IndiaPost_03-16-2012 by Ghanshyam Bisht

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NJ businesswomen on fourth mission to India Details on page 20

Sikh family receives death threats in US Details on page 12

Harvard BSchool launches Mumbai class

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March 16, 2012

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U.P. SEES CHANGE; UPA DOESN'T Results won't damage govt: Sonia

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from its allies after Samajwadi Party secured a clear majority in Uttar Pradesh and did not need the support of Congress. Details on page 8

5-State poll results & details on pages 8 -11

Raj Mukherji named Deputy Mayor of Jersey Details on page 14

Mormon Church issues directive on proxy baptism Details on page 7

Media reports of India-Iran ties inaccurate

Details on page 21 Details on page 7

Hindus urged to be more proactive

National best acting award for Vidya Balan

Details on page 19

DAUGHTERS OF INDIA:

GOPIO to commemorate Gadar centenary

Details on page 12

Ambassador Nirupama Rao with the

CONTENTS

Governor of

Bollywood ---------------------- 38-39

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Nikki R. Haley

Community Post -------------- 14-19

and the First

Date Book -------------------------- 28

Gentleman of

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South Carolina

HealthScience Post --------- 34-37

This week’s question

Michael Haley

Horoscope ------------------------- 47

at the

Immigration Post ------------- 40-43

Governor's

Life Style ----------------------- 25-27

Mansion in

Philosophy ------------------------- 49

Columbia

Publisherís Diary ------------------ 4

Details on page 6

INDIA POST SURVEY Can India’s UPA govt survive till 2014? Last week’s result

Can US force Iraq to buy its rice? YES 9%

(Details on

NO 91%

page 6)

Real Estate -------------------- 44-46 TechBiz Post ------------------- 20-24 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 29-31

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ndian Americans are making headlines these days - unfortunately for all the wrong reasons. Apparently, the more prominent a minority community becomes crime seems to be the leveler that keeps it reined in. The Indian American community is currently reeling under the onslaught of a slew of civil and criminal cases against some of its members. Making national headlines and even becoming instrumental in the formulation of the strictest antibullying laws in the State of New Jersey is the case of Dharun Ravi, the Rutgers student who is accused of bias intimidation because he spied on his gay roommate through a webcam, which is being made out to be the reason for the latter's suicide. Then there's the case of Aakash Dalal, another Rutgers student who is now accused of having masterminded the firebombing of two synagogues in New Jersey. And there's Annie George, the millionaire owner of a 34-room mansion in upstate New York who is accused of enslaving her maid servant. Talking of which, a New York court has just ordered $1.5m compensation to an Indian maid who was allegedly enslaved by an Indian diplomat during her posting in New York three years ago. In fact, the present Indian Consul General in New York is facing a copy cat case of enslaving his domestic aide, both of which are now being handled by the government of India. On one end of the crime spectrum is high profile financial consultant Rajat Gupta who is facing insider trading charges; and at the extreme other end is Neha Patel, a Florida mom who killed her two-year old son as she hated him for being the cause of her depression. Also in recent months we have seen cases from Indian American businessmen being sentenced to prison for laundering narco dollars, evading taxes on offshore bank accounts to research scientists who are facing accusations of falsifying their research data and healthcare providers for defrauding Medicare. Disturbing as this reality is, I hope the tag of being a model minority remains truer. Because, it's no longer the case of just a few black sheep in the family anymore.

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New beauty With Ram Gopal Varma raving about Nathalia Kaur's beauty it was only a matter of time she was signed for a film.

Cover Story: Unrepentent UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi is convinced the recent Congress debacle in state elections would not harm the UPA government

Community: New Dy Mayor Twenty-seven year old Raj Mukherji was sworn in as Deputy Mayor of Jersey City on March 2 in City Hall Council chambers.

Health: Healthcare bill Cost estimates for a key portion of President Barack Obama's health care overhaul law have ballooned by $111 billion.

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Travel: Ratnagiri The unparalleled beauty of Ratnagiri is attributed to the presence of the majestic Sahyadris and the beautiful Arabian Sea.

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Amb. Rao, Gov. Haley discuss Indo-US trade expansion India Post News Service

NEW YORK: India's Ambassador to the US Nirupama Rao and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley met recently to discuss ways to promote trade, educational and cultural exchanges with India. During her visit to South Carolina, Amb. Rao was hosted by Governor Haley and her husband Michael Haley, at the Governor's Mansion in Columbia. The Governor and Robert Hitt, Commerce Secretary of the State of South Carolina had extensive discussions with Ambassador Rao on future cooperation between India and South Carolina. Gov. Haley, who praised the role of the Indian American community in promoting India-US relations, was keen to expand trade contacts with India. Explaining the business-friendly atmosphere in the State and the existence of major industries like the BMW, Boeing, Michelin, a well developed Information Technology sector and Research and Develop-

Ambassador Nirupama Rao with the Governor Nikki R. Haley

ment Centers, renowned Institutes of Higher Education and a major port like the Charleston Port, the Governor said that the State of South Carolina would welcome and would offer the required infrastructural assistance for Indian companies to establish themselves in South Carolina. The Governor also expressed her willingness to host any Indian business delExports to India Via South Carolina egation visiting the US for consultations. On her part, Amb. Rao apprised the Governor of the state of bilateral relations between India and the United States Source: Department of Commerce, Bureau of Census and exï Exports from South Carolina to India grew by pressed the 26.19% from $ 491 million during the year 2010 to desire to ex$ 619 million during the year 2011. India ranks as 7th largest destination of US exports through South pand the relationship beCarolina.

tween India and the State of South Carolina. She suggested that India would like to avail of the experience of the State in the field of infrastructure development, education, research & development etc. Informing the Governor of her popularity in India, Amb. Rao invited Gov. Haley to visit India, which could pave the way for Indian businesses, which are already established in 43 States of the United States, to also look at South Carolina as an investment and business destination. Amb. Rao also visited Charleston Port and held detailed discussions with the Port authorities on the prospects of cooperation. She met President P. George Benson of Charleston College and interacted with the faculty and students. She also met President Harris Pastides of the University of South Carolina and addressed an audience of faculty and students including those of Indian origin as well as members of the Indian American community. Amb. Rao also addressed busi-

Amb. Rao sells India story in Georgia India Post News Service

NEW YORK: In her first visit to Georgia, Atlanta after assuming responsibility as Ambassador of India to the US, Ambassador Nirupama Rao visited Emory University, met Congressmen from Georgia, visited the King Center, attended a welcome reception by the Indian-American community and gave several interviews to the local media. On March 2, at a business meeting of senior business executives at the United Parcel Service (UPS), organized by the Kettering Executive Network (KEN) and supported by the Georgia IndoAmerican Chamber of Commerce and The IndUS Entrepreneurs (TiE), Ambassador Rao delivered

a lecture on 'Indo-US Commercial Engagements'. The Mayor of Sandy Springs, Dr. Eva Galambos presented the Key to the City to the Ambassador. Earlier, she met with the top management of UPS. Ambassador Rao met the Provost of Emory University, Dr. Earl Lewis, and other faculty members. She delivered the Keynote Address at the prestigious India Summit on 'India-US Strategic Relations' focusing on the role of innovation and science and technology. At a dinner reception in her honor at the Emory University, she met with students, Atlanta business and community leaders, summit moderators, speakers, panelists and organizers. On March 3, Ambassador Rao

paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King at a public reception at the King Center. She garlanded the Gandhi statue and toured the Visitor's Center and laid wreaths at the crypts of Dr. King and Coretta Scott King. The same afternoon, Ambassador Rao met Congressman Thomas E. Price and Congressman Hank Johnson and exchanged views on several issues of bilateral, regional and global interest from the perspective of the IndiaUS partnership. On the evening of March 3, the Indian-American community, represented by over 80 organizations in Greater Atlanta, held a very wellattended welcome banquet in honor of the Ambassador.

ness leaders and the Think Tank where keen interest was expressed community at the World Affairs in building collaborative relationCouncil of Columbia on the topic ships with Indian automotive com"India Today", explaining the op- panies. portunities in India for Imports from India Via South Carolina closer cooperation. On March 1, Amb. Rao toured the BMW factory at Greenville and visited the Clemson University Source: Department of Commerce, Bureau of Census International ï Imports from India via South Carolina grew by Center for 47.157% from $ 557 million during the year 2010 to Automotive $ 820 million during the year 2011. India ranks 9th Research in terms of US imports from different countries (CUICAR) in through South Carolina. Greenville,

Ambassador Nirupama Rao visited BMW Plant in Greenville, South Carolina on March 1. She is seen here with Mr. Mohammed, who came from Mumbai about 17 years ago

GOPIO initiative to commemorate Gadar centennial India Post News Service

cation Gadar, over a period of time, became well known among Indians and the Hindustan Association of the Pacific Coast itself became known as the Gadar party. In 2003, GOPIO, the National Federation of Indian American Associations (NFIA) and the Global Punjabi Diaspora jointly orga-

NEW YORK: The Global Organization of Persons of Indian Origin (GOPIO) is taking the initiative for a Gadar Centennial Commemoration for a global commemoration of the upcoming 100th anniversary of the Gadar movement in 2013 involving various agencies, organizations and institu- GOPIO has developed tions. tentative plans and GOPIO has developed tentative plans would finalize these and would finalize plans shortly after the these plans shortly after the meetings of Cen- meetings of Centennial tennial Commemoration Commemoration Committee with invitations to all persons, Committee agencies, organizations and institutions interested in par- nized the 90th anniversary of ticipating in the upcoming centen- Gadar movement to pay tribute to the pioneers, patriots and heroes nial event(s) in 2013. In 1913, the Hindustan Asso- of the Gadar movement. The plans for the Gadar Cenciation of the Pacific Coast (USA) was started to free India from the tennial Commemoration include British serfdom. The association participation and support of Ofstarted publishing magazine fice of the Prime Minister of India, named Gadar to expose the Brit- Ministry of Overseas Indian Afish imperialism and called upon fairs; Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian people to unite and rise up against British rule. The publiCont’d on page 7

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Media reports of India-Iran relations inaccurate: India India Post News Service

NEW YORK: In view of the growing pressure from the US on India to severe its oil imports from Iran, India has sought to clarify its position on the issue. In an attempt to set increasing media speculation and what it calls inaccurate information, India has issued an explanatory statement to set the record straight vis-à-vis its equation with Iran. Following is the text of the statement: "During the past several weeks, there have been several stories about India's import of Iranian crude oil carried by the media, many of which have presented a distorted picture by basing their conclusions on speculation and inaccurate information. These stories have in turn generated concerns here, including among some Members of the US Congress. Against this backdrop, we believe that it is important that the position of the Government of India and India's policy towards Iran is adequately understood. India's relationship with Iran is neither inconsistent with non-proliferation objectives, nor do we seek to contradict the relationships we have with our friends in West Asia or with the United States and Europe. India has consistently said that Iran must cooperate with the IAEA to address and resolve all outstanding issues about its nuclear program, issues that continue to raise understandable doubts in the minds of the international community. India believes that while Iran has rights to peaceful uses of nuclear energy, it must simultaneously and rigorously fulfill the treaty obligations which it has acceded to. Our stand in this regard has been, and remains, consistent, well-enunciated including in the IAEA, and perfectly

A handout picture released by the Iranian presidency shows Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (R) meeting with Indian Minister for renewable energy, Farooq Abdullah (L), in Tehran on March 3

clear. India has scrupulously adhered to the multilateral sanctions against Iran as mandated by the United Nations, and remains fully engaged with the United States Administration and Congress on this issue. To provide perspective, it may be added that the linkages between the Indian and Iranian people are civilizational. Iran is also India's only corridor for land access to Afghanistan, through which is routed most of our development and reconstruction assistance to that country - a historic mission to assist Afghanistan, in which India and the United States share a deep convergence of interests. Unfortunately, though, a series of recent media reports have presented a picture which not only distorts India's foreign policy objectives and energy security

GOPIO initiative to commemorate Gadar centennial Cont’d from page 6

Ministry of Culture, UNESCO, State of California, City of San Francisco, as well as Indian civic organizations, institutions, groups and individuals. Plans include: Declare 2013 as the year of Centennial Commemoration of Gadar Movement; Issue a suitably designed postage stamp commemorating the Gadar Movement; Publish a historic Centennial Commemoration book about the Gadar Movement, sacrifices of the Gadar Heroes, brief bio-data (if available) of all the 48 martyrs

and 69 Gadarites who were given life imprisonment, for free distribution to libraries, schools, institutions and organizations; Establish chairs in memory of the Gadar heroes in India and at least one or more in the USA. Plans for Gadar Centennial Commemoration 2012/2013 include: Gadar Centennial Commemoration per city: Forum in several cities in USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, India, with a finale in San Francisco with a fitting memorial as a lasting tribute to the Gadar heroes.

needs, but also creates misunderstanding about its actions. These reports overlook the imperative of India's dependence on oil imports from Iran to serve the energy needs of its people, more than 400 million of whom do not as yet have access to commercial energy. Allusions in the media that India's overall oil imports from Iran are increasing just because its

monthly uptake of Iranian oil reportedly increased in January this year are based on selective use of information, misrepresenting the fact that in aggregate terms, crude imports from Iran constitute a declining share of India's oil imports. Nonetheless, given the imperative of meeting the energy needs of millions of Indians, an automatic replacement of all Iranian oil im-

ports, is not a simple matter of selection, or a realistic option. As a responsible member of the international community, India takes its obligations most seriously. At the same time, it firmly believes that the situation concerning Iran should not be allowed to escalate into a conflict, the disastrous consequences of which will be in nobody's interest. As a country that has six million of its nationals in the Gulf region, India is naturally concerned and urges all it partners to give diplomacy a fair chance to seek a peaceful resolution of the issues involved. India's relationship with the United States is built on shared values and converging interests. It is based on our fundamental belief that we have mutually beneficial stakes in each other's success. Indeed, in India, we attach crucial importance to our strategic partnership with the United States both for advancing global peace, stability and progress, as well as in the pursuit of India's national development goals. The bipartisan encouragement and support that the India-U.S. strategic partnership has received in the US Congress is a source of immense strength and abiding inspiration for us. We remain confident that this partnership will only grow stronger in the times ahead.

