. The stages of life help us to realize our goals in a proper way.

There are four stages: 1) Brahmacharya (student), Grihastha

Ayam bandhurayam neti ganana laghucetasam| udaracaritanam tu vasudhaiva kutumbakam || (Chapter VI, verse 70-73) The above verse states that the whole world has to live together like a family. Swami Vivekananda, a great Indian philosopher also emphasized on building a "world without borders." As we all know, the core preaching of all religions is the same but we may follow different ways to achieve the goals of life. We all need to work together to We are responsible for our maintain peace and harmony in the world by actions in life whether they realizing the primary are good or bad. Selfpurposes of the life. realization of the goals of Every one of us needs to ask this ques- life is essential to prepare tion, what for am I here? for next life.

We are here for some purpose and perform certain actions and use our power, (householder), Vanaprastha (reknowledge, science, technology, tired) and Sannyasa (renunciation). money, and labor for a good cause When we learn values in the first and sharing it with others for their stage and uphold and practice welfare and benefit. We have to them in the second stage then in assess our actions with respect to later stages, we can do and preach valuing all the human beings in the good things. If we do not realize same way, protecting women, chil- our true goals and actions on time, dren, elderly, and poor people as we will be at loss. So, we should expected by our social setting. It check whether our actions are benis necessary to anchor primary eficial to others. purposes as our true identity.

This enlightenment or self-reA true identity of oneself will alization is considered to be the be discovered when you ask the highest purpose of life, although question, what am I doing. What- very few can achieve it in a single ever you are doing ask yourself lifetime. But this insight will cerwhether you are performing your tainly place us on the right track actions in a proper way, and with to move towards Moksha or libfull honesty. Cross-examine your- eration from re-birth.

26

March 6, 2015

India Post www.indiapost.com

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

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

Tel: (314) 423-9990 or (800) 55 SEEMA Fax: (314) 423-0391

FOR ALL YOUR

TRAVEL NEEDS INTERNATIONAL DOMESTIC

AIR INDIA AND ALL OTHER MAJOR AIRLINES.

PACKAGE DEAL TAJ TOUR-SOTC

CALL:

Sita Ram Patel @ 847-568-0535 New York (Hicksville)

AIRWING TRAVELS INC.

Tel: (516) 931 4600

Est. 1991 Toll Free: (866) 532 3413

New Jersey (Iselin)

Tel: (732) 658 5450

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

March 6, 2015

www.indiapost.com

India Post 27

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Sooraj Dooba Hain : Roy 2 Tu Hai Ki Nahi : Roy 3 Jee Karda: Badlapur 4 Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan: Roy 5 Khamoshiyan : India Post

28

www.indiapost.com

R

March 6, 2015

ecently, Salman Khan commented about Anushka Sharma's boy friend and ace cricketer Virat Kohli which apparently did not go well with the 'PK' actress. Salman calls Virat "too metrosexual" and following the unfavorable comment about Virat, it is said that Anushka Sharma refused to work with Salman Khan.

As per report, Anushka was approached for YRF's 'Sultan' but the actress turned down citing busy schedule.

At the promotional event of her production debut 'NH10', Anushka was asked if she would like to star opposite Salman Khan after working with Shahrukh Khan and Aamir Khan, the actress' reply was not too convincing.

The actress was quoted as saying that anybody would love to work with Salman, but she has a packed schedule following three releases this year - 'NH10', 'Bombay Velvet' and 'Dil Dhadakne Do'.

M

egastar Amitabh Bachchan and Deepika Padukone have wrapped up the shooting of Soojit Sircar's 'Piku' and the duo shares a great relationship. This is the second time Big B and Deepika are playing the role of a father-daughter after 'Aarakshan' and they really bonds well on and off the screen.

For a while now, Deepika Padukone has been addressing Amitabh Bachchan as Baba (father) on the set of 'Piku' and the other members of the cast and crew of the film, including Irrfan Khan, also call him Baba now. "Bachchan sir likes the way Deepika and the others address him as Baba," says a source from the film's unit.

Big B also got a new pet name for his on-screen daughter. He calls Deepika, 'Deepiku.'

"The way they address each other, on and off the sets, shows the comfortable relationship they share," says Juhi Chaturvedi, the writer of the film.

"Bachchan sir likes the way Deepika and the others address him as Baba," says a source from the film's unit.

Khamoshiyan 6 Jeena Jeena : Badlapur 7 Chaar Kadam : PK 8 Tu Har Lamha : Khamoshiyan 9 Dance Basanti : Ungli 10 Piddly : Shamitabh

S

ujoy Ghosh is di recting the Hindi adaptation of the best-selling Japanese romantic thriller 'The Devotion Of Suspect X' written by best-selling author Keigo Higashino.

While the film has already been made in Japanese and Korean languages, the same is currently being made in Hollywood too.

The book is an atmospheric thriller about a desperate woman craving a peaceful life, but who ends up killing her abusive ex-husband. The nextdoor neighbor helps hide the body and improvises a cover-up. When the body is eventually found, a determined investigator senses that something is amiss, thereby giving rise to a thrilling cat-and-mouse game.

Saif Ali Khan has been finalized for playing the investigator in the film. It is now confirmed that Kangana Ranaut will be playing the role of the woman.

March 6, 2015

Bollywood

India Post 29

www.indiapost.com

A

popular film actress and a fashionista, Sonam Kapoor says she has one regret in her life - that she didn't complete her graduation. The 29-year-old, however, hopes to get her degree this year. "My biggest regret is I've not completed my studies. But I'm going to finish my graduation this year. I'm going to fill in the forms to get my undergraduate degree in literature. For me, it's one of those things that I regret the most," Sonam said on the sidelines of L'Oreal Paris Femina World Awards 2015 here.

Sonam, who appeared in films like 'Saawariya', 'I Hate Luv Storys', 'Raanjhanaa' and 'Khoobsurat' among others, feels that she should have waited for four more years before entering showbiz. "I stopped studying at the 12th. Then I came and become actress. I could have waited for four years," she said.

S

herlyn Chopra has been signed on to play a double role in Satellite Pictures' next venture. The movie, which is yet untitled, will be produced by Subhash Choudhary and Shaila. The producer duo's earlier production 'Filmistaan' bagged the National Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi in 2012.

In sharp contrast to the award-winning film that had debutant actors, the makers were keen to sign on an established actress for their next. "The premise of this film is much more challenging than that of Filmistaan. We were aware that the lead role was a rather difficult one. So we thought that we would need a talented and established actress to play the protagonist," says Subhash.

T

he very attractive Shriya Saran, who balances her career between South Indian cin ema and Bollywood, has been signed to play Ajay Devgn's wife in the Nishikant Kamat film; a Hindi remake of Drishyam.

Producer Kumar Mangat said, "Yes, we are happy to have Shriya on board. She fits the role perfectly.'' Sources say the remake that features Tabu as a super-cop will be shot through summer in Goa and Hyderabad.

It is learnt that before Ajay flies to Goa to shoot with Shriya, the actor-filmmaker also plans to fly to Belgrade, and perhaps a bit later to Bulgaria, to scout locations for his directorial venture Shivaay, that is expected to go on floors this winter.

She fits the role perfectly.'' Sources say the remake that features Tabu as a SUPER-COP will be shot through summer in Goa and Hyderabad

R

imi Sen, who had disap peared from the film circuit for years after doing movies like Dhoom, Golmaal: Fun Unlimited, Baghban and Johnny Gaddaar, has resurfaced.

Recently, the actress made her debut on a social networking site as Subhamitra Sen. She is seen connecting with her friends and posting selfies on the site. When contacted, Rimi confirmed to us that Subhamitra is her original name, but didn't elaborate on why she went back to it.

30 India Post

www.indiapost.com

March 6, 2015

March 6, 2015

India Post 31 www.indiapost.com

NEWS on your desktop www.indiapost.com

„ Health

Line

High risk heart surgery on pregnant woman JAIPUR: A high risk open heart surgery was successfully operated upon on a seven-month pregnant woman at a government hospital here, officials said.

Nirmala, with seven-month pregnancy, was facing respiratory problem and initially admitted to cardiac vascular surgery unit in January at SMS government hospital in Jaipur.

Later, the doctors recommended open heart surgery after discovering that one of her heart valve was shrinking. Her family members initially refused opt for the operation as it involved threat to the patient's life, Additional Superintendent of the hospital, Ajit Singh said.

She was discharged on request of her family but was admitted again after her problem became severe, he said.

The high risk operation was successfully operated upon by a team led by the cardiac surgeon Rajkumar Yadav on February 18, he said.

She is now doing well and is likely to be discharged from the hospital in couple of days, he said. -PTI

„ Missouri approves inspection of abortion clinic JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.: Missouri's only abortion clinic would be subject to an annual inspection by the state's health department under a bill advanced by Missouri's Republican-led House.

The bill would require ambulatory surgical centers performing any second- or third-trimester abortion, or five or more first-trimester abortions, to be inspected by the state Department of Health and Senior Services. That would apply to only one location in Missouri - a clinic operated by Planned Parenthood in St. Louis.

The measure, which passed 119-35, now goes to the Senate for consideration.

Bill sponsor Rep. Kathy Swan, a Cape Girardeau Republican, said the legislation would ensure women received the highest standard of care, regardless of the type of procedure or where it was performed. She cited a 2013 inspection of the state's only abortion clinic that found violations, including dust and rust on some surfaces and expired medications in storage.

Those violations were resolved upon a subsequent followup visit. -AP

Health Science

UNICEF & IMA join hands against child sexual abuse

32 India Post

www.indiapost.com

March 6, 2015

Details on Page 34

Five tips for handling daunting early-year medical expenses

T

he clock on insurance deductibles reset on Jan. 1, and that means big medical bills are in store for some. Patients may be required to pay thousands of dollars before their health care coverage kicks in.

Insurers typically begin or renew policies in January, and that means customers could face some daunting cost-sharing requirements in the first few months of the year. That's especially true if they need surgery or have a particularly expensive prescription.

Deductibles topping $3,000 are common among plans sold on the health care overhaul's public insurance exchanges, which provide coverage for millions. Companies also have been raising deductibles for years on employer-sponsored health plans, the most common form of coverage in the United States. Plus costsharing requirements for Medicare prescription drug coverage renew every year.

All this adds up to a business

boom for organizations like the Patient Access Network Foundation, which offers grants to help cover prescription costs for dozens of life-threatening, chronic or

what we do has the same challenge,'' CEO Daniel Klein said.

Klein's foundation is one option patients can turn to if too many expenses hit at the start of

rare diseases. The nonprofit had to hire about 80 temporary employees to help handle the heavy workload it receives at the start of the year. It fielded 4,000 calls a day last month, double its normal total. ``Everybody who works doing

the year. Here are some other tips.

1. UNDERSTAND YOUR COVERAGE You can't prepare for medical expenses until you know how big the bills might be. Your insurance should come with a plan summary

that lays out important numbers.

Start by understanding your plan's deductibles, which can differ significantly depending on whether care is received inside or outside the insurer's network of providers.

If you take prescriptions, double check how much they will cost. Drug coverage is commonly divided into tiers based on price, and costs can change from year to year.

Most coverage offers some protection by capping the amount you are required to pay each year.

But these caps might still expose patients to sizeable bills because they can climb higher than $6,000 for an individual and $13,000 for a family.

2. TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR Physicians may be able to offer less-expensive treatment alternatives, but be clear on whether these choices are equally effective.

Cont'd on Page 35

Judge orders Oracle to keep hosting Medicaid SALEM, Ore.: An Oregon judge has ordered technology giant Oracle Corp. to continue hosting Oregon's Medicaid health insurance system for lowincome Oregonians even after the company's contract expires this weekend.

Marion County Circuit Judge Courtland Geyer ruled that Oracle should host Medicaid for another year. He granted the preliminary injunction until February 2016.

Geyer said he was more convinced by the testimony of the state's witnesses than by that of Oracle's witnesses, and that the state's case was likely to succeed on its merits.

Earlier this month, Oracle notified Oregon that it does not intend to renew the contract and would terminate hosting. Oregon sued to compel Oracle to continue hosting.

Oregon officials argued in court that Oracle had promised five months ago that the contract would be renewed, and as a result they did not seek alternate hosting services. Officials also said a termination of hosting would cause ``irreparable harm'' to thou-

The court fight has occurred amid a larger legal battle over the failure of Oregon's health care exchange portal, Cover Oregon, which was also built by Oracle.

Oracle and Oregon previously sued each other over that failure.

Last spring, the state ditched the

sands of people who would not be able to enroll or re-enroll in Medicaid and access health services.

Oracle argued it didn't make a promise, it only agreed to negotiate, and was not legally obligated to do business with Oregon after the contract expires.

Cover Oregon portal and decided to switch to the federal portal, HealthCare.Gov. Despite Cover Oregon's failure, Oregon has continued to use parts of the Oracle-built system to determine whether applicants are eligible for Medicaid and for enrollment. The system's hard-

ware is on servers that are hosted

by Oracle's cloud-management branch.

The state is now adopting technology from Kentucky for Medicaid enrollment - but that switch won't be completed until January 2016. In the meantime, the judge's ruling will allow the state to renew its contract with Oracle and to use Oracle hosting.

Oracle officials declined to comment on the judge's order. Oregon praised the ruling, saying it would allow the state to ``keep the lights on'' for Medicaid. ``We are pleased we have been granted the extension of time needed to continue using the existing technology services,'' Oregon Health Authority spokeswoman Susan Wickstrom said in a statement, ``by which time we will have implemented the system we are transferring in from Kentucky.'' -AP

March 6, 2015

Health Science Post

India Post 33

www.indiapost.com

3 US companies to settle Bill OKs cannabis oil to treat 9 health problems 400 smoking lawsuits WASHINGTON: Three major US to- called Engle cases, a Florida class-action bacco companies - Philip Morris, RJ lawsuit filed against the cigarette compaReynolds and Lorillard - have agreed to pay nies in 1994. They were also part of a 2006 USD 100 million to settle more than 400 law- Florida Supreme Court decision to decersuits claiming that smoking damaged tify the class action, saying the USD 145 people's health. billion in punitive damages to the entire A judge awarded a combined USD 100 group was "excessive." million to the plaintiffs in the lawsuits filed However, the top court opened the door in Florida by smokers or their families, seek- to individual lawsuits, and allowed the finding damages for injuries caused by smok- ings to stand in the case, including that ing. smoking cigarettes harmed health and the As part of the settlement, Philip Morris USA, maker of Marlboro cigarettes; RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company; and Lorillard Tobacco Company will collectively pay USD 100 million to the plaintiffs, one of the law firms representing them said in a statement.

