IndiaPost_03-15-2013 by Ghanshyam Bisht

Top Stories

V O I C E

O F

I N D I A N S

W O R L D W I D E

India Post www.indiapost.com

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

Rao meets Congressman Ted Poe Details on page 7

Indian girl has higher IQ than Einstein Details on page 6

Health care overhaul rolls on despite budget Details on page 32

Mukherjee gets 2nd highest Bangla award Details on page 6

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

Should Narendra Modi apologize for Godhra riots? Last week’s result

Will Chuck Hagel change his mind on India? YES 73%

NO 27%

VOL 18, No. 965

March 15, 2013

50¢

Periodical Postage

MODI'S ADDRESS AT WHARTON CANCELLED WASHINGTON: Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's keynote address at the prestigious Wharton India Economic Forum later this month was cancelled after it was stoutly opposed by sections of Wharton professors, students and other stakeholders. "Our team felt that the potential polarizing reactions from sub-segments of the alumni base, student body, and our supporters, might put Mr Modi in a compromising position, which we would like to avoid at all costs, especially in the spirit of our conference's purpose," the Forum said in a statement. A group of Wharton's professors and students had written a strongly-worded letter saying they are outraged to learn that the Forum has invited Modi as a keynote speaker. The letter noted, "This is the same politician who was refused a diplomatic visa by the United States State Department on March 18, 2005 on the ground that he, as Chief Minister, did nothing to prevent a series of orchestrated riots that targeted Muslims in Gujarat."

Mesmerizing Bay Area concert by Ilayaraja Details on page 21

Madigan-Quinn showdown for Illinois governor Details on page 16

Indian selected for environment award Details on page 5

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 28-29 Classifieds ------------------------- 43 Community Post -------------- 16-26 Date Book -------------------------- 48 Edit Page --------------------------- 54 HealthScience Post --------- 32-36 Horoscope ------------------------- 52

WOMEN'S CAUSE: India's Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Women and

Immigration Post ------------- 46-47

Child Development, Krishna Tirath with Executive Director for UN Women, Michelle

Life Style ----------------------- 30-31

Bachelet at United Nations Office in New York. Speaking at the 57th Session of the

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

Commission of Status of Women at the United Nations, she said violence

Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4

against women is often not due to lack of legislative framework

Real Estate -------------------- 44-45

but ineffective implementation. (Details on page 7)

Details on page 5

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

TechBiz Post ------------------- 11-14 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 39-42

India Post

www.indiapost.com

March 15, 2013

www.indiapost.com

India Post

India Post www.indiapost.com

The Weekly Newspaper Serving Indians Worldwide

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

March 15, 2013

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

Publisher’s Diary

ooks like we are not going to hear the end of this or perhaps, it is Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi who is not going to hear the end of it. The end of it being his vilification for the 2002 communal riots in Gujarat. And the beginning of it would be the latest campaign that scuttled his scheduled keynote address via video conference at the Wharton India Economic Forum to be held later this month. What's interesting is that while the University of Pennsylvania itself did not care one way or the other, it is a lobby of liberal-leftist Indian Americans at the University that were bothered enough to have Modi dropped from the speakers list. On earlier occasions, at the first hint of Modi being invited to physically attend Indian American - read, Gujarati American - events, certain Indian Muslim and Christian organizations in the US used to get into an overdrive to petition the State Department to have his visa application rejected. Sometimes, in their enthusiasm, they had his visa application "rejected" even when he did not apply for it! In all this apolitical intellectuals are confused. What if Modi becomes the Prime Minister of India in the next election? Forget the Indian lobbies, would foreign governments, especially the United States, invite him for major diplomatic events or not? These questions aside, I wonder if Modi's official PR agency, APCO Worldwide, which has this impressive list of particularly redoubtable world leaders on its roster of clients, is worth paying for. I mean, they may have given Modi every populist keyword andjargon to fill his public speeches; brought some of world's biggest investors to Gujarat; and miraculously got even the mainstream English language media in India to soften up towards him, but where they have failed is in convincing a rather small band of Indian Americans in the US who repeatedly manage to keep Modi away from the US. On his part, Modi appears to be gaining from these slights, but mostly only in Gujarat. Whether he can win over the rest of the country or not, only time will tell.

BOSTON Gope Gidwani Bureau Chief

Romesh K Japra rkjapra@indiapost.com

DETROIT Ashok B Jain, M D Bureau Chief Gurminder Singh SAN DIEGO Neelu Bhardwaj Bureau Chief SACRAMENTO Madan Sharma Bureau Chief Janak Sidhra Correspondent Upen Shukla Correspondent CENTRAL VALLEY (CA) Dr Ram Saini Bureau Chief Sheila Rogers Correspondent YUBA CITY (CA) Satnam Tatla Correspondent CAROLINAS Nalini Raja Patel Correspondent INDIA Vinod Dhawan Senior Editor & Bureau Chief Tripti Parule Correspondent NEW DELHI Vinod Kumar Khatana Graphics PUNJAB Shiv Japra Bureau Chief Anil Kanwar Senior Correspondent/ Marketing DOABA, PUNJAB Romesh Kaura Correspondent HYDERABAD M Sagar Kumar Bureau Chief MUMBAI Nidhi Soparawala Correspondent Frank Fernandes Correspondent Vaidehi Patel Correspondent Hema Trivedi Marketing Diana Gabriel Marketing India Post (ISSN-1064-3868) is published weekly for $30 for 52 issues yearly by India Post, 1900 Mowry Ave # 201 Fremont, CA 94538. Periodicals postage paid at Norwalk, CA and additional mailing office. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the corporate headquarters: 1900 Mowry Ave # 201 Fremont, CA 94538 Copyright © 1994 Indamec, Inc. DISCLAIMER India Post assumes all advertisers to be reliable and responsible for all liability for their claimers

INFO-CENTER CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 1900 Mowry Ave # 201 Fremont, CA 94538 Tel: 510-797-7799, Fax: 510-790-2806; E-mail: info@indiapost.com E-SUBSCRIPTION: Vikram Paul Tel: 510-789-7520 Extn: 208; E-mail: subscribe@indiapost.com Classifieds: Tel: 510-938-8668; E-mail:classifieds@indiapost.com or Tel: 510-275-4467, E-mail: priya@indiapost.com Graphics Inquiry: Tel: 510-936-9490; E-mail: ghanshyam@indiapost.com For Editorial: Sonia Sidhu Tel: 510-797-7799; E-mail: sonia@indiapost.com

For advertisement rates call the office nearest to you: SAN FRANCISCO & SILICON VALLEY 1900 Mowry Ave # 201 Fremont, CA 94538 Tel: 510-938-8667 e-mail: nareshsodhi@gmail.com Priya Nayar: 510-579-2760 e-mail: priya@indiapost.com

ATLANTA 67 Peach Tree Dr., Ste. 102, Buckhead Atlanta, GA 30309 Tel: 404-425-3021 E-mail: sanjay@eBolo.com

HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Angry princess Soha Ali Khan, who plays a princess, has expressed displeasure at her royalty references being relentlessly rustled up.

Cover Story: Snub to Modi Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's address at Wharton India Economic Forum has been cancelled.

Community: Madigan for Guv Ms. Lisa Madigan is a front runner for likely Democratic nomination for the Illinois governor with 31.9 percent vote.

Health: Obamacare on roll Obama's health care law, a program Republicans have spent three years trying to kill, will roll out despite budget cuts.

Life Style: Kai Po Che! Abhishek Kapoor’s Kai Po Che! is a big hit at the domestic box office and is a success even in the overseas markets.

LOS ANGELES

FLORIDA 8401 West Sample Road 30, Coral Springs, Florida - 33065

12908 Indian Lane Norwalk, CA 90650 Tel: 562-441-5511, shashi19@yahoo.com

Techbiz:

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

Ajit Jain lauded

DELHI

Showering accolades, Warren Buffett has asked shareholders to "bow deeply" if they happen to see Ajit Jain.

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

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

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

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

Jin Kushal Suri Complex, 3rd Floor, 230-A, Masjid Moth, (NDSE Part-II) New Delhi - 110049 Tel: 11-46142940, 26257769 Fax: 11-46142969 E-mail:delhi@indiapost.com

28 1 16 32 30 11

MUMBAI

• Fernandes Mansion

Tam Taloa, Bassien (W) Mumbai Tel: 09619 330159

Travel:

• Hema Trivedi

Mandi

7 Crescent Chambers, Tamarind Land, Fort Mumbai 400023 Tel: 93223 44471

• Diana Gabriel

Tel: 98200 28348

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

Steeped in the grandeur of its past, Mandi has made a flourishing changeover into an effervescent and bustling city.

Cover/Top Stories

March 15, 2013

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Modi's address at Wharton cancelled WASHINGTON: Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's keynote address at the prestigious Wharton India Economic Forum later this month was cancelled after it was stoutly opposed by sections of Wharton professors, students and other stakeholders. "Our team felt that the potential polarizing reactions from subsegments of the alumni base, student body, and our supporters, might put Mr Modi in a compro-

same politician who was refused a diplomatic visa by the United States State Department on March 18, 2005 on the ground that he, as Chief Minister, did nothing to prevent a series of orchestrated riots that targeted Muslims in Gujarat." Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia is expected address the Forum on March 23. In its statement, the Forum

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi

mising position, which we would like to avoid at all costs, especially in the spirit of our conference's purpose," the Forum said in a statement. A group of Wharton's professors and students had written a strongly-worded letter saying they are outraged to learn that the Forum has invited Modi as a keynote speaker. The letter noted, "This is the

said," We do not endorse any political views and do not support any specific ideology. Our goal as a team is only to stimulate valuable dialogue on India's growth story." Modi was invited to deliver the keynote address at the Forum to be held in Philadelphia on March 22-23 via videoconference. "As it stands currently, Mr. Modi's keynote address at

Wharton India Economic Forum has been cancelled," the statement said. The Forum is an annual student-run India-centric conference hosted by the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. In its statement, the Forum said the student body was extremely impressed with Modi's credentials, governance ideologies, and leadership, which was the primary reason for his invitation. "However, as a responsible student body within the University of Pennsylvania, we must consider the impact on multiple stakeholders in our ecosystem," it said. The Forum said even as it stood by its decision to invite Modi, "we believe that this course of action (of canceling his address) would be the most appropriate in the light of reactions of the multiple stakeholders involved." "Therefore, we as a team, would like to apologies for being a catalyst that may have put Mr Modi and the Wharton School administration in a difficult position," the Forum said. The Forum said it hoped to have Modi speak at a "more appropriate forum where he can interact with students without the distraction of this kind of attention". Since its inception in 1996, the meet has emerged as one of the largest and most prestigious India-focused business confer-

ences that provides a platform for leaders to discuss the opportunities present in India and the challenges that need to be addressed.

Wharton School backs cancellation Meanwhile, ending its silence, Wharton School has backed the organizing committee of Wharton India Economic Forum (WIEF) on canceling the address of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, but regretted the confusion caused as a result of the change

A spokesman of the Aam Admi Party (AAP) in New Delhi said that WIEF has invited Activist and politician Arvind Kejriwal to replace Narendra Modi as the keynote speaker. However, a WIFE spokesman, said that no such announcement has been made in this regard so far.

Gautam Adani pulls out NEW DELHI: Adani Group has said its Chairman Gautam Adani has pulled out of Wharton India

The Forum said the student body was extremely impressed with Modi's credentials, governance ideologies, and leadership, which was the primary reason for his invitation. "However, as a responsible student body within the University of Pennsylvania, we must consider the impact” in program. "The student organizers of the upcoming Wharton India Economic Forum have announced that they have cancelled the proposed keynote address by Narendra Modi," the Wharton School said in a statement. "We appreciate the efforts our students have put forth in organizing this event and regret any confusion that may have been caused by the change in program," Wharton School said.

Economic Forum. The Gujarat-based firm, however, said Adani had taken himself out of the event almost a fortnight back in an apparent reference that his absence is not related to the cancellation of Modi's address. "Adani has conveyed his inability to join Wharton India Economic Forum long back (almost a fortnight ago) as he has other pressing commitments," an Adani Group spokesperson said.-PTI

USINPAC surprised at Indian selected for environment Hagel's remarks on India awareness award WASHINGTON: Dr Shubhalaxmi Vaylure has been selected for the US State Department's International Exchange Alumni Member of the Month for March for her dedication to build greater environmental awareness in India. Shubhalaxmi first came to the US in 2003 as part of the Fulbright Indo-American Environmental Leadership Program which took her to the University of Montana to study educational nature centers. Upon returning from this program, she drew inspiration from her Fulbright program as she implemented innovative educational programs at the Mumbai Conservation Education Center. Dr Shubhalaxmi went on to study non-profit management at Boston University through the Hubert H Humphrey Program.

This experience enabled her to bring her environmental advocacy to a new level.

Returning from the Humphrey Program, she developed online courses in natural history and worked in the organization development sector of the Bombay Natural History Society where she conducted staff training workshops Returning from the Humphrey Program, she developed online courses in natural history and

worked in the organization development sector of the Bombay Natural History Society where she conducted staff training workshops and boosted fundraising and marketing efforts to benefit the Center. In 2012, Dr Shubhalaxmi and a team of her alumni peers won support from the State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund to provide management trainings for professionals from Indian environmental NGOs. The team has already trained nearly 150 individuals. The State Department said its Bureau's Alumni Affairs Division, which supports alumni as they build on their exchange experiences, confers this award on an outstanding alumnus or alumna every month. -PTI

India Post News Service

USINPAC Chairman Sanjay Puri said, "Secretary Hagel is a veteran foreign policy expert and it would be unfortunate if he would read differently into India's humanitarian role in the rebuilding of Afghanistan. A stable and prosperous Afghanistan is in the

WASHINGTON DC: The US India Political Action Committee (USINPAC) has expressed surprise at the unfortunate remarks by then Sen. Chuck Hagel in 2011 wherein he claimed that "India has over the years financed problems for Paki- ‘Secretary Hagel is a veteran stan." Such a statement is foreign policy expert and it particularly surwould be unfortunate if he would prising given the Obama read differently into India's administration's humanitarian role in the strong support for India's con- rebuilding of Afghanistan’ structive role in Afghanistan interest of both India and Pakiand stronger US-India ties. USINPAC said it would like stan, and India's actions in that clarifications from Secretary of country are a manifestation of that understanding." Defense Hagel about this issue.

Top Stories

India Post

March 15, 2013

www.indiapost.com

12-year-old Indian girl has higher IQ than Einstein LONDON: A 12-year-old Indian-origin girl in UK has stunned everyone after she scored an incredible 162 on her IQ test - even higher than Einstein and Stephen Hawking. Neha Ramu, daughter of an Indian doctor couple, achieved a score of 162 on a Mensa IQ test the highest score possible for her age. The score puts the teen in the top one per cent of brightest people in the UK and means she is more intelligent than physicist Hawking, Microsoft founder Bill Gates and scientist Albert Einstein, who are all thought to have an IQ of 160. "Neha scored 162 on the Cattell IIIB test, putting her within the top one per cent of people in the country," a spokesman for British Mensa said. Neha's parents lived in India before moving to Britain when their daughter was seven, 'The Telegraph' reported. Neha had always performed well at school, but it was only when she took an entrance exam for her school, achieving a perfect score of 280/280, that they

realized her potential. She took the test for Mensa, a society for people with high IQs, two years later, and achieved the maximum possible score for someone aged under 18. "At first I did not really realize

It was only when she took an entrance exam for her school, achieving a perfect score of 280/280, that they realized her potential. She took the test for Mensa, a society for people with high IQs and achieved the maximum possible score what she was capable of as she wasn't being stretched at school and when she joined primary school in the UK in year three we didn't really understand the system here," her mother Jayashree said.

"I am so proud of her. Although she's been doing well at these kind of tests for sometime now this is just marvelous. I can't express the feeling," she said. Neha plans to follow her parents' footsteps into a career in medicine. She has already set her sight on a place at Harvard after taking her SATs - the American equivalent of A-levels - and achieved a score of 740 out of 800 in a test designed for 18-year-olds. A devoted Harry Potter fan and keen swimmer, Neha admitted to have found the Mensa test "quite hard". "I'm really, really happy because I found the test quite hard and I wasn't really holding out much hope that I'd be a member of Mensa," she said. "We might have a little party or something sometime soon to celebrate. I haven't told my friends yet but I've told some of my family and they are all very happy for me," said Neha. Einstein never took an IQ test as none of the modern intelligence tests existed when he was alive, but experts believe he had an IQ of around 160. -PTI

Khaleda condemns attacks on Hindus DHAKA: Bangladesh's main opposition leader Khaleda Zia has condemned recent attacks on Hindus in different parts of the country allegedly by activists of fundamentalist Jamaat-e-Islami and demanded punishment to perpetrators of the attacks. She, however, made no mention of BNP ally Jamaat-e-Islami which, according to the victims, unleashed terror against the Hindus, burning down houses and temples, shortly after a war crimes tribunal gave death sentence to Jamaat leader Delawar Hossain Sayedee. On March 1, Zia, the Chairperson of Bangladesh Nationalist Party, had blamed the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the "planned attack aimed to divert people's democratic movement and destroy the country's communal harmony".

Khaleda Zia

Now, days after the atrocities against minorities, she demanded that the government identify and punish the perpetrators through "neutral" investigation and compensate the victims. "I called upon the administra-

tion and law enforcers to prevent such attacks on minorities with an iron fist," said Khaleda. Hindus, their houses and temples had come under attacks in districts like Noakhali, Satkhira and Sirajganj. -PTI

Mukherjee receives Bangladesh's 2nd highest award DHAKA: Bangladesh has conferred its second highest award on President Pranab Mukherjee for his valuable contribution to the country's liberation war in 1971. "Your support towards our

Mukherjee said India has an abiding interest in the all-around development of Bangladesh. However, the full potential of our cooperation is yet to be tapped, he said. "Our endeavor will be to see

President Pranab Mukherjee being presented Liberation War Honour by the President of Bangladesh Md. Zillur Rahaman in Dhaka, Bangladesh

War of Liberation in 1971 was for how our bilateral cooperation can the cause of humanity and jus- bring sustained benefits to our tice... your support gave us cour- people and improve the quality of age and motivation," President their lives. This will be the litmus Zillur Rahman said after handing test of the success of our relationover a crest of 'Bangladesh ship," he said. Muktijuddho Sanmanona' (LiberaHasina described Mukherjee tion War award) to Mukherjee at as "a real friend" of Bangladesh a ceremony at the Darbar Hall in who "braving all obstacles from the Presidential Palace different quarters stood beside us (Bangabhaban) here. when the war was waged at the Mukherjee, 77, received the call of Father of the Nation crest amid a standing ovation of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur more than 200 local and Rahman and played a big role in foreign dignitaries including Prime Minister Mukherjee, 77, received the Sheikh Hasina. The President re- crest amid a standing ovasponded to the honor tion of more than 200 local by saying "I feel humble as I receive this presti- and foreign dignitaries gious award and I feel including Prime Minister that my contribution Sheikh Hasina. was modest". "As I stand here to- The President responded to night, I am filled with memories of the events the honor by saying "I feel of 1971. I was 36-years- humble as I receive this old and an MP when the prestigious awardâ&#x20AC;? people of Bangladesh engaged themselves in their liberation struggle," he mobilizing support of the internaadded. tional community for our indepenHe recalled that on June 15, dence." 1971 he had the privilege to ini"As a nation, it's an immense tiate a discussion at Rajya Sabha pride for us to have opportunity when he suggested that India to confer the 'Bangladesh should accord recognition to Muktijuddho Sammanona' on Bangladesh exile government. you." she said. -PTI

Top Stories

March 15, 2013

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Nirupama Rao meets Congressman Ted Poe India Post News Service

WASHINGTON DC: Ambassador Nirupama Rao met Congressman Ted Poe from Texas on February 28 at Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. Congressman Ted Poe is serving his 5th term in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing the 2nd District of Texas. He holds a number of important committee assignments in the Congress. He sits on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, where he is the Chairman of its Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade, as well as a Member of the Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia and Emerging Threats. Congressman Poe is also a Member of the Committee on the Judiciary, where he is the Vice Chairman of the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security. Ambassador Rao and Congressman Poe discussed the recent positive developments in India-U.S. relations, including coop-

Ambassador Rao with Congressman Ted Poe from Texas at the Capitol Hill in Washington D.C.

eration in counter-terrorism. Underscoring the shared values and interests of the two countries, Congressman Poe expressed confidence in the future of the IndiaU.S. strategic partnership. He fondly recalled his visit to India in September 2012, which he described as "very educational". He agreed with Ambassador Rao that sectors like education, health and energy had emerged as important pillars of this multi-faceted partnership. Ambassador Rao noted that Governors of a number of U.S. states were now visiting India to explore new opportunities for closer cooperation, reflecting the widening base and the depth of the India-U.S. partnership. They also exchanged views on the regional situation in South Asia. Congressman Poe said that the U.S. looked upon India as an anchor of stability in the region and as an important partner in promoting regional and global peace, security and development.

'Violence against women due to ineffective implementation' UNITED NATIONS: Violence against women is often not due to lack of legislative framework but ineffective implementation, Union Minister for Women and Child Development Krishna Tirath has told a UN panel, amid a series of violent attacks in India. "As recent events of horrific violence against women in India and other parts of the world indicate, it is often not the lack of legislative framework that hampers our efforts, but rather its ineffective implementation", Tirath said. "We, of course, need to strengthen legislative and policy framework as well", she said in her intervention during the High Level Round Table at the 57th Session of the Commission of Status of Women at the United Nations headquarters in New York. Tirath said gender-based "unequal power structures" and perception of the role of women in society are to be blamed for the violence. "The widespread nature of this problem is a manifestation of unequal power structures among men and women, and of how women's role is perceived", she said.

Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Women and Child Development Krishna Tirath at the 57th Session of the UN Commission on Status of Women, at New York on March 4

"We need to ensure that the stigmatization of victims, the trivialization of the crime and impunity of perpetrators are all

Tirath said one must debate the relevance of deeply-held beliefs and social attitudes and modify them so that they are not a hindrance to social advancement

ended," she said. Observing that besides working towards empowerment of women politically, economically and socially, Tirath said one must debate the relevance of deeplyheld beliefs and social attitudes and modify them so that they are not a hindrance to social advancement and economic progress. Noting that the Indian Government has recently taken a num-

ber of steps in this regard, she said fast track courts have been set up to try cases pertaining to violence against women. "It promulgated an ordinance in February 2013 which broadened the definition of sexual assault and harassment, and violent behavior and provided for greater accountability of public officials. The Parliament also adopted a law in February to combat sexual harassment of women

in the workplace," she said. Tirath said these measures complement existing legislative framework that address the issue of trafficking, sexual offences against children and domestic violence. The government is developing protocols for police, medical functionaries and other service providers to improve coordination of its response to victims of violence, she said. -PTI

Top Stories

India Post

March 15, 2013

www.indiapost.com

HIV cured in baby in the US for first time WASHINGTON: In a breakthrough, a two-year-old baby girl in the US born with HIV has been "functionally cured" for the first time, scientists have said. US Researchers said they be-

cannot detect the virus in the blood. The finding was announced at the 2013 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections in Atlanta.

