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Shivinder sworn in Brea Traffic Commissioner Details on page 20

VOL 18, No. 964

March 8, 2013

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Periodical Postage

9 US GUVS PITCH FOR INDIAN INVESTMENT

26 Senators urge action to stop hate crimes

Chuck Hagel

‘India financed problems for Pak in Afghanistan’ Details on page 6

‘300 pc rise in suspicious terror financing cases’

Details on page 16

Details on page 13

Florida Sikh shot while driving

Rajat Gupta ordered to pay USD 6.2 mln

Details on page 16 Details on page 6

Badal contests rights group claim in US court Details on page 6

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 28-29

FRIENDS OF INDIA: Governors from nine US States with Indian Ambassador to US, Nirupama Rao, at corporate reception

Classifieds ------------------------- 47

hosted by Confederation of Indian Industry-India Business Forum in Washington DC on February 22.

Community Post -------------- 16-26 Date Book -------------------------- 27

INDIA POST SURVEY survey@indiapost.com This week’s question

Will Chuck Hagel change his mind on India?

Last week’s result

Do you think Anand Jon is innocent?

YES 43%

NO 57%

WASHINGTON: Governors of as many as nine Americans States attended a corporate reception of Indian companies and sought their investments in the respective States.

While gathering of so many US governors at the corporate reception of other countries is considered rare, their presence at the event organized by Confederation of Indian Industry-India Business Forum (CII-IBF) on February 22 reflected the new bonhomie of economic relationship between the two countries.

Governor Jack Markell of Delaware, who returned from

nine-day India trip recently, said the future growth of his State is largely tied to plugging into the global economy, specifically to India.

"As the fastest-growing market for US exporters, India provides significant opportunities to increase US growth," he told the select audience.

The Arizona Governor, Janice Brewer said that her State regards India as an "important growing and moving trading partner" and announced that she is planning her first trip to India.

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

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Edit Page --------------------------- 54 HealthScience Post --------- 32-36 Horoscope ------------------------- 52 Immigration Post ------------- 44-46 Life Style ----------------------- 48-50 Philosophy ------------------------- 53 Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate -------------------- 30-31 TechBiz Post ------------------- 11-14 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 39-42

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here's been talk for some time now about how relations between New Delhi and Washington DC have been cooling off since President Obama last visited India. Diplomatic circles may not openly talk about it but many a US-India observer is wondering if India is in the list of Obama administration's priority lists any more.

It could be any number of reasons and I see no point in faulting New Delhi alone for the cooling off.

But India could actually have a tricky situation on hand now, if Obama's nominee for the new US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is confirmed by the US Senate. He will be, in all likelihood and then India will have a tough time with its strategic defense ties with the US. Seems our man Hagel does not think very highly of India. In fact he believes India has for years been sponsoring or funding attacks on Pakistan in Afghanistan.

Now that's a serious allegation coming from a US Defense Secretary and we can already see how far India can go with this. Imagine having to start all over again rather than go further from where his predecessor Secretary Clinton left off. With a top administration official holding such an attitude towards India, all of the last 10 years' of diplomatic efforts between the two countries will come to naught. The US and India can effectively slide back to the cold war years.

Am I over-reacting? Maybe. But then maybe I am not. Because, as an Indian American who has actively been lobbying for better ties between the US and India, I know how many such attitudes we have had to counter over the past so many decades on Capitol Hill.

The Indian American Forum for Political Education has sent out a feeler that Hagel's nomination be stopped, and has urged the Indian American community to pool together once again to stop Hagel's confirmation.

I don't know if I should be surprised at President Obama's choice for defense secretary. If he is sending some kind of message to India, India would be foolish not to get it.

The Senate India caucus is already trying to stop Hagel's nomination. Many in the community believe Hagel's views are contrary to the Obama administration' views on India. Let's hope they really are. Or New Delhi and Washington DC would have to re-invent the diplomatic wheel between the two countries once again.

Romesh K Japra rkjapra@indiapost.com

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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Secret of love birds John Abraham has revealed a little about his love life and relationship with Priya Runchal, an investment banker.

Cover Story: Nine Governors Governors of nine Americans States attended a reception of Indian companies and sought investments in their States.

Community: Hate crimes 26 Senate Democrats have written to Attorney General & FBI Director to collect data on hate crimes against Sikhs, Hindus.

Health: Cancer medication FDA has approved a first-of-a-kind breast cancer medication that targets tumor cells while sparing healthy ones.

Life Style: Krrish 3 As the film world awaits Krrish 3, Hrithik Roshan gets candid with life in 2012 and balancing work and family life.

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9 US guvs pitch for Indian investment WASHINGTON: Governors of as many as nine Americans States attended a corporate reception of Indian companies and sought their investments in the respective States.

While gathering of so many US governors at the corporate reception of other countries is considered rare, their presence at the event organized by Confederation of Indian Industry-India Business Forum (CII-IBF) on February 22 reflected the new bonhomie of economic relationship between the two countries.

Governor Jack Markell of Delaware, who returned from nine-day India trip recently, said the future growth of his State is largely tied to plugging into the global economy, specifically to India.

"As the fastest-growing market for US exporters, India provides significant opportunities to increase US growth," he told the select audience.

The Arizona Governor, Janice Brewer said that her State regards India as an "important growing and moving trading partner" and announced that she is planning her first trip to India.

She asked Indian companies to come and invest in her State especially in high-tech sector, aerospace defense and renewable energy.

Praising Indian businesses in his States, Governor Mike Beebe of Arkansas said the Indian companies not only create jobs and economic growth, but tie-ups with them also provide an educational opportunity, among other things.

Interactive Q & A Session with the panelists. (L-R) Mr. Jeffery Sine, Ambassador Arun Singh and Dean Golgeier at a panel discussion on "India-US Relations"

descent.

Praising the corporate culture being displayed by the Indian companies, Governor Matt Mead of Wyoming said he is very proud of the business relationship his State has with Indian companies.

Asking Indian companies to come into Connecticut, neighboring New York, Governor Dannel Malloy, said that the largest producer - Tasty Bites - of Indian food outside India is in his State. "We welcome you to Connecticut," he said.

India, said Governor Gary Herbert of Utah, is among the top five trading partner of her State.

The Arizona Governor Janice Brewer said that her State regards India as an "important growing and moving trading partner" and announced that she is planning her first trip to India. She asked Indian companies to come and invest in her State

Interactive Q & A Session with the panelists

"We are very proud of our relationship with India. We are very proud of influence of Indian culture," Beebe said.

Governor Terry Branstad of Iowa said that he is excited about leading the first trade delegation to India in September. Describing Iowa as a great partner of India, Branstad said Iowans are very pleased to have people of Indian

Utah, he said has a very significant and growing Indian population. "Your (Indian) investments are amazing," said Governor Patrick McCrory of North Carolina, adding that the corporate values, hard work and family values of Indian companies is second to none.

"I will be the first North Carolina Governor to take a trade del-

could not be present at the corporate reception due to their prior engagements.

The Indian Ambassador to US, Nirupama Rao, said the presence of so many Governors at one single platform is a testimony to the fact that such business engagements have expanded, particularly, in recent years to include stronger and increasingly more meaningful ties with individual States.

Noting that the list of American Governors traveling to India now continues to grow, Rao said this is a powerful link in IndiaUS relationship.

The event showcased Indian FDI (foreign direct investment) flows to the US, job creation and investments by Indian companies in the US as well as their local community engagements at the State level.

"This is for the first time that the CII-IBF is directly engaging with Governors and key economic development offices from the States," said Sandhya Satwadi, director and head, CII North America.

The recognition by the governors of the jobs created and economic growth contributed by Indian companies in the US demon-

Guests in attendance

egation to India. I will make this happen," McCrory said amidst applause from the select invited guests.

Governor Margaret Hassan of New Hampshire also spoke during the events.

The two Indian American Governors from the Republican Party - Bobby Jindal from Louisiana and Nikki Haley from South Carolina -

The rapidly growing presence of Indian business companies in the US is a manifestation of the economic re-emergence of India, she said.

The purpose of the reception, themed "Indian Roots, American Soil: Supporting State Economies" was to highlight the contributions of Indian companies across the United States.

strates the importance of a strong relationship between India and the US, said Dave Delie, chairman of the CII-India Business Forum and CEO of Welspun Tubular.

He said this relationship can further help strengthen the economies of the States where Indian companies are located and the United States as a whole. PTI

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Rajat Gupta ordered to pay USD 6.2 mln to Goldman NEW YORK: India-born former Goldman Sachs director Rajat Gupta has been ordered to pay USD 6.2 million for legal expenses incurred by his former employer during his trial in one of the biggest insider trading schemes in the US. Gupta, 64, was sentenced to two years of imprisonment last year after he was convicted of leaking secrets about the company to his friend and business associate Galleon founder Raj Rajaratnam, who is serving an 11-year prison term.

Gupta, who is currently on bail while applying his conviction, was told to pay USD 6.2 million for legal fees to Goldman Sachs by federal Judge Jed Rakoff in New York.

Goldman had sought USD 6.9 million as reimbursement from former McKinsey head Gupta, which he did not contest in the court.

After reviewing the firm's 542 pages of billing records related to the case, Judge Rakoff however cut the bill by 10 per cent noting that there were some extraneous entries in the 542 pages of billing records submitted by Goldman Sachs.

"On a few occasions the number of attorneys staffed on a task

- while perhaps perfectly appropriate on the assumption that Goldman Sachs wished to spare no expense on a matter of great importance to it - exceeded what was reasonably necessary" under the statute, Rakoff wrote.

banks bylaws require it to pay the legal fees of its top officers and directors. But under a deal reached before his trial, Gupta agreed that if he was found guilty of insider trading, he would reimburse the bank for the legal fees advanced

Rajat Gupta

In 2008, Gupta's net worth was USD 84 million.

The money that Gupta now has to pay Goldman is separate from the cost of his legal defense, which has thus far exceeded more than USD 30 million.

That legal tab has been paid for by Goldman because the

to him, the New York Times reported.

A Goldman spokesman, Michael Duvally, said the bank was pleased the court ordered Gupta to pay it restitution.

A lawyer for Gupta said his client plans to appeal against the ruling. -PTI

India financed problems for Pak in Afghanistan: Chuck Hagel WASHINGTON: In sharp con- has been a long-standing friend trast to US view on India's role in of India and a prominent votary Afghanistan, President Barack of close India-US relations are Obama's Defense Secretary Nomi- contrary to the reality of India's nee Chuck Hagel has alleged that unbounded dedication to the welIndia has over the years "financed fare of Afghan people". problems" for Pakistan in the warIt added that India's committorn country. ment to a peaceful, stable and A video containing these re- prosperous Afghanistan is unwamarks from an unreleased speech vering, "and this is reflected in our of Hagel at Oklahoma's Cameron significant assistance to AfghaniUniversity in 2011 was uploaded stan in developing its economy,

by Washington Free Beacon, infrastructure and institutional casparking a strong reaction from pacities".

India which said such comments "Our opposition to terrorism are "contrary to the reality" of its and its safe havens in our neighunbounded dedication to the wel- borhood is firm and unshakable. fare of Afghans.

"India's development assisHagel, during the speech said, "India for some time has always Hagel's remarks are in sharp used Afghanistan as a contrast to the viewpoint of second front, and India Obama Administration that has over the years financed problems for has always been in praise Pakistan on that side of of India's developmental the border".

"And you can carry role in Afghanistan and in that into many dimen- fact has been pressing sions, the point being New Delhi to do more [that] the tense, fragmented relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan tance has been deeply apprecihas been there for many, many ated by the people and the Govyears," Hagel said. ernment of Afghanistan, and by Reacting to this, the Indian Em- our friends around the world inbassy here said," Such comments cluding the US. attributed to Senator Hagel, who "We do not view our engagement with Afghanistan as a zero sum game," the Embassy said.

Hagel's remarks are in sharp contrast to the viewpoint of Obama Administration that has always been in praise of India's of Sikh victims of Oak Creek developmental role in AfghaniGurudwara shooting. stan and in fact has been pressBadal's presence was claimed ing New Delhi to do more in Afat Wisconsin State Fare, shopping ghanistan. at George Watts and Son Store Significantly, a deeply divided and Boelter Super Store on AuSenate is in the process of votgust 09, 2012, the day Christopher ing on US President's contenG Kratochvil claimed serving tious nominee to head the DeBadal at Oak Creek High School, fense Department. The Embassy Wisconsin. said India and the US have a Following the hearing Judge shared perspective and a deep Adelman granted Sikh for Justice convergence of interests for entime till April 5, to probe the evisuring peace and stability in Afdence, complete the jurisdictional ghanistan. discovery about the service of "We will continue to work to summon on Badal and submit help the Afghan people build a supporting memorandum of law to peaceful, prosperous, democratic the Court. and inclusive future for themIn a statement, Gurpatwant selves in an environment free Singh Pannun of SFJ said that rights group will subpoena the from terror and intimidation," the complete logs and records of statement said.

The unearthing of anti-India Badal's security detail from the US comment

by Hagel provided amDepartment of State to verify the munition to the Republican SenaBadal's claim of shopping at diftors to oppose his confirmation. ferent locations and his absence Once published, the news item from Oak Creek High School. was sent by the office of powerful SFJ will also subpoena Kalra to discover his economic interest Republican Senator John Cornyn, in the State of Punjab and his con- who is among the leading opponections with Darshan Singh nents of twice wounded Vietnam Dhaliwal and Badal, he said. -PTI veteran's confirmation.-PTI

Badal contests rights group claim in US court WASHINGTON: Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal through his attorney in a US court has contested the claims of a human rights group that he was served court summons in a case related to alleged human rights violations.

During a marathon hearing held in a US court in Wisconsin, Biskupic & Jacobs - the attorneys representing Badal - produced witnesses to buttress their assertion that the Punjab Chief Minister was shopping and was not present at the Oak Creek High School when the New York-based Sikh for Justice claims to have presented him with the court summons.

Badal was in Wisconsin for the wedding of daughter of Darshan Singh Dhaliwal in August 2012 when "Sikhs For Justice" (SFJ) filed a human rights violations lawsuit against him under Alien Torts Claims Act and Torture Victims Protection Act in the Federal District Court of Wisconsin.

The human rights violation case against Badal has been filed

by Sikh for Justice and the SAD (Amritsar).

Appearing in support of Badal, before Judge Adelman, Surinderpal Singh Kalra, a Chicago-based Sikh, testified that "on February 19, 2013 he found original summons and complaint that the process server had given him at Oak Creek High School, in

However, he could not explain when cross examined by rights group's attorneys that "what made him come forward after six months of silence and the circumstances of finding the original Summons in the trunk of his car".

Special Agents from Diplomatic

Prakash Singh Badal

Following the hearing Judge Adelman granted Sikh for Justice time till April 5, to probe the evidence, complete the jurisdictional discovery about the service of summon on Badal

the trunk of his car".

He claimed that the papers were handed over to him and not to Badal. Kalra also testified under oath that upon finding the original summons, he "immediately contacted Darshan Singh Dhaliwal".

Security Service of the US Department of State testified that Badal was "shopping" at Boelter Super Store from 4:49 PM to 5:09 PM while the process server testified that he "served Badal" at 4:50 PM at Oak Creek High School where a ceremony was being held in honor

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'Kashmir issue resolution would make Pak a more normal state'

SECRETARIES MEET: US Secretary of State John Kerry meets with Indian Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai, far right, at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., February 21. Also pictured, left to right, are Indian Ambassador to the U.S. Nirupama Rao, Under Secretary for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman, and U.S. Ambassador to India Nancy J. Powell

India successfully launches seven satellites SRIHARIKOTA (AP): India's pm, was delayed by five minutes SARAL first into orbit about 18 Polar rocket PSLV has success- to avoid probability of collision minutes after the lift-off, followed fully put into orbit seven satellites with space debris, a normal cau- by six other foreign satellites in in the space of four minutes in- tionary step in a launch mission, about four minutes as the sciencluding an Indo-French oceano- ISRO sources said. tists broke into cheers. graphic spacecraft that India has reaffirmed its comwill study changes in mercial launch capabilities with the environment, comthe launch of SARAL's co-paspleting its 22nd consengers - SAPPHIRE and secutive flawless NEOSSat (Canada), AAUSAT3 launch.

(Denmark), micro satellites After a textbook BRITE and UniBRITE from launch witnessed by Austria and STRaND from President Pranab United Kingdom - with a comMukherjee here, Indian bined weight of 259.5 kg.

Space Research Congratulating scientists Organization's workfor the 'remarkable launch' and horse Polar Satellite 'meticulously executed' misLaunch Vehicle(PSLV) sion, Mukherjee said the sucplaced into orbit in one cess has reaffirmed PSLV's efsingle mission all the ficacy, accuracy and reliability. seven spacecraft-Reflecting its successful run Indo-French oceanoin commercial operations, the graphic study satellite launch took the total number 'SARAL' and six foreign of overseas spacecraft put into mini and micro satelorbit by ISRO to 35. lites.

PSLV yet again proved itself The PSLV-C20 rocket as a reliable robust rocket comblasted off from the pleting its 22nd consecutive Satish Dhawan Space successful launch in its 23 misCentre in clear weather sions after the failure of the at 6.01 pm at the end of first one. the 59-hour countThe SARAL-Altika sateldown, marking the lite, a joint project of the space 103rd mission of ISRO agencies of India and France, PSLV C-20/SARAL, carrying the various satellites and yet another testiwill complement the observato space, takes off during its launch from the Satish mony to India's Space tions of the seas made by curDhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota prowess. In 2008, India rent satellites. It would be one successfully launched 10 satelSoaring into clear weather, the of the very few ocean-centric satlites in a single mission, boosting 44.4 meter tall 230-tonne rocket, ellites and a vital cog in studying its capabilities in space. in its core alone variant, injected sea surface heights and other asThe lift-off, scheduled for 5.56 the 409 kg Indo-French satellite pects. -PTI

WASHINGTON: A resolution transform the subcontinent for the of the outstanding Kashmir issue better," Riedel said. would make Pakistan a "more norHe said that "it is also in India's mal state" and reduce its preoc- interest" to find a solution to the cupation with India, according to conflict, which has gone on far too a former CIA officer who was one long. of the architects of President "Since the Kargil war in 1999, Barack Obama's Af-Pak policy in the Indians have been more open his first term. to an American role in Kashmir In his latest book 'Avoiding because they sense that WashArmageddon: America, India, and ington is fundamentally in favor Pakistan to the Brink and Back', of a resolution to maintain the staBruce Riedel said that by eliminat- tus quo, which India can accept," ing Pakistan's desire to wage he claimed. asymmetric warfare against India, it would also discourage Pakistan from making alliances with the Taliban, Lashkare-Taiba and alQaeda.

Riedel and late R i c h a r d Holbrooke were the architects of Obama's Af-Pak policy. He is currently a research scholar at the prestigious Brookings Institute.

"The resolution of the Kashmir issue would go a long way toward making Pakistan a more normal state and reducing its preoccupation with India," he ‘A Kashmir deal would set the wrote. stage for a different era in the He said it would also remove subcontinent and for more a major rationale productive interaction between for the army's disproportionate role the international community in Pakistani naand Pakistan. It could set tional security affairs; that in turn the stage for a genuine would help to enrapprochement’ sure the survival of genuine civilian democratic rule in the country.

"The key to Indian cooperation "Former ambassador William will be whether the United States Milam, a seasoned South Asia can make clear to Pakistan that hand, has rightly stressed that the some red lines regarding terrorism 'India-Centricity of the Pakistani are real, especially a red line on mindset is the most important fac- Lashkar-e-Taiba. If (Congress tor and variable' in the future of President) Sonia Gandhi and the country. Such an agreement Prime Minister (Manmohan) would not resolve all the tensions Singh can point to real evidence between the two neighbors; how- that LeT is being broken up and ever, their disputes on issues dismantled in Pakistan, then they other than Kashmir are compara- will have the political clout to adtively trivial," he wrote. vance the back-channel talks to "A Kashmir deal would set the secure a peace breakthrough," stage for a different era in the sub- Riedel wrote. continent and for more productive "It is clearly in the American interaction between the interna- interest to try to defuse a lingertional community and Pakistan. It ing conflict that has generated could set the stage for a genuine global terrorism and repeatedly rapprochement between India and threatened to create a full-scale Pakistan and nurture trade and military confrontation on the subeconomic interaction, which could continent," he wrote. -PTI

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A unique twist on reincarnation SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: It was a sudden revelation for an acclaimed David Earle. While sitting outside a coffee shop, feeling a bit melancholy, contemplating the age old question of life, he was suddenly struck with the thought, 'What if

for his captivating new science fiction romantic thriller, Life Is But A Dream, was born.

"Life Is But A Dream is a reverse twist on reincarnation," says Earle. "What makes it unique is that it begins in our present, but

Author David Earle

Owen's odyssey of this strange new existence in the twenty-second century takes him from an insane asylum, to the care of an attractive, beguiling, empathetic psychologist Dr. Jessica Wynn, to the acceptance of lost lives

this is all simply a dream or just a past life, that I will realize as being such, when I wake up in the future?' It was as if a light bulb went off over his head, and the premise

it is our present that turns out to be the past life for the main character."

Roger Owen, an African-American family man in the year 2011,

awakens the morning after his fortieth birthday to discover himself inhabiting the body of Sydney Hamilton, a Caucasian sixty-six year old Welsh Harvard Professor of History, whom he remembers nothing of in what is now the year 2125. For Owen, it's time travel without the use of a time machine and the devastating realization that there is no turning back.

"Life is But a Dream encompasses the thoughts, emotions and reactions of a man who wakes up in the body of someone he does not know with the realization that the only life he has ever known is gone - his wife, his children, his entire family, friends and loved ones, including himself - are all dead and he can never go back and pick up where he left off," explains Earle.

Owen's odyssey of this strange new existence in the twenty-second century takes him from an insane asylum, to the care of an attractive, beguiling, empathetic psychologist Dr. Jessica Wynn, to the acceptance of both lost lives and the intriguing pursuit of finding his ancestors from his past life.

Through it all, he must also deal with unraveling the mystery of a secret he unknowingly holds as

Professor Hamilton regarding the truth of a catastrophic world

event that occurred in 2115 that now threatens his life by a man who seeks to kill him.

A story for all ages and painstakingly researched, Life Is But A Dream is historically accurate as it touches on the romantic lives of six people over the span of three centuries - the lifelong loves of Roger and Laura who meet at a New York City dance club in 1995, of Sydney and his wife Margie who meet in an Oxford, England pub in the late 2070s and the love emotions Dr. Jessica Wynn feels for the outer appearance of her patient Sydney and the inner-self personality he possesses as Roger Owen in what is now the year 2125.

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Sri Chinmoy statue installed at Timor-Leste Parliament India Post News Service

DILI, Timor Leste: A beautiful bronze statue of Dreamer of World-Peace Sri Chinmoy was dedicated inside the grounds of the Parliament of Timor-Leste (East Timor) by President Taur Matan Ruak, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão and first Prime Minister Dr. Mari Alkatiri.

Sri Chinmoy was an enormously creative peace leader who offered peace meditations at the United Nations headquarters in New York for leaders of all nationalities, delegates and staff members twice-weekly for 37 years at the invitation of Secretary-General U Thant. He created a wide range of cultural and athletic programs involving millions of peace-lovers throughout the globe.

During the ceremony, TimorLeste President Ruak stated, "Sri Chinmoy dedicated his life to seeking Harmony and Unity…and visited our country in 2004 to encourage our people's effort to try to build Harmony after so many years of war and suffering…It is a great honor for the people of Timor-Leste to be awarded this Peace Statue which recognizes

Prime Minister and President hold the Peace Torch in front of the statue of Sri Chinmoy

the Timorese people as peoples of Peace, and Timor-Leste as a World Peace symbol."

Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão and the nation's first Prime Minister Dr. Mari Alkatiri were each presented with the Torch-Bearer Award by Mr. Salil Wilson, Executive Director of the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run. Mr. Wilson hailed the supreme sacrifices and everlasting contributions by both leaders before presenting their medallions.

After both leaders offered their

gracious comments, they embraced warmly and then Prime Minister Gusmão ran with the Peace Torch from the entrance of

the Parliament to Dr. Alkatiri - who then carried the torch to President Taur Matan Ruak.

The top national leaders proceeded to the statue of Sri Chinmoy, which the President officially inaugurated by cutting the ribbon. The national luminaries including President of the Parliament Mr. Vicente Guterres and Deputy Prime Minister Fernando de Araújo - held the Peace Torch together in front of the statue in which Sri Chinmoy is offering the Peace Torch to the people of Timor Leste.

The national leaders were each presented a large painting created

by Sri Chinmoy and offered on behalf of Ranjana Ghose, Curator of the Jharna-Kala (Fountain-Art) Foundation, by Mr. Gangane

Stefánsson, Head of UNICEF Iceland. Singers from an international choir performed a song written by Sri Chinmoy on Timor-Leste just prior to his visit in 2004. As a special treat, local Timorese children performed beautiful songs of peace in their native language of Tetung.

The stirring ceremony was an official supplementary session of the Timor-Leste Parliament and attended as well by cabinet ministers, interfaith leaders and other luminaries of the nation. This statue created by British sculptor Kaivalya Torpy is the second of its kind - the first being inaugurated at a festive ceremony with Olympians and peace leaders in London as part of the Summer Olympics.

Parliament of Timor Leste with Statue of Sri Chinmoy

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Nasheed worried about other nations entering Indian Ocean MALE: As China seeks to ex- in Male where he was holed up pand its influence in Maldives, since February 13 to evade an arformer President Mohamed rest warrant, ending eleven days Nasheed has said he is "worried" other nations might gain a foothold in the Indian Ocean and asserted that the strategic region's stability will depend on his country's "strong" ties with India.

"I am always worried about others countries entering Indian Ocean. We always believe that stable Indian Ocean will depend on strong relations with India. We believe that good foreign policy is to Former Maldives’ President Mohamed Nasheed, center, find a friend and waves to his party supporters after stepping out of the stick with him Indian High Commission in Male, Maldives and not play that friend with other people," of stalemate.

Nasheed said, two days after he Nasheed made these remarks walked out of the Indian mission in first public comments after com-

ing out of the Indian High Commission when asked whether he thought the present government in Maldives is allowing China to gain more foothold in the country.

"Our foreign policy is simple and again it is a worry that other countries might find a foothold in the Indian Ocean and specially in the Maldives," Nasheed told 'Times Now'.

Asked whether he thought that Indian government was giving him an unstinted support, the leader of the Maldivian Democratic Party said, "I don't believe India is supporting any individual or any single party. But it has a view on what is best for India and therefore how that can be attained through a stable government here.

"So, their view is how we can have stable government in Maldives. Existing government is formed by coup."

Nasheed said he was worried about his security but that "doesn't mean we can stay at home and not do our work. We must get out and see that situation here stabilizes and work as much as we can. We will do it." -PTI

Visa issuance to Indian students by USA doubled in 2012 PATNA: America is facilitating enrolment of more Indian students and issuance of student visas went up by 50 per cent in 2012 as compared to the previous year.

The country welcomed students particularly in high quality courses of mathematics, science and technology, Jonathan C Scott, Vice-Consul, Consular Section, US Embassy, New Delhi, told reporters here.