"We are very pleased that after many years of litigation, the parties were able to reach agreement. This settlement will provide immediate compensation to our clients, many of whom are very elderly," Three major US tobacco companies - Philip Morris, said attorney Robert Nelson, of Lieff RJ Reynolds and Lorillard - have agreed to pay Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, who $100 million to settle more than 400 lawsuits helped negotiate the deal. claiming that smoking damaged people's health Under the terms of the agreement, Altria unit Philip Morris USA, the largest tobacco companies had knowingly conUS tobacco company, and RJ Reynolds, the cealed the health effects of cigarettes or second-largest, will each pay USD 42.5 mil- their addictive nature. lion to resolve the federal cases. Lorillard "Today's agreement is in the best interwill pay USD 15 million. est of the company. As for the Engle progThe settlement only involves cases that eny cases in state court, we will continue are pending in federal court, the law firm to defend ourselves vigorously, including noted, not cases filed in state court. The appealing adverse verdicts," said Murray tentative agreement is subject to the ap- Garnick, senior vice president and associproval of all the plaintiffs. ate general counsel at Altria, in a separate The settled cases are part of the so- statement.-AFP

Indian-American doc jailed for healthcare fraud WASHINGTON: An Indian-American doctor has been sentenced to 18 months in prison by a US court for healthcare fraud and illegally prescribing controlled substance medications.

Chicago-based Satish Narayanappa Babu was sentenced after he pleaded guilty last September to illegally prescribing

Three cars - a 2013 BMW, a 2001 BMW, and 2010 Lexus -were also forfeited. Babu was ordered to begin serving his sentence on May 13. His medical license has also been suspended. oxycodone and other controlled substances and fraudulently billing Medicare approximately USD 500,000, and fraudulently collecting approximately USD 216,000, for services he did not provide.

US District Court Judge John Tharp also imposed a term of three years of supervised release and a restitution amount of USD

221,012.

"This crime wasn't an isolated act, it was a calculated, systematic effort to milk Medicare," said Tharp while imposing sentence.

Babu was stealing money from those in need... Putting many in need at risk, he said.

Babu agreed to forfeit the approximately USD 126,000, which was seized at the time of his arrest and will be credited toward the restitution ordered.

Three cars - a 2013 BMW, a 2001 BMW, and 2010 Lexus -were also forfeited. Babu was ordered to begin serving his sentence on May 13. His medical license has also been suspended.

Babu admitted that he engaged in a scheme to defraud Medicare from November 2011 to February 2014. He also admitted that between November 2012 and December 2013, he issued multiple prescriptions for controlled substances to a patient, who was actually an undercover agent, despite never having seen or examined the patient.

He also permitted unlicensed personnel associated with his Anik Life Sciences Medical Corp to issue prescriptions to the patient. -PTI

ATLANTA: The Georgia House overwhelmingly passed a bill to legalize cannabis oil for the treatment of nine major health problems, including a last-minute addition of sickle cell disease.

The bill's sponsor, Republican Rep. Allen Peake of Macon, said he added sickle cell disease by late amendment to his House Bill 1 at the request of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus. The disease, also known as sickle cell anemia, overwhelmingly affects African-Americans.

The medical marijuana bill passed 1582 and now goes to the state Senate, where considerable opposition is all but certain.

The list of eligible conditions is expected to be whittled to just a few diagnoses in the upper chamber.

Gov. Nathan Deal, who must sign the measure for it to become law, has said he supports the use of cannabis oil for treatment of seizure disorders. Peake said he expects Deal to support the bill in its current form. He said in an interview he cut the number of eligible conditions from its original 17 because it would have had no chance of passage in the Senate, or possibly even the House.

A cannabis oil bill failed in the General

Assembly last year. In its current form, the bill would allow cannabis oil for treatment of seizure disorders, cancer, ALS, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, Mitochondrial disease, Fibromyalgia, Parkinson's disease and sickle cell disease.

Despite opposition to the list of 17, Peake said he added sickle cell disease after lawmakers ``approached us and made a compelling argument to add this as another diagnosis.''

Still, he said, ``the Senate has sent signals they don't want to include any diagnosis other than seizure disorders,'' so the bill faces a significant uphill battle. ``This will help thousands and thousands of Georgians, maybe 500,000, but any bill we pass that helps any citizen, I'll be happy with,'' he said.

House Speaker Georgia David Ralston praised Peake for his efforts, and many of his colleagues rose in a standing ovation after the vote.

Peake then looked toward the gallery and thanked ``parents who have fought this fight for the last year for their kids who suffer from seizures. They have showed us what true courage is.'' -AP

Health Science Post

34 India Post

March 6, 2015

www.indiapost.com

UNICEF & IMA join hands against child sexual abuse India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: UNICEF and the Indian Medical Association (IMA) have joined hands to strengthen the response of medical practitioners in identifying, reporting and treating cases of child sexual abuse.

CSA is a widespread phenomenon and can cause lifelong consequences on the physical and mental health of a child. In India, 4.5% of girls aged 15-19 have been subjected to sexual abuse. Boys are also exposed to sexual violence but usually to a less extent.

In 2012, India adopted the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, a comprehensive law which defines a child as any person below the age of 18. The Act applies to all cases of sexual assault on a child. It defines sexual offences as penetrative sexual assault (Section 3), (non-penetrative) sexual assault (Section 7), sexual harassment (Section 11) and use of a child for pornography (Section 13).

Any sexual activity with a child is a crime.

Announcing the special partnership, UNICEF India and the IMA said that they will equip

IMA for the preparation of a Teaching Manual, and Key messages for doctors. The focus will be to inform and implement 10-key action points about CSA that every doctor should know while handling cases of sexually abused children.

Addressing a press conference David McLoughlin, UNICEF India Deputy Representative, said, "Violence against children is all too often unseen, unheard and underreported. This partnership with the medical fraternity of the country will play a key role in strengthening the care for child survivors and in bringing new ideas and expertise to support our mission in generating awareness among medical and allied professionals".

"Medical professionals have a critical role to play in the prevention, detection and response to sexual offences against children.

They are often the first point of contact who come across a child abuse case and are required to take prompt action to ensure immediate and effective treatment of the child," said Padma Shri Awardee Dr A Marthanda Pillai National President and Padma Shri Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal, Hon-

to be known by every doctor in the country added Dr. Aggarwal.

Releasing the set of 10 key action points about CSA, for medical practitioners, Dr. Aggarwal added, "These messages will be distributed to more than 2.5 lakh medical doctors through 30 state level branches and 1700 district branches of IMA." Supporting the initiative, eminent Indian classical dancer and choreographer Padma Vibhushan Awardee Sonal Mansingh said, "All children have the right to live free from violence. We believe that they are closer to God and therefore any violence on them is a sin.

Violence harms their physical and mental growth. Violence against children is entirely preventable, when people come together and say that it is not acceptable. When they make the invisible visible. I appeal to one and all to support the initiative whole-heartedly and respect their dignity and self esteem."

In addition to developing the capacities of medical practitioners, the two organizations, together with media partners, will pool resources to strategize and provide a platform to create a discourse on child sexual abuse in India.

This association is another step forward in UNICEF's work to address violence against children and hence it also becomes a very important part of UNICEF's campaign to 'End Violence against Children'.

Launched by UNICEF as a global initiative, the 'End Violence against Children' campaign builds

on the growing consensus that violence against children can no longer be tolerated and that serious attention and collective action are required to reduce vio-

there is violence and that it is perpetuated on the most helpless, fragile citizens amongst us all-children." Ace cricketer Virender Sehwag says violence is never

Padma Vibhushan Dr Sonal Mansingh demonstrates a 'mudra' (Indian classical dance step) pledging child protection.

lence against children.

Several other celebrities have voiced their concern and pledged to protect children against violence. A video capturing voices of UNICEF celebrity Ambassadors and advocates was screened at the launch.

Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan, has called everyone to fight against child abuse. "Join us.

Speak up," he says in an audiovisual message. Madhuri Dixit Nene says, "Children deserve a serene childhood, without humiliation, suffering and violence." Farhan Akhtar, director and actor, says, "Every single one of us knows

the answer to anything. It breaks children's trust in you. Actor Priyanka Chopra says, "Children trust easily and that trust must never be broken." She pledged to break the silence of every child who suffers alone. Kareena Kapoor Khan said, "Violence against children is no way to show concern or discipline."

The UNICEF-IMA project will also aim to advocate for training on child sexual abuse in the curriculum for medical students and doctors through Medical Council of India and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare of the Government of India.

WHO lauds India for anti-smoking mechanisms (L-R) Dr R. N Tandon,Convener, CSA Project, Indian Medical Association, Dr Rajeev Seth, CSA Expert, AIIMS, Dr KK Aggarwal, Hony. Secy. General, IMA; Padma Vibhushan Dr Sonal Mansingh; David McLoughlin, Deputy Representative, UNICEF India, Dr Joachim Theis, Chief, Child Protection, UNICEF India.

medical practitioners with a detailed understanding of diverse facets of child sexual abuse (CSA), along with relevant legal provisions. Medical practitioners are often the first point of contact in a child sexual abuse case, and are required to take prompt action to ensure immediate and effective treatment of the child.

The program aims to build a nation-wide cadre of doctor-trainers who can later disseminate the knowledge at different levels.

Under the supervision of IMA state branches, these doctortrainers will take the training forward to state and district levels.

To assist these trainers, UNICEF has provided technical support to

orary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement.

"Every case of child sexual abuse has to be taken as medical emergency. Treatment has to be provided free of cost by the government as well as private medical facilities. In a case of sexual assault of a child, it is the legal duty of a doctor to give medical care, collect forensic evidence, report the offence to the police and give testimony in court if required. Under Section 166B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), a doctor who refuses to perform a medical examination in a case of sexual assault can be punished with imprisonment up to one year and / or fine" are a few of the messages

GENEVA: The World Health Organization has lauded India's tobacco control mechanisms, calling the country a "champion" for curbing "tobacco marketing in films".

"India is a champion from the point of view in controlling tobacco marketing in films. You even have the case of Woody Allen who did not want his film released due to a regulation.

"They have been very relevant in the region to strengthen the cooperation on tobacco control," said Dr Vera Luiza da Costa e Silva, head of Convention Secretariat of WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

Taking note of the "important progress" made by India in curbing the menace, Silva announced that the next conference of the convention will be held in the Asian country.

The Indian government had

last year announced that cigarette packets would have to stamp health warnings across 85 per cent of the surface and plans on raising the age of tobacco sale to 21 as well as ban the use of loose cigarettes.

"Smoking or using tobacco is

no longer seen as a socially acceptable behavior; it has been denormalised. However, the more we are advancing, the more aggressive the tobacco industry is becoming. Trade has no ethics,"

she said on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of FCTC. According to the WHO Global Tobacco Control Report 2013, smokeless tobacco consumptionincluding chewing products such as gutkha, zarda, paan masala and khaini is culturally more common as a form of tobacco use than cigarette smoking in India.

For smokeless tobacco among adults, 32.9 per cent of males and 18.4 per cent females are the current users, the report said.

International Tobacco Control Project (ITCP) has estimated a death toll of 1.5 million a year in India by 2020 with the current rate of tobacco use.

There are 6 million deaths globally each year due to tobacco use, WHO said. -PTI

March 6, 2015

Health Science Post

India Post 35

www.indiapost.com

Bill controlling mental health drugs rejected TOPEKA, Kan.: A proposal for controlling Kansas' costs for expensive mental health drugs in its Medicaid program failed in the state Senate because some members worried that patients wouldn't get the medications they need.

The Senate voted 25-15 against a bill repealing a 2002 law that prohibits restrictions in Medicaid on prescriptions for treating mental illnesses, such as a list of preferred drugs for doctors, or a requirement that the program sign off before a prescription is made. The state's $3 billion-a-year Medicaid program provides health coverage for 368,000 needy and disabled state residents.

Republican Gov. Sam Brownback's administration estimated the state would save $16 million a year after repealing the law and pushed for the bill as part of a larger plan to erase a projected $600 million budget deficit for the fiscal year beginning July 1. The budget shortfall arose after lawmakers aggressively cut income

taxes at Brownback's urging in 2012 and 2013 to stimulate the economy.

Several supporters of the bill said the measure wasn't primarily about saving money but about protecting mentally ill Medicaid participants, particularly children, from being overmedicated with drugs that can have dangerous side effects.

But Republicans who control the Senate split over the measure.

Five tips for handling daunting early-year medical expenses Cont'd from Page 32

If you're planning a surgery, ask whether it can be delayed, perhaps after you may have satisfied your deductible.

Avoid skipping care entirely. That may make your condition worse, and the unpaid deductible you're trying to avoid might still need to be satisfied.

3. SEEK HELP Big medical expenses at the start of the year can be shocking, especially for patients who are already dealing with leftover holiday bills or other financial headaches.

There are a number of agencies that have years of experience helping patients deal with this.

The Patient Access Network Foundation can offer grants of more than $10,000 in some cases to help with expenses. It also provides a list of additional organizations that can assist at http:// www.panfoundation.org/copayment-assistance-organizations.

Drugmakers frequently help cover outof-pocket expenses for some of their priciest products. Contact the company that makes your medication or check out the Partnership for Prescription Assistance at https:/ /www.pparx.org .

That site, which is supported by drugmakers, acts as a clearinghouse to help link patients to hundreds of assistance programs.

4. SHOP AROUND Many insurers now offer smartphone apps or other services that help patients compare prices for care based on their coverage. It pays to shop around for non-urgent care because costs can vary quite a bit.

``My concern was that mental health patients may not be able to get the drugs

For instance, the cost of a primary care doctor visit can range from $117 to $461 inside an insurer's coverage network in San Francisco, according to Castlight Health Inc., which has designed a technology platform to help employers manage costs and employees shop for care.

5. PLAN AHEAD Many employer-sponsored high-deductible plans come with health savings

Drugmakers frequently help cover out-of-pocket expenses for some of their priciest products. Contact the company that makes your medication or check out the Partnership for Prescription Assistance at https://www.pparx.org . accounts that can ease the sting from earlyyear medical expenses. These accounts can let families set aside as much as $6,650 before taxes for medical expenses, and employers often contribute to them.