Mormon Church issues directive on proxy baptism India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Hindus in America have cautiously welcomed a new directive of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints (LDS) that "Those whose names are submitted for proxy temple ordinances should be related to the submitter". The "News Release" on this issue containing directive from "First Presidency" of the Church was published on official LDS website dated March 2 after news about proxy baptism of peace icon Mahatma Gandhi and prominent deceased Jews hit the media. This directive "will be read to all Church congregations worldwide," it says and adds, "Our preeminent obligation is to seek out and identify our own ancestors." First Presidency includes President Thomas S. Monson and his two counselors Henry B. Eyring and Dieter F. Uchtdorf. Hindu priest Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada, said that this new directive was "a step in the right direction". "We do not want

our ancestors to be baptized by LDS without our will and we hope that this directive will ensure that," Zed adds. Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, further said that Hindus were still

Hindus were appalled by the reports of Gandhi's proxy baptism by Salt Lake City, Utah headquartered LDS. It was insensitive and hurtful to the feelings of about one billion Hindus waiting for an LDS apology on Gandhi's proxy baptism and a guarantee that Hindu ancestors would not be baptized in the future without the will/request of their living relatives. LDS should

also come-out with detailed report on how many Hindus had been baptized without the will/request and how Gandhi baptism happened, Zed added. Hindus were appalled by the reports of Gandhi's proxy baptism by Salt Lake City, Utah headquartered LDS. It was insensitive and hurtful to the feelings of about one billion Hindus spread worldwide, Rajan Zed had said. Proxy baptism of our ancestors, who lived and died as Hindus, is simply not acceptable, Zed stresses. Official LDS website says that the foundation of the doctrine of baptism for the dead comes from latter-day revelation through Prophet Joseph Smith. "By standing in as proxy for someone who has died - often one of his or her own ancestors - a Church member may be baptized on behalf of that deceased person…Lord does not damn those people who, through no fault of their own, never had the opportunity for baptism. Cont’d on page 12

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UP sees change; UPA doesn't Results won't damage govt: Sonia India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi is convinced the recent Congress debacle in four out of five state elections would not harm the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government at the Center. Talking to reporters she ruled out any danger to the UPA government from its allies after Samajwadi Party secured a clear majority in Uttar Pradesh and did not need the support of Congress. "I do not think the results will damage the UPA government," she said. Since Mamata Banerjee-led TMC, which is part of the UPA government, has been breathing fire over a slew of issues from Teesta water sharing treaty with Bangladesh to NCTC issue, there was a possibility that SP would draw closer to Congress if the latter supported it in Uttar Pradesh. Sonia Gandhi indicated that relations with UPA allies were fine and talks between them were a normal feature. On the party's performance in Amethi and Rae Bareli, Gandhi said, "There have been such defeats earlier. People

Congress President Sonia Gandhi addresses the media after a party meeting to review the results of assembly elections at the party headquarters in New Delhi

were not happy with the sitting MLAs... the new candidates won," she said. Scotching speculation of any change of Prime Minister, Mrs Gandhi dismissed such a possibil-

ity in the wake of the poll debacle. "The question does not arise," she shot back when asked if there was a possibility of the Prime Minister stepping down and Congress choosing another leader for

Mayawati's 'dead man' returns with double power LUCKNOW: It was sweet revenge for Mulayam Singh Yadav today five years after Mayawati famously said "why kill a dead man" after the Samajwadi supremo was ousted by her in a crushing defeat. The deadpan "dead-man" comment - "Marey hue ko kya marna (why kill a dead man)?" will perhaps return to haunt the BSP supremo after the Samajwadi rode to victory on the accomplished wrestler's influence at grassroots and his charismatic son Akhilesh writing the script for the party's effervescent victory in the country's most populous state. Mayawati was asked then whether any FIRs will be filed against Mulayam. As long as the party has existed, it has been Mulayam Singh Yadav's SP and that changed with the UP elections, when Yadav Jr took charge of the party's effort to wrest the state back from his father's bete noire. The 39-year-old engineer-

turned politician, who attempted a successful image makeover for the SP, is the man of the moment but chooses to underplay his role. "The entire party worked hard

Akhilesh insisted on hand-picking candidates unmindful of whose feet he stepped on, famously keeping the likes of DP Yadav away and won," he says, thanking the people for "believing in the SP...people across caste and community voted for the SP," he said. The party has for long had a lawless image, attacked as a "party of goons" by opponents

and Akhilesh set about attempting to change that. He insisted on hand-picking candidates unmindful of whose feet he stepped on, famously keeping the likes of DP Yadav away. Through his campaign he talked law and order as his party's foremost agenda. After being down and out in last assembly elections, 72-yearold Mulayam known for his organizing abilities and capability of mobilizing cadre has turned the tables on in the current polls by gaining majority in the state, second after Mayawati, in the last 22 years. He is tipped to become the chief minister for the fourth time. Popularly known as "Dhartiputra" and called as Netaji by his partymen, Mulayam has come a long way in UP politics. Born in a farmer's family on November 22, 1939 in a nondescript town of Sefai in Etawah district, Mulayam got inspiration from Dr Ram Manohar Lohia at a tender age.-PTI

the post. Asked by reporters as to who would be the Congress candidate for Prime Minister in the 2014 elections, Sonia Gandhi merely said, "This is 2012".

The Congress President said that the party organization was weak in Uttar Pradesh. "There was disenchantment with the BSP and the SP was the alternative," she said. Gandhi said every election was a lesson and the party "will sit down, review the results and work out a plan to correct the mistakes we have made." On Uttarakhand, Gandhi said the Congress had the numbers and the party should be called to form the government. She said the party had hoped to form a government in Punjab but could not due to damage done the Punjab People's Party (PPP), floated by Akali Dal rebel Manpreet Singh Badal. "The PPP damaged us in 23 seats," she said. Gandhi said many voters were unhappy with the party in Goa and, therefore "they voted against us". Asked whether corruption was an issue in the elections, she claimed that the Congress was the only party fighting against corruption. "We passed the Lokpal bill in Lok Sabha...But who blocked it in the Rajya Sabha?" she asked. -(with PTI inputs)

Clamor in SP for Akhilesh in top job

Samajwadi PartyĂs Uttar Pradesh President Akhilesh Yadav at a press conference at the party office in Lucknow

LUCKNOW: The Samajwadi Party, which got an absolute majority in Uttar Pradesh is facing demands from the party's parliamentary party members that Akhilesh Yadav be handed over the reins of the state. The legislators meeting was postponed keeping in mind the convenience of newly-elected

MLAs due to the festival of Holi. Earlier, a meeting of the SP parliamentary board was held in which majority of members pitched for state President Akhilesh Yadav as the next Chief Minister. However, the final decision would be taken in this regard by party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav. "Majority of MLAs are in favor of making Akhilesh the next CM. At the meeting of legislators, they will put in their views on the issue", party national General Secretary Naresh Agarwal told PTI. A number of MLAs, who reached here at the party headquarters met Mulayam Singh Yadav and congratulated him for the victory of the party. "Now, the SP leaders will meet the Governor for forming the next government after legislators' meet after Holi", sources said. The SP has bagged an absolute majority in 403-member Uttar Pradesh Assembly securing 224 seats. -PTI

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Majority of Muslim votes went to SP: Mayawati LUCKNOW: Accusing Congress and BJP of raising the minority sub-quota issue mid-way during the UP polls for their political gains, BSP supremo Mayawati said this helped in large-scale transfer of Muslim votes to Samajwadi Party. Talking to reporters soon after submitting her resignation to UP Governor B L Joshi, Mayawati said 70 per cent of the Muslim votes had gone to the SP due to the minority reservation issue. "You all know that Congress raised the issue of reservation for backward Muslims for their political gains soon after the Vidhan Sabha elections were declared and this was opposed strongly to by the BJP," Mayawati said. She alleged that the BJP also tried to attract the upper castes and the OBCs towards them for electoral benefits. "Due to this, there was a fear in the Muslim community that the BJP may come to power. Finding the Congress weak and thinking that the OBCs and upper castes would vote for the BJP, Muslims voted not for the Congress but the SP," Mayawati claimed. She said there were apprehensions in the minds of Muslims that the upper castes and OBCs would not vote for the BSP and, hence, they voted for the SP. Except the Dalits, the Hindu

BSP supremo Mayawati submits her resignation as Chief Minister to Uttar Pradesh Governor BL Joshi at Rajbhawan in Lucknow on March 7 a day after her partyís defeat in the assembly polls

votes-particularly those of upper castes-got divided among many parties and the SP gained from this, she said. "70 per cent of the Muslim votes were transferred to the SP," Mayawati said. . Mayawati claimed that the Dalit votes did not get divided and remained with the BSP. "All across the state, the Dalits have voted for the BSP.

This is the reason the BSP is number 2. Otherwise, it would have been left far behind.... My position would have been like that of Lalu (Prasad) in Bihar," she said. The out-going chief minister alleged that the new SP government will put her welfare programs in cold storage and take the state backwards by many years. "Very soon the people of the

Maya's statues, elephants not to be pulled down in SP wave LUCKNOW: The expensive giant statues of BSP supremo Mayawati and party symbol elephant in Uttar Pradesh will remain safe with Samajwadi's star campaigner Akhilesh Yadav saying they will not be pulled down after the change of guard in the state. Yadav, who powered Samajwadi's campaign to help his father and party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav to regain power, had said in the midst of a poll campaign last year that there would be no sign of these statues once his party gains power. The 39-year-old engineerturned politician spoke about the statues and memorials of other Dalit leaders facing no threat when asked by reporters whether they will be pulled down after the Samajwadi leadership remained on course to dethrone arch rival Mayawati. Akhilesh had said last year that Mayawati's statues would be pulled down after the UP polls in the same way as seen in the re-

cent cases of "dictators" in foreign countries. "In the recent times, uprising in some countries against dictators saw their statues being pulled down...In 2012, the day Samajwadi Party government

Akhilesh had said last year that Mayawati's statues would be pulled down after the UP polls in the same way as seen in the recent cases of ‘dictators’ in foreign countries comes to power there would be no sign of the grand statues of Mayawati," Yadav had said while he was on Samajwadi Kranti Rath Yatra in the Bundelkhand region. He had said that the places

vacant in the parks where the memorials were set up spending huge sums of money could have been used for the construction of hospitals and education institutes. After remaining draped for 52 days with cloth and tarpaulin following an order of the Election Commission, 11 statues of Mayawati and over 200 in Lucknow and Noida, a Delhi suburb, were uncovered on March 4. The Election Commission had ordered the unveiling of these statues after completion of the last phase of polling. The directives came following complaints from political parties to the Election Commission that Mayawati is a living leader and the elephant is poll symbol of ruling party BSP. While the elephants were covered with plastic sheets which were tied at all ends to prevent the sheets from slipping, iron scaffoldings were put around the bigger jumbos to prevent any kind of damage to them.-PTI

state will get fed up with the functioning of the SP government and remember the good governance during the BSP rule," she said. Enumerating the various welfare schemes of her government, she alleged that the Center's attitude towards the state during her rule was negative. Mayawati indicated that she would work towards reviving her party in the coming days.

"Our party will revive its cadre and work on taking the state out of the Hindu-Muslim mindset," she said, adding that the BSP would also woo other communities into the party-fold. The BSP chief also hit out at the media for keeping the minority sub-quote issue alive by highlighting the issue repeatedly during the polls. Mayawati rejected suggestions that corruption charges could have been the reason for the poll debacle of her party in the assembly elections. To a question on whether corruption charges against her government, including the NRHM scam, were responsible for her party's defeat, she said she did not think so. The BSP chief said that she has confidence that people would remember the good governance of her party and would return it in the next elections with full majority. She maintained that her government had worked hard to put the state on track for all sections of the society. To a question on her party's stand in Uttarakhand, she said she has yet to think on it. BSP has won three seats this time and is being wooed by the Congress and the BJP to help them form the government in the hill state.-PTI

SP demolishes BJP's Ayodhya fort AYODHYA: BJP has lost the and villages. temple town of Ayodhya, considAfter declaring Pandey as a ered to be its bastion since 1991, candidate from Ayodhya seat, SP from where it spearheaded the state president Akhilesh Yadav Ram temple movement which cata- visited the area several times and pulted the party at the Centre. established a direct contact with BJP's Lallu Singh, who was winning the seat since 1991 state elections, lost to a young student leader Tej Narain Pandey of Samajwadi Party with a margin of about 5,700 votes. Samajwadi party workers celebrating in Ayodhya Singh had won in 2007 with a margin of about 6,500. the voters. When the counting started, Reacting over his victory, Lallu took a lead in urban and posh Pandey said, "Now a common man areas of Faizabad and Ayodhya, does not believe in false politics but his lead decreased continu- of temple, everybody wants deously as the counting went velopment and good goverthrough Muslim dominated areas nance." -PTI

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SAD-BJP scripted history but lost its vote share in Punjab CHANDIGARH: There are many ironies in the percentage of votes polled by major parties in Punjab - Congress, Akali Dal and BJP - making it clear that the combination between the latter two enabled them get a majority and create history in a state which had never re-elected an incumbent government. Adding to Congress woes was the People's Party of Punjab (PPP) floated by Manpreet Badal, the estranged nephew of chief minister Parkash Singh Badal, who bagged 5.17 per cent of votes, but failed to win a seat. Individually, Congress got 40.11 per cent votes, against Akali Dal's 34.75 per cent and BJP's 7.13 per cent, but the two-party combination edged past Congress by 1.77 per cent votes that made the difference between victory and defeat. In the end, the Akali Dal-BJP combine got 68 seats as against 46 by the Congress, which also marginally lost its vote share by 0.79 per cent from that in the last assembly elections when it polled 40.90 per cent votes.