Asked if America was losing to Australia, the UK and Japan who have been attracting Indian students through liberal visa programs and publicizing courses, he replied in the negative saying 7,000 visas were provided to Indian students in 2012, around double than the previous year.

"More than one lakh Indian students are currently enrolled in US colleges and universities," he said.

Scott, accompanied by Jimmy Mauldin, Unit Chief, Trade, NonFinancial Services and ICT, said touts were spreading misinformation about US visas to make money. This was the reason why he and Mauldin were visiting

businesses and educational institutions to provide information about the visa policy and its processes.

They praised the educational environment in Bihar which was facilitating the visit of more and

more students from here to the US. Patna is among six places where there is an 'American Corner', a venture of the Public Affairs office of the US in collaboration with Indian Institute of Business Management. -PTI

Neb. human trafficking bills target pimps, johns LINCOLN, Neb.: Pimps who tracking requirement for law enforce women and children into forcement agencies for a more prostitution are operating in Ne- complete, statewide snapshot of braska with little fear of punish- human trafficking in Nebraska. ment, and current state law isn't Christensen has introduced a deterring the people who solicit bill that would require permits for them, lawmakers were told. escort agencies and their employGroups that work with human- ees. Local governments would trafficking victims urged the approve the permits only if they're Legislature's Judiciary Committee approached by someone who to advance bills that would regu- wants to open an agency. late escort services and shift the Christensen said the bill would state's law-enforcement focus allow law enforcement officers to away from prostitutes. identify escorts and their managThe bills were introduced after ers. lawmakers received a December ``The private nature in which report from a state human-traffick- employees of such businesses ing task force. The task force work creates a climate where the found that Interstate 80 serves as a major conThe task force found that duit for drug traffic and the sex trade, but its Interstate 80 serves as a members also found major conduit for drug traffic that Nebraska is not tracking statewide data and the sex trade, but its members also found that on human trafficking.

Even so, bill support- Nebraska is not tracking ers recounted stories of women, child runaways statewide data on human and immigrants who trafficking. Even so, bill were exploited by sexual supporters recounted stories predators. ``The greatest ad- of women, child runaways vantage these people and immigrants exploited have is that they're moving in darkness,'' said the Rev. Al Riskowski, execu- line between legal and illegal active director of the Nebraska Fam- tivities is easily crossed,'' ily Council. ``There's very little Christensen said. ``Prostitution risk for them, high profit, people and other crimes are notoriously are not aware of what's going on, connected to many of these busiand that's their advantage. We nesses.'' want to change that.''

The permitting process would Sens. Amanda McGill of Lin- require local governments to collect coln and Mark Christensen of Im- fingerprints, criminal histories and perial have introduced bills that proof that all owners, employers and would target different aspects of operators are at least 18 years old. the industry. The measures would Escort agencies would also have regulate escort agencies, increase to provide every patron with a penalties for pimping, and publish written contract that specifies serthe names of convicted johns. vices provided and the amount of McGill has also floated a data- time they would spend.-AP

A unique twist on reincarnation Cont’d from page 8

INDIAN AMERICANS: South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, right, and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal stand together before President Barack Obama addressed the National Governors Association

Life Is But A Dream intertwines romance, suspense and mystery that will keep readers riveted from the first page to its dramatic spellbinding conclusion.

Born and raised in Anaheim, California, David Earle currently resides in northern Nevada. He writes prolifically, varying from novels to screenplays to plays, four of which have been produced in the Greater Los Angeles area.

Earle's screenplay adaptation of Life Is But A Dream won three awards in the AOF (Action on Film) International Film Awards, for "Best Dialogue for a Feature", "The Arthur Rosenfeld Award for Dramatic Writing" and runner-up for "The AOF Award for Excellence in Writing". It was also nominated for "Best Science Fiction/Fantasy Feature." The film version is currently under consideration with several top Hollywood motion picture companies.

Astro Buzz

March 8, 2013

India Post

11

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

DR ASHIT JALUI MARCH 8TH - MARCH 14TH 2013

T

he fact that the Moon is so favourable indicates that you should get off to a flying start. The only chance for confusion or silly mistakes seems to occur at work, where care should be necessary early on. At home, an older relation will unexpectedly come to your aid, allowing you to benefit from their experience in areas you lack.

Y

ou are full of good ideas, but the question is - good for whom, and for what?

Have your say, but never imagine that you can have the last word, for the facts are now all up in the air. And, if you are not sure what someone really means, ask them! A cash bonus might be smaller than expected, but welcome nevertheless.

Y

trangely, the Moon is in both friendly and challenging regions of your chart, so even though the tide is flowing in your direction, financial complications are somewhat inevitable this week. Small precautions will help, mind you. For example, keep spare cash available and please don't bite off more than you can chew.

S

he current planetary alignment brings enthusiasm and optimism. Watch out, for it's at times such as these that you fail to notice the obvious. Above all, never take a close relationship for granted, or good fortune might slip through your fingers. Pay attention to detail, on the other hand, and lady luck should reward you.

ou stars are on the move, altering difficult positions for easier ones. Challenging aspects indicate that, although you've had no shortage of energy lately, you may have ignored the need to actively pursue your personal ambitions, or not have been in the right situation to make the most of them.

Y

xcellent social possibilities should exert a positive impact on your general quality of life and, if you take the initiative, little is beyond your grasp. Your thought processes are in tip-top condition, mainly because your intuitive style is now favoured. Mind you, you need to keep some of your deeper instincts under control!

E

I

A

ontradictory signals are to be expected.

It's pretty certain that you'll have to go back over old ground, and at least one decision could benefit from being reconsidered.

You've other people to think about apart from yourself, and older relations deserve a helping hand. If you put other people first now, they will come to your aid later.

C

inally, and at long last, events are beginning to move fast, and are carrying your feelings with them. Over the past few months, your emotions have been complicated to say the least, but your dominant mood should now be one of hope for the future rather than regret for the past. Remember, the future is what you make it.

powerful alignment between the Sun and a number of other vital planets makes for a potentially remarkable time, although misunderstandings are not impossible. Disagreements may centre on joint responsibilities and travel plans, and much depends on your attitude and a little determination will see you through.

our sign is not known for being complex, but right now you may display reclusive characteristics, just like Scorpio, your secretive opposite sign, so if you are pushed into the public eye, it may be with the greatest reluctance. Listen to loved ones' advice, daydream to your heart's content, and let your imagination fly away.

J

ust hold on for a bit longer; your time will come and, when it does, there'll be no turning back. One useful way to use your current planetary potential is to turn to your friends for support and enrol others as allies.

You must get partners on your side at work as well as at home, if you are to achieve even some of your aims.

T

t's a time for selfishness in the broadest sense, focusing on your own very special skills and individual talents. It's not a question of ignoring other people's interests, just of doing the best for yourself. Your business prospects boom as long as you are prepared to spend a little now to earn a bigger profit some way down the line.

F

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

Tech News US-based Janus picks up 5.16 pc stake in Havells NEW DELHI: Electrical goods maker Havells India has said USbased financial institution Janus has picked up 5.16 per cent stake in the company for an estimated Rs 420 crore.

In a filing to the BSE, the National Capital Region-based Havells India said Janus Investment Funds and Janus Aspen Series have bought 64,42,728 equity shares, representing 5.16 per cent holding of the company.

The shares were purchased on February 5 this year through open market transactions, it added.

Although financial details were not shared, according to the closing share price of Havells India on BSE on the day of the transaction - Rs 653.40 apiece, the foreign firm is estimated to have invested over Rs 420 crore.-PTI

TechBiz 12 India Post

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March 8, 2013

Yahoo India & Southeast Asia MD quits

T

he managing director of Yahoo India & Southeast Asia, Arun Tadanki, will be leaving Yahoo in July. Arun had joined Yahoo India as MD in 2009.

A statement from Yahoo quoted Tadanki as saying that he had worked for 11 years in CEO roles for Apac/ emerging markets regions at multinational internet companies, and he was looking forward to playing a very different role within the internet ecosystem, beyond this region. He however did not divulge his future plan. A Yahoo spokesperson said about Takanki: "Under Arun's leadership, Yahoo India has seen impressive growth both in terms of Arun Tadanki users and advertising, outpacing the market.

No hike in India rail fares but additional charges on tickets levied NEW DELHI: The Railway Budget for 2013-14 presented on February 26 spared passengers from any further hike in fares but raised various other charges on tickets along with freight tariff of less than 5 per cent.

Presenting the Budget in the

of Rs 850 crore on account of this.

The first Congress minister to present a Railway Budget in 17 years, Bansal adopted Fuel Adjustment Component introduced by former Trinamool Minister Dinesh Trivedi which will be dynamic in nature and change in ei-

gan-shouting towards the end, Bansal said there are a number of supplementary charges which have not been revised for last several years.

"I propose to effect marginal increase in some of these. These include supplementary charge for

Google most trusted online brand in India, Fb is 2nd MUMBAI: Google is the most trusted online brand in the country, with Facebook coming in at number two, says a study by Brand Trust Advisory.

Yahoo has emerged as the second-most trusted search engine after Google, says the report.

The survey was conducted in 16 cities, taking into consideration 19,000 unique brands across 211 categories, Trust Research Advisory chief executive N Chandramouli said.

Social networking sites are gaining popularity, with Orkut and Twitter ranking fourth and sixth respectively overall.

"Google's Orkut, steadied at fourth rank despite a significant fall in daily visitors from here.

Facebook has ranked first in the sub-category of social networking," he said.

The fifth slot has gone to shopping portal eBay, which tops in the list of e-commerce brands followed

by AOL, Amazon, Ibibo and OLX.in.-PTI

Union Minister for Railways, Pawan Kumar Bansal departs from Rail Bhavan to Parliament House along with his deputies, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and K.J. Surya Prakash Reddy to present the Rail Budget 2013-14, in New Delhi on February 26

Lok Sabha, Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal, who had effected an across-the-board hike in passenger fares only last month, said he does not intend to pass on the impact of deregulation of diesel price for now and the Railways will absorb a burden

ther direction with revision in fuel cost twice a year.

He said this may result in an upward revision of freight tariff, effective from April 1, this year, by less than 5 per cent.

In his 75-minute speech which was drowned in opposition slo-

superfast trains, reservation fee, clerkage charge, cancellation charge and tatkal charge," he said, without specifying the quantum of these charges.

Bansal, however, proposed to abolish the concept of enhanced reservation fee with a view to sim-

plifying the fee structure, having already discontinued development charge in January this year.

In January, the minister effected an across-the-board hike in passenger fares that would net Rs 6,600 crore a year.

However, the subsequent hike in diesel price and electricity charges put an additional burden of Rs 3,300 crore on the railways which is projected to see a loss of Rs 24,600 crore in the current financial year, up from Rs 22,500 crore in 2011-12 in passenger traffic segment. Bansal said the proposal for setting up of Railway Tariff Regulatory Authority has been formulated and was at the stage of interministerial consultations.

The Budget proposes introduction of 67 new Express trains, 26 new passenger trains and extension of 57 others.

It also contains a slew of concessions like complimentary passes to recipients of Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and Dhyan Chand awards in First Class and 2nd AC and Olympic medalists and Dronacharya awardees in Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains.

With regard to passenger amenities, the Budget proposes provision of free Wi-Fi facilities on several trains, progressive extension of bio-toilets on trains and induction of Next-Gen e-ticketing system capable of issuing 7,200 tickets per minute against 2,000 now.

As many as 1.2 lakh users can access tickets simultaneously under the proposed upgraded system against 40,000 now. -PTI

No takers for GSM spectrum, Sistema Shyam to bid NEW DELHI: Indian government's 2G spectrum auction next month looks set to flop with just one company, Russia's Sistema, making application for participation in sale of airwaves, that too in just one of the three bands for which bids were invited.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had announced conducting auction for spectrum unsold in November

along with spectrum that is being held by operators whose licenses are due for renewal in 2014.

Even after government slashed

the base price by 50 per cent for CDMA spectrum (800 Mhz band), no telecom company applied, except Sistema's Indian joint venture

Even after government slashed the base price by 50 per cent for CDMA spectrum (800 Mhz band), no telecom company applied, except Sistema's Indian joint venture Sistema Shyam Teleservices

Sistema Shyam Teleservices which expressed interest for CDMA spectrum in select circles.

The price of spectrum (1800 Mhz band) in Delhi, Mumbai, Karnataka and Rajasthan was reduced by 30 per cent after no bid was received for them in November. But even after a price cut, there was no taker.

Cont’d on page 13

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Bharti Airtel to offer voice call service 300 pc rise in suspicious terror financing cases: Report to its 4G customers BARCELONA: Telecom major Bharti Airtel has said it will soon start offering voice call services for its 4G customers in India through its existing GSM network.

The company has selected Nokia Siemens Network to deploy technology which will enable company offer voice services to 4G customers in Pune, Bharti Airtel said in a statement.

It offers 4G services in the cities of Kolkata, Bangalore and Pune.

Using NSN technology, Airtel network can transfer customers to GSM platform to make and receive voice calls and access voicemails while retaining the experience of data (internet) services on 4G smartphones.

"The solution will enable our

4G customers to enjoy high-quality voice services on GSM network and ultra-fast data services on TD-LTE platform thereby al-

lowing them to have a unified experience on a 4G handset," Airtel's CTO and Director Jagbir Singh

said in a statement.

He added that Airtel has the advantage of pan-India GSM and 3G networks and with the deployment new technology from NSN, the company will have the flexibility of using either or both the networks to support voice services on its 4G platform.

"This achievement of enabling world-first voice call fallback from TD-LTE to GSM in live network is yet another milestone in our efforts to strengthen the commercialization and deployment of TD-LTE technology globally," NSN's head of Mobile Broadband portfolio management Thorsten Robrecht said. -PTI

Swiss govt not to entertain requests based on stolen a/c data NEW DELHI/BERNE: Flooded with requests for bank account details from India, Switzerland has made it clear that it will not entertain any banking and tax-related requests that are based on information acquired illegally.

This comes in the backdrop of requests from countries, including India, which are in possession of account details of Swiss bank customers that were allegedly stolen or gathered through illegal means and passed on to governments.

While promising deeper financial dialogue with India for exchange of information on suspected tax evasion and other cases, Switzerland said requests would not be considered if they have been made for the purpose of 'fishing expeditions'.

In its annual report on international financial and tax matters for 2013, Swiss finance ministry (the Federal Department of Finance)

said requests would also not be entertained "if they are based on information that was obtained through acts punishable under Swiss law, such as the illegal acquisition of data".

With regard to institutionaliza-

Besides exchange of information, these dialogues would also facilitate collaboration in areas of mutual interest, such as financial market policy and regulation tion of financial dialogues with India, Switzerland said that "the first round of financial dialogues got under way with India" in 2012 and

the aim now is to deepen these dialogues.

"The aim of financial dialogues is to develop and foster close contacts with the relevant authorities of the partner state in question," it said.

Besides exchange of information, these dialogues would also facilitate collaboration in areas of mutual interest, such as financial market policy and regulation, positioning in international financial forums and the improvement of early warning mechanisms.

Switzerland has often been accused of providing a safe haven to illicit wealth of entities from various countries, including India, and its tough banking secrecy laws make it difficult for authorities from abroad to access details of such bank accounts.

India is probing alleged stashing of untaxed funds in certain Swiss banks. -PTI

No takers for GSM spectrum, Sistema Shyam to bid Cont’d from page 12

"No application was received for the second round of 2G GSM spectrum till the official declared time, while SSTL was the lone applicant in the CDMA spectrum auction," a DOT source said.

Reacting to the muted interest shown by companies, Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal told PTI: "Fate of this sector is being decided

somewhere else. Government has done its best and meticulously followed the Supreme Court order."

"I think that government hands were tied....and the result is for everybody to see." he added.

While canceling 122 2G telecom licenses, the Supreme Court on February 2, 2012 asked government to allocate spectrum to companies through auction.

The Comptroller Auditor Gen-

eral had estimated that spectrum allocated to telecom companies in 2008 could have fetched the national exchequer revenue of around Rs 1.76 lakh crore.

The spectrum auction next month could fetch government around Rs 43,000 crore if all airwaves were sold at base price. The demand for pan-India CDMA airwaves could fetch government revenue of around Rs 6,000 crore. -PTI

NEW DELHI: Over 1,400 instances of terror financing in country's economic channels were red-flagged by intelligence and security agencies last year, a latest report of the Finance Ministry says, marking a 300 per cent jump in such suspicious transactions.

The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), which functions under the ministry, has reported that it had received 1,444 reports during 2011-12 from agencies like the Intelligence Bureau, the Research and Analysis Wing and those in the economic domain and affiliated to the Income Tax and Customs departments.

The figure of such reports from these agencies stood at 428 during 2010-11, the agency says.

"The FIU also supports the efforts of domestic intelligence and law enforcement agencies against

terror financing by providing information specifically requested by them, either by searching its database or by calling specific information from the reporting entities," the report says.

The FIU is the national agency responsible for receiving, analyzing and disseminating suspicious transaction reports (STRs) to security and anti-money laundering and tax evasion departments of the country.

The agency also reported a more than 100 per cent rise in the number of STRs received during 2011-12 as it collected a total of 69,224 such reports during this period as compared to 20,698 STRs during 2010-11.

The instances of reportage of fake currency in Indian banking channels are also on the rise, the FIU says. -PTI

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'Mobile industry to invest USD 1.1 tn by 2017' BARCELONA: The mobile industry will invest USD 1.1 trillion by 2017 and the ecosystem around it is expected to employ 10 million people globally, said a report released by global industry body GSM Association said.

"For the period through 2017, the mobile industry will invest USD 1.1 trillion in capital expenditure and will contribute USD 2.6 trillion to public funding. Importantly, in 2017, companies across the ecosystem will employ nearly 10 million people globally," 'The Mobile Economy 2013' report prepared Developed by GSMA and consulting major A.T. Kearney said.

The report said revenue from total mobile ecosystem revenues reached USD 1.6 trillion -- around 2.2 per cent of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

"To fully realize this future and to enable the mobile industry to maximize its investments, it is essential that we establish a lighttouch regulatory environment, based predominantly on competition, and develop new business

Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman, Bharti Airtel with Eugene Juwah, Executive VC, Nigerian Communications Commission at the inauguration of the Airtel Pavilion at the Mobile World Congress 2013 in Barcelona on February 25

models that will allow all ecosystem participants to benefit from the mobile economy," GSMA Director General Anne Bouverot said.

The report said it expects a further 700 million subscribers will be added by 2017 and the 4 billionsubscriber milestone will be reached in 2018 across the globe.

At the end of 2012, there were 6.8 billion mobile connections worldwide and the study expects it to grow to 9.7 billion by the end of 2017.

High speed internet on mobile phone accounted for 1.6 billion of these connections in 2012, increasing to 5.1 billion in 2017, including 920 million LTE connections, the report said.

Mobile subscriber penetration globally stood at 45 per cent while mobile connection penetration is currently 94 per cent.

As per GSM Association Wireless Intelligence, the variance between the number of mobile subscribers and the number of mobile connections is related to multiple SIM ownership as well as inactive SIMs. -PTI

China's Huawei claims Vodafone India selects Mycom for world's fastest smartphone network performance BARCELONA: Technology firm Mycom says it has signed a multi-million dollar contract with Vodafone India for providing performance management solution.

Vodafone will use the solution for managing its 2G and 3G mobile RAN, mobile circuit, packet core and value added service domains

of over 150 million subscribers, Mycom said in a statement.

The solution will provide performance reports, analysis, end-toend optimization, capacity management, automatic performance alarming and automation across all network domains and technologies.

"MYCOM's NIMS-PrOptima

will give us the ability to efficiently manage our entire network end-toend, speed up the integration of new equipment and technologies, and also give us great flexibility in our use of network information to the benefit of our subscribers," Vodafone India Director Technology Vishant Vora said. -PTI

BlackBerry launches 2nd costliest device Z10 MUMBAI: Struggling mobile phone maker BlackBerry has launched its first smartphone from its BlackBerry 10 line in India, pricing the phone at Rs 43,490, a shade below rival iPhone.

BlackBerry's Z10 handset will be sold in India from tomorrow, before the phone's introduction in the US. The device will cost Rs 43,490, lower than Rs 45,000 charged by rival Apple's for an iPhone 5. Samsung's Galaxy Note II costs 35,600.

"This is the second costliest offering from the BB stable after the ultra-luxe Porsche Design priced at Rs 1.4 lakh launched last year. But I don't think pricing will be a deterrent for an interested consumer as we have got very positive feedback on the pricing from consumers themselves.

"Also, going by the initial booking we have received here so far, I

don't think pricing is a problem.

More importantly, we have exceeded our target in both the markets (England and home market Canada) where we launched the BB10," Dutt said.

Gartner Principal Research Analyst Anshul Gupta said, "Although, the device is priced high, this positioning is on expected lines. The operating system looks good and has excellent features".

Samsung's S-III is selling at about Rs 30,000 for 16 GB, while Nokia Lumia 920 is priced at over Rs 35,500.

Dutt did not share the booking numbers or sales target, saying they do not do that normally. "The BB10 is a game-changer and we hope to gain considerable market with this model. We don't work for market share, which is only a derivative of the product's acceptance," he said.-PTI

BARCELONA: China's Huawei, the third-ranked smartphone maker globally behind giants Samsung and Apple, has unveiled a new mobile, the Ascend P2, which it claims is the fastest in the world.

Sharp-cornered and thinner than a pencil at 8.4mm, the company said it can achieve speeds of 150Mbps, fast enough to download a two-hour highdefinition movie in less than five minutes.

The mobile, which has a 4.7-inch, high definition screen, has a powerful 1.5GHz quad-core processor and is able to use the fourth-generation high speed mobile networks being rolled out worldwide.

Unveiling the device on the eve of the opening of the four-day Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, the company said it was "the world's fastest smartphone," smashing all previous records.

Huawei said its phone surpassed top speeds of 100Mbps for the fourth-generation network ready versions of Apple's flagship iPhone 5 and Samsung's Galaxy SIII. The Ascend P2 will launch in France through Orange in June

and is also expected to be available worldwide during the second quarter of 2013, it said.

"Ascend P2 downloads HD movies in minutes, and loads online videos, web pages, songs or e-Books in seconds," Huawei said in a company

statement issued at the launch.

The phone, which includes a 13 megapixel camera, is the latest shot in Huawei's battle against the fastgrowing market's titans Samsung and Apple.-AFP

March 8, 2013

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India Post 15

Desi News Shivinderjit sworn in Brea Traffic Commissioner India Post News Service

BREA, CA: On Tuesday, February 19, Shivinderjit Singh was sworn in as the Traffic Commissioner for City of Brea at the General Session of the Brea City Council Meeting held at Council Chambers at 1 Civic Center, Brea. After going through a set of interviews, Shivinderjit Singh was nominated for this position in the February 5th Council Meeting by Council Member Marty Simonoff and Council Member Christine Marick.

Mayor of Brea, Ron Garcia, called the General Session of the Brea City Council meeting on Feb 19 to order at 7:10 pm. Mayor Pro Tem Brett Murdock and all Council Members of Brea - Marty Simonoff, Christine Marick and Roy Moore were present.

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March 8, 2013

Details on page 26

26 Senators urge action to stop hate crimes against Sikhs, Hindus SUDHIR VYAS

WASHINGTON, DC: A group of 26 Senate Democrats, led by Assistant Majority Leader Dick Durbin (DIL) and Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), have sent a letter to Attor-

made last year to include this data in future reports.

The Department's Advisory Policy Board is currently reviewing these changes and the Senators urged

Details on page 20

Catholic school converting to Hindu temple NAND KAPOOR

STEELTON: One more elegant and gorgeous Swaminarayan temple is coming up in this country - specifically in north east area of Pennsylvania. A former Roman Catholic school - Prince of Peace Parish School - in Steelton is getting a new life, this time as a Hindu temple.

Prince of Peace Parish School closed in June 2011. Dhanji Mistry of Lewistown purchased the former school and convent at 245265 Reynders St. in Steelton for $575,000. The property had been on the market since August 2011, Ross said. Originally, it had an asking price of $950,000.

With "Who am I" begins the quest for spiritual knowledge

Dick Durbin

ney General Eric Holder and FBI Director Robert Mueller asking them to revise the Hate Crime Incident Report to collect data on hate crimes motivated by bias against Sikh, Hindu and Arab Americans.

The letter follows up on a promise the Department of Justice

quick adoption of the Board's recommendation.

"We write to respectfully request that you make three additions to the Hate Crime Incident Report form as soon as possible.

In short, we believe that the form should be revised to collect data

on hate crimes motivated by bias against Sikh Americans, Hindu Americans, and Arab Americans," the Senators wrote.

"These senseless acts of hatefueled violence committed against individuals and groups leave a deep impact on the targeted community as a whole. Communities shaken by hate crimes experience widespread fear and terror in the aftermath of bias-motivated crimes.

We must continue our efforts to promote tolerance and prevent hate crimes. We can more effectively respond to hate crimes against Sikh Americans, Hindu Americans, and Arab Americans with accurate measurements of those crimes."

In September of 2012, Durbin chaired a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Human Rights examining hate crimes and the threat of domestic extremism. Through an outpouring of written testimony submitted to the Subcommittee for the hearing, a diverse coalition of organizations and individuals agreed that a failure to adequately collect data on hate crimes against Sikh, Hindu and Arab Americans made it difficult to know the scope of attacks and to combat hate

crimes against these communities.

The letter was also signed by Senators Leahy (D-VT), Schumer (D-NY), Whitehouse (D-RI), Klobuchar (D-MN), Franken (DMN), Coons (D-DE), Blumenthal (D-CT), Hirono (D-HI), Levin (D-

A diverse coalition of organizations and individuals agreed that a failure to adequately collect data on hate crimes against Sikh, Hindu and Arab Americans made it difficult to know the scope of attacks and to combat hate crimes against these communities MI), Harkin (D-IA), Boxer (D-CA), Murray (D-WA), Cantwell (D-WA), Lautenberg (D-NJ), Menendez (DNJ), Cardin (D-MD), Brown (D-OH), Udall (D-NM), Warner (D-VT), Gillibrand (D-NY), Baldwin (D-WI), Heinrich (D-NM), Kaine (D-VA) and Warren (D-MA).

Details on page 19

Sikh Coalition attends Oak Creek conference India Post News Service

OAK CREEK, Wisconsin: The Sikh Coalition participated in a sixmonth follow-up meeting convened by the United States Justice Department to discuss the ongoing needs of the Sikh Oak Creek community six months after the August 5, 2012 mass shooting.

The meeting was organized by the Community Relations Service of the United States Justice Department and held on February 4th in Oak Creek, Wisconsin.

Details on page 25

Florida Sikh shot while driving India Post News Service

WASHINGTON, DC: A Sikh American man was shot and injured this on February 23 night as he drove his car in Daytona Beach, Florida, according to news reports. His 13-year-old son, who was also in the car, was not injured.

Working together, the Sikh Coalition and Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) have called on law enforcement officials, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), to conduct a thorough investigation into this shooting and determine whether it was motivated by bias.

Of note, local authorities, working in collaboration with the FBI, do not believe this was a random act of violence. They understand that the victim is a Sikh and are

ports, as Kanwaljit Singh was traveling in his car with his 13-year-old son, a late 80s to early 90s Ford F150 truck pulled up beside him, and several shots were fired. As Mr.