But that safeguard requires some foresight. You generally have to sign up for it before your coverage begins.

If you can't start a health savings account, you can set aside some money from each paycheck in a savings account. If that expense never hits, keep the money parked.

You may need it next year, when your coverage renews your deductible resets once again. -AP

that their providers are prescribing,'' said Sen. Jeff Longbine, an Emporia Republican who opposed the bill. ``It's a very vulnerable population, very dependent on the right medication.''

Also, some senators said there wasn't enough information about how the state would proceed after the law was repealed.

Kansas turned over the administration of Medicaid to three private insurance companies in 2013, and Sen. Laura Kelly, a To-

peka Democrat, said lawmakers would have to trust the state and the companies to ``do the right thing'' for Medicaid participants.

Kelly compared the measure to signing a contract without knowing the terms.

Brownback's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the Senate's vote. But the state's budget problems mean the hunt for ways to control prescription drug costs within Medicaid isn't over, despite the bill's defeat.

Senate Majority Leader Terry Bruce, a Nickerson Republican, said the chamber would debate a bill to allow the state's health secretary to require prior authorization for mental health drugs but set up a new board to review such decisions.

Several supporters of the bill said the measure wasn't primarily about saving money but about protecting mentally ill Medicaid participants, particularly children, from being over-medicated with drugs that can have dangerous side effects. ``The 2002 law has prevented any protective oversight for patients and it is hindering efforts at improving health care outcomes,'' said Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee Chairwoman Mary Pilcher-Cook, a Shawnee Republican, in explaining her vote for the bill. -AP

36 India Post

www.indiapost.com

March 6, 2015

Realty Tidbits

Contractor faces jail in real estate fraud SANTA FE, N.M.: A Valencia County contractor faces up to nine years in prison when he is sentenced on guilty pleas to criminal charges in a real estate scheme.

The New Mexico Securities Division said 41-year-old John Perea of Los Lunas pleaded guilty in state District Court in Albuquerque last week to multiple counts of fraud and embezzlement.

According to the division, Perea must pay nearly $400,000 in restitution to people whom he induced to invest in real estate projects and private lending opportunities.

The division said the investments were supposed to be used as private financing for construction of homes by Perea's company, Don Juan Construction.

The division said Perea used money from new investors to pay previous investors and diverted investors' money for his personal living expenses. -AP

Minister asks CREDAI to take up affordable housing VISAKHAPATNAM: Andhra Pradesh Panchayat Raj Minister C Ayyanna Patrudu has asked real estate developers body CREDAI to take up housing projects considering needs of all sections of people, including the lower classes.

"Everyone aspires to have an own house and even village people also want to have their own houses. It is the responsibility of the builders to look into the aspirations of the middle and lower class people and take up affordable housing projects for them," Patrudu said while inaugurating a three-day CREDAI property expo here.

Visakhapatnam is a fast growing city where there is lot of demand for the houses, he said.

The minister asked the banks to provide home loans at minimum interest, on par with the international banks, to the people.

He said that he will consult the Union and state finance ministers for reduction of interest rates on loans for housing projects.

On the occasion, Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India (CREDAI) Chairman B Raja Srinivas said CREDAI members will take up more housing projects with the help of banks which provide home loans at affordable interest rates. -PTI

Real Estate 37 India Post

www.indiapost.com

March 6, 2015

Historic snows causing housing headaches BOSTON: All that snow in New England may make your property look as pretty as a calendar shot, but it won't do you any favors if you're trying to buy or sell a house.

The storms that have dropped an epic 8 feet of snow are causing grief for the real estate industry.

Some real estate agents have had to cancel nearly a month of weekend open houses because of the poorly timed snowstorms.

Cont’d on page 39

Interest list forming for luxury Terrace Ridge homes in Dublin India Post News Service

DUBLIN, CA: The Interest List is now forming for William Lyon Homes' Terrace Ridge, a brandnew limited collection of 36 luxury homes set against the Dublin foothills. This exceptionally designed, single-family detached home neighborhood will accommodate the priorities of growing families with finely appointed living spaces, stately architectural designs and a convenient Dublin location. Homebuyers are encouraged to explore Terrace Ridge's three stunning floorplans online and register their interest at www.LyonTerraceRidge.com to stay informed of special preview and pre-sale opportunities. Prices are anticipated to start from the low $1 millions.

"We are delighted to introduce the brand-new Terrace Ridge collection to homebuyers in the Dublin area," said Kathy Floyd, Director of Sales for William Lyon Homes.

"These homes will reflect the very best of luxury family living in an intimate, terraced setting unlike any other offering in the area."

Terrace Ridge will present a mix of grand architectural themes that

4 to 5 baths, chef-inspired island kitchens, large great rooms, covered patios, lofts in select plans and 2-car garages. The neighborhood's spectacular terraced setting will also offer dis-

will grace exteriors with European, Monterey and French Country details. Three magnificent twostory floorplans will range from approximately 2,829 to 3,126 square feet, with 4 to 5 bedrooms,

tant views of the valley and rolling hills in select locations.

Set in the flourishing city of Dublin, Terrace Ridge homeowners will appreciate the neighborhood's commuter-

TATA housing in Lanka to have a fresh start COLOMBO: TATA Housing's one of its kind USD 400 million project here will have a fresh start, after they ran into problem, the new Sri Lankan government has announced.

"The government has decided to recommence the whole project from the very beginning", Cabinet spokesman and Minister of Health Rajitha Senaratne said.

In May 2014 the first phase of the project was launched to build a four tower apartment block with 650 units in the Slave Island business district of Colombo.

"All residents who had lost land and houses will get equal of bigger housing in the apartment block. He said all house owners' consent had been obtained, former UDA chairman Nimal Perera

said.

The project pioneered by the government's Urban Development Authority (UDA) ran into problems with low income residents at the location.

"The first of its kind initiative by an Indian real estate company will involve investments of over USD 400 million," Tata Housing, a subsidiary of Tata Sons had said in a statement last year.

The project was launched on a three acre area out of a total of 8 acres which has been released from the families.

Other projects by the UDA have also come under fire for making slum dwellers, including poor ones who had been displaced involuntarily through state action.

The Colombo project is mixed use township.-PTI

friendly location to Tri-Valley's business employers, shops and leisure destinations. In addition to the nearby I-680 freeway, a BART station is within close proximity, easing the burden of commutes to San Francisco and Oakland, while in Pleasanton, the Altamont Corridor Express 'ACE' Train is on-hand for convenient trips to Fremont, San Jose and Santa Clara.

The area is filled with excellent retail and dining options, with Downtown Dublin's Safeway, Target, Sports Authority, REI and Sprout's Farmer's Market nearby, as well as a mix of excellent restaurants featuring American and International cuisine. Other nearby destinations include the Livermore Premium Outlets; Shops at Waterford; Stoneridge Mall and Hacienda Crossings Shopping Center with Regal Cinemas and IMAX. Cont’d on page 39

US new home sales fall slightly in January WASHINGTON: Sales of new U.S. homes were basically flat in January, evidence that recent job gains and relatively low mortgage rates have yet to spur the real estate market.

The Commerce Department said that new home sales slipped 0.2 percent last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 481,000. This marks a slight decrease from sales of 482,000 homes in December, but represents a solid 5.3 percent gain from a year ago when harsh winter weather caused home-buying to stall.

Despite the increasingly favorable economy, home sales have been sluggish at the start of the year. Still, many analysts expect that the housing market will gather momentum with the start of the spring buying season.

Revisions made to sales in previous months indicate that sales should continue to make progress

as the recovery from the housing bust and Great Recession is entering its sixth year. ``Activity for the rest of the year is likely to improve at a modest, albeit choppy, pace,'' said Blerina Uruçi, an analyst at the bank Barclays.

Yet January proved to be a rocky month for real estate.

Snow has buried parts of the Northeast, cutting into open house visits. Too few homes are being listed for sale, and those that are on the market still seem to be out of reach for many prospective buyers even with the recent hiring surge and historically low interest rates. ``The weather may make it difficult to determine the underlying strength in construction activity in the near-term,'' said Michelle Girard, an analyst at RBS Securities.

Cont’d on page 38

Real Estate Post

38 India Post

March 6, 2015

www.indiapost.com

Speaker backs $75 fee to US new home sales fall slightly in January expand affordable housing SACRAMENTO, Calif.: Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins announced a proposal to expand affordable housing in California by charging a $75 fee to record real estate documents.

The San Diego Democrat's plan would send cities hundreds of millions of dollars for development benefiting poor and middle-class Californians. Local governments lost a key funding source for affordable housing when Gov. Jerry

released this month said. ``We have a housing crisis in California, and it's time we offered some bold suggestions and solutions,'' Atkins said in a news conference in front of a Los Angeles housing development.

Like earlier legislation, Atkins' proposal adds a $75 fee onto deeds and other real estate transaction documents recorded when businesses buy property and residents refinance their homes. Home

Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins, joined by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Assemblymember Jimmy Gomez, announced a proposal expand affordable housing.

Brown dissolved redevelopment agencies in 2011.

About 36 percent of homeowners and nearly half of renters spend more than a third of their income on housing, a Public Policy Institute of California report

buyers would not be charged.

The fee could raise between $300 million to $720 million a year, according to a 2013 state estimate.

Republicans have voted against similar proposals, and Democrats need their support in

order to meet the Legislature's twothirds threshold to impose fees.

Assembly Minority Leader Kristin Olsen said in a statement she would prefer policies that make building homes easier and cheaper.

Real estate agents successfully opposed legislation, including recording fees, in 2013. Alex Creel, a lobbyist for California Association of Realtors, said funding for affordable housing should come from a broader source than people recording real estate documents.

Atkins also wants to add $300 million in tax credits for developers who offer low-income housing.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said the lack of affordable housing is undermining the quality of life in California. He said it's harder for cities to offer housing because of declining federal funding, increased demand from the recession, and the loss of redevelopment agencies that collected about $1 billion for affordable housing before they were shuttered. ``All local governments feel the squeeze,'' Garcetti said.

Atkins has said affordable housing is a top personal priority, reflecting her modest upbringing in Appalachia. Her wife is a consultant to businesses and nonprofits on development issues, including affordable housing. -AP

Ashiana Homes raises Rs 66 cr from Piramal Fund NEW DELHI: Realty firm Ashiana Homes has raised Rs 66 crore from Piramal Fund Management to partly finance the acquisition of 10 acres of licensed land at Sohna in Gurgaon.

"We have bought 10 acres of land with development rights from local land aggregators for about Rs 100 crore. We will be developing a residential project on this land," Ashiana Homes Director

Rohit Raj Modi told PTI. The company raised Rs 66 crore from Indiareit Fund Scheme V, being managed by Piramal Fund Management, he added.

Ashiana Homes would develop 660 apartments under the project, which is expected to be launched in April-May. The company plans to sell flats in a price range of Rs 50-70 lakhs.

In 2013, realty firms, Ashiana Homes and Landcraft Projects, had raised Rs 180 crore from Indiareit and India Infoline to develop a luxury housing project at Gurgaon.

Piramal Group's Piramal Fund Management Pvt Ltd (formerly known as Indiareit) is into real estate funding.

Delhi-based Ashiana develops projects in the national capital region, Jaipur and Bhubaneshwar. -PTI

Cont’d from page 37

``However, anecdotal reports from areas not affected by weather have indicated healthy activity.''

Sales of existing homes last month sank 4.9 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.82 million. Contributing to that nine-month low was a tight inventory of homes on the market that sent prices higher. That may be pushing some home shoppers to wait for more choices at more inviting prices.

But builders have yet to significantly increase construction.

Many firms are focused on sell-

ing to wealthier buyers, instead of competing on volume by constructing more houses at more affordable levels. The median sales price rose 9.1 percent since January 2014 to $294,300.

Toll Brothers, which specializes in higher-end homes, reported that its quarterly profits shot up 78 percent as the average price of a home sold by the Pennsylvania builder climbed to $821,500 from $766,100.

And instead of upgrading to new houses, some homeowners are renovating their current properties, said Nino Sitchinava, principal economist at Houzz, the online resource for remodeling

and home design.

In many instances, baby boomers are putting in new kitchens and bathrooms, in addition to adapting their houses in order to age in place, Sitchinava said.

The winter weather caused sales of new homes to halve in the Northeast, while the West experienced a slight drop and the South and Midwest each reported gains, according to the Commerce Department report.

Home values are appreciating at a slower rate since 2014, yet they continue to outpace wage gains.

Average hourly wages grew 2.2 percent over the past 12 months, which is roughly half of the increase in home values, according to the Standard & Poor's/CaseShiller 20-city home price index.

Economists do see reasons why home sales should improve this spring.

Mortgage rates remain near historic lows. The average 30year fixed mortgage rate was 3.76 percent last week, according to the mortgage giant Freddie Mac. That has ticked up in recent weeks, but is far below the 4.33 percent average from a year ago.

And employers have hired at an accelerated clip over the past year. In the past three months alone, the U.S. economy has added more than 1 million jobs, the fastest three-month pace in 17 years. More Americans earning paychecks should eventually push home sales higher. -AP

Separate district for Quinnipiac student housing HAMDEN, Conn.: Hamden officials are considering ways to contain properties owned by Quinnipiac University in response to complaints from residents about loud parties, vandalism and damage to homes.

The New Haven Register reports that the Planning and Zoning Commission will consider establishing a College Town District, revised fees for landlords renting to students and a six-month extension of a moratorium on student housing

permits.

Assistant Town Planner Dan Kops says the goal is to create a district where students can live and shop separate from residential neighborhoods.

Quinnipiac University's goal is to have 95 percent of students live in dormitories. It's about 80 percent now.

The proposal would raise the cost of renewing a student housing permit to $500 per unit from $150. The initial application fee would be $1,000. -AP

Real Estate Post

March 6, 2015

India Post 39

www.indiapost.com

Interest list forming for luxury Terrace Ridge homes in Dublin Cont’d from page 37

Homeowners will also find numerous recreational opportunities in close proximity to Terrace Ridge, including Mount Diablo State Park, Emerald Glen Park, Fallon Sports Park and for dog lovers, the Dougherty Hills Dog Park.