Dr Deborah Persaud, lead researcher and a virologist at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, presented the findings at the Conference. The results of the findings could possibly lead to a cure for children infected with HIV lieve early intervention - in this case within 30 hours of birth - with three anti-viral drugs was key to the outcome. A "functional cure" is when the presence of the virus is so small, life-long treatment is not necessary and standard clinical tests

sissippi was born HIV-positive to a mother who received no prenatal care and was not diagnosed as HIV-positive herself until just before delivery. "We didn't have the opportunity to treat the mom during the pregnancy as we would like to be able do to prevent transmission to the baby," said Dr Hannah Gay. Gay, a pediatric HIV specialist at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, was quoted by CNN as saying that the timing of intervention in this case, before the baby was diagnosed HIVpositive, may deserve "more emphasis than the particular drugs or number of drugs used." "We are hoping that future studies will show that very early institution of effective therapy will result in this same outcome consistently," she said. "This is a proof of concept that

HIV can be potentially curable in infants," she said. In 2007, Timothy Ray Brown became the first person in the world believed to have recovered from HIV. His infection was eradicated through an elaborate treatment for leukaemia that involved the destruction of his immune system and a stem cell transplant from a donor with a rare genetic mutation that resists HIV infection. In contrast, the case of the Mississippi baby involved a cocktail of widely available drugs already used to treat HIV infection in infants. It suggests the treatment wiped out HIV before it could form hideouts in the body. These so-called reservoirs of dormant cells usually rapidly re-

infect anyone who stops medication, Persaud said. Dr Katherine Luzuriaga, an immunologist at the University of Massachusetts who worked

Dr Deborah Persaud

closely with Gay, called the developments fascinating, including the fact that the toddler was found to have no virus in her blood even after her mother stopped giving her treatment for eight to 10 months. -PTI

India-China maritime rivalry China defends hefty not inevitable: NSA defense budget NEW DELHI: India-China maritime rivalry is "not inevitable" as both the countries have a common interest in keeping the sea lines of communication open for

initiated a separate dialogue on maritime security and cooperation. "In my view Sino-Indian maritime rivalry is not inevitable... Both India and China have a common

Shiv Shankar Menon

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;In my view Sino-Indian maritime rivalry is not inevitable... Both India and China have a common interest in keeping the sea lines of communication through the Indian and western pacific oceans openâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; their trade and energy flows, National Security Advisor (NSA) Shiv Shankar Menon said here. Addressing a gathering here on the occasion of a book launch, he said the navies of the two countries are also cooperative and have

interest in keeping the sea lines of communication through the Indian and western pacific oceans open. These lines are vital to Indian's trade and energy flows. So are they for China," he said. Menon also said that in the last

decade presence of both India and China across the Strait of Malacca have become normal. "That is reality that has happened simultaneously on both sides of the Strait without apparent frictions. These are natural consequences of development of India and China. As we both globalize this will happen... I think these are natural consequences," he said. The NSA cited their involvement in anti-piracy operations of the two navies in their increasing cooperation. "The two navies are also cooperative, whether on anti-piracy off the Somali coast, the Gulf of Aden and other instances," he said. Last year India and China decided to initiate a separate dialogue on maritime security and cooperation and this should offer a way forward for us, he added. "What is missing in the Indian Ocean, the near seas and the Western Pacific is the over-arching security architecture, within which the naval actors and states conduct their activities and cooperate, mitigating conflicts and avoiding competition," Menon said. He noted that Indian Navy is also building its capability to defend the country's interests. "The Indian Navy is building capacity to deal directly and, along with friendly navies, in the Indian Ocean to defend the interests of the nation," he said. -PTI

BEIJING: China has said that nounces though Beijing asserts its defensive military policies that it is the real amount. played a "core role" in mainOver and above the defense taining peace and stability in spending China allocated over Asia, playing down speculation USD 110 billion for internal seof a hefty rise in its defense curity which meant that the spending amid standoff with country is spending far more on Japan and others over disputed its police forces to maintain a islands. tight control over people. "China's peaceful foreign Analysts say that considerpolicies and its defensive mili- ing that massive defense tary policies are conducive to projects China has undertaken security and peace of Asia," Fu including to build new aircraft Ying, spokesperson for the first carriers and the development of session of the National People's Congress (NPC), China has increased its told a press conference here ahead of defense spending manifold the release of bud- in the recent budgets taking getary allocations. "It's not good it to over USD 106.4 billion news to the world last year which is far above that a country as large as China is un- India's this year's defense able to protect itbudget of USD 37.4 billion self," Fu, a former Vice Foreign Minister, said without disclosing this fighters jets to land on the caryear's defense budget allocation, riers as well as new missile syswhich is a break from the past. tems and weaponry, this year's China has increased its de- budget could be even higher. fense spending manifold in the China's rapid militarization recent budgets taking it to over comes in the midst of its raging USD 106.4 billion last year dispute with Japan over the iswhich is far above India's this lands in East China as well as year's defense budget of USD assertiveness in taking control 37.4 billion. of the disputed South China Many international analysts Sea brushing aside the claims say China's defense budget is of several South East Asian far higher than it actually an- Countries. -PTI

Top Stories

March 15, 2013

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Indian-origin lottery winner's death still unclear CHICAGO: Autopsy of Indianorigin businessman Urooj Khan, who died last year after winning a USD one million jack pot, revealed no trace of cyanide in his body apparently because it dissolves quickly, a medical examiner said here. "The route of administration of cyanide cannot be confirmed in the autopsy," Dr Stephen Cina, the Cook County Medical examiner, told reporters at a news conference here. Cina said the autopsy revealed nothing new to help Chicago police in the investigation of the million-dollar lottery winner's cyanide poisoning death in July last year. He said the body was badly decomposed and the autopsy could not confirm how the cyanide entered his body. The autopsy did reveal 75 per cent blockage in one of 46-yearold Khan's coronary arteries, but

the medical examiner still ruled that Khan died of cyanide toxicity - with heart disease as a "contributing factor." "Once again, the manner of

equately preserved," he said. "In this case, due to advance putrefaction of the tissues, no cyanide was detectable in the tissues or small amounts of gastric

the blood." The autopsy of Khan's body was conducted after his body was exhumed in January from the Rose Hill Cemetery in Chicago. Khan had come to the US from his home in Hyderabad in 1989 and set up several dry-cleaning businesses in Chicago.

Khan's death was originally attributed to natural causes. A relative later requested the Cook County Medical Examiner take another look. After examining fluid samples, a lethal level of cyanide was found and Khan's death was declared a homicide. PTI

Emulate Indian n-liability law: Delhi lawyer tell Japan

File picture of the award winner

death is cyanide toxicity. Coronary artery disease is deemed a contributory condition, and the manner of death is homicide," Cina said. "Cyanide has a short half-life and may be lost over the postmortem period unless tissues are ad-

content recovered following exhumation of the body." When asked if Khan could have died of a heart attack, Cina said, "As a pathologist you have to look at the totality of the evidence. And I don't see how I can ignore a lethal level of cyanide in

NEW DELHI: A Delhi lawyer has suggested Japanese lawmakers to draft their nuclear liability law on the Indian legislation to ensure that suppliers of plant equipment do not go scot free in case of an accident. Bikash Mohanty made these suggestions to Japanese lawmakers at a public discussion in the Japanese Parliament building, a Greenpeace statement said. Japan is in the process of amending the Act on Compensation for Nuclear Damage, 1961 after it realized that the supplier of nuclear reactor could not be held responsible under its weak liability laws.

The nuclear liability regime must provide for supplier liability to keep this balance so that all the benefactors of this dangerous enterprise share the devastating effects of nuclear disaster as a common burden, Mohanty was quoted as saying by Greenpeace. "The Indian law as an extension of the right to life with dignity, is a paradigm shift worth emulating," he said. Kazue Suzuki, a Greenpeace Japan campaigner, said Japan must follow India's example, make all nuclear companies fully accountable for the damage they cause, and put its people before industry profit. -PTI

Top Stories

10 India Post

March 15, 2013

www.indiapost.com

Indian-origin doctors claim 'inequality' in UK exams LONDON: A group of Indianorigin physicians has launched a legal action against the regulatory body for doctors in the UK, alleging that the exam, which confirms a doctor has satisfactorily completed specialty training and is competent to enter independent practice, is flawed and discriminates against international trainees. The British Association of Physicians of Indian-Origin (BAPIO) claims there is a "significant difference in pass rates" between UK and international graduates, including those of Indian origin. Their lawyers have started a legal bid against the regulator, the General Medical Council (GMC), and standards body, the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP). "BAPIO is seeking a Judicial Review of the way the RCGP conducts the MRCGP exam. Our lawyers claim there is a significant difference in pass rates which cannot be explained by a lack of any knowledge, skill or competency on the part of the International Medical Graduates (IMGs), which include those of Indian origin," Ramesh Mehta, President of BAPIO said in a statement. The BAPIO argues that these

graduates will have already passed the GMC's PLAB test (which includes an English language test and demonstrates that graduates have the necessary skills and knowledge to practice medicine in the UK), a rigorous examination for entry into GP training and on-going assessments. RCGP figures show that 65.3 per

Our lawyers claim there is a significant difference in pass rates which cannot be explained by a lack of any knowledge, skill or competency on the part of the International Medical Graduates (IMGs) cent of IMGs failed their first attempt at the Clinical Skills Assessment (CSA) component of the MRCGP exam in 2011/12, compared with 9.9 per cent of UK graduates. In 2010/11, 59.2 per cent of IMGs failed at the first attempt,

compared with 8.2 per cent of UK graduates. In 2008, 43 per cent of IMGs failed the CSA compared with 8.3 per cent of UK graduates. These doctors are failed in spite of the fact that they will have had supervised training for three years during which time each of them would have seen on an average 3,000 patients without any complaints. To reach this stage they would also have had good feedback from trainers and colleagues and would have passed the theory test. BAPIO says increasing numbers of GP trainees have been contacting them regarding concerns about the CSA. This exam is intended to mimic practice as a GP and test a trainee's clinical skills. Each candidate is required to see a number of patients, each of whom is an actor role-playing to present a clinical case. BAPIO's lawyers argue that opportunity for bias arises in the face-to-face assessment trainees undergo during the mock consultation. It appears that during the exam a physician's intellectual ability is judged on the basis of how well he or she speaks native English. BAPIO's case will be that for these reasons the differential pass rates demonstrate unlawful dis-

'Terror safe havens in Pak a significant challenge' WASHINGTON: The presence of terrorist safe havens in Pakistan's tribal areas and Islamabad's reluctance to take action against Haqqani network poses a significant challenge to the US in the region, a top American Senator has said. "In many of my meetings, I raise the Haqqani issue. We discuss the insurgents' safe havens in Pakistan and how to best address them. They obviously remain a significant challenge absent a strategic shift in Pakistan's thinking and ability to take on groups like the Haqqanis," Senator Robert Menendez, Chairman of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Menendez, who recently replaced John Kerry as the Chairman of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has just returned from his maiden trip to Afghanistan and Pakistan in this new capacity. In Pakistan, Menendez held meetings with Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and Army

Chief Ashfaq Pervez Kayani. "Afghans and Pakistanis don't want us to stay as an occupier, which we have no intention or desire, but they also don't want us to abandon them," he said. "....We need to make clear to

If we cut off aid to them then they're going to get their financial resources from somewhere. And it will just further alienate, in my opinion, the Pakistan-US relationship," Republican Senator Saxby Chambliss said our Afghan and Pakistani partners that the United States will be committed in Afghanistan even as we draw our forces and leave behind a residual presence," Menendez said.

Meanwhile, another American Senator opposed any move to cut the US aid to the country arguing that this would further alienate Islamabad from Washington. "It is important...that we try to continue to maintain some relationship with Pakistanis. I'm not one who thinks we need to cut off aid to the Pakistanis because of that. If we cut off aid to them then they're going to get their financial resources from somewhere. And it will just further alienate, in my opinion, the Pakistan-US relationship," Republican Senator Saxby Chambliss said. Responding to questions at the American Enterprise Institute - a Washington-based think-tank Chambliss feared that the nuclear weapons in Pakistan could land into wrong hands in case of a terrorist takeover of the country. "What I do have a great fear of is a terrorist getting their hands on tactical nuclear weapons that were not dealt with in START and delivering those weapons to the United States or to an asset of the United States somewhere.-PTI

crimination under the Equality Act 2010. Negotiations with the RCGP have so far failed to resolve BAPIO's concerns. BAPIO is also pursuing Employment Tribunal action against the RCGP for individual GP trainees who have failed the CSA and been removed for training. It says IMGs who fail are left with bleak career prospects.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Training a doctor to be a GP costs the UK tax payer 488,730 which seems a profligate waste of resource considering that an estimated 300 doctors have been removed from training because of their failure to pass the CSAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Once trainees have exhausted the number of attempts allowed at the MRCGP examination they are then ejected from the training program leaving them with no career prospects in general practice. Dr Ramesh Mehta, President of BAPIO said: "Patient safety is

paramount. These doctors have had extensive interaction over a period of many years with their trainers and patients without significant concerns. "For them to be judged to be so grossly incompetent in a short exit exam either reflects poorly on years of training, which is unlikely, or it is because the exit exam is flawed". "Training a doctor to be a GP costs the UK tax payer 488,730 which seems a profligate waste of resource considering that an estimated 300 doctors have been removed from training because of their failure to pass the CSA. Legal remedy has always been our last resort. We hope that the Judicial Review will help to expose flaws in the system. Professor Rajan Madhok, Chairman of BAPIO said:"...Our QC feels that BAPIO has a strong case, and hopefully justice will be done and allow these doctors to help the NHS in these hard times. Racial discrimination in the NHS is a lose: lose proposition, and the sooner it is addressed the better it will be for the patients, the exchequer and the society at large." Currently there are over 40,000 doctors of Indian-origin working in the NHS. -PTI

Zardari dismisses US opposition to Iran-Pak pipeline LAHORE: No power in the world can halt the 7.5 billion IranPakistan gas pipeline project, President Asif Ali Zardari has said, dismissing mounting US opposition to the venture that will be formally inaugurated on March 11. "Nobody has the power to halt this project," Zardari said during an interaction with senior editors and TV anchors at his private residence in Lahore. Pakistan, he said, is a sovereign and independent country and it was acting in its national interests by going ahead with the pipeline. The pipeline will be formally inaugurated on March 11 in Iranian city of Chahbahar and dignitaries from regional countries have been invited to the event, Zardari said.

Asked about US opposition to the project, Zardari said Pakistan can make decisions independently and sign an agreement with any country to tackle its energy crisis. He expressed the hope that with time, critics of the project will appreciate Pakistan's growing en-

Asif Ali Zardari

ergy needs and the requirement of the pipeline. "Pakistan does not want confrontation with anyone and firmly believes that negotiations and dialogue are the best tools to create greater understanding of issues," he said.-PTI

Tech News G P Hinduja describes budget as bold LONDON: Describing the Indian Budget for 2013-14 as "bold", Co-Chairman of the Hinduja Group G P Hinduja has said that it would restore global investors' interest in India as an investment destination. "This budget is bound to restore interest in India as an investment destination, amongst global investors," Hinduja said, commenting on the Budget presented by Finance Minister P Chidambaram. He said the Finance Minister has managed to put investment as a pivot of the economic management of the country and even delivered the surprise package of investment allowance. "By decisive cuts in subsidies and broadening the tax base, he (Chidambaram) has shown determination to manage the fiscal deficit, which has averted the risk of rating downgrades, which would have most certainly scared away global investors," Hinduja said.-PTI

TechBiz 11 India Post

www.indiapost.com

March 15, 2013

Bow deeply when you see Ajit Jain: Warren Buffett NEW YORK: Describing him as one of Berkshire Hathaway's terrific managers, billionaire investor Warren Buffett has said that Ajit Jain insures risks that "no one else has the desire or the capital to take on".

ian investor at Berkshire Hathaway. Jain runs the Reinsurance Group, one of the most profitable ventures of the conglomerate. Noting that Berkshire's out-

Microsoft launches Office 365 for India NEW DELHI: Software giant Microsoft has launched its Office 365 for businesses in India, which will provide seamless sharing of data across PCs and mobiles using cloud computing technology. "Office 365 unlocks social and mobility scenarios that will allow businesses and individuals to take full advantage of cloud computing. It gives them the freedom to

do things, when, where and how they want," Microsoft India Chairman Bhaskar Pramanik said. Since the solutions are cloudbased, users can access their mails and files through a variety of devices like desktops, laptops and mobile phones and work on projects while on the move, he added. Cloud computing facilitates sharing of technological resources, software and digital information. Since it is Internet-based, data and solutions can be accessed from anywhere using a browser. -PTI

Chief Executive-Automotive Division, Mahindra and Mahindra Limited, Pravin Shah poses for media during the unveiling of new Maxximo Plus mini-truck

Ajit Jain

Showering accolades, Buffett asked shareholders to "bow deeply" if they happen to see Jain at the annual meeting. India-origin Jain, who has been associated with Buffett for nearly three decades, has long been speculated to be a potential candidate to succeed the octogenar-

standing economics exist only because of some terrific managers, Buffett said that Jain insures risks that no one else has the desire or the capital to take on. "His operation combines capacity, speed, decisiveness and, most important, brains in a manner unique in insurance business.

Yet he never exposes Berkshire to risks that are inappropriate in relation to our resources," Buffett wrote in his annual letter to shareholders released on March 1. Starting from 1985, Jain has created an insurance business with float of USD 35 billion and a significant cumulative underwriting profit, a feat that no other insurance CEO has come close to matching, the famed investor noted. "He (Jain) has thus added a great many billions of dollars to the value of Berkshire. If you meet Ajit (Jain) at the annual meeting, bow deeply," Buffett said. Famed for his investment decisions, Buffett said that his group is more conservative in avoiding risk than most large insurers. "For example, if the insurance industry should experience a USD 250 billion loss from some megacatastrophe - a loss about triple anything it has ever experienced Berkshire as a whole would likely record a significant profit for the year because it has so many streams of earnings. "All other major insurers and reinsurers would meanwhile be far in red, with some facing insol-

vency," the letter said. Last year, Berkshire saw an increase of USD 22.8 billion in its net worth, after accounting for USD 1.3 billion that was used for repurchasing stocks. Taking a shot at CEOs who said they were faced with uncertainty in terms of capital allocation deci-

Warren Buffett

sions last year, Buffett said that he did not share their fears. "At Berkshire, we didn't share their fears, instead spending a record USD 9.8 billion on plant and equipment in 2012, about 88 per cent of it in the United States. "That's 19 per cent more than we spent in 2011, our previous high. Charlie and I love investing large sums in worthwhile projects, whatever the pundits are saying," the letter said. -PTI

Mukesh Ambani India's richest for 6th year NEW YORK: With networth of USD 21.5 billion, Mukesh Ambani has retained his title as India's richest person for sixth year in a row, while Mexican business tycoon Carlos Slim has emerged as wealthiest in the world for the fourth consecutive year. In the overall rich list of world's billionaires, as per an annual ranking by business magazine Forbes, Mukesh Ambani is ranked 22nd, while the secondrichest Indian Lakshmi Mittal is

at 41st position with a networth of USD 16.5 billion. Slim has topped the rankings with a networth of USD 73 billion, followed by Bill Gates (USD 67 bil-

lion), Spain's Amancio Ortega (USD 57 billion), Warren Buffett (USD 53.5 billion) and Larry Ellison (USD 43 billion) in top five. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 12

In the overall rich list of world's billionaires, as per an annual ranking by business magazine Forbes, Mukesh Ambani is ranked 22nd, while the second-richest Indian Lakshmi Mittal is at 41st position with a networth of USD 16.5 billion

Mukesh Ambani

TechBiz Post

India Post

March 15, 2013

www.indiapost.com

Seagate to launch wireless storage devices in India NEW DELHI: Seagate, a USbased hard disk supplier, has said it will launch its latest wireless storage solutions, which provides automatic backup, remote access from outside a home network among other niche features, for the Indian market by April. This will include the NASDAQlisted company's next generation networked home storage solution, Seagate Central, and wireless storage product, Seagate Wireless Plus. "Smartphones and tablets offer amazing new opportunities for Seagate to provide new consumer storage solutions in an increasingly mobile world," Seagate Executive Director (Sales) Japan, South Asia, ASEAN and ANZ Futoshi Niizuma said. The concept of wireless storage has been developed by the company to give consumers freedom to enjoy their data, movies, photos and music anywhere in the world, he added. Seagate's Central Shared Stor-

Futoshi Niizuma, Executive Drector, Seagare Technology with Country Manager of Seagate Technology for India, SAARC, Vietnam, Philippines, Rajesh Khurana, during the launch of Seagate Central shared storage in New Delhi on March 5

age has been designed as an easy, centralized backup for each computer in the home, even in a mixed platform environment of Windows OS and Mac OS X computers. The company has priced Central with 2 tera byte (TB) at Rs 10,500, 3 TB at Rs 14,400 and 4 TB at Rs 17,700. Seagate's Wireless Plus is designed to wirelessly stream content for up to eight smartphones or tablets with enough space for up to 500 high-definition movies. Besides, it also includes a 10-hour battery life. The Wireless Plus supports all major mobile devices, including iOS and Android devices, Blu-ray players and Amazon Kindle HD. It is priced at Rs 16,000 for 1 TB and Rs 11,500 for 500 giga byte (GB). The products will be marketed through Seagate's distributors in India - Redington, Ingram Micro, Supertron Electronics and Fortune Marketing. -PTI

IT industry to focus on mobile tech, big data BANGALORE: The IT industry will focus on internet and mobile technology, big data and cloud computing technologies for speedy growth in order to achieve USD 300 billion revenue by 2020, Nasscom has said. "The IT industry has a vision and aspiration to aggregate USD 300 billion revenue by 2020 by focusing on IT products, Internet and mobile technology, big data, cloud computing and 3G/4G technologies, for speedy growth," NASSCOM Expert Committee Chairperson N R Narayana Murthy told reporters here. To achieve the milestone, NASSCOM in July 2012 set up an independent Expert Committee to address key needs of the industry in order to help realize Vision 2020. The findings and recommendations of the committee report address the growth opportunity for IT industry by size and potential

as well as key enablers for NASSCOM to partner industry in building future growth opportunities, he said. Murthy said the report would

help IT industry realize 2020 Vision by not only identifying distinct priority areas, but putting together focused deliverables for each of those areas.

and commerce) segment. It has also recommended reconstituting the Executive Council for adequate representation for seven identified priority verticals. The recommendations will be implemented in a phased manner and NASSCOM Vice Chairman Krishnakumar Natarajan will help lead it. The report also recommends helping develop capabilities in next generation technologies and platforms in partnership with the industry, Murthy said, adding that NASSCOM will set up five centers of excellence in five years. NASSCOM Chairman N Chandrasekaran said the report

also recommends positioning India as an innovative solution provider and destination of choice and forge partnerships to increase industry collaboration. It lays emphasis on expanding market access through country specific initiatives and work with governments to promote freetrade, he said. It recommends realignment of NASSCOM structure to specific verticals (IT and Services, BPM, GICs, ER&D, Internet and Mobile, Products, Domestic Market) and enablers (Global Trade, Policy Advocacy, Outreach, Skills and Talent, Regional Connect), Chandrasekaran said. -PTI

Mukesh Ambani India's richest for 6th year N R Narayana Murthy Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 11

He said seven pivotal initiatives have been highlighted in the report that will enable NASSCOM achieve the target. The report highlights the initiative of expanding focus on industry segments based on size and potential, he said, adding the potential of IT industry is in Internet and mobile (content

There are a total 55 billionaires from India on the list of 1,426 persons from across the world having a minimum networth of USD 1 billion. Among the Indians, Mukesh Ambani and Lakshmi Mittal are followed by Azim Premji, Dilip Shanghvi, Shashi & Ravi Ruia, Kumar Mangalam Birla, Savitri Jindal, Sunil Mittal, Shiv Nadar, K P Singh and Anil Ambani. Globally, Anil Ambani is ranked 233rd (USD 5.2 billion), while the global top-100 list has only three

Indians - Mukesh Ambani, Lakshmi Mittal and Azim Premji (91st position). About Mukesh Ambani, Forbes said that his fortune has dropped by USD one billion over the past one year, but he "remains India's richest person and his Reliance Industries remains country's most valuable company". On the other hand, his younger brother Anil Ambani saw his networth drop by USD 2.6 billion in the past one year, "continuing a three-year decline in his fortune." -PTI

TechBiz Post

March 15, 2013

India Post

www.indiapost.com

All-women bank to start operations from Nov NEW DELHI: India's first allwomen bank will start operations from November this year through six branches spread across the length and breadth of the country, Finance Minister P Chidambaram said here. "It will be inaugurated in November. Initially we should start with at least one branch in each major region of this country, South, West, East, Centre, North and North-east. So that will mean immediately we should start with six branches," he told PTI in an interview. On whether the idea of a women's bank had been suggested by Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Chidambaram said: "It is part of the Jaipur Dec-

P Chidambaram

laration that we should consider setting up a bank for women. It

British cos looking for opportunities in India NEW DELHI: British companies are looking for opportunities in India, especially in the infrastructure space that is expected to see investments worth USD 1 trillion in five years, according to global consultancy Deloitte. Apart from infrastructure, UK companies are also interested to invest in other high growth potential sectors such as finance, education and health. Rising demand from emerging middle class population in India

India is expected to see an investment of about USD 1 trillion in the current Five Year Plan (201217), with significant contribution expected from the private sector. Last month, British Prime Minister David Cameron visited India along with a large delegation of businessmen. The United Kingdom, including many companies from that nation, already have substantial investments in India. Presently, UK accounts only for about two per cent Rising demand from emerg- of India's global imports, a Deloitte report ing middle class population has said. The Indian middle in India offers good growth class, according to opportunities, Deloitte's Vice Naidoo, would witness Chairman (International Mar- an unprecedented growth in the near fukets and Lead Partner, Africa ture. This section of the India would then and India Services Groups) demand world-class in the UK Vassi Naidoo said. services in infrastruceducation, "UK has significant capability ture, healthcare and finanin technology and innovative cial services, he added. "The (growing) skills... these can be used in middle class is the catapartnership with Indiaâ&#x20AC;? lyst," Naidoo said. Further, according to offers good growth opportunities, Deloitte, India's infrastructure secDeloitte's Vice Chairman (Interna- tor provide opportunities for tional Markets and Lead Partner, world's manufacturing, energy and Africa and India Services Groups) telecommunications players to acin the UK Vassi Naidoo said. celerate their presence. "UK has significant capability "Indian infrastructure is not in technology and innovative world class and needs to be upskills... these can be used in part- graded, we have a lot of experinership with India that goes be- ence in the field...we (UK) would yond trading. We (UK companies) like out builders, technicians to want to share our knowledge and work in collaborative fashion with commercialize it for benefit of both India and lend support in this secthe countries," he told PTI. tor," he added. -PTI

is completely consistent with my own instincts and leanings.

Chidambaramâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Budget credit positive: Moodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s NEW DELHI: Raising hopes of a sovereign credit upgrade, global rating agency Moody's has applauded Finance Minister P Chidambaram's Budget saying that it pursues realistic fiscal consolidation path and is 'credit positive'. "India's budget pursues realistic fiscal consolidation, a credit positive for the sovereign", said Moody's in its credit outlook for the country. Chidambaram in his Budget for 2013-14 proposed to bring down the fiscal deficit to 4.8 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from 5.2 per cent in the revised estimates for the current financial year. "This plan of modest fiscal consolidation is credit positive for the sovereign because, against a backdrop of subdued GDP growth and upcoming elections, it is a realistic effort to correct India's macroeconomic imbalances", the rating agency said. Earlier, ratings agencies like Standard and Poor's and Fitch had threatened to downgrade India's sovereign credit rating to junk grade in view of the worsening fiscal position of the government. They also are likely to come out with fresh assessment in the backdrop of the Budget proposals. Moody's had assigned BAA3 rating to India, which indicates investment grade rating with stable outlook. The report further said that fiscal consolidation proposed by Chidambaram could pave the way for monetary easing, which would revive growth.-PTI

Therefore, I accepted the idea and announced a national bank for women." He further said he will assemble the best brains from the industry to chalk-out a blueprint on the bank by month-end. "I'm going to ask a couple of bankers and a couple of others to sit together and write a blueprint for me. Hopefully, the blueprint will be ready by the end of March and then we will go ahead and try to implement it," he said. The country is all set to get an all-women bank in November this year with the government announcing an initial capital of Rs 1,000 crore for the purpose. According to the Finance Minister, there will be "no problem in getting a license" for the all-women bank as it will be 100 per cent owned by the government of India.

I hope to complete all the preparatory work by October, he said. Asked whether there will be some special schemes offered to women, Chidambaram said: "That will be in the blueprint that is being written. Let them write the blueprint and then I will make it public." Chidambaram had proposed setting up of the country's first all-women bank while presenting the Budget on February 28. The proposed bank will lend mostly to women and womenrun businesses, provide support to women Self Help Groups (SHGs) and their livelihood. Moreover, it will employ predominately women which addresses the gender-related issues and empowerment and financial inclusion. However, it will take deposits from men and women both. -PTI

TechBiz Post

India Post

March 15, 2013

www.indiapost.com

Govt urged to increase limit of duty free gold for NRIs WASHINGTON: An Indian American organization has asked the Indian government to increase the limit of duty free gold that an NRI couple can bring to India. The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) in a statement has asked the Indian government to increase the limit to Rs 3 lakh from the current Rs 1.5 lakh. "The proposed increasing limit of duty-free import of jewellery through passenger baggage to Rs 50,000 for men and Rs 1,00,000 for women will not prevent harassment to travelers but will also play an important role in increasing the corruption at the airports," NAPA spokesman Satnam Singh Chahal said. "If the government of India is

serious to attract Non Resident Indian to invest and contribute in the all over development of India then it should make it sure that there should not be any kind of harassment to NRI Visiting India," he said.

NAPA also asked the government to make equity investment more attractive and Equity Savings Scheme should be liberalized to enable the first time investor to invest in mutual funds. -PTI

134 mn children in India likely to be online by 2017 HYDERABAD: The number of children in the country expected to come online by 2017 is likely to more than triple to 134 million from about 40 million last year, according to a study by Boston Consulting Group (BCG). "For India, the study expects 95 million new children to come online by 2017 (in other words, the majority of the new children com-

CEO Jon Fredrik Baksaas said: "We see that the benefits of internet far outweigh the harm that can result from it, but we cannot afford to be complacent." "We commissioned this study in an effort to increase transparency about risks to youth that result from increased access, while simultaneously analyzing the best ways to deal with this from a

study defined resilience as a child's ability to be exposed to risk without harm, and to cope and recover faster if harm occurs. "Factors such as education levels, online experience over time and a country's institutional strength in protecting its citizens all contribute to the resilience of an individual. "While the legal framework in the country is an important starting point, the study concludes that more is required in order to reduce risk, and, in particular, increase resilience among youth," Haans said in a release. -PTI

Govt to take over possession of RIM infrastructure NEW DELHI: The Government plans to take possession of the server and other infrastructure placed by BlackBerry in Mumbai to test the solution offered by the smart phone maker for legal interception of Internet communication. According to an internal note of Telecom Ministry, prepared after testing the interception of various services of BlackBerry by central security agencies, it was recommended to "initiate a process to take over the possession of RIM infrastructure created at Western Coastal Indian city Mumbai for which a suitable agreement may be entered between Department of Telecommunication and Canada-based Research In Motion (RIM), manufacturer of the smart phone. After initially being reluctant in sharing information, RIM has now been complying with the requirements of the government to ensure that all its services are intercepted in readable format and in real time, as and when required by the security agencies. Giving details of the findings of the tests carried out, the security agencies said there was an urgent need for decrypting the internet browsing services being offered on the smart phone by April this year as the RIM team had been able to provide only a temporary solution to this. The 'attachments' with the

emails generated under the BlackBerry Internet Services (BIS) from the smart phone also could not be downloaded in real time, it was stated. It was also recommended that there was a need for negotiating with RIM to provide Personal Identification Number (PIN) and International Mobile Equipment Identification (IMEI) list for all the BlackBerry handsets. "With respect to PIN to IMEI resolution, the tested solution is apparently satisfactory for all the handsets officially shipped to In-

dia. With regard to handsets shipped to other countries, RIM intimated that PIN to IMEI correlation in such cases can be obtained through BlackBerry Public safety office (PSO)," the note said, adding, "We may negotiate with RIM to provide the entire IMEIPIN correlation data of other countries." In the meantime, telecom service providers have been asked to complete testing of their equipment at the earliest so that the security agencies are satisfied with legal interception of mails and messages as and when required. PTI

CSIR to provide indigenous technologies in villages ing online will be in India). "In total, the study expects 134 million Indian children to be online by 2017, up from 39.5 million in 2012," the study, which was conducted by BCG for European telecom major Telenor, said. A total of 176 million children will be online by 2017 in Telenor's 11 markets plus Russia, and the majority of these children will be using a mobile device as their first point of access, the study said. Telenor Group president and

telecom perspective. Our conclusion is that resilience building is the most effective means to prepare youth to face the online world." More than 14 million children (in 12 markets) may potentially be exposed to harmful online content and as many as 35 million (in 12 markets) children may have experienced some form of cyber bullying, the study said. Knut Haans, the Global Leader of BCG's Strategy Practice, said the

NEW DELHI: Rural folks may soon be able to earn some supplementary income using technology interventions from the country's leading laboratories. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is sending its scientists to villages to identify technologies that would help people earn some extra income. Under the CSIR-800 program, the TechVill initiative will make technologies developed at CSIR's 37 laboratories available to the villages. "We have some amazing technologies like extracting oil from aromatic flowers, encouraging

Tulsi cultivation in areas of water shortage, simple techniques to delay ripening of fruits," Samir Brahmachari, Director-General, CSIR, told PTI. The CSIR plans to set up 25 TechVills to begin with and later

At the beginning, five TechVills are coming up at two locations in West Bengal, one each in Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh

take the initiative to at least 100 locations. Brahmachari said similar technology interventions were already benefiting horticulturists in Kashmir, who were now exporting lavender oil, extracted using CSIR technologies, instead of flowers. At the beginning, five TechVills are coming up at two locations in West Bengal, one each in Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. "Students pursuing doctoral research at CSIR academy will be posted at TechVills for a period of eight weeks as part of their program," Brahmachari said.-PTI

March 15, 2013

www.indiapost.com

India Post 15

Desi News Mesmerizing Ilayaraja concert in Bay area VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service

SAN JOSE: Isaignani Ilayaraja is synonymous with divine music. For him, creating music is almost like feeling God and it takes the listener on an ethereal trip. His live concert was a dream come true for the vast community of Indian music lovers, and numerous fans of Maestro Ilaiyaraja in the USA, particularly in the West Coast. Bay area was fortunate to experience his magical music with his live orchestration comprising 90 plus world renowned musicians at HP Pavilion, San Jose on March 1. The grand event was organized by Swagat Entertainments, Bay Area Telugu Association (BATA) and Kalalaya. With an estimated 8500 music lovers in attendance, Maestro Ilaiyaraja made a celebration of Tamil and Telugu music. Details on page 21

A Pakistani girl's dream & mission celebrated Asian Media USA

ROLLING MEADOWS: Human Development Foundation (HDF) and Kulsoom Foundation celebrated 'Rahmania for Sonia' on Saturday February 23 at Meadows Club, Rolling Meadows, a northwest suburb of Chicago. Hosted by Kulsoom Foundation and attended by over 400 people, the theme of the evening was 'A Girl, A Dream, A Mission'. It was about Sonia Shah who wanted to help poor girls of a small village in Pakistan by building a school but could not complete her mission due to a tragic accident in summer of 2012. Details on page 18

Role of Seniors in upholding Hinduism

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

16 India Post

March 15, 2013

Details on page 25

It is Madigan-Quinn showdown in Illinois governor race SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: The result of first gubernatorial poll of 1,255 likely Illinois Democratic primary voters out in January has elated many a supporter of Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan. Ms. Madigan is a front runner for likely Democratic nomination for the Illinois governor with 31.9 percent voting in her favor and 22.9 percent supporting incumbent Gov. Pat Quinn. A somewhat surprise entry of former US Commerce Secretary Bill Daley two months ago was feared to hurt Madigan's bid but he polled only 11.9 percent. The overall outlook is still hazy as a considerable 28.4 percent of voters were still undecided. And that could topple anybody's applecart. The survey, from the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University also shows a similar result. Ms Madigan is silent on this predict but big supporters of Ms. Madigan were joyous. Mujeeb Osman, one of her foremost supporters, said "Our community is looking for a change and it can be achieved under the strong leadership and direction from Ms. Madigan." He commended Madigan for bringing a high level

Lisa Madigan with Mujeeb Osman

of activism to the office of Illinois Attorney General. According to Ms. Madigan's

website, Madigan is the first Illinois Attorney General in over 25 years to personally argue a case

before the U.S. Supreme Court (Illinois v. Caballes) in which the Court upheld the ability of law enforcement to detect the presence of illegal drugs during traffic stops. Under her leadership, the Attorney General's office has argued five cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. Ms. Madigan has demonstrated principled leadership, he added, putting policy before politics and focusing on her work. Under Madigan's leadership, the Consumer Protection Division has established a national reputation for aggressively safeguarding consumers from financial fraud and unsafe products. Madigan has dedicated the energy and resources of her office to protecting children and women from the dangers of sexual predators. Additionally, Madigan has been widely praised for implementing a series of proactive law enforcement strategies to protect seniors in nursing homes and to combat the spread of methamphetamine throughout the state. From a fiscal standpoint, the Attorney General's office has generated more than $8 billion for the state since Madigan took office in 2003.

NYC unfair to Queens businesses: Vallone India Post News Service

AISHWARYA ARAVIND

www.indiapost.com

Free will or God is doer; which is true?

NEW YORK: Council Member Peter F. Vallone Jr. has applauded Public Advocate Bill de Blasio for his report proving that Queens businesses have been overly inspected and unfairly fined by the City - a problem Vallone has been constantly calling attention to and working to eliminate. According to the study, the Department of Consumer Affairs more than doubled its inspections of businesses in Queens between 2010 and 2012, with borough shops being fined 22 percent more than those in Manhat-

tan. Furthermore, seven of the 10 which he believes hinders the neighborhoods growth of the issued the most businesses violations from with verbal the Health Dewarnings. As a partment are in member of the Queens, based City Council's on the report. Health CommitVallone, who tee, the Council ran his family's Member will law firm for also be a coover a decade, sponsor of has been a Speaker Chrislong-time protine Quinn's legPeter F. Vallone Jr ponent of easislation reducing government regulations on ing fines for restaurants for nonsmall businesses and replacing health violations and streamlining obsolete violations and fines - the appeals process for busi-

nesses. "As one of the only small business people in office, I have long been saying that Queens businesses have been unfairly hurt by over aggressive enforcement for years. But now, thanks to Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, we have the indisputable facts to back it up," said Council Member Vallone. "Small businesses are the backbone of Queens, and they provide the jobs and pay the taxes that support this City. Businesses should be helped in keeping their doors open - not fined until their doors close."

March 15, 2013

Community Across America

India Post 17

www.indiapost.com

Air India recognizes travel agents with annual awards A SIDDIQUI & RAMESH SOPARAWALA

Air India Chicago Manager Rishikant Singh addressing the gathering

CHICAGO: At a gala dinner banquet held on March 1 at Meadows Club, Air India Chicago office presented annual sales performance awards to its appointed travel agents (consolidators) recognizing their role in promoting the national Indian airliner in this part of the world . The event was attended by a large number of travel agents from across Midwest and other invited guests. Katherine Thorat,

Air India Chicago staff

Birju Bhagat of Krisbi

Air India Sales Manager, welcomed the guests and emceed the event. Air India Chicago Manager Rishikant Singh thanked travel agents for their support. He emphasized that honoring travel agents with sales performance awards is an acknowledgement of their support. Rishikant also introduced Riwo Norbhu, Regional Manager Americas, who had flown in from New York for the event. Both

Vivek Sevak of Skybird Travel

Benson Samuel of Riya Travel

Rishikant and Riwo Norbhu presented awards to winning agents along with Katherine Thorat and other staff members of AI Chicago office. The Online booking portal Orbit topped among all agents followed by Air Tours. Devon Travel and Sky Bird Travel achieved over 3 million sales performance. Krisbi Travel, Aero Travel, RK Travel, Evia Travel, Direct Express Tours, Riya Travel, Skylink Travel and

quiz and asked all the tables to participate. The visual quiz was a beautiful compilation of world tourist destinations. Twenty picture slides were shown for each beautiful tourist or other wonderful destination of the world. Each table was given Quiz answer sheet to identify the tourist destinations. The Quiz was most interesting and every table participated in it. Members of Evia Travel and RK Travel from Hyderabad desk won the visual quiz with correct answers. The second quiz and game was announced after the dinner. Both

Pravinaben Patel of Air Tour & Mafat Bhai Patel of Air Tour with Air India sales Chief Katherine Thorat

Rishikant and Katherine presented the second game. Gifts were given to winners of both the quiz and game. The entire event was a refreshing treat for the guests as many tapped the floor for a quick dance on music tunes. Deepak Shah of Natraj, Abdul Siddiqui of Evia Travel

Natraj Travel had also notched commendable performances. While the award presentation was ceremonial as ever, the entire event was well planned in a different way. The guests were given the choice to occupy the table in a surprise manner. Dinner tables were named after Indian cities. Soon after the award ceremony, Katherine Thorat announced a visual

K Chawla of Devon Travel

Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 18

Community Across America

18 India Post

March 15, 2013

www.indiapost.com

A Pakistani girl's dream & mission celebrated

Sonia Shah with school children in Pakistan Asian Media USA

was about Sonia Shah who wanted to help poor girls of a small village in Pakistan by building a school but could not complete her mission due to a tragic accident in summer of 2012. The fundraiser included live and silent auction, a dance performance by Sonia's friend Shimoli Shah and choreographed dance performance by Dhrishti Art at A.R. Rahman music, which kept people engage and glued to the stage till midnight. All the proceeds will go to building Sonia

Shah Memorial School in village Kangra in rural North West of Pakistan. Of Pashtun heritage, Sonia lived and studied in four countries, Thailand, England, US and finally graduated a year early from Zurich International School in Switzerland. An honor student, she was among the youngest interns at Obama's campaign headquarters in 2012. In his condolence letter President Obama says 'though Sonia was the one of the youngest intern, she was most determined'. Her mother Iram made a passionate picture of a girl who loved humanity and wanted to make a difference. Hamza Hayaauddin gave the welcome address. Dr Mian Arshad Jan, the keynote speaker, recounted how, inSonia's mother Iram Shah explaining her daughter's dream stead of crying and moping, his younger sister Iram threw herself into Sonia's project. "Helping people help themselves." DonaThe fund raising and live auction was tions are tax deductible: https:// conducted by Nabeela Rasheed and Dr www.facebook.com/KulsoomFoundation Mujahid Ghazi. All different items put out Visiting actor and Kathak exponent Aditi for auction were sold. Bhagwat wowed the audience with her dazKulsoom Foundation and HDF share the zling choreography on Rahman's signature commitment to help the disadvantaged in tune Manmohana from the period classic Pakistan. HDF combats extreme poverty by Jodha Akbar.

Madan Kulkarni, Shebani Kulkarni with artists of The Tribute to Oscar winning composer AR Rahman

Air India recognizes travel agents with annual awards Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 16

Most seniors and owners of all travel agents were present for the event. Mafat Patel of Air Tours, Vikrambhai Sevak and Masoodbhai of Skybird Travel, Birju Bhagat of Krisbi Travel, Chawla of Devon Travel, Asgharali of Aero Travel, Rizwan of RK Travel, Siddiqui Abdul of Evia Travel, Deepak Shah of Natraj Travel, Prince of Imperial Travel, Anis of Maharaja Travel and others were accompanied by all their staff members.

Asgarali of Aero Travel

Community Across America

March 15, 2013

India Post 19

www.indiapost.com

'Gujjubhai' comedy earns an encore HARISH RAO

widely read India Post newspapers. Bhavana Modi of Manapasand pointed out that one of the inducing factors was to help Seniors in Chicagoland. Despite inclement weather, the show attracted 600 plus drama lovers from across Chicago and the auditorium was overflowing with enthusiastic audience. The play penned by Pravin Solanki and directed by Siddharth Randeria had a talented cast in-

cluding Siddharth Randeria, Tejas Vyas, Kiran Malvanker, Chitrak Shah, Jyuthika Shah, Ketan Joshi, Sameer Uurav, Jay Pandya and Rohinton Chesan. The drama was a roller coaster ride of laughter with the theme based on a Gujjubhai's journey to get rich quick. His motto is Paiso Maro Parmeshwar (Money is My God). He tries every trick to amass money and finds himself getting trapped by it.

Gujubhai drama cast. Pics Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: A family friendly Gujarati comedy "Gujjubhai Ni Golmaal" staged on Friday, February 22 at Jain Center auditorium in Bartlett, turned out to be a big

hit with the viewers. There was a chorus of demands for its re-staging at an appropriate date in the near future. Sensing a huge response,

Manpasand and Suga Builders, the organizers, announced hosting the drama one more time at the same venue this month in league with Gujarati Divya Bhaskar and

Sponsors of the play

20 India Post

Community Across America

March 15, 2013

www.indiapost.com

Rajan Zed honored by Nevada Muslim community India Post News Service

NEVADA: In a remarkable interfaith gesture, Northern Nevada Muslim Community honored Hindu leader Rajan Zed with a "letter of appreciation", for promoting interfaith dialogue. The "letter of appreciation" was presented by Northern Nevada Muslim Community President Dr Sherif Elfass to Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, at an interfaith clergy reception accorded in Zed's honor in Nevada (USA) recently. Signed by Elfass, the letter states, "This is letter of appreciation is presented on behalf of the Muslims in Northern Nevada to Mr. Rajan Zed in recognition for his exceptional effort in promoting interfaith dialogue nationally and internationally." "Mr Zed's initiative to promote interfaith dialogue all over the world will ultimately bring peace and harmony among the people. And, we, the Northern

Dr. Sherif Elfass (left) and Rajan Zed (right) after presentation of the letter at Zed's interfaith reception. Pic Debbie McCarthy

Nevada Muslim Community, are thankful for his work", it adds. "Rajan Zed has taken up interfaith, religion, environment, Roma (Gypsies) and other causes all over the world. He was invited

by President of European Parliament in Brussels (Belgium) for a meeting to promote interfaith dialogue." Bestowed with "World Interfaith Leader Award"; Zed is Se-

nior Fellow and Religious Advisor to New York headquartered Foundation for Religious Diplomacy, Spiritual Advisor to National Association of Interchurch & Interfaith Families, etc.

Mangalorean Christians to celebrate Easter HARISH RAO

CHICAGO: Mangalorean Konkan Christian Association (MKCA), Chicago has slated Easter Celebration on Holy Saturday March 30, at Courtland Square Club House, Des Plaines, a north-

west suburb of Chicago. The Holy Mass will include Easter Vigil consisting of blessing of incense, water and fire. The program will start sharp at 6:00 pm followed by Easter Bunny arrival, sumptuous dinner and dance. There will be open bar (compliments from MKCA), variety entertainments including live Konkani Baila.

March 15, 2013

Community Across America

India Post 21

www.indiapost.com

Ilayaraja mesmerizes Bay area with San Jose live concert SAN JOSE: Isaignani Ilayaraja is synonymous with divine music. For him, creating music is almost like feeling God and it takes the listener on an ethereal trip. His live

and Kalalaya. With an estimated 8500 music lovers in attendance, Maestro Ilaiyaraja made a celebration of Tamil and Telugu music. Ilaiyaraja has composed over 4500 songs and provided scores for more than 950 Indian films in various languages in a musical

concert was a dream come true for the vast community of Indian music lovers, and numerous fans of Maestro Ilaiyaraja in the USA, particularly in the West Coast. Bay area was fortunate to experience his magical music with his live orchestration comprising 90

career spanning more than 30 years. In 2003, according to a BBC International poll, people from 155 countries voted his composition "Rakkamma Kaiya Thattu" from Thalapathi, fourth in the world's top 10 most popular songs of all time.

plus world renowned musicians at HP Pavilion, San Jose on March 1. The grand event was organized by Swagat Entertainments, Bay Area Telugu Association (BATA)

Ilaiyaraja is a master craftsman who can leave a mesmerizing effect on his audience and can drench them in an incessant shower of ambrosia. He is one of

VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service

the very few composers who continues to write his musical notes preferring the style over the technological tools and performs with a live orchestra at stage. His music is such that it cannot be brought within a specific genre or trend. The Friday night musical

journey transformed the audience to different realms of blissful space, far from the mundane world. The five-hour non-stop musical delight was an audio and visual treat for his fans. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 22

Community Across America

22 India Post

March 15, 2013

www.indiapost.com

Benefits of gluten rich wheat free grains CHITRA THAKUR TLS coach

n last week's article we saw the advantages of gluten free, wheat free grains .The gluten rich wheat free grains are the best source of carbohydrates, protein as well as minerals. Gluten is like glue and can cause stickiness in the intestines. However due to the protein value, fiber content as well as low glycemic impact, they are included in nutritious foods. The gluten rich wheat free grains that we consume are barley and rye.

Nutritious facts about Barley:

.00 cup (200.00 grams) Nutri ent % Daily Value Fiber 54.4%, Selenium 52%,Tryptophan 37.5%, Copper 1.5%, Manganese 31%, Phosphorus 23% Barley is naturally high in maltose, a sugar that is used for maltose syrup. When fermented, barley is used as an ingredient in beer and other alcoholic beverages.

Barley fights Diabetes and Arthritis. Barley is fiber for bowel regularity, lower cholesterol, & intestinal protection. It has additional protection against Atherosclerosis and has significant cardiovascular benefits for postmenopausal women. A typical pearl barley packet has the following nutrition facts:

Role of Seniors in upholding Hinduism AISHWARYA ARAVIND

wami Vivekananda once stated "Hinduism is the mother of all religions". Having existed for over four millennia, this may very well be the case as Hinduism has etched its own very rich history, steeped in visual and oral tradition. From the great statues in the Caverns of Elephanta that bring to life the tales of Lord Shiva to the ancient temples on the seven hills of Tirupathi, our forefathers crafted a vast legacy dedicated to preserving the Hindu culture and mythos. They supplemented their stonework with the power of the spoken word to pass down our traditions over time from parents to children, gurus (teachers) to shishyas (students), and most importantly, elders to adolescents. However, as the 21st century world moves towards greater secularization and religious disconnect, today's youth are slowly losing this intrinsic connection to the past, leaving only the older generations to remem-

ber the truths of our great religion. Thus, as custodians of an amazing faith, senior citizens are the key to ensuring that the meaning and purpose of Hinduism continues to play avital role in the lives of future generations. Personally, my Hindu beliefs have been carefully molded

Aishwarya Aravind

since my early childhood through my numerous interactions with my extended family in India. The family elders, in particular my grandmothers, have left an indelible mark on what Hinduism means to me. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 26

Nutritious facts about Rye

his grain was coevolved with wheat and barley in southern Europe and nearby parts of Asia. Being high in protein gluten and fiber, it has low glycemic impact; importantly because it is difficult to separate the germ and bran from the endosperm of grain. Its flour usually retains a large quantity of nutrients in contrast to refined wheat flour. In 1.00 cup (200.00 grams) Nutrient % Daily Value Rye seeds are Manganese 72%, Fiber 33.6%, Tryptophan 18.7%, Phosphorus18.5%, Magnesium 15.3% and Calories (188)10% Rye's fiber promotes weight loss Rye is a good source of fiber which has exceptionally high water-binding capacity and quickly gives a feeling a fullness and satiety, making rye bread a real help for anyone trying to lose weight. One-third of a cup of uncooked rye berries (which yields about 1 cup cooked) provides 34% of the daily value for fiber.