Shiromani Akali Dal supporters celebrate SAD-BJP alliances success in the Punjab assembly elections, in Amritsar

In fact, the ruling combine suffered a larger erosion in its vote share, which fell from 45.37 per cent in 2007 assembly polls to 41.88 per cent now, a fall of 3.49 per cent. SAD lost 2.34 per cent of its vote share from last time, while its ally BJP lost 1.15 per cent. This time the SAD has won 56 seats, against a tally of 49 in the last polls, while the BJP lost seven

seats from its tally of 19 in the 2007 polls. Congress president Sonia Gandhi admitted as much that the PPP damaged the party's prospects in the state. "The PPP damaged us more than it did the Akalis. It damaged us in 23 seats in Punjab," she said in Delhi, admitting that the party did not do well as per its expectations and will assess the reasons. -PTI

Money power played key role in Punjab politics: PPP CHANDIGARH: A day after his party got a miserable drubbing in the Assembly polls, Peoples Party of Punjab chief Manpreet Singh Badal accused Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) of using money power to garner votes. "A big factor that went against PPP was the use of money power by SAD to come to power," he said at a press conference after his party failed to open its account in the 117member state assembly. PPP had 92 candidates in fray. He alleged that SAD spent

around Rs eight to Rs ten crore in each of the Assembly constituencies to woo voters. "This entire money spent to woo voters by the SAD had been used from the Punjab coffers...they looted around Rs 10,000 crore just to win over state...I am for sure that the SAD-BJP government will not be able to pay salaries to its employees in the month of March," he said. "One of the biggest problems faced by the PPP during polls was it could not match the

money power of established parties," he alleged adding that "its an open secret that Akalis and Congress spent close to Rs 4,000 crore to put up a good defense at the hustings". He strongly said that the Election Commission of India (ECI) needed to address the problem of money power. "The SAD could perform well only due to money power," he alleged. However, the SAD refuted allegations of Manpreet, an estranged nephew of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal. -PTI

Series of mistakes have cost Congress dear in UP NEW DELHI: It was a series of this time, they feel. mistakes that appeared to have Congress has been in political cost the Congress dear in Uttar wilderness in U P for the past 22 Pradesh despite Rahul Gandhi's years in the wake of the Mandal Herculean effort to lead the battle and Mandir upsurge. from the front. In almost all of these 22 Lok The talk in the party is that Sabha seats, Muslim vote was Rahul's 'Mission UP 2012' col- crucial ranging from two to three lapsed due to off the cuff remarks, lakh and in constituencies like controversial comments and rak- Moradabad it was up to six lakh. ing up of sentimental issues by At that time, a sizable section senior party leaders including of Muslims was having second Union ministers. thoughts in backing Mulayam A section of the party con- Singh Yadav as the SP supremo tends that the 4.5 per cent reser- had tied up with Kalyan Singh vation for minorities decided by who was the BJP chief minister the Congress-led coalition at the during demolition of Babri Masjid Centre just a few days before the in December 1992. announcement of the election The statements by some leadschedule did more harm than good ers of likely imposition of for the party. This section says that detractors of the The raking up of the Batla party were quick to project the move as one encounter issue by Condetrimental to interests gress General Secretary of backward Muslims in Digvijay Singh also apU P. The statements of peared to have not gone Union Minister Salman down well with the Muslims. Khurshid on the Muslim sub-quota issue Such statements appeared added fuel to fire, while, to have helped the BJP at the same time, antagonizing the Election Commission. The statements of President's rule in U P if the ConUnion ministers Beni Prasad gress failed to get majority created Verma and Sriprakash Jaiswal did an atmosphere of instability and not help matters. sent the signal that the party was The raking up of the Batla en- not confident to form government counter issue by Congress Gen- on its own. eral Secretary Digvijay Singh also Congress in U P, a section appeared to have not gone down feels, failed to present a united well with the Muslims. Such state- picture in the campaign as leadments appeared to have helped ers started making one upmanship the BJP to polarize the voter to a to project themselves as the chief certain extent. ministerial candidates. Party leaders insist that sizable As against this, Yadav went support from Muslims in the 2009 methodically to correct his miselections had ensured the Con- takes and win back the Muslim gress to win as many as 22 Lok support that had earned him the Sabha seats giving the first signs sobriquet of "Maulana Mulayam" of the revival of the organization for the way he protected minoriin its one-time bastion. But the ties after the demolition of Babri Muslims may have shifted away Masjid. -PTI

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March 16, 2012

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Khanduri fails to give BJP a winning finish

BJP-MGP oust Congress in Goa PANAJI: Cashing-in on the anti-incumbency factor in a big way, the BJP-MGP combine rode to power in Goa, ousting the Congress and securing majority in a House of 40 members, nearly half of whom will be new faces. While the BJP won in 21 assembly constituencies, seven more than last time, Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party raised its tally from two in the last polls to three seats in the March 3 assembly election. The Congress, which had 16 seats last time, was reduced to nine seats with many of its stalwarts, including several ministers and Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Subhas Shirodkar, biting the dust. Its ally NCP, which had three seats last time, was wiped out. Four members of influential

DEHRADUN: Tasked by the leader Surinder Singh Negi ran a BJP to lead the charge in well organized campaign telling Uttarakhand assembly election as voters that Khanduri would move its government struggled in the to Dehradun after becoming Chief face of graft allegations, B C Minister and there would be no Khanduri managed to make it a one to address local problems. close fight with the Congress but The caste equations in fell short of notching a victory for Kotdwar, where Negi's caste was the party. numerically the strongest, and disUnder the 78-year-old sidence within the BJP's local unit Khanduri's leadership, the BJP got were other factors which hampered 31 seats, five short of its tally in his campaign. the last elections, while the ConReferring to his defeat, BJPís Manohar Parrikar who will be elected as the new gress emerged as the Chief Minister of Goa, with his supporters single largest party with 32 seats in the 70-mem- In September last year when Alemao family - Churchill, Nilkant Halarnkar, Jose Philip ber assembly. Joaquim, Valanka and Yuri, who D'Soza, Filip Nery Rodrigues, However, Khanduri's Khanduri, a former army were given tickets by Congress- Aleixo Sequira and Ravi Naik candidature for chief general, was made the NCP alliance lost. lost the elections. ministership failed to Several ministers including So pronounced was the wind charm the voters of his Chief Minister, the BJP Churchill Alemao, Joaquim of change, that 19 new faces own constituency appeared to be facing a Alemao, Manohar Asgaonkar, were elected this time.-PTI Kotdwar, where he lost to the Congress candi- downslide because of date Surendra Singh Negi by a margin of allegations of corruption 4,632 votes. against his predecessor In September last year when Khanduri, a IMPHAL: The desire for sta- tally of 42 in the 60-member did not get their salary and deformer army general, was made the Khanduri said, "I admit that I velopment works were hamChief Minister, the BJP appeared could not give due time to the bility in the face of political turbu- House. Manipur had witnessed un- pered. to be facing a downslide because people of Kotdwar during elec- lence was a major reason that contributed to the return of the stable governments in the past lastAs the verdict became clear, of allegations of corruption tioneering." against his predecessor Ramesh "I felt that the entire state is Congress to power in Manipur for ing even for just three or four Chief Minister Ibobi Singh mainPokhriyal 'Nishank'. my constituency and I had been a third time under O Ibobi Singh. months since it attained statehood tained that the people had made The stability plank in the in 1972. Like in Assam, it is now it clear that there was no other The BJP also centered its elec- representing Kotdwar during 1991 tion campaign in Uttarakhand to 1997 and the voters there knew north-eastern state, where an 11- three times in a row for Congress choice other than the Congress. Even prior to the polls, he had exaround the personality of me very well. Despite this fact, party alliance was formed to pre- in the insurgency-affected state. Political observers recalled pressed confidence that the party Khanduri, known as 'Mr Clean'. whatever verdict has been given vent Congress from coming back 'Khanduri hai zaroori' by the people, I accept with all to the helm, paid rich dividends that during the days of frequent would win between 35 and 45 for the party which got a final changes in government, people seats.-PTI (Khanduri is necessary) was the humility," he said. -PTI slogan on which the party went to polls in the seventy constituencies. Ironically, while Khanduri lost, Nishank won from Doiwala assembly seat. Even Khanduri's critics may have to admit that he played a major role in reviving the state BJP • Wide selection of conventional and government loans, • PriorityBuyer® preapproval unit. After becoming the Chief including FHA financing • Wells Fargo Closing GuaranteeSM1 Minister in September last year, • New construction financing • Responsive service and professional knowledge Khanduri had ensured passage of the Lokayukta Act which was not only praised by Team Anna but • Since 2002, ranked among top 10 volume producers for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage in Silicon Valley also gave the party a talking point • One of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage’s top 125 volume producers in the nation in the election as well. . Putting • Winner of numerous Sales and Service awards during his 22 years up a brave front, Khanduri said he had very little time to lead the BJP in the elections. 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Stability platform helps Cong return to power in Manipur

There is a reason Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is one of the nation's leading retail mortgage lenders

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Sikh family receives death threats in US NEW YORK: A Sikh family in America has received an anonymous letter that threatens to kill its members for being "associates of the Taliban", prompting authorities to launch a probe into it. The letter, addressed to the 'Turban Family', said the family is being closely watched and it should leave the US immediately. "Our people in the neighborhood have been closely watching your activities and figured out you are a close associate of a secret Taliban movement on the US Soil. We ask you to leave the country as soon as possible otherwise one of our people is going to shoot you dead. Don't attempt to relocate somewhere else in America as people are closely monitoring your day to day activities," the letter said. The identity of the family, which lives near Virginia, has not been released. Local authorities are working with the FBI to investigate the threats in the letter sent to the family last week. The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) said the Sikh family had previously been the target of similar hate crimes. In 2003, the family's home was vandalized with graffiti and it received two threatening letters. In

2005, they received two more death threats through mail. Inter-faith groups have spoken in support of the family, calling on the authorities to investigate the threats as a hate crime. "Incidents like these are constant reminders of the challenges that Sikh Americans face as a result of our unique identity. In the absence of awareness about who we are and what we stand for, Sikh Americans continue to endure harassment, discrimination and threats which run counter to the American ideals," the SALDEF said in a statement. The organization's Associate Executive Director Jasjit Singh said law enforcement agencies should classify this incident as a hate crime and bring the perpetrators to justice. The All Dulles Area Muslim Society, a community organization in Virginia, said authorities should send a clear message through their investigation that "any such intimidation or hate crime against any innocent communities in the United States will never be tolerated." The Anti-Defamation League too condemned the letter, saying "it is appalling that an innocent family was targeted with an expression of hate, simply because of their visible articles of faith." -PTI

Mormon Church issues directive on proxy baptism Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 7

He has therefore authorized baptisms to be performed by proxy for them...". Baptisms for the dead are performed only in temples because of sacredness involved and the ceremony reportedly involves immersion in water while dressed in white clothing. According to LDS sources, Jesus Christ is the head of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints which has been restored by God through Joseph

Smith (1805-44). One of the fastest growing church, LDS is led by 15 Apostles, including Monson (who is also considered a prophet), Eyring, Uchtdorf, and President of The Quorum of the Twelve Boyd K. Packer. LDS, also known as Mormon Church, which claims to be a Christian denomination, has 134 temples and a membership of over 14 million. Republican Romney is a Mormon and so is United States Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

More work needs to be done to empower women: President

President Pratibha Devisingh Patil addressing at the Stree Shakti Puraskar, presentation ceremony, on the occasion of International WomenĂs Day Celebrations, in New Delhi on March 7

NEW DELHI: Appreciating the extraordinary roles played by women in different spheres, President Pratibha Patil has said "more works" needs be done to empower women to make them self sufficient. "Women can play an important role in focusing on issues related to gender inequality, ways to eliminate poverty and on social practices that are disadvanta-

geous to the development and empowerment of women and the girl child. Women's empowerment is an important field where more work, needs to be done," Patil said in her message on the International Women's Day. Pointing out its importance, she said the day is to celebrate the spirit of ordinary women, who have played extraordinary roles in shaping their families,

communities, society and countries. "At the same time, it is a day to reflect on the progress made in achieving the goal of all-round development of women, and of implementing a pro-active agenda of change," the President said, while greeting them for their continuing role and relentless effort in shaping the destiny of country. -PTI