As Kanwaljit Singh was traveling in his car with his 13-year-old son, a late 80s to early 90s Ford F-150 truck pulled up beside him, and several shots were fired. As Mr. Singh pulled over to the side of the road to call the police, he realized that he had been shot in his thigh and torso investigating the incident as a potential hate crime.

According to local news re-

Singh pulled over to the side of the road to call the police, he realized that he had been shot in his thigh

and torso. He is receiving treatment at a local hospital.

The Sikh Coalition and SALDEF have been in contact with local law enforcement, the FBI and the US Attorney's Office. Additionally, the Community Relations Service of the Department of Justice will be coordinating a meeting with law enforcement officers and the local Sikh community.

The Port Orange Police Department has asked community members to contact Detective Jeff Wenzel at (386) 506-5884 or (386) 506-5800 only with specific information that could lead to the arrest of the assailant.

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Art of Living to counter violence with non violence RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: In the wake of the recent wave of violence across USA, the Art of Living Foundation (AOLF) has announced launching a powerful movement, Non-Violence: No Higher Calling with events scheduled for major cities across the country.

The mission of this movement is to create waves of non-violence across the country. The Chicago event will be held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont the evening of Thursday, March 28th at 7:30 pm.

This event is open to the public, tickets are $25. With the Windy City's escalating gun violence reaching epidemic proportions, there have now been more deaths by gun violence in Chicago than deaths of US troops in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan combined.

With this NonVio campaign ( www.nonvio.org) it is sought to counter this outrage. The campaign is so designed that people

every act of violence in the US. "Our goal is to reach one billion acts of non-violence by the end of March, when the founder of the

can participate wherever they are in the country. It is planned that that the outraged people commit up to 100 acts of non-violence for

Art of Living Foundation, renowned spiritual leader, humanitarian and ambassador for peace Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, arrives here,"

NAND KAPOOR

Shri and Smt Chawla

the gathering with Valentine speeches while songs befitting the Day were sung by a few talented signers among whom were Sabera Saiyed (mix love songs), Chunibhai Thakker sang Gujarati love song,, Raj Kumari (aye mere pyare watan), Malik Fidai sang love song, Naresh Shah (Valentine ghazal ), Sudha Baxi( ilu ilu ka matlab hai ), Sabera Saiyed, Adam Osman, Cont’d on page 18

idea - a world without violence.

With all the violence in the world this idea may appear to be hoping for Utopia, but we need to dream,

Art of Living Non Violence Initiative

Valentine's Day celebrated at Indo American Center CHICAGO: India American Center (IA), a Chicago-based no profit organization quite popular among south Asian population, celebrated Valentine's Day on Wednesday, February 13 with lot of enthusiasm.

The near thee hours event emceed by Sudaksha Kapoor was attended by 150 seniors members and guests. Hamid Syed and Khokhar Mohammed addressed

according to AOLF sources.

Sri Sri, who twice has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, holds a vision to create a

Guests and seniors at Valentine's Day celebration

stress-free, violence-free society through transformational personal development programs and global service projects in over 150 countries worldwide. Under his leadership groundbreaking work is being done through sister organization International Association for Human Values (IAHV) with veterans suffering from PTSD, prison inmates locally including those at Stateville Correctional Center and the Cook County Jail, and students through YES! In the Schools Program (Youth Empowerment Seminar) locally includes those at Instituto Health Sciences Career Academy, Golder College Preparatory, Jahn Elementary School, Gary Comer College Preparatory and Walt Disney Magnet School. Sri Sri says, "The Wright brothers appeared crazy before they flew. I have this crazy

and we will get there. The time has come for the voice of non-violence to be heard loud and clear," he observed.

Sri Sri Ravshanker would come here to address the Rosemont gathering on March 28th on the topic: Solutions to Violence in the USA. "Everyone is invited to come together with like-minded people and enjoy this evening of meditation, music and wisdom setting off waves of non-violence throughout our city, our country and our world," said a news release from AOLF. Besides Chicago, AOLF has planned meets in San Diego, Los Angeles, New York, Washington DC, Atlanta and Boone in North Carolina. Sri Sri is scheduled to go to these cities to give a big push to the concept of the non violence movement.

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Masti-Karaoke presents best Valentine Party

Singers from Masti-Karaoke of Chicago and invited guest Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: Masti-Karaoke and DCA presented Valentine's Party on Saturday, Feb-

ruary 16 at Sher-E-Punjab, in Downers Grove, a south west suburb of Chicago.

The event, a sold out show with over 100 people in the audience, had the singers

from Masti-Karaoke mesmerizing the enthu- demands by so many different singers at siastic crowd for over four hours. With pas- the Valentine's Party. sion and love filling the air, couples danced Masti-Karaoke is a group for "Any perto their hearts content. With red heart son" - amateur or professional, young or shaped balloons symbolizing deep and un- old, male or female, genuinely interested in dying promises of love, the evening pre- listening and/or singing Bollywood or any sented a romantic feel.

Celebrated February 14 every year, the Valentine's Day is synonymous with expressions of love, friendship and bonding. It is named after Saint Valentine, a patron of love. "In our hectic schedule we hardly get quality time to spend with each other," observed Sunil Shah former president of New FIA. It is a good excuse to go back in time and get the romance back, he added The evening started at 7:00 pm with a social hour featuring some tasty appetizers and premium drinks.

Master of Ceremony for the occasion was Mujeeb Ahmed. He kicked off the program by welcoming everyone to the Valentine's Party.

Singers Imran Durrani, Shikha Tandon, Jency Elakkatt, Muzaffar Qureshi, Mukram Bhai, Rashid Hameed, Mohammad Shafi and Imaad Ahmed mesmerized Sunil and Rita Shah entertaining the audience the audience with their gifted voices. The impressive and noteworthy thing about this tal- Indian/Pakistani melody. The organizers for ented group of singers is their dedication Masti-Karaoke believe that there are many and love for music. The singers rendered untapped singing talents within our Chitop Bollywood songs from Asha Bhosle to cago Indian/Pakistani community. One can Shreya Goshal and Kishore Kumar to Rahat register to become a member of MastiFateh Ali Khan. DJ Monachan Polakkattil Karaoke for free at: http://www.meetup.com/ did an excellent job keeping up with all the Masti-Karaoke/

Valentine's Day celebrated at Indo American Center Cont’d from page 17

(Valentine ghari suhani ) Mariya Christian (chali chali pyaar ki hawa chali ) Mir Ali (choudhavi ka chand ho) Mita Mehta (tera mera pyar amer), Mansoor Ghatur (yai dunia yai mahfil).

Delicious lunch was served which was prepared by Kamlash Kaur and Dupinder Kaur. Colorful and splendid decoration and set up was handled Kemal Horic. The entire program was coordinated by Gita Chawla.

Volunteers who helped prepare delicious lunch

March 8, 2013

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Senior Services Seminar by Telugu Association HARISH RAO

CHICAGO: Tri-State Telugu Association organized "The Learning Hour-Senior Services and Benefits", an informative and educational free seminar to benefit the Telugu community at-large on Saturday, February 23 at the Naperville Public Library.

The seminar was presented by Mrs. Shree Gurusamy, a Senior Benefits Specialist and Health Promotion Coordinator at Metropolitan Asian Family Services (MAFS). A social worker by profession and practicing in this field for more than 15 years, Shree is actively engaged in community outreach and resource development activities.

The seminar provided an opportunity for older adults and their care takers to hear from the speaker on a host of topics that impacted their quality of life. The seminar helped educate and raise awareness regarding the various benefits available for seniors living in Illinois. The topics ranged from Social Security Retirement

Benefits, Senior Transportation Services, In-Home and Adult Day Care services and also the

and answer session with active participation from the attendees.

Snacks were served by the orga-

seminars each month on various topics that benefit the community at large. The next presenta-

puted clinical psychologist, addressing the issues of Family and Parenting and the various

Mrs Shree Gurusamy making presentation at Telugu seniors' seminar

Prescription Drug Benefits available for seniors.

The presentation was followed by an interactive Question

nizers to the seminar attendees after the presentation.

Tri-State Telugu association will be offering a series of free

tion ""Guiding our Children to be resilient - Talking to our Sons and Daughters" by Dr.Vijayalakshmi Susarla, a re-

aspects of social and teenage issues, will be organized on Saturday, March 23 at the 95st Naperville Public Library.

Catholic school converting to Hindu temple NAND KAPOOR

STEELTON: One more elegant and gorgeous Swaminarayan temple is coming up in this country - specifically in north east area of Pennsylvania.

A former Roman Catholic school Prince of Peace Parish School - in Steelton is getting a new life, this time as a Hindu temple.

Prince of Peace Parish School closed in June 2011. Dhanji Mistry of Lewistown purchased the former school and convent at 245-265 Reynders St. in Steelton for $575,000. The property had been on the market since August 2011, Ross said. Originally, it had an asking price of $950,000.

Mistry said his group would renovate the property into a place of worship - a BAPS temple. The group will be moving out of a temple on Locust Lane and into the location on Reynders Street this summer, said Mistry, a member of the temple. BAPS stands for Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan

Sanstha, an international sociospiritual Hindu organization with its roots in the Vedas.

The Reynders Street property

downed the shutter due to financial hardships and this sale will help the parish finances. Dhanji Mistry is one of the temple project

Catholic school to turn BAPS Temple

consists of three buildings - a school building; a structure that housed a residence and instructional area; and a two-car garage.

The three buildings combine for a total of 24,490 square feet, with the school building, 20,740, making up the majority of it.

Catholic school, which fell under the Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg where Joseph P. McFadden is the Bishop had

leaders.

Female majority Steelton, incorporated in 1880, on the eastern shore of Susquehanna River, is a borough in Dauphin County. Thomas F. Acri, Jeffery L. Wright and Douglas E. Brown are Mayor, Borough Council President and Borough Secretary respectively of Steelton, whose tagline is "our renaissance continues." Prominent people associated with it include

decorated Lieutenant General Homer Litzenberg and football players Marne Intrieri, Bull Behman, Frank Sinkovitz, John Yovicsin and Troy Drayton.

Welcoming the development, Rajan Zed, president of the Universal Society of Hinduism, said it was important to pass on Hindu spirituality, concepts and traditions to coming generations amidst so many distractions in the consumerist society. Hinduism,

oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents.

Offering his best wishes and congratulations, Madhu Patel of NRI Press Club, said that the level of tolerance that the mainstream society in this country extends to the followers of other religions is very admirable and should serve as an eye opener to fundamentalists in other countries and societies.

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Shivinderjit sworn in Traffic Commissioner of Brea India Post News Service

BREA, CA: On Tuesday, February 19, Shivinderjit Singh was sworn in as the Traffic Commissioner for City of Brea at the General Session of the Brea City Council Meeting held at Council Chambers at 1 Civic Center, Brea.

After going through a set of interviews, Shivinderjit Singh was

nominated for this position in the February 5th Council Meeting by Council Member Marty Simonoff and Council Member Christine Marick.

Mayor of Brea, Ron Garcia, called the General Session of the Brea City Council meeting on Feb 19 to order at 7:10 pm. Mayor Pro Tem Brett Murdock and all Council Members of Brea - Marty

Mayor Ron Garcia with Shivinderjit Singh

Simonoff, Christine Marick and Roy Moore were present. The pledge of Allegiance was led by Girl Scout Troop 2665 and the Invocation was led by Pastor Steve Choi from Crossway church. After the presentation of Commendations of the Outgoing Commissioners, the presentation of Oath of Office for the incoming Commissioners was conducted by Mayor Garcia. Present among other City Officials were also the Public Works Director and the Police Chief.

Mayor Ron Garcia and others present congratulated Shivinderjit Singh after the oath taking ceremony. The event was well attended by over 75 people.

Singh and his wife, Dr. Ginny Kaur Chawla thanked everyone for their support. Present among Sikh community and family were Bicky Singh and Gurpreet Kaur of Sikhlens and Future Computing solutions, Kaviraj and Gurpreet Kaur from IIGS, Jatinder and Rosie Singh, Vimal and Deep Ghuman, Avinder Chawla, Jasdeep Mann, Mrs. Manpreet Chadha, Mrs. Abinash Kaur Dhodi, Mrs Jasleen Kaur Gujral and Mr and Mrs Ajit Singh Chawla. This was followed by a dinner at Shenai Restaurant in Brea.

PIA resumes Chicago operations A.Q. SIDDIQUI India Post News Service

riving at Karachi at 3.20am.

The return flight leaves Karachi at 1225am on Wednesday and connects Lahore en-route to Chicago via Barcelona. Saturday flights leaves O'Hare airport at

CHICAGO: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced resuming its Chicago flight to Pakistan from 5 June and this has created a mini-stir among airline business circles.

"We are back to our community in Midwest and we hope to do one better," says a beaming Anila Omair, Manager Chicago in an exclusive interview.

PIA Chicago Manager Ms Anila Omair Giving details about new operations, Anila said PIA will re- 7.45pm and arrives Karachi via sume bi-weekly flights operating Barcelona and Lahore. In return, Boeing 772 every Wednesday and Saturday flight will be Karachi to Saturday. Wednesday flight Chicago via Barcelona.

New Boeing 772/777 aircraft leaves O'Hare airport at 7:45 pm for Islamabad and Karachi. The offers comfortable legroom and flight lands at Islamabad at 11:55 choice of entertainment with each pm and continues for Karachi ar- seat. "And of course, travelers get

the Pakistani delicious cuisine on board," said Anila. She also pointed out that her sales team is working with domestic airline partners for discounted domestic fares from interior US cities. Unlike other airlines' long haul flights, PIA flight duration will be very comfortable for travelers with a break in journey at Barcelona after eight hours of flying time.

This makes flying comfortable for small children and elderly people as long duration flights are tedious.

Women with small kids mostly prefer traveling PIA. The local sales office is also emphasizing on promoting Barcelona destination. It will price lowest $750 roundtrip compared to most Europe fares above $1100 or more.

Barcelona also connects travelers to Madrid and Paris via Eurail. PIA business class offers the comfort of new Boeing 777 at most affordable fares compared to other airlines with same type of aircraft at much higher fares. "And to respect our elderly travelers, we have senior citizen discount throughout the year," Anila added.

Shivinderjit Singh signing oath

As a resident and a business owner in Brea, CA, Shivinderjit Singh, along with his wife, Dr. Ginny Kaur Chawla, and two kids Sahej Kaur and Amrit Singh, have enjoyed the culture of interactive government promoted by the city since many years. He believes

ence in the transportation and real estate industry.

Shivinderjit Singh, P.E, P.M.P, holds a Master's in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Los Angeles, CA, and a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering from Punjab Engineering College,

Shivinderjit brings a proactive approach, a record of public interaction, community service experience, and a strong motivation to serve the local community, in addition to many years of experience in the transportation and real estate industry that Brea's community outreach programs and organizational excellence are really impressive, and instill in its citizens the sense of civic ownership. It is his desire now to contribute to the best of his capabilities, and his professional qualifications make it possible for him to better serve the residents of Brea and protect its quality of life.

Shivinderjit brings a proactive approach, a record of public interaction, community service experience, and a strong motivation to serve the local community, in addition to many years of experi-

Chandigarh. He is a licensed Professional Electrical Engineer in the State of California, and is also a licensed California Real Estate Broker. He currently serves as Office Chief in the Division of Electrical Engineering-Construction and is also the CEO of DreamWorks Real Estate, and CFO of Eagle USA Mortgage.

Singh's goal is to enhance the operation of the Brea City streets and to facilitate and optimize the movement of people, goods, and services in a safe and efficient manner.

Cont’d on page 22

New commissioners with Mayor Garcia and Council Members

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'Matru Pitri Divas' celebrated in Fremont India Post News Service

FREMONT: Valentine's Day is celebrated all around the world with pomp and joy on 14th February every year. But on the same day this day, Sant Shri Asharam ji Bapu announced to celebrate this day as "Parents Worship Day or Matru Pitri Divas" to increase the mutual respect and love between parents and their children.

In Bay area, Matru Pitri Divas was celebrated on 24th February at Fremont Hindu Temple. The program was attended by over 50 children respecting their parents and performing puja.

Cont’d on page 23

Gluten free grains better for health CHITRA THAKUR TLS coach

I

n human life, grains and seeds have remained a major part of nutritional foods. The seeds of grass family are called cereal grains and that of others are called as seeds.

The grains are made up of starch and proteins, so are good source of carbohydrates and proteins. The good carb in the seeds are due to fiber which is present in seed coat. Along with fiber, they have certain proteins such as albumin, globulin, gluten etc.

Wheat and rice are the most abun-

dantly grown and consumed grains all over the world, however due to their Glycemic index impact, they are not included on the top of the nutritional food list.

The fiber which is present in grains' seed coat is mainly insoluble type and the one which is present in legumes, fruits, fish, lean meat etc. is of soluble type. Our body needs both the type of fibers to keep our intestinal, liver and heart health appropriately.

Cont’d on page 22

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Gluten free grains better for health Cont’d from page 21

Hence our food plate should consist of good carbs/sugars 2gm, proteins 4 gms, fiber 4 gm and fat 2gm, derived from living foods such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, fish, poultry, dairy and whole grains.

Amongst the grains, wheat, barley and rye are gluten rich .Gluten is a kind of protein present in these grains that can cause various health problems. The typical problems due to gluten sensitivity are allergies, joint pain, acne, nausea, fatigue, weight gain, hormonal imbalance, migraine, diarrhea, bloating, constipation that can lead to Celiac Disease. The symptoms are not curable unless the diet is free from gluten rich grains. Hence, it is very essential to identify these symptoms if related to gluten sensitivity and address.

The grains which are free from gluten are millets, quinoa, buck wheat, bulgur etc. These grains are equally nutritional as wheat and other gluten rich grains. They are fiber rich, hence carry good carbohydrates and do not spike sugar in the blood as compared to white rice. They also support the weight management protocols due to good quality carbs and fiber.

The recipes using quinoa, millets and buck wheat are better choice as compared to white rice.

For they have no gluten and are fiber rich. The sugar is controlled better than other grains and are not indicated to have allergies.

All rice preparations like pulao, biryani, khichadi etc are delicious when rice is replaced by quinoa.

QUINOA DISHES TABOULI: Tabouli, a mid-eastern salad, try it with quinoa for a delightful new taste.

INGREDIENTS • 2 cups quinoa, cooked • 1 cup chopped parsley • 1/2 cup chopped scallions • 2 TBL fresh mint or 1 TBL dried mint • 1 garlic clove, pressed • 1/4 cup olives, sliced • 1/2 tsp basil • 1/2 cup lemon juice • 1/4 cup x-virgin olive oil

SPICY QUINOA: INGREDIENTS: • 2 tablespoons canola oil • 2 teaspoons minced garlic • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes • Chicken broth (amount to serving size on Quinoa directions) • Quinoa • Salt and freshly ground black pepper Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Saute garlic with red pepper flakes for 2 minutes being careful not to burn garlic. Add the chicken broth, turn up heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Stir in Quinoa, cover and remove from the heat. Let stand 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and fluff with fork.

Transfer to a serving bowl and serve.

List of common foods with carbohydrates and fibers.-

• Field Greens or crispy lettuce • Salt and Pepper to taste • Cherry Tomatoes sliced in half

DIRECTIONS Place all ingredients except field greens and olives in a mixing bowl and toss together lightly. Chill for 1 hour or more to allow flavors to blend. Fill salad bowl with field greens OR use crispy lettuce. Add tabooli and garnish with olives & Cherry Tomatoes.

Serves 4

Shivinderjit sworn in Traffic Commissioner of Brea Cont’d from page 20

On the public service front, he aims at promoting high quality safety services, conservative fiscal policies, support Brea's youth and families, and promote regional transportation improvements and developments that will benefit future generations of its residents.

Shivinder said that the source of his inspiration in involving with the local community is his wife, Dr. Ginny Kaur Chawla, who along with their kids, Sahej Kaur (12) and Amrit Singh (9) are actively involved in the local Sikh community and the interfaith community.

Dr. Ginny Kaur currently sits on the Board of Sikh Center of Orange county and is the Zonal Convener of Sri Hemkunt Foundation for Orange County. In addition, the family is actively involved with the Sikh Film Festival (Sikhlens), SALDEF, Kaur Foundation, GNCA, IIGS, California Sikh Council and various Orange County interfaith organizations.

Some Sikh community attendees

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Sant Rajinder Singh's Amazon Kindle eBook released India Post News Service

NAPERVILLE, Illinois: Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj released his new book, Meditation as Medication for the Soul as an Amazon Kindle eBook On November 24, 2012, at an author program held at the Lisle/Naperville Wyndam, attended by over a thousand people.

This book, first released as a physical book in August 2012, immediately sold out of its first printing and went into its second printing in September 2012. With the rapid growth of eBooks, requests came in from all over the world to make the book available as an eBook.

On November 24, the book was released on Amazon.com for sale as a Kindle eBook. These books can now be read on any device that supports the Amazon Kindle apps, such as Kindle, Kindle Fire, iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, PC, Mac, BlackBerry, and Android-based devices, etc.

Sant Rajinder Singh's previously-released book, Spark of the Divine is also available as a physical book and as an Amazon Kindle

eBook as well.

As Kindle eBooks, Spark of the Divine and Medication as Medication for the Soul by Sant Rajinder Singh, are also available through Kindle Direct Publishing lending library, which means that anyone who is a member of the

Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj

lending library service can borrow the book for two weeks to read as an eBook through Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing.

The release of the new book as an eBook coincides with another honor that was just awarded Sant Rajinder Singh: USA Book News,

one of the premier online publications for books and book reviews, announced its 2012 Best Book awards and three books by Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj received awards in three different categories. Spark of the Divine by Sant Rajinder Singh received an award in spirituality. Meditation as Medication for the Soul also by Sant Rajinder Singh received an award in book interior design, and his book, Jyoti Meditation for Children, received an award for body, mind, and soul children's books.

Because of these honors these books will be posted on the USA Book News website under categories of spirituality, alternate health, and children's body, mind, and soul books, with news of the winning books being sent to libraries, bookstores, distributors, and their subscribers, and will remain posted for over a year.

Shortly after the release of both Spark of the Divine and Meditation as Medication for the Soul, they were featured on the online Barnesandoble.com and Amazon.com. The books appeared in several top best books categories, including meditation, spirituality, self-help, alternative health, and even best gift book to buy.

Due to Amazon's expansion of their eBooks into other countries, Spark of the Divine and Medication as Medication for the Soul are also available for sale as an En-

Entertainment & fun at Induz Valentine's Day party RITU MAHESHWARI India Post News Service

HAYWARD, CA: February is a special month for many in Bay Area. Party goers get a surfeit of

entertainment and fun with their beaus at the Valentine's Day party.

Induz organized a Valentine's Day party on Feb 16th at Golden Peaock Restaurant in Hayward.

Replete with entertainment, deli-

Assembly Member, Bill Quirk giving Commendations. Pic Vilas Thuse

cious food and dignitaries in attendance, the party was attended by over 300 people.

The party featured a fashion show, upbeat music, energetic dance performances and there were many singers. It had a French theme, with romantic city Paris as the inspiration.

Little ones were well taken care of at the party.

'Safari Kids' provided the child care for youngsters.

They had a separate line up for entertainment, activities and movies to keep them busy and entertained.

Induz is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization founded by Ray Mitra.100% of the funds generated from the party will go towards establishing the new art programs in India and San Francisco Bay area schools.

glish eBook in UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and India.

When going into the Amazon store in those countries, the books are priced in those currencies, including US Dollars, Sterlings, Pounds, Euros, and in India, INR or Indian rupees. With the rapid growth of

eBooks, where it was reported that in Great Britain, eBooks sales outpaced physical books for the first time, these eBook versions of Sant Rajinder Singh Ji's books will now be more easily accessible to the growing population of eBook readers.

'Matru Pitri Divas' celebrated in Fremont

Cont’d from page 21

It is a celebration to showcase the pure selfless bond between children and parents on a globallevel with the objective of creating a strong character and spirit of serving parents.

It begins a social awakening in every home and every human heart

by celebrating true love and true valentine in its purest form. This festival draws its inspiration from the poojan of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati performed by little Ganpati.

The organization has been doing such sewa in Bay area for the last 20 years. They conduct weekly satsangs in Sunnyvale and Fremont temples.

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A second chance to rebuild mosque ens of letters to DOJ officials describing how the city's application denial negatively impacted community members. Additionally, CAIR-LA worked with community leaders to garner 200 signatures on a petition they presented to the city supporting the DOJled investigation.

At the forum, the Islamic center's future expansion plans were laid out by architect Shakil Patel, and community leaders Shakeel Syed of the Islamic Shura Council of Southern California, along with mosque leaders Dr. Iraj Ershaghi and Ehtesham Mirza who spoke on the importance of working together to build a strong community. Later, a youth representative spoke about the role of the Islamic center in her life, and how it has given her friends and other teenagers a

India Post News Service

LOMITA, CA: On Sunday, Feb. 10, community members enthusiastically gathered at the Islamic Center of South Bay in Lomita for a forum to discuss future renovation plans on its site. As part of a recent settlement agreement between the mosque and city, the city will consider a renewed application by the Islamic center on an expedited schedule and waive application fees, explained Anne Richardson of Hadsell Stormer Richardson and Renick LLP, a private law firm that is working with CAIR-LA in representing ICSB in its lawsuit against the city.

The community forum occurred one week after the Department of Justice alleged in a lawsuit that the city violated the law when it denied the Islamic center's application to refurbish its facility in March 2010.

CAIR-LA's staff attorney Ameena Qazi explained the implications of the DOJ agreed order, that city officials who make land-use

decisions will attend trainings on federal law protecting religious institutions.

CAIR-LA plans to continue working with the Islamic Center of South Bay and its congregants towards building a beautiful,

new mosque, as the community's involvement has played an integral role in achieving both settlements. During the investigation, CAIR-LA staff attorneys helped establish a community action committee, held multiple meetings and townhalls, and worked with the committee to submit doz-

place to develop camaraderie within their community.

The progress that has been made on this case speaks volumes to the strength and resiliency of the South Bay community. This is truly an example of a community coming together.

March 8, 2013

Community Across America

India Post 25

www.indiapost.com

Sikh Coalition attends Oak Creek conference India Post News Service

OAK CREEK, Wisconsin: The Sikh Coalition participated in a sixmonth follow-up meeting convened by the United States Justice Department to discuss the ongoing needs of the Sikh Oak Creek community six months after the August 5, 2012 mass shooting.

The meeting was organized by the Community Relations Service of the United States Justice Department and held on February 4th in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. In addition to local community members, the meeting included Jim Santelle, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Oak Creek Mayor Stephen Scaffidi, Oak Creek Police Chief John Edwards, Oak Creek School Superintendent Dr. Sara Burmeister, and representatives of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office.

Following is a summary of key agenda items discussed during the meeting:

Security

• The Oak Creek gurdwara received approximately $77,000 from government officials to beef up on-site security. Current security measures in place include: secu-

on the need for security measures, "It is not their temple [gurdwara].

It is now our temple [gurdwara]."

• The Sikh Coalition confirmed with Police Chief Edwards that the

ily members of survivors received funds from crime victim compensation programs from the Department of Justice to cover medical costs and other expenses associ-

rity cameras, an on-site security guard, and ongoing patrols by police officers, who also frequently stop in for tea and to meet with the sangat.

• As the local police commented

security measures will continue indefinitely.

ated with the attack.

• These funds were made available to victims regardless of immigration status.