Benefits of Rye Rye helps prevent gallstones, lower Type 2 Diabetes risk, hence a better grain choice for persons with Diabetes. It fights cardiovascular disease, promotes gastrointestinal health, cardiovascu-

lar benefits for postmenopausal women and has an anti-cancer activity Typical nutrion facts of Rye are as follows:

One stop shop for all your medical needs VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service

The rye breads are dense and are popular in western diet. Although nutritious, it is very important to identify the allergies or body reactions after the consumption of these grains and document and consult a physician if necessary.

LIVERMORE, CA: The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy in Livermore is a one stop shop for all your medical needs. "We are a traditional pharmacy; a medical supply resource; and we are certified as a compounding pharmacy, serving the population who can no longer take pills and/or those who want a custom treatment with a dose they actually need" said Priti Chatwani, Pharmacist and Owner. "We are dedicated to being a medical resource for our community. The pharmacy staff has a wealth of knowledge. They are here to provide you with health information, wellness programs

and as a valuable resource to assist you in managing your health care between doctor's visits." The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy in Livermore offers specialized diabetic care and medical equipment (wheel chairs, breast pumps, hospital beds and electric scooters) for rent or purchase. It's as easy as calling to transfer a prescription or inquire about medical equipment. The Pharmacy provides free, no cost medicine delivery within the Livermore area. Prescriptions can be mailed to your home or office. For more information about these or other services offered by The Medicine Shoppe pharmacy and medical supply team in Livermore, call at 925.443.8088.

March 15, 2013

Community Across America

India Post 23

www.indiapost.com

Ilayaraja mesmerizes Bay area with San Jose live concert

Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 21

Most of the songs resonated well to everyone, as the tunes were popular in both languages. The show opened with a rich musical interlude by Ilayaraja with his signature "Janani Janani" whetting the appetite of the crowd for a divine treat. Following his best in class performance was a

mind-blowing rendition by Singer Karthik. Ilaiyaraja had lined up heavy-hitting legends S.P.Balasubrahmanyam, Hariharan, Mano, Chitra, Bhavadarini, Yuvan Shankar Raja, Geeta Madhuri, all singing their best hits of the maestro. Listening to S.P.Balasubrahmanyam live with Ilayaraja's orchestra was a blessing and life time opportunity for the Bay area Indian community. Legends Chitra, Mano and Hariharan rendered hit melodies from evergreen 80s. Singers walked through their memory lane and spoke about their association with the Maestro and lavished heaps of praise on his perfection and professionalism. The highlight of the night was amazingly synchronized orchestra, rich in strings and percussion. The musical treat ended with a rewrite to one of his famous tunes from Nayagan and he appreciated all those Telugu and Tamil fans who have made a home for themselves in United States, for sharing this historic night with him, which was certainly one to remember for all those present. The timeless feel of it transcends all kinds of literal and metaphorical boundaries. With over 30 years of delivering musical treat to his fans, he still holds his fort and enjoys a huge and loyal patronage.

March 15, 2013

24 India Post www.indiapost.com

March 15, 2013

Community Across America

India Post 25

www.indiapost.com

Free will or God is doer; which is true? SWAMI MUKUNDANANDA

very common question that most people ask is, "if God really is our true well wisher why did He create us souls and bring us into the world, where there is so much of suffering and misery?" To answer this question Swami Mukundanada tells a story of a fifteen year old boy who was the son of a very rich man. One day, the boy was alone in his father's office, when he saw a fifteen-year old newspaper. It had an article titled, "Billionaire adopts orphan child." The boy was stunned to see his father's name mentioned there. When his father returned, the son accosted him, "Father is this article true?" The father replied, "My son! It is true." "Does that mean I am not your child?" "That is right, you are not my child." The son was shocked. "Then why did you adopt me?" The father explained, "Son, I am a billionaire. I had no shortage of money, and everything that money could buy. However, I did not have anyone with whom I could share my wealth. I adopted you so that I could give you everything that I possess." Similarly, God is perfect and complete in Himself and the possessor of unlimited opulence. He creates us so that He may be able to share all that He possesses with us. However, He can only do so when we truly love Him. Those souls who have learnt to love God are with Him in His eternal abode. We conditioned souls are here in the material realm because we have turned our backs towards Him. God hopes and waits for the day when we too will perfect our love for Him and attain

often people wonder if God is our creator. He is also responsible for the actions we perform, they may even use this as an excuse to perform wrong actions. Here it is important for spiritual aspirants to

doer of everything. So there is no need for you to understand what proper and improper action is." It is true that God is seated within us, and He gives us the power to act. However, what we

Swami Mukundananda

understand how God gives us the ability to perform actions but also how every individual possesses free will to use that ability to perform their actions. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions on the topic of 'free will vs. God is doer' to dispel any doubts or confusion spiritual aspirants may face. Question: Is God who is seated in our hearts the doer of all actions? What is our responsibility as souls if He is not the doer of our actions?

If God were the doer of our actions, we would not have to bear the karmic reactions. Why would we suffer for actions that God did through us? He would either bear the karmic reactions on His own, or forgive Himself. But there is the Law of Karma, "As you do, so you shall reap." This implies that we ourselves are the doers of our actions. Him for the rest of eternity. It for us to realize that the Supreme Lord has given this human birth as an opportunity to love Him and attain divine bliss forever. But in mundane life we forget this goal and are often confused about how to perform our actions. Most

following points will illustrate: 1. If God were the doer of all our actions, we would never have committed any mistakes. All of our actions would have been perfect, since God can never make a blun-

Swami Mukundananda: Many people diminish the need for selfeffort in their minds by saying, "Nothing is in our hands. God is seated within us. He is the doer of all our actions, and we act as He inspires us." However, this philosophy is not really true, as the

der. The fact that we make innumerable mistakes implies that we are performing actions with our own free will. 2. If God were the doer of our actions, we would not have to bear the karmic reactions. Why would we suffer for actions that God did through us? He would either bear the karmic reactions on His own, or forgive Himself. But there is the Law of Karma, "As you do, so you shall reap." This implies that we ourselves are the doers of our actions. 3. God is impartial towards all souls and perfectly just. If He was the doer of our actions, He would either have made everyone do good works and become saints; or He would have made everyone do bad actions and become demons. But there is so much of variety in the world. One is a saint, like Prahalad, while the other is a demon, like Hiranyakashipu. This variety implies that we have the freedom to choose our own actions, and we are responsible for them, not God. 4. If God were the inspirer of our actions, there would have been no need for Him to reveal the Vedas or any other scriptures. There would be no need for Him to explain to us the path to perfection. He would simply have to say two sentences: "O souls, I am the

do with that power is decided by our own free will. This is just as the powerhouse supplies electricity to your house. If it did not give the power, you would not have been able to use any electric appliances in your home. However, once you do have that power, what you do with it, is your own choice. You could operate the fan, light the lamp, or heat/cool the house, as you wish. Similarly, God gives our eyes the power to see. If He did not give us this power, we would not

your own choice, decided by your free will. Hence, we must not blame God for our mistakes. If we do something wrong, we should take responsibility for the error and strive to correct it as we are the doer of our actions. Q: If we souls are the doers of our actions. Then why have the Bhakti Saints written padas (devotional songs), saying that they are only instruments in the hands of God, and that He is a real doer of their karmas? SM: The concepts karm (action) and karm phal (fruit of those actions) need to be understood separately for two categories before surrender to God and after surrender to God. Consider the first category those souls who have not surrendered to God. They are under the grip of the unforgiving ego that makes them feel that they are the doers. Also, they harbor personal desires independent of the will of God. In this state, God does not inspire their actions. He gives them the power to act, notes their karmas, and gives the fruits at the appropriate time. This has been explained in detail in the previous answer. Now consider the second category - those souls who are surrendered to the Almighty. They are free from the pride of doership. Also, they make God's desire as their own desire. In this state, the soul becomes the non-doer, and God becomes the Director for that surrendered soul. Hence, the Godrealized souls are able to say: Na mai kiya na kari sakon, sahib karta mor. Karata karavata aapa hai, Tulasi Tulasi shor. Saint Tulsidas says: "I neither wrote the Ramayan, nor do I have

God gives our eyes the power to see. If He did not give us this power, we would not have been able to see anything. But once we do have this power, what we see is in our own hands. You could go to the temple and see the Deities, or you could see dirty pictures on the internet. God is merely giving you the power to see. have been able to see anything. But once we do have this power, what we see is in our own hands. You could go to the temple and see the Deities, or you could see dirty pictures on the internet. God is merely giving you the power to see. What you decide to see is

the ability to write it. Shree Ram was himself the writer, yet people say that Tulsidas has done it." We must bear in mind that this statement applies only to the second category, i.e. the God-realized saints. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 26

26 India Post

Community Across America

March 15, 2013

www.indiapost.com

Free will or God is doer; which is true? Cont’d from page 25

The path for moving from the first category to the second category is to perform actions as if they are dependent upon us, and at the same time, to internally practice to think that God is the doer. Sage Vasishtha has expressed this very beautifully, in his advice to Lord Ram: Karta bahirkartantr vihar raghav (Yog Vasishtha) "O Ram! Act carefully, as if the results are dependent upon you. But from within, practice to think that God is the real doer." So at present, we will have to keep both principles in mind, as we journey from the materially bound state to the God-realized state. Q: If God had not given us any free will, He could have forced us all to love Him. Then there

would be no scope for bondage in the world of Maya. Why did He create Maya and let us have other options? SM: Love is only possible where there is an option to choose from. A machine cannot love; a template cannot love. They have no choice. The emotion of love is only possible for someone who possesses a free will. The presence of Maya gives us souls various options. When we reject Maya in favor of God, we express our love for Him. In fact, the more difficult the choice, the higher is the quality of love possible. Similarly, the more attractive the temptation of Maya, the more is the opportunity for us to express our love for God, by rejecting the temptations and choosing Him. Ramana Maharishi was asked, "Why did God create

Maya?" He answered, "To thicken the plot." The presence of Maya is thus essential for the soul to learn love for God. Q: Does Maya encourage us to do all bad karmas? If yes why? SM: The material energy Maya definitely presents an option for the soul to act in forgetfulness of God. But at the same time, Maya plays another role as well. When we are lured by its temptations and endeavor to embrace it, Maya punishes us and gives us distress. In this manner, it teaches us to love God and nothing else. Although Maya does offer temptations for us to indulge in, it is not an enemy of God. The Ramayan says: So dasi raghubir… "Maya is a servant of God, and its service is to torment souls who

are forgetful of Him. Hence, Maya will only release us when we surrender to its Master, Shree Krishna." Swami Mukundananda is a world renowned spiritual teacher from India, and is the senior disciple of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj 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/events

Role of Seniors in upholding Hinduism Cont’d from page 22

being of an advanced age, they have seemingly increased the pace at which they pursue great endeavors even though it would have been much easier for them to have just stayed at home with their families. These people are indeed great role models. Such narratives illustrate the significant role played by senior citizens in upholding the true meaning of Hinduism and ensuring that it maintains a key role in the minds of younger generations. Using their exuberance as our guide, my peers and I are eager to follow their lead to make sure that the flame of Hinduism re-

Their mealtime and bedtime tales of Rama's exploits under Sage Vishwamitra and of the Pandavas in exile helped make the religion more accessible to me as a child. Even now, after many years, I think of those tales and cannot help but fondly remember her moonlightbathed smile and the morals these stories taught me. Indeed, my grandparents themselves were exemplary role models of Hindu virtues in how they treated others with respect and always had a helping hand for those in need. Their implementation of the writings in the sacred texts has played a vital role in my upbringing as a Using their exuberance as Hindu with strong family values and our guide, my peers and I morals. This concept of are eager to follow their powerful Hindu role lead to make sure that the models has been further demonstrated flame of Hinduism remains through the actions as bright as ever of my parents' high school teachers in India who, to this day, maintain mains as bright as ever and the gurushishya relationship that when the time comes, we with their students. too will pass the torch to fuAs both nurturing and culti- ture generations after having vating forces, these individuals lived our lives with the same are much like the ancient sage sense of service and pride that Vashista through shaping the have immortalized generations lives of their wards to not only of Hindus. achieve great things in life but Aishwarya Aravind is a risalso to give back to the coming junior at a Fremont High munity so that others may suc- School. She is the recipient of ceed as well. This benevolent Youth Awardfrom Indianbehavior extols the spirit of Hin- American Women Empowered duism while sustaining the reli- (FIA Wing) She volunteers for ICC Senior programs orgagion for future generations. Even here in California, nized by Indian Community Hindu seniors proactively, and Center without any expectations of (http://www.indiacc.org/) reciprocity, spend their time and Milpitas and other nearby seeffort to help their peers' lead nior centers fuller and richer lives. Despite (Seniors@IndiaCC.org)

March 15, 2013

www.indiapost.com

India Post 27

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

28 India Post

www.indiapost.com

PREG NANC Y RUMO R?

on't rub in the royalty, please! That seems to have been Soha Ali Khan's underlying statement when at a public event promoting her new film Sahib Biwi Aur Gangster Returns, she made her displeasure clear at her royalty references being relentlessly rustled up. Apparently, director Tigmanshu Dhulia said at the event that he chose Soha to play a princess in his film as she looked every inch the royalty in royal finery. To this, the sharp-tongued Soha retorted, "Oh yes, I even sleep in royal clothes." Explaining her snappy response Soha says, "It is true. When I was asked if I was comfortable playing my character because of my royal background I did respond that way. But I was being facetious in merely stating how 'unroyal' my dress sense is. As a matter of fact I am so bohemian in my dress code that only recently have I started wearing shoes instead of chappals. So I was actually making fun of myself!" Having said this Soha adds she is very proud of her royal antecedents. "I embrace my identity. It is a privilege to come from the background that I do. And it is this background that put me in Tigmanshu Dhulia's mind for my part as the princess in Sahib Biwi Aur Gangster Returns. I am grateful for it."

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 15, 2013 7 Darmiyan: Inkaar 8 Jee Le Zaraa: Talaash 9 Khamakha: Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola 10 Heer: Jab Tak Hai Jaan

ew begum Kareena Kapoor Khan could soon join Bollywood's yummy-mummy club. Rumor has it that Bebo is expecting her first child with husband Nawab of Pataudi Saif Ali Khan. Speculations about Kareena's pregnancy are doing the rounds since September last year, but this time, it's coming from none other than actor Arbaaz Khan and gang. If gossip mongers are to be believed then these days, Heroine No 1 Kareena is taking a lot of precautions to avoid shutterbugs whenever she steps out for an event. According to reports, the actress even rejected many offers of item numbers and stage shows recently, giving fuel to the current rumor. In February last year, Bebo had sparked pregnancy rumor when she was clicked at the Mumbai airport covering her belly with a shawl. She was spotted wearing an oversized olive green T-shirt and it appeared as if the actress was trying to hide something. The actress even lost Sanjay Leela Bhansali's ambitious project Ram Leela over pregnancy clause. After Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's pregnancy news left Madhur Bhandarkar with no choice but to find another leading lady for his film, Heroine, Bhansali also decided not to risk his film and introduced the no pregnancy clause, which Kareena refused to sign.

March 15, 2013

Bollywood

India Post 29

www.indiapost.com

BACK ON TRACK

onam Kapoor, who is shooting in Delhi now, says that she is in the most satisfying phase of her career. With films such as Raanjhnaa, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, a Yash Raj Films untitled project and Khoobsurat on her plate, the actor says she couldn't have asked for more. "Right now I'm really happy with the stuff that I'm doing. A year-anda-half ago, I took stock of the situation, and gathered that I was doing a lot of work I wasn't comfortable doing. I kind of lost my direction but I am back now," she tells us, and explains, "I'm really proud to be a part of my next four films. These are more me; I'm being an artist and not a movie star in these films. I am comfortable and happy with this work." On her Delhi connect, the actor, who launched author Anuja Chauhan's new book, says, "My characters have been based in Old Delhi (Delhi 6), South Delhi (Aisha), and in the YRF film, in Gurgaon. Delhi and I have a connection."

KISSING record P

akistani bombshell Veena Malik who turned 29 recently, had some naughty plans for her birthday this time. The starlet created a new record of most number of kisses at the Guinness Book of World Records, leaving behind Bollywood's Dabangg Khan. While Veena received 137 kisses in one minute, Sallu had a record of getting 108 kisses only. The twist in the story; Veena was the lucky girl to receive kisses from young boys, while Salman received them from children. But to many fans disappointment, Veena allowed fans to kiss her on hand. She tweeted: "I made it...flattened Dabang khan's Guinness record of 108...recvd 137 kisses in a mint...And u got it all wrong it waz on my hand!" The newbie in tinsel town, Veena did all this publicity stunt to promote her upcoming film, The City That Never Sleeps. The contestants of a reality show, The City that Never SleepsBollywood Hunt, showered her with kisses to help her create the new record.

JOHN IN BLISS

ctor John Abraham seems to be in a great phase both professionally and personally, and is holding no grudges against former girlfriend Bipasha Basu even as she still appears bitter from their breakup two years ago. "I don't regret my past. I don't speak negatively about my past relationships. Also, I am someone who doesn't pay attention to what is written about me. I don't watch TV and even if I do, I watch sports channels," said the actor in a chat with select journalists. Riding high on the success of Race 2, John couldn't stop gushing about his current girlfriend Priya Runchal. Talking about Priya, who is in London to pursue MBA, the 40-year-old said, "I am in a very happy space at the moment. The best part about Priya is that she is extremely supportive. As she prefers to be away from the public eye, I try to guard her privacy. Both of us give each other space. Touchwood, things are beautiful and simple. I can be myself with her. She is a very sorted and mature girl. Her simplicity is amazing." While his ex, Bips, reacts to questions about John with "Who? I don't know that person," he remains blissfully apathetic towards her and very engrossed in his own new love life.

India Post

www.indiapost.com

March 15, 2013

title and are curious to know what it means. But once they know its meaning, it stays with them since it's catchy, unique, and metaphorically suits the story of the film,

bhishek Kapoor's Kai Po Che! is a big hit at the domestic box office and is a success even in the overseas markets. A big screen adaptation of Chetan Bhagat's novel The 3 Mistakes of My Life, the film is produced by UTV Motion Pictures. Made at a budget of Rs.12 crore it features Sushant Singh Rajput, Amit Sadh and Raj Kumar Yadav.

"'Kai Po Che!' is about the innocence of youth and their coming of age... not a witch hunt... accept it for what it is... and you might see the light," he tweeted which is youth-centric. "It is much more than the inter-personal relationship between the three characters. The film is set against the backdrop of two

very significant events in Gujarat that took place between 2000 and 2002 - first the earthquake, and then the riots. The boys' friendship is affected by these two events. Much more than the bromance is the fact that it's a very Indian film. From bromance, it escalates into something much bigger that also encompasses religion and politics, but always held together by the thread of friendship.

Abhishek Kapoor

"Kai Po Che! has received an incredible positive word of mouth in all overseas markets. We are very happy to see a movie of this genre with new cast perform well in theatres across the world. Our marketing efforts and the word of mouth on the movie have made this happen," said Amrita Pandey, Executive Director - Syndication, International Distribution and Disney Media Distribution, Studios, Disney UTV Director Abhishek Kapoor describes "Kai Po Che!" as a film for youth. "'Kai Po Che!' is about the innocence of youth and their coming of age... not a witch hunt... accept it for what it is... and you might see the light," he tweeted. Asked to describe what Kai Po Che means, Kapoor says "it is a victory call. In Gujarat, as in other parts of the country, on the occasion of Makar Sankranti kites are flown, and when one kite flier cuts another flier's kite, the war cry that goes out is Kai Po Che. Not many people understand the

Bhagat's son makes his debut

ai Po Che! is a special film for Chetan Bhagat not only as an author but also as a father, as his eight-year-old son Ishaan makes his acting debut with the film. "They needed an eight-year-old boy for a very crucial role in the film. I have twin sons Ishaan and Sham and Ishaan has played a small role in the film. Abhishek has honored an author and a father by this," Bhagat said in an interview. "Abhishek made Ishaan perform for at least 35 times as he is quite a perfectionist. This is a very special film for me as a father," he added. However, his kids' education still remains top priority for the author. "Both me and my wife are educated. Our priority will always be their education then later they can make their own choice," Bhagat said.

As for adapting Chetan Bhagat's book, Abhishek said, "I enjoy reading Chetan's books. I think he writes very simply and effectively. I liked Two States, and I was offered to make a film on it. But there was nothing very substantial in there to sink my teeth into. I read The 3 Mistakes of my Life, and found parts of it very fascinating and the characters interesting. The fact that he refers to real events in the book made it even more attractive. His book gave me the idea, and then I added a lot to it. In many ways, I think my film comes closest to Titanic in its structure and content. The ship did sink and the love story was woven around it and made believable too. My film also blends fiction with facts to create a story that is credible, real, and very significant. This seemed like an ambitious project to take on, and challenging too. Chetan Bhagat's view Writer Chetan Bhagat says, "The fact that the protagonists are not played by es-

tablished names was a general concern, initially. I was always confident. "Lots of films have been made on friendship, but ours is as real as it can get. There are no flashy convertible cars and rich kids going to discotheques. It is very Indian and deals with the everyday pressures that everyone faces - making a career, achieving your goals and keeping your parents happy. The film conveys that real friendship is all about standing up for each other when the going gets tough. When we started out, many people were not sure how the film would work with newcomers, but we were always confident," he explains. Bhagat took two years to write the screenplay of the film, which has music composed by Amit Trivedi. "Though it was my book, to limit myself to two hours of movie time was a challenge. It is a simple story, but it has big backdrops. A lot of what India cares about is in it and that had to be handled with care," he says.

A scene from the film

March 15, 2013

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Veteran actress Rajasulochana passes away

CHENNAI: Veteran actress and classical dancer Rajasulochana, who starred in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Kannada and Malayalam movies in the 50s and 60s, passed away in Chennai on March 5. She was 78 and had renal problems. "Rajasulochana was known for her dancing. Every film of her had a song and dance number by her," said Randor Guy, film historian. The actor, who was from Vijayawada, debuted in Kannada film 'Gunasagari' in 1953. She went on to act in more than 250 films in all Indian languages and shared screen space with stars like MG Ramachandran, Sivaji Ganesan, NT Rama Rao, Nageswara

Rao and Rajkumar. "She grew up in Triplicane af-

"She ruled the roost for a while along with fellow actor Devika. She was known for her portrayal of sophisticated, wellbred women," said actor and historian Mohan Raman. ter her father got transferred here. She learnt Bharatanatyam from

Lalithamma and K N Dhandayuthapani Pillai and Kuchipudi from Vempati Chinna Satyam. Her dancing skills led her to movies," said Guy. One of the first movies that got her noticed in the Tamil industry was 'Pennarasi'. "This had several song and dance sequences that were shot in Coimbatore. She became very popular," said Guy. But what gave her stardom was her role in 'Thai Pirandhal Vazhi Pirakkum' (1958), directed by AK Velan. The songs became instant hits and Rajasulochana went on to act in more movies. "She ruled the roost for a while along with fellow actor Devika. She was known for her portrayal of sophisticated, well-bred women," said actor and historian Mohan Raman. At a recent interaction at a film club, the veteran said her primary interest remained dance, said Raman. Rajasulochana set up a dance school, which is sustained by her disciples. "She was more of a teacher there. Also, she didn't act after retiring from the movie industry more than 20 years ago. She was more into social work these days," said Krishna, her son-inlaw. Friends like Randor Guy said that she remained her warm, cheerful self despite health problems. Rajasulochana is survived by her son Shyam Sundar and daughters Sree and Devi.