PM praises Gilani's 'positive role' in Indo-Pak ties ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has lauded his Pakistani counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani for playing a "positive role" in improving bilateral relations. Singh's "gratitude" for Gilani's role in improving bilateral ties were conveyed to the Pakistani prime minister by Indian High Commissioner Sharat Sabharwal during a meeting here, an official statement said. Sabharwal also conveyed the Indian Prime Minister's "good wishes" to Gilani. Gilani reciprocated by extending good wishes to the Indian Prime Minister and inquired about the health of Congress president Sonia Gandhi and wished her an early recovery, the statement said. There was no official word from either side on other aspects of the discussions between Gilani and the Indian envoy. Since the two countries resumed their peace process after a gap of over two years in the wake of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, they have taken several steps to normalize relations. Following Commerce Minister

Anand Sharma's recent visit to Islamabad, the Pakistan government approved a move to switch over to a negative list regime for

trade, paving the way for giving India Most Favored Nation status by the beginning of next year. -PTI

SUNSET CONCERT: The British Royal Air Force Regiment Band performs with the Indian Air Force's Air Warriors Symphony Orchestra during a joint outdoor concert in front of the landmark India Gate monument in New Delhi on March 3. The sunset concert began at 4pm and concluded at sundown as the monument, erected to commemorate Indian soldiers who who lost their lives in the first World War, was lit up for the evening

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HC quashes FIR against Yeddyurappa BANGALORE: In a big relief to state BJP strongman B S Yeddyurappa, Karnataka High Court has quashed an FIR against him in an illegal mining case based on the Lokayukta report that had caused his exit as Chief Minister. A division bench comprising justices Bhakstavatsala and Govindaraju passed the order allowing an application filed by Yeddyurappa challenging the Lokayukta police FIR and also Governor H R Bhardwaj's action directing Lokayukta to initiate criminal proceedings against him in August last. Yeddyurappa's contention that proceedings were launched against him without giving him an opportunity to explain was upheld by the court. The verdict comes a major morale booster to Yeddyurappa, who had quit the chief minister's post in the wake of his indictment by Lokayukta report on illegal mining submitted on July 27 by the then anti-corruption ombudsman Santosh Hegde. BJP central leadership had forced Yeddyurappa to quit on

Army Chiefdesignate meets Gen V K Singh NEW DELHI: Army Chief-designate Lt Gen Bikram Singh met incumbent Gen V K Singh at his South Block office here, the first time after he was chosen to lead the 1.3 million strong force. The two top officers discussed the matters concerning the force, army officials said here. A day earlier, Lt Gen Bikram Singh had called on Defense Minister A K Antony, Minister of State for Defense M M Pallam Raju and Defense Secretary Shashikant Sharma in South Block. Lt Gen Singh, who is heading the Kolkata-based Eastern Command, will now be visiting the capital on a frequent basis as he will also be consulted before taking any decision related to the army. The government had announced the appointment of Lt Gen Singh as the next Army Chief from May 31. The meeting between Gen V K Singh and Lt Gen Bikram Singh comes at a time when the army is witnessing an intense infighting in the wake of the controversy surrounding the clandestine tapping of some sensitive phones in the capital.-PTI

July 31 last in the wake of the Lokayukta findings. The report had cited receipt of a Rs 10 crore donation from South West Mining Company to the Prerana Trust owned and managed by Yeddyurpapa''s family and another Rs 20 crore paid for purchase of 1.02 acres in Rachenahalli by the mining firm. Hegde in his report had observed that these payments were made to Prerana Trust in anticipation of getting some favors by the mining company, a charge Yeddyurappa had rejected. Sandeep Patil, counsel for Yeddyurappa, welcomed the order and said it was a major victory for him as he had quit chief ministership on the basis of this report. -PTI

MADAME MADHURI: Madhuri DixitNene, left, stands alongside her brand new wax figure at Madame Tussauds, London, March 7. The figure is dressed in a Manish Malhotra sari, while Madhuri becomes the sixth Bollywood celebrity to be honored with a wax likeness by Madame Tussauds, London, and only the second Bollywood actress, following Aishwarya Rai, who entered the attraction back in 2004

Desi News ASF holds Kathak and Tabla Camp SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: Anila Sinha Foundation and Kathak Nrityakala Kendra recently held their first residential Kathak, Tabla and Music camp at YMCA's Camp Duncan in Volo, IL. The camp was attended by a large number of enthusiastic students of all ages. Camp organizer and director, Ms. Kiran Chauhan conducted extensive Kathak classes for the dance students. Raju Deshmukh worked with the students on Tabla while Mrs. Manjiri Vaishampayan engaged the students with vocal music. Fingers, feet and voices were engaged during the Kathak and Tabla Camp. There was a lot of learning achieved by students in various subjects. Details on page 16

Seventh-day Adventist school turning Hindu center HARISH RAO

CHICAGO: A former Broadview Academy which was a Seventh-day Adventist high school located in La Fox in Illinois State, is likely to be a Hindu spiritual center. Mata Amritanandamayi Center is asking for a special use permit from Kane County to convert this school into a site for worship, charity and education. Retreats might also be held here and down the line the plan is to set up Mata Amritanandamayi University. This campus includes about 18 buildings spread over 102 acres besides farmland of 40 acres. Details on page 17

Rabindranath Tagore Exhibition in Chicago HARSIH RAO

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

Hindus need to be more proactive: Media panel Details on page 19

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March 16, 2012

Raj Mukherji named Deputy Mayor of Jersey City India Post News Service

NEW JERSEY: Twenty-seven year old Raj Mukherji, Chairman and Commissioner of the Jersey City Housing Authority, was sworn in as Deputy Mayor of Jersey City on March 2 in City Hall Council chambers. Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy had announced Mukherjee's appointment to fill the vacant Deputy Mayor's seat in Jersey City. "Raj's extensive public affairs experience will enable him to effectively advocate for our city in Trenton and Washington," said Mayor Healy, who noted that Mukherji would be serving for a dollar a year. "His service at the Jersey City Housing Authority has shown him to be a tireless public servant and consensus builder." The appointment of Mukherji, who is of South Asian descent, is also a nod to Jersey City's burgeoning Asian population, which comprised 25.2% of the City's population as of the 2010 Census (representing a 46% increase from the 2000 Census). At 24, Mukherji was appointed the youngest Commissioner and Chairman in the history of the Jersey City Housing Authority, to which he was twice confirmed by the City Council. During his tenure at the helm of the state's second largest public housing authority, which administers more than 6,700 housing units and serves over 16,000 residents, the JCHA improved its annual SEMAP score from HUD to the three highest Section 8 performance ratings in the agency's history for the past three consecutive years (and in two of those years, the highest score in the State among large municipal public housing authorities). Under Chairman Mukherji's leadership, the JCHA also received acclaim for its new anti-crime and social services initiatives; for using stimulus funds to create a "Green-hab Crew" to renovate units using green technologies; for undertaking a $9 million energy efficiency investment that

Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy and new Deputy Mayor Raj Mukherji at the swearing-in ceremony.

spanned seven of its complexes; and for the HOPE VI-funded A. Harry Moore revitalization and beginning the $300 million transformation of the Montgomery Gardens-McGinley Square corridor (both of which led to visits

Journal's 2011 rankings). The firm has represented municipal governments, Fortune 500 corporations, hospitals, financial institutions, higher education institutions, a law enforcement union, social justice causes, and others.

"Raj's extensive public affairs experience will enable him to effectively advocate for our city in Trenton and Washington," said Mayor Healy from US Secretary of HUD Shaun Donovan and $10 million in combined federal grant awards). In the private sector, Mukherji co-founded a public affairs firm, Impact NJ, at the age of 19 and grew it into the state's third largest lawyer-affiliated lobbying firm (according to the New Jersey Law

Mukherji has worked with the NJEDA and the Business Action Center in successfully advocating for job creation and tax credit incentives; successfully brokered or facilitated complex transactions, including the sales of a nursing home and hospitals; facilitated labor negotiations; secured millions

in grants or appropriations for hospitals and nonprofit clients and advocated to expand charity care for the underprivileged; and, while representing the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority, successfully advocated to expand its powers to develop professional football training facilities for an NFL team as well as legislation revising horse racing regulations in New Jersey. Mukherji previously owned an Internet consulting and hosting company. He holds an individualized Master of Liberal Arts from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Arts from Thomas Edison State College. In the evenings, he is a part-time third year law student at Seton Hall Law School, which he is attending as a Chancellor's Scholar. Mukherji joined the US Marines as a reservist two weeks after September 11, 2001 and served in military intelligence. He is the recipient of two Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medals, Military Outstanding Volunteerism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, a commendation from Marine Corps Counterintelligence, and Commanding Officer's citations for exemplary service. Mukherjee was appointed by then-US Senator Jon Corzine to his Military Academy Board in 2003. In 2004, he was appointed by the Governor of New Jersey to the Governor's Council on Volunteerism and Community Service. He was appointed in 2004 by the Presiding Superior Court Judge in Union County, and re-appointed in 2007, as a member of the Juvenile Conference Committee. Mukherji was named to the Forty Under 40 list by NJBIZ, recognizing the state's 40 most dynamic business leaders under the age of 40. As a result of his business leadership and community service efforts, Raj was honored by the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce as an annual Legends honoree for 2011. He was also selected to participate in the Junior Summit international forum conducted by the Media Laboratory at M.I.T.

March 16, 2012

Community Across America

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Vigil marks 10th anniversary of 2002 Gujarat riots

A candlelit vigil to mark the 10th anniversary of the Gujarat riots as photographs of riot victims stand in the foreground in Ahmedabad, India, Feb. 24. India Post News Service

NEW YORK: More than 100 Indian Americans gathered near the Gandhi Statue at Union Square in New York and simultaneously in at least five other cities across the US on March 3 to mark the 10th anniversary of the 2002 Gujarat Massacre in which over 2000 Muslim men, women and children were killed by organized mobs of the Hindu right wing under the chief ministership of Narendra Modi in Gujarat. The anti-Muslim attacks and their subsequent displacement were extensively covered in the international media. Scathing reports from Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International as well as the Indian human rights organizations pointed out that the massacres and gang-rapes were coordinated, organized, and sanctioned. "We are gathering at the Gandhi statue because the Indian government and society needs to decide whether it believes in Gandhi's worldview or Modi's," said Nazeer Syed, a volunteer with the Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) one of the over 40 organizations behind the mobilization. Women and children waved placards and shouted slogans demanding justice for the victims of the riots, and the arrest of Chief Minister Narendra Modi These organizations came together in 2005 under the name Coalition Against Genocide (CAG) and campaigned successfully to get the US State Department to refuse Narendra Modi a visitor's visa, and to revoke his diplomatic visa. This was unprecedented for a politician of Modi's stature. "We did not back down then, and we

see no reason to now," said Dr. Svati Shah of the South Asia Solidarity Initiative. "We are mobilizing to reiterate that any nation that allows a mass murderer to remain in power has, at the minimum, a deeply flawed democracy," she added. Amongst those who spoke at the demonstration included Bhairavi Desai, Head of the New York Taxi Workers' Alliance, Imam Talib Abdur-Rashid, President of the Islamic Leadership Council of New York, Joe Lombardo, National Co-chair of United National

Scathing reports from Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International as well as the Indian human rights organizations pointed out that the massacres and gang-rapes were coordinated, organized, and sanctioned AntiwCoalition, Rev. Mark Lukens, the President of The Interfaith Alliance of Long Island, and leaders of the Coalition Against Genocide. "We will end the demonstration with a silent vigil," said Habeeb Ahmad of the Muslim Peace Coalition USA. "Each candle at the vigil will be memory of the thousands who died... but it will also bear witness to our hope. We have

People participate in a candlelight vigil to mark the 10th anniversary of the Gujarat riots as photographs of riot victims stand in the background in Ahmedabad.

waited ten years. We certainly do not want to wait another decade," Ahmed who is a human rights commissioner with Nassau County added. Similar vigils were held by the same coalition of organizations in California, Washington, Boston, Chicago and Florida. Congressional Resolution recognizing the riots A resolution (H.R. 569) moved by Congressman Keith Ellison (DMN) recognizing the tenth anniversary of the tragic communal violence in Gujarat was passed in the US House of Representatives on March 1. The resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, said that on February 27, 2002, in the city of Godhra in the western state of Gujarat, India, 58 Hindus were tragically burnt alive in a train coach fire; and immediately following the train fire, communal violence erupted in several towns in Gujarat. In the International Religious Freedom Report of 2003, the United States Department of State found that 'In Gujarat the worst religious violence directed against Muslims by Hindus took place in February and March 2002, leaving an estimated 2,000 dead and 100,000 displaced into refugee camps. It was alleged widely that the police and state government did little to stop the violence promptly, and at times even encouraged or assisted Hindus involved in the riots. Despite substantial evidentiary material, the judicial commission responsible for investigating the riots reported inconclusive findings. No Hindus have been charged for the violence'. The resolution also cited a 2002 Human Rights Watch report en-

titled 'We Have No Orders to Save You' stated that 'Between February 28 and March 2 [2002] the attackers descended with militia-like precision on Ahmedabad by the thousands. Chanting slogans of incitement to kill . . . they were guided by computer printouts listing the addresses of Muslim families and their propertiesâ&#x20AC;Ś and embarked on a murderous rampage confident that the police was with them. Portions of the Gujarati language press meanwhile printed fabricated stories and statements openly calling on Hindus to

The US denied Chief Minister Modi a visa to the United States in 2005 on the grounds of a religious freedom violation under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, the first and only time such a denial has been issued

avenge the Godhra attacks.' The United States Government denied Chief Minister Modi a visa to the United States in 2005 on the grounds of a religious freedom violation under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, the first and only time such a denial has been issued.; The resolution further said that minorities including Christians in Gujarat continue to experience re-

ligious and socio-economic discrimination. In view of all this, the House of Representatives resolved that it: (1) recognizes the suffering of all those persons who were affected by the 2002 violence in Gujarat, India, including those persons who lost their lives in the Godhra train fire; (2) shares the opinion of the United States Department of State that the Gujarat government has not adequately pursued justice for the victims of the 2002 violence; (3) remains concerned by reports from journalists and human rights groups about the complicity of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi in the 2002 violence; (4) applauds the Department of State and the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom for their monitoring of religious freedom in India and throughout the world; (5) salutes the role of Indian police officers who, despite personal risk, provided honest testimony about the violence in Gujarat; (6) commends the role of the National Human Rights Commission and the Indian Supreme Court, which has led to some convictions in Gujarat riot cases, and also the arrest of a few high-level leaders in the Modi administration; (7) recognizes the work of Indian and Indian-American civil society groups for their tireless devotion to educating people about human rights and religious freedom in India; and (8) calls on the Gujarat government to heed the recommendations of the State Department to restore religious freedom for all citizens in Gujarat.