Golf enthusiasts can head to

Dublin Ranch Golf Course, Dublin's first and only golf course.

The neighborhood enjoys inclusion in the well-regarded Dublin school district, with access to Green Elementary School, Fallon Middle School and Dublin High School. Private schools in the area include Valley Christian and

Foreigners to pay penalties in Australia real estate SYDNEY: Foreign investors will have to pay new fees to buy Australian real estate, Prime Minister Tony Abbott has said under a proposal which includes a crackdown on illegal purchases.

Cashed-up foreigners, many from China, have been blamed for driving up prices in Australian property markets, particularly Sydney and Melbourne, and placing home ownership out of reach

tinue," Abbott told a press conference in Sydney.

He said the current rules, under which foreigners are only allowed to buy new dwellings and are barred from purchasing existing residential property, had not been enforced in recent years.

"Under the former (Labor) government, for six years there was not a single legal case against a foreigner buying a home," he said.

"So what we're on about is ensuring that the longstanding rules are enforced.

"Yes, foreign investment has been very, very good for Australia but it's got to be the right foreign investment...and it can't disadvantage Australian home buyers," he added.

The government is proCashed-up foreigners, many from China, have been blamed for driving up prices in Australian posing charging an appliproperty markets, particularly Sydney and cation fee on all foreign inMelbourne, and placing home ownership out of vestments, similar to a reach of many locals scheme already operating of many locals. in New Zealand. The charges are "Part of the Australian dream is likely to be more modest than those owning your own home and we in places such as Hong Kong and certainly want the dream to con- Singapore, Abbott said. -AFP

Historic snows causing housing headaches Cont’d from page 37

Others have had to brace prospective buyers about to tour homes showing the ravages of winter, including leaky walls and ceilings caused by a buildup of ice on the roof.

Agents complain that deals are being held up because inspectors are unable to get a look at roofs, septic tanks and other features buried under mounds of snow and ice.

And sellers are grumbling about how difficult it is to move out of their homes in the treacherous weather. ``Honestly, every day is a new issue,'' said Kate Lanagan MacGregor, a real estate agent in Mattapoisett, as she rattled off some of her recent struggles. Her

latest: trying to empty a newly sold house of the furniture her company had used to ``stage'' the place for prospective buyers. ``Usually, you can just run up and grab your furniture. Now, the driveway's not plowed, there's no path shoveled and you can't physically get your stuff out the door,'' she said.

Homeowner Abbie Cregan recounted her ordeal moving out of her longtime home in Fairhaven just days earlier. ``We were literally pulling washers, dryers, furniture sets out of the house with a dolly and a strap and dragging them through the snow,'' she said from her new home in snow-free Phoenix, Arizona. ``I still have bruises from it.''

-AP

The company continues to expand its wellrespected brand beyond California, Arizona and Nevada and into other market areas across the Western region with the acquisition of Polygon Homes

Quarry Lane Schools.

It matters who your builder is and William Lyon Homes is a company built upon a legacy of pride and integrity. A team of visionaries who are passionate about homebuilding and committed to providing a high quality homebuying and homeownership experience, William Lyon Homes has earned a solid track record for outstanding construction and customer service since 1954. The company continues to expand its

well-respected brand beyond California, Arizona and Nevada and into other market areas across the Western region with the acquisition of Polygon Homes, its newest division in Washington and Oregon, and its Village Homes division in Colorado. William Lyon Home shares are publicly traded on Nasdaq under the symbol WLH. For updated information and to learn more, visit www.lyonhomes.com.

40 India Post

I

tanagar, the Capital of the northeastern state Arunachal Pradesh is an enchanting city that enthralls you with its mystique and an ultramodern attitude.

The city is dwarfed by the towering presence of snow covered peaks of Himalayan ranges from the north eastern side while the plains of River Brahmaputra stretch its arm from the southern side.

The unique magnificence and splendor of the state of Arunachal Pradesh and its exquisite capital, Itanagar is a joy to visit. The warmth of the music loving populace

www.indiapost.com

and the amicable weather throughout the year are other reasons that attract tourists in hordes towards this quiet state. Itanagar, the 'Land of Dawn lit Mountains' is divided into two parts, the other is known as Naharlagun.

The state of Arunachal Pradesh has recently been opened up for tourism by the government that was wary of polluting influence the tourists might have on the tribal heritage which dates back several centuries. Security of the tourists was also

another bone of contention during an uncertain phase which is history. English, Aptani, Hindi, Assamese, Nishi, and Adi are languages that are widely spoken in Arunachal Pradesh.

Itanagar offers various attractions for a wandering soul that include the Ita fort, Ganga Lake or the Gyakar Sinyi, the Namdhapa National Park. Itanagar is also noted as an archaeological site due to the presence of various heritage monuments in the vicinity. A long walk on the city streets and bylanes will overwhelm you with the exquisite wood carvings, creatively performed traditional musical instruments and intri-

March 6, 2015

cate textile patterns. The Handicraft Centre provides an insight into the fine art of cottage cane industry.

Tourist Attractions Ita Fort: Itanagar derives its name from the Ita fort which is located right at the center of the capital complex in Papum Pare district. The fort dates back to the Ahom rulers who constructed it somewhere between 14th and 15th century. The imposing but highly irregular fort which has been constructed with the help of more than 8 million bricks stands guardian to the capital city.

Cont’d on page 42

March 6, 2015

Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post

41

www.indiapost.com

Tourist arrivals up 1214 Night tourism begins at Amer Fort times after VoA India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: Number of tourists arriving in India has increased by several times as compared to previous year after the launch of Visa on Arrival (VoA) enabled Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme for 43 countries.

A total of 25,023 tourists arrived in India in January this year using the VoA enabled ETA scheme as against 1903 in the same month last year, registering a growth of 1214.9 per cent growth, according to Tourism Ministry data.

Government extended the VoA

enabled ETA facility for 43 countries in November 2014. Prior to it, the VoA scheme was in operation for 12 countries only.

Maximum tourists came from the US (23.71 per cent), followed

by Republic of Korea (18.26 per cent), Russian Federation (14.06 per cent), Ukraine (9.99 per cent), Australia (8.83 per cent) and Germany (6.53 per cent).

The facility is operational at nine international airports including all four metropolises and Kochi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Trivandrum and Goa. -PTI

Uttarakhand's top priority is reviving tourism DEHRADUN: Flagging revival of tourism which was hit hard by 2013 flash floods as his top priority, Chief Minister Harish Rawat has said a number of initiatives have been taken by the state government to give the message of a safe Uttarakhand to the outside world so that the tourism industry in the state could be put back on track.

"Tourism is the mainstay of our economy. Our efforts are directed towards its revival. Giving the message of a safe Uttarakhand to the outside world is necessary for this.

sphere conducive to the state's rise on the growth trajectory over the next six months.

He said the state has not been able to benefit from a number of central schemes due to its incapacity for increased spending.

"Because of our failure to spend we have not been able to benefit properly from a number of central schemes," he said.

He also regretted the fact that even 14 years after the creation of Uttarakhand, the entire state has not been covered under the water pipeline network.

Hence we are focusing as of now on the Char Dham and Mansarovar pilgrimages.

"Once we succeed in achieving our priorities, we will shift our attention to the redressal of the problems of employees," Rawat said addressing the sixth session of technical and field employees association of Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan here.

Noting that employees can contribute significantly towards putting tourism and the state's economy back on track, Rawat asked them to prepare an atmo-

On the charter of demands presented by the employees association, the chief minister said the conversion of 'Jal Sansthan' and 'Peya Jal Nigam' into government bodies is possible but they need to be unified before that as there cannot be two separate departments on drinking water.

"The employees should come up with a formula to address the incompatibilities likely to emerge from unification of the two institutions. Then alone can the government take steps in that direction," he said. -PTI

JAIPUR: The 16-century Amer Fort in Jaipur lights up in the night these days to capture the attention of tourists and local populace. 'Amer

by Night', was launched recently by Department of Art and Culture to promote night tourism in the city.

The spectacular monument looks mesmerizing as the lights illuminate it in various intensities. Different hues of colored lights lend a new perspective to the place in terms of ambiance and beauty.

Open from 7 pm till 10 pm, 'Amer

by Night' offers a vibrant tour of Jaleb Chowk, Diwan-e-Aam, Mansingh Mahal and Sheesh Mahal to the visitors. The facility is enhanced with lights, fixtures, additional security and a cafĂŠ to provide a fulfilling experience to

the visitors.

Pankaj Dharendra, Superintendent of Amer Fort, said that within a few days of introducing night tourism at Amer Fort, over two

hundred visitors are coming at night on a daily basis. He added that appropriate arrangements have been made for security of the visitors.

Jaleb Chowk

42

India Post

Travel & Hospitality Post

March 6, 2015

www.indiapost.com

ITANAGAR Charming Himalayan peaks & plains of River Brahmaputra Cont’d from page 40

Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum: Unlike the boring and droning Government museums that we are used to, The Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum comes as a breath of fresh air. A vibrant place, full of entertaining information regarding the woodcarvings, musical instruments, creations and types of textiles and handicrafts, the museum provides a quiet relief for the tired legs and fatigued body to relax and enjoy the culture of Arunachal Pradesh. There is also a special section on archeological finds.

Ganga Lake: The beauty of Itanagar is further enhanced by the presence of an elegant and uncluttered lake, called the Ganga Lake or the Gyakar Sinyi. This lake has been spruced up with the aim to attract tourists and the authorities have done a commendable job.

Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary: The Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Itanagar is one of the major tourist attractions in the city. Located in a sprawling zone the luxuriant sanctuary is a biologist's and tourist's

delight. The sanctuary apart from the wide variety of trees and foliage also represents a perfect balance of the ecological system. The Sanctuary is home to a variety of species from the animal and bird kingdom such as the macaque (rhesus, pigtailed, stump tailed and Assamese) hoolock gibbon and Capped langur, slow loris.

Namdhapa National Park: Another major attraction is the wild cats that rule the snow bound ranges of the Himalayas. The snow

leopards as they are commonly known are found in abundance in wild, however, you need not scan the mountain tops for them. A visit to the Namdhapa Park would provide you with a glimpse of the snow leopard and even its lesser famous sibling, the clouded leopard.

Buddha Temple: The magical effect of Buddha is visible on every aspect of Itanagar and Arunachal Pradesh. Buddha temple, consecrated by the Dalai

Lama in Buddha Vihar and located within the serene atmosphere amongst the imposing hills, stands tall. The place is a typical Buddha shrine with a massive yellow/ golden roof. The temple stands in stark contrast to the green carpets of nicely trimmed grass lawns. The shrine houses a Buddha idol and other Buddhist articles of worship.

Adventure Sports: There lives a clandestine adventurer in every tourist searching for some excitement after the saturation of tourist interest. Bomdila, a small place near Itanagar invites all such adventurers to cosset in many such activities. The amazing topology of Arunachal Pradesh is unmatched as far as trekking is considered. Generally the period from September to February is considered ideal for trekking.

Trekking: Itanagar offers few treks to the trekkers. Itanagar - Ziro

- Daporijo - Pashighat is a beautiful trek initiating at Itanagar. It is very famous among the tourists on this hilly region. It offers scenic beauty and some attractive sightseeing places. The trek ends in Pashighat but covers Ziro and Daporijo on its way.

Rupa: The hill town of Rupa (a tiny hill station in fact) lies on the river banks of the winding Tenga River. The scenic beauty of Rupa and the adjoining river Tenga is simply marvelous. An early morning or late afternoon drive around the Rupa border (flat area on the hilltop) is breathtaking. It is not only the natural beauty that enchants you but what amazes is the fact that these places have not been explored earlier and are literally untouched by human follies.

Tipi: The snow-clad peaks and the valleys of Arunachal Pradesh region have an abundance of vari-

ety of orchids. It is estimated that around 400 different species of these orchids exist in the region.

There are lot of species that are rare and are also present on the endangered (especially the Hispid variety) species list. Tipi houses an Orchidarium (House of Orchids).

Ziro: Itanagar is a busy political capital of the state but the satellite towns surrounding it have a charm of their own and a trip to Ziro just enhances the reputation of the place with every step or mile traversed. The route to Ziro from Itanagar takes the tourists from the capital to this beautiful township, perched atop a 5,000 ft high plateau.

Best season to visit is October to April.

How to reach

By Train: Harmuti in Assam is the nearest railhead, which is nearly 52 km away from Itanagar.

By Air: The nearest airport to Itanagar is located at Lilabari in Assam, which is nearly 67 km away from Itanagar. This airport is well connected by flights from Guwahati.

By Bus: Overnight super express buses connect Itanagar with Guwahati, which takes about 12 hours. Arunachal State Transport buses connect Itanagar with other north east cities in India.

March 6, 2015

Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post

43

www.indiapost.com

Pilgrims throng St. Patrick's mountain in Ireland WESTPORT, Ireland: Shrouded in mist, the sacred mountain rises above the countryside, majestic, mysterious and a little foreboding.

Here, on this rocky west coast promontory overlooking the Atlantic, St. Patrick is said to have fasted for 40 days and nights as he wrestled with demons and banished snakes from Ireland.

Every March 17, the world throws a lavish celebration for the fifth-century preacher who tramped around Ireland converting its people and spinning endless miracles along the way. Revelers around the globe slurp green beer, host parades and wear silly hats.

But those who truly want to honor the patron saint come to Croagh Patrick, a remote, rugged mountain in County Mayo, which draws over a million pilgrims and tourists each year.

Elders and children, believers and hikers, tourists and locals.

They come with walking sticks and hiking boots, guide books and rosary beads. They come for the sweeping views of Clew Bay, for the fresh air and camaraderie, for a day of fun - and penance.

Trekking to the summit in the saint's footsteps, some climb in their bare feet, pausing at three ``stations'' along the way to recite

a series of prayers. There is a small oratory on the summit where Mass is celebrated on certain feast days and on the last Sunday in July -

All around, thick Irish brogues mingled with languages and accents from around the world. A family of four from Colorado huffed

Climbers on the slopes of Croagh Patrick in County Mayo, Ireland. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people - pilgrims and tourists from around the world - climb the holy mountain where the fifth century saint is said to have fasted for forty days and nights as he wrestled with demons and banished snakes from Ireland.