Babies walk the ramp at Beri show

his fashion show was child's play - quite literally so. They walked the ramp, some sassily, some unsure, some nervous, but all of them as cute as a button, nevertheless. This is the Baby Beri 2013 show that we're talking about, helmed by designer Ritu Beri, for the charity foundation Blessed Hearts Foundation. Swedish luxury carmaker Volvo Auto India had partnered with Ritu as the official car partner for this show that saw Abhishek Bachchan as the chief guest. There was a short auction of a T-shirt in aid of the foundation, that

finally went to Jay Panda who raised his hand for `5 lakh. Later, Sudeep Narayan, marketing and PR director, Volvo Auto India, said, "Our association was but natural, as our cars also spell luxury and

comfort. And above all, safety. There are very few things that you need to do to be safe in a car - and a Volvo car values the safety of all individuals and especially of kids sitting in the car."

Love at first sight with Andrew: Cate Blanchett

ate Blanchett has described the day she met her husband of 15 years Andrew Upton for the first time, describing how it was "love at first sight." The Oscar-winning actress said that she fell almost instantly for Upton after meeting him on the Australian production of Russian play 'The Seagull' at the Belvoir Theatre in 1997. "The most romantic moment in my life was meeting my husband," News.com.au quoted her as telling the Sun. "Love at first sight? Yes, it was. He proposed two weeks after we met. A straight, oldfashioned proposal," she said. The couple - who have three

children Dashiell, 11, Roman, 8, and Ignatius, 4 - were married in December that year, just before she started filming her breakout role in 'Elizabeth.' "We didn't have time for a honeymoon because I had to leave Australia for England to film Elizabeth," she said. "It meant I was on my own (as a newlywed), in places like Newcastle. So we thought we'd stretch it out over the next 50 years in installments. "We have taken it when we can. I did the film The Talented Mr Ripley in Italy and only worked about two days a week during a Roman summer, so that was a fantastic place to catch up on romance," she added.

Health

Line

Health exchange bill runs into trouble

SANTA FE, N.M.: A measure to establish a state-operated health insurance exchange has stumbled in the House where critics object that the proposal would overly regulate medical coverage plans offered to consumers. The bill initially failed in the House on a 39-30 vote, but was quickly revived and set aside - giving majority Democrats a chance for another vote at a later date after possibly rounding up more votes. There's also separate health exchange legislation in the Senate. The exchange will be an online marketplace for uninsured individuals and small businesses to buy health coverage tailored to New Mexico. Under federal law, the exchange must be ready for enrollment in October. Republicans and Gov. Susana Martinez's administration objected that the exchange's proposed governing board had too much regulatory power. -AP

Neb. lawmakers consider Medicaid expansion LINCOLN, Neb.: Health care advocates are urging Nebraska lawmakers to expand Medicaid coverage as part of the federal health care law, while the state's Medicaid chief says the program is too expensive. The Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee heard testimony on a bill that would extend coverage to thousands of residents. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in June that the Medicaid expansion required under the Affordable Care Act is optional for states. Gov. Dave Heineman stands opposed to the proposal, saying he worries about the program's costs. The federal government has agreed to pay 100 percent of the cost for newly insured Medicaid recipients from 2014 to 2016, and then ratchet down its contribution to 90 percent. Heineman says lawmakers should wait until the potential costs are better understood. -AP

Health Science 32

India Post

www.indiapost.com

March 15, 2013

Mobile phone health apps touted as lifesavers BARCELONA, Spain: Health-related applications for smartphones and tablets are a booming business, but in Africa and Asia "mobile health" could actually be a lifesaver for millions, industry leaders and aid organizations say. Details on page 36

Health care overhaul rolls on despite budget havoc WASHINGTON: Airline schedules, food inspections, IRS taxpayer assistance and deployments of Navy ships could all be hampered by the government's automatic spending cuts. But President Barack Obama's health care law, a program Republicans have spent the last three years trying to kill, will roll out on time, the administration says. Only a small fraction of the $1.6 trillion the Affordable Care Act spends to cover the uninsured over the next decade is subject to the so-called sequester. ``Consumers in every state will have access (to coverage) when open enrollment begins on Oct. 1, 2013,'' Health and Human Services spokeswoman Erin Shields Britt told The Associated Press, when asked whether the budget cuts will delay the implementation of Obama's signature domestic program. Dubbed ``Obamacare'' by its foes, the Affordable Care Act - ACA for short - has demonstrated staying power. It survived a Supreme Court challenge, last year's presidential election and more than 30 votes in the GOP-led House to eliminate, defund or otherwise scale it back. Now it seems the program will lurch through a budget crisis that could disrupt other government functions and emerge largely unscathed. Health and Human Services, the government department putting the law into place, says it doesn't have final estimates of the effect the budget cuts will have on its

employees. But the department says it is working to prepare for the reductions in a way that minimizes the impact on its mission. HHS already oversees Medicare and Medicaid, which provide coverage to about 100 million people. The new law will add another 30 million people to the coverage rolls.

ing, and surely the cuts will slow the health law in some way. ``It's so strange that the one thing Republicans were so ticked off at was the ACA, and now, when it comes time for reductions in spending, for all practical purposes the ACA gets a pass,'' said Bill Hoagland, senior vice presi-

"It's so strange that the one thing Republicans were so ticked off at was the ACA, and now, when it comes time for reductions in spending, for all practical purposes the ACA gets a pass" ``It's galling that Obamacare is not being touched,'' said Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, a veteran of the 1990s budget struggles that forced a partial government shutdown. Delaying the rollout of the health care law for two years could have saved enough money to take the place of the sequester, he said. Some independent experts see irony in the situation. Others say the administration must be bluff-

dent at the Bipartisan Policy Center, and formerly a long-serving GOP budget aide in Congress. New York University professor Paul Light, an expert on the workings of the federal bureaucracy, said he suspects the Obama administration is talking big when its officials assert the health care law will keep humming along untouched. ``I would say it's the Obama administration's hubris and rhetori-

cal flourishes,'' Light said. ``On the one hand the administration is claiming sequestration is the end of days, and on the other hand they say it's not going to hurt implementation of their favorite programs.'' Hoagland, the budget expert, said some of the explanation for the ACA's apparent good fortune has to do with the way automatic cuts have been structured in the past, ever since the idea came into use during the 1980s. For example, tax credits have traditionally been exempted from automatic cuts. The health care law's major subsidies to help uninsured people buy private health coverage are structured as tax credits. So is the ACA's assistance for small businesses. The tax credits for individuals and families will be available next year, when new insurance markets open up. Traditionally, major safety-net programs have also gotten a pass from automatic cuts. And the other big chunk of ACA money is for expanding Medicaid, the health insurance program for low-income people. One account in the health care law does appear to be in jeopardy. Starting next year, it would provide added help for people struggling with insurance co-payments. It's neither a tax credit nor a recognized safety net program. Shai Akabas, a senior policy analyst at the Bipartisan Policy Center, estimates the automatic cuts will claim $7 billion out $108 billion for that cost-sharing assistance, if sequestration stays in place.-AP

Calif. lawmakers moving on health insurance rules SACRAMENTO, Calif.: California lawmakers took the first step toward passing new consumer protections, such as guaranteeing coverage even with pre-existing conditions, under the federal health care overhaul. Democrats in both houses of the Legislature passed bills dealing with individual insurance regulations that would prevent insurers from discriminating and overcharging customers. The bills, ABx1 2 by Assemblyman Richard Pan, D-Sacramento,

and SBx1 2 by Sen. Ed Hernandez, D-West Covina, also seek to ensure quality health coverage. The bills now switch houses while lawmakers work out the details with Gov. Jerry Brown to eventually pass and sign just one of them. One of the sticking points is how many geographic regions health insurers will be able to use to determine premiums. ``This is just one part of the puzzle,'' Hernandez said. The bills were introduced during a special legislative session

convened by Brown to implement health care reform in the state. The governor wants lawmakers to tweak state laws as soon as possible so officials can launch a new insurance marketplace and expand the state's health insurance program for the poor. The two regulatory bills passed on party-line votes prevent insurers from discriminating based on an individual's health status, medical condition, plan experience and genetic information. Instead, insurers will be limited to adjusting rates

on age, geography and family size. The measures essentially add the Affordable Care Act to California law so state agencies have the power to enforce and regulate new individual insurance rules. ``If you have a child who gets diagnosed with autism or born prematurely, you can get health insurance.'' Pan told lawmakers in the Assembly. Republicans opposed the bills, saying more restrictions will drive up health insurance costs rather than make it more affordable. Cont’d on page 35

March 15, 2013

Health Science Post

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Legislature could stop Scott's Medicaid expansion single residents are not covered. The bulk of residents getting coverage under the Medicaid expansion will be childless adults. The federal government's offer to cover most of the cost of expansion is much more generous than the roughly 50 percent match-

Federal officials recently said they plan to approve the privatization request if the state beefs up accountability measures and uses real-time data that evaluates whether the program is actually improving patient care along the way as promised

MIAMI: Republican Gov. Rick Scott may have gotten ahead of himself when he recently dropped the bombshell that he now supports expanding Medicaid by an estimated 900,000 residents under President Barack Obama's health care overhaul. Minutes after Scott's announcement, House Speaker Will Weatherford pointed out that Medicaid expansion required legislative approval. That battle between the Republican governor and the Republicandominated Legislature could dominate the annual 60-day legislative session. ``I am personally skeptical that this inflexible law will improve the quality of health care in our state and ensure our long-term financial stability,'' Weatherford said. Health committees in the House and Senate are still painstakingly making their way through presentations on the expansion and haven't made any decisions, but behind the scenes maneuverings have been telling. Former Gov. Jeb Bush recently visited the state Capitol while Scott was out of town and privately encouraged House Republicans to create an alternative proposal instead of expanding Medicaid, though he apparently did not offer a specific plan. Rep. Richard Corcoran, who chairs a House committee charged with implementing the Affordable Care Act, said ``skeptical would be a nice way to describe where I stand.'' But he stressed the committee is still weighting options and won't make a decision until they've completed the review process. ``There's a lot of skepticism about whether the federal government has the ability to do what they say they're going to do. I have a lot of skepticism about a one-size-fits-all program that is generally not quality health care,'' said Corcoran, R-Land O' Lakes. Republican Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart, who chairs the Senate committee that oversees health care, said they are close to making a recommendation ``but we're not there yet.'' He hoped to have a recommendation in early March that focuses on making ``sure that the state of Florida lives within its means and we don't commit ourselves to a course of action

that is unsustainable in the years ahead.'' Scott only wants to expand Medicaid for three years or as long as the federal government foots 100 percent of the bill. He also said it would be unfair for Florida taxpayers to pay for the expansion nationally but get nothing in return. But lawmakers worry it will be difficult to stop the program in three years if it is already providing services. ``One of the fears that is often expressed on this committee is that would never happen... that Florida would not be able to sort of scale back our commitment to the expansion population,'' said Rep. Jose Javier Rodriguez, D-Miami. Lawmakers and state agencies are also playing a bit of catch-up in implementing the federal health law after waiting nearly two years hoping the Supreme Court would overturn it. Democrats have criticized state agencies, particularly insurance regulators, for not working on a back-up plan in the meantime. State regulators are facing a flood of filings as health insurance companies start filing for approvals needed to comply with the federal law. ``There was a philosophy, an ideology that this shouldn't be the law even though it was the law. We don't have a contingency plan. We're reacting now at the 11th hour essentially and we're flat-footed and completely underprepared to implement that law as it is,'' said Rep. Dwight Dudley, D-St. Petersburg. Some political experts predict Republican lawmakers will not toe the party line on Scott's proposal. ``They are not facing a tight reelection battle, by and large, and as a result they don't have to placate the middle,'' said Dan Smith, a University of Florida political science professor. The decision will have long-lasting repercussions in a state with one of the highest rates of uninsured residents in the country and some of the most stringent eligibility requirements. A family of three with income of $11,000 a year makes too much and

ing rate that federal health officials currently pay for Medicaid. The state spends about $21 billion a year to cover roughly 3 million patients _ about half are children. Lawmakers have long complained Medicaid is consuming the state budget and passed sweeping legislation in 2011 to privatize the program statewide. The new Med-

icaid population under the federal health overhaul will get coverage under the privatization proposal that federal and state health officials are still hammering out. The program would allow for-profit providers to determine the health care for Medicaid recipients with the goal of saving money and improving services Federal officials recently said they plan to approve the privatization request if the state beefs up accountability measures and uses real-time data that evaluates whether the program is actually improving patient care along the way as promised, not just at yearly benchmarks. The state must also hold regular meeting with health advocates, patients and insurers and hire an ombudsmen to oversee the portion of the program that involves tens of thousands of elderly, longterm care patients. For now, Florida will allow the federal government to run the state health exchange, an online marketplace where businesses and individuals can shop for health plans and find out if they qualify for subsidies. But lawmakers have had lengthy discussions about partnering with the feds or running the program themselves in the future. In an odd twist of party ideology, many conservatives, who typically bristle at federal government intervention, are urging states to allow the feds to run their exchanges -AP

Health Science Post

India Post

March 15, 2013

www.indiapost.com

Budget could have delivered House approves teen mental health custody bill more in healthcare NEW DELHI: Healthcare and pharmaceutical industries have welcomed steps announced in the Budget to increase allotment on health and medical education. However, private players expressed concern that Finance Minister P Chidambaram could have provided support in the form of tax incentives as well. Commenting on the Budget, Apollo Hospitals Group Chairman Prathap C Reddy told PTI: "We are happy about increase in allotment of funds for healthcare and medical education, training and research." In the Budget 2013-14, Rs 37,330 crore has been allocated to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Of this, the new National Health Mission that combines the rural mission and the proposed urban mission will get Rs 21,239 crore, an increase of 24.3 per cent over the revised estimate. Moreover, another Rs 4,727 crore has been provided towards medical education, training and research. Organization of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI) President and CMD Novartis India Ranjit Shahani said the increased allocation for the health mission is a welcome step. He, however, added: "We were

hoping the Budget would breathe some life into the economy. The expectations of a big bang announcement to restart the economy were belied expectations were high..."

"As private healthcare providers, we were expecting support for building capacity in the sector as there is a huge shortage of beds and education with increasing challenges Welcoming the overall steps taken in the Budget, Jubilant Life Sciences Co-chairman & MD Hari S Bhartia said: "A number of initiatives specially on infrastructure including investment allowance, increased focus on social sector,

education, skills , financial sector, agriculture, rural economy would fuel growth." Yet, the industry players felt there could have been more sector specific incentives. "As private healthcare providers, we were expecting support for building capacity in the sector as there is a huge shortage of beds and education with increasing challenges from the non communicable diseases (NCDs). There is also the need for tax incentives for the healthcare industry," Reddy said. Expressing similar sentiments, Fortis Healthcare Executive ViceChairman Shivinder Mohan Singh said: "I think keeping in mind this fiscal deficit there is nothing much that you could have expected, and really healthcare is getting short shift for a while and I think it's going to continue for a while." Similarly, SRL Diagnostics Managing Director Sanjeev K Chaudhry felt that private sector which serves 75 per cent of the healthcare diagnostics responsibility for the country has not been given its due in the Budget. "The long standing industry demands for providing fiscal relief for consumables and tax incentives for accreditation have yet been given a miss," Chaudhry said. -PTI

Pessimists may live longer and healthier lives WASHINGTON: Pessimists have something to cheer about! Older people blighted by pessimism and fear for the future are more likely to live longer and healthier lives than those who see brighter days ahead, according to scientists. "Our findings revealed that being overly optimistic in predicting a better future was associated with a greater risk of disability and death within the following decade," said lead study author Frieder R Lang of the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg in Germany. "Pessimism about the future may encourage people to live more carefully, taking health and safety precautions," said Lang in the study published by the American Psychological Association. Lang and colleagues examined data collected from 1993 to 2003 for the national German SocioEconomic Panel, an annual survey of private households consisting of approximately 40,000 people 18 to 96 years old. The researchers divided the data according to age groups: 18 to 39 years old, 40 to 64 years old and 65 years old and above.

Through mostly in-person interviews, respondents were asked to rate how satisfied they were with their lives and how satisfied they thought they would be in five years.

Five years after the first interview, 43 per cent of the oldest group had underestimated their future life satisfaction, 25 per cent had predicted accurately and 32 per cent had overestimated, according to the study Five years after the first interview, 43 per cent of the oldest group had underestimated their future life satisfaction, 25 per cent had predicted accurately and 32 per cent had overestimated, according to the study. Based on the average level of change in life satisfaction over time for this group, each increase

in overestimating future life satisfaction was related to a 9.5 per cent increase in reporting disabilities and a 10 per cent increased risk of death, the analysis revealed. Because a darker outlook on the future is often more realistic, older adults' predictions of their future satisfaction may be more accurate, according to the study. In contrast, the youngest group had the sunniest outlook while the middle-aged adults made the most accurate predictions, but became more pessimistic over time. "Unexpectedly, we also found that stable and good health and income were associated with expecting a greater decline compared with those in poor health or with low incomes. "Moreover, we found that higher income was related to a greater risk of disability," Lang said in the study published in the journal Psychology and Aging. "These findings shed new light on how our perspectives can either help or hinder us in taking actions that can help improve our chances of a long healthy life," he said. -PTI

BOISE, Idaho: Physicians and nurse practitioners soon may have the authority to order juveniles who are suicidal, severely mentally ill or pose a threat to others into temporary custody at a hospital or some other health care facility. A bill approved by the House Health and Welfare Committee sets out to fix a void in Idaho law and streamline a process that now requires law enforcement involvement. Idaho Medical Association lobbyist Ken McClure said the bill is modeled after existing law that gives doctors permission to hold severely mentally ill or dangerous adults for up to 24 hours. But state statute currently offers nothing specific for detaining with dangerous juveniles, forcing doctors to default to rules requiring consent by law enforcement before juveniles can be placed into short-term custody. ``It seems curious that a doctor has to call a policeman, get agreement and then detain a juvenile,'' McClure told the committee. ``It seems an unnecessary step.'' The Idaho Medical Association does not track how many juveniles are assigned to temporary custody each year, but he said it occurs more frequently in Idaho's bigger cities and typically involves juveniles deemed suicidal or diagnosed with severe mental illness. Three Republicans on the committee voted against the bill, citing

concerns about the lack of parental consent at the time doctors would make a custody decision. Rep. Brandon Hixon, R-Nampa, said for families in rural Idaho areas typically lacking in appropriate mental health or hospital holding facilities the measure could create economic distress if a child is transported hundreds of miles away to the nearest safe spot.

"It seems curious that a doctor has to call a policeman, get agreement and then detain a juvenile,'' McClure told the committee. ``We have cost and parental concern issues here,'' said Hixon, who voted against the bill. But McClure and the committee's two physicians tried to allay those worries, noting custody decisions must often be made quickly. The bill also requires health care professionals to notify parents or guardians their child has been detained ``as soon as possible'' and does nothing to alter the existing framework of mental health rules and parental rights that kick in after juveniles are detained. -AP

Health sector gets a meager rise in allocation NEW DELHI: Amid strains on the country's economy, India's Health sector was allocated Rs 37,330 crore in budget estimates for 2013-14, a meager hike of 8.24 per cent from budget estimates of 2012-13. The funds crunch had forced the Finance Ministry to reduce the budget estimates for the health sector for the current financial year by over 15 per cent during the year - down from the budget estimates of Rs 34,488 crore to revised estimates of Rs 29,272.56 crore. Presenting the budget for 201314 in Parliament, Finance Minister P Chidambaram said "Health for All" is a priority of the government. In his budget speech, Chidambaram said, "I propose to allocate Rs 37,330 crore to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Of this, the new National Health Mission that combines the rural mission and the proposed urban mission will get Rs 21,239 crore, an increase of 24.3 percent

over the Revised Estimates." Of the total allocation for the health sector for 2013-14, the Department of Health and Family Welfare got the majority share of Rs 33,278 crore, the Department of AIDS Control Rs 1,785 crore, the Department of AYUSH a total of Rs 1,259 crore and the department of Health Research Rs 1,008 crore. Next year's budget has a made a provision for the proposed urban health mission and earmarked a major amount for the medical education and research sector. Six medical colleges in AIIMSlike institutes that started in September 2012 will have hospitals attached to them in 2013-14 for which a provision of Rs 1,650 crore has been made. However, there has been no allocation for the Reproductive and Child Health Project, Pulse Polio Immunization and routine immunization, National TB Control program and National Disease Control Program. -PTI

March 15, 2013

Health Science Post

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Sleepwalking may cause health hazards' WASHINGTON: Adult sleepwalking is potentially serious and may induce violent behaviors and affect health-related quality of life, a new study has found. "We found a higher frequency of daytime sleepiness, fatigue, insomnia, depressive and anxiety symptoms and altered quality of life in patients with sleepwalking compared to the control group," said Yves Dauvilliers from Gui-de-Chauliac Hospital in Montpellier, France, the study's principal investigator and lead author. "What would usually be considered a benign condition, adult sleepwalking is a potentially serious condition and the consequences of sleepwalking episodes should not be ignored," Dauvilliers said in a statement. Results show that 22.8 per cent of sleepwalkers presented with nightly episodes and 43.5 per cent presented with weekly episodes. Additionally, a positive history of violent sleep related behaviors was found in 58 per cent, including 17 per cent who experienced at least one episode involving injuries to the sleepwalker or bed partner that required medical care. Reported injuries included bruises, nose bleeds and fractures, and one participant had sustained multiple fractures and serious head trauma after jumping out of a third-floor window. Sleepwalking is a common parasomnia

affecting up to four per cent of adults. It involves complex behaviors that occur during arousals from non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. During an episode of sleepwalking the brain is partially awake, resulting in complex behaviors, and partially in NREM sleep with no conscious awareness of actions.

A positive history of violent sleep related behaviors was found in 58 per cent, including 17 per cent who experienced at least one episode involving injuries to the sleepwalker or bed partner According to the researchers, this is the largest prospective cohort study on adult sleepwalkers seen in a clinic, using face-to-face clinical interviews, standardized questionnaires, and objective assessment by polysomnography to investigate the clinical characteristics, consequences and co-morbidities of sleepwalking. The study, appearing in the journal SLEEP, involved a prospective case-control study of 100 adult patients in whom

Calif. lawmakers moving on health insurance rules Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 32

They also say the state should reconsider its decision to prevent health insurance companies from charging smokers up to 50 percent more on their policies. Assemblyman Don Wagner, R-Irvine, worried that the insurance industry has never had to account for the cost of covering people with pre-existing conditions. ``Put them in there and there's an inevitable increase in price,'' Wagner said. Assemblyman Jimmy Gomez, D-Los Angeles, said the insured are currently subsidizing the uninsured in the state. As a child, he said, he developed pneumonia and eventually had to spend a week in the hospital because his family was unable to afford health coverage and preventive care. ``This will actually prevent those situations because it will allow people to take care of their loved ones as soon as they get sick and help drop the cost for all of us,'' Gomez said of the new bills. Brown, a Democrat, has committed to expanding Medicaid, known as Medi-Cal in California, for people who make up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level, or about $15,400 a year for an individual. The expansion is estimated to bring 1.2 million new enrollees by 2017. The program already serves about 8 million adults and children, nearly one of every five California residents.