Crime victim compensation funds

• Qualified survivors and fam-

Immigration

• The Sikh Coalition previously

arranged for pro bono immigration representation of qualified family members of victims that are Indian nationals and currently on visitor's visas (i.e. individuals who qualify for U-visas, available to immediate family members, including spouses and unmarried children under 21, of victims of ser i o u s crimes).

Many of these applications have been filed and/or will be filed shortly.

• The Sikh Coalition continues to partner with federal and state officials and Milwaukee immigration attorneys in finding alternative solutions for individuals who may not qualify for U-visas and wish to remain in the country.

26 India Post

Community Across America

March 8, 2013

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With ‘Who am I’ begins the quest for spiritual knowledge SWAMI MUKUNDANANDA

I

t is said that once Socrates was pondering over philosophic truths and walking absentmindedly on the street when he bumped into someone. The man asked annoyedly, "Can you not see where you are walking? Who are you?"

Socrates replied nonchalantly, "My dear friend, I have been pondering over that question for the last forty years, and have still not found the answer. If you have any tips to offer, do let me know."

We may have never pondered as deeply as Socrates, but surely at some point of time in our lives we have asked ourselves the same question, "Who am I"? Am I a lady, a man, a father, a businessman, an American, an Indian? What is my true identity?

When we ask the question, "Who am I," we begin our quest for spiritual knowledge. This is the first step. The Bhagavad Gita says in this regard: kshetrakshetragyojnanam…

"To understand the difference between the body and the knower of the body is wisdom." This wisdom is imparted to us by the Vedic scriptures that inform us: The body is not you; it is like a house in which you reside, or like clothes that you wear.

You are the eternal soul seated within it. The body is made from matter, and hence it is perishable, but you are the soul which is indivisible, impartial, eternal, nirgun (formless), divine, and hence immortal.

However we constantly identify ourselves with our body and even if we intellectually under-

spiritual aspirants and knowledge seekers.

Q: What is consciousness? How is it different from the soul?

SM: "Consciousness" is the symptom of life that is manifested by the soul. It is not the soul itself; rather, it is a quality of the soul. This is just as heat and light are manifestations of the fire, but by themselves, they are not the fire.

Everything that exists is verily the energy of God. However, it is not all consciousness. Matter is "insentient" or devoid of consciousness, while the soul is "sentient" or possessing consciousness.

This is an important distinction between the soul and matter.

Apart from having consciousness itself, the soul also has the ability to impart consciousness to matter, when it associates with it. Just as "a flower carries aroma itself, and the garden where it grows also becomes aromatic by its presence."

Likewise, the soul is sentient, and by its presence, it makes the dead matter of the body sentient as well. As long as the soul resides in the body, the senses, organs and limbs, all display signs of life. Upon death, when the soul departs, the body is dead matter once again.

Q: What is mind if it is not the soul or the brain?

SM: The mind is a subtle machine provided along with the body to the soul. It is such a machine that continuously generates thoughts, feelings, ideas, percep-

Everything that exists is verily the energy of God. However, it is not all consciousness.

Matter is "insentient" or devoid of consciousness, while the soul is "sentient" or possessing consciousness. This is an important distinction between the soul and matter stand that we are soul and not this body, we mistakenly perceive that the soul resides within us.

But the truth is that neither is the soul within us, nor are we in the soul. We are the soul that is seated within the body. The Vedic scriptures state that the atma, or soul, resides in the heart though it is not physically bound to the heart, and we are that atma.

Once this truth of our identity is realized, naturally a lot of other questions also come up like what is our relation with our body and how does our inner apparatus of mind and intellect function?

These questions are answered here in simple words for both

tions, and stores knowledge and memories.

The brain is not the mind. The brain is the hardware that the mind uses for its functioning.

Someone's brain may get damaged, but the mind may still continue functioning normally. The brain is made from the gross elements - earth, water, fire, air, space.

On the other hand, the mind is subtler than these gross elements.

The Bhagavad Gita states: Bhoomuraponlovayuhkham…

"Earth, water, fire, air, space, mind, intellect and ego, are various constituents of my material energy, Maya." Here, Shree Krishna has enumerated the mind

as separate from the five gross elements. Modern science has some idea of the nature of the gross brain, but is yet to comprehend the functioning of the subtle mind.

The mind is thus distinct from

Swami Mukundananda

the brain. Nevertheless, in figure of speech, often when we say "the mind," it refers together to the mind and the brain.

Q: How does the soul communicate with the elements in our body? Where is the connection between the body and the soul?

SM: The soul communicates with the body by energizing it with the force of life, or consciousness.

Its presence makes the intellect, mind and body work. As already mentioned the soul is sentient, and by its presence, it makes the dead matter of the body sentient as well.

Now the reverse communication - how does the body communicate with the soul? The link between the material body and the spiritual soul is established by the ego. In the materially conditioned state, the first covering on the soul is of the ego. The word for ego in Sanskrit is asmita, which means "that which is not."

This ego creates a false identity for the soul. Due to it, the soul is under the illusion that it is the body, mind and intellect.

In this illusion that it is the body, the soul identifies with the pleasures and pains of the body.

When the senses come in contact with the sense objects, they experience fleeting pleasure. Under the illusion that it is the body, the soul too experiences this pleasure.

However, the experience does not satisfy the soul, which can only be satisfied by Divine Bliss. So the search for pleasure continues.

This is how the two-way communication between the soul and the body-mind-intellect works.

Q: What are the activities of the

soul in the body? Is the soul simply God's "overseer" in each body with no administrative duties?

SM: To enable us to comprehend the administrative position of the soul in the body, the Vedas give the analogy of a chariot: AtmanamRathinamviddhi…

(Kathopanishad) The Upanishads say there is a chariot; this chariot has got five horses pulling it; the horses have reins in their mouths; the reins are in the hands of a charioteer; a passenger is sitting at the back of the chariot.

In this analogy: • the chariot is the body • the horses are the five senses • the reins in the mouth of the horses is the mind • the charioteer is the intellect • the passenger seated behind is the soul residing in the body Ideally, the passenger should give directions to the charioteer, who should pull the reins accordingly and guide the horses in the proper direction.

However in this case, the passenger, or the soul is asleep, and so the chariot is going awry: • The senses (horses) desire to see, taste, touch, feel and smell various things.

• The mind (reins), rather than controlling the senses, supports their desires.

• The intellect (charioteer), instead of directing where to go, submits to the pulls of the senses.

• Seated on this chariot, the soul (passenger) is moving around in this material world

the chariot will move in the direction of eternal welfare.

Q: According to Bhagavad Gita 13.30, 13.32, the mind and body do the work, not the soul, which is akarmi, only a witness. If we (souls) do not do anything, then why do we have to suffer for all bad karmas and travel through 8.4 million species?

SM: The soul by itself is not the doer of actions. However, it has been given a body-mind-intellect mechanism by God. These are all made from inert matter, and it is the soul that inspires life into them by its presence. Hence, it is responsible for the actions performed by the body in which it is housed.

This is just as when you sit in a car and drive it, you are responsible for its motion. If the car were to have an accident, the law would not hold the tires, steering wheel, accelerator or ignition switch responsible for it. It would be your responsibility, since you were the driver within. Similarly, the soul seated within the body is held responsible for all the actions of the body-mind mechanism that has been given to it.

There is a story on responsibility in the Puranas. A king had gone for war on his chariot. While returning from a successful combat, a child got crushed under the wheels of the chariot. The king said, "O Charioteer! You are responsible for this death, since you were driving it at great speed." The charioteer said, "O King! You are responsible for this death, not me.

The credit of the successful combat has gone to you, and so the

In this illusion that it is the body, the soul identifies with the pleasures and pains of the body. When the senses come in contact with the sense objects, they experience fleeting pleasure. Under the illusion that it is the body, the soul too experiences this pleasure since eternity.

So in the materially bound state the soul does not perform any administrative functions because it has surrendered the control of the chariot. It merely experiences the pleasures of the mind and senses vicariously, by identifying with the bodily elements.

And because of its inherent nature to seek the divine bliss of God, it perceives the dissatisfaction from bodily pleasures.

However, if the soul wakes up and decides to take a proactive role, it can inspire the intellect in the right direction. The intellect will then govern the mind, the mind will control the senses, and

sin is also yours."

Swami Mukundananda is a world renowned spiritual teacher from India, and is the senior disciple of Jagadguru Shree KripalujiMaharaj and founder of JK Yog. He has received his degrees in engineering from world renowned institutes in India, IIT and IIM. He has inspired people all over the world on the path of spirituality, holistic health, yoga, meditation, service to society and God realization. This year, Swamiji will be conducting weeklong programs in 30+ cities of USA from April onwards. For more information visit: http://www.jkyog.org/

Datebook

March 8, 2013

India Post

27

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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

NEW YORK

NEW JERSEY

ILLINOIS

Upcoming

Upcoming

Upcoming

Upcoming

Upcoming

Sat Mar 9 • Maha Shivratri

Sat Mar 23

Sun Mar 10

Sat Mar 16

• HOLI on the Beach

Sat Mar 16

• World Most Popular Desi Bridal Shows

• International Women's Day Celebration

• Share-A-Smile-Comedy Night

Venue: Regency Long Island, 1717 Motor Pkwy, Hauppauge, NY 11788 Time: 12:00 pm Contact: 732-754-1894

Venue: North Brunswick Township High School Auditorium, 98 Raider Road, North Brunswick, NJ 08902 Time: 6:30 pm Contact: 732-800-2273

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

Fri Mar 15 • The Nondual Self-Inquiry Retreat Venue: Society of Abidance in Truth, 1834 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Time: 9:00 am Contact: 831-425-7287

Fri Mar 15 • Strings Live in Concert Venue: San Jose Airport Garden Hotel, 1740 N 1st St, San Jose, CA 95112 Time: 6:30 pm Contact: 408-431-4750

Fri Mar 15 • Sajda - An offering of unforgettable and timeless classics of Jagjit Singh Venue: Schultz Cultural Arts Hall, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, CA 94303 Time: 8:00 pm Contact: 408-802-5128

Thu Mar 21

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

Sun Mar 24 • Pt Ajoy Chakrabarty Live in Concert Venue: Chinmaya Mission, 14451 Franklin Ave, Tustin, CA 92780 Time: 6:00 pm Contact: 714-267-4023

Sat Mar 16 • Rangholi 2013

Sat Mar 30

Venue: K-Lounge, 30 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019 Time: 10:00 pm Contact: 724-777-8187

• Rang Barsey 2013

Sun May 5 • Masters of Indian Music

Sun Apr 14

Venue: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway at 95th Street, New York, NY 10025 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 212-545-7536

• Varli Kids Food Festival 2013

ATLANTA

Fri May 10

Upcoming

• Soorya Festival New York

Fri Mar 15 • Sri Shirdi Sainatha 4th Varshikothsavam Venue: Sai Baba Temple, 700 James Burgess Rd, Suwanee, GA 30024 Time: 6:00 am Contact: 678-455-7200

Venue: Deewan Banquet, 560 Stelton Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854 Time: 10:00 am Contact: 914-479-2596

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

WASHINGTON DC Upcoming Fri Mar 8

• Karsh Kale featuring Alam Khan

Sun Mar 24 • My Shadi Bridal Expo

• Hillarious Gujarati comedy play

Venue: Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102 Time: 8:00 pm Contact: 415-575-6175

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

Venue: Laurel High School, 8000 Cherry Ln, Laurel, MD 20707 Time: 8:00 pm Contact: 703-449-0772

Fri Mar 22

Sat Mar 30

Fri Mar 15

• Holi Celebration at Bishop Ranch

• Holi Dhamaka

• Adnan Sami Live In Concert

Venue: Bishop Ranch 2, 2680 Bishop Dr, San Ramon, CA 94583 Time: 4:30 pm Contact: 925-866-0100

Venue: Atlanta Event Hall, 3750 Venture Dr, Duluth, GA 30096 Time: 9:00 am Contact: 404-934-9991

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

Venue: Hyatt at Headquarters Plaza, 3 Speedwell Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960 Time: 12:00 pm Contact: 612-220-3617

Venue: India House, 1521 W Schaumburg Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60193 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 630-865-7868

• J K Yog Satsang & Bal Mukund Hindi Classes Venue: JClarion Inn/Waterford Banquets, Board Room, 933 South Riverside Drive, Elmhurst, IL 60126 Time: Every 2nd and 4th Sun. 3:30pm-5:30pm

• Children's Bal Mukund Character Building Program and Hindi Literacy Classes Venue: Vogelei Center, 650 W. Higgins Road, Hoffmann Estates, IL 60192 (Next to Nissan Dealership) Time: Every 1st and 3rd Sun. 11am-1pm Contact: jay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-5614807 www.jkyog.org

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

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28 India Post

W

hen John Abraham and Bipasha Basu split in 2010, the whole film industry was curious to know the reason. Few months after the shocking break up, John was spotted with a mysterious girl by his side. Later, the actor introduced the girl as Priya Runchal, an investment banker, and also revealed that they were in a relationship. Ever since, speculation on how, when and where the love birds duo met have been doing rounds.

Some said they met in the same gym.

Well, finally our Johnny boy revealed a little about his love life at a special promotional event for his next I Me Aur Main.

Clearing the air, John said he met Priya through common friends, who were working at the Mumbai office of the World Bank.

"Priya was here doing her stint at the World Bank. It was much later that she started coming to the same gym where I worked out."

As of now, Priya is not in India but in London, busy studying MBA. She will stay in London for the next two years till she is done with her studies. So marriage is nowhere on cards as of now. Though it's a long distance relationship, John and Priya are not wretched with the fact, as they try to see each other at least once in two months.

"I am in a happy space right now. She is extremely supportive and prefers to be away from the public eye‌She gives me space and I give her space," says John Abraham.

The actor also states that he is not a possessive beau.

Exceptional M

bikini

ost actresses have an unwritten rule they follow. They refuse to wear swimwear on the screen. But the moment Yash Raj Films asks them to wear a bikini for one of their films, the rule book gets tossed and they agree. Maybe because they are assured that the banner will present them aesthetically, or maybe because no one wants to risk losing a YRF film by saying no.

YRF has always had a thing for girls in swimwear. A few decades ago, it used to be a one-piece swimsuit and we saw the likes of Sonam (Vijay) and Juhi Chawla (Darr) don them. In re-

cent years, it has become almost an unwritten rule that the leading lady will wear a bikini in the film.

The latest in the line of beauties to sport the bikini will be Sonam Kapoor in her next film for the Chopra production house.

Esha Deol who had the image of a girl next-door became sexy overnight when she sported the bikini in Dhoom. Bipasha Basu wore one in Dhoom 2.

Anushka Sharma who made her debut as the demure, conservative girl in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi emerged in a tiny-winy yellow bikini in Badmash Company and then donned another one for Ladies Vs Vicky Behl and then again in Jab Tak Hai Jaan.

Kareena Kapoor set temperatures soaring with her luscious green bikini in Tashan. A source reveals that Sonam is currently working out intensely to get that perfect bikini bod.

1 Jiya Lage Na: Talaash 2 Ishq Shava: Jab Tak Hai Jaan 3 Dagabaaz Re: Dabangg 2 4 Fevicol Se: Dabangg 2 5 Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola: Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola 6 Oye Boy Charlie: JMatru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola March 8, 2013 7 Darmiyan: Inkaar 8 Jee Le Zaraa: Talaash 9 Khamakha: Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola 10 Heer: Jab Tak Hai Jaan

March 8, 2013

Bollywood

India Post 29

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A

fter contemplating over it for a long time now, Priyanka Chopra has finally given a nod to an item number, the first in her career, for Sanjay Gupta's gangster flick, 'Shootout At Wadala'. The item song has been titled Babli Badmaash Hai. Priyanka Chopra agreed to the item track only after reviewing it completely. She made sure that the dance moves are not very sexually provoking and also the lyrics of the track are not too profane. Reportedly, the song is very vintage style, scored by Anu Malik and sung by Sunidhi Chauhan, and will be used for promoting the film.

PeeCee was given three numbers to choose from, off which she picked 'Babli Badmaash Hai'. Buzz is, the song will see PeeCee doff a hat to Zeenat Aman in Aap Jaisa Koi and Parveen Babi in Jeete Hain Shaan Se. "When PeeCee heard the song, she thought it was RD Burman meeting Feroz Khan," said the source. "Glamour yes, but no vulgarity," added the source. Sanjay Gupta says the song will have a retro feel.

S

S

aif Ali Khan says although his character in new film Bullet Raja wears nasty clothes, he will still try to make him look cool in them.

"I think it is one of the most fun things when you do a role, try and find the look for the character. So Bullet Raja is kind of like this (points to stubble) but a little, sort of wears pretty big and nasty clothes but hopefully we'll make it look kind of cool. That's the idea, nylon shirts and white pants and white shoes," the 42-year-old said during a photo shoot.

Saif believes that to have a certain image can harm an actor's prospects in the industry but, nevertheless, it is still important.

"I don't know how important is it for an actor to have an image because an image can sometimes stereotype you. I think the less you know about an actor, the better. An actor should just actually have an image of being a good actor," Saif said.

Directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia, Bullet Raja also stars Sonakshi Sinha.

NASTY BUT COOL

onakshi Sinha who's paying an ode to the Bolly sirens of the eighties in a special disco number Thank God It's Friday in Sajid Khan's Himmatwala has even dressed like the iconic yesteryear actresses (Sridevi from Chaalbaaz and Parveen Babi from Shaan).

However, not many know that the young star is also paying a tribute to some of the international pop icons of the '80s like Michael Jackson and Madonna. An insider reveals that Sonakshi will be seen grooving to the steps of both the pop icons in the song choreographed by Chinni Prakash.

"Sonakshi will be seen performing MJ's signature moonwalk and pelvic thrust. Sonakshi's dancing impressed all of us, as she seemed so comfortable doing the dance number a la Madonna and even imitating the MJ style," says a source from the production unit.

„

Realty Tidbits

Delhi's Connaught Place 4th most expensive market NEW YORK: London elbowed its way past Hong Kong to regain the title as the world's most expensive market in which to rent office space, while Rio de Janeiro jumped to the No. 3 spot from No. 8, according to a report by global real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield.

It was the first time since 2008 that London took the top spot.

Competition for the scarce high quality office space in London fueled office rents by 2 percent in the city's West End bolstering rents sufficiently to leapfrog over Hong Kong, according to the report. Office rents in the West End are expected to continue to grow as the economy improves, Cushman & Wakefield said.

At 2,137 euros per square meter, or $262 per square foot, London's occupancy cost, which includes taxes and charges for cleaning and other services, are more than twice those of Paris, New York and Moscow.

„ 427 projects get National Monuments Authority nod NEW DELHI: Routinely under fire by government agencies for 'stalling' development projects, the National Monuments Authority (NMA) claims that it has cleared most of the applications forwarded to them by the state-run competent authorities.

In the capital, apart from private owners requesting for NOCs for properties falling in the regulated zone, the heritage body has issued permission for public projects like railway bridges and Metro's heritage corridor. Another public project, the KG Marg parking, is under consideration.

According to statistics, out of 473 applications received in the capital till January 31, NOC has been granted to 427. While 16 applications were deferred, three were sent back as they were incomplete. NMA officials admitted that in a growing city like Delhi, the challenge is to strike a balance between protecting heritage and not creating obstacles for development.

Real Estate 30

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India Post

COMPAT expresses concern over flat buyers' woes NEW DELHI: Expressing concerns over difficulties faced by flat buyers in two DLF projects due to a longpending anti-competition case, the Competition Appellate Tribunal has said payments made for possession of the apartments would not adversely impact their rights after a final orde Details on page 31

March 8, 2013

How will new mortgage rules affect you?

POLYANA DA COSTA

T

he home loan industry will soon have to adapt to new mortgage rules that will offer borrowers much needed protection against lender abuses and reckless lending standards. But the changes may not please all borrowers.

Some of the new mortgage rules the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has issued this year will influence qualification requirements and the types of mortgages that borrowers get. The new standards go into effect next year - but expect lenders to start adjusting to the new policies in coming months.

The gist of one of the main rules is simple: Lenders will be required to ensure that borrowers have the ability to repay their mortgages.

In return, lenders will be protected from borrower lawsuits so long as they issue "safe" mortgages that follow guidelines.

These safe mortgages are what the CFPB calls "qualified mortgages." As defined by the CFPB, only 12.8 percent of new mortgages in 2012 didn't meet the "qualified mortgage" standard, according to real estate data provider CoreLogic.

The new mortgage rules won't affect the majority of people seek-

The mortgage rules are designed to ensure that borrowers can repay. Jumbo loans will be harder to qualify for; interest-onlies will be rare. Homeowners will get renewed protections when they fall behind on payments. ing to buy a home or refinance their home loans, because lenders have already tightened their lending standards since the financial crisis.

But certain groups of borrowers will notice a difference, analysts say. This is especially true for borrowers seeking larger mortgages.

Self-employed borrowers also may

need to jump through additional hoops to get a home loan.

"There are all sorts of ways to prove income, but what's no longer at the table is just asserting that you make X dollars per year," says Julia Gordon, director of housing finance and policy for the Center for American Progress and former manager

Metro-III station at 29 mts, below another line

T

he Delhi Metro is set to bag itself a new record its deepest tunnel, which will pass under an existing line.

The 37-km-long corridor from Janakpuri West to Botanical Garden in Noida, part of Phase-III, will pass below the existing Hauz Khas station and have a station at a depth of 29 meters.

The average depth of existing

Metro stations is 17 meters.

To prepare for the engineering feat, the Delhi Metro officials have begun a massive upgrade of construction infrastructure. The unique aspects include, the topography and design of the station, the mode of construction and the machinery deployed.

Officials said the new Hauz Khas station will also be a vital

Metro hub, connecting Metro lines between Gurgaon (Huda City Centre-Jahangirpuri) and Noida thereby, reducing travel time.

The new station will be perpendicular to that of the Yellow Line at Hauz Khas. This, officials said, means use of new technology to accomplish the complex nature of construction.

Cont’d on page 32

of single-family policy at the Federal Housing Finance Agency.

What will change for jumbo loans?

Mortgage professionals in high-cost areas say they worry that the new rules may create obstacles for some borrowers seeking large loans to buy or refinance a home. That's partly because a mortgage that falls outside of the conforming and Federal Housing Administration loan limits (which vary between $417,000 and $729,750) will not be considered a qualified mortgage if the borrower's debt payments exceed 43 percent of monthly income.

About 9 percent of jumbo loans issued in 2012 went to borrowers with debt-to-income ratios higher than 43 percent, CoreLogic data show.

"A 45 percent debt ratio seems to be slightly more common than a 43 percent ratio these days, so lenders will most likely reduce their max ratios for nonagency loans," says Matt Hackett, operations manager for Equity Now in New York City.

Interest-only loans will be harder to find Borrowers who rely on interestonly loans will see changes, because loans that don't require borrowers to pay principal during an initial period are not considered a qualified mortgage under the CFPB's rules.

These loans were widely available during the housing boom and contributed to the crisis, as many homeowners couldn't handle the larger payments once the initial interest-only period expired. Most lenders have stopped offering interest-only loans, but they are still popular for jumbo mortgages and in high-cost areas.-Bankrate.com

Real Estate

March 8, 2013

India Post

31

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Wait how long to rent out your home?

Q: Dear Real Estate Adviser, Our home is vacant and has been on the market for several months. We had to move for a job in a different town. How long should we wait before we seriously consider renting out the place?

-Allen P. Dear Allen, Some folks might say that any income stream is better than none, so why not rent out your home right away? But depending on lots of variables, such as your home's location, your price range, area housing demand and rental dynamics, that may be a hasty move.

First, the cautions: You may have to rent out the place for at least a year to placate renters, though the right party might need it for just six months. Either way, you will make it unsellable for a potentially lengthy span. Showing your home to prospective buyers while renters are still there can be intrusive for them and a real challenge if renters are sloppy or suddenly grow uncooperative.

When renters do vacate, you'll have to clean and prep the place again and possibly have it reinspected and reappraised - work you've no doubt performed recently. Before making any decisions, you or your selling agent (who ideally handles rentals, too) should do an assessment of the rental market and look at demand

statistics and rent rates for singlefamily homes like yours.

Talk with a property management firm to get additional insight.

It's true that a lot more people are renting now due to foreclosures.

But realize that the same conditions that made mortgage payments tough to maintain may make timely rent payments a challenge, too. It can be expensive to evict nonpaying tenants

Showing your home to prospective buyers while renters are still there can be intrusive for them and a real challenge if renters are sloppy or suddenly grow uncooperative Since you now live out of town, you'll need to find someone to look in on the property from time to time or even come to the rescue when the house needs repairs or the air conditioner breaks down in July. Realize, too, that you'd need insurance for a nonowner-occupied home, which is typically more expensive than homeowners coverage.

There are some potential

pluses. The rental strategy may be an effective way to "wait out the market" until sales pick up, which they may well do over the next year or so. Tax write-offs could also tip the balance for becoming a landlord. You can deduct up to $25,000 in annual rental real estate losses if your adjusted gross income is less than $100,000 and may be able to shelter a significant amount of cash flow with depreciation deductions on the home, meeting certain conditions for both. You'd best see an accountant or other tax pro to run these numbers.

Of course, if you're facing foreclosure on your for-sale home, or you feel crushed under the weight of dual mortgages, you might be forced to test the rental water quickly. As a compromise, consider rent-to-own. These rentersturned-buyers are more apt to keep the place in better shape because they have a vested interest in it.

If you can hold on until the next peak selling season, which runs from February through mid-summer, your buyer universe will likely grow, presuming that you're well represented by an aggressive and savvy agent. A side note: The house is empty, you say. Well, showing a home with at least a small amount of staging, including a few tasteful furnishings, some neutral decor and a few other touches, will make it look less empty and a little more inviting to many buyers. -www.bankrate.com

COMPAT expresses concern over flat buyers' woes NEW DELHI: Expressing concerns over difficulties faced by flat buyers in two DLF projects due to a long-pending anti-competition case, the Competition Appellate Tribunal has said payments made for possession of the apartments would not adversely impact their rights after a final order.

"The dispute between the Residents' Welfare Associations in respect of the DLF Park Place and in respect of The Belaire Schemes of DLF has been pending since at least more than two and half years.

"It is a common ground that, owing to this dispute, number of persons, who had entered into the agreement of sale with DLF, have not been able to get the possession," the Tribunal said in an order, while disposing of DLF's appeal for an interim stay on CCI's

supplementary orders regarding changes in Flat Buyers Agreement.

The Tribunal said that the CCI's supplementary orders were any-

The Tribunal said that it has been told about people not getting possession in spite of payment of 95 per cent of the total consideration way non-binding at the current juncture and were rather in the nature of suggestions and therefore the question of granting any interim stay against them did not arise.

With regard to the interests of flat buyers, the Tribunal in its order dated February 12 said that it has been told about people not getting possession in spite of payment of 95 per cent of the total consideration.

The DLF counsel further informed the Tribunal that "if the payments as demanded are made, those payments could be without prejudice to the rights of those persons who wanted to take possession after making the payments."

"We, therefore, clarify that if the proposed owners choose to make the payments as demanded by DLF and get the possession, then those payments would be without prejudice to their rights in the main appeal," the Tribunal said.

Cont’d on page 32

Housing sector to get infrastructure status NEW DELHI: With an aim to provide affordable homes for all including economically weaker section, the government is actively considering granting of infrastructure status to the housing sector in the near future.