``Reek Sunday'' - traditionally the holiest day to climb, when up to 30,000 visitors flock to the slopes. ``I do it for the graces it gives me all year,'' said Patrick Breen, 51, of Athlone, as he began his descent last July, his bare feet bruised and swollen after several hours on the mountain. ``It's a gift, a beautiful gift.''

up the final leg, the father celebrating his 55th birthday, his teenage daughter dreaming of the spa that awaited when they got back to their hotel. They passed a trio of 20something Gypsies from County Cavan, hiking barefoot in honor of two toddlers from their community who had drowned in a lake earlier in the summer. A German tourist

Thailand eyes 10.5 lakh tourists from India MUMBAI: Thailand is aiming to clock 11 per cent increase in tourist arrivals from India to more than 10.5 lakh visitors in 2015 and plans to initiate aggressive promotional activities, an official said here.

"India is among Thailand's top

markets alongside China, Malaysia, Russia, Japan and Korea. In 2014, around 9.46 lakh travelers from India visited Thailand. We are planning to further strengthen India as our market and target over 10.5 lakh tourists from the subcontinent this year," Tourism Authority of Thailand's Mumbai Office Director Soraya Homchuen told PTI. India is one of Thailand's most

significant markets, ranking number one in South Asia and number six globally.

"If we achieve our target this year, India's position will be enhanced to number five globally," she said.

Thailand, a kingdom with Buddhist temples, exotic wildlife and spectacular islands had received overall 24.7 million tourists in 2014 and targets about 28 million this year.

Even as Thailand is popularly known as a budget destination, the country is now moving towards the luxury segment with some of its offerings like Kanchanaburi, Rayong and Ko Tao, among others.

"Indian leisure travelers initially choose Bangkok and Pattaya but a large chunk (about 60 per cent) consisting of repeat visitors explore places like Phuket, Chiang Mai, Samui, Chiang Rai, Krabi and Ayutthaya," she said.

The more experienced

travelers usually head to Kanchanaburi, Rayong, Ko Tao and Ko Chang.

Thailand plans to promote the country through Indian film makers, she said.

"Bollywood presents a visual treat through which we could also promote tourism by showcasing our unique locales," she said.

Thailand also plans to enhance segments like Meetings, Incentives, Conference and Exhibitions (MICE), honeymooners, seniors as well as special interest groups like golfers, divers and bikers, besides getting them to increase the average length of stay and average spend, she said. -PTI

with a backpack helped his mother scale the rocks. A young Englishwoman wiggled her pink toenails and boasted about climbing barefoot just to prove to her boyfriend that ``fancy toes'' could do it. An older Polish couple picnicked at the summit with ham sandwiches and flasks of hot tea.

Although the mountain is just 2,500 feet high (764 meters), even seasoned hikers are surprised by its steepness and difficulty. Over the years, climbers have eroded the original trail, so what remains is rocky, unforgiving and often slippery terrain. The last leg, before the summit, is a formidable cliff of rolling rocks and shale known as ``the scree.'' Casualties are common and every year local rescue squads airlift numerous injured climbers from the slopes.

But that doesn't deter pilgrims who have been flocking to the site since ancient times. Long before Patrick, the Celts celebrated the harvest festival of Lughnasa here, beginning in early August. The sacred mountain was considered especially important for woman who would sleep on the summit during Lughnasa to encourage fertility.

Today St. Patrick is big business in the area with dozens of Patrician statues, holy wells and

shrines. Westport, a pretty port town about 6 miles (10 kilometers) from the mountain, is filled with stores selling Patrick memorabilia and the wooden staffs that are ubiquitous on the mountain.

(Westport was also home to 16th century pirate queen, Grace O'Malley, who vies with Patrick for local attention and lore.)

Twelve miles (19 kilometers) from Westport is Ballintubber Abbey, where Patrick founded a church and baptized his earliest converts. The present abbey has been in daily use as a church for nearly 800 years. Ballintubber also marks the beginning of an ancient pilgrimage route (now called Tochar Phadraig) that winds for 22 miles (35 kilometers) over hills and fields, ending at Croagh Patrick.

Along the way, pilgrims pass a round tower, a holy well and a raised stone carved with Neolithic circles called St. Patrick's Chair.

But it is the mountain that remains the big draw for pilgrims and tourists alike. At almost any time of the day, any time of the year, it is possible to make out a steady stream of climbers in the distance, inching their way toward the summit, hunched over their wooden crooks, little specks of humanity disappearing into the mist. -AP

Tourism Minister reviews facilities at Taj AGRA: Tourism and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) officials in Agra were caught unawares when Union Minister of Tourism Dr Mahesh Sharma paid a surprise visit to the Taj Mahal to review facilities for tourists and the

appropriate steps to "green up" the entire area and also stressed on the need for desilting the river bed and dredging out garbage piled up.

Sharma interacted with tourists at the ticket windows.

ticketing arrangements.

The Minister visited the controversial Taj Heritage Corridor sandwiched between the Taj and the Fort.

Over years, the 20 hectare corridor has remained neglected and a source of visual pollution.

Sharma asked officials to take

He was dissatisfied with the facilities for the tourists.

Tourism industry leaders and the local MP Ram Shankar Katheria, Minister of State for HRD were with the minister and apprised him of long pending issues that had stunted tourism growth.-PTI

In Brief Modi raised H1-B visa issue with Obama NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi had raised the issue of H1-B visa with President Barack Obama, while underlining the importance of ensuring access for Indian professionals in the United States, the government has said.

"During discussion on a range of bilateral issues with the US President during his visit to India in January 25, 2015, Prime Minister raised with the US President, the importance of ensuring easier access for Indian professionals into the United States, including the issue of H1-B visa.

"The US President noted India's concerns in this regard," V K Singh, Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs said in a written reply in Rajya Sabha.

The Obama administration has announced that it was extending work authorization to certain categories of H-4 visa holders effective May 26, 2015.

Employers can now hire foreign workers under H-1B visas after proving there are no qualified candidates available in the US. Each year about 85,000 visas are issued, mostly in tech firms.

Until now, their spouses have been issued a different H-4 visa that made them ineligible to get a Social Security number. -PTI

„ Voter challenges Rubio's immigration stance HOLLIS, N.H.: Back in New Hampshire for the first time since the midterm elections, it didn't take long for Sen. Marco Rubio to get a question about immigration.

Speaking to a group of people in a wooden barn in the southern part of the state, the Florida Republican - still debating whether to run for president or seek re-election to the Senate in 2016 - was asked about his past support for immigration legislation that includes a path to citizenship for the millions of immigrants living in the country illegally. Rubio's aides said the crowd was ``more than 100.'' ``When I first heard you, I liked you a lot - and then you lost me,'' a questioner asked Rubio, to some applause from the crowd. ``But I'm back, here to give you another chance. My question for you is, `Can you commit if elected president to send home every single person that's violated our country's laws and is here illegally?'''

In reply, Rubio didn't hesitate. AP

Immigration

AAO on credential evaluation of H-1B visa petitions

44 India Post

www.indiapost.com

March 6, 2015

Details on page 46

Confident Obama predicts success in immigration appeal MIAMI: President Barack Obama urged immigrants thrown into limbo by legal wrangling to keep planning for eventual relief, professing confidence that his deportation directives won't be thrown out in court.

Obama said he expected to win when a U.S. circuit court hears his appeal, but added that his administration will ``take it up from there'' if the appeal fails, in an apparent reference to the Supreme Court.

He said at each stage of the process, the White House believes it has the better argument. ``This is just one federal judge,'' Obama said of the district judge in Texas who put Obama's order on hold. ``We have appealed it very aggressively. We're going to be as aggressive as we can.''

The strong-willed defense of Obama's executive actions came as millions of immigrants in the U.S. illegally wait to see whether Obama's order shielding them from deportation will be upheld. A 26state coalition led by Texas is suing Obama, alleging he overstepped his legal authority.

Dismissing those hoping for a

presidential about-face, Obama insisted he was ``absolutely committed'' to the new policy, which he described as focusing deportation efforts on felons.

work Telemundo. He said immigrants should make sure that by the time the legal issues are sorted out, ``you are ready to go.''

As Obama spoke in Miami, an-

Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez watches at left as Florida Gov. Rick Scott, R-Fla. gives a Miami Marlins baseball cap to President Barack Obama upon the President's arrived at Miami International airport in Miami

``People should be gathering up their papers, make sure you can show you are a long standing resident of the United States,'' Obama said at a town hall meeting hosted by the Spanish-language TV net-

other immigration drama was playing out in Congress, where lawmakers were attempting to fund Homeland Security over the insistence by some Republicans that Obama's immigration actions be

repealed at the same time. Obama derided Republicans for holding national security funding hostage and said he would veto a standalone measure to repeal his actions being contemplated in the Senate.

The immigration dispute has increasingly taken on political overtones as focus shifts to the campaign for Obama's successor, raising questions about whether Republicans can appeal to the fast-growing number of Hispanic voters. Obama said the first question for 2016 presidential candidates should be whether they really intend to deport 11 million people living here illegally. If not, voters should demand to know their alternative plan, Obama said.

Of Jeb Bush, a likely Republican candidate who is one of his party's more moderate voices on immigration, Obama said he appreciated that the former Florida governor was concerned about fixing the immigration system. ``I would suggest he talk to the Speaker of the House and the members of his party,'' Obama said. AP

Skilled immigrant spouses can soon work in US SAN JOSE, Calif.: When Neha Mahajan's husband got a job transfer from New Delhi to New Jersey, she was excited to come along. But the thrill faded when the television reporter realized there was no way she could get a job in the United States because immigration rules barred her from working.

Over six years, she became deeply frustrated.

That changed recently when the Obama administration announced a visa rule revision that will let spouses of some highly skilled immigrants apply to work in the United States starting this year. ``This rule has come as a big, big relief to me,'' Mahajan said during a press call organized by immigration reform activists. ``I can finally dream of being myself.''

Leon Rodriguez, director of

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, said the change will encourage more highly skilled workers to come to the United States on H-1B visas and apply for green cards to stay here. He said attracting those workers - and their spouses - will give a boost to America's economy. ``They are, in many cases, in their own right highly skilled workers,'' Rodriguez told reporters, adding that many families struggled financially when a spouse couldn't work, and in some cases returned to their country.

Employers can hire foreign workers under H-1B visas after proving there are no qualified candidates available in the U.S. Each

year about 85,000 are issued, mostly in tech firms.

Until now, their spouses have been issued a different H-4 visa which made them ineligible to get a Social Security number. They

simply couldn't legally earn any money. ``This is a long-awaited change that will do nothing but good for all,'' said Austin, Texas, immigration attorney Daniel Kowalski. ``H-4 spouses will benefit, putting their skills to productive use, and easing the stress on

families previously burdened by having one talented spouse sidelined. There is no downside.''

The Obama administration announced plans to make the change last May. The government estimates as many as 179,000 spouses could apply for work permits in the first year, and another 55,000 each year after. Applications will be accepted starting May 26.

The announcement comes as the Obama administration battles with Republicans over plans for more expansive immigration measures that could allow 4 million immigrants in the country illegally to seek work permits and protection from deportation.

A federal judge temporarily blocked the measures, and the Obama administration has since appealed. -AP

Immigration Post

March 6, 2015

India Post 45

www.indiapost.com

Mistake is not retaining talented people: Obama WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama has rued the US is not able to retain the global talent it trains them at its universities because of a broken immigration system and made a passionate push for a comprehensive immigration reform.

"It's wonderful to see people, young people, talented, from all across the globe coming to stay in the United States.

If you look at the history of the founders of Intel and Google and so many of our iconic companies, people like Albert Einstein, Alexander Graham Bell, they were immigrants," Obama said in his address at the Florida University in Miami.

"One of the mistakes that we're making right now is we're training a lot of incredibly talented young people, they're going to our universities, getting advanced degrees, and then we're sending them back right away, even though they may want to stay and start businesses here and contribute to our community," said the US President.

"So one of the things that we

talked about in the comprehensive immigration bill was how can we provide greater incentives and opportunities for young people

tists," Obama said.

Obama said there are a lot of foreign students who come here to study. The fact that they come

President Barack Obama

with great talent and higher degrees to be able to stay here - particularly in areas like math and science and technology, where we know that right now we don't have enough engineers, we don't have enough computer scien-

here to study doesn't automatically qualify them for legal residence or US citizenship, he said.

"I don't foresee a circumstance where suddenly anybody who is going to college here automatically is qualified for legal resi-

US seeks stay on Texas court order on immigration reform WASHINGTON: The US has asked for an emergency stay on a Texas court order that had put on hold orders taken by President Barack Obama on immigration reform which could save millions of undocumented workers, including Indians, from being de-

junction issued by him.

In his ruling, the judge had found that the several executive orders issued by Obama had failed to meet legal requirements.

"The Department of Justice has asked the Federal District

ported.

The US Justice Department filed a motion in this regard before the US District Court in Texas.

In its motion, the Justice Department asked Judge Andrew Hanen to stay the preliminary in-

Court in Texas for an emergency stay of the preliminary injunction that currently prevents the Department of Homeland Security from implementing the deferred action policies the President announced back in December," the White House Press Secretary

Josh Earnest told reporters.

"The administration believes that a stay should be granted because the judge's ruling in this case only makes it harder for the Department of Homeland Security to protect the American people and bring much-needed accountability to our nation's immigration system," he said.

"That is why the documents that have been filed with the court first seek a stay of his injunction so that we can move forward while the case is being appealed at the Fifth Circuit," he added.

"So in the view of the federal government, the question that we're asking is if you won't grant a stay for the full injunction, then you should just grant a stay so that we can move forward with these executive actions in other states," he said.

In its motion, the Justice Department contended that Judge Andrew Hanen's decision extended well beyond his court's jurisdiction.

"Delaying the President's actions cause a domino effect that impacts areas well outside the Southern District of Texas, where the case originates," the Justice department said. -PTI

dence," he said.

"There will be criteria in terms of who it is that is able to apply, get legal residence, get a work permit, and maybe ultimately go through citizenship. But that's going to be through a legal process of legal immigration. That's not going to be one that is resolved with respect to somebody who has been undocumented. Those are two different circumstances," he said.

"Part of what we can do through the comprehensive immigration bill is speed up our legal immigration system. A lot of people end up being forced through the undocumented pool because the legal process is so bogged down, so bureaucratic, so slow, oftentimes the allocations of quotas from different countries don't reflect the mod-

ern world," he said.