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ASF holds Kathak and Tabla Camp SURENDRA ULLAL

and other team activities. Most students were happy being away from day-to-day grind and learn with a fresh breath of air. The weather could not have been any better; it turned out to be sunny and mild weekend with open skies. The highlight of the camp was a talent show in which the participants showcased their creativity with energy and vigor. They presented activities ranging from Flamingo to singing; reading to Bollywood style dancing, and Tabla to violin. Parents and friends of participating students were the guests of the camp during the Talent Show. They were pleasantly entertained and enthused by such a positive experience of the participants. Looking at the overwhelming response and expressed desire of the participants to come back to

Participants at Kathak-Tabla camp with the founding organizer Dr Birendra Sinha and teacher Ms Kiran Chauhan

the camp again, ASF is considering making the camp a regular fea-

ture of its winter offerings. The Anila Sinha Foundation was formed in memory of Mrs. Anila Sinha. The Foundation's continued advancement of these precious Indian art forms and their dissemination throughout the

Kathak dance in the Chicagoland area, Kathak Nrityakala Kendra (Academy of Kathak Dance and Music), to offer opportunities for students and younger generation of artists to learn this art form. Furthermore, the Foundation

The highlight of the camp was a talent show in which the participants showcased their creativity with energy and vigor. They presented activities ranging from Flamingo to singing; reading to Bollywood style dancing, and Tabla to violin

The Tabla session

community is a tribute to Anilaji's lifelong dedication. The ASF mission is to preserve, foster, and promote the performing arts of India, particularly classical music and dance. To attain its mission, the Foundation has opened a school of

plans to collaborate with local music and dance institutions for cultural exchange, cross-training of students and enhance global understanding. The activities of the foundation are supported in part by the Illinois Arts Council.

HAF physicians visit Bhutanese refugee camps in Nepal India Post News Service

NEW YORK: As part of the Hindu American Physicians in Seva (HAPiS) program, two physicians from the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) recently visited Bhutanese refugee camps in the city of Damak, Nepal. The camps, managed by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), house Hindu and Buddhist refugees of Nepali descent, who were stripped of their citizenship and forced to leave Bhutan in the 1990s under the "One Nation, One People" policy. HAF launched the Hindu American Physicians in Seva (HAPiS) program almost one year ago in order to serve the medical needs of under-served communities around the world. During this trip, Mihir Meghani, M.D., HAF Board Member and Co-Founder, and

Arvind Chandrakantan, M.D., HAF Executive Council Member, toured several UNHCR camps in order to both assess the current level of care administered to the refugees and explore areas of need. They also

good," said Dr. Chandrakantan. "Where there are gaps in service, our hope is to assist by providing medical volunteers from the US." Drs. Meghani and Chandrakantan have

More than 100,000 Bhutanese refugees (mostly Hindu) have been living in camps in Nepal since their forced expulsion from Bhutan nearly 20 years ago. The Bhutanese government has refused to allow the refugees to return met with UNHCR officials, the United States embassy in Kathmandu, and the Asian Medical Doctors Association (AMDA)Nepal. "The medical care provided to the refugees in the UNHCR camps is mostly very

enumerated their findings in a report, which they expect to release shortly, along with an appeal for additional medical personnel. "It makes my heart very happy that doctors are coming from the United States to help the refugees," said Dr. Bhampa Rai,

Chairman of the Bhutanese Health Association. "The refugees are my family." More than 100,000 Bhutanese refugees (mostly Hindu) have been living in camps in Nepal since their forced expulsion from Bhutan nearly 20 years ago. The Bhutanese government has refused to allow the refugees to return, but in recent years, a number of countries have agreed to resettle them, including the United States. Approximately 35,000 are currently living in the US. HAF has been monitoring the plight of the Bhutanese refugees for the past several years and has documented it in its annual human rights report. "The Bhutanese Hindus are a unique and proud people with a rich culture," added Dr. Meghani. "They have suffered immensely over the past 20 years and need the support of the Hindu community in the US."

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Seventh-day Adventist school turning Hindu center HARISH RAO

love and serve one and all. By realizing our own Self we become full, with nothing more to gain in life", she points out. Her centers are spread throughout the world, and in USA, these are located in California, Maryland, New Mexico, Michigan and Arkansas in addition to over 80 satsang groups to conduct spiritual activities. La Fox, in Kane County, was

Mata Amritanandamayi

set up Mata Amritanandamayi University. This campus includes about 18 buildings spread over 102 acres besides farmland of 40 acres. Hindu guru Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, 58, popularly known as Amma and commonly referred to as "The Hugging Saint", leads this organization headquartered in Amritapuri (Kerala, India), and her sole mission is stated as "to

Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, commonly referred to as "The Hugging Saint," leads this organization

established around 1859. Seventh-day Adventist Church, headquartered in Maryland (USA) with claimed membership of over 17 million, describes itself as "a Christian faith community preparing the world for the return of Jesus Christ". Hinduism is the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion adherents.

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Rabindranath Tagore Exhibition in Chicago HARSIH RAO

CHICAGO: The Art Institute of Chicago, with the support of the Consulate General of India, Chicago and National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi has hosted its first major exhibition from India 'The Last Harvest: Paintings of Rabindranath Tagore' to commemorate Gurudev Tagore's 150th birth anniversary. Sixty-one paintings of Tagore are on exhibit from January 29 to April 15. A documentary on Tagore with original footage of Tagore himself also plays at the gallery. Admission to the Art Institute for viewing the paintings is on payment of entry fee as per the Institute's normal rules. The Art Institute of Chicago will hold a series of three lectures in Fullerton Hall to complement the exhibition. Entry for the lectures is graciously being offered for free to the general public upon prior registration with the Consulate General of India, Chicago. Those interested in attending the following lectures may register by providing their full name at:

culture@indianconsulate.com Lecture Series: Tuesday, March 27, 2012 - 6:00 p.m.: The Genius of the Poet

The Art Institute of Chicago will hold a series of three lectures in Fullerton Hall to complement the exhibition. Entry for the lectures is graciously being offered for free to the general public upon prior registration with the Consulate General of India, Chicago

Rabindranath Tagore

Tagore - William Radice, Professor Emeritus, University of London Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - 6:00 p.m.: Tagore in Chicago, 1913:The Risks & Possibilities of Cosmopolitanism - Dipesh Chakrabarty,

eral of India, Chicago) Tuesday, April 10, 2012 6:00p.m.: The Radial Imagination of Tagore's Painting - Partha Mitter, Professor Emeritus, University of Sussex

MKCA to celebrate Easter next month SURENDA ULLAL

CHICAGO: Malabar Konkani Christian Association (MKCA) USA, Chicago has announced holding Easter Vigil Celebrations on Saturday, April 7 at 6 pm at Courtland Square Recreation Hall, Des Plaines, a northwest Chicago suburb. Rev. Fr. Richard Vaz, SVD will be the main celebrant of Easter Vigil which will start at 6 pm. It will be followed by social hour with com-

Professor in History, South Asian Languages and Civilizations, University of Chicago (Lecture cosponsored by the Consulate Gen-

Blind Foundation charitable show HARISH RAO

CHICAGO: Blind Foundation of India (BFI) has slated a Musical Program for Saturday, March 31 to benefit BFI projects in India. The event called "Sunehare Geeton ki Shaam, Ankhon ki Roshni Ke Naam" is a part of BFI efforts in raising funds for its projects and will be held at the Avery Coonley Performing Arts Center in Downers Grove, IL. The program starts with dinner from 6:30 - 7:30 pm and musical entertainment from 7:30 pm onward. The evening program includes Malik Miraj of Hyderabad, India, a winner of Laughter Channel, dance performances by Soorya Dance School of Northbook, and melodious songs by Drs. Dipak and Sheela Shah. They will be accompanied by Mr. Hitesh Master and Orchestra Sa Re Ga Ma. The Blind Foundation for India (BFI) is a registered 501 (c) (3) charitable organization in operation since 1989. The mission of BFI is to prevent and cure blindness, and educate and rehabilitate permanently blind individuals in India. To date, BFI has raised over

$3.5 million to benefit over one million people with visual impairment in India. With support from BFI, medical partners in India have performed over 100,000 free Cataract operations, examined over

The event called "Sunehare Geeton ki Shaam, Ankhon ki Roshni Ke Naam" is a part of BFI efforts in raising funds for its projects and will be held at the Avery Coonley Performing Arts Center in Downers Grove, IL 450,000 school-going children in public schools for eyesight issues, provided 10,000 Braille kits and donated 104 mobile vans to transport eye doctors to villages and patients to eye hospitals for Cataract removals.

Food drive for needy by North Texas Bohras MUDAR SAPATWALLA

plimentary Open Bar, Music, Dinner and Dance. In preparation of the Lenten Season MKCA is hosting a day of retreat under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Richard Vaz on Sunday March 25 at Mission Office, Techny, Illinois. The Lenten retreat will be focusing on two important themes of our life "Getting closer to God" and God's invitation: "Come as you are!"

DALLAS, TX: Members of the Dawoodi Bohra community in DFW organized a food drive on Saturday March 3 and volunteered at North Texas Food Bank in sorting out and packing food for the needy. They also organized a collection drive to celebrate the 101st birthday of their spiritual leader Dr.

Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin Saheb. Altogether, their contributions, kind, cash and effort enabled more than twelve thousand meals for the needy. Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin is an internationally recognized personality and the 52ndD'ai al-Mutlaq of the Dawoodi Bohras- a Muslim com-

munity known worldwide for its philanthropic efforts, hospitals, schools and restorations of Islamic landmarks. The efforts of His Holiness provide true inspiration to his followers around the world to practice their faith with a special emphasis on benefiting humanity at large and performing acts of goodwill.

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Hindus need to be more proactive: Media panel

Senator Ellen Corbett

SUJATA SINGH India Post News Service

FREMONT, CA: Hindu American Federation held a meeting on March 4 at the premises of Fremont Hindu Temple. The topic of discussion and introspection was Hinduism in the Media Panel laying emphasis on media coverage of Hinduism and ethnic groups. The panelists were Dr. Romesh Japra - Founder and Publisher of India Post Weekly, Matt Artz Reporter for Bay Area News Group, Ravi Kapur - President of Diya TV and VP of KAXT - Channel 1 and Diana Rohini LaVigne -

tise to this cause. Conscious effort was being made to make everyone aware of their role in community to provide information and updates to the media, about major social activities involving Hindus and American cross section. Hindu Americans comprise one of the fastest growing populations in the United States. The Hindu American population currently numbers around 2 million, but this does not include the estimated 32 million others who derive inspiration from Hindu spirituality and practice Hindu teachings such as yoga and meditation. Too often, media coverage of Hinduism relies

Samir Kalra, Esq. - Director and Senior Human Rights Fellow, HAF was the moderator and actively involved the panelists in getting their honest opinions and suggestions on various topics related to Hinduism and its media coverage Bay Area Chair of SAJA, and media reporter of India West. Samir Kalra, Esq. - Director and Senior Human Rights Fellow, HAF was the moderator and actively involved the panelists in getting their honest opinions and suggestions on various topics related to Hinduism and its media coverage. Media is the means of conveying information to the public, especially television, newspapers and the Internet. The media portrays religions in particular ways according to the information provided. It was a striking change to see a young group of professionals committing their time and exper-

on stereotypical fallacies and the analyses of Hindu "experts" who are rarely practicing Hindus themselves and lack insight into the faith that comes from such practice. HAF understands the importance of working with the media to ensure fair, accurate and balanced coverage of Hinduism. HAF closely monitors media coverage of Hindus and Hinduism, and consistently responds to inaccurate and biased coverage. The moderator, Samir posed a variety of questions to each of the panelists. Mat Artz of the Bay Area News was asked as to how capable he felt while reporting on any

(L-R) Samir Kalra, Mat Artz, Diana Rohini LaVigne, Dr. Romesh Japra, Ravi Kapur

Hindu event while being a nonHindu himself. He emphatically stated that he solely relies on the community and people who came up to him to provide the insight. Non Hindu journalists reporting on causes or concerns relating to Hinduism are rarely aware of the depth and spatial side of it. Publisher and editor of India Post Dr. Japra related incidents which further convince us of this fact. Unity Conventions were held during the early 1980s which were a meeting platform for Indians and American community. On one such event a now redundant group - Khalistan organization - raised slogans against India as the meeting was in progress, inviting the attention of local newspaper, which sensationally misrepresented the entire social cause

event, on the basis that sensationalism sells. This was one of the prime reasons for starting newsweekly India Post, and the Festival of India. Similar in their opinion was Diana, who quoted from a research paper-PEW about facts and numbers of Hindus not being in focus or making national headlines as they did not indulge in acts of violence or terrorism. Usually the media broadcast the most controversial stories as they know they will most likely get a response, the most outrageous the headline is. Therefore this can cause a disagreement between religions. Ravi Kapur (Diya T.V) gave a firsthand account of his experiences as being in technical media. He rightly stated that news generates from New York, and one has

to be in that arena to be heard or visible to the nation. Hence it is up to us to help our media people to get to the right platform and lend a hand in projecting Hinduism in the best way. The audience cleared their doubts about many issues concerning the appropriate way to portray Hinduism in the American lime light. Prominent among these were State Senator Ellen Corbett, Steve Cho, Anjali Lathi, Rajesh Verma, Yogi Chugh, Jeevan Zutshi and countless supporters and volunteers. The meeting ended on a positive note that Hindus as a community needed to be more affirmative and proactive in issues concerning the awareness of Hinduism across the west. They have the option of taking help of the media to make their voices heard.