The matter is being taken up with the Finance Ministry and Reserve Bank of India and a favorable decision is likely to be announced in the coming Budget session, said a senior Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (HUPA) official.

Besides, the ministry is also trying to provide income tax and service tax benefit to the sector, the official said.

Infrastructure status will boost the housing sector by providing

affordable housing projects in India, therefore creating a balance in the demand and supply for housing.

Besides, the ministry is bringing the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill, 2013, in Parliament. Once the Bill is passed it will pave the way for the setting up of the Real Estate Regulatory Authority, an industry watchdog that will keep a lease on land sharks and fly-by-night operators.

"There are certain changes in the draft of the Bill and it will be sent to Cabinet for its approval before introducing it in Parliament," said HUPA Minister Ajay Maken.

Ministry has received the suggestions from the real estate de-

easy access to funds and consequently increasing the availability of houses.

According to a recent report of the technical group on urban housing shortage, in 2012, there was a shortage of 18.78 million units and major shortfall of supply was in the economically weaker section (10.55 million units), followed by lower income group (7.41 million).

While the government cannot overcome the shortage of supply of its own, private developers are not finding it viable due to high cost of land and high interest rates.

Infrastructure status for the housing is a long pending demand of HUPA Ministry.

The official maintained infrastructure status for housing will increase the flow of funds to the sector which would encourage developers to come up with more

velopers for certain changes in the draft.

According to the provision of the Bill, builders have to set up a separate escrow account to compulsorily deposit 70 per cent of the funds received from buyers and to ensure that these funds are used for that real estate project only.

Our aim is to bring transparency and accountability in the real estate sector, Maken said.

Once the regulatory authority is established the registration of real estate developers will be mandatory.

Funds collected from buyers for a particular housing project cannot be diverted to other project and the developer will be restricted in announcing new project before getting all mandatory clearances like environment, fire and others. -PTI

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Metro-III station at 29 mts, below another line Cont’d from page 30

Connecting NCR Gurgaon & Noida Officials call the upcoming Hauz Khas station as the 'Rajiv Chowk' of Phase-III. The interchange will allow Yellow Line passengers from Gurgaon to switch to a direct Metro to Botanical Garden in Noida, instead of traveling all the way to Rajiv Chowk.

"This new interchange will contribute towards decongesting Rajiv Chowk station, which receives a daily average footfall of 5 lakh. The passengers traveling between Gurgaon and Noida, and South Delhi localities like Nehru Place and Kalkaji will not need to travel to Rajiv Chowk. They can change trains at Hauz Khas," a DMRC spokesperson said.

The travel time between two NCR cities is expected to come down by at least half an hour, allowing commuters to reach from Noida to Gurgaon, and the other way around, in 50 minutes.

Metro officials expect an average daily footfall of 1.69 lakh commuters, when the line opens in 2016.

The interchange on many levels The subway from the south access point of the existing Hauz Khas Metro station will be widened to allow for integration with the Phase-III station.

"The subway, 12 meters wide, would be constructed expanding from the present south entry/exit.

Since the outline of the existing Hauz Khas station is a zig zag pattern, cut and cover technique will

be used to integrate it with the new station," an official said.

The subway will be constructed in five phases so as to not disrupt the traffic movement on Outer Ring Road. During the construction, the one entry/exit of the station would be closed temporarily.

After the construction, there would be three entry/exit points.

After the commissioning of the interchange, the AFC gates at the

convenient," the official said.

Sixteen escalators and four elevators will be provided at the interchange point.

The construction 29 meters below "The nature of the area is such that the construction of the Metro station will (have to) be carried out at such a depth. The Hauz Khas flyover meant that the station could come below it. For the new

A major challenge for the DMRC would be construction of a tunnel below an existing tunnel - the two tunnels will be separated by just three meters

existing station would be shifted to the concourse level from the ground level.

The interchange between the two stations will be at the concourse level. The new station will have four levels.

"The interchange between the two stations will be systematic and organized. The connectivity between new and old Hauz Khas stations will be connected through a ramp. Further, the subway will be expanded to make the movement

station, a location off the road was the most apt. At any other location, the station would have to be constructed at least 47 meters below. Since this was not viable, a depth of 29 meters was (viewed as) most appropriate," a senior official said.

To allow construction of a station at such depths, the authorities drew up a unique design. A major challenge for the DMRC would be construction of a tunnel below an existing tunnel - the two

PE realty players bet again on luxury

P

rivate equity players in re alty are increasingly focus ing on the high-end and luxury projects, even though they burned their fingers with this strategy around 2008.

Analysts say PE players anticipate better returns in luxury, especially in tier-1 markets. "Every PE player wants at least 2030% returns. Add 30-35% profit margin of the developer and you can only have luxury housing," said Pankaj Kapoor, MD, Liases Foras, a real estate consultancy. "So now you have only luxury housing coming everywhere whether it is slum rehabilitation in Mumbai or in the non-premium outskirts of New Delhi or other metros."

Industry experts say reputed developers are only coming out with luxury projects in Mumbai, National Capital Region (NCR) and Bangalore. According to industry estimates more than 70% of the projects launched in Mumbai and

tunnels will be separated by just three meters.

"To balance the pressure exerted due to torque of the moving rail coaches in the tunnel and (to ensure) zero settlement of soil does not take place, real-time online monitoring of the tunnels would be carried out constantly and at the diaphragm wall. Also crack meters will be installed in the tunnel," the official said.

The crack meter, comprising a

NCR in past six months were marketed as luxury projects.

"In differential cost between a luxury apartment and other apartments in tier-1 is not much, so most developers are opting for luxury projects," said Thirumal Govindraj, head (western region), CB Rich-

national finance company. "But only few developers actually sell the project completely in stipulated time."

However, some PE funds are focusing on affordable housing.

"Affordable housing is thriving and getting good returns too, but

Industry experts say reputed developers are only coming out with luxury projects in Mumbai, National Capital Region (NCR) and Bangalore. According to industry estimates more than 70% of the projects launched in Mumbai and NCR in past six months were marketed as luxury projects ard Ellis, an international realty consultancy.

"Luxury projects have higher risk compared to affordable housing but often it fetches better returns," said the head of the real estate investment arm of an inter-

the activity is centered around tier3 cities and investment amount is very small in these projects," said Bikram Sen, CEO, Arthveda a subsidiary of DHFL that recently launched a Rs. 200-crore fund focused on tier-3 cities.

graduated steel scale and a transparent plastic cursor with a red hairline mark, monitors appearance of cracks on differential ground settlements.

Keeping the noise down For the first time, the DMRC will be deploying sound barriers and floating tracks to reduce sound disruptions and curtail vibration.

"To ensure that the construction of the station does not affect the residential properties, Mass Spring System will be used. This will mitigate the vibrations generated by the passing trains at the source itself. While to curtail the noise during construction, sound absorbing material would be attached at the barriers," the official said.

The floating track elastically separates the track slabs in the tunnels or on the viaducts from

the supporting structure. The material used for isolation is a microcellular polyurethane elastomer. This will minimize the transmission of vibrations (structureborne noise) to the surrounding establishments and also reduce the development of audible secondary airborne noise.

The system has been used on urban rail networks like Hong Kong, London, Vienna, Berlin, Singapore, Seoul and Sao Paulo.

The DMRC, at the construction phase, will fix sound barriers on the barricade boards, which will be four meters higher than usual.

The inner side of the barricades would have a sound-absorbing material - more than one-third of the sound will be blocked by the arrangement.

"Since the station is coming up adjacent to residential colonies and a school, sound-proof barriers would be installed on the barricades," the official said.

The station will be in the vicinity of Sarvapriya Vihar Colony, Delhi Colony, RBI Colony and Laxman Public School.

Deepest metro station To provide anchorage to the deepest Metro station, the DMRC will lay a diaphragm wall 35 meters below ground. The additional 6 meters depth (the station will be 29 meters deep) will provide support to the station.

For construction, a sophisticated machine - Cassa Grande with Baya grab machine - has been imported.

The equipment will ensure that the diaphragm wall is built vertically straight.

The top-down method of construction will be used. In this, the construction takes place as the excavation progresses.

The method accelerates construction and allows top surface (road) to be re-established quicker.

COMPAT expresses concern over flat buyers' woes Cont’d from page 31

When enquired about DLF making payment demands for giving possession, its counsel told the Tribunal that any non-payment of demands raised to customers would not lead to allotment being cancelled at least till the final results of DLF's appeal against the main CCI order of August 2011, wherein a penalty of Rs 630 crore has been imposed on the company.

On allegations made by flat owners that DLF was demanding "unreasonable sums" for giving possession, the tribunal said, "It is not for us to go into that aspect

in these appeals at this juncture".

With regard to appeal against CCI's supplementary orders suggesting changes in flat buyers agreement, the Tribunal said these orders would not be operational, as the regulator itself has said that it would be subject to COMPAT's final order.

On January 3, 2013, CCI had passed order amending flat buyer's agreement of DLF's Belaire. Later, it extended the modifications suggested by it to DLF's Park Place and Magnolia projects also through two separate orders on January 10. -PTI

„ Health

Line

Alarming obesity figures for UK

LONDON: The obesity epidemic is so severe in the UK that only a third of men in England now fall within the healthy weight range, according to new research.

One in ten children is obese by the time they start school, while there has been a sharp rise in the number of people admitted to hospital with obesity-related conditions, according to data from the NHS Information Centre, which shows that almost all the indicators for the future of the crisis are still pointing the wrong way.

About 24 per cent of men and 26 per cent of women were classified as obese in 2011, compared with 13 per cent and 16 per cent in 1993, when the data was first collected, The Independent said.

Counting obese and overweight people together, 65 per cent of men and 58 per cent of women are heavier than is healthy.

Graham Rowan, the chairman of the Obesity Management Association, warned that the epidemic was "spiraling out of control".

Tim Straughan, the chief executive of the Health and Social Care Information Centre, which compiled the data, said soaring obesity rates coincided with a decline in healthy eating and a lack of exercise.

Household purchases of fresh and processed fruit and vegetables have fallen since 2008. Purchases of fruit were 4.1 per cent lower in 2011 than in 2008, while the volume of vegetables bought dropped by 2.4 per cent in the same period, including a 6.6 per cent drop in fresh green vegetables. -PTI

„ Healthcare providers to spend Rs 5,700 cr on IT NEW DELHI: Healthcare services providers in India are expected to spend Rs 5,700 crore on IT products and services in 2013, a growth of seven per cent over 2012, research firm Gartner has said.

Healthcare services providers, such as hospitals, hospital systems, ambulatory service and physicians' practices, had spent Rs 5,300 crore on internal IT, hardware, software, external IT services and telecommunications in 2012, Gartner said in a statement.

Telecommunications, which includes telecommunications and networking equipment and services, is expected to remain the largest overall spending category.

It is expected to grow 3.9 per cent in 2013 to reach Rs 1,720 crore in 2013, up from Rs 1,660 crore in 2012.

Cont’d on page 37

Health Science

Energy drinks can have more caffeine PUNE: The country's food safety and standards regulator has allowed use of higher levels of caffeine in energy drinks.

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March 8, 2013

Details on page 37

FDA approves new targeted breast cancer drug WASHINGTON: The Food and Drug Administration has approved a first-of-a-kind breast cancer medication that targets tumor cells while sparing healthy ones.

The drug Kadcyla from Roche combines the established drug Herceptin with a powerful chemotherapy drug and a third chemical linking the medicines together.

The chemical keeps the cocktail intact until it binds to a cancer cell, delivering a potent dose of antitumor poison.

Cancer researchers say the drug is an important step forward because it delivers more medication while reducing the unpleasant side effects of chemotherapy. ``This antibody goes seeking out the tumor cells, gets internalized and then explodes them from within. So it's very kind and gentle on the patients - there's no hair loss, no nausea, no vomiting,'' said Dr. Melody Cobleigh of Rush University Medical Center. ``It's a revolutionary way of treating cancer.''

Cobleigh helped conduct the key studies of the drug at the Chicago facility.

The FDA approved the new treatment for about 20 percent of breast cancer patients with a form of the disease that is typically more aggressive and less responsive to hormone therapy. These patients

Doctors are not required to follow FDA prescribing guidelines, and cancer researchers say the drug could have great potential in patients with earlier forms of breast cancer have tumors that overproduce a protein known as HER-2. Breast cancer is the second most deadly form of cancer in U.S. women, and is expected to kill more than 39,000 Americans this year, according to the National Cancer Institute.

The approval will help Roche's Genentech unit build on the blockbuster success of Herceptin, which has long dominated the breast cancer marketplace. The drug had sales of roughly $6 billion last year.

Genentech said that Kadcyla will cost $9,800 per month, com-

pared to $4,500 per month for regular Herceptin. The company estimates a full course of Kadcyla, about nine months of medicine, will cost $94,000.

FDA scientists said they approved the drug based on company studies showing Kadcyla delayed the progression of breast cancer by several months. Researchers reported last year that patients treated with the drug lived 9.6 months before death or the spread of their disease, compared with a little more than six months for patients treated with two other stan-

dard drugs, Tykerb and Xeloda.

Overall, patients taking Kadcyla lived about 2.6 years, compared with 2 years for patients taking the other drugs.

FDA specifically approved the drug for patients with advanced breast cancer who have already been treated with Herceptin and taxane, a widely used chemotherapy drug. Doctors are not required to follow FDA prescribing guidelines, and cancer researchers say the drug could have great potential in patients with earlier forms of breast cancer.

Kadcyla will carry a boxed warning, the most severe type, alerting doctors and patients that the drug can cause liver toxicity, heart problems and potentially death. The drug can also cause severe birth defects and should not be used by pregnant women.

Kadcyla was developed by South San Francisco-based Genentech using drug-binding technology licensed from Waltham, Mass.-based ImmunoGen. The company developed the chemical that keeps the drug cocktail together and is scheduled to receive a $10.5 million payment from Genentech on the FDA decision.

The company will also receive additional royalties on the drug's sales.-AP

'Large lunch and small dinner' key to slim body WASHINGTON: Lunching like a prince and dining like a pauper may actually be the key to keeping trim!

Living against the clockworking late-night shifts or eating at inappropriate times, for example can come with real health risks and metabolic syndrome.

Now, researchers reporting in Current Biology have new evidence to explain why it matters not just what mice (or by extension, people) eat, but also when they eat it.

Insulin action rises and falls according to a 24-hour, circadian rhythm, the researchers found.

What's more, mice unable to keep the time for one reason or another get stuck in an insulin-re-

sistant and obesity-prone mode.

"We used to think some things were so important that they must be kept constant," says Carl Johnson of Vanderbilt University.

"But those metabolic set points are changing as a function of the time of day," said Johnson.

Johnson's team took careful measurements of insulin in mice at different hours to reveal a regular pattern.

Normal mice become insulin resistant during the day, when the nocturnal animals are mostly sleeping.

Mice made unable to keep the time based on a genetic defect or constant exposure to light lost that rhythm.

They also gained more weight when fed on high-fat mouse chow.

That responses to insulin

would vary over the course of a day makes sense, even if it isn't the way scientists or doctors have often thought about it.

"From the work of Claude Bernard in the 19th century, the concept of homeostasis as the maintenance of a constant internal environment is deeply ingrained in our thinking about how organisms work," the researchers write.

However, it's also wrong, Johnson argues, for the simple reason that an animal's environment follows an obvious daily rhythm too. Evolution will favor organisms that have an optimal response to that environment, which is rhythmic.

And so it is that insulin action

and blood sugar metabolism are tied to the time of day and to the internal mechanisms that keep track of that time.

It's a challenging reality for us humans, living as we do today in the comfort of our homes, where the lights come on at the flip of a switch and the food is plentiful.

"Mediterranean diets in which the main meal is eaten in the middle of the day are probably healthier," Johnson said.

It's probably best to eat a light supper and avoid snacking after dinner.

Diets that only limit when people eat surely won't reverse the epidemic of obesity, he says, but they would probably help. -PTI

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White matter Hyperintensities linked to Alzheimer's disease

A

new study adds to a grow ing body of evidence pointing to small-vessel cerebrovascular disease as an important contributor to Alzheimer's disease (AD).

The study shows that increased total white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) as seen on MRI independently predicted AD diagnosis, as did the brain amyloid tracer Pittsburgh compound B (PIB) measured by positron emission tomography (PET).

This finding suggests that although amyloidosis is necessary for a diagnosis of AD, it may not be sufficient to cause dementia and that WMH may represent another important pathogenetic factor that contributes to dementia.

"This study, along with a whole line of research that is coming out right now, is clearly highlighting the importance of vascular disease in Alzheimer's disease," said author Adam M. Brickman, PhD, assistant professor of neuropsychology at Columbia University, New York.

"In the past, we didn't conceptualize AD as having a vascular component at all - we typically thought of it only as plaques and tangles - but now we're showing, and other groups are showing, that these vascular lesions may be as important."

The study was published online February 18 in JAMA Neurology.

The researchers used data obtained from the Alzheimer's disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), which was launched in 2003 by the National Institute on Aging, the Food and Drug Administration, pharmaceutical companies, and various other groups.

The goal of ADNI is to test whether serial MRI, PET, other biological markers, and clinical and neuropsychological assessments can be combined to measure the progression of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD. From the ADNI database, the researchers downloaded data from 21 normal controls, 59 patients with MCI, and 20 patients with clinically defined AD. The 3 groups were similar in age, sex distribution, and modified Hachinski Ischemic Scale score.

The investigators also downloaded data from carbon 11-labeled PIB-PET scans. And they derived total WMH volumes for the participants from MRI. Twenty-eight participants (68%) were classified as PIB positive, of whom 17 met clinical criteria for AD, and 13 participants were classified as PIB negative, of whom 3 met criteria for AD. The mean total WMH volume was 5.71 cm3. Total WMH volume did not differ between PIB-positive and PIB-negative participants.

However, there was a significant negative association between cortical PIB-uptake values and total WMH volume among all participants, including those with MCI. The analysis demonstrated that higher WMH volume (P = .02) and PIB positivity (P = .049) were each independently associated with AD diagnosis. Age was not associated with the diagnosis.

As well, the analysis showed that patients with AD had greater WMH burden than normal controls who also were PIB positive.

WMH volume discriminated between persons with clinical AD and normal controls. Setting a cutoff at 1.25 cm3, total WMH vol-

ume yielded a sensitivity of AD classification of 83% and a specificity of 64%.

Of 59 participants with MCI, who were followed for about 2.5 years, 37% converted to AD. When comparing these patients with MCI according to their PIB positivity and high or low WMH volume, the researchers found that both of these factors were significant predictors of future conversion to AD. Researchers don't yet know how amyloid and WMHs are con-

Dr. Brickman stressed that AD is "a really heterogeneous disease" and perhaps "not as simple as some of the theoretical models about the pathogenesis make it seem to be" nected. "We showed a modest correlation between PIB positivity and WMH volume, suggesting that if you have a lot of WMHs, you also have a lot of amyloid in your brain, but that's certainly not a definitive indication that they are mechanistically related," said Dr. Brickman.

To get a better handle on the connection, the researchers are studying the pathologic basis of WMHs by investigating postmortem tissue with MRI and histologic techniques. "That might help us understand if the pathological basis of the WMHs is related to, [is] co-localized, or co-occurs in the

same regions as the amyloid we see in AD," said Dr. Brickman.

Tip of the Iceberg But current MRI technology may not be sensitive enough to pick up all the pathologic features associated with WMH. "What we could be dealing with here is just sort of a tip-of-the-iceberg phenomenon," said Dr. Brickman.

"Everyone who has WMH could have these pathological features in their white matter, but we may not be detecting everyone who has those features with our current technology."

In the future, though, MRI showing WMH could eventually become an important tool to help determine the presence of AD. "We have a syndrome of AD that looks like cognitive impairment with functional disability and I think there are various pathological features that contribute to that syndrome," said Dr. Brickman. "In one person, it might be more of an amyloid and tangles story, and in another person, it might be more amyloid and vascular disease."

Dr. Brickman stressed that AD is "a really heterogeneous disease" and perhaps "not as simple as some of the theoretical models about the pathogenesis make it seem to be."

In light of these results, it might become increasingly important to control risk factors for WMHs, said Dr. Brickman. These risk factors are essentially the same as those for stroke and include hypertension, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and smoking.

"We know that all these risk factors, at least in the epidemiological literature, have been associated with the risk for AD, and here we're showing that perhaps

the mechanism through which they confer risk has to do with these small lesions we see on MRI scans," said Dr. Brickman, adding that preventing these lesions is likely a "lifelong process."

It's unclear, though, whether controlling vascular risk factors and preventing the accumulation of WMHs would prevent AD, he said. "But I think there is a growing amount of evidence to suggest that control of vascular factors can at least reduce the risk, maybe delay the onset, and perhaps mitigate the symptoms of the disease itself."

Open Area of Research In an accompanying editorial, Karen M. Rodrigue, PhD, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, observed that the contribution of vascular pathology to AD is an important and "open" area of current research.

The results of this study, said Dr. Rodrigue, indicate that among people with elevated brain amyloid levels, the WMH burden can discriminate between those with clinical AD and those who are cognitively normal.

"Additionally, both amyloid and WMH status combined to best predict who would convert to AD among those with MCI," she writes.

Importantly, she pointed out that the study suggests that information about a patient's WMH may help identify those who are at most risk for conversion to AD. "These findings have important clinical implications in light of the observation that 20% to 30% of cognitive healthy older adults show elevated amyloid levels."

-www.medscape.com

LA health officials seek to contain TB outbreak LOS ANGELES: California health officials are tracking a new tuberculosis strain that has emerged in an area of downtown Los Angeles frequented by a large concentration of homeless people.

Homeless shelters in Skid Row are increasing efforts to urge people to get tested after state and local public health officials alerted them to the outbreak earlier this month.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will be sending a team of specialists to Los Angeles next month to investigate the causes and spread of the often lethal lung infection, spokeswoman Salina Cranor said.

Tuberculosis is a highly contagious disease spread by airborne contact such as coughing, sneezing and spitting. It is often seen in environments where

people. About 1,000 people sleep on sidewalks nightly, and several thousand more seek refuge in four shelters.

Employees at the shelters are

Residents said news of the TB outbreak was worrisome because many people in Skid Row suffer from poor health and many people have been incarcerated, where they could have been exposed to TB. people live in crowded quarters, such as in prisons and homeless shelters.

It has long been a problem in Skid Row, a 50-square-block area that houses the nation's densest concentration of homeless

already routinely tested for TB and some also test clients, but several shelters have increased outreach in light of the new outbreak. ``We're watching out for coughs and going out on the street looking for people cough-

ing,'' said Andy Bales, president and chief executive of the Union Rescue Mission. ``It's not a panic, but a plan to address a very persistent problem.''

Several people have died of TB at the mission over the past year, he said.

The Los Angeles Mission is also expanding efforts to alert more homeless people about coughs as they come into the shelter, said Herb Smith, its president.

The Los Angeles Mission has provided health officials with a list of clients dating back to 2007. Officials are combing through the list to find the names of infected people and determine who stayed there at the same time, Smith said.

Finding people, however, is

problematic as many homeless people have a transient lifestyle, moving among different areas of the city or to different cities.

Even getting people to return to determine the result of a TB test is not easy, he noted.

Residents said news of the TB outbreak was worrisome because many people in Skid Row suffer from poor health and many people have been incarcerated, where they could have been exposed to TB. The disease can remain latent for some time. ``It don't take much for somebody to walk by and cough on you,'' said Bill Cannady, 52, adding that he has glaucoma and cataracts. ``A little cough could be detrimental.''-AP

March 8, 2013

Health Science Post

India Post

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AG's opinion on Medicaid panel threatens budget RICHMOND, Va.: A quickly done overnight opinion by crusading conservative Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli that says a panel to oversee Medicaid reforms is unconstitutional threatened to scuttle the final vote on Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell's marquee transportation funding reform legislation.

At the request of Del. Ben Cline, RRockbridge, Cuccinelli opined that the General Assembly ``may not delegate final legislative authority regarding budget or other matters to a committee composed of a subset of the members of the General Assembly.''

His advisory letter to Cline came hours after McDonnell wrote a letter to budget negotiators in which he expressed conceptual but not specific acceptance of such a panel as a condition for allowing Medicaid expansion to about 400,000 uninsured Virginians just over the poverty level.

Without the letter, the 20 Senate Democrats necessary to pass the governor's legacy transportation bill delayed a vote until they had McDonnell's assurance in writing. Without that assurance, they said, the transportation bill and perhaps approval of the state budget would be doomed in a Senate where there are only 20 Republicans, and 21 votes are necessary to pass the bills. ``Right now, this is going nowhere,'' said Sen. J. Chapman Petersen, D-Fairfax County. ``Could be that they could settle this, but to me, that (Medicaid expansion) is the biggest issue we have this session.''

In the Capitol, as word of the opinion spread among legislators, a sense of dismay and anger grew among lawmakers concerned that easy passage of the session's two major bills that seemed assured only hours earlier appeared doomed.

It was possible that the session would

Eating untimely can lead to obesity and diabetes

L

iving against the clock, like working late-night shifts or eating at inappro priate times, can come with real health risks, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and diabetes among them, a new study has found.

Now, researchers have new evidence to explain why it matters not just what people eat, but also when they eat it Insulin action rises and falls according to a 24-hour, circadian rhythm, the researchers found.

What's more, mice unable to keep the time for one reason or another get stuck in an insulin-resistant and obesity-prone mode "We used to think some things were so important that they must be kept constant," Carl Johnson of Vanderbilt University said.

"But those metabolic set points are changing as a function of the time of day," he said Johnson's team took careful measurements of insulin in mice at different hours to reveal a regular pattern.

Normal mice become insulin resistant during the day, when the nocturnal animals are mostly sleeping.

Mice made unable to keep the time based on a genetic defect or constant exposure to light lost that rhythm. They also gained more

weight when fed on high-fat mouse chow That responses to insulin would vary over the course of a day makes sense, even if it isn't the way scientists or doctors have often thought about it "From the work of Claude Bernard in the 19th century, the concept of homeostasis

Normal mice become insulin resistant during the day, when the nocturnal animals are mostly sleeping. Mice made unable to keep the time based on a genetic defect or constant exposure to light lost that rhythm as the maintenance of a constant internal environment is deeply ingrained in our thinking about how organisms work," the researchers wrote.

The findings are published in the journal Current Biology, a Cell Press publication.

either be extended or that the House and Senate would just call it quits and head home.

House speaker Bill Howell, Senate Democratic Leader Dick Saslaw, Republican

A sense of dismay and anger grew among lawmakers concerned that easy passage of the session's two major bills that seemed assured only hours earlier appeared doomed Leader Thomas K. Norment and Del. S. Chris Jones, R-Suffolk and the quarterback of the 10-member team that negotiated the transportation compromise, huddled in a hushed but animated private discussion as they pondered alternatives to a legislative train wreck.

In explaining his reasoning, Cuccinelli a tea party hero and the presumptive Republican nominee to succeed McDonnell wrote that ``the General Assembly is prohibiting (sic) from doing indirectly that which the

Virginia Constitution prohibits it from doing directly.''

To oversee Medicaid reforms as the commission is envisioned to do, Cuccinelli wrote, actions toward that end would require a vote of the entire legislature at least 51 votes in favor in the 100-member House and 21 in the 40-seat Senate to comply with the state constitution.