"So one of the things that the Senate bill originally did was really change that in a smart way and it would have speeded things up. That's why we still have to get this bill passed and we're still going to have to put pressure on it."

Obama said America is strong because of generation after generation of immigrants who embraced the ideals of America and then fought for those ideals, and fought in wars to defend the country, and built companies that employed people, and helped to build the railroads and the highways.

"All the things that we take for granted in this country, those were built by immigrants. We're all immigrants. That's who we are," he added. -PTI

PRADEEP ROY-SINGH B.A. LL.B. M.B.A. J.D. Attorney-at-Law

Former Assistant StateÂ’s Attorney

Civil & Criminal Litigation Felonies, Misdemeanors, Inc DUI 1 Personal Injury, Business, Divorce etc.

1 Property Tax for Commercial Properties 1 1

http://www.proy-singh.com

2335 W. Devon Ave., Suite 204, Tel: 773-381-1820 Chicago, IL 60659

Immigration Post

46 India Post

March 6, 2015

www.indiapost.com

AAO on credential evaluation of H-1B visa petitions

A

s immigration practitio ners, we file H-1B visa petitions all the time. We know that in each petition, the employer must demonstrate that the position requires a professional in a specialty occupation and that the foreign national - the intended employee - has the required qualifications.

It's become common knowledge that progressively responsible work experience may substitute for any deficiency in the foreign national's education and everyone is pretty comfortable with the equivalency ratio of three years of work to one year of college training (the "three-for-one" rule).

Under this rule, a foreign na-

CORA-ANN V. PESTAINA

AAO cited language at 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(h) (4) (iii) (C) (4) and at section 214(i) (2) (C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

Section 214(i) (2) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1184(i) (2), states that an alien applying for classification as an H-lB nonimmigrant worker must possess: (A) full state licensure to practice in the occupation, if such licensure is required to practice in the occupation, (B) completion of the degree described in paragraph (1)(B) for the occupation, or (C) (i) experience in the specialty equivalent to the completion of such degree, and (ii) recognition of expertise in

It's become common knowledge that progressively responsible work experience may substitute for any deficiency in the foreign national's education and everyone is pretty comfortable with the equivalency ratio tional with twelve years of work experience could be deemed to possess the equivalent of a fouryear US baccalaureate degree and therefore qualified to hold a specialty occupation.

Going forward on new H-1B petitions and especially as we gear up for the upcoming H-1B cap season, a recent non-precedent decision by the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) discussing USCIS' recognition of any years of college-credit for a foreign national's training and/or work experience is worthy of some careful review as it provides detailed analyses that can help us ward off nasty Requests for Evidence (RFE) from the USCIS upon the filing of H-1B petitions.

The case involved an H-1B visa petition filed by a software solutions provider to employ a foreign national in the position of Senior Associate, Solution Architect. The petitioner based its beneficiaryqualification claim upon a combination of the beneficiary's foreign coursework (a three-year Bachelor of Commerce degree) and the beneficiary's work experience and training. The USCIS Director denied the H-1B petition and the AAO subsequently dismissed an appeal of the denial, both on the grounds that the petitioner failed to demonstrate that the beneficiary was qualified to perform the duties of the specialty occupation-caliber Software Developer position.

In its decision to dismiss the appeal and deny the petition, the

the specialty through progressively responsible positions relating to the specialty.

8 C.F.R. § 214.2(h) (4) (iii) (C), Beneficiary qualifications, provides for beneficiary qualification by satisfying one of four criteria.

They require that the evidence of record establish that, at the time of the petition's filing, the beneficiary was a person either: (1) Hold(ing] a United States baccalaureate or higher degree required by the specialty occupation from an accredited college or university; (2) Hold(ing] a foreign degree determined to be equivalent to a United States baccalaureate or higher degree required by the specialty occupation from an accredited college or university; (3) Hold[ing] an unrestricted state license, registration or certification which authorizes him or her to fully practice the specialty occupation and be immediately engaged in that specialty in the state of intended employment; or (4) Hav[ing] [(A)] education, specialized training, and/or progressively responsible experience that is equivalent to completion of a United States baccalaureate or higher degree in the specialty occupation, and hav[ing] [(B)] recognition of expertise in the specialty through progressively responsible positions directly related to the specialty.

The AAO pointed out that the clear, unambiguous language at both 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(h)(4)(iii)(C)(4)

and at section 214(i)(2)(C) of the Act, stipulates that for classification as an H-1B nonimmigrant worker not qualifying by virtue of a license or qualifying degree, a beneficiary must possess TWO requirements - the experience in the specialty equivalent to the completion of such degree; AND recognition of expertise in the specialty through progressively responsible positions relating to the specialty.

The petitioner submitted three sets of credentials evaluation documents, each an evaluation of a combination of the beneficiary's foreign education and his work experience and training. Regarding the documentation of the beneficiary's work experience, the evaluations relied heavily upon an experience letter which indicated that the beneficiary had been employed full-time "from June 2008 through the present" and that he "currently serves in the position of Sr. Associate, Solution Architect."

The letter provided a list of the beneficiary's current job duties.

The AAO found the experience letter deficient in that it did not establish any progression in the beneficiary's duties and responsibilities or any progression through increasingly responsible positions

that would meet the requirement, at 8 C.F.R. §214.2(h) (4) (iii) (C) (4), to show recognition of expertise in the specialty through progressively responsible positions directly related to the specialty in question.

In other words, the AAO found that the experience letter did not indicate the position in which the beneficiary had initially been hired and whether the beneficiary still held that same position or whether the beneficiary's current position represented a promotion or a series of promotions.

The AAO found that the letter identified only the beneficiary's current job duties in "relatively abstract terms of generalized func-

responsibilities of those prior positions, it therefore did not establish that the beneficiary had achieved progressively responsible positions to indicate recognition of expertise in the pertinent specialty, as the provisions at 8 C.F.R. §214.2(h)( 4)(iii)(C)( 4) include as an essential element for establishing a beneficiary's qualifications through a combination of education, training, and/or experience.

The AAO held that the letter provided an insufficient basis for the evaluators to make any conclusions about the nature and level of college-course-equivalent knowledge that the beneficiary gained throughout his employ-

The AAO found the experience letter deficient in that it did not establish any progression in the beneficiary's duties and responsibilities or any progression through increasingly responsible positions tions" and did not state how long the beneficiary was performing in that current job. Because the letter failed to recount the beneficiary's prior positions with the employer and the duties and

ment.

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

Canadian citizenship oath to Queen to remain law OTTAWA: Immigrants to Canada will have to keep taking an oath to the Queen Elizabeth II after the Supreme Court of Canada refused to hear a challenge to the citizenship requirement.

The decision by the top court

giance to Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Canada, her heirs and successors."

Queen Elizabeth II is Canada's titular head of state. Canada is a member of the British Commonwealth of former colonies.

Queen Elizabeth during her 22nd official tour of Canada in 2010

leaves intact an Ontario Court of Appeal ruling.

At issue is a provision in Canada's Citizenship Act that requires would-be citizens to swear to be "faithful and bear true alle-

Longtime permanent residents Michael McAteer, Simone Topey and Dror Bar-Natan challenged the law because they do not want to pledge allegiance to the monarchy.

Informed of the Supreme Court decision that ends the battle, McAteer, 81, of Toronto, said he was disappointed but not surprised.

"It's been a long haul," said McAteer, a staunch republican who came to Canada from Ireland 51 years ago. "(But) I feel the same: If the oath stands, then I won't take Canadian citizenship."

Topey, a Jamaican Rastafarian, said her religion forbids taking an oath to the Queen. Bar-Natan, an Israeli, argued that the oath represents entrenched privilege he opposes.

The federal government maintained that taking the oath has been around since Confederation.

In its ruling, the Ontario Court of Appeal noted the Queen remains Canada's head of state, calling the oath a "symbolic commitment to be governed as a democratic constitutional monarchy unless and until democratically changed." -AP

Datebook

March 6, 2015

NEW JERSEY Upcoming Sat, Mar 7 • HOLI Mela NJ

NEW YORK Upcoming Sat, Mar 28 • Hans Raj Hans

Venue: AKBAR, 21 Cortlandt St, Edison, NJ 08837 Time : 10:00 am Contact: 732 763-0118

Venue: Performing Arts Center Of York College, 94-45 Guy R Brewer Blvd, NY 11451 Time : 7:00 pm Contact: 917-325-4903

Sat, Mar 14 • Music Workshop by Sharda Rajan

Thu, Apr 2

Venue: Homewood suites by Hilton, 66 Stanley St, East Rutherford, NJ 07073 Time: 10:00 am Contact: 203-599-1437

Sat, Mar 21 • Rang Tarang 2015 Venue: Deewan Banquet, 560 Stelton Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854 Time: 11:00 am Contact: 609 354 8080

• Nafees | Sama Blake Live Venue: Antun's by Minar, 244 W Old Country Rd, Hicksville, NY 11801 Time : 8:00 pm Contact: 516-336-9042

Sat, May 9 • Ranjeet Rajwada Prince Of Ghazal Venue: Hindu Auditorium, 143-09 Holly Ave, Flushing, NY 11355 Time: 7:30 pm Contact: 347-989-6104

India Post 47

www.indiapost.com

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

CHICAGO

Upcoming

Upcoming

Fri, Mar 6 • GujjuBhai Banya Dabang Gujarati Drama Venue: Chabot College Performing Arts Center, 25555 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward, CA 94545 Timet: 7:30 pm

Fri, Mar 13 • Zakir Hussain Connection

ILLINOIS Upcoming Celtic

Venue: Pabst Theater, 144 E Wells St, Milwaukee, WI 53202 Time: 8:00 pm Contact: 414-467-3032

Sat, Mar 7 • BAYVP Dhuleti 2015 Celebrations Venue: Shreemaya Krishnadham, 25 Corning Ave., Milpitas, CA 95035 Timet: 07:30 pm Contact: 408-586-0006

Sat, Mar 14 • Naach Meri Jaan: A Reality Dance Competition Judged by Javed Jaffrey and Bollywood Celebrity in Bay Area Venue: Chabot College Center of Performing Arts, 25555 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward, CA 94545 Time: 10:00 pm Contact: 408-389-4179

Sat, Mar 14 • South Asian Heart Center's Seventh Annual Scarlet Night Gala Venue: Mission City Room at the Santa Clara Convention Center at 5001 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA. Timet: 6 to 11:30 p.m Contact: 650 940 7242

Sat, May 16 • Isayum Thendral -

Sun, May 17 • Rahet Fateh Ali Khan Live In Los Angeles Venue: Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 Green St, Pasadena, CA 91101 Time: 6:30 pm Contact: 213-422-2475

ATLANTA Upcoming Sat, Feb 28 • Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana Venue: Berkmar High School, 405 Pleasant Hill Rd, Lilburn, GA 30047 Time: 8:30 pm Contact: 678-789-4690

Mon, Mar 9 • Beginners Raja Yoga Meditation Course Venue: Brahma Kumaris Meditation Center, 13914 Josey Ln, Farmers Branch, TX 75234 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 9722545562

The healing breeze

Mon, Aug 31 • MITHAS 2014 Membership

Venue: DMarsee Performing Center, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance, CA 90506 Time : 05:00 pm Contact: 2132191970

Venue: Wong Auditorium, MIT, 70 Memorial Dr, Cambridge, MA 02142 Time: 07:00 pm Contact: 857-205-9731

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

1st and 3rd Sunday of Month • Chicago Children's Bal Mukund Character Building Program and Hindi Literacy Classes Venue: Vogelei Center, 650 W. Higgins Road, Hoffmann Estates, IL 60192 (Next to Nissan Dealership) Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-561-4807

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

Mondays and Fridays • Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Where: Metropolitan Asian Family Services Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105Time: 5:30 pm

48

India Post

Classifieds www.indiapost.com

For Classifieds Ads Call NORTHERN CA (Sonia) Tel: 510-938-8668 sonia@indiapost.com (Priya) Tel. 510-275-4467 priya@indiapost.com SOUTHERN CA (Shashi Trivedi) Tel: 562-441-5511/ Fax: 562-947-0632 shashi19@yahoo.com CHICAGO (Ramesh Soparawala) Tel: 773-973-7394 / Fax: 773-973-7396 sramesh@aol.com NEW YORK (Pinky) Tel: 908 338 3752 pinky@indiapost.com

March 6, 2015

Horoscope

March 6, 2015

India Post

49

www.indiapost.com

Your Weekly Future

by Pandit Parashar

March 6th to March 12th 2015 (March 21 to April 20)

Y

ou have some easy money coming your way.

Business trips will be fruitful. Divine protection will help overcome a major difficult situation in career. Mind will be full of bright ideas and you will be working on several things at the same time. Other side will present some strong evidence in ongoing litigation.

(April 21 to May 20)

A

ll journeys in direction East will be beneficial.

Working conditions will get little tough and you may bring some work at home also. You may suffer with little back pain. Venture started in partnerships will be lucky and go long way. You may take family out to a nice place for dinner. A very profitable week for all brokers.

(May 21 to June 20)

E

xtra hours spent at work will bring in rich rewards.

Boss will be on your side openly and forward your name this week. People will benefit from your knowledge and experience. You will be full of energy and take a big courageous move. Some money will go towards repairs also. A long distance trip is also in the air soon.

(June 21 to July 22)

Y

ou will take some bold steps in career. Gamble will pay off in rich rewards soon. Blessings and guidance from a learned person will steer you in right direction. Mind will be at ease. A relationship is about to become permanent.

You may invite few friends at your place for dinner. Bank balance will keep increasing.

(July 23 to August 22)

(November 23 to December 22)

Y

ou will be going on an in teresting short trip.

Money will become available on time for your projects. A very promising week for people in retail business. Spouse will seek your permission before buying an expensive item for the house. You are in line for a quick promotion or moving to a prestigious position with power.

(August 23 to September 22)

Y

ou have lots of easy money coming in next few weeks. Offer will come but require you to relocate.

There will be major changes in career soon to your advantage. You may shut down an overseas project not working out so well lately. You will enjoy many favorite dish at home and receive many valuable gifts this week.

(September 23 to October 22)

I

t will be another expensive week. You will gain friendship of an influential person. Reply from a government agency could also come during the week and in positive only. You will stay cheerful and enjoy with family and friends. Some extra expense towards insurance of vehicles or property also possible this week.