Tech News Mahindra has bid for Saab, not Tata GENEVA: Stating that Tata Motors' hands are full post the acquisition of JLR, chairman of Tata groups Ratan Tata has said the Indian counterpart Mahindra & Mahindra has bid for the troubled Swedish auto firm Saab and not his group firm. "We have not bid for SAAB, but another Indian company, Mahindra has," Tata told reporters here on the sidelines of the Geneva Motor Show here. When contacted, a spokesperson for Mahindra & Mahindra declined to comment.-PTI

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March 16, 2012

Senator calls for Apple and Google probe

emocrat senator Charles Schumer has requested the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate reports that apps from Apple and Google mobile systems steal private photos and information and post them online without any consent from users. The senator's request follows Apple's alteration of its privacy policies earlier last month. Schumer said he was concerned after a New York Times report said that iPhone and Android applications can access a user's private photo collection. He also cited last month's discovery that apps on devices like the iPhone and iPad uploaded entire contacts details from the address books to their own servers.

NJ businesswomen on fourth goodwill mission to India India Post News Service

Datawind wins award for the most innovative company

ritish-Indian firm DataWind has won the Smart UK Project award from UK government for nation's 'Most Innovative Mobile Company', beating competition from the other three finalists blippar, P2i and QRpedia. The competition run by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), began its search for UK's most innovative mobile company in November 2011. The winner was announced at Mobile World Congress at Barcelona. DataWind has developed and manufactured the $35 Android powered Aakash tablet.

Facebook and news sites banned in Tajikistan

ajikistan blocked local access to Facebook and two Russian-language sites that published an article critical of its long-serving president, representatives of two Internet providers said. The shutdown was ordered by the state-run communications service. Users who tried to access Facebook or the two websites, which published a story critical of President Imomali Rakhmon, were automatically re-directed to the home page of their provider. Soon after the role social media played in revolutions in the Arab world and mass protests in Russia, stringent internet rules and controls have been deployed by other ex-Soviet, Central Asian republics. Government opponents in Tunisia and Egypt used Twitter, Facebook and other platforms to run rings around censors and organize protests that eventually toppled their leaders.

NEW JERSEY: Seventeen senior business women from New Jersey who traveled to Mumbai, India February 1, in a show of solidarity to support the Sheriff of Mumbai Indu Shahani, and their Indian counterparts representing diverse professional and business interests, were hosted at a reception March 5, held at the Indian Consulate in New York. First conceived in 2005 by former Consul General in New York Shashi Tripathi, Dr. Indu Shahani, the Sheriff of Mumbai and Dean of HR College of Business at the University of Mumbai, and Daryl Rand, President of Harrison Rand Advertising, NJ, the group called themselves 'Friends of India'. Rand, who has traveled to India at least nine times in the past, has chaired all of the Friends of India Missions to the country. The program of these Missions is designed to build linkages between the women entrepreneurs of both countries and demonstrates support for India. Assisting in the programming and facilitation, including a visit

Members of the ëFriends of Indiaí business delegation to India with Consul General Prabhu Dayal

with the President of India, Pratibha Patil, is Poonam Khubani, President of Telebrands International. The group, consisting of 17 members, most of whom are from Northern New Jersey's business

community, represents newspaper, printing and publishing, the insurance industry, marketing communications, energy consultation and the management of the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce. Many of the delegates, such as

Sharon Ambis, Maria Nieves and Lilly Hernandez, have participated in previous Missions which have resulted in significant business exchanges and opportunities for both the host and visiting delegations. Contíd on page 21

MoneyGram expands service through 650 postal locations in India India Post News Service

NEW YORK: MoneyGram International, the global money transfer company and the Indian Postal Service (India Post), the largest distribution postal network in the world, announced that their services have been expanded from the existing 100 locations to more than 650 locations across India. At a presentation before the community and media in mid-town Manhattan March 6, MoneyGram officials discussed the importance of postal networks as part of its global distribution strategy, as well as plans for continued rollout to additional locations of In-

MoneyGram officials at a press conference in New York

dia Post in urban and rural areas of the country. With 155,000 locations, India Post serves a critical role in facilitating the distribution of funds in a country where less than 50% of the populations has a bank account. According to the World Bank, India is the world's largest inward remittance market, with $53.1 billion in incoming remittances a year. "A key direction of MoneyGram's growth strategy is to get closer to our customers where they live and world," said Harsh Lambah, MoneyGram's senior regional director for South Contíd on page 24 Asia.

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Harvard B-School launches new classroom in Mumbai India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Harvard Business School (HBS) announced March 1, the launch of the new amphitheaterstyle classroom, built and owned by the Taj Lands End, owned by the Indian Hotels Limited. Unlike the temporary spaces in Hyderabad and Mumbai where the School previously offered programs, the new space replicates the classrooms on the School's Boston campus, giving participants and students a true Harvard Business School case method learning experience, for the first time in India. The launch of the classroom kicked off with a series of activities including research conferences and executive education programs. This is the latest milestone in the School's deepening engagement in India that over the last decade has produced a growing body of research on Indian companies and management practices. "India is a key component of

Harvard Business School's global strategy," said Dean Nitin Nohria. "Our aspiration is to expand our intellectual footprint by working with business, government and academic leaders from across the country, all the while contributing to important discussions about India's long-term economic growth." The new classroom, with a seating capacity of up to 82 students, will offer state-of-the-art multimedia facilities that augment the educational experience of the students. The room, a first of its kind in India, is virtually indistinguishable from the MBA classrooms in Boston. Using the new classroom, Harvard Business School faculty will offer programs and symposia to leaders in business, government and academia on a wide range of subjects such as Corporate Social Responsibility, Building a Global Enterprise, and Case Writing and Course Development. The Taj Lands End Hotel is an ideal location for the classroom

Multicultural Business Expo to stimulate economy India Post News Service

Nassau County to outreach to minority owned businesses and other small to medium size businesses by providing them with relevant information and seminars on funding, multicultural marketing, social media, public speaking, minority business development, securing government contracts and others. Representatives from the US SBA, LIDC, Empire State Development, NYC Small Business Services, National Grid and the NYS Governor's Office on

NEW YORK: Business owners and representatives looking for new ways to market their products and services will be able to participate in a unique, cosmopolitan business expo designed to stimulate the local economy while promoting awareness and appreciation of cultural diversity. The NY Multicultural Business Expo, one of the most significant business-building events in the area will provide a rare opportunity for companies and individuals to While the location may be interact with the fastest sumptuous the expo is growing segment of the strictly business with vendors business population the multicultural market. and sponsors of several The expo will take place nationalities representing at Leonard's of Great companies seeking to build Neck on March 15. While the location their customer base and may be sumptuous the increase their sphere expo is strictly business of influence with vendors and sponsors of several nationalities representing companies Asian Affairs will be participating. seeking to build their customer IBM with partner MESA Techbase and increase their sphere of nologies and Aflac head a list of influence. "This is not a many sponsors. Several local, regroundbreaking event on a na- gional and national media outlets tional scale, but it's a first for the have and will continue to actively Long Island/NYC area and the re- promote the expo to their ethnic sponse has been tremendous," and English speaking communisays Mark Neuwirt, president of ties. Expos Your Business, organizer of ContĂd on page 23 the event. EYB is partnering with

with its proximity to the airport and the downtown area. The Taj Lands End was incorporated by the Tata Group, currently headed by Ratan Tata, a graduate of Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program.

mand for business education and insights. Harvard Business Review is widely read in India along with business books published by Harvard Business Publishing. Indian business schools extensively use Harvard Business School

Harvard Business School faculty will offer programs and symposia to leaders in business, government and academia on a wide range of subjects "I can think of no greater investment we can make in our collective future than education," said Ratan Tata. "India is capable of great things but we will only be able to realize our potential by continually studying and learning about what has succeeded here and elsewhere in the world. Harvard Business School and Harvard University more broadly have a tremendous amount of knowledge to share in that endeavor." India's rapid emergence as a leading economic power on the world stage has increased the de-

cases in the classroom and over the past 4 years some 100 Indian faculty have participated in the School's Global Colloquium for Participant Centered Learning, where they learn from HBS faculty how to teach using the case method. "So many things in India are evolving with bewildering speed, there is much to learn by bringing models from the outside to India, and equally much to learn from India's development trajectory," says Professor Tarun Khanna, faculty chair for HBS activities in India and Director of the Harvard

South Asia Initiative, which engages faculty and students across the University to advance and deepen teaching and research on global issues relevant to South Asia. "Our engagement in this region is imperative. We are working to build an infrastructure that provides thought leadership, education and coaching to emerging managers, and that positions the University to contribute to and learn from further development." The Taj has also designated the classroom for use by South Asia Initiative at various points throughout the year. Harvard Business School has historically strong ties to India through its faculty, students, and alumni. Over the last decade, HBS professors began traveling to India for research and teaching with increasing frequency. In 2006 the School opened its India Research Center in Mumbai and HBS faculty have written 90 new cases on companies in South Asia that are taught in HBS's educational programs and distributed worldwide. In 2008 Harvard Business Publishing established a wholly owned subsidiary in India and the School began offering executive education courses in Hyderabad and Mumbai.

NJ businesswomen on fourth goodwill mission to India ContĂd from page 20

Rand, who is also a Vice Chair of the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce, summarized the fourth of a series of Missions as the most ambitious exchange mounted to date. "This Mission is a unique balance of first-time participating delegates and seasoned facilitators between our two countries. With this new segment, we will have networked a total of 86 business women with their counterparts in India and achieved significant, sustainable accomplishments. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have facilitated exchanges between HR College and New Jersey City University, hosted students as mentors, provided scholarships for needy students, showcased the ambitious agenda of Children's Hope India and built a sustainable cultural and business exchange," she summarized. Rand said that the group's endeavors were more about people to people exchanges on cultural as well as business level. She said already their Missions have attracted a lot of attention from their male counterparts in New Jersey

who are keen to join in on future missions to India. The group initiated the Mission concept in 2005 when Dr. Shahani and the Indian Merchants Council hosted the initial delegation in Mumbai. The trip was so successful that three subsequent

She said already their Missions have attracted a lot of attention from their male counterparts in New Jersey who are keen to join in on future missions to India Missions have taken place, including hosting a reciprocal delegation from the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Women's Division. All Missions have been hosted by the Taj Hotel Group which has facilitated travel within the country, provided ac-

cess to key dialogue partners. Raymond Bickson, the Worldwide Managing Director of the Taj Hotels, held a briefing on the Tata Corporation, its vision and contribution to the economic lifeline of India to the visiting delegation. After the delegation's three day stay in Mumbai, they traveled to Delhi to be felicitated by Justice I. S. Israni, Rajasthan High Court and Chairman, Rajasthan High Powered Committee for Infrastructure, and his daughter, Poonam Khubani, for their meeting with the President of India. At the core of the Mission concept is a focus on Children's Hope India, a non-profit organization founded to support scores of projects for the children of India. Professional women who emigrated from India in the 1970s built an impressive team of volunteers to foster the education and welfare for thousands of children throughout India. The alignment and orientation of the American women with these outreach programs has been fundamental and a driving force of each of the four Missions to India.

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March 16, 2012

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4 top banks to float $2 bn infra development fund NEW DELHI: Four financial institutions - Bank of Baroda (BoB), ICICI Bank, LIC and Citi Financial - have agreed to form the country's first USD 2 billion (about Rs 10,000 crore) Infrastructure Development Fund (IDF) to finance infrastructure projects in the country. "This is the first IDF and will have an equity capital of Rs 300 crore. It will start operations in the next fiscal (beginning April 1, 2012) ... Total fund size would be USD 2 billion", Bank of Baroda (BoB) Chairman M D Mallya told reporters here. An MoU to set up the fund was signed by the representatives of the banks and financial institutions including Bank of Baroda (BoB) chief Mallya and ICICI Bank CEO and managing director Chanda Kochhar in presence of Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee. ICICI Bank, the sponsor of the joint venture, will hold 31 per cent equity in the IDF followed by Bank of Baroda (30 per cent), Citi Financial (29 per cent) and LIC (10 per cent). The ICICI Bank has already received the Reserve Bank's in-principle nod to set up the IDF through the NBFC (non-banking financial company) route last month.