McDonnell's administration was reviewing Cuccinelli's opinion but continued to insist that the Medicaid expansion issue and transportation bill were unrelated, seemingly oblivious to guarantees from Senate Democrats that transportation reform and perhaps passage of the budget is doomed unless Medicaid expansion is resolved. ``Medicaid and transportation are not connected, and are two completely different policy issues. Some may want to tie the two together, the governor will not.

The transportation bill has passed the House with strong bipartisan support,'' said McDonnell spokesman J. Tucker Martin.

But the bill would have failed without overwhelming support from Senate Democrats. Republicans, who hold two-thirds of the House's seats, split evenly in the floor vote 34 in support and 33 opposed while 25 of the House's 32 Democrats supported it. -AP

36

India Post

Health Science Post

March 8, 2013

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Health Ministry for tobacco control by society NEW DELHI: With alarming rise in deaths related to tobacco use, the Health Ministry has for the first time sought the intervention of the Home Ministry for making implementation of a tobacco control law a part of social policing.

Health Secretary Keshav Desiraju, in a letter to Union Home Secretary R K Singh, also suggested that violation of the law should be monitored in monthly crime review meetings at police stations at district level.

Noting that 8 to 9 lakh people die annually due to tobacco use, the Health Ministry wants effective implementation of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce Production, Supply and Distribution Act, 2003 and availability of district level data on violation of the law centrally.

So far, the Centre has no such data even

though the law is applicable across the country as states are not even taking action against those violating it.

"Globally, countries that have success-

"One of the ways of doing that is making COPTA implementation part of the agenda of monthly crime review meetings at district level. I have earlier written to

"In India, nearly 8 to 9 lakh deaths each year can be attributed to tobacco use. As per Health Cost Study by ICMR and AIIMS and data extrapolated for 2002-03, the cost of treatment of just three diseases cancer, lung diseases and cardiovascular diseases - attributable to tobacco was Rs 30,833 crore which exceeded the total combined revenue" fully ensured tobacco control have been able to do so by institutionalizing its compliance in the existing system. Our experience is that COPTA implementation is best done when it is institutionalized.

state home secretaries but your intervention will provide the much needed impetus," Desiraju wrote to the Home Secretary recently.

The Union Health Secretary argued that COPTA was a social law enacted in public interest to protect the young and vulnerable from the adverse effects of tobacco use and passive smoking and suggested that implementation of the tobacco control law be considered part of social policing.

Desiraju sought the Home Secretary's support in instructing state governments to assess implementation of the social law and report violations to the Health Ministry for policy action.

"It is a social law and should be considered part of social policing," Desiraju said in his letter to Singh.

The Health Ministry had earlier written to state home secretaries and DGPs in this regard in December 2011.

However, so far only six states have

made implementation of the law part of the monthly crime review meetings of the Station House Officers. The states are Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, Karnataka, Rajasthan and Assam.

All these states have started the process of listing violations of the law and intimating the matter to the Centre.

Different sections of law prohibit smoking in public places; direct and indirect advertisements of tobacco and its promotion and sponsorship; sale of tobacco to minors and within 100 yards radius of educational institutions; and mandates depiction of pictorial health warnings on all tobacco products.

Section 13 of the Act empowers a police officer, not below the rank of a sub-inspector, to take action in case of violation of the law. It is from this Section that the need for police cooperation arises.

The Health Ministry's latest move comes in the wake of ever growing mortality and morbidity burden of tobacco in India. Another cause of concern is the rising cost of treating tobacco-related diseases.

In his letter to the Union Home Secretary, Desiraju said the use of tobacco poses a big public health challenge in India.

"In India, nearly 8 to 9 lakh deaths each year can be attributed to tobacco use. As per Health Cost Study by ICMR and AIIMS and data extrapolated for 2002-03, the cost of treatment of just three diseases cancer, lung diseases and cardiovascular diseases - attributable to tobacco was Rs 30,833 crore which exceeded the total combined revenue and expenditure by Centre and states on medical, public health, water supply and sanitation for that year. -PTI

Decision on urban health mission deferred NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet has deferred a proposal to set up the Rs 22,000 crore National Urban Health Mission, a dedicated public health delivery system to address medicare challenges in town and cities with focus on slum dwellers.

A proposal to this effect was put up before the Union Cabinet for its consideration by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

As per the proposal, the NUHM will come under the overarching body of National Health Mission which will take care of both rural and urban health needs of the people in the country. The Planning Commission has already approved National Health Mission under the 12th Plan.

It is proposed on the lines of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) launched in 2005 to address the health chal-

lenges of rural India and is expected to cover cities and towns with over 50,000 people which would come to around 779 cities including Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Ahmadabad.

The proposal for setting up the NUHM has already been cleared by the government's Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC).

NUHM seeks to improve the health status particularly of slum dwellers and other disadvantaged sections by ensuring equitable access to quality health care through a revamped public health system.

NUHM seeks to improve the health status particularly of slum dwellers and other disadvantaged sections by ensuring equitable access to quality health care through a revamped public health system. -PTI

Health Science Post

March 8, 2013

India Post

37

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Details sought on 3 cancer drugs for compulsory licensing NEW DELHI: Kick starting the process for a possible issuance of compulsory licenses for anti-cancer drugs, the DIPP has sought details from the Health Ministry regarding three medicines sold by multinationals Roche and BristolMyers Squibb in India to make them affordable.

The Health Ministry had approached the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) last month for issuance of compulsory licenses (CLs) for three anticancer drugs - trastuzumab, ixabepilone and dasatinib, which are very expensive.

"The DIPP had sent a set of 12-14 questions to the Health

Ministry.

The department wants more information on things like number of cancer patients in India; prices of these three drugs in domestic and international market; alternative drugs if available and name of manufacturers etc," sources told PTI. The Health Ministry had expressed concerns over the exorbitant prices of the three drugs.

While one vial (of 50 ml) of 40 mg Trastuzumab costs Rs 1,24,000, 60 tablets of 20mg each of dasatinib priced at Rs 1,17,220. Similarly, one vial of 45 mg of ixabepilone costs Rs 66,430.

The sources, however, said a decision on the drugs -

trastuzumab, ixabepilone and dasatinib - the patent for which are held by Swiss drug major Roche and US-based drug maker Bristol-

medicine is deemed unaffordable by the government and grants permission to qualified generic drug makers to manufacture it.

The Health Ministry had expressed concerns over the exorbitant prices of the three drugs.

While one vial (of 50 ml) of 40 mg Trastuzumab costs Rs 1,24,000, 60 tablets of 20mg each of dasatinib priced at Rs 1,17,220. Similarly, one vial of 45 mg of ixabepilone costs Rs 66,430 Myers Squibb, respectively, are unlikely to be taken in a hurry.

Under the Indian Patents Act, a CL can be issued for a drug if the

As per WTO agreement also, a CL can be invoked by a national government allowing a company to produce a patented product

without the consent of the patent owner in public interest.

The government had issued the first such license in March last year. India's patent office had granted a license to Hyderabadbased drug maker Natco Pharma to make and sell a copy of Bayer Corporation's patented cancer drug Nexavar by invoking the compulsory licensing provision of the country's patent law.

Natco was allowed to sell the drug at a price not exceeding Rs 8,880 for a pack of 120 tablets required for a month's treatment, as compared to a whopping Rs 2.80 lakh per month charged by Bayer for its patented Nexavar drug. -PTI

Energy drinks can have more caffeine Experts warn of sharp rise in drinks claim that these drinks help health insurance frauds increase alertness of the mind and

PUNE: The country's food safety and standards regulator has allowed use of higher levels of caffeine in energy drinks. The set standard of 145 parts per million (ppm) of caffeine has been relaxed up to 320 ppm for energy drinks, said Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) officials.

The regulator, however, has stipulated that manufacturers infusing energy drinks with higher amounts of caffeine will have to print warnings such as'caffeinated beverage', 'use not more than two cans a day', 'ingredients of this product consumed through other sources may also be kept in view', 'not recommended for children, pregnant and lactating women', 'not for persons sensitive to caffeine,' and 'caffeine consumed through this and other sources not to exceed 160 mg per day'-prominently on the label of the energy drink products. Energy drinks are usually targeted at youth and health enthusiasts.

"Food Safety and Standards Authority of India i.e. FSSAI has given no-objection certificates to manufacturers for use of caffeine up to 320 PPM in energy drinks,

which was earlier restricted to not more than 145 ppm. The permission is meant only for energy drinks and not for other carbonated stuff drinks like cold drinks and similar other beverages where caffeine is used but is below 145 ppm only," said Shashikant Kekare, joint com-

"Caffeine is the most widely consumed stimulant drug in the world. When caffeine is ingested chronically in excessive amounts, it produces a specific toxidrome (caffeinism) missioner (food), FDA. The Prevention of Food Adulteration Act had a ceiling of 145 parts per million (ppm) of caffeine in carbonated beverages. But energy drink manufacturers wanted a 320 ppm cap, Kekare added.

Manufacturers of energy

improve concentration, stamina and athletic performance. But in reality, the caffeine in them can impact health severely when consumed in excess.

Caffeine is present in many foods and drugs - in coffee, tea, energy and soft drinks, candy bars, and over-the-counter cold remedies and analgesics. It is consumed daily by approximately 80% of the world's population. Small doses of caffeine increase alertness, but there are serious health risks from consuming large quantities and from long term use of caffeine.

Commenting on the ill effects of excessive caffeine consumption, internal medicine expert Abhijeet Joshi said, "Caffeine is the most widely consumed stimulant drug in the world. When caffeine is ingested chronically in excessive amounts, it produces a specific toxidrome (caffeinism), affecting primarily the central nervous system (CNS) and causing cardiovascular and gastrointestinal hyper stimulation."

The symptoms include headache, lightheadedness, anxiety and agitation, tremulousness, tingling in extremities, confusion and seizures. Heart related ill effects include palpitations and chest pain. Stomach related ill effects include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and anorexia, Joshi said.

The health risks from consuming large quantities and from long term use of caffeine are serious.

The increased alertness and energy derived from caffeine are not worth the negative health risks. A safe, natural way to increase alertness and energy needs to be substituted for ingesting caffeine.

Caffeine is an additive drug and must be treated as such, say doctors.

NOIDA: Nine out of ten frauds in country's insurance sector occur in the mediclaim policy segment and there is a need to adopt measures to reduce the trust deficit between insured and insurer, experts have said.

"In insurance industry, number of grievances received or number of frauds committed is an indicator of growth trend of particular segment. In entire insurance sector, 90 per cent of frauds and grievances come from health policies," said Niraj Kumar, General Manager, Oriental Insurance Company.

He was addressing a seminar on health insurance at Amity University.

Kumar said if one has to draw two curves for health insurance segment, one indicating growth and second learning curve, it can be observed that the growth curve is ahead of learning curve.

This, he added, implies that industry's main aim is only to sell and market health policies, but

there are important takeaways in such shortcomings so that the level of mistrust between insured and insurer can be minimized.

Richard Kipp, Managing Director, consulting firm Milliman said, health insurance in India has increased tremendously over few years but India needs to be cautious in its growth vis-a-vis the US where growth has now become stagnant.

Neeraj Basur, Chief Financial Officer, Max Bupa Insurance Company said that there is lack of trust level among hospitals, third party administrators, insurance companies and customers.

The trust level has to improve and all stakeholders have to understand that it is the customer whose interest is the binding factor, he added.

R R Grover, Advisor, Amity School of Insurance, Banking & Actuarial Sciences, said there is an urgent need to address health insurance requirements of the urban poor. -PTI

Healthcare providers to spend Rs 5,700 cr on IT Cont’d from page 33

Internal services, which refer to salaries and benefits paid to the information services staff of an organization, is expected to grow 18 per cent in 2013.

IT services are forecast to grow 9.7 per cent to reach Rs 1,450 crore in 2013, up from Rs 1,320 crore in 2012, led by growth in process management and consulting.

"Rising demand from the growing middle class in India's large cities is fueling growth in private sector healthcare.

Large national and state government programs will spur growth along the primary (and secondary) care sector and public health domain," Gartner Research Director Anurag Gupta said.

Hospital information systems, picture archiving and communications systems, electronic health records and mobile technologies will be high on the agenda, he added.

Health insurance growth will also catalyze technology adoption in healthcare provider segments, Gartner said. -PTI

38

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A

mong the oldest cities of India, Dehradun houses all that is elegant and bright in nature. A historic town in the lap of the majestic Himalayas, this pretty town is now the capital of the newly formed State of Uttaranchal. A sprawling city, which is speckled with picturesque places, lures scores of picnickers. These places encompass rambling gardens, parks, well-regarded temples and verdant landscapes.

An important province under the former Garhwal rulers, this hilly terrain is also renowned as the abode of Drona, the mighty guru of the Kauravas. The city boasts of numerous legends about it and most of them are related to the Great Epic Mahabharata.

Dehradun presents a city with excellent credentials in the field of knowledge and information. Its renowned academic institutions received worldwide accolades and some of them are in existence from the time of the British Rule. With an array of good quality boarding schools, the town presents a bustling appearance.

This pictorial place is an ideal hotspot for those who really want to take risks in their life. A wide range of escapades is in offer in this hill station. With enormous places for paragliding, skiing, angling and river rafting, Dehradun fascinates the adventure buffs.

A tour of Dehradun provides one with the unforgettable charisma of impeccable sceneries that would stay with one for long.

The gushing streams, deep ravines, lustrous valleys and most of the lofty contoured mountain ranges of this hilly resort unwit-

www.indiapost.com tingly hold one's breath.

Among most trendy hill resorts in India, this hilly town is also famed for its export quality Basmati rice. It is also considered as the splendorous gateway to other hill sta-

March 8, 2013 tions in the Himalayan region. With its winding roads, undulating hills the evergreen valleys and colorful fruit orchards, Dehradun looks amazingly vibrant and throbbing.

Cont’d on page 40

A wide range of escapades is in offer in this hill station. With enormous places for paragliding, skiing, angling and river rafting, Dehradun fascinates the adventure buffs

40

Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post

March 8, 2013

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Top schools among legendry and picturesque scenery Cont’d from page 39

Dehradun is an all year destination where summers are ideal for sight seeings and other activities while the winter season offers pretty cool climate and is ideal for honeymoon trips. Snowfall can be

tary Academy. A renowned institution recognized world wide, Indian Military Academy boasts of the rich tradition of the vast force of India.

India is considered as the 5th largest nation with regard to its

Chetwoode Hall

enjoyed only on very high altitudes. Monsoon is perfect for short trips and also good for enjoying the natural scenic beauty.

Attractions Chetwoode Hall The name Dehradun reminds one of the celebrated institution of the Indian army - the Indian Mili-

military power. The Indian army is fully equipped with the most modern artillery and sophisticated ammunitions. These arms and ammunitions are displayed in the little but marvelous Chetwoode Hall adjoining the Academy. A wide range of artifacts is paraded beautifully in the elegant military ambiance.

Apart from the straightforward dis-

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plays, the museum also holds video clippings, which describe the use of these various armaments. Surely enough to quench the curiosity of anyone, this museum is a prestigious wing of the Indian Military Academy.

Clock Tower Among the most significant structures in the city, Clock Tower in Dehradun is renowned for its aesthetic beauty. An exceptional formation, this tower is one of its own kind in entire Asia. Constructed before independence, this six-faced tower might have adorned a prestigious position in the history of this hilly region.

The locals said that the chime of the clock was perceptible from far-off places of the hill city.

Though this tower is visible from a distance, it is not functioning now.

Situated in the busiest Rajpur Road, it is bounded by the commercial structures of the city. It remains only as an elegant monument of the bygone years rather than a clock tower.

Robber's Cave A magnificent spot that lies at the suburban areas of Dehradun,

The Indian army is fully equipped with the most modern artillery and sophisticated ammunitions.

These arms and ammunitions are displayed in the little but marvelous Chetwoode Hall adjoining the Academy

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Robber's Cave is a best loved tourist location. Popularly called as Guchhipani or Guchu Pani, it is a perfect destination to spend the holiday in a pristine atmosphere.

Beauty in the midst of adventure is the specialty of this scenic place. Bounded by majestic hills, this cave presents an amazing scenario of Mother Nature. After the tedious trek of one kilometer, one would get the pleasant warmth of a refreshing stream. After a quite flow, this would vanish only to appear a few kilometers away. Tourists flock together in large groups here, to witness this strange and splendorous experience.

The Museum A unique Museum dedicated to collection and study of various subjects related to the origin, development and sustenance of mankind on earth. Renowned as the Zonal Museum, it is situated on Hardwar Road. It started its func-

Clock Tower

tioning in the year 1971.

It is devoted to explaining the origin and customs of the people lived in the foothills of the mighty mountain ranges. Zonal Museum is a graceful endeavor to give a clear account of the cultural and physical anthropology of western and

to the beauty of the site.

Since this astonishing natural splendor is situated within the city limits, the tourists can easily reach Sahastradhara. It presents a salubrious atmosphere and can be visited at any time. But the gorgeousness of the place is to be best

Robber's Cave

central Himalayas.

Zonal Museum opens for public from 10 am to 5 pm except on holidays, second Saturdays and Sundays.

Sahastradhara 'Thousand fold spring' is the literal meaning of the term Sahastradhara. It is a lovely water-

viewed in the rainy season when the stream takes the form of a gushing torrent. The mere sight of the gurgling waters fills one's soul with delight.

Sahasradhara's water is filled with lime and the residue it leaves behind forms a projecting ridge, in the shape of a cave, on the top of

Indian Military Academy

fall, with a depth of 9 meters. What makes the torrent so popular is its therapeutic value since its water contains Sulphur. Besides its medicinal merit, the stream presents a pictorial environ where one can spend hours.

The Baldi River and the caves add

which the water dances like a shower. This enchanting scenery and the lush vegetation makes this stunning spot a tourist's dream destination, where one can avail a tranquil holiday.

Cont’d on page 41

Travel & Hospitality Post

March 8, 2013

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Top schools among legendry and picturesque scenery Cont’d from page 40

Mindrolling Monastery Mindrolling, which means "Place of Perfect Emancipation" in Tibetan language, is a renowned monastery of the Nyingma sect.

Rigzin Tendak Lingpa established it in 1676. This monastery witnessed numerous attacks and natural calamities and its present structure is the contribution of Khochhen Rinpoche. Mindrolling Monastery is one of the largest

ing to learn that this monastery has been imparting training to upcoming monks and yogis for more than 300 years. The head of this Monastery is accorded great reverence by followers of Buddhism.

Tapkeshwar Temple The holy abode of Lord Shiva, The Tapkeshwar is a famous cave temple in Dehradun. Perched on the banks of a rivulet, this temple is among the busiest pilgrim centers in the hill resort.

as the 'Guchhu Pani', which can be reached only after the tiring walk of more than a kilometer. The tranquility surrounding the temple soothes the tiresome voyager.

Legend says that it was from this cave that Lord Shiva poured milk to Ashwathama, the son of Dronacharya. This picture book site is to be visited during the time of Shivaratri, when a large gathering throngs the place to participate the holy matrimony of Shiva and Parvati.

Tapovan

adjacent to the city, this place is frequented by tourists who throng here to witness the rituals and other religious ceremonies.

Tiger View Jungle Camp Situated in the remote village Goolar Khalla, Tiger View Jungle camp offers the unusual opportunity of seeing the giant of the jungle in its natural habitat. The most endangered species, the Indian tiger is conserved here in its natural environs and spotting a tiger in the

of bazaars and small shops. Shopping is the most enjoyable bustle without which a tour package would be incomplete. To shop in Dehradun means to wander across the city and one would get good quality articles at a moderate price.

One of the best spot to have items on offer is the Mall Road, which lies within the heart of the city. A cluster of small and large shops display products like Tibetan carpets, local jewelry, brass statues,

The name 'Tapakeswar' is attributed to the natural dribbling of river water over the deity from the ceilings of the cavern

Mindrolling Monastery

Buddhist Viharas in India, which exhibits architectural marvel.

A center of excellence, this monastery is dedicated to learning the Buddhist scriptures and other fields of academic interest such as Tibetan lunar calendar, astronomy, traditional Tibetan medicine and calligraphy. Mindrolling monastery also holds Ngagyur Nyingma College, one of the biggest Buddhist institutions in India. It is astonish-

The river pierces into the cave and the water droplets dribble from the rocks on the Shivlinga, presenting a great spectacle. The name 'Tapakeswar' is attributed to the natural dribbling of river water over the deity from the ceilings of the cavern. Cool sulphur springs around the temple with therapeutic value make it a superb dipping spot for pilgrims.

This cave temple is also known

Non-metro airports to be equipped for seamless travel NEW DELHI: Air travelers from several non-metro cities would soon start enjoying world-class check-in and other facilities with the state-run AAI and IT solutions provider SITA joining hands to equip the airports there for seamless movement.

The Societe Internationale de Telecommunications Aeronautiques (SITA), which has been in India since 1952, is now partnering with the Airports Authority of India to equip 25 airports with common use passenger processing systems (CUPPS) to "improve the experience of millions of passengers," Hani El-Assaad, SITA President (Middleast, India and Africa), sais here.

The announcement followed the implementation of SITA's similar passenger systems at 13 AAI airports across the country.

At the 25 airports including those at major metros like Chennai and Kolkata, SITA's CUPPS would

help airport operators maximize the use of check-in counters and gates, especially during the peak rush hours, he said.

A large number of airlines could operate these common user terminals for passenger and baggage check-in and related activities.

Under a seven-year agreement with AAI, SITA would provide 700 workstations with multiple Common Use Self Service kiosks at these 25 airports, said M Jaikrishna, SITA's India Head.

He said CUPPS has been successfully installed at Kolkata and Chennai airports. These would also be set up in a phased manner at airports in Chandigarh, Mangalore, Indore, Pune, Port Blair, Vadodara, Jammu, Patna, Ranchi, Bagdogra, Imphal, Viskhapatnam, Agartala, Madurai, Bhopal, Raipur, Aurangabad, Bhubaneshwar, Dibrugarh, Leh, Rajkot, Tirupati and Silchar.-PTI

A scenic place on the banks of the sacred Ganges, Tapovan holds a significant impact in the religious spectrum of Dehradun. The popular belief is that this is the place where Dronacharya had undergone his penance. This place is full of sadhus who believe that atonements and penance are the way to appease the Almighty.

Bounded by the lush foliage and the sweet sound of the majestic river, the ambiance in and around this holy place is so divine that it sooths all the sorrows. Chanting of rituals and Vedas adds to the holiness of the serene spot. Placed

Tapkeshwar Temple

thick jungles is a wonderful experience.

Apart from the jungle safaris, the rare facility of camping in the wilderness with like minded people in the midst of abundant natural beauty is really mesmerizing.

Mall Road Though Dehradun does not offer the modern culture of shopping malls, it offers wonderful time of shopping with its tremendous set

AI may join low fare bandwagon to attract travelers NEW DELHI: With major carriers slashing airfares following Jet Airways' offering of 20 lakh seats at Rs 2250 for travel till the yearend, Air India has said it might join the competition to bag more air travelers.

However, the government did not expect the low fares to breach the lowest fare bucket given by the airlines to aviation regulator DGCA. "We are watching the situation.

Air India shall respond to this depending on how the situation develops," Air India CMD Rohit Nandan said here.

Budget carriers SpiceJet, GoAir and IndiGo jumped into the fray and began offering similar or lower discounts on select routes, after Jet Airways announced slashing domestic airfares on two million seats by more than half for travel through the year.

Asked whether these latest low

fares would lead to a fare war and predatory pricing that could hit the bottomlines of the already troubled airlines, Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh said, "We don't regulate air fares. We are setting up a cell to monitor the fares, but monitoring is different from regulating the fares."

Commenting on the Jet move, industry sources, refusing to be identified, said "this move could be a smokescreen to divert attention from the JetEtihad deal which has developed some problems. At the same time, the decision (to slash airfares) could also be intended to shore up share prices which have dipped somewhat in the past few days."

Through this measure, they said Jet was seeking to attract passengers away from its rivals and raise an immediate cash buffer of about Rs 400 crore. -PTI

wooden craft work, Garhwali paintings and woolen items. What makes shopping in the Mall Road interesting is that the artifacts suit the pocket of any type tourists.

Lacchiwalla A pictorial spot situated in the suburbs of the city, Lachhiwala is a much sought after destination in Dehradun. Easy accessibility and affordable accommodation facilities make this pictorial spot a favorite among the tourists.

Lachhiwalla"s unspoiled beauty can mesmerize the visitor.

Apart from its lush verdant greenery and fresh aroma of fruit orchards, Lachiwalla offers a salubrious climate all round the year.

How to Reach

By Air: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest to Dehradun city. It is situated 25kms from the city with motorable roads. Taxis are easily available. The Airport is well connected to Delhi with daily flights.

By Railway: Dehradun is well connected with railways and you can reach up to Dehradun by train from major cities of India. There are two trains that run daily between Delhi to Dehradun and vice-versa. It has an excellent rail network with all important cities like Amritsar, Howrah, Bombay, Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi etc.

By Road: Dehradun is well connected with all major transportation facilities. Luxury and normal buses to Dehradun are easily available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate in Delhi. Taxis to Dehradun are also available. Dehradun is connected with National Highway 72.

In Brief Pink stripe on US illegal immigrant licenses eyed RALEIGH, North Carolina: A new North Carolina driver's license set to be issued to some illegal immigrants has a bright pink stripe and the bold words ``No Lawful Status,'' raising concerns about whether the design will stigmatize those who show it.

The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles announced they would begin issuing the licenses in March following a lengthy legal review.

The Obama administration's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program grants valid U.S. work permits to qualifying applicants brought to America as children without legal authorization.

Meanwhile, conservative lawmakers filed a bill to bar the DMV from granting the licenses next month, saying the issue needs more scrutiny. -AP

Ohio driver's licenses blocked for some immigrants CLEVELAND: Driver's licenses for some young immigrants who came to the United States illegally are being blocked

by Ohio Department of Public Safety officials' questioning whether a new federal program gives those immigrants temporary legal status.

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India Post

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March 8, 2013

DPS chief: Helicopter shooting rules tightened AUSTIN, Texas: Nearly four months after a Texas state trooper in a helicopter fired on a pickup truck speeding along the U.S.Mexico border, killing two Guatemalan immigrants, state officials say that troopers are now forbidden from aerial shooting unless they're under fire.

Details on page 45

Top 10 H1B visa cos outsource jobs overseas: Report WASHINGTON: The Top 10 companies benefiting from H-1B visas are offshore outsourcers, a US publication reported, prompting an eminent American engineering organization to seek a review of the ongoing immigration reforms.

"The data shows: Top H-1B users are offshore outsourcers," and Computerworld found that, "based on the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) data analyzed, the major beneficiaries of the proposed increase in the cap would be pure offshore outsourcing firms".

"The analysis comes at a time when a bill before Congress, the "Immigration Innovation Act," would expand the H-1B visa program from 85,000 visas to more than 4,00,000 annually," Computerworld said.

"This confirms that H-1B visas facilitate the transfer of high-skill, high-paying American jobs to other countries. Congress should

pass laws that create US jobs, not destroy them," said Marc Apter, president of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics EngineersUSA (IEEE-US).

Most of the largest H-1B users easily account for more than 35,000

professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology and researcher of tech immigration issues, was quoted as saying.