(October 23 to November 22)

Y

ou will enjoy the company of a new friend. Money wise looks like a promising week. All financial deals will go through and you will make money through stocks also. Boss will quickly agree to your ideas and promise the assignment. Pending issue with a government agency will be finally settled in your favor.

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

He can be reached at: parashar@parashar.com

Y

ou will not have to struggle even to achieve difficult goals. Sun is shining in your house of luck. A close family member will surprise you with a good news. You will make good use of time on hands and clean up the things gathering dust in the house. You will analyze your competitor and change your strategy.

(December 22 to January 19)

T

here will be some interesting developments at work but things will stay little unclear for few more days.

People in business will be successful in recovering an old and big payment. You will take time out of a busy schedule and make plans with children. Watch out for someone who is trying to make a comeback in life.

(January 20 to February 18)

M

oney will come but will not stay. Do not make any hasty decisions about career at this point.

This is the right time to change that trouble making vehicle. Party will be entertaining and you will make very good friends. People involved in research program will make good progress. Take care of your health.

(February 19 to March 20)

O

pponents will try their best but will fail. Some one in family may travel this week. You will overcome any health issues very quickly. Some one who promised to help will finally call and start the process. You will receive a gift in mail. Some of you will getting ready for an exciting assignment in near future.

510-886-4370 www.parashar.com

50 India Post

NEW DELHI: Twenty-five women bikers have taken up their passion for a novel cause - engage common people on the skewed sex ratio issue to end gender-based discrimination.

They were part of a solidarity rally which kicked off from here to Rohtak covering over 80 km in nearly two hours. There were also 75 male participants largely from Delhi as a part of the 'Mission Hazaar' campaign.

The campaign, an initiative of global human rights organization 'Breakthrough', is against Gender-Biased Sex Selection (GBSS) prevalent in many parts of the country.

"Women are seldom able to take part in decisions pertaining to their own lives.

They are denied their rights to choice, education, career, health, and mobility. Traditional norms perpetuate discrimination and

www.indiapost.com

further restrict their opportunities. only 914 girls for every 1000 boys on an "The idea is to challenge stereotypes and average. fight for women's right to mobility," Sonali "Some of the country's most economiKhan, vice-president-India, Breakthrough, cally progressive areas have some of the whose recent campaigns include 'Bell Bajao' worst child sex ratios. Fewer girls in a sociand 'Nation Against Early Marriage'. ety means fewer girls in public places. This As the name makes them apsuggests, 'Mispear more unsafe, The organizers also undersion Hazaar' which further reaims at reaching duces the mobiltook a survey of 10,000 the figure of ity of girls and youth to make them realize 1,000 girls per women," Khan how the sex-ratio impacts 1,000 boys in Intold PTI. dia, where curThe campaign day-to-day lives of people. rently, there are seeks to engage

March 6, 2015

common people on the issue to end gender-based discrimination; to build communities in which everyone can thrive; and to make public spaces safe for everyone.

The organizers also undertook a survey of 10,000 youth to make them realize how the sex-ratio impacts day-to-day lives of people.

The respondents from schools and colleges between the age group of 12-25 years were asked to mention how many siblings and relatives they have in their family on the basis of gender.

Cont'd on Page 52

India Post 51

March 6, 2015 www.indiapost.com

Taj Mahal endures, but its birthplace crumbles BURHANPUR, India: It is no secret that the Taj Mahal is a monument of love, built by a Mugul emperor as the final resting place for his beloved queen who died giving birth to their 14th child in 1631.

What's less known is that the white-marbled tomb was not her first resting place after death.

Queen Mumtaz Mahal in fact died some 900 kilometers (555 miles) away in central India's Burhanpur town and was buried there, in a rose-tinted sandstone

cliff with a mind-boggling view of the undulating plains below.

Each one of the town's treasures is a reminder of India's rich multicultural history and the contribution that about 800 years of Muslim rule made to the predominantly Hindu country's heritage.

Many of the monuments in the town are in utter neglect. Infrastructure as basic as toilets and roads to the sites is missing. Open drains run along some important tombs, which are ravaged by overgrown shrubs. Mountains of gar-

shrubs and weeds. Wild goats and cows roam freely. All that remain of the one-story pavilion are pillars and walls, some art work on them still visible. Its ceiling is no more.

For about six months, Mumtaz's body remained in the pavilion while Shah Jahan made plans to build the Taj Mahal on the banks of the nearby River Tapti.

But unfortunately Burhanpur's geography, geology and hydrology conspired against his plans.

According to historians, Shah

of its walls and roof is decorated with murals in floral pattern, its colors as fresh as they were centuries ago.

But to get there we had to walk through a graveyard, where a horse lay dying in a ditch while little boys played nearby.

Burhanpur, located in Madhya Pradesh state, was the reason for our trip, but not the destination.

Our 10-day trip cut an arc through the vast state, stopping at four other places of Islamic and Hindu culture that carried in their stone monuments stories of love, valor,

devotion and sex.

The last stop was the 10-11th century Khajuraho group of Hindu and Jain temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Their distinctive steeple domes are made of interlocking blocks of finely carved stone, and the outer walls of temples dense with sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses, scenes of court life, and a profusion of graphic erotic sculptures inspired by the Kama Sutra, depicting all kinds of sexual acts.

But we will save that story for another day. -AP

UK to mark 'World Yoga Day' on June 21

pavilion in her favorite deer park.

The once opulent and richly decorated pavilion is now a sad, crumbling ruin, thanks to neglect and apathy by authorities and Burhanpur's own 200,000 residents.

And it's not the only gem in the treasure chest of this town, which even most Indians could not identify on a map.

Behind its dirty, unpaved streets and open garbage dumps, Burhanpur hides an abundance of magnificent Islamic monuments dating back to 15th century. Once an important trading and military outpost, Burhanpur slipped into margins of history in less than two centuries and is now nowhere to be found in any tourist advertisement.

On a recent trip, we found in Burhanpur the ruins of a riverside palace; airy pavilions with intricately carved pillars; grand stone mausoleums with latticed windows that throw filtered beams of dusty light on the graves inside; a royal bath house with cheerful paintings of birds and flowers; austere and imposing mosques with incredibly fine calligraphy, and a fort on a

bage greet visitors. ``Every monument here tells a story. Every stone here says `come to me and listen to what I have to say' but there is nobody to listen or to take care of them,'' lamented Hoshang Havaldar, 60, who has lived all his life in Burhanpur, and runs one of only two decent hotels in the town.

Burhanpur was ruled by the founding Faruqi dynasty from 1400 to 1599 and by the fabled Mughals from 1600, when Emperor Akbar conquered it. His grandson, Emperor Shah Jahan, ran his military campaigns against southern kingdoms from Burhanpur, accompanied by his wife Mumtaz.

She died while giving birth to their 14th child and was buried in a pavilion facing a small palace in a deer park.

Today, the Ahukhana, as the park was called, and its two buildings are one of the most dilapidated among Burhanpur's treasures.

The sprawling park is locked up with no caretaker. Its rusty metal gates are tied by a chain loose enough to leave enough space for humans or animals to slip through.

The grounds are overgrown with

Jahan wanted the monument to be of white marble, which was only available in the faraway Markana, making transportation difficult. River Tapti's breadth was a little narrow where he envisaged the mausoleum - meaning it would not be reflected fully in the water on moonlit nights.

Finally, the rock-bed just wasn't right to hold up a building of that mass. As it turned out, Agra on the banks of majestically wide River Yamuna and not too far from Markana, was the perfect choice.

Mumtaz's body was disinterred and taken to Agra, then the imperial capital of the Mughal empire that ruled India from 15th to 19th centuries. And so Burhanpur faded away.

One of the most beautiful monuments in Burhanpur is the tomb of Bilquis Jahan, the wife of Shah Jahan's son. It is known as the Kharboozi Gumbaz, or Melon Dome, because of its distinctive dome and bulging walls that look like the fruit. An unimposing structure, it nevertheless stands out because of its shape and stunning interior - every corner

LONDON: Britain will mark the recently-declared 'World Yoga Day' by the United Nations with a mega event on June 21, in what may be seen as India's growing "soft power" in the world.

Indian High Commissioner to the UK Ranjan Mathai made the announcement at a parliamentary group meeting here.

The UN adopted an India-led resolution declaring June 21 as 'International Day of Yoga' in December last year, less than three months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed the idea.

The resolution was overwhelmingly co-sponsored and adopted in the world body, recognizing that "Yoga provides a holistic approach to health and well-being".

Yoga is the 5,000-year-old Indian physical, mental and spiritual practice that aims to transform body and mind.

Describing UK's decision to

celebrate the 'World Yoga Day's as a sign of India's growing "soft power", Mathai told a group of British MPs at the meeting that it will be a "big day in the UK as well".

Mathai was invited as a guest speaker by the Indo-British All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) to present an overview on 'Recent developments in India's foreign relations and India-UK relations'.

The meeting was attended by leading British Indian parliamentarians who are members of the group, chaired by Virendra Sharma and vice-chaired by Lord Karan Bilimoria.

Another key member Keith Vaz expressed his disappointment that Prime Minister Modi had decided not to visit Britain among his first few foreign visits.

"The need for an early visit has been reflected back from the UK. -PTI

52 India Post

March 6, 2015 www.indiapost.com

First came love, then came marriage: 70 years ago WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass.: It's the kind of story that can give all young couples hope in trying times.

Arnold Boido and Alda Tassinari met as children. Arnold grew up in Agawam and West Springfield. His family would visit Sagamore in the summertime and he would play with the neighbor-

youth. Arnold said his wife used to love his full head of thick blond locks.

Arnold enlisted in the Navy in 1939. When the U.S. entered World War II in 1941, he spent his leave time with Alda, and ``we grew and grew and grew and grew.'' But as long as the war raged, the couple were not willing to get married.

Alda Boido, left, and Arnold Boido at West Springfield's Mittineague Park.

hood kids. As the years passed, Alda caught his eye in a whole new way.

First came love, then came marriage, and 70 years later, they are still going strong.

Arnold, now 95, and Alda, 92, sat at their kitchen table and recalled their courtship with blissful smiles and frequent laughs. They reached out and touched each other's hands as they gently chided one another about how much they've changed since their wedding day in 1945.

Alda said she had forgotten her natural hair color until she was asked to find a picture from her

That hesitance didn't last. The first time Arnold was given a 30day leave, they were joined for life at a small ceremony on Cape Cod. That was March 3, 1945.

The war in Europe ended two months later, but Japan had not yet surrendered and Arnold was put to work to prepare for a possible invasion. The dropping of the atomic bombs made that unnecessary. Arnold ultimately was discharged as a warrant officer and he returned home.

That was the first time he and Alda were able to spend time together around the clock. And even though there were tough times as

they aged, had children and grandchildren, built businesses, built houses and entered their Golden Years with their health intact, they remained in love.

They've kept the fire burning for seven decades, 13 presidents, seven popes, the Cold War, the space race, the Civil Rights Movement, the eradication of smallpox and polio, the fall of the Berlin Wall and the invention of the Internet.

Arnold and Alda Boido have witnessed all these as a married couple.

How? ``You have to have a lot of patience and try to see each other's viewpoints,'' said Alda, while admitting that it's not always easy. ``We have our disagreements about different things, but in two minutes, it's over. We don't argue.'' ``For better or worse, for richer or poorer, and all that? That's what we live by,'' said Arnold. ``I give her credit for all of it. She's very, very forgiving ... She put up with a lot of guff from me.''

Alda brushed off the compliment, saying they always ``got along fine.''

Arnold: ``You put up with a lot.''

Alda: ``Oh, stop it.''

It helped, Arnold said, that their children were well-behaved.

They agreed that, in the early years of their marriage, there was a lot to learn about each other. But now, they say they know everything. ``Maybe we're learning things that we should forget about!'' Alda said, laughing along with her husband. -AP

While examining gender differences in family size, boys mentioned they have more brothers than sisters while girls mentioned they have more sisters than brothers. This implies that family size tend to be more for families having more girls than boys, as families are more likely to stop having children when they have sons, according to the report.

A trend in sex ratio over generations shows a decline in female ratio compared to males, like a case where from (Female: Male) 7:5, 3:7, 1:2 and 0:1.

In another case, the female male ratio mentioned was as 6:2

to 6:112. This indicated in the data that aspiration to have sons more than daughters.

"The key question is not about denying education rights of women and not sending them to school but do girls exist in equal number compared to boys," the report argued.

They further reiterate the fact of undermining the value and worth of women by saying it is more important to send boys for higher education compared to girls and wives should be less educated than their husbands.

Regarding the occupation of women vis-a-vis their value and worth, majority of the responses have been about women engaged in farming, followed by cattle rear-

MILAN: Fashion is always about renewal, but this round of Milan Fashion Week it's not just the collections that are getting a fresher-upper but, it seems, much of the Italian fashion system.

Gucci's new designer Alessandro Michele, a brand insider little known until now in the wider fashion world, made his runway debut on the first day of

ning of a new phase, accelerating the growth of the new designers,'' Italian Fashion Chamber CEO Jane Reeve said in a recent interview.

GUCCI DISCONTINUITY Alessandro Michele strove for discontinuity in his Gucci debut, relaunching the brand with romantic flourishes against a hardened, urban background.

Models wear creations for Gucci women's Fall-Winter 2015-2016 collection, part of the Milan Fashion Week, unveiled in Milan, Italy

womenswear previews, giving the historic brand a clean break from the past.

Michele's launch is a fitting banner to a period emphasizing new talent in Milan, which also featured a live runway competition between five young designers sponsored by the Italian Fashion Chamber. At the same time, recently discovered young designers, like Stella Jean and Fausto Puglisi, have quickly established themselves as an integral part of the fashion calendar, which comprises 68 shows and 76 presentations. `'I am hoping this is the begin-

His debut collection displayed a confident break with the past, reasserting the double-G brand logo with prominent belt-buckle placings in the opening and closing looks but also introducing a new motif: birds in flight.