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee receiving the signed document from ICICI Bank CEO and MD Chanda Kochchar, BoB CMD, MD Mallya, Citi Banks CEO Pramit Jhaveri and LIC MD Sushobhan Sarkar after an MoU signing ceremony of ICICI, Bank of Baroda, Citi Financial & LIC in New Delhi. Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia is also seen

Concerned over poor infrastructure, the government has proposed to step up investment in the infrastructure sector to USD 1 trillion in the 12th Plan beginning April 1, 2012 from USD 500 billion in the Eleventh Plan. Of the total proposed investment,

about 50 per cent is expected to come from the private sector. An IDF may be set up either as a trust or non-finance company. While the trust-based IDF (Mutual Fund) would be regulated by Sebi, an IDF set up as a company (NBFC) would be regulated by

Tata eyes 100 kmpl with Megapixel GENEVA: At a time when fuel conservation is becoming imperative across the world, India's Tata Motors is aiming to make a car, Tata Megapixel that can deliver up to 100 kilometers from a liter of fuel by using a unique combination of technology. The company, which surprised the world with 'Rs one lakh car' Nano, has unveiled the concept vehicle which is a four-seater global range extended electric (L to R) Ratan N. Tata, Chairman, Tata Sons & Tata Motors, Cyrus P Mistry, Deputy vehicle (REEV) meant for Chairman, Tata Sons, Ravi Kant, Vice Chairman, Tata Motors, P M Telang, Managing Director- India Operations, Tata Motors and Timothy Leverton, Head - Advanced and city driving. Product Engineering, Tata Motors unveiling the Tata Megapixel, a new four-seater The new innovation city-smart global range extended electric vehicle (REEV) concept car at Geneva from the house of Tatas is Motor show. The company claims that the car can give a likely to be commercially mileage of 100km per liter of petrol launched in around three ing to the company, Tata of Megapixel, Tata Motors Manyears from now. "Realistically such products Megapixel offers a range of up to aging Director - India Operations take at least 3 years to develop. 900 km (with a single tank of fuel) Prakash M Telang said: "The Tata There are lots of electric technol- and fuel economy of 100 km/liter Megapixel, developed by our design centers in India, the UK and ogy to be developed, besides (under battery only power). It also said the car will have CO2 Italy, is our idea of a city car for many other things," Tata Group discerning motorists in any Chairman Ratan Tata said after emission of "just 22 gm/km". Last year at the 81st Geneva megacity of the world. unveiling the vehicle here at the Motor Show Tata Motors had un"It is a result of the progress Geneva Motor Show. The vehicle combines a lithium veiled Tata Pixel, a city car con- we have made on the Tata Pixel, ion phosphate battery and an on- cept for Europe. Pixel is yet to be displayed last year, and also denotes the company's future design board petrol engine generator for commercially launched. Speaking during the unveiling direction." -PTI recharging on the move. Accord-

RBI. According to RBI guidelines, IDFs to be set up as NBFCs should have a minimum netowned fund of Rs 300 crore and a capital adequacy ratio of 15 per cent. In his last Budget speech, Fi-

nance Minister Pranab Mukherjee had mooted the idea of IDFs to accelerate the flow of long term debt in infrastructure projects. Besides, ICICI Bank, many other lenders including IIFCL, IDBI Bank are also planning to set up IDFs. -PTI

Nano to have more power, variants: Tata GENEVA: Tata Group head Ratan Tata has said he has set higher ambitions for the Nano car which will be available in more variants, including diesel and electric versions. Nano which has a 624 cc petrol engine will also be upgraded in power, he said. "We will definitely come out with various variants of the Nano. One day there will be a higher engine, a diesel engine and an electric vehicle variant (of the Nano will be introduced)," Tata told PTI at the Geneva Motor show. He, however, did not share details on timeline of the proposed launches. Earlier this year, Tata had admitted that Tata Motors had not been able to market Nano well and would try to undo the perception that it is a poorman's car, which has a starting price of Rs 1.40 lakh.

"We will see a resurrection of this product as we move forward," he had said. Presently, Tata Motors is selling about 9000 Nano units per month, much below the production capacity. Launched in 2009, there were high expectations from the small car, since it was projected as Ratan Tata's dream project. However, as the novelty value wore off, Nano hit several roadblocks and did not match Tata's own expectations and he described it as an "opportunity wasted".-PTI

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March 16, 2012

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Airlines lambast DIAL's hike plan NEW DELHI: Indian and foreign airlines have slammed the Delhi Airport operator's demand for an eight-fold hike in tariff, saying it would make the charges here even costlier than those levied at Singapore, Bangkok, Dubai and Hong Kong put together. While the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has justified its proposal of a 774 per cent hike saying the aeronautical tariff would actually increase by 100150 per cent, the carriers have said if the proposed hike is approved by the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA), it would make Delhi airport the costliest "in Asia, if not the world". The airlines, in their representations before the regulatory body AERA, have warned that such a massive hike would lead passengers to move away from Delhi airport. They have asked the government to revisit its revenue-share mechanism with DIAL. Airline representative bodies

like the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Board of Airline Representatives in India (BAR-I) and Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA), have opposed the proposal to hike the navigation, parking and other charges known to the AERA.

An analysis of data published by IATA showed that even if a 148 per cent hike suggested by AERA was to go through, Delhi Airport charges in 2012 would be higher than Singapore, Bangkok and Dubai airports combined. And next year, a further 148 per

The IATA has suggested that the government "must seriously consider reviewing the existing concession agreement" between DIAL and the Airports Authority of India, under which the former has to give 46 per cent of the revenue earned from airport operations to the latter Noting that the proposed increase would lead "passengers choosing to transit through other airports" than Delhi, the BAR-I has made it clear that "the airlines cannot afford these escalating increases in cost and some (foreign) airlines have even started winding up their operations".

cent compounded increase would make them over 30 per cent higher than the total of these three and Hong Kong airport put together. Delhi Airport tariff would also be higher than London Heathrow and Sydney combined. If DIAL's own proposal were approved by AERA, then this year itself, it

MoneyGram expands service through 650 postal locations in India ContĂd from page 21

"Our relationship with India Post, and the planned growth of MoneyGram's presence in India Post locations, is a clear sign of the value that the two organizations bring to businesses and consumers across the country." Lambah said that the nearly 4 million Indian Diaspora in North America plus the more than 30 million Diaspora around the world contribute to 4% of India's GDP through their remittances. India has consistently been the largest receiver of remittances in the last 10 years; and the largest volume of those remittances - 44% - comes from the US. "It's a $57 billion market," Lambah said. The bulk of these foreign remittances going to India are received in states such as Punjab, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra. India Post and MoneyGram have planned joint marketing initiatives in several Indian states to support the expansion of the service. Through a promotion running in March and April, consumers who collect a MoneyGram transaction at a location of India Post will receive a free alarm clock. "International inward remittances are playing an increasingly large role in the economies of many countries, contributing to economic growth to the livelihoods

of less prosperous people," said Sachin Pilot, India's Minister of State for Communications & IT, in a statement from Delhi. "With MoneyGram, we will provide a valuable service to our customers, particularly in rural areas, who are not fully served by banks and other financial institutions, and it's our intent to expand MoneyGram services to more post offices as

Taking pride in having been the official sponsors of the Cricket World Cup series last year, MoneyGram officials said this year they have associated themselves with the T20 cricket series to be played in Sri Lanka quickly as possible." Lambah noted that MoneyGram's service is planned to expand to 5,000 India Post locations by 2014. The joint relationship and networks is expected to increase transactions from key remitter countries, including the United States, UAE, the UK, Canada, Australia and Saudi Arabia. MoneyGram also offers ser-

vices through postal systems in Canada, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Italy, Poland, Ukraine, Moldova, and the UK. Another key alliance for MoneyGram in India has been with the State Bank of India, the largest bank in India, which is currently offering the money transfer service through 100 locations. Significantly, MoneyGram has also tied up with Bharti-Walmart in India as an agent partner. Taking pride in having been the official sponsors of the Cricket World Cup series last year, MoneyGram officials said this year they have associated themselves with the T20 cricket series to be played in Sri Lanka. "We hope to use cricket as a platform to promote our money transfer services," Lambah said. The second largest money transfer business in the world, in 2010, MoneyGram made revenues of $1.17 billion worldwide through the $19 billion in remittances that was sent around the world in 2010 using MoneyGram services. The top five remittance receivers in 2010 were India ($55 billion); Bangladesh ($11.1 billion); Pakistan ($9.4 billion); Sri Lanka ($3.6 billion); and Nepal ($3.5 billion). Top five recipients in terms of percentage of GDP are Nepal (22.9%); Bangladesh (11.8%); Sri Lanka (7.9%); Pakistan (6%) and India (3.9%).

would be 20 per cent higher than the combined charges of the European hubs of London Heathrow and Frankfurt, the IATA data showed. Maintaining that the proposal would "jeopardize the strong traffic growth" being witnessed in India, the airlines said it would also prove to be a "setback to Delhi Airport's aspiration to be a major aviation hub". The IATA has suggested that the government "must seriously consider reviewing the existing concession agreement" between DIAL and the Airports Authority of India, under which the former has to give 46 per cent of the rev-

enue earned from airport operations to the latter. The BAR-I also urged the government to consider using its 46 per cent revenue share "in some form or other to reduce the burden both of DIAL and subsequently of the airlines". This suggestion, it said, could be considered "as a last resort in view of the deep financial crisis which the industry is facing today". IATA has estimated the full implementation of AERA's tariff increase proposal will decrease domestic and international traffic by 5.9 and 6.5 per cent, respectively.-PTI

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Delhi High Court rejects plea of Swiss firm NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court has dismissed a plea of Switzerland-based firm Swiss Timing, an accused in a Commonwealth Games-related graft case, seeking a stay on possible coercive action against it by a lower court. "The petition is dismissed," Justice Mukta Gupta said. The Swiss firm had moved the high court seeking a stay on pos-

sible measures that may be adopted against it by the special CBI judge, who had allowed the plea of probe agency that the company had been duly served with the summonses for its appearance in the case. Justice Gupta rejected the petition of the company that it was not served the summonses, by the probe agency, in the manner prescribed for an off-shore entity.

Multicultural Business Expo to stimulate economy ContĂd from page 20

In keeping with the spirit of multiculturalism, there will be a brief musical performance by members of the Asian-American Cultural Circle of Unity at about 1pm as well as food tasting throughout the day by local restaurants. "We want to focus heavily on

business growth during this economic downturn, but at the same time we're fostering a sense of cultural pride, respect and community" says Neuwirt, a veteran expo /tradeshow organizer for the past several years. "Globalism has come to Long Island and beyond its borders and we embrace it wholeheartedly."

Senior advocate Amit Desai, appearing for the MNC, had, on an earlier date of hearing, said that the CBI misled the court below on the issue, since any consequential coercive measures, such as arrest warrant and attachment of property, would be contrary to law as the service of summonses have not been carried out (on the accused) as per the CrPC and international treaties. Referring to international treaties, Desai had said the summonses, issued to accused living in offshore countries, have to be sent to "courts, judges and magistrates" in that country and not to other agencies. The CBI, however, had opposed the plea of Swiss Timing, saying that it had served summonses to Swiss Timing in the manner prescribed under the treaty between the two countries but as the firm was under the jurisdiction of Switzerland, it would take time in bringing it to the jurisdiction of the Indian court. Sacked CWG Organizing Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi and other co-accused are charged with illegally granting the Time Scoring and Results (TSR) contract to Swiss Timing, causing a loss of over Rs 90 crore to the state exchequer. The Swiss firm, which secured the TSR contract allegedly due to links of two Faridabad-based businessman P D Arya and A K Madan with Kalmadi, is one of the 11 accused in the case and has been issued summonses by the trial court.-PTI

Congress performance not to impact eco reforms: India Inc NEW DELHI: India Inc appeared unfazed by the poor performance of the Congress in assembly elections despite the stock market falling on concerns that the economic reforms will slowdown at the Centre. "I do not see any major change (because) of the fallout of election results...I look forward to have more investment and growth oriented Budget. Poll results, I think, will not reflect any negative impact on the 2012-13 Budget next week", CII Director General Chandrajit Banerjee said. Ficci President K V Kanoria said, "keeping the poll results in mind, we urge the government to take very bold steps on reforms because people want progress and development for the country."

Expressing similar views, Assocham President Rajkumar Dhoot said, "We hope the ruling UPA coalition at the Centre will respond positively and constructively to the people's aspirations, and push ahead with second generation of reforms expeditiously". While the industry leaders, on record, expect the reforms to continue, there are apprehensions that the Congress-led UPA may not be able to push through the economic agenda in view of the poor showing of the party in the polls. The government has not been able to pursue key economic reforms in sectors like insurance, pension, banking and opening of retail and aviation to foreign investment because of political reasons. -PTI

Defense Ministry blacklists six companies NEW DELHI: Defense Ministry has blacklisted six companies including Singapore Technologies, Israeli Military Industry and Germany's Rheinmetall Air Defense for 10 years for their alleged role in ordnance factory scam. The firms, including two Indian and one Russian, were blacklisted following action against former Director General of Ordnance Factories (DGOF) Sudipta Ghosh who was chargesheeted by CBI for his alleged role in defense scams. "Consequent to the filing of the charge sheet in the case related to

illegal gratification against Sudipta Ghosh, former DGOF, the firms were recommended for blacklisting by CBI on basis of evidence collected against them," Defense Ministry officials said here. Two Indian firms - Delhi-based T S Kisan and Company and R K Machine Tool based in Ludhiana, have also been blacklisted. Russian firm Corporation Defense also figures in the list of the companies against whom action has been taken. The firms have been debarred from further business dealings with Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), Department of Defense Production under the Defense Ministry for a period of 10 year, they said. "These firms were issued notice to show cause as to why action against them should not be taken, consequent to filing of the charge sheet in the case related to illegal gratification against former DGOF Sudipto Ghosh," the officials said.-PTI

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Bollywood films won in children's film categories with Salman Khan's "Chillar Party" bagging the best children film award while 10 kid stars from the film shared the best child artist award with Partho Gupte from "Stanley Ka Dabba". Vikas Behl and Manish Tiwari won the original screenplay award for "Chillar Party"

VIDYA BEST ACTRESS Regional films rule at National awards

NEW DELHI: Marathi film "Deool" and "Byari", both dealing with man's engagement with religion, shared the best feature film award while Vidya Balan was named the best actress at the 59th National Awards announced here. "Deool" won its lead star Girish Kulkarni the National award for best actor at the awards where except for Balan, the awards in key categories went to regional films. Directed by Umesh Kulkarni, "Deool" is a wonderfully authentic depiction of village life and a penetrating account of commercialization of religion. "It is a great moment for us as we worked hard on the film for two years. It was a closely knit team. It is very encouraging for us who want to make movies without compromising on content. I am really happy for Girish. He is a very versatile and genuine actor," Umesh told PTI.