Sen. Bill Emmerson, R-Redlands, and Sen. Ted Gaines, R-Roseville, said they're concerned that expansion costs could soar out of control, particularly once the federal government reduces support to states for Medicaid expansion. The federal government will pay the full cost of expanding the low-income health pro-

As a child, he said, he developed pneumonia and eventually had to spend a week in the hospital because his family was unable to afford health coverage and preventive care gram for the first three years then gradually reduce payments to 90 percent starting in 2020, putting the rest of the cost on the state. Emmerson had urged the state Senate to hold off the vote until the state receives more direction from the federal government on insurance regulations. ``Let's not rush into this and pass something today that we're going to be sorry that we passed,'' he said. -AP

primary sleepwalking was diagnosed from June 2007 to January 2011. Exclusion criteria included a positive clinical history of REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), a similar parasomnia that involves violent dream-related behaviors emerging during REM sleep. The age of the sleepwalkers ranged from 18 to 58 years with a median age of

30. Results were compared with 100 healthy control subjects. Triggering factors that increased both the frequency and severity of episodes were reported in 59 per cent, related mainly to stressful events, strong positive emotions, sleep deprivation, and less frequently to drug or alcohol intake or intense evening physical activity. -PTI

India Post

Health Science Post

March 15, 2013

www.indiapost.com

Small cancer risk after Fukushima accident LONDON: People exposed to the highest doses of radiation during the Fukushima nuclear plant disaster in 2011 may have a slightly higher risk of cancer that is so small it probably won't be detectable, according to a new report from the World Health Organization. A group of experts convened by the agency assessed the risk of various cancers based on estimates of how much radiation people at the epicenter of the nuclear disaster received, namely those directly under the plumes of radiation in the most affected communities in Fukushima, a rural agricultural area about 150 miles (240 kilometers) north of Tokyo. Some 110,000 people living around the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant were evacuated after the massive March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami knocked out the plant's power and cooling systems, causing meltdowns in three reactors and spewing radiation into the surrounding air, soil and water. Experts calculated that people in the most affected regions had an additional 4 to 7 percent overall risk of developing cancers

including leukemia and breast cancer. In Japan, men have about a 41 percent lifetime risk of developing cancer of an organ while a woman's lifetime risk is about 29 percent. For those most hit by the radiation after Fukushima, their chances of cancer would rise by about 1 percent.

having been in Fukushima.'' Experts had been particularly worried about a spike in thyroid cancer, since iodine released in nuclear accidents is absorbed by the thyroid, especially in children. After the Chernobyl disaster, about 6,000 children exposed to radiation later

For people beyond the most directly affected areas of Fukushima, Wakeford said the risk dropped dramatically. ``The risks to everyone else were just infinitesimal.'' Some experts said it was surprising that any increase in cancer was even predicted and believe that the lowdose radiation people in Fukushima received hasn't been proven to raise the chances of cancer ``These are pretty small proportional increases,'' said Richard Wakeford of the University of Manchester, one of the authors of the report. ``The additional risk is quite small and will probably be hidden by the noise of other (cancer) risks like people's lifestyle choices and statistical fluctuations,'' he said. ``It's more important not to start smoking than

developed thyroid cancer, because many drank contaminated milk after the accident. In Japan, dairy radiation levels were closely monitored and children are not big milk drinkers anyway. WHO estimated that women exposed as infants to the most radiation after the Fukushima accident would have a 70 percent higher chance of getting thyroid can-

cer in their lifetimes. But thyroid cancer is extremely rare and the normal lifetime risk of developing it is about 0.75 percent. That would rise to 0.5 percent for those women who got the highest radiation doses as babies. Wakeford said the increase in such cancers may be so small they will probably not be observable. For people beyond the most directly affected areas of Fukushima, Wakeford said the risk dropped dramatically. ``The risks to everyone else were just infinitesimal.'' Some experts said it was surprising that any increase in cancer was even predicted and believe that the low-dose radiation people in Fukushima received hasn't been proven to raise the chances of cancer. ``On the basis of the radiation doses people have received, there is no reason to think there would be an increase in cancer in the next 50 years,'' said Wade Allison, an emeritus professor of physics at Oxford University, who was not connected to the WHO report. ``The very small increase in cancers means that it's even less than the risk of crossing the road,'' he said. -AP

Mobile phone health apps Texas lawmakers hear mental health concerns touted as lifesavers BARCELONA, Spain: Health-related applications for smartphones and tablets are a booming business, but in Africa and Asia "mobile health" could actually be a lifesaver for millions, industry leaders and aid organizations say. Mobile phones could save up to a million lives over the next five years in subSaharan Africa, according to a report by mobile industry association GSMA and glo-

bal consultants PwC released at the February 25-28 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Africa's population of one billion is among the world's least "connected" yet more than a third already own a mobile phone, often in the most isolated areas, added a study by Wireless Intelligence. The same is true in other parts of the world. "In India, a lot of people have no access to Internet, they sometimes can't read, but they have a mobile phone," said Sara Chamberlain, head of information and communications technology for India for BBC Media Action. "It's often the only device they can ac-

cess," said Chamberlain, who works on mobile health campaigns. An SMS text information campaign can significantly improve the impact and efficiency of organizations' disease prevention programs, she said. "In maternal, newborn and child health, we are witnessing the game-changing effects that mobile technology has to offer through services such as pregnancy and birth registries, immunization and nutrition tracking," said Patricia Mechael, executive director of Health Alliance. These services could prove useful in sub-Saharan Africa for instance, where more than 1.2 million newborns die each year and one in nine children do not reach the age of five, according to the report by GSMA and PwC. But the financing of mobile health in the developing world is still uncertain. "The question of financial sustainability and ultimately 'who pays?' poses persistent challenges," said a report by mHealth Alliance and Vital Wave Consulting, also published at the World Mobile Congress in Spain. In richer countries, meanwhile, money is pouring into "mobile health". One of the main aims is to let people with chronic illnesses better manage their conditions day-to-day and reduce time spent in hospital. According to PwC, by 2017 mobile health services could save USD 400 billion a year out of a total annual health expenditure of USD 6 trillion in the leading industrialized nations of the OECD. -PTI

AUSTIN, Texas: When treatment center coordinator Amy Pierce thinks back to her descent into mental illness, she recalls the attempts she made to take her own life. But she also remembers the counseling services that saved her. Pierce spoke at a rally at the Texas Capitol, where she and others pushed for more mental health treatment. ``Those services cost money up front, but now I was paying taxes, I was paying back,'' said Pierce, who works at a treatment center near Austin. ``I was learning how to live.'' After years of declining financial support for mental health treatment, advocates are hoping recent attention on the issue will lead to improvements in the funding in Texas. Mental health has been gaining more attention in the wake of a rampage that left 20 children and six adults dead at a Newtown, Conn., elementary school and other shootings. Pierce and others argue that more treatment will actually save Texas in the long run by reducing crime, homelessness and unemployment. The Senate Finance Committee accepted a recommendation for the state to add another $195 million to the $2 billion it currently spends for mental health services. Texas spends $39 per capita on mental health services every year, compared to a national average of $121, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Only Idaho spends less. Sen. John Whitmire, a long-serving Democrat from Houston, said schools could do more than take punitive measures when it comes to disciplining students with mental health issues.

Rep. Debbie Riddle, a Republican from the suburbs northwest of Houston, said programs need to be in place to help break the cycle of repeated incarceration for individuals with mental health issues. ``The place for someone with a mental health issue is not jail,'' she said. About 200 people attended the rally. Some carried signs with slogans like ``It's Just FundaMental Health'' on them.

After years of declining financial support for mental health treatment, advocates are hoping recent attention on the issue will lead to improvements in the funding in Texas. Mental health has been gaining more attention in the wake of a rampage that left 20 children and six adults dead at a Newtown, Conn., elementary school and other shootings ``It's the fiscally responsible, cost-effective thing to do,'' Sharon DeBlanc, leader of the Texas chapter of the advocacy group National Alliance on Mental Illness, said of increasing treatment. ``Mental health is an issue whose time has come due to unfortunate events that have placed it at the forefront of our nation's dialogue. Let's don't let the opportunity pass.'' -AP

India Post 37

March 15, 2013

www.indiapost.com

New York (Hicksville)

AIRWING TRAVELS INC.

Tel: (516) 931 4600

Est. 1991 Toll Free: (866) 532 3413

New Jersey (Iselin)

Tel: (732) 658 5450

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

NEWS on your desktop www.indiapost.com

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

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

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

India Post www.indiapost.com

SKY WORLD TRAVEL 1-888-695-0005

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

SPECIAL LOW FARES TO BOMBAY, DELHI, MADRAS, CALCUTTA, DHAKA, KARACHI, LAHORE etc. Tel: 773-728-9071 773-315-8597

E-mail us at: skyworldtravels@hotmail.com

FOR ALL YOUR

MATCHLESS EXPRESS TOURS 2600 W. Peterson Ave., Suite 105 Chicago IL 60659 Experienced Travel Consultants Pasport and Visa Services available * Confirmed seats (Even in High season) * Low Airfares * Courteous Service 2240-42 West Devon Chicago IL 60659 Ph# 773-338-4080 Fax# 773-338-4088

Call and Contact

Tel. (773) 338 6260

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

CALL:

Sita Ram Patel @ 847-568-0535

March 15, 2013

India Post

www.indiapost.com

former princely state, Mandi in the state of Himachal Pradesh is located on the banks of the Beas River. This historic city has retained much of its past glory and elegance. Steeped in the grandeur of its past, Mandi has made a flourishing changeover into an effervescent and bustling city. Famed for its stone temples, this city is popularly called the 'Varanasi of Hills'. The majestic palaces and finely carved temples speak of the princely elegance of this pictorial town. Elegant mansions of Victorian era add to the charm of this beautiful picnic spot. Mandi is believed to be the place where the great sage 'Mandav' had undertaken his penance and legends say that his reparation was so severe that the rocks were turned black due to it. A swiftly emerging tourist destination, Mandi is an ideal location for shopping. The Tibetan handicrafts and handlooms put for sale are really eye catching. Holidaying in Mandi provides an exclusive picture of a thriving city with numerous striking and blessed places to roam in, hot streams with curative powers and startling trekking grounds. Apart from the glorious monuments and amazing natural spectacles, Mandi is also renowned for its fairs and festivals. Since most of the temples in this hilly terrain are in the name of Lord Shiva, Mahashivaratri is celebrated

March 15, 2013

A swiftly emerging tourist destination, Mandi is an ideal location for shopping. The Tibetan handicrafts and handlooms put for sale are really eye catching. Holidaying in Mandi provides an exclusive picture of a thriving city with numerous striking and blessed places to roam in, hot streams with curative powers and startling trekking grounds

here with much pomp and enthusiasm. The most attractive fair here is the Nalwar Mela. The herd of bullocks in colorful makeup steals the show. The gods have bestowed Mandi with awesome beauty. With the lustrous tea plantations, rambling pine and deodar forests, the rich variety of fauna swathed in the imposing peaks, Mandi is a delightful hill station to be explored. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 42

Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post

March 15, 2013

www.indiapost.com

Tourism gets Rs 88 cr more than last budget NEW DELHI: Tourism sector got a fillip in the Union Budget with the allocation to the Indian Tourism Ministry hiked by Rs 87.66 crore. The allocation for the Ministry this year is Rs 1297.66 crore while it was Rs 1210 crore in the Union Budget 2012-13 and Rs 1110.96 crore in 2011-12.

The budget allocation for plan projects/schemes for the benefit of North East region and Sikkim has been hiked from Rs 121 crore to Rs 129 crore. The allocation under tourist infrastructure is for construction of budget hotels, wayside amenities, tourist reception centers, refurbishment of monuments, special tourism projects, adventure and sports facilities, sound and light shows, illuminations of monu-

ments, providing for improvement in solid waste management and sewerage management, procurement of equipments directly related to tourism and rural tourism projects etc. This provision also relates to large revenue generating projects, generating revenue through levy of fees or user charges like tourist

trains, cruise vessels, cruise terminals, convention centre, golf courses etc. and creation of land bank for hotels to provide hotel accommodation by purchasing land and build hotels through public private partnerships. The provision also includes Externally Aided Projects including UNDP Endogenous Tourist Projects and assistance to central agencies for tourism infrastructural development. -PTI

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

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

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

2508 W. Devon Ave.Chicago, IL 60659

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

CATERING IS OUR SPECIALITY

'Image change needed for Indian tourism sector' NEW DELHI: India's tourism sector needs an urgent image makeover and higher investment in infrastructure, including through PPP mode to capitalize on opportunities provided by overall growth in world tourist arrivals, the Economic Survey has said. Global tourist arrivals are expected to increase by 43 million every year on an average from 2010 to 2030. The Survey for 2012-13 tabled in Parliament said there is also a need to address issues like high luxury taxes on hotels by states and ensure greater cleanliness and safety for tourists, which can help in giving a big boost to this sector. "With world tourist arrivals expected to increase by 43 million every year on an average from 2010 to 2030 and FTAs in emerging countries expected to grow faster than in advanced economies, a goldmine of opportunity in tourism is waiting for India, which at present has a paltry share of 0.64 per cent in world tourist arrivals," the survey said. It, however, said "an image change for Indian tourism is needed with higher investment in

tourism infrastructure including through PPP mode." Calling for more private participation in the sector, it said: "Even user charges could be levied if monuments or tourist sites are developed by the private sector or through PPP (public private partnership)."

India's travel and tourism sector is estimated to create 78 jobs per million rupees of investment compared to 45 jobs per million rupees in the manufacturing sector, the Survey said On the taxation issues, the survey said refunding VAT as done in countries like Thailand and Singapore can also help the tourism sector. Domestic tourism is also an important contributor to the growth of this sector with a 14.34 per cent

CAGR of domestic tourist visits from 1991 to 2011. During 2011, there were 851 million domestic tourists, the Survey noted. The hotels and restaurants sector with a 1.5 per cent share in India's GDP in 2011-12 is an important sub-component of the tourism sector. As per 12th Five Year Plan approach paper, India's travel and tourism sector is estimated to create 78 jobs per million rupees of investment compared to 45 jobs per million rupees in the manufacturing sector, the Survey said. "As per Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) data 2009-10, the contribution of tourism to India's GDP was 6.8 per cent (3.7 per cent direct and 3.1 per cent indirect) and its contribution to total employment generation was 10.2 per cent (direct 4.4 per cent and indirect 5.8 per cent)," it added. To promote tourism, the government has taken many policy initiatives including a five-year tax holiday for 2, 3, and 4 star hotels located around all UNESCO, World Heritage sites (except Delhi and Mumbai) for hotels which start operating with effect from April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2013. -PTI

Hotel owners want service tax rolled back NEW DELHI: Hotels and restaurant owners have asked Finance Minister P Chidambaram to rollback the service tax proposed on all airconditioned restaurants. "The Finance Minister should reconsider it. This will have a very bad impact on the hospitality industry," Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) Secretary Vijai Pande said.

He said the move will mean an additional burden on customers. Expressing similar sentiments, McDonald's India (North & East) JV Partner & Managing Director Vikram Bakshi said: "By introducing service tax on AC restaurants, the discretionary spends of consumers which are already tight are expected to come under further pressure."

Chiranjeevi seeks VoA facility for 16 more countries NEW DELHI: Aiming at increasing the footfalls of foreign tourists, Ministry of Tourism has sought Visaon-Arrival (VoA) facilities for 16 more countries, including Germany, France, South Africa and Russia. Tourism Minister K Chiranjeevi met Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde and submitted a proposal seeking extension of VoA facilities for 16 important countries. "The extension VoA facilities for tourists to the countries is important as we feel that these are potential source markets to India," said a senior ministry official. Consistent with the look east

policy, Tourism Ministry has included Thailand, Malaysia and Brunei in the proposed VoA list. Keeping an eye on the emerging market of CIS countries, the Ministry has sought the extension of the VoA facility for Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. The other new countries proposed for the extension of the facility are Spain, Poland, Sweden, Norway, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago. Currently the VoA facilities are available for tourists from 11 countries including Singapore, New Zealand, Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar and Philippines. -PTI

Expressing concern over the proposal, Indian Association of Tour Operators President Subhash Goyal said: "It is unfortunate that the government is systematically killing the goose that lays the golden egg. How long you can tax the same sector. This taxation part has made India very cost prohibitive." He also said the increase in import duty on high end motor vehicles from 75 per cent to 100 per cent is also going to negatively impact the tourism industry as the sector uses a substantial amount of luxury vehicles. While announcing the levy on all air-conditioned restaurants in the Budget for 2013-14, Chidambaram said:" At present, service tax does not apply to air conditioned restaurants that do not serve liquor. The distinction is artificial..." As per Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) data 2009-10, the contribution of tourism to India's GDP was 6.8 per cent (3.7 per cent direct and 3.1 per cent indirect) and its contribution to total employment generation was 10.2 per cent (4.4 per cent direct and indirect 5.8 per cent indirect), Economic Survey for 2012-13 tabled in Parliament had said. -PTI

March 15, 2013

Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Tips for short escapes within India GURGAON: Established as goto guidebooks for travelers across the world, Lonely Planet is now digging deep into the India travel market by launching a new series of guides that offer domestic travelers tips for short escapes within the country. The "Short Escape" series, aimed at city dwellers in Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai who are looking for a quick break from the city, was launched here at Kingdom of Dreams. "In the present corporate scenario, working professionals in India want to maximize their leisure time. With this in mind Lonely Planet designed the travel guides to enable travelers to make most of their time by exploring destinations close to their city," says Sesh Seshadri, general manager, Lonely Planet India. Also on the agenda are a set of books that can take the cinema loving tourist to places inside the country that have a Bollywood connection. "We have also planned, 'Shatabdi Escapes' which will include the destinations that fall on the route covered by Shatabdi Express. Yet another 'Bollywood Escape' series will focus on places which are known for some Bollywood connection, be it a shooting spot for any movie or something else," says Seshadri. Last year Lonely Planet had brought out a series of specifically designed guidebooks to enable curious Indian travelers to experience the world via outbound travel. The domestic guides aim at exploring the potential in the Indian domestic tourism market. According to the latest data by the Ministry of Tourism, domestic

too. But Lonely Planet guides were a challenge to work upon considering their eye for details as well as the rigorous research. I have been to every single restaurant personally about which I have mentioned in the guide book, "says

"We have also planned, 'Shatabdi Escapes' which will include the destinations that fall on the route covered by Shatabdi Express. Yet another 'Bollywood Escape' series will focus on places which are known for some Bollywood connection, be it a shooting spot for any movie or something elseâ&#x20AC;? tourism grew at a rate of 13.8 per cent in 2011, with the number of travelers increasing to 851 million from 748 million in 2010. "The domestic travel market is currently thriving. Our own quantitative and qualitative market research has equipped us to create up-to-date, relevant and inspirational content for domestic travelers," Seshadri told PTI. Priced at Rs 395 each guide features 40-45 destinations divided by themes such as hills, heritage, wildlife and resorts. The travel guides outline the best possible routes from the city to the destination, along with distances and fares. The content also includes travel tips and information on iconic sights, family activities, shopping, restaurants and local food recommendations. Each of the short escape guides have been compiled by a team of travel writers who have personally visited each of the destinations featured in the book and have tai-

Goa begins crack down on photographers PANAJI: Goa tourism department has begun a crack down on photographers who create nuisance for tourists at the beaches. A senior tourism department official said that they have started booking photographers creating problems for the visitors under Tourism Trade Act. The photographers are usually found on the Goa beaches clicking pictures of the tourists. "There were lot of complaints against these photographers charging Rs 50-100 per picture. But the basic complaint against them was that they were loitering on the beaches without permission and disturbing the tourists," a senior

lem is that more than enough information is available for the readers over the internet hence it becomes difficult for them to decide which is authentic and which will be more feasible for them." "Our USP is the credibility of

tourism department official said. The department has begun imposing a fine of Rs 10,000 on the photographers if they are found illegally doing business on the beaches. "It is not just a nuisance but we perceive their presence as a threat to the belongings of the tourists, which they usually keep on the shore while going in the waters," the official added. Goa receives around 2.6 million tourists every year. The Parrikar-led government has also taken up cleaning the beaches from hawkers, illegal beds and vendors by pressing special police squads. -PTI

lored the information keeping in mind the paucity of time that Indian working professionals face in their daily life. "I have been a travel blogger since long, I have done freelancing

Puneetinder Kaur Sindhu, one of the authors of the Bengaluru and Delhi guides. Quizzed about how travel guides still maintain their place in market even in the era of internet bombardment, Sheshadri says "The prob-

our research and customization as per the customers budget and demands which Indian travelers look forward to most," he says. Next in the "Travel Guide Short Escape" series are Rajasthan and Goa. -PTI

Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post

March 15, 2013

www.indiapost.com

Mandi: Grand temples, curative streams and startling treks Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 39

Attractions Chauntra Valley A small village close to Mandi, the village lies en route to the famous paragliding spot of Bir. Of late, a small Tibetan settlement and a Tibetan University have come up, making this place a budding tourist attraction. Rewalsar Lake A great pilgrim centre at an altitude of 1,350 meters, where coexist three different shrines of different religions, Rewalsar Lake at Mandi holds such a miracle. A Hindu temple, a Buddhist monastery and a Sikh gurdwara are situated here in wonderful harmony. This lake, which is famed for its hovering island, has an imposing shoreline of 735 meters.

thriving shopping complex Sunken Garden in Mandi is a spectacle of hill architecture. A pagoda-type structure with a clock tower is the major attraction. Behind this amazing structure there lies the heinous story of the erstwhile Mandi king, who killed his own son in law and buried him in the present day Sunken garden. A small lake in the earlier times, Sunken Garden was converted into its present form by the last Raja of Mandi, Joginder Sen. This 500 year old garden and its adjoining structures retain their royal ambience even today. All cultural and other activities in and around the city are organized in this garden. Ardhnareshwar Temple Lord Shiva in the composite form of half man and half woman is the principal deity of this

Sunken Garden

With great historical value, this place holds numerous legends about its sanctity. Hindus believe that it is closely associated with the Pandavas and others feel that this was the abode of Padmasambhava. Whatever be the truth, this place is frequented by large number of Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs alike. Sunken Garden A verdant green garden with a

unique temple. Such temples are very rare in the India and the deity here signifies the beautiful ideology of Ardhnareshwar. Apart from the feeling it generates, this temple exhibits the richness of traditional architecture with elaborate carvings. It is remarkable to notice that the female is depicted in the left portion of the deity. The myth behind this fabulous shrine might be the principle that women Ardhnareshwar are integral part of men's Temple life. A unique temple, which displays exceptional architectural elegance, is now a protected monument under the ASI. The holy darshan of this ancient temple evokes great emotion in the minds of devotees. Bhima Kali Temple The family deity of the erstwhile Bushahar rulers, Bhima Kali Temple is located on the banks of the Beas River. Dedicated to goddess Bhimakali, this temple presents an architectural marvel. The temple also

Bhima Kali Temple

houses a large museum. Mythology says that this was the place where Lord Krishna fought a terrific war with Banasura, the demon king. The myth further says that the head of the routed king was buried in the earth. The land was then ruled by the descendants of the Yadava clan and they had constructed here a magnificent temple complex in which Bhima Kali adorns the main sanctum. So many other shrines

Panchvaktra Temple is a perfect example of Shikhara style architecture. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the deity here has five faces, which depict his five characteristics dedicated to various gods and goddess find their place in this complex. Apart from its serenity and structural elegance, this shrine also commands the stunning scenery of the majestic Shrikhand mountain peak. Bir Monastery Between the villages of Bajinath and Mandi is a small settlement of Tibetans. There are many monasteries here which are an epitome of the great Buddhist influence in this region. The most popular among them is the Nyingma monastery, which is known for its interiors and various Thangka paintings which adorn the walls. Panchvaktra Temple This small hilly area has more than three hundred temples flanking the River Beas. Almost all the temples display world-class architecture and structural designs that forced the Archaeological department to declare them as protected

monuments. One among these protected monuments, Panchavaktra temple has been adjudged as a national heritage site by the ASI. Panchvaktra Temple is a perfect example of Shikhara style architecture. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the deity here has five faces, which depict his five characteristics. Placed at the convergence of Suketi and Beas rivers, the serenity of the temple is very appealing. Triloknath Temple Among the oldest temples in Mandi, Triloknath Temple is situated at Purani Mandi. Built in AD 1520 by the then queen, Sultan Devi, Trilok Nath temple features excellence in architecture. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple premises are enshrined with nu-

snowcapped mountains and thick jungles are the perfect spots of a memorable trek. Trekking in Mandi needs great stamina and courage. Exploring the wilderness of this great Himalayan region gives one a revitalizing feeling. Summer is the best season to go for trekking since it provides a salubrious climate. But professional trekkers often take the dangerous task of trekking in the winter since the mountains and their surroundings show beauty at its peak. How to Reach By Air: The Bhuntar Airport is the nearest air base to Mandi, located at a distance of about 59 km from the town. The airport is connected to major Indian cities like Shimla, Delhi, and Mumbai with Bir Monastery

merous images of the destroyer of the universe. The main deity is seen flanked with his consort Parvati and the Nandi Bull. The sanctum of the temple is adorned by a three-face image of Lord Shiva, which is quite captivating. Besides the main deity, the temple also holds idols of other gods like Sharda and Narada. Trekking Nestled in the lap of the highest mountain peaks of the Himalayas, Mandi offers great opportunities for trekking. Its verdant valleys,

regular flights. Taxi services are available from the airport to Mandi. By Train: The Kiratpur Railway Station is the nearest rail head located at a distance of about 125 km from Mandi. This station is well connected with all major cities of India via Chandigarh. Taxi services are available. By Road: State owned buses, which connect Mandi to its neighboring cities, can be availed by tourists to reach the destination. Private deluxe bus services are also available.