Among the top companies to have received the H-1B visas in 2012 visas are Cognizant (9,281 H-

"The data shows: Top H-1B users are offshore outsourcers," and Computerworld found that, "based on the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) data analyzed, the major beneficiaries of the proposed increase in the cap would be pure offshore outsourcing firms" H-1B visas under the "initial" visa plan, which includes new H-1B visa holders or those who work second concurrent jobs with a different employer, Computerworld said.

"This is just affirmation that H1B has become the outsourcing visa," Ron Hira, a public policy

1B visas), Tata (7469), Infosys (5600), Wipro (4304), Accenture (4037), HCL America( 2070), Mahindra Group (1963), IBM (1846), Larsen and Tourbo (1832), Deloitte (1668), Microsoft (1497), Patni Americas (1260) and Syntel (1161), the report said.

"The failure of Congress and the Obama Administration to close loopholes in the H-1B program is reducing job opportunities for American high-tech workers and undermining their wages," Hira said.

"If that bill were to be passed we'd see a major hemorrhaging of American jobs and it would discourage American kids from studying high-tech fields," Hira was quoted as saying by Computerworld.

The Top 10 H-1B users received 40,170 H-1B visas in fiscal 2012 and applied for just 1,167 employmentbased (EB) green cards. This is an immigration yield of 2.9 percent, IEEE-US said, adding that it supports additional EB green cards for skilled immigrants.

These visas allow immigrants to start their own companies and create US wealth and jobs.

"Any plan to increase skilled immigration should be based on green cards," Apter said. -PTI

Details on page 44

Obama's draft immigration plan draws flak WASHINGTON: A day after Obama administration's ambitious immigration plan that can pave way for some 11 million illegal immigrants, including nearly 2.5 lakh Indians, to become legal permanent residents in the US, was leaked, the proposal was labeled "dead on arrival".

Details on page 44

White House tries to keep immigration on track WASHINGTON: The White House sought to keep delicate immigration negotiations on track, as a key Republican senator distanced himself further from a draft bill President Barack Obama's aides are readying in case congressional talks crumble.

Details on page 47

The different paths to citizenship GARY ENDELMAN & CYRUS D. MEHTA

I

t is so refreshingly wonder ful to think that what was once unthinkable could become a possibility - a bill to comprehensively reform our broken immigration system.

Even the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on February 5 where there was a willingness to legalize the 10+ million undocumented population, when in the past the tunnel vision mindset of the GOP controlled House was to find ways to either deport them or make it hard for them to remain in the US. The fault line of contention in the debate is whether to grant a pathway to citizenship or not for those who will be able to legalize their status.

Many House GOP leaders have stated that they would rather find a middle ground between deporting the undocumented people and providing them with citizenship, which is obviously being opposed

by advocates for immigration reform.

Even the Obama White House is opposed to this. For instance, Raul Labrador, a rising GOP leader from Idaho in the House has said that he would vote for providing legal status to the undocumented, but not a green card, which would

a Democrat from Florida believes that not providing a path to citizenship would create an underclass in the US, which is not in keeping with American values.

He also cites the examples of the French and German systems where immigrants are not allowed

It is hoped that those opposed to citizenship because they believe that people will become citizens the day after a bill is enacted are educated about the long and arduous wait provide a path to citizenship.

The rationale for this is that those who have not" played by the rules" should not be rewarded with a quick path to citizenship.

But the underlying motive for denying a path to citizenship is the fear that these new citizens will vote against the Republican party.

On the other hand, Jose Garcia,

to become French or German, and this has resulted in the kind of social unrest in those countries that we have not seen in the US. We too advocate for a path to citizenship in an immigration proposal that will legalize the status of undocumented workers. We also believe that if the GOP provides a path to citizenship, they

need not fear losing them as future voters. Many immigrants can be wooed by the GOP as they too share conservative values, and making it through their own enterprise. However, even under the most liberal proposal, citizenship is not likely to come automatically or even quickly.

First, there will be a probationary period of legal status, and after some years, they will be allowed to apply for green cards.

After obtaining a green card, one has to wait either five years, or three years (if married to a US citizen) to be able to naturalize.

It is hoped that those opposed to citizenship because they believe that people will become citizens the day after a bill is enacted are educated about the long and arduous wait even under a system that provides a direct path to citizenship.

Cont’d on page 44

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Labor, business agree to immigration principles WASHINGTON: Business and labor groups have announced agreement on the principles of a key priority for a comprehensive immigration bill: a new system to bring lowerskilled workers to the U.S. The Chamber of Commerce and the AFL-CIO reached consensus after weeks of closed-doors negotiations they were conducting at the request of Sens. Charles Schumer, a Democrat, and Lindsey Graham, a Republican, two of the senators involved in producing an immigration deal in Congress.

The principles include agreement on the need for a mechanism to let businesses more easily hire foreign workers when Americans aren't available to fill jobs. This will require a new kind of worker visa program that does not keep all workers in a permanent temporary status and responds as the U.S. economy grows and shrinks, the groups said in a joint news release.

They also said they see the need for a new professional bureau housed within a federal executive agency and tasked with informing Congress and the pub-

lic about labor market needs and shortages. That addresses a key demand from the labor side for a more transparent and data-driven process about business' needs for workers.

But the joint statement from the Chamber and AFL-CIO made clear that more work needs to be done to finalize their deal so that it can be included in a comprehensive

sents a significant step in talks that some on Capitol Hill gave little chance of success, especially as the groups missed an informal Feb. 15 deadline for an agreement. ``This is yet another sign of progress, of bipartisanship, and we are encouraged by it,'' said White House press secretary Jay Carney.

President Barack Obama has

The principles include agreement on the need for a mechanism to let businesses more easily hire foreign workers when Americans aren't available to fill jobs. This will require a new kind of worker visa immigration package. ``We have found common ground in several important areas and have committed to continue to work together and with member of Congress to enact legislation that will solve our current problems in a lasting manner,'' the statement said. ``We are now in the middle not the end of this process.''

Even so, the agreement repre-

been criticized by Sen. Marco Rubio, a Rising Republican star, for failing to include a temporary worker program in his own immigration blueprint, and Carney would not say whether the White House supports a visa program for low-skill workers. But Carney said that the agreement between the two traditionally opposing sides in the debate ``represents significant progress.''

White House tries to keep immigration on track WASHINGTON: The White House sought to keep delicate immigration negotiations on track, as a key Republican senator distanced himself further from a draft bill President Barack Obama's aides are readying in case congressional talks crumble.

Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio's office said Obama's plan ``injected additional partisanship into an already difficult process.''

The White House, following the weekend leak of its draft legislation, insisted the president wants the bipartisan Senate group Rubio is a member of to put forward its own bill instead.

Obama spoke with Rubio to reiterate his commitment to the Senate process and to make clear that he had his own legislation ready,

the White House said. The President also called Republicans Sens.

Lindsey Graham of South Carolina

Senate aides said privately that bipartisan negotiations are in a good place and they did not feel as though the disclosure of details in Obama's draft bill would disrupt their process and John McCain of Arizona, two other GOP lawmakers involved in the immigration negotiations. ``It is, by far, the President's pref-

erence that the Senate process move forward, that the bipartisan group of eight have success, and that they produce a bill that wins the support of Democrats and Republicans in Senate,'' White House spokesman Jay Carney said.

Senate aides said privately that bipartisan negotiations are in a good place and they did not feel as though the disclosure of details in Obama's draft bill would disrupt their process. In fact, Obama's backup bill could end up spurring GOP lawmakers to rally behind a congressional plan with many similarities rather than support legislation attached to the President.

While they differ on some key details, both sides are contemplating legislation that would provide Cont’d on page 47

Business and labor have long been at odds over any temporary worker program, with business groups wanting more workers and labor groups concerned about worker protections and any largescale program that could displace American workers.

The issue helped sink the last congressional attempt at rewriting the nation's immigration laws, in 2007, which was partly why Schumer and Graham asked Chamber President Tom Donohue and AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka to try to forge an accord that Senate negotiators could include in legislation they are aiming to finalize by next month.

The Chamber and AFL-CIO have taken the lead in negotiations that have also included other business associations and labor unions.

The principles announced make clear that both sides have given ground. Business will get a temporary worker program, and labor will see creation of a government bureau that describes labor market needs, instead of letting employers themselves define their own needs.

The two sides also agreed that American workers ``should have a first crack at available jobs,'' and to ensure that happens they said they are committed to improving the way information about job openings reaches workers, particularly in disadvantaged communities.

Various thorny issues remain to be addressed, including how many new visas would be provided under the new program and what kind of pay and protections workers would get. -AP

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Ohio driver's licenses blocked for some immigrants CLEVELAND: Driver's licenses for some young immigrants who came to the United States illegally are being blocked

by Ohio Department of Public Safety officials' questioning whether a new federal program gives those immigrants temporary legal status.

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles offices apparently are reaching different conclusions about the status of the young immigrants because they are not getting guidance from the Department of Public Safety that oversees the BMV office, The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer reports. State officials say they are not certain about whether the language of the federal program does confer legal status.

The federal Deferred Action

for Childhood Arrivals program established last year by the Obama administration gives immigrants who came here illegally as children two years of legal status. That status allowing them to get work permits and Social Security numbers is renewable every two years.

Government figures show that more than 150,000 young people nationwide had been approved for the program as of January, but some states have been issuing driver's licenses to those in the program and others have not.

Carol Apaestegui and Jose Mendez, who live in northeast Ohio, came to the United States as immigrants when they were children and have been accepted in the new federal program. But

Mendez was denied a license in Parma, while officials in Cleveland issued a license to

Joe Andrews, spokesman for Ohio's Department of Public Safety, which oversees the BMV, said the department's lawyers are studying the federal program to determine whether it “coincides'' with Ohio law Apaestegui, the newspaper reported.

Mendez, 20, was born in

The different paths to citizenship Cont’d from page 42

A bi-partisan group of Senators also favor a path to citizenship, but have attached conditions before those legalized can obtain green cards, which is that Congress must first be satisfied that the border is under control. This too is being opposed by immigrant advocates and the White House as those in control of this trigger will always find an excuse to say that the border is not under control.

However much we may want a pathway to citizenship without conditions, we also fervently hope that a once in a lifetime deal to reform the immigration system must not break down on the citizenship issue.

There can be many other pathways to citizenship, and it is not true that the undocumented who get a legal status will be part of a permanent underclass. We would refute and reject any proposal that would render anyone legalized permanently ineligible for citizenship.

First, let's take a realistic view on how long folks have been waiting under the current immigration system. Many who have met all their conditions to apply for a green card have been waiting under a backlogged family or employment preference category for more than a decade.

The India employment-based third preference is so backlogged that an Indian-born beneficiary of a labor certification filed today by an employer may have to wait for 70 years before he or she can apply for a green card!! With respect to being on a path to citizenship, they have been worse off than an undocumented person who may legalize under a new immigration reform law.

Thus, the first order of priority

in any comprehensive immigration proposal is to reform the existing legal immigration system. If we expand visa numbers available in the various immigrant visa categories, as well as create more pathways for people to become permanent residents, those already waiting should be able to become permanent residents more quickly and we would even have less ille-

By giving them a stake in society in a fair and balanced manner that respects the law and promotes our values, Congress will make us all proud and turn the page on the next chapter of the American story gal immigration in the future.

Making legal immigration possible makes illegal migration unnecessary. The 10 million undocumented non-citizens who get legalized, but may not have a direct path to citizenship, could benefit and find other pathways through a reformed and expanded immigration system.

Indeed, most of the undocumented who would legalize may already be working or have their own businesses. In a reformed immigration system, they should be able to apply for green cards through their employers or by virtue of having businesses relatively quickly, and then be on a path to citizenship.

For example, an undocumented

nanny who provides valuable childcare while the parents work, after obtaining a probationary legal status, should be able to get sponsored by an employer for a green card relatively easily and quickly under a reformed immigration system.

The same should be true for one who has owned a business for a certain period of time and has hired US workers or has generated a certain amount of revenues over a few years.

Indeed, this is how all non-immigrants get green cards, and then become US citizens. The only problem is that it is too hard and takes too long. Then, there are also few avenues for obtaining a green card.

If the GOP refuses to provide a direct pathway to citizenship, or a path to citizenship based on conditions, let's not fuss too much about it and let's get on with the goal of reforming the immigration system.

In fact, we should use it as a bargaining chip to ensure that we reform the system in such a way that there would be many other readily available paths to citizenship.

Then, not having a direct path through a legalization program may not matter so much! Now is the time to bring the undocumented from the shadows into the bright sunshine of freedom. By giving them a stake in society in a fair and balanced manner that respects the law and promotes our values, Congress will make us all proud and turn the page on the next chapter of the American story.

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

Mexico and lives in Cleveland. He said he was refused a driver's license at the BMV office in Parma last month. ``A woman at the bureau told me, `You're not even supposed to be in this country,''' said Mendez who works shining shoes.

But Apaestegui, 24, received a license from a BMV office in Cuyahoga Falls in December. ``I just showed them the documents I had and that was it,'' said Apaestegui, who was born in Peru and lives in Stow.

Joe Andrews, spokesman for Ohio's Department of Public Safety, which oversees the BMV, said the department's lawyers are studying the federal program to determine whether it ``coincides'' with Ohio law.

Andrews said that the federal

language is unclear and the department has not yet issued any guidance to BMV offices.

Cleveland immigration lawyer David Leopold said the department is wrong and officials are ignoring the law. ``The State of Ohio needs to look at the law and look at the guidance established by Homeland Security,'' he said.

A petition signed by more than 200 people including Leopold has urged Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and the registrar of Ohio's BMV to direct all of Ohio's license bureaus to issue licenses to those who qualify under the federal program.

A DeWine spokesman said that DeWine's role would only be to advise the Department of Public Safety on the issue. -AP

Obama's draft immigration plan draws flak WASHINGTON: A day after Obama administration's ambitious immigration plan that can pave way for some 11 million illegal immigrants, including nearly 2.5 lakh Indians, to become legal permanent residents in the US, was leaked, the proposal was labeled "dead on arrival".

The plan, first reported by USA Today, included an eight-year path to permanent residency, and eventually citizenship, for illegal immigrants.

The new legislation has drawn sharp reaction, particularly from the four Republican senators who joined four Democratic senators last month, to form a bipartisan group chalking out the general outlines of a new immigration plan.

A member of the so called 'Gang of Eight', Republican Senator Marc Rubio termed the bill "dead on arrival".

"It fails to follow through on previously broken promises to secure our borders, (and) creates a special pathway that puts those who broke our immigration laws at an advantage over those who chose to do things the right way and come here legally," Rubio said. "It would actually make our immigration problems worse."

Kentucky Republican Sen. Rand Paul said the plan is untenable and so outside of what the country wants that it suggests Obama is not sincere about passing immigration reform.

"The president is torpedoing his own plan. It shows me he is really not serious. The bill won't pass," Paul told Fox News.

The Department of Homeland Security in its report released in

March 2012, estimated that there were 240,000 illegal immigrants from India in 2011, which are now going to benefit if this new plan is passed.

Among the Asian countries, India is ranked third when it comes to illegal immigrants after China (280,000) and Philippines (270,000).

India has registered quite an increase in illegal immigrants, which was about 120,000 in 2000, said the report of the Department of Homeland Security.

Kentucky Republican Sen. Rand Paul said the plan is untenable and so outside of what the country wants that it suggests Obama is not sincere about passing immigration reform However, Mexico alone accounts the maximum 6.8 million illegal immigrants and thus how to secure the US-Mexico border has been a major bone of contention between Democrats and Republicans, whenever an immigration plan was discussed.

"Without addressing future flow, by giving advantage to those who cut in front of line for immigrants who came here legally, not dealing with border security adequately, that tells us that he's(Obama) looking for a partisan advantage and not a bipartisan solution," Paul Ryan, Mitt Romney's running mate in the 2012 Presidential race, told ABC. -PTI

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Oregon House passes illegal-immigrant tuition bill SALEM, Ore.: Following a passionate and sometimes heated debate, the Oregon House approved a bill that would extend resident college tuition rates to some young illegal immigrants.

After the vote count showed the bill had passed, supporters watching in the gallery stood up and, holding hands, raised their arms in celebration. ``When I saw those numbers I was very excited,'' said Hugo Nicolas, 20, who said he entered the country illegally when he was 11. He wants to attend the University of Oregon to study economics and minor in Chinese.

Rep. Michael Dembrow, a Portland Democrat who sponsored the measure, called it a ``historic'' vote, an important educational and economic step for Oregon.

The House's 38-18 vote sends the measure to the Senate. In the last decade, similar legislation has failed twice in the House after passing the Senate in 2003 and 2011. This time, five Republicans supported it.

On a national level, Republicans have been under pressure to increase their appeal to Latino voters since Mitt Romney lost the presidential election.

The bill is strongly supported

by Gov. John Kitzhaber and Senate President Peter Courtney, both Democrats. ``I applaud the House for its bipartisan vote in support of House Bill 2787, which provides tuition equity for all Oregonians,'' Kitzhaber said in a written statement.

The measure would allow students to qualify for in-state tuition at Oregon's seven public universities if they've attended an Oregon high school for at least three years and lived in the United States for at least five. They'd also have to sign an affidavit swearing they'll apply to legalize their immigration status as soon as they are eligible.

Illegal immigrants would not be eligible for state or federal financial aid, and they'd be subject to the same university entrance re-

quirements as other applicants.

Republicans offered a counterproposal that would have made the bill expire in 2016 and limited the resident tuition rates to stu-

Portland State University student Victor Mena, an advocate of the bill who became a legal U.S. resident last year, said he sees this as a step toward improving the opportunities for young illegal immigrants dents in the country by July 1. It also would have provided more stringent rules on how students would follow through with their pledge to become lawful residents. It was rejected in a partyline vote.

After it failed, Republican Rep.

White House tries to keep immigration on track Cont’d from page 45

a pathway to citizenship for most of the 11 million illegal immigrants already in the U.S., tighten border security, crack down on businesses that employ illegal workers and strengthen the legal immigration system.

Rubio, a rising Republican star and favorite of his party's conservative wing, has particular incentive to publicly disavow Obama's proposals.

As one of his party's leading voices on immigration, Rubio will be called on to sell other conservatives on any deal and he knows that doing so will be harder if that deal has the President's stamp on it. He'll also have to convince Republicans that a bipartisan Senate agreement would be more conservative than what Obama would propose on his own.

Rubio's office, trying to further distance itself from the White House, insisted that the senator's team had not been in talks with the administration on immigration.

But Rubio spokesman Alex Conant later said that a representative from the senator's office participated in five meetings with administration officials.

Administration officials said they were willing to take hits from the Florida lawmaker if doing so gave him the cover to work with

Senate Democrats to reach a deal. ``As long as Sen. Rubio and the rest of the gang are making real progress on immigration reform, we are happy to be on the sidelines and even serve as a punching bag every once in a while,'' Dan Pfeiffer, Obama's senior adviser, said.

The White House insisted it did not intentionally leak details of its immigration plan, which circulated

While Obama's proposal calls for more funding for securing the border, it does not make border security a pre-condition for opening a pathway to citizenship widely at key government agencies. Top Obama aides tried to clear up the mess over the weekend, sending apologetic emails to the offices of the eight senators, including Rubio, at the center of the Capitol Hill negotiations.

Obama officials say the documents represent draft proposals, not a final bill. The President and his aides have repeatedly said publicly that the White House was readying legisla-

tion and would submit it to Congress if the Senate process stalls.

The draft White House proposal and the principles outlined by the Senate group overlap in many areas, though there are some key differences.

The administration's draft proposal would create a visa for those in the country illegally and allow them to become legal permanent residents within about eight years as part of a broader pathway to citizenship. The Senate group is looking at a 10-year timeline before people already in the U.S. illegally could get green cards.

While Obama's proposal calls for more funding for securing the border, it does not make border security a pre-condition for opening a pathway to citizenship. The Senate group's principles would require a border security trigger, though it's unclear how they would define a secure border.

Rubio's office has also criticized the President's proposals for not including a guest worker program or a plan for dealing with the future flow of immigrants.

Officials say the White House has not set a deadline for when the President would choose to abandon the Senate process and send his bill to Capitol Hill. Senate lawmakers have raised the prospect of drafting a bill next month. -AP

Jason Conger, of Bend, said the House missed an opportunity to adopt a measure with overwhelming bipartisan support. Conger sparred with Democratic Speaker Tina Kotek, of Portland, who interrupted his speech numerous times to ask that he stay on point.

Visibly upset, Conger told the speaker, ``I will want to have a follow-up discussion about the stifling of my voice.''

The nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Office estimated the bill would increase the state's revenue by $335,000 over the next two years and by an additional $1.6 million between 2015 and 2017.

The Oregon University System estimated 38 illegal immigrant students would take advantage of the resident tuition rates during the next two years and 80 more students would take part in the two years after that.

The difference between resident and nonresident tuition is almost $20,000. At the University of Oregon, resident tuition fees for 15 credits, the average course

load, are $9,310 per year. ``I know that this historic vote is really the result of larger historic forces that are at play,'' Dembrow said, referencing President Barack Obama's promise to pass comprehensive immigration reform.

Portland State University student Victor Mena, an advocate of the bill who became a legal U.S. resident last year, said he sees this as a step toward improving the opportunities for young illegal immigrants.

During the debate, Dembrow referred to Mena as an example of why the state should invest in its young illegal immigrant population.

Mena, a criminal justice major and Persian language minor, said he wants to be an FBI agent after he graduates. ``When I was growing up I watched law enforcement interact with my community and I think that I have a lot to teach, in a way, on how to communicate with other communities and cultures,'' Mena said. -AP

DPS chief: Helicopter shooting rules tightened AUSTIN, Texas: Nearly four months after a Texas state trooper in a helicopter fired on a pickup truck speeding along the U.S.Mexico border, killing two Guatemalan immigrants, state officials say that troopers are now forbidden from aerial shooting unless they're under fire.

Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw announced the policy change while facing questions from lawmakers about the deadly highspeed pursuit near La Joya in October. The truck was mistakenly thought to be carrying a drug load, and DPS says a trooper opened fire to disable the vehicle because it was barreling toward a school zone.

McCraw continued to defend that shooting, even while rolling out new rules that would now forbid it. ``I'm convinced that now, from a helicopter platform, that we shouldn't shoot unless being shot at, or someone being shot at,'' McCraw said.

According to the revised policy later released by DPS, ``a firearms discharge from an aircraft is authorized only when an officer reasonably believes that the suspect has used or is about to use deadly force by use of a deadly weapon against the air crew, ground officers or innocent third parties.''

A suspect driving aggressively or recklessly does not constitute use of a deadly weapon, the new policy states.

The American Civil Liberties Union quickly applauded the move. ``We are relieved that Texas is ending this extreme practice, which no other Southwestern border states have ever allowed,'' said

“I'm convinced that now, from a helicopter platform, that we shouldn't shoot unless being shot at, or someone being shot at,� McCraw said Terri Burke, executive director of the ACLU of Texas. ``We hope that this decision is a step, if only a small one, toward ending the culture of violence that pervades enforcement of border security in Texas.''

Criminal prosecutors in Hidalgo County are still investigating the shooting, which caused the truck to crash into a ditch. Two illegal immigrants died, and a third was injured. Authorities said the wounded immigrants were among six hiding under a blanket in the truck's bed. -AP

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my small bit to touch a chord with the world and form an indescribable bond.

Being the superstar that you are, how difficult is it finding the right balance between your personal life and filming?

It can be extremely difficult being away from family when I'm at work, but I do try and see my family as much as I can as they mean a lot to me. I guess it's crucial to prioritize time accordingly. It doesn't matter how much time you spend with your family, it's never really enough… But coming

Your body is obviously very important to you, as millions of women have probably noticed...Do you have any tips for our readers trying to fight off the Christmas weight?

I work out a lot and have a strict diet and exercise regime that I follow religiously.

Being fit isn't just about being physically strong but also mentally. My fitness workout is a major release for me, in a way it's my way of chilling out!

Hrithik Roshan on eventful 2012 & expectations

You have millions of fans the world over, whom are you the biggest fan of and why?

It's going to be difficult to pinpoint a particular place. All the fans around the world have been so supportive and loving; I just can't thank all my fans for the ongoing support.

Being at the top of the industry, how do you keep yourself so friendly and approachable?

I have always believed in being a good human first and foremost. My parents have brought me up with great morals and values; life is too short to create negative surroundings and feelings. Like they say 'treat others how you'd like to be treated'.

What can audiences look forward to seeing from you in the coming year?

2013 is going to be a busy year. I will be working on various projects and some great films too. We are wrapping up Krrish which releases later this year and then in March I start filming with Katrina for the Indian remake of Knight and Day. I am really looking forward to 2013 as it will be another year packed with lots of excitement, but also a lot of hard work and early morning film shoots!

always faced any situation God presented to them fearlessly together.

We share a unified bond which I also instill in my own little family with my wife children.

2013 sees the third instalment of Krrish, a franchise that you are renowned for, what can the audience expect?

I think the audiences are going to be in for a treat with Krrish - if you loved the first two films, you will

KRRISH 3rd AVTAR

A

s the film world awaits Krrish 3, Hrithik Roshan gets candid with life in 2012 and balancing work and family life. Excerpts from an interview: 2012 has been an eventful year for you, what is the one highlight that stands out?

The opportunity to work on a film as poignant and engaging as Agneepath was a wonderful start to 2012 - it's simply a dream film for any actor. 2012 has been an awesome year. Resuming my role as Krrish was nostalgic and very exciting.

To end the year with homage of films at an esteemed festival, the Marrakech Film Festival, was such a humbling experience. All in all 2012 was a high throughout and I am looking very forward to starting 2013 with a bang!

As one of the biggest stars in Bollywood, where does your determination and passion stem from?

My family has been my biggest inspiration - they are my true role models and they continue to be. My parents through to my grandparents have seen and experienced all shades of life, the good, the bad, and

adore this edition. Krrish is our home production and was like coming home. I did miss Krrish's character. It's still early to comment fully on latter film - I know the audiences will be in for a fun rise with Katrina and I. People like Hrithik as a dancer, the dance seems to be missing in his movies these days, is it intentional?

Not at all! However clichéd this sounds, I guess the scripts I've currently been working on just haven't demanded any breakthrough dance sequences. But never say never though!

What else would you do if you weren't a Bollywood actor?

I cannot imagine doing anything else! I know it sounds cheesy, but I love what I do! It really is in my DNA. I have had the opportunity to live multiple lives in one lifetime and through the power of cinema, did

PREETI VERMA LAL

W

hat would you like for brunch?"

Sushi? Dim sum? Dried figs?

Canapes? Pasta? I had barely found a corner in the packed The Living Room, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit's restaurant, when pretty Punpreuk Smitinand (aka Fai) dropped brunch options. Hastily, I dropped a jaw. I knew Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit's Sunday lavish brunch is one of the best in Bangkok, but I was in no mood for a polenta or parfait or burrata cheese.

Sitting in the Starwood Luxury Collection hotel, I was craving for scrumptious Indian food. Wishful thinking. I sighed. The brunch spread across three restaurants - The Living Room, Basil and Rossini's - was redolent with the heady jumble of wasabi with coconut flavors, but far away from home, I wanted to dig my fork into what I love the most - Indian food.

Cont’d on page 50

‘Krrish is our home production and was like coming home. I did miss Krrish's character.