The collection snatched elements from the hastily assembled menswear collection, a team effort, shown last month after his predecessor Frida Giannini's earlierthan-expected departure. There were the same elaborate poet bows on silken shirts and loose-fitting suits with contrast piping, nods to androgyny for both men and women. -AP

ing, handicrafts and household work. And very rarely other occu-

The respondents mentioned that they see more men than women at roads, neighborhood grocery shops, parks, panchayat

pations like doctor/engineer, police woman, politician, panchayat member, teacher and sales woman were mentioned.

meetings, fields. Workplace wise, the respondents mentioned they see more men than women at

banks, police station and at panchayat.

According to the organizers, the campaign has also been largely adopted by the Ministry of Women & Child Development under 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padho' scheme.

"Due to the scheme, the attention is on the issue which is only going to help women, who feel more and more vulnerable in today's day and age," Khan said.

She said all the findings of the organization's survey will be shared with the government so that the issue is addressed in the best way possible.

The campaign is time-bound and aims at achieving certain progress in two years after the completion of which, the desired change will be measured. -PTI

Biking women on ‘Mission Hazaar’ Cont'd from Page 50

New Gucci designer debuts in Milan

Philosophy

March 6, 2015

India Post 53

www.indiapost.com

Page Sponsored by Sahanis COLIN DRAKE

Contd from last week: ere is the continuation of my response to a recent post on a Facebook group Nonduality Highlights:

H

d. What are the motives of those who inflict suffering on others?

It says in the Upanishads that all acts are performed by The Self (Awareness, Brahman) for the sake of The Self and love of The Self.

Their 'flavor' is caused by the relative wisdom or ignorance of the 'actor', the instrument, committing them. So it seems to me that 'good' and 'evil' acts stem from the same motivation and their outward expression is dependent on the degree of Awareness that the perpetrator exhibits.

The former by those who exhibit some degree of awakening, wisdom, and identification with the Totality (Consciousness, Brahman); whereas, the latter are more likely to be committed by those who are relatively 'asleep', ignorant, or identified as a separate object in a universe of such. For then they are liable to treat others as 'objects' for this is what they think they are! In this case their acts are performed by the self (the 'separate individual' - the ego) for the sake of the self and love (or hate) of the self.

The natural corollary to this is that if we awaken, by realizing that we are Pure Awareness (the conP. D. OUSPENSKY

W

e are not aware of any contradiction in the fact of our inner life and of the world in which we live.

The existence in us of psychic life, i.e., of sensations, perceptions, conceptions, reasoning, feeling, desires etc ., and the existence of the world outside of us - from these two fundamental data immediately proceed our common and clearly understood division of everything that we know into subjective and objective .

Everything that we accept as a property of the world, we call objective; and everything that we accept as a property of our psyche, we call subjective. The subjective world we recognize directly: it is in ourselves - we are one with it.

The objective world we picture to ourselves as existing somewhere outside of us - we and it are different things. It seems to us that if we should close our eyes, then the objective world would continue to exist, such as we just saw it ; and if our inner life were to disappear, so would the subjective world disappear.

Yet the objective world would

stant conscious subjective presence), and cultivate this awakening by remaining identified as (and with) This, then we tend to become a force for 'good', peace, harmony, positivity and creativity. Whereas, if we remain asleep, identified as an object in a universe of objects, we could become a force for 'evil', violence, discord, negativity and destructivity. (C Drake, Awakening and Beyond, p.152) e. How can one influence these to desist?

for all sentient beings. At this level there is truly no separation between oneself and any other being, and this naturally leads to compassion. (C Drake, Beyond The Separate Self, p.94). Which entails treating others in the same way that one would wish to be treated by others. f. What is the best way to help reduce the environmental degradation of the planet ‌ which leads to much suffering for those affected by rising sea levels etc.?

ing with, Awareness itself. After which we live more simply, as we are not seeking for happiness in material possessions, for we discover that happiness is truly (and always) within. In this way our carbon footprint will be naturally lowered and we will be more inclined to eschew self-interest and act for the common good. (C Drake, Awakening and Beyond, p. 21-24) g. What can one do to help those whose suffering is caused by the actions of others?

How does non dual awakening help the suffering -II

Colin Drake

What is needed is a paradigm shift away from personal interest and towards acting for the common good, which will not occur as long as we identify ourselves as separate individual beings living in a hostile universe.

By pointing out the causes of their own suffering and helping them to go Beyond the Separate Self (see book of same name) providing pointers to awakening, encouraging them to 'awaken' in every way possible.

Without a change of identification there will be no motive to change one's behavior, but when one awakens to the fact that one is Pure Awareness then, it follows that this is known to be the case

The major cause of this problem is greed and the expectation that there will always be more and more.

What is needed is a paradigm shift away from personal interest and towards acting for the common good, which will not occur as long as we identify ourselves as separate individual beings living in a hostile universe. So, the solution is for humanity to 'awaken' by becoming aware of, and identify-

With regard to suffering that is caused by external circumstances that are beyond one's control, we can at least empathize with those affected; join, assist and donate to groups that help these if we are able, and aid anyone that we meet that is in this category.

For details go to website http:/ / w w w. l u l u . c o m / s p o t l i g h t / ColinDrake. Colin Drake is a spirituality teacher based in Australia

exist as before, as it existed at the time when we were not; when our subjective world was not. Our relation to the objective world is most exactly defined by the fact that we perceive it as existing in time and space; otherwise, out of these conditions, we can neither conceive nor imagine it.

In general, we say that the ob-

we cognize the objective world by projecting outside of ourselves the causes of our sensations, presupposing them to contain these causes.

Then we find that our knowledge of the subjective world, and of the objective world also, can be true and false, correct and incorrect. The criterion for the defi-

The criterion for the definition of correctness or incorrectness of our knowledge of the objective world is the very same. It seems to us that we define the things and phenomena of the objective world by means of comparing them among themselves; and we think we find the laws of their existence outside of us, and independent of

Only means to verify our knowledge is sensations Our relation to the objective world is most exactly defined by the fact that we perceive it as existing in time and space; otherwise, out of these conditions, we can neither conceive nor imagine it. jective world consists of things and phenomena, i.e., things and changes in states of things.

The phenomena exist for us in time; the things, in space. But such a division of the subjective and the objective world does not satisfy us. By means of reasoning we can establish the fact that in reality we know only our own sensations, perceptions and conceptions, and

nition of correctness or incorrectness of our knowledge of the subjective world is the form of the relations of one sensation to others, and the force and character of the sensation itself. In other words, the correctness of one sensation is verified by the comparison of it with another of which we are more sure, or by the intensity and "taste" of a given sensation.

P. D. Ouspensky

our perception of them. But it is an illusion. We know nothing about things separately from us; and we have no other means of verifying the correctness of our knowledge of the objective world than by sensations.

Excerpted from 'Tertium Organum.' The 137th birth anniversary of P.D. Ouspensky is observed on March 5

Many have died; you also will die. The drum of death is being beaten. The world has fallen in love with a dream. Only sayings of the wise will remain.

- Kabir Death is something not only mysterious but a great act of purgation.

That which continues in a repetitive pattern is degeneration.

-J. Krishnmaurti This body has nothing to do with you. If you must have an ambition have the highest, so that at least while dying, you will be the Absolute.

- Nisargadatta Maharaj When one has love for God, one doesn't feel any physical attraction to wife, children, relatives and friends. One retains only compassion for them.

-Ramakrishna Self is what gives breath to Life. You need not search for It, It is Here.

You are That through which you would search.

You are what you are looking for!

-HL Poonjaji Let no man in the world live in delusion. Without a Guru none can cross over to the other shore.

-Guru Nanak

sure yourself FIRST. Call Sahanis, (Arish, Priya or Shiv) for your Insurance needs 718- 271- 0453. Serving for last 35 yrs

54

Edit Page

India Post

March 6, 2015

www.indiapost.com

Modi's maritime pilgrimage to develop Blue Economy

P

rime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Maldives, Mauritius Seychelles and Sri Lanka during this month to reinforce India's foreign policy objectives. A number of political, economic, social and security issues would constitute the agenda and several agreements and memorandums of understanding are expected to be signed with the Indian Ocean States. At least three maritime issues merit attention.

Capacity-Building for Maritime Security

India Post

VIJAY SAKHUJA

instance, Sri Lanka requires platforms, systems and technologies for fisheries patrol and to prevent transgressions that have been the bane of bilateral relations; Maldives requires surveillance assistance; Mauritius requires aircraft and ships for EEZ patrols; and Seychelles requires hydrographic support.

India can offer an institutionalized information and intelligencesharing mechanism, and it will also be useful to explore if officials from these countries are co-located in the Indian Navy's National Command Control Communication Intelligence (NC3I) network or the Information Management and

First, capacity-building for maritime security is a recurring theme in bilateral discussions between India and the Indian Ocean island States.

The 2014 trilateral meeting (India, Maldives and Sri Lanka) held in New Delhi supported the idea of expanding the trilateral engagements to include Seychelles and Mauritius as observers. It was decided to build the capacity of the partners to enhance Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), provide Search and Rescue (SAR) support, oil pollution response exercises, and cooperation in legal matters.

The Indian Navy has supported hydrographic surveys in Seychelles, provided training to the File photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the deck of INS Vikramaditya, in Goa on 14 June 2014 Mauritius Coast Guard, undertaken surveillance for Maldives and Analysis Centre (IMAC). This is worked closely with Sri Lanka in a practice in the Singapore-based counter-terrorism against the Information Fusion Centre (IFC) LTTE. It has provided warships and established at Changi Command aircraft to these countries to aug- and Control Centre (CC2C), where ment maritime security capabilities. an Indian Navy officer has been These engagements have cata- positioned. Significantly, the IFC pulted India to emerge as a 'net has received much acclaim for its security provider' and be seen as multilateral approach to maritime a compassionate power in the In- security. dian Ocean.

Before identifying what the InIndia or China' dian Prime Minister can offer during his visits to the four island Dilemma Second, China's overt military States, it is useful to understand that these countries have similar support to Maldives, Sri Lanka, security requirements which can Seychelles and Mauritius is an isbe clubbed under MDA, a critical sue, which has caused enormous element of maritime security. For anxiety in India. Notwithstanding

that, it will be prudent for Modi to avoid raising the issue, which could result in an 'India or China' dilemma.

These island countries are recipients of generous financial and material support (preferential loans for military/commercial infrastructure projects, sale of military hardware at friendly prices and military training and education) from China and may not be willing to address India's concerns.

The docking of the Chinese submarine in Colombo port invited sharp reactions in New Delhi and apparently, under pressure, Sri Lanka decided to review the project but quickly backtracked to state that any decision on the future of the project would be taken in consultation with the Chinese.

Further, these countries are keen to participate and partake in China's Maritime Silk Road (MSR) initiative, and build infrastructure to support economic growth.

These drivers shape their India policy and these States would like to avoid any pressure from New Delhi.

Blue Economy Third, Blue Economy is the current 'mantra' of the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and the respective leaderships have championed it at national and international forums. In the Indian Ocean, Seychelles and Mauritius have been spearheading the discourse on Blue Economy and the concept has found favor across the globe including the United Nations. A number of countries and regional groupings have agreed to support the SIDS in their vision of sustainable development of oceanic resources for economic growth.

India's ability to harness the seas is noteworthy and it has developed sophisticated mechanisms for the sustainable development of living and non-living oceanic resources.

A number of scientific institutions for oceanic research, environment studies, offshore exploration and development of fisheries have been set up to harness the seas in a sustainable manner.

India is working closely with its maritime neighbors and has endorsed Bangladesh's call for the Bay of Bengal Partnership for Blue Economy. Maldives, Sri Lanka, Seychelles and Mauritius are natural partners for India towards developing the Blue Economy.

The writer is Director, National Maritime Foundation (NMF), New Delhi

A

Way forward

bold new move has been initiated in Jammu & Kashmir which if carried forward would show the way India has to progress by reconciling the many differences that tend to pull it in different directions. That in spite of holding ideologically extreme positions and dominating in two different areas of the State, the BJP and the PDP could come together to form a coalition shows the time has come for mature politics.

It is a very difficult project. It means both the parties have to resile from their pet positions. The coalition was tested soon after the swearing in of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed as chief minister with him thanking Pakistan and the Hurriyat for not disrupting the elections and instead letting them take place peacefully. This ruffled the BJP rank and file straightaway but the leadership stayed the course and did not make it an issue. In spite of the BJP displeasure there is a grain of truth in what Sayeed said. If Pakistan wanted it could have created incidents around election time to vitiate the atmosphere and if the Hurriyat wanted it could have prevented people from voting by creating even small incidents. That they did not do so shows they wanted the elections to succeed.

In fact they had a stake in seeing a PDF victory in view of the challenge thrown up by Modi's lieutenants of asking for 44+ seats in the State. That galvanized all in the Kashmir valley to deny it to the BJP which could have become a possibility if they had boycotted the election. On the other side of the fence, in Jammu the BJP did manage a near sweep. Thus the two dominant forces in the state were ranged against each other with neither in a position to form a government without some support from smaller parties.

It took them more than two months of negotiations to come to an understanding and a common minimum program under which both agreed to not press their ideological positions and for the sake of governance, push them in the background.

It would have been good if Sayeed during his taking over had spoken about the issues of governance like health, education, jobs and infrastructure. But you can't expect a government in J& K to abjure politics.

It is not only for Narendra Modi to control his foot soldiers from over-reacting but Sayeed also needs to ensure the habitual protests and strikes from his rank and file are controlled. A case in point is some of his partymen, including a newly-appointed minister asking for the remains of Afzal Guru to be returned to Kashmir.

It is these kind of issues on which over-reaction can occur and spoil the atmosphere for the new government to function. Whether the remains of Afzal Guru should be returned or not is a different issue which can be discussed in private. The point is if such issues keep popping up publicly, it would become impossible to govern the difficult state.

It is difficult to foresee if this coalition will manage to carry on for the six years but there never was a better chance for it to succeed. In Narendra Modi we have a prime minister who is committed to peace and progress in the northern state and for its sake he has graciously embraced adversaries and shown the way to compromise. People of Jammu & Kashmir are also tired of agitations and bandhs and want their daily necessities are met first. They need to be reassured that they can live with a Hindu dominated Central government.

The experiment in Kashmir could provide a template for HinduMuslim unity in the rest of the country. It requires living with different perceptions and moving forward in areas which are of common interest to the people. The contentious issues can be taken up once the atmosphere is conducive for their resolution.

March 6, 2015

www.indiapost.com

India Post 55

56 India Post

www.indiapost.com

March 6, 2015