March 15, 2013

Classifieds

India Post 43

www.indiapost.com

Notice is hereby given that sealed competitive bids will be accepted in the office of the GSA-Purchasing Department, County of Alameda, 1401 Lakeside Drive, Suite 907, Oakland, CA 94612 NETWORKING BIDDERS CONFERENCES for RFP #901004 Behavioral Health Management Information System South County – Monday, April 1, 2013 at 2:00 PM at Social Services Agency, 6th Floor, Room 637, 24100 Amador Street, Hayward, CA and North County –Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at 10:00 AM at General Services Agency, Room 1107, 11th Floor, 1401 Lakeside Dr., Oakland, CA Responses Due by 2:00 pm on May 2, 2013 County Contact: Ryan DeCoud at (510) 2089619 or via email: ryan.decoud@acgov.org Attendance at Networking Conference is Non-mandatory. Specifications regarding the above may be obtained at the Alameda County GSA Current Contracting Opportunities Internet website at www.acgov.org. 3/15/13 CNS-2452311#

For Classifieds Ads Call NORTHERN CA (Sonia) Tel: 510-938-8668 sonia@indiapost.com (Priya) Tel. 510-275-4467 priya@indiapost.com SOUTHERN CA (Shashi Trivedi)

NEWS

Tel: 562-441-5511/ Fax: 562-947-0632 shashi19@yahoo.com CHICAGO (Ramesh Soparawala) Tel: 773-973-7394 /

on your desktop

Fax: 773-973-7396 sramesh@aol.com NEW YORK (Pinky) Tel: 212-944-1931/

www.indiapost.com

Fax: 212-944-1932 pinky@indiapost.com

Â&#x201E;

Realty Tidbits

104 villas for retirement community project CHENNAI: Real estate developer 'The Chennai Homes' has announced its first retirement community project 'Aishwaryam' comprising 104 fully furnished single bedroom independent villas. The first phase comprising 54 units with a size between 415 square foot to 850 square foot on six acres at Kottaikadu, at Marakkanam about 110 km from here, has been completed, Company CEO Jayashree Menon said. "Aishwaryam is not just a collection of homes or a conclave. It is a community that offers its residents an opportunity to enjoy their golden years to the fullest", she told reporters here. The Chennai-based company is initially offering the villas at Rs 4,250 per square foot priced between Rs 26 and Rs 42 lakh (for 850 square foot), she said. The second phase is expected to commence soon, The Chennai Homes Consultant Joseph Ittiachen said. -PTI

Â&#x201E; Centre gives RS 34.10 crore for housing SHIMLA: The Centre has sanctioned Rs 34.10 crore for the construction of housing colonies and a community centre in Krishna Nagar under the Rajiv Awas Yojna. Disclosing this here, Housing and Urban Development Minister Sudhir Sharma said 300 houses and a community centre with modern facilities like dispensary, oldage care, library, community hall and solar lighting and heating system would be constructed. He added that of these houses, 224 would be for needy persons while 76 would be rented out. "Strict action will be taken against builders who have started construction without seeking the essentiality certificate and requisite permission," he said.

Â&#x201E; Houses for poor to be registered in the name of women CHANDIGARH: Looking at women empowerment in the backdrop of rising crime against them, Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has said that 3.5 lakh affordable houses would be registered in name of women of beneficiary families. Details on page 45

Real Estate

India Post

www.indiapost.com

March 15, 2013

'Dumb' cuts hurt homeowners, buyers POLYANA DA COSTA

housands of struggling homeowners and first-time homebuyers could lose access to free housing counseling as the spending cuts that President Barack Obama describes as "dumb" and "arbitrary" go into effect. The budget sequestration will result in 75,000 fewer households receiving counseling related to foreclosure prevention, pre-purchase and other types of housing counseling, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The cuts come at a time when counseling agencies already are overwhelmed by the growing number of people seeking assistance at local housing agencies, counselors say. "For many smaller agencies around the country that are HUDapproved, the loss of funding would have a tremendous impact and could severely cut back their ability to meet the needs of the public," says Rick Harper, director of housing and senior vice president at the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of San Francisco. Harper says his agency alone counsels about 2,500 families per month. More than 65 percent of the families are getting foreclosure assistance. "There are still thousands of families out there struggling, trying to make it through this lingering recession," he says. "If you pull away funding, you are going to pull away resources from those people who need it the most."

How soon will homeowners and potential buyers be affected? "It could be fairly immediate," Rodriguez says, but it will vary by counseling agency, depending on how their budgets are planned and how much money they have left. Help doesn't go only to homeowners in jeopardy Counselors also are dealing with an increasing number of firsttime homebuyers seeking pre-purchase advice. "People don't want to make the same mistakes that they've been reading about for all these people who have gone through foreclosure," Harper says. "Before they purchase, they want to make certain that they are prepared so that they don't become a statistic."

Foreclosure and pre-purchase counseling are key elements in the housing and economic recovery, says Marietta Rodriguez, national director of homeownership and lending at NeighborWorks, a network of community development and affordable housing organizations. "Both kinds of people benefit greatly from working with a nonprofit housing counselor," Rodriguez says. "Taking that accessibility away from them potentially could cause a gap in the mar-

ketplace." Not the first time Congress hits counseling funds This is not the first time lawmakers cut funding for housing counseling. In 2011, Congress eliminated HUD's grants for housing counseling services. Later, it reinstated $45 million in funding to counseling in 2012. The federal budget for the 2013 fiscal year which started in October but has yet to be approved by Congress calls for $55 million to be allocated to the counseling programs. With the sequester, most of HUD's housing service programs will be cut by about 8.4 percent, according to estimates in a report prepared in September by the Office of Management and Budget. How soon will homeowners and potential buyers be affected? "It could be fairly immediate," Rodriguez says, but it will vary by counseling agency, depending on how their budgets are planned and how much money they have left. Some agencies receive grants and other sources of funding through various partnerships, but others rely mainly on HUD grants to fund counseling programs. The damage caused by the sequester will continue to grow over time if Congress doesn't consider an alternative to $85 billion in spending cuts concentrated into a seven-month period, says Jason Furman, principal deputy director of the National Economic Council. "It will keep growing," he says. "It will get worse and worse." -Courtesy Bankrate.com

Housing prices rise by up to 9.6% in 18 major cities NEW DELHI: Housing prices have risen in 18 major cities, including Delhi and Mumbai, by up to 9.6 percent during October-December period 2012 compared with the previous quarter, according to National Housing Bank (NHB). Mumbai and Delhi witnessed the maximum increase in housing price at 9.6 percent each. Out of 20 cities tracked by NHB 'RESIDEX', prices have

dropped in only two cities Faridabad and Indore. "In majority of the cities prices are witnessing upward trend," NHB said in a statement. "The movement in prices of residential properties has shown increasing trend in 18 cities ranging from 0.6 percent in Chennai to 9.6 percent in Delhi & Mumbai, and fall in only two cities namely Indore (-1.0 percent) and Faridabad (-5.1 percent) during

the quarter October-December 2012 in comparison to the previous quarter July-September 2012," it added. Prices have shot up by 9.4 percent each in Kolkata and Patna, followed by Kochi (8.8 percent), Surat (8.7 percent), Bengaluru (8.2 percent) and Lucknow (8 percent). Hyderabad saw an appreciation in housing price by 7.1 percent, while in Ludhiana rates rose by 6.5 percent, Ahmedabad (6.1

percent), Guwahati (5.1 percent), Bhopal (4.9 percent), Bhubaneshwar and Jaipur (2.4 percent), Vijayawada (2.2 percent), Pune (2 percent) and Chennai (0.6 percent). NHB RESIDEX tracks the movement in prices of residential properties on a quarterly basis since 2007. The index for Delhi includes property transactions of Gurgaon, Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad. -PTI

Real Estate

March 15, 2013

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Who has to fix neighbor's retaining wall? STEVE MCLINDEN

Q: Dear Real Estate Adviser, My next-door neighbor has a sloping driveway with an 8-foothigh retaining wall that's 1 foot away from my property. The wall desperately needs repair in several places. Who's responsible if the wall collapses and some of my property spills into his driveway: him or me? -Nat Dear Nat, That's a little hard to say without more detail, but it is apparent this is a mutually beneficial wall that could use your collective attentions. In even a semi-perfect world, such a safety object should be maintained and repaired by both of you. However, while it holds back part of your property, the wall is technically on your neighbor's property and that makes this issue a little muddy, much like your neighbor's driveway will be if the thing finally gives way. Of course, you'd probably prefer that your neighbor shoulder all those expenses. He just may be thinking the same about you. So for conversation's sake, let's ponder the legalities. First off, do you know who originally built the wall and why? If it was the neighbor or the previous owner, that certainly implies ownership and responsibility, particularly if the neighbor made a modification to his driveway necessitating the wall. Some-

times, though, such walls are the product of a previous civil agreement between neighbors. Ideally, this would be noted on your deed, title document or survey. Other times, the responsibility for such a "party wall" lies in the title documents of a homeowners association or planned unit development if your neighborhood happens to fall under either structure.

First, though, talk with your property insurer to get the lowdown on its coverage and liability guidelines in such situations, given the constraints of your policy I might add that if either of you has done something to impact the wall's structural integrity since it was first constructed, or if the roots from your trees are pushing into the wall, that would carry weight, too, in more ways than one. One thing is for sure: It doesn't benefit either of you to keep playing this game of chicken for an accident-in-waiting. Once you've looked into the background of the structure, I suggest an open discussion with the neighbor, assuming you're on decent terms. Tell him you're aware the wall is on his property but that you would be

willing to help rectify the situation by footing a percentage of the repair costs. You might even volunteer to line up bids on repairs or reconstruction of the wall if that will provide momentum. If your neighbor can't or won't pony up to at least split the cost, then you might look into options that would force his hand, assuming you're not content to pay for it all yourself. First, though, talk with your property insurer to get the lowdown on its coverage and liability guidelines in such situations, given the constraints of your policy. They've seen such scenarios before. You might suggest to your neighbor to do the same with his insurer. If he still doesn't budge, talk with city code enforcement on the sly to see if the compromised wall was properly permitted or if it's subject to any building ordinances regarding dangerous property conditions. Oftentimes, however, the city will punt in such situations and say it's a private matter that you'll need to resolve with your neighbor or through an attorney. Meanwhile, that wall is becoming increasingly unstable. Don't let it be a divider with your neighbor. Heed this old quote that some attribute to Sir Isaac Newton: "We build too many walls and not enough bridges." Here's hoping Newton's law of gravity doesn't take its course before you resolve the situation! Good luck. -Courtesy Bankrate.com

REIT has potential to address housing challenges MUMBAI: Amid lack of funds for investment in the real estate market and housing shortage being major areas of concern, Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) has the potential to address these twin challenges faced by the sector, according real estate consultancy firm Knight Frank. A REIT is a company that directly owns income producing real estate assets and provides a trading mechanism to investors. "REIT has the potential to emerge as an answer to these twin challenges of the real estate sector. One, it can address the housing shortage and second it can enable an individual to participate in real estate investment," Knight Frank Director (Research)

Samantak Das said. Lack of sustained financial options has been the most critical challenge for the sector, which has contributed to the shortage of fresh supply of houses and also responsible for high property prices. At the same time, though real estate is amongst the largest mainstream asset classes for investment, high value of the property prohibits an individual investor from participating in this asset class, he said. "On one hand an institutional market of REITs can ensure steady supply of capital to real estate development which shall aid in increasing the supply of houses and on the other it shall serve as an

investment vehicle for individuals," he said. Some of the REITs promoted by Indian real estate developers include Unitech Corporate Park, Hirco and Ishaan Real Estate which are listed on the London Stock Exchange. While Indiabulls Properties Investment Trust is listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange. "Going forward we expect stakeholders to take cognizance of the opportunities offered by the REIT structure of direct investment in real estate. As a result, the REIT mode of investing in real estate should emerge as the most preferred way of participating in the promising real estate asset class," Das said. -PTI

Houses for poor to be registered in the name of women

CHANDIGARH: Looking at women empowerment in the backdrop of rising crime against them, Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has said that 3.5 lakh affordable houses would be registered in name of women of beneficiary families. To provide houses to poor in urban and rural areas, Haryana has launched Priyadarshani Awaas Yojna to build 2 lakh houses for rural poor and 1.5 lakh units under Affordable Urban Housing policy 2013 in urban areas. "A woman will seldom sell off her home. It will ensure that the subsidized houses are not sold off by men," Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said while announcing that the state government will register the house in name of the women from the poor families. "Every individual should own a house," the minister said. Under the Priyadarshini Awaas Yojna, a scheme sponsored by Haryana government, each of the beneficiaries will be allocated Rs 81,000 as grant for construction of a new house. An assistance of Rs 9,100 will also be provided under the Nirmal Bharat Abhiyaan. The state government has made budgetary allocation of Rs 350 crore under the scheme and HUDCO will finance the Rs 1350 crore scheme. For the urban poor 1.5 lakh houses are to be build by 2014-15 through Housing board Haryana,

Urban Local Bodies and Town and Country Planning. A public private partnership model has been proposed to provide liberal concessions to private players in CLU, EDC, license fee and FAR. Financial Institutions have been mobilized to provide loans under ISHUP scheme and interest subsidy of 5% will be available up to loan of Rs one lakh. The beneficiaries will be provided a unit of

Under the Priyadarshini Awaas Yojna, a scheme sponsored by Haryana government, each of the beneficiaries will be allocated Rs 81,000 as grant for construction of a new house 300 square feet at highly subsidized rates. With rise in graph of crime against women, especially from scheduled castes, the state government lately has been facing a lot of flake. Around 19.335 per cent of the population belong to scheduled caste in the state. A majority of beneficiaries under the housing scheme will fall in the category.

In Brief US released more than 2,000 immigrants WASHINGTON: The Associated Press has learned that the Homeland Security Department released more than 2,000 illegal immigrants facing deportation from immigration jails in recent weeks because of looming budget cuts. It also planned to release 3,000 more during March. The newly disclosed figures, cited in internal government budget documents reviewed by the AP, are significantly higher than what the Obama administration acknowledged as a ``few hundred'' illegal immigrants who were released under the budget-savings process. The budget documents show that Immigrations and Customs Enforcement released roughly 1,000 illegal immigrants from its jails around the U.S. each week since at least Feb. 15. The agency's field offices have reported more than 2,000 released before intense criticism led to a temporary shutdown of the plan. -AP

Arizona House calls for border intelligence center PHOENIX: Arizona lawmakers want to erect a new border intelligence center in the state's latest foray into the national immigration debate. The House unanimously sent legislation approving the center to the Senate for approval. The measure would establish a joint operations intelligence unit to coordinate state and federal law enforcement agencies working along the border. The center would work closely with U.S. Border Patrol agents and local law enforcement officials. Proponents say they want to create a drug-free zone along the border that would also target human trafficking. -AP

Pima cuts tuition for those in immigration program TUCSON, Ariz.: Pima Community College is reducing tuition for Pima County residents enrolled in a new federal program for illegal immigrants brought to the United States at a young age. The College Board's 4-1 vote provides resident tuition rates to students in the program, with the change expected to start next fall. Without the change, those students would continue paying higher non-resident tuition rates. -AP

Immigration 46

India Post

www.indiapost.com

March 15, 2013

NC farmers want help on immigration solution RALEIGH, N.C.: North Carolina farmers want state legislators to lobby Congress to pass an immigration law overhaul so they can hire more people to work in fields and the state's agriculture industry can meet increasing food demands worldwide. -AP

Congress needs to create a Startup Visa to encourage entrepreneurs CYRUS D. MEHTA

D printing technology is about to revolutionize the way we understand manufacturing, and the country that takes the lead in this new technology will be the winner of what The Economist magazine has called the third industrial revolution. A state of the art hearing aid or a high tech component for a military jet can be designed through a computer and printed on an unattended 3D printer as a solid functioning object. Yet, the US Customs and Border Protection on the Canadian border recently refused admission to a dual national Canadian/ British entrepreneur JS Brandon who is part of a startup called D Shape - which has developed a large-scale 3D printer that will revolutionize the way architectural design is planned, and building constructions are executed. By simply pressing the "enter" key on the keypad D Shape gives the architect the possibility to make buildings directly,

without intermediaries who can add interpretation and realization mistakes. Although refused entry into the United States, Mr. Brandon participated in a panel discussion on February 13, 2012 at Brooklyn Law School in New York entitled Immigration Policy and Entrepreneurship: Challenges and Path-

Canadian and Mexican citizens. For an individual who wishes to work in a business related field, the only TN occupational classification is "Management Consultant," but the CBP official did not think Mr. Brandon would fall under this category as he would be more of a "Manager," which is not a TN classification.

Thanks to technology that has now become so routine, he could participate through Skype from overseas, and told a riveted audience that he had been refused entry under a NAFTA TN visa to work for D Shape in New York ways for Startups. Thanks to technology that has now become so routine, he could participate through Skype from overseas, and told a riveted audience that he had been refused entry under a NAFTA TN visa to work for D Shape in New York, which is limited to certain occupational categories and applies to

Although he will try again for a TN visa, the H-1B visa category is more obvious, which allows one to work in many more professional fields, but there are no H-1B visa numbers left for this fiscal year. If he applies for one, he will have to wait until October 1, 2013 to get in, and that too if he is lucky

enough to get selected in the event that the USCIS receives more than the allotted 65,000 H1B visas during the first week April 2013 - the first month when employers can file H-1B visas for an effective start date of October 1, 2013. Other than the H-1B visa, there are few options for enterprising foreign entrepreneurs. The O-1 visa is limited to foreign nationals who can demonstrate extraordinary ability in their fields through sustained national or international acclaim. The L-1 visa is available to intra-company executives, managers or specialized knowledge employees who have been working for an affiliated overseas company for one year in the same capacities. The E-2 visa, applies to nationals of a few countries that have as treaty with the US (and Canada is one of them), but it requires the entrepreneur to make a substantial investment. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 47

ACLU sues Nebraska County over man's jailing PAPILLION, Neb.: A Nebraska civil rights group is suing Sarpy County in eastern Nebraska on behalf of a man who says he was unjustly jailed for four days because sheriff's deputies wrongly suspected he was an illegal immigrant. The Nebraska chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union filed the lawsuit in Sarpy County District Court. The group said in a news release that Ramon Mendoza, 48, of Papillion, was jailed in March 2010 after he was pulled over by a sheriff's deputy for an object obstructing his view - his son's boxing medal hanging from the rear-view mirror. Deputies arrested him upon finding he did not have a valid driver's license or proof of car insurance, both misdemeanors. Once at the jail, the lawsuit says, he was not allowed to call his family or a lawyer, and was

held while deputies sought information from federal immigration officials on whether Mendoza was in the country illegally. Mendoza was not given an opportunity to bond out of jail, the lawsuit says. Mendoza is a naturalized U.S. citizen from Mexico. The lawsuit

The lawsuit also says jail staff repeatedly addressed Mendoza using racial slurs and that one official showed him a picture of a swastika. Mendoza was released only after Sarpy County officials received a fax from federal immigra-

Once at the jail, the lawsuit says, he was not allowed to call his family or a lawyer, and was held while deputies sought information from federal immigration officials on whether Mendoza was in the country illegally says he gave deputies his name, address and Social Security number, and that law enforcement officials repeatedly turned away Mendoza's wife and son when they tried to present Mendoza's naturalization certificate, Social Security card and other documents to prove his citizenship.

tion officials saying they had no reason to detain Mendoza four days after Mendoza was jailed, according to the lawsuit. ``Without any legal authority whatsoever, Sarpy County imprisoned our client for four days with no opportunity to seek counsel and no opportunity to post bail all be-

cause they thought he was an illegal alien,'' said Omaha attorney Denise Frost, who also is representing Mendoza in the lawsuit. ``Our fundamental constitutional values prohibit depriving any person of liberty without due process of law.'' Upon his release, the lawsuit says Mendoza's wife took him to a hospital, where he was treated for dehydration and emotional distress. The lawsuit, which also names U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as a defendant, seeks $10,000 in special damages, as well as other damages for an unspecified amount. ``Police officers and jailers are always required to obey the constitution,'' said Amy Miller, legal director for ACLU Nebraska. ``They simply cannot imprison a person in this way, even if an immigration detainer exists.'' -AP

Immigration Post

March 15, 2013

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Congress needs to create a Startup Visa to encourage entrepreneurs Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 46

I was honored to be on the distinguished panel along with Jeremy Robbins who is Director of the Partnership for a New American Economy and Special Advisor to Mayor Bloomberg, Michael Wildes, Partner of Wildes and Weinberg PC and Owen Davis, Venture Capitalist, Director of NYC Seed. The moderator was Professor Jonathan Askin, who is the Director of the innovative Brooklyn Law Incubator Policy Clinic, which also sponsored the program along with New York Legal Hackers. Apart from the wonderful ambience and engaging audience and there was jazz at the beginning and end of the program - the panelists generally painted a grim picture of the visa options available to foreign entrepreneurs who wish to develop startups in the US. Indeed, Mr. Davis said that NYC Seed would be reluctant to fund foreign national entrepreneurs due to the inherent risks and uncertainties caused by the immigration system. Mr. Wildes described the many immigration options that exist in the US immigration system, but then qualified that it would be very difficult for an entrepreneur to take advantage of them. Under the H-1B visa program, for example, the USCIS insists on the need to show that the H-1B worker's employment will be controlled by the employer, which will

be difficult in the case of startup owned by the foreign national. This obstacle is in addition to the fact that H-1B visa numbers run out even before the start of the fiscal year. Even the E-2 visa is limited to nationals of treaty countries, according to Wildes, which does not include any of the dynamic BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries. I pointed out that there may be new hope, even amidst the bureaucratic "culture of no" mindset, in the USCIS's new Entrepreneurs in Residence initiative, where immigration officers have been trained to recognize the unique nature of startups, such as operating in stealth mode or not having an established office space. Control of employment may also be shown in other ways, through the need to maintain a separate existence between the corporation and the shareholder, as well as the possibility of minority shareholders exercising control through shareholding agreements or through their latent power to seek dissolution based on egregious conduct by the majority shareholders. Mr. Robbins highlighted the political realities, which means that a new Startup Visa will only be enacted when Congress rolls out a Comprehensive Immigration Reform bill. Despite the importance of foreign entrepreneurs, and the fact that America knows best how to nurture entrepreneurship, there is little chance of a Startup Visa

NYC Council OKs bucking some immigration detainers NEW YORK: The New York City Council has approved a plan to make it tougher for immigration officials to detain people being released from police custody. A measure passed would sometimes bar police from honoring immigration detainers. They let federal immigration officials get custody of potentially deportable immigrants after they're released by local authorities. Police still would honor detainers for people with criminal or immigration violation histories,

among other circumstances. But police wouldn't notify immigration authorities when releasing youthful offenders and people without significant criminal records. Mayor Michael Bloomberg is expected to sign the measure. A 2011 law set a similar policy for city jails. Supporters say the change will stop deportations of people who pose no threat. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials say honoring detainers helps protect public safety. -AP

Act in the absence of Comprehensive Immigration Reform. The take away from this program is that we clearly need Congress to create a Startup Visa rather than entrepreneurs using existing visas that were not designed for them, but those legislative proposals will flounder unless they are included in a Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR) bill. One version of a Startup Visa would require the entrepreneur to invest a minimum of $100,000 in order to get a two year green card.