It's still early to comment fully on latter film - I know the audiences will be in for a fun rise with Katrina and I’ from a family where filmmaking runs through our veins, we do understand the pressures associated with work thus the understanding between us as family and for our work always helps us to strike that important balance.

Bangkok lauds Sen's finger-licking dishes

Pics Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok

Chef Janmejoy Sen

March 8, 2013

India Post

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Ang Lee wins best director Oscar for 'Life of Pi' LOS ANGELES: TaiwaneseAmerican Ang Lee beat master directors like Steven Spielberg and Michael Haneke to take home the best director Oscar for "Life of Pi", his visually stunning 3D tale of an Indian boy adrift in the ocean for months with a Bengal tiger.

With his second Oscar win, Lee brings focus back to India, whose culture and ethos are an important part of the narrative

Playbook") and indie filmmaker Benh Zeitlin ("Beasts of the Southern Wild") to win his second Acad-

Ang Lee

and unlike previous Academywinner "Slumdog Millionaire" which earned some brickbats for promoting slum porn, Lee has presented Pondicherry and Munnar beautifully through his 3D lenses.

Lee, 58, beat Spielberg ("Lincoln"), Haneke ("Amour"), David O Russell ("Silver Linings

Unlike previous Academy-winner "Slumdog Millionaire" which earned some brickbats for promoting slum porn, Lee has presented Pondicherry and Munnar beautifully through his 3D lenses emy in the directing category.

"I really need to share this with everybody who worked in 'Life of

Pi'. I need to thank Yann Martel for writing this marvelous book...," Lee said in his speech before ending it with a 'Namaste'.

The auteur, a five-time Oscar nominee, previously won the trophy for his 2005 gay cowboys drama "Brokeback Mountain".

Like "Life of Pi", his "Crouching Tiger, Hiden Dragon" was nominated for best picture and directing honors.

In the film, an adaptation of Martel's Booker-prize winning novel, Lee took on the challenge of filming the movie, mostly set in the ocean, with an almost entirely Indian casts of newcomer Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Tabu and Adil Hussain.

He spent four years translating the book to the screen that

Jayashri of Bombay loses best song Oscar to Adele LOS ANGELES: Bombay Jayshri, the sole Indian nominee at this year's Oscars lost the Best Original Song trophy to British singer Adele, who won the statuette for her soulful rendition of James Bond theme 'Skyfall'.

This is the very first James Bond theme to win an Oscar.

The 24-year-old singer went into the elite competition looking like the smart bet to bring home the trophy as the song became an instant classic after its release.

The British songstress, who also performed the song at the ceremony, co-wrote it with Paul Epworth especially for the film and the opening words 'This is the end' fit perfectly with the film's themes of death and rebirth.

"This is amazing... thank you for believing in me," said a teary eyed Adele while accepting her trophy at the glittering award ceremony.

Adele defeated Jayashri's Pi's Lullaby from 'Life Of Pi' which she co-wrote with composer Michael

Danna and late sitarist Ravi Shankar's daughter Norah Jones for 'Everybody Needs a Friend' from 'Ted'.

She also saw off competition from Before My time from 'Chasing Ice' and Suddenly from 'Les Miserables'.

'Skyfall' was indeed emotional for Adele as it marked her return to recording since the major surgery

she underwent as a result of a vocal cord hemorrhage in late 2011.

Adele has been enjoying a pretty remarkable run of good luck in the past few years -- her second album '21' sold over twenty-five million copies worldwide, she earned six Grammy awards in 2012 (more than any other female artist has won in one year), and she picked up a Golden Globe in January for 'Skyfall'.

Best Original Song has been won by only a handful of Brits down the years. In 1966 John Barry the original James Bond composer won with lyricist Don Black for the theme from non-007 film 'Born Free'.

Tim Rice and Elton John scored with Can You Feel the Love Tonight from 'The Lion King' in 1994.

Two years later Tim won again with Andrew Lloyd Webber for You Must Love Me from 'Evita'. Then in 1999 You'll Be in My Heart from 'Tarzan' won it for Phil Collins. -PTI

included building an enormous wave tank to shoot ocean scenes besides creating a terrifyingly believable tiger through the help of CGI. The movie narrates the story of Pi, a zookeeper's son in Pondicherry, who finds the world he knows swept away when his family is killed in a storm while on their way to Canada. Pi escapes,

set adrift in a lifeboat that is also the refuge of an enormous Bengal tiger.

Lee made several trips, including one to promote the film, to India to research and cast the movie. He chose the then 17-yearold newcomer Suraj to play the lead from 3000 hopefuls.

In an interview to PTI during his trip to Mumbai, Lee had said that he felt a sense of belonging to Pi's journey, which somehow mirrored his own struggles to direct the technically superb spectacle.

The filmmaker, who is behind genre-defying movies like "Sense and Sensibility", "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon", "Hulk" and "Brokeback Mountain", also credited destiny for bringing the movie to him after it changed hands with many directors.

"When I started doing the movie I felt like I had a sense of belonging. I started longing to be a part of it and the movie became mine," Lee had said. -PTI

Jungle Book in ballet & dance fusion NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ: Lustig Dance Theatre premiered Graham Lustig's, Jangala, on March 2 at Middlesex County College. Inspired by tales from Rudyard Kipling's "The Jungle Book", Lustig pays homage to his long held respect and love for the arts of India, not least

new flare.

Master teacher and dancer Renuka Srinivasan, Artistic Director of the TalaShruti Dance Studio in Fords, NJ, is an accomplished Bharatanatyam expert who assisted Lustig with the creation of Jangala. The LDT Company is joined by Dr. Shobana Natarajan, one of Ms. Srinivasan's students,

its tradition of classical dance, in this new production.

Known for his engaging, theatrical interpretations of popular stories, Lustig's newest endeavor, Jangala, features LDT professional dancers who showcase a fusion of Contemporary ballet and Bharatanatyam. Tying the dances together are many colorful costumes, extravagant sets, props and new-era music that will give the familiar Jungle Book story, a brand

LDT Ensemble students, as well as Alicia Pagan, a recent graduate of Middlesex County College.

The magical evening begins with an interactive presentation of Bharatanatyam, followed by the feature presentation of, Jangala.

Jangala is funded in part by Middlesex County Cultural & Heritage Commission with assistance through a grant provided by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Dept of State.

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Nobel Prize for discovering DNA up for auction NEW YORK: Sixty years after Nobel Prize winning scientist Francis Crick discovered the structure of DNA, his family is offering the coveted medal for sale at an auction here.

This will be the first time that a Nobel Prize medal is sold at a public auction.

Texas-based Heritage Auctions said the DNA pioneer's Nobel Prize medal will go under the hammer on April 10 in New York City and is expected to attract bids starting from a whopping USD 250,000.

"This year marks the 60th anniversary of the historic discovery of the structure of DNA and 50 years have passed since Francis Crick was awarded the Nobel Prize," said Kindra Crick, a granddaughter of the scientist.

In 1953 Francis Crick and James D Watson published a short paper in the journal Nature with a quiet title: "Molecular Structure of Nucleic Acids: A Structure for Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid."

The duo changed the world with it by describing DNA, the molecule in the cells of living things that determines their genetic characteristics. They and a fellow researcher, Maurice Wilkins, won the Nobel Prize for medicine in 1962.

Sixty years later, Crick's family is offering his gold Nobel medal and diploma for sale at auction, 'ABC News Radio' reported.

Heritage Auctions, which is organizing the sale, suggested an opening bid of USD 250,000.

The analysis of DNA was one of the great scientific accomplishments of the last century.

The medal is cloaked in controversy as many historians and scientists say more credit ought to go to Rosalind Franklin, who did some of the measurements on which the Nature paper was based.

Crick's family said a portion of the proceeds would go to the Francis Crick Institute, scheduled to open in London in 2015.

The new facility will be used in the search for cures for some of the world's most devastating diseases, the family said.

Francis Crick

"For most of that time, the Nobel Prize and the unique personal diploma have been locked up. By auctioning his Nobel it will finally be made available for public display and be well looked after. Our hope is that, by having it available for display, it can be an inspiration to the next generation of scientists," said Kindra.

The endorsed check Crick received for 85,739.88 Swedish Krona, plus an old lab coat he wore are also being offered. -PTI

Bangkok lauds Sen’s fingerlicking dishes Cont’d from page 48

Until, as if I drawn by familiar aroma, I walked towards where I thought was the whiff of cardamom and saffron. My olfactory instincts were not mislaid. Amidst the dim sums and the canapés lay a lavish Indian spread: mango chutney, dal makhani, mutton rogan josh, paneer tikka, garlic naan… And there stood the chef who created it all - Chef Janmejoy Sen. With a degree from Indian Institute of Business Management, Patna, and with stints in Udaipur Lake Palace, The Imperial (New Delhi), Moscow, Muscat, Sen knows all about the art of turning simple ingredients and condiments into finger-licking dishes.

Dishes that have gourmands eating out of his hands. Literally.

Sen has been in Bangkok for over two years. He misses India, but when the foodies laud his roast risotto and tandoori salmon, he knows the hard work has been worth it For 23 years, Sen has tied the apron and rustled sumptuous meals in various swank kitchens across the world. He led The Imperial team at the hugely successful 2005 Spice Route Food Festival in London and 2006 Tokyo Food Fair in Tokyo. The food fairs brought a ladleful of applauds for Sen. However, ask him where his heart lies and he will hastily tell you it is in fusion food.

Like the roast risotto biryani where an everyday risotto gets an Indian makeover. In the traditional risotto, he throws in mutton yakhni, adds saffron and mint leaves and throws in parmesan cheese just before scooping it on the plate.

As if the roast risotto biryani was not enough of an experimen-

tation, Sen also spends hours making the fusion tandoori prawn with mango salsa, balsamic reduction and black olive powder,

rasmali at the Coffee Shop and Indian barbecue at The Sula, the poolside restaurant.

Sen has been in Bangkok for

Another of his fusion favorite is the tandoori salmon with beetroot carpaccio served with saffron sauce.

At Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, a 420-room 5-star hotel, the Indian touch is not merely a Sunday special. If you are lucky, you might find sandesh, rasgulla,

over two years. He misses India, but when the foodies laud his roast risotto and tandoori salmon, he knows the hard work has been worth it. At Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, a Starwood Luxury Collection hotel, all things Indian acquire a luxurious scrumptious flavor.

Thanks to Chef Janmejoy Sen.

March 8, 2013

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Horoscope

52 India Post

March 8, 2013

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Your Weekly Future

by Pandit Parashar

MARCH 8TH - MARCH 14TH 2013 (March 21 to April 20)

G

et together will be entertaining and every body will appreciate the arrangement. Sales will keep improving and few new customers will give you good business. You may try to cut down on caffeine or nicotine consumption. Value of your stocks will appreciate considerably. It will be better to dispose them off now.

(July 23 to August 22)

F

ew important developments in career will cause lots of excitement in life. A female could be instrumental in your success.

Business will pick up all of a sudden and new subordinates will take lots of load off your hands. Some of you may be getting ready to move to different state. You may visit a holy place with family.

(April 21 to May 20)

T

here will be some interesting developments in career to your advantage. Money wise you will continue to do well and stay comfortable after paying all bills. Idea of going on a long distance trip will cross your mind and you will start making enquiries. You may call an old friend to inquire about his health also.

(August 23 to September 22)

Y

ou may be thinking of shutting down one of your project chewing up all your savings. Saturn in second will keep you on the edge as far as the finances are concerned. You may meet an interesting personality at the meeting or during the course of the business trip.

People prone to litigation should be careful.

(May 21 to June 20)

D

o not think too much and stick to your guns. Planets will help you take the right decisions and make correct choices. A child may get accepted in desired college. You will start to enjoy the company of a new colleague. Keep working on your business plans as the right tools will become available to you in near future.

(September 23 to October 22)

Y

ou will be working extra hard to meet the deadline. Hard work will not go waste and soon you will be moving one step up the ladder. A sibling will call to seek your advice on an important matter.

Business will improve and any journey undertaken this week will be fruitful. Relationship will keep getting stronger.

(October 23 to November 22)

(June 21 to July 22)

Y

ou will need more than your earlier budget to fulfill your commitments this week. Some of you will be moving to better location soon. You will continue to work on your diversification plans and the developments will be encouraging. You will get ready to go on a short trip with a child. You will make some useful friends this week.

T

here will be lots of activities in life this week. Some of you may grab the offer and make a quick switch to new job. Financial benefits will not be too much but it will be closer to home. Some money could go towards legal bills or paying a fine. New relationship will be exciting and keep you busy.

(November 23 to December 22)

Y

ou are going to put all worries aside and enjoy with close family and friends. A big promotion or raise is also on the horizon. You may be seriously looking to replace one of your vehicle. You will become very ambitious and will not be scared to make a risky move in career and really hit the bulls eye.

(December 22 to January 19)

Y

ou will hear couple of encouraging news during the week. New opportunity will knock at your door and you will not take much time to go for it. Some of you may have your eyes set on a nice piece of property and start the paper work also. You will be invited to a small get together by a friend this week.

(January 20 to February 18)

Y

ou will be very fortunate as far as money matters are concerned.

Exalted Venus in second can get you big chunk of easy money.

Stocks will also appreciate and you may dispose them off for a decent profit. You may put your needs aside and go out of your way to help a needy friend or sibling this week.

(February 19 to March 20)

E

njoy your life but within legal parameters. Some trouble brewing up from a female so watch out. There is a strong chance of promotion or raise in near future. Some of you may be advised minor surgery to tackle some health problem. You may appear for some very competitive exam this week and will come out with flying colors.

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

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

Philosophy

March 8, 2013

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T

he Divine Mother is always playful and sportive. This universe is Her play. She is self-willed and must always have Her own way. She is full of bliss. She gives freedom to one out of a hundred thousand."

A Devotee: "But, sir, if She likes, She can give freedom to all.

Why, then, has She kept us bound to the world?"

Master: "That is Her will. She wants to continue playing with Her created beings. In a game of hideand-seek the running about soon stops if in the beginning all the players touch the 'granny'. If all touch her, then how can the game go on? That displeases her. Her pleasure is in continuing the game.

"It is as if the Divine Mother said to the human mind in confidence, with a sign from Her eye, 'Go and enjoy the world.' How can one blame the mind? The mind can disentangle itself from worldliness if, through Her grace, She makes it turn toward Herself. Only then does it become devoted to the Lotus Feet of the Divine Mother."

Devotee: "Sir, can't we realize God without complete renunciation?"

Master: "Of course you can!

Why should you renounce every-

JAC O'KEEFFE

L

et everything go... without effort, just an easeful dropping. And now, let the one who is doing the dropping - let that one dissolve.

There's so much you can do; you can surrender, you can do this, the 'I' can manage the 'I', you can work on attachment, work on this and that, and then you can be observant, and then you can step back from that and place attention where the next thought is coming from, or do self inquiry, and who's the one who's doing all that anyway?

Who's the one who's doing all that? And how does one get rid of that one? Who gets rid of that one?

So let it dissolve. Just let it dissolve... into that which has no state, into that which is outside of all of it, into that which isn't looking for "What's next... something will [feel] better than this," into that which knows nothing about that dialogue...

And somehow, something is perfectly fine... until another thought pops up, "Oh, I want more." It's just another thought being listened to.

Let it be that no thought will do it for you. See through that one. See through it; that there's no thought that's going to do it

thing? You are all right as you are, following the middle path-like molasses, partly solid and partly liquid.

Do you know the game of nax?

Having scored the maximum number of points, I am out of the game.

I can't enjoy it. But you are very clever. Some of you have scored ten points, some six, and some five. You have scored just the right number; so you are not out of the game like me. The game can go

the mind "It is all a question of the mind.

Bondage and liberation are of the mind alone. The mind will take the color you dye it with. It is like white clothes just returned from the laundry. If you dip them in red dye, they will be red. If you dip them in blue or green, they will be blue or green. They will take only the color you dip them in.

Haven't you noticed that, if you read a little English, you at

only of God. "The mind is everything. A man has his wife on one side and his daughter on the other. He shows his affection to them in different ways. But his mind is one and the same.

"Bondage is of the mind, and freedom is also of the mind. A man is free if he constantly thinks: 'I am a free soul. How can I be bound, whether I live in the world or in the forest? I am a child of

Mother's pleasure lies in playing with Her creation

Ramakrishna Paramhamsa

“I tell you the truth: there is nothing wrong in your being in the world. But you must direct your mind toward God; otherwise you will not succeed�

The Self, the home of blissful Awareness, is a vast ocean of serene peace. He whose mind turns inward and dives deep within it, gains the infinite treasure of its grace.

-Sri Muruganar

on. Why, that's fine!

"I tell you the truth: there is nothing wrong in your being in the world. But you must direct your mind toward God; otherwise you will not succeed. Do your duty with one hand and with the other hold to God. After the duty is over, you will hold to God with both hands.

Bondage & liberation are of

once begin to utter English words: Foot fut it mit? Then you put on boots and whistle a tune, and so on. It all goes together. Or, if a scholar studies Sanskrit, he will at once rattle off Sanskrit verses.

If you are in bad company, then you will talk and think like your companions. On the other hand, when you are in the company of devotees, you will think and talk

God, the King of Kings. If bitten by a snake, a man may get rid of its venom by saying emphatically, 'There is no poison in me.' In the same way, by repeating with grit and determination, 'I am not bound, I am free', one really becomes free.

The 177th birth anniversary of Sri Ramakrishna Paramhamsa will be celebrated on March 13.

Keep quiet and make no effort and there will only be awareness of awareness. Don't repeat the things that I speak of, but have an experience.

-Papaji

for you; there's no technique that's going to do it for you. There's nothing that's going to do it for you. That's just how the world works, with that outside 'hit'.

The external things that are there to achieve, or that will make it better, sure they can't ultimately do it for you. They can't. It's just the next thing, and the next thing, and the next thing.

That's fine, if you want to stay

Dissolve anyway. Surrender anyway. In a way, it's kind of jumping off a cliff with no parachute, and it's all black down there, - no visibility, it's a bit like that. And it's fine.

It's just that in this territory, at the end game of what I'm talking about, there's nothing for the 'I' to hold onto, and it will use anything, but there's nothing for it to hold onto.

And let that be fine; let that be

to say, "Oh, that's a thought; I'll observe and come back again."

Hold on, it didn't go out at all; it didn't go out at all. That's the natural state; that's what we call 'being awake'. It's so simple, you miss it, you see... so simple. It's got no fireworks, and it's got no...if it's not exciting, it's not sexy, you know?

So it's easier to keep seeking, then, to keep looking for the next

Beyond the seeing of being as well as beyond all means of seeing entirely, there is the true being which cannot be seen and enables everything without ever becoming part of anything.

-Bentinho Massaro

The natural state is so simple, you miss it

Jac O'Keeffe

on the roundabout; that happens too. So what about seeing through that, seeing through the repetitious loop of what's next and what's next and what's next, and that these are just thoughts - they're just thoughts. So if there's a distance from those thoughts, what then?

The one who has a distance from those thoughts is a thought, too. Where're you going to go now?

Surrender anyway. In a way, it's kind of jumping off a cliff with no parachute, and it's all black down there, - no visibility, it's a bit like that. And it's fine. fine. But for some people, fear kicks in there, because that's the really potent one. And that can keep you doing a dance for a while.

Fear is pretty powerful. It's just another thought. It's equally useless. So beyond all of it, beyond all of it, your attention is naturally at home, instead of going out to come back, going out to come back, going into a thought only

hit, because at least there's some bit of juice in that. So we just keep searching, ... keep trying to improve myself, and keep reading and buying new books and going to new speakers and bladdy, bladdy, bla.

So do you want out, or don't you? Do you just want to do the improving yourself and fixing yourself, or actually... can you see through that?

As soon as you start to turn within, as soon as you begin to listen to the still small voice within you, as soon as you start to practice selfenquiry, your life begins to change drastically.

-Robert Adams To realise the meaning of non-action and beyond mind, cut the mind at its root and rest in naked awareness.

-Tilopa

You Insure all your Valuables, all are replaceable except YOU! So Insure yourself FIRST. Call Sahanis, (Arish, Priya or Shiv) for your Insurance needs 718- 271- 0453. Serving for last 35 yrs

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Mainsteam & periphery - A dialogue of the deaf

T

here is a great divide in the sentiments, perception and main arguments over the execution of Afzal Guru between Kashmir Valley and the rest of India. While a small section on both sides understands the other, the majority neither understands nor appreciates the sentiment of the other.

Worse, the majority does not even want to listen to what the other side is telling. In short, the perceptions, voices and sentiments become a dialogue of the deaf.

This is not a specific phenomenon related to J&K and the rest of India. One could witness in the larger regional context in South Asia - the difference between the mainstream and the periphery.

In Pakistan, Balochistan, Sindh, Gilgit-Baltistan, FATA and Swat all these regions have the same sentiments vis-a-vis the mainstream politics. In Sri Lanka, there is a huge divide between the Sinhalese mainstream and the Tamil sentiments in the north and northeast.

Even in a small country like Nepal, the sentiments are polarized between the Terai and the rest of mainstream, especially the politics in Kathmandu valley. Even within India, besides J&K, Northeast, Sikkim and even parts of South India (especially Tamil Nadu) feels there is no better understanding of their own sentiments visa-vis the rest.

Why is there a divide in terms of understanding each other? Is there an inherent problem in hearing and listening to the other side? Or is it self imposed - either intentionally or otherwise?

A dispassionate analysis would reveal, the problem is on both sides in not being able to appreciate the sentiments and perceptions of the other side. While the mainstream remains condescending towards the periphery, the latter accuses the former for everything.

Neither side looks inward and analyses what is the problem, nor looks outward and understands what the perception of the other is. The former sees itself as the center and mainstay geographically and emotionally, while the latter cocoons itself.

There has been a debate on collective conscience. The problem in both sides is not about a conscience which is collective but rather about selective. There exist selective consciences in which the majority in the society picks and

D SUBA CHANDRAN

chooses what it wants to. Though this selective conscience need not necessarily be intentional and deliberate, there is a need to understand why the majority (both in the mainstream and periphery) decides to choose a particular issue as a burning one.

Worse, at times, even the selective conscience is selectively applied to the issue. During the recent months, New Delhi was burning over the rape of a college student in a bus; the public response in New Delhi was ferocious and angry.

There was so much pressure on the Union government, resulting in significant measures taken in the immediate aftermath. However, there have been multiple voices in other parts of India, especially in India's Northeast, Central India and J&K, where such incidents have not elicited an adequate response in New Delhi - either at the societal or governmental level. In this case, it appears, not the na-

Second, our institutions of learning - starting from families to the Universities have also become insular. From our parents to our teachers, the primary institutions which shape the views and perceptions of us about the other, have also become localized.

As the world is getting interlinked and coming closer, unfortunately, the institutions of our first learning have become localized. Our parents and teachers have a responsibility in shaping our conscience and making it collective vs selective.

Third, the medium that brings us together and informs each other also stands localized and polarized. In today's context - the print, electronic and social media all three play a different role in bringing the people from different regions together.

The print and electronic media in particular, in South Asia, despite the media revolution and multiple channels, have become more lo-

Protests outside afzal Guru's home in Jagir, Sopore on Feb 13

ture of crime, but where it takes place.

If there is indeed a selective conscience both at the mainstream and the periphery, resulting in a dialogue of the deaf, what could be the reasons? Why are we not able to understand the sentiments of the other?

First and foremost, we as a people both at the national and regional levels are becoming more and more insular and inward looking. There is a disconnect between the societies and we not only see, but also prioritize issues from where we stand geographically.

If the "national" in South Asia sees issues from the capitals of the respective countries, the "regional" sees again from the respective capitals within the State or province.

cal, than regional. Major events and developments in the region go either unnoticed in the mainstream media, or become a small two paragraph news in the third or fifth page.

The societies, especially the institutions of learning from family to schools will have to take primary responsibility in ensuring the societies come closer at the national and peripheral levels.

This is a social issue, and if there has to be a collective conscience cutting across the societies, we should take the lead and not expect the State to help bringing us together. This is a social bridge which we will have to build and ensure we hear the other first, and listen second. Understanding will automatically follow.

The writer is Director IPCS

Slipping on security

T

here is such a paucity of competent politicians in India's grand old party that a proven failure like Sushil Kumar Shinde had to be entrusted with the sensitive portfolio of Home. It is no coincidence that concerns for internal security have heightened after Shinde's ill thought out actions of speeding long pending executions and his even less considered comments. There is a sharp difference between his motivated and prejudicial manner of functioning and that of his predecessor P. Chidambaram. Security experts say after the recent blasts in Hyderabad that there is a noticeable sense of drift in the home ministry. It is losing the momentum generated by Chidambaram.

It is tragic that the UPA 2 government is not giving the kind of attention that internal security demands. The precedents set by an alert Chidamabram are not being followed. Old time politics of blaming the opposition instead of tackling terror has been revived. It seems the matter of people being killed or inconvenienced does not matter with the government.

Chidambaram was one example of efficient functioning in the UPA government. Ever since the Mumbai attacks he had streamlined processes. According to former Intelligence Bureau chief Ajit Doval the security and intelligence set-ups were energized and he encouraged the states to gear up for the task. He says that under Shinde, that effect is waning. Chidambaram instilled a sense of purpose into the home ministry and ensured that the bureaucrats chased stiff targets in clearly spelt out action plans.

According to one report, the National Security Advisor, along with heads of Research & Analysis Wing and National Technical Research Organization, drove to his office every morning for a daily meeting and most of his key staff worked till late. The National Investigation Agency was up and running within a month after he took over and the Multi-Agency Centre within the Intelligence Bureau was reborn.

Listing the successes of the Home Ministry under Chidambaram, the report said that "two dozen terror modules were busted; the US gave India access to the Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley; Saudi Arabia had to deport key 26/11 player Abu Jundal to India; the number of paramilitary men fighting Maoists rose from 45,000 to 1.10 lakh and entered the zones liberated from Leftwing extremists for the first time; and Kashmir was retrieved from the disastrous summer of 2010."

Although Shinde has not suspended any of these programs he is not hands on like his predecessor. He has not continued the morning meetings with the security staff; the job being entrusted to National Security Adviser Shiv Shankar Menon. Chidambaram had asserted the authority of the home minister to insist that he preside over the daily morning meeting with the heads of the Intelligence Bureau, RAW, the NSA and the home secretary. Shinde had to be prodded by the Prime Minister to continue the meetings. Even then, it is reported that unlike in the past when Chidambaram would brief the PM about developments on the internal security front which came up at the meeting, it is now Menon who usually reports back to Singh on home affairs, and not Shinde.

With his divisive mentality, Shinde has been talking of Hindu and Muslim terror with pronounced finger pointing at the alleged role of the "Hindu" parties and soft-pedaling of the jihadi elements sponsored by Pakistan. Even though he has recently expressed regrets over his "Hindu terror" remarks, his partymen have gone to town claiming that he has only expressed "regrets" and has not "apologized." In an attempt to keep the political pot boiling, some partymen said the Home Minister was right in naming Hindu terror and the government stands by his remarks. It is only to ensure that the parliament session is not disrupted that he has expressed "regrets". Which means the government is happy to have Shinde as its spokesperson.

With politics taking precedence in his mind, the present Home Minister is likely to lift his pedal off the drive against terrorists and it would be no surprise if terror incidents start occurring with more regularity.

March 8, 2013

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March 8, 2013