Mr. Robbins highlighted the political realities, which means that a new Startup Visa will only be enacted when Congress rolls out a Comprehensive Immigration Reform bill To keep the green card past two years, the founder would need to create five jobs and either raise at least $500,000 in additional funding or $500,000 in revenues. Even if Congress enacted a Startup Visa, these requirements could be rather burdensome for a nimble entrepreneur who could still launch a successful business without an initial $100,000 investment. Thus, a CIR proposal can also tweak some of the existing visa categories to make it easier for founders to remain in the US as non-immigrants and provide alternative pathways, such as by relaxing the element of control in the H-1B visa and also allowing a majority shareholder to be sponsored for a green card through the labor certification program. The well-intended guidance for entrepreneurs under existing visa categories should also be part of reform legislation rather than remain as mere guidelines that run the risk of not being followed by an immigration officer. Otherwise, we will have initiatives like Blueseed, which envisages a ship in international waters off Silicon Valley that will serve as an incu-

bator for foreign entrepreneurs to develop their startups without needing to get a US visa. They can visit shore briefly on a B-1 business visa for meetings, and then return to the ship to work at their startup. To add to the uniqueness of the entrepreneur and immigration program in Brooklyn, the founder of Blueseed, Dario Mutabdzija, also participated through Skype. I have a feeling that Blueseed will succeed even if we have CIR as there will always be entrepreneurs who may not be able to take advantage of onerous visa options in the early stages of the startup. Finally, from my experience as a practitioner, I have seen that immigrants from all backgrounds can become entrepreneurs, and it is not necessary that only graduates from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programs

will succeed with startups. A lesser educated immigrant with burning ambition, such as a cook, can one day start a restaurant chain just as a Ph.D in Engineering can develop the next generation 3D printer. Both create more jobs - and America could also enjoy more cultural diversity through the businesses of foreign entrepreneurs. As I recently tweeted on Twitter, "We need both brilliant STEM and delectable tandoori chicken in America." Thus, if the political reality is to include startup visa options in CIR, let's bring it on sooner than later so that America will be able to benefit from the talents of foreign entrepreneurs of all backgrounds and stripes. * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

PRADEEP ROY-SINGH B.A. LL.B. M.B.A. J.D. Attorney-at-Law

Former Assistant StateÂ&#x2019;s Attorney

Civil & Criminal Litigation Felonies, Misdemeanors, Inc DUI 1 Personal Injury, Business, Divorce etc. 1 Property Tax for Commercial Properties 1 1

http://www.proy-singh.com

2335 W. Devon Ave., Suite 204, Tel: 773-381-1820 Chicago, IL 60659

Datebook

India Post

March 15, 2013

www.indiapost.com

NEW JERSEY

NEW YORK

Upcoming

Sat Mar 16 • International Women's Day Celebration Venue: North Brunswick Township High School Auditorium, 98 Raider Road, North Brunswick, NJ 08902 Time: 6:30 pm Contact: 732-800-2273

Sat Mar 30 • Rang Barsey 2013 Venue: Deewan Banquet, 560 Stelton Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854 Time: 10:00 am Contact: 914-479-2596

Sun Apr 14 • Varli Kids Food Festival 2013 Venue: Hyatt at Headquarters Plaza, 3 Speedwell Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960 Time: 12:00 pm Contact: 612-220-3617

Sat Mar 16 • Rangholi 2013 Venue: K-Lounge, 30 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019 Time: 10:00 pm Contact: 724-777-8187

Sun Mar 31 • Strings - Live in Concert Venue: Roone Arledge Auditorium, 2920 Broadway, New York, NY 10027 Time: 8:30 pm Contact: 717-317-0171

Sat Apr 13 • Indian Speed Dating - Meet 15 Desi Dates In One Night Venue: K lounge, 30 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019 Time: 6:00 pm Contact: 9173248022

ILLINOIS

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

• J K Yog, Chicago - Swami Mukundananda Chicago Satsang Information: J K Yog Satsang and Bal Mukund Hindi Classes are held every 2nd and 4rth Sunday of Month 330pm-530pm @ Clarion Inn/Waterford Banquets, Board Room, 933 South Riverside Drive, Elmhurst, IL 60126 Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-5614807 -Website: www.jkyog.org Chicago Children's Bal Mukund Character Building Program and Hindi Literacy Classes- Bal Mukund Classes are held every 1st and 3rd Sunday of Month 11am-1pm @ Vogelei Center, 650 W. Higgins Road, Hoffmann Estates, IL 60192 (Next to Nissan Dealership) Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-5614807 - Website: www.jkyog.org/bal-mukund Two superhit Gujarati plays are coming to Chicago

1. Eak Bejane Nadta Rahiye Date Venue:

March 22, 2013 Jain Center, Bartlett, IL

2. GujjuBhai Ni Golmaal Date: Venue:

March 29, 2013 Jain Center, Bartlett, IL

• Shreejidwar Community Events Venue: Vaishnav Samaj of Midwest, 440 W Fullerton Ave., Addision, IL - 60101 Time: Holi-Rasiya-Rangotsav: Sun Mar 24, Shree Mahaprabhuji Pragatyosav: Sun May 5, Haveli Patotsav: Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun/ Jul4/5/6/7 Nandmahotsav: Sat Aug 31 Sharad Poonam/Rasotsav Garba: Sat Oct 18 Annakut Mahotsav: Sat Nov 9 Tulsi Vivah: Sat Nov 16 Tavasmi & Kirtan Classes every other Sunday… Satsang Every Saturday & Sunday After Sandhya Darshan Sakha Mandal 3rd Sunday Contact: 630-543-38-71

Thu Mar 21 • Karsh Kale featuring Alam Khan Venue: Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102 Time: 8:00 pm Contact: 415-575-6175

Fri Mar 22 • Holi Celebration at Bishop Ranch

Sat Mar 23 • HOLI on the Beach Venue: Will Rogers State Beach (between towers 5&6), Pacific Coast Hwy, Los Angeles, CA 90272

Time: 11:00AM Contact: 843-503-2133

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

Sun Mar 15 to Tue 17

Sat April 27 to Fri May 3 Discourses by Swami Mukundananda

Venue: Embassy Suites, San Rafeal, California Contact: 415-472-6959 Highlight: Exhibition of My paintings from the series "Turning Rumi: Singing Verses of Love, Unity and Freedom" continues at Expressions Gallery until 15th March, 2013.

• Bhagavad Geeta for Everyday Living Venue: Sunnyvale Hindu Temple, 420-450 Persian Drive, Sunnyvale CA 94089 Time: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

• Essence of Spirituality Venue: Fremont Hindu Temple, 3676 Delaware Drive, Fremont, CA 94538 Time: Sat: 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Sun: 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri: 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, Tue: 8:15 pm to 9:15 pm Prasadam: Prasadam will be served after the program May 4th (Sat) to May 10

• Regular On-going Balmukund Class Venue: 3839, Heriatage Terrace #232, Fremont, CA Contact: 510-794-3368, Email: babitarpur@gmail.com

• Regular On-going Satsang: Contact: 408-594-8197 Email: lisamousum@gmail.com, 510-573-2288 Email: karuna101_sharma@yahoo.com

• Songs of the Soul Poetry and Sacred Music Festival

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

ATLANTA Upcoming Sun Mar 24 • My Shadi Bridal Expo Venue: Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel, 2450 Galleria Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30339 Time: 12:00 pm Contact: 9547848100

Sat Mar 30 • Holi Dhamaka Venue: Atlanta Event Hall, 3750 Venture Dr, Duluth, GA 30096 Time: 9:00 am Contact: 404-934-9991

March 15, 2013

www.indiapost.com

India Post 49

Astro Buzz

50 India Post

March 15, 2013

www.indiapost.com

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

DR ASHIT JALUI MARCH 15TH - MARCH 21ST 2013

ocus on family affairs and domestic changes - and be sure to involve others as fully as possible. The last thing you want is a messy power struggle interfering in your schemes. Sporting Ariens are now heading for the top - let's hope you get there! Confidence is the key: if you believe in yourself, so will other people.

o yourself a favour and turn your attention to underlying problems at home which are little trouble at the moment but could get out of hand later. It may only be a question of repairs which will save money in the long run. A romantic dalliance lifts your morale in distinctly pleasant ways - even if only in your imagination!

ife won't necessarily go your way, but then there's no reason why it always should. Mars' lively influence over your sign creates sufficient opportunities for you to assert yourself, but other people need a look-in as well. Family wounds will be healed with just a little more effort, so go the extra mile to make sure everyone is happy.

he general trend is helpful, although some developments will be so subtle that you might fail to notice what's happening. One possibility is that someone will help you without your being aware of their intervention. That's going to make it difficult to thank them, so repay the favour by doing someone else a good turn.

or many reasons, the timescale on any long-term travel plan or legal question is about to change. If you play your cards right, you'll both reinforce your current position and avert future difficulties. A shift at work takes you in a practical direction - one which could bring benefits over the coming months.

he Moon's relationship with your longdistance and travel sectors favours trips away from home, which might act as a welcome distraction from more pressing matters. Yet, work could pose minor difficulties, possibly because colleagues see the world through different eyes, so please be tolerant.

ometimes you have to be the person you were born to be. As a Scorpio, you are entitled to battle for what you believe to be your due and to fight for your rights. Your professional life will soon be subject to voluntary or enforced changes, so it is absolutely essential that you stick up for yourself, especially when nobody else does.

omantic hopes are growing, yet it's one of those times when work comes first. Even in the most enjoyable of leisure pursuits, you'll be happiest if you stay active, pursuing worthwhile hobbies. Your decisions will be charitable in the extreme, designed to spread largesse and good fortune as wide as possible.

here doesn't seem to be anything you can do but listen to other people. The moment you imagine that you can ignore their wants and get your own way, events will rebound on you. Socially, look for anything out of the ordinary, and make very sure indeed that you go all out to meet new and unusual individuals.

ecret financial deals could be profitable in the long run, but only if you are in charge. Be wary of others who may, perhaps unintentionally, be the cause of hidden problems. Family fun will help lighten your load, so bring relations together for a fun evening. Keep it simple, and avoid unnecessary complications.

our current stars pick out finances as the main theatre of operations, so keep a close eye on your cash flow. High-tech or unusual purchases are appropriate, but the major indication shows that money could be slipping through your fingers like water: if you're in doubt, ask the experts.

our creative powers are strong, so any of your artistic activities will benefit enormously. You should now pursue your goals, both personal and public, without a thought for other people's narrow-minded disapproval. You can use your colourful imagination to add an extra dimension to your love life, by the way.

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

March 15, 2013

www.indiapost.com

India Post 51

Horoscope

52 India Post

March 15, 2013

www.indiapost.com

Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar

MARCH 15TH - MARCH 21ST 2013 (March 21 to April 20)

unning around will increase but the results will be satisfactory. Do not go out of your way to help others. You may make some money through stock. Mind will be relaxed and you will be planning for the future. An old friend will be in touch and seek your advice. All meetings and business trips will be fruitful.

(July 23 to August 22)

egal process can help you recover what was supposed to come months ago. Planets are in perfect order to help you out with almost everything in life. You will finally sign few more contracts this week. Energy level will be on the peak and you will be able to shed few more pounds. You will spend an evening with some important people.

(April 21 to May 20)

our fears and worries are baseless. Things will definitely workout finally, so relax. Another favorable week for brokers. Money will come but will not stay for long. People applying for another position will be called for second interview. You will have a great opportunity to learn some ropes from a successful person.

(August 23 to September 22)

nvestments made in the past will drain you out and you may use your savings to fulfil your commitments. Exalted Venus in seventh will help bachelors find some one who is not only intelligent but very good looking too. Some one you always considered adversary, will give you some very useful and practical tips.

(May 21 to June 20)

long distance journey is in the air. You will be completely focused on important issues. There will be some positive developments in ongoing legal matters but you will need to submit some more paper work. You will be working on a new and fresh idea that can multiply your income. You will shed few pounds this week.

(September 23 to October 22)

eeling tired of stale life, you will make fresh attempts to bring changes in career and will be some what successful. You may dispose off some profit making stocks and wait. People in business will have better sales because of some new clients. Spouse will make some serious changes in diet at home for every one.

(October 23 to November 22)

(June 21 to July 22)

roperty related matters will get resolved. You may purchase another luxury model vehicle for personal use. New friend will be useful and give many important leads. Too much hot and spicy food can upset your stomach. Some issue involving a close family member will keep you very busy. New project will continue make progress.

t is going to be an expensive week. You may need to cut corners here and there in order to make important payments. Some one from overseas will call and deliver the good news. You will have time on hands to clean your table and take care of pending paper work. Good piece of advice coming from another intelligent person. (November 23 to December 22)

ife will become slight relaxing as pressure at work will reduce a lot. Though you will still keep looking for another job or business opportunity and may even discuss things with a close friend. Bank balance will creep up slowly and children will do better in schools. You may need to have your eye sight retested. (December 22 to January 19)

ou may be writing a small check to a government agency and also send some paper work. Things will get more relaxing at work. Those who are looking to have an addition in the family, planets are very favorable to make it happen. Spouse may end up buying some unnecessary items for the house and for you. (January 20 to February 18)

ou will accomplish a lot with the help of favorable Venus and few other planets. You will be very lucky with money this week. Negotiations will go well and final meeting will take place in few days. Boss will appreciate your quick thinking and intelligence. You may be spending some money towards an upcoming pleasure trip. (February 19 to March 20)

ommitments you make this week could put you under financial pressure in time to come so be careful. Boss will give additional work and deadline too. You may seek help from a colleague in order to finish work in hands. Do not ignore health issues and seek right help. You will be going on an important trip soon.

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 15, 2013

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Page Sponsored by Sahanis SHRI ATMANANDA (KRISHNA MENON)

s the world appears, to anyone, it is shown in seeming pictures - physical, sensual and mental. These are pictures that have been created by changing acts of perception and conception, through our bodies and our minds. As our minds and bodies differ, so too their acts of picturing get to be different as well. The differences produce a great variety of pictures - at different times and places, and in different cultures and personalities. But in the end, each picture must arise from the same complete reality of physical and mental world - which includes all times and places, together with all cultures and all personalities. Whatever picture may appear - of anything or to anyone - that complete reality is always implied, in the background of the picturing. Each apparent picture is portrayed at the foreground of experience, by some act of picturing. This very act must express the reality from which it has arisen. That expressed reality is quietly implied. It stands utterly unpictured in the background, while changing pictures are portrayed on the seeming surface of the mind's attention. Accordingly, reality can be approached as a background screen, on which all pictures of the world are drawn. The screen is in itself JEFF FOSTER

hat to do with this one precious, fleeting gift of life? That is the question. To be, or not to be, or to be but only half-heatedly, living out of the 'shoulds' of others? And the answer is simple, because life is short. Do whatever makes you feel passionately alive. Find a way - however much you have to struggle at first - of making a living from truly living. Honor your unique talents and abilities. Do what moves you and connects you to the deepest truth of yourself. Trust prosperity and passion over profit and comfort and the approval of others, because all the approval in the world is empty if it is for something your heart was never really in. Breaking out of the known can be terrifying, and you may lose what you thought was yours, and your trusted images of yourself may melt in the fire of newness, and you may face fear and trembling, uncertainty and doubt, rejection and even ridicule. You may have to learn the hard way to open yourself up to more pain and life may become more uncomfortable than everâ&#x20AC;Ś that is, until you

unpictured - remaining everywhere the same, never varying at all. In this sense, of standing changeless underneath, that background is called 'sat' or 'existence'. But that background is no object in the world. Each object is a pictured element, appearing on the background screen. And each such element is lit by consciousness. The knowing light of consciousness is present through all pieces of the picturing.

its pictures from behind. The pictures are all made of light. As they show, they shine by that light, which illuminates itself. In this sense, as self-illuminating light, the reality is called 'cit' or 'consciousness'. As the pictures come and go, they all arise expressing consciousness, from which they come. That expression is their life, which animates their changing movement. From it comes all their sense of

is dual, feeling need for something else. When what's wanted is obtained, the self that knows is felt to be at one with what has come about. The wanting mind's duality has there been brought to rest, dissolved into a non-duality that is its real motivation. In this sense, as that which is ultimately valued, the reality is called 'ananda' or 'happiness'. The background is thus 'sat-citananda'. As 'sat', it is the background of all objects and objective acts. As

Reality can be approached as a background screen

Shri Atmananda (Krishna Menon)

There is no way of distinguishing between that background reality and the knowing light of consciousness. The two cannot be told apart. They are in fact identical

Throughout all varied pieces of the pictured show, that light stays present with the screen. The pictured pieces change and vary; but their background and their knowing light stay present always, throughout all the changes and the differences. There is no way of distinguishing between that background reality and the knowing light of consciousness. The two cannot be told apart. They are in fact identical. The background screen is light itself, illuminating all

purpose and meaning and value. In the end, all pictured acts are done for the sake of consciousness, which they express. As it knows itself, in identity, it shines non-dually - identical with the reality of each picture that it lights. By that non-dual shining, all actions in our pictures are inspired to take place, spontaneously and naturally, of their own accord. For that non-dual shining is the happiness that is uncovered when desire is fulfilled. The wanting mind

'cit', it is the background of all thoughts and ideas. As 'ananda', it is the background of all feelings and all values. But then, how can it be investigated, beneath the pictures that appear to cover it? It can be found by looking carefully at the gaps in our picturing of the apparent world. There, in the gaps, when they are properly examined, the background may be found uncovered, shining by itself. Based on commentary provided by Ananda Wood

fall in love with the deep comfort of insecurity, and the security of doing what makes life worth living. You will be swimming in the unknown, but you will be vast and alive. You will feel life running through your veins once again as it did when you were young and you hadn't yet settled for a life of compromise and clock watching and justifications for your quiet desperation - and you

nobody else can do, at least not in the same way as you, creating something original and fresh, giving something back to life, honoring your total uniqueness and your own talents, and so you won't feel second hand, a slave to others, a piece of wood, and a deep trust of life may replace your fears of failure and poverty, and your cynicism and jealousy of others may die completely.

each new day with fresh eyes and an open heart. If, many years ago, someone had told me that one day I'd be traveling the world, holding meetings and retreats, speaking my intimate truth in front of people I'd never met before, having published several books which had been translated into several languages, I would have laughed out loud - perhaps in

Do whatever makes you feel passionately alive

Jeff Foster

will channel this aliveness back into creation, and the cycle of prosperity will keep flowing, and yes, you may even make a good living, better than expected. But however much money you make, or don't make, you will be making a unique contribution to the world, doing something that

Yes, it's a risk to donate your life to what you love and what moves you and brings you joy, but I can only speak from experience and say that it's absolutely worth it Yes, it's a risk to donate your life to what you love and what moves you and brings you joy, but I can only speak from experience and say that it's absolutely worth it, because having a comfortable and predictable life pales in comparison to feeling deeply, passionately alive and meeting

disbelief, or perhaps out of the fear of the overwhelming vastness of life's possibilities. Honor this life that is trying to express itself in and as and through you. You are not nearly as limited as you may have been led to believe by those who have not yet come alive.

Remembering a wrong is like carrying a burden on the mind. -Buddha Great knowledge is broad, small knowledge is petty. Great talk is powerful, small talk is loquacious. -Chuang Tzu Zen recognizes the mundane as of equal importance with the spiritual. In the great relation of things there is no distinction of small and great, an atom possessing equal possibilities with the universe -Kakuzo Okakura There is seldom any rational reason for having regrets about past deeds or events. Because the past does not exist in any way other than in your memory. -Paul Wilson Find a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life. -Confucius You have said it, but you have not understood. -Jesus of Nazareth We take refuge in pride because we are afraid to tell the truth to ourselves. -Kakuzo Okakura

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

Edit Page

India Post

March 15, 2013

www.indiapost.com

Is Islamabad's strategy on the LoC changing? J JEGANAATHAN

he recent tension on the Line of Control (LoC) be tween India and Pakistan signal the resumption of dormant tension in Indo-Pak relations and there is a growing concern that the relations are now back to square one. What could be the rationale for Pakistan for increasing the tension? Is Pakistan attempting to deflect the current domestic tensions, or there is a new plan Kargil 2.0 in progress? What is the Pakistani army up to now? A recent intelligence report, based on the interception of satellite communication leaked to Indian media, reveals a detailed account of how the entire operation was planned and executed meticulously. It claimed that the Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) planned the operation with the support of Lakshar-e-Toiba (LeT) cadres in order to facilitate their intrusion into Indian territory. For the first time, the names of the perpetrators were disclosed.

In order to assuage the domestic crisis and to restore the public faith in state machinery, Pakistan has been left with no option but to revive the perennial hostility with India by rekindling the Kashmir issue. The main reason, perhaps, could be the urge to retain

glacier including the Saltoro Ridge threatens the 'old Silk Route' or the Karakoram Highway connecting Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan occupied Kashmir to Kashgar, a city in the Xinjiang region of China. China has promised Pakistan to construct the logistical route from the Gilgit-Baltistan to Gwadar. It appears that Pakistan's objective in Kashmir has been reduced to 'only demilitarization of Siachen by India' because of these new geostrategic compulsions as outlined above and the China factor, which sought to revive the 'old Silk Route' by building the Karakoram Highway. On the other hand, an unfriendly Afghanistan has obscured Pakistan's trade and economic interests in Central Asia, which has been then naturally pushed towards India. Although Indo-Pak trade relations, which have im-

its strategic significance or relevance to the US owing to the diminished scope of regaining strategic depth in Afghanistan. As part of this strategic shift, Pakistan raised the Kashmir issue in the last United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) general debate held in September 2012 after a gap of four years. Since Pakistan has assumed the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) rotating presidency as a non-permanent member from January 2013, it is set to use this opportunity to bring back the Kashmir issue to the UN list of priorities. As a matter of fact, India had seconded Pakistan's candidature for this post, which is now proving inimical to its own interest. Nevertheless, Pakistan's intentions do not seem genuine in terms of finding a solution to the Kashmir issue. Rather, its actions are sparked by new geostrategic twists. The Indian domination of all the key heights of the Siachen

proved dramatically since 2003, are seen as a potential area of mutual cooperation, Pakistan is cautious as well as anxious about the growing economic interdependency with India. Thus, the geo-economic interests of Pakistan, driven by the dynamics of the geopolitical situation in the region, are inducing it to negotiate the demilitarization of Siachen glacier with India, by hook or by crook. Even the K.Subhramanyam report on Kargil War observes that the 'Kargil Plan' of the Pakistani army was to force India to demilitarize Siachen by cutting off its supply routes. Lt.Gen. Paranaik has also averred that Kargil happened because of Siachen (note: India hardened its stand on Siachen in 1998). If that is true, then the recent incident at the LoC unveils Pakistan's 'Kargil Plan 2.0' as a result of India's reluctance to negotiate on Siachen. The writer is Research Fellow, IPCS

'strategic depth' towards the west has been circumscribed by US presence in Afghanistan. And, its customary approach to seek a 'strategic superiority' towards the east through Kashmir has been dormant since the 2003 ceasefire agreement with India. Moreover, there is a growing realization within Pakistan today that most major challenges for its existence are emanating from the west in the form of Talibanisation.

A larger strategy towards J&K?

Trying to divert the domestic opinion? While Pakistan prepares for a transfer of power this year, its strategic direction remains quite ambiguous. At the domestic level, the struggle for power is at an all time high in all institutions. The tenure of the Prime Minister, who was ordered to be put under arrest, ends by March as does the tenure of the Chief Justice (ending in September 2013) who ordered the arrest. The traditional rivalry between military and civilian authorities has further blurred the strategic direction in which Pakistan should be heading. Both the army chief and the President are demitting their office this year. Political struggle, not only across the parties rather, between the army, judiciary and legislature, therefore, seems inevitable. At the same time the Pakistani army is in face-saving mode, in the aftermath of the Abbottabad incident. It is obvious that the recent skirmishes at LoC were a reflection of this domestic crisis that compelled the Pakistan establishment to revive its traditional hostility with India. Strategically, Pakistan is at a crossroads, confronting an unfavorable security environment. For instance, its conventional security policy of gaining

Early contenders

here are many ifs and buts about the shape of government to come after the 2014 elections but speculation about who will head it continues to grow. It is not even certain if either the Congress or the BJP would be able to emerge as the parties with the highest number of seats. Narendra Modi of the BJP has launched a virulent attack on the Congress calling it "termite" and Manmohan Singh as "night watchman" who has sacrificed the country for the sake of the one family. If listing the negatives of others were to win you leadership of the country then Modi is the leading contender. The Congress has countered by declaring that Modi lacks the stature of a national leader. Meanwhile, there is build up in favor of P. Chidambaram as the prime ministerial candidate if the Congress comes back as the largest party and if, like his mother, Rahul Gandhi listens to his "voice of conscience" and declines the top post. According to one assessment in the Hindu, "Chidambaram is everything that India needs: suave in speech, modern in thought and outlook, efficient and diligent in work, clever in debate…And he has what the Family needs: No base from which he might challenge the Family." In spite of the clamor among rank and file, it is not as if Narendra Modi has no opposition within the BJP. Veteran LK Advani praised the record of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan but showered the highest praise on Sushma Swaraj, another prime ministerial hopeful. He put a spoke in Modi's wheels by declaring that the NDA needed to expand to return to power and for that it would have to take the minorities along. He called for a BJP initiative by including a charter of commitments to the minorities in its agenda for governance and development. Advani's "secular" pitch was read as less than encouraging for Modi's prospects. And in fact, by showing his hand too early, Modi might have given his opponents within the party enough time to sabotage his bid. It is not certain that it will be a battle between Modi and Chidambaram alone. The regional chieftains have grown powerful on the basis of their strong bases in their states and they will definitely be the kingmakers. The sound and fury of Modi and the campaign for Chidambaram would become mute by election time and the regional chieftains would be wooed for alliance and support. The two national parties will be in for a surprise as the regional chieftains might be harboring national ambitions of their own. The results of the recent elections in the Northeast show a trend towards voter behavior. Incumbents have won in all three states of Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland proving that it is governance that counts. According to one analysis, in earlier times, dissatisfied voters voted three quarters of incumbent governments out. But when fast GDP growth of 8.5 percent arrived, suddenly three quarters of incumbents gained re-election. The recent budget by Finance Minister P. Chidambaram shows that even the Congress is learning the lesson that freebies, subsidies and loan waivers do not win an election. They had been all the time claiming that they won the 2009 election because of the huge subsidies given to rural voters. The fact that emerged was that the Congress had won more seats in urban India than the rural sector which was awash with subsidies. The urban voter had been hoping for growth. After presenting his latest budget, Chidambaram was asked why he had not repeated his 2008 strategy of introducing freebies. He replied that the 2009 election had been won by rapid economic growth and the accompanying poverty reduction, not freebies. This is perhaps the first time that a Congressman has been so candid on this count. The high voter turnouts indicate that the people are no longer cynical and are voting with expectations. And they are giving huge majorities belying the pundits' claim of split verdicts. Are we then in for a clear verdict in 2014?

March 15, 2013

www.indiapost.com

India Post 55

56 India Post

www.indiapost.com

March 15, 2013