"Byari", the first feature film in the Byari language, conveys the trauma of a woman who has to deal with unjust religious strictures. Gurvinder Singh from Punjab won the best direction award for his film "Anhe Ghorey Da Daan". Tamil film "Azhagarsamiyin Kuthirai" was named the best popular film while its lead Appu Kutty won the best supporting actor award. Leishangthem Tonthoingambi Devi was named the best supporting actress for her role in Manipuri film "Phijigee Mani". Onir's "I Am", a compilation of four different stories about identity, was named the best Hindi film. The film also won in the best lyrics category for Amitabh Bhattacharya-written 'Agar Zindagi'. . "I am numb right now, this is so unexpected! It gives me so much strength to continue with

A scene from the Deool

such work. This award comes at a time when I was disheartened that 'I Am' didn't get due recognition. And now it has been noticed by the most prestigious award of our country," said Onir. The film's star Sanjay Suri said, "The award is a double achievement for me as an actor and a producer. These awards are so

March 16, 2012 out of reach and being acknowledged by them is a proud moment." Bollywood films won in children's film categories with Salman Khan's "Chillar Party" bagging the best children film award while 10 kid stars from the film shared the best child artist award with Partho Gupte from "Stanley Ka Dabba". Vikas Behl and Manish Tiwari won the original screenplay award for "Chillar Party", while the adapted screenplay award went to Avinash Deshpande Nigdi for Marathi film "Shala". Bosco-Caeser won the best choreography award for the song 'Senorita' from Bollywood film "Zindagi Naa Milegi Dobara" while Shah Rukh Khan starrer "Ra.One" was given the award for best special effects. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 26

India Post

March 16, 2012 www.indiapost.com

Magical journey of illusion & truth FRANK FERNANDES India Post News Service

BANGALORE: Raam Reddy's debut novel, "It's Raining in Maya," attempts to magnetically draws readers to see the town of Maya through the eyes of the characters, spanning from a madman who talks to trees to a little girl who loses her sky when she loses her blue crayon. As the book's vibrant setting paints a moving portrait of small-town life in India, Reddy delves into the subconscious of his characters, exploring how certain social norms affect their interactions with the world around them - often without their conscious knowledge.

A poor girl named Aditi, as the story goes, soon finds herself trapped and accepting fantasy as reality after drawing a picture that she shares a deep connection with. The more she draws, the darker her world grows A poor girl named Aditi, as the story goes, soon finds herself trapped and accepting fantasy as reality after drawing a picture that she shares a deep connection with. The more she draws, the darker her world grows and Aditi faces the loss of her innocence as a result. The author says this particular topic in "It's Raining in Maya" - the idea of a character struggling to keep her innocence intact - will resonate with the majority of readers. He claims that despite varying backgrounds, society as a whole is cynical regarding the traumatic and negative events occurring around the world. "In a time full of horrors such as terrorism and economic crises, people are growing more and more disconnected from their inner selves," Reddy says. "Using a narrative which hinges on a young female protagonist who is losing her innocence, 'It's Raining in Maya' explores this growing

schism between outward realities and inward peace." Reddy's portrayal of loss, violence, interconnectedness, society and innocence make up the story of Aditi and the town of Maya, which means illusion in Sanskrit. "Five stars (out of five)…Part comingof-age story and part poem…This is a story in which people believe the lake was formed by the tears of a 'heavy cloud that fell in love with a star,'" writes Lisa Bower of Foreword Reviews. "In 'It's Raining in Maya,' myth and mysticism dance together to create a world where fantasy becomes reality." "It's Raining in Maya" is available for sale online at Amazon.com and other channels. Raam Reddy is a 22-year-old writer, filmmaker and photographer. He received his degree from St. Stephen's College in New Delhi, which is India's premium institution for liberal arts. Reddy began writing this book during his sophomore year. A professional photographer since age 16, Reddy has been featured in Asian Photography Magazine and has won several art and wildlife photography competitions. This is his first novel.

Vidya best actress Cont’d from page 25

Milan Luthria-directed "The Dirty Picture" shared best costume and make-up award with Marathi film "Balgandharva". The Indira Gandhi award for the best debut film of a director went to Tamil filmmaker Kumararaja Thiagarajan for his movie "Aaranyakandam". Anjan Dutt won a special mention by the jury for his versatility while his film "Ronjona Ami Aar Ashbona" bagged the best Bengali film award. The Best music direction (songs) went to Neel Dutt for the same film while Mayookh Bhowmick won the best background score award for

Bengali film "Laptop". "I am happy and overwhelmed, more so for my cast and everybody behind the film," said Anjan. Award for best male playback singer went to Anand Bhate for "Balgandharva", while Roopa Ganguly won the best female playback singer for the film "Abosheyshey". Abhishek Bachchan starrer "Game", which tanked at the box office, won two technical awards - sound design (Baylon Fonseca) and re-recording (Hitendra Ghosh). Fonseca also won the national award for location sound recording in "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara". -PTI

March 16, 2012

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Bollywood colorless on Holi

oli, the festival that has played a significant role in many Bollywood movies has undergone a massive makeover in the industry over the years. Celebrations around the festival have distinctly diminished with several Bollywood biggies known for their big and lavish parties breaking the tradition of playing hosts to the who-is-who of the industry. The last big Holi bash was hosted by Amitabh Bachchan, way back in 2004. The highlight of the celebration was a patchup between Shah Rukh Khan and politician Amar Singh, with whom the superstar had a verbal duel at an award ceremony previously. Reportedly, the superstar stopped celebrating Holi after that when his mother, Teji was taken ill and had to be hospitalized. Subhash Ghai too stopped hosting festivities at his Madh Island bungalow about a decade ago. Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi celebrated the festival at her parents' home in Juhu every year. However, this time surprisingly they're giving it a miss. As Shabana says, "I'm in Rajkot shooting for Vishal Bhardwaj's movie and my brother Baba (cinematographer Baba Azmi) is also shooting. So unfortunately, we will not be celebrating Holi this year at my par-

ents' home in Janki Kutir." The actress admits that she is disappointed considering that her father, late noted poet Kaifi Azmi started the tradition 40 years ago. "Our friends are disappointed too. Holi, Diwali, Eid and Christmas have always been celebrated in our home because India's secular culture is our proud heritage," she maintained.

Reportedly, the superstar stopped celebrating Holi after that when his mother, Teji was taken ill and had to be hospitalized. Subhash Ghai too stopped hosting festivities at his Madh Island bungalow about a decade ago Farhan Akhtar too is preoccupied with Rakeysh Mehra's biopic on the legendary Milkha Singh to host any celebrations in their place. Sanjay Gupta too was known for his Holi bashes at his Versova bungalow, though most of the guests comprised his close friends.

Datebook

28 India Post

March 16, 2012

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NEW YORK

ILLINOIS

Upcoming

Sun March 25

NEW JERSEY

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

• Holi Hai 2012

Fri March 23 to Sun March 25

Sat March 17

Venue: 1 Dag hammarskjold Plaza 47th Street between 1st & 2nd Av, New York Time: 12pm Contact: 212-372-8001

• March Retreat with Sarvadevananda

• Celebrating Women of Tabla

Sun April 22 • Pandit Jasraj: Masters of Indian Music Venue: Peter Norton Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway@95th street, New York Time: 7pm Contact: 212-545-7536

Sat April 7 • Best of the Best 2012 Venue: Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers Street, New York Time: 6:30pm

Venue: Sri Ramakrishna Universal Temple, 14630 Lemont Road,Homer Glen, IL 60491 Time: 7:30pm to 8:30pm-Forbearing (March 23), 9:30am to 6:30pm-Yoga Vasishta (March 24) & 11am to 12pm- Depression: Its Causes and Cures (March 25) Contact: (708) 301-9062

Sat March 31 • Musical Program to benefit the Blind Foundation for India Venue: the Avery Coonley School in Downers Grove, asouthwest suburb of Chicago Contact: 630-548-5531

Venue: The Reformed Church of Highland Park, 19-21 South 2nd Ave., Highland Park, NJ Time: 6:30pm Contact: (732) 089-TABLA

Sun March 18 • Mind & Meditation: an introduction to The Art of Living Venue: Parsippany Police Athletic League, 33 Baldwin Road, Parsippany, NJ07054 Time: 5pm Contact: 973-400-9191

Sat March 31 • Arif Lohar/Sanam Marvi Ensemble Venue: Pollak Theater, 400 Cedar Ave, West Long Branch, New Jersey Time: 8pm Contact: 732-263-6889

Sun April 21 • India Fair 2012 Venue: NJ Convention & Expo Center, 97 Sunfield Ave, Raritan Center, Edison, NJ Time: 11am Contact: 609-240-2350

WASHINGTON DC

Upcoming Sat April 7 • Swar Bahaar Venue: Littleton High School Auditorium, 56 King Street, Littleton, MA Time: 4pm Contact: 617-905-4305

Sat April 21 • Yamandu Costa, Classical Guitarist Venue: 8000 York Road, Towson MD, Baltimore, WDC Time: 8pm Contact: 443-296-2247

Sat March 24 ï Sita Swayamvar Venue: California State University, East Bay, 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd,, Hayward, CA94542 Time: 3pm Contact: 510-429-8422

Sun March 25 ï Sri O. S. Thyagarajan - Vocal Venue: Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, CA95054 Time: 4:30pm Contact: 408-733-4482

Fri April 13 ï Giddha & Bollywood Bhangra Venue: Mayuri Indian Cuisine, 2230 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA95050 Time: 7:30pm Contact: 408-400-0629

Sat April 21 ï Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Live In Concert Venue: SJSU Event Center, 290 South 7th Street, San Jose, CA95192 Time: 8pm Contact: 209-604-2543

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Upcoming Fri March 16 • Art of Living Course3/16/2012 Venue: Art of Living Center Los Angeles, 948 W. Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA90007 Time: 7pm Contact: 310- 820-9429

Mon, March 19 • The Wedding Salon Venue: SLS Hotel Beverly Hills, 465 South La Ciengega Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA Time: 4pm Contact: 212-631-7777

Sat March 24 • TAO: The Art of the Drum Venue: Palace Theater, 61 Atlantic St. Stamford, CT 06901 Time: 8pm Contact: 203-325-4466

Sun March 25 • Ravi Shankar Celebrating His Tenth Decade Venue: Long Beach Covention and Entertainment Center 300 E. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802 Time: 7:30pm Contact: 858-442-1586

Sat April 28 ï Kailash Kher Kailasa

Sat April 28

Venue: Chabot College Performing Arts Center, 25555 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward, CA94545 Time: 8pm Contact: 510-509-1990

• Javed Ali in Concert

Mon May 14 ï Amjad Sabriís Qawwali Program

Fri Oct 19 • Royal Drummers and Dancers of Burundi

Venue: India Community Center, ICC, 525 Los Coches St. Milpitas, CA Time: 9pm Contact: 510-754-0129

Venue: Palace Theater, 61 Atlantic St. Stamford, CT 06901 Time: 8pm Contact: 203-325-4466

29 India post

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ituated on the gorgeous western coast, Ratnagiri in the Indian state of Maharashtra, was the administrative capital and the important port of the Muslim kingdom of Bijapur. Bestowed with many hot tourist spots, most diverse attractions are in store at Ratnagiri. The unparalleled beauty of Ratnagiri is attributed by the presence of the majestic Sahyadris and the beautiful Arabian Sea. Rantagiri is gifted with magnificent hills, pretty seashore, creeks, beautiful rivers, hot water springs and waterfalls apart from the ancient forts and monuments. Situated on the coastal belt, Ratnagiri is blessed with virgin beaches that lure the tourists. The beaches of Ratnagiri offer the fantastic sight

March 16, 2012

of an ancient fort overlooking the harbor besides its silvery sands. The birthplace of so many well-known Indians who had lost their lives in the freedom struggle, this small city acquired a remarkable position in the history of India. Situated in pretty surroundings, Ratnagiri offers a rejuvenating environment to the visitors. The sun kissed beaches of white silvery sands, hemmed with swaying coconut palms, and ever green lustrous mangroves, makes Ratnagiri a dream destination to nature lovers. This sprawling city is endowed with majestic hills, appealing seashore, cascading water falls, and glorious monuments. An unspoilt beauty on the Konkan coastline, this lovely locale is a tourists' delight and the ideal place to explore natural splendor. A unique hill station with a mountainous terrain, trance plains and garish structures, Ratnagiri is a sure destination to enjoy a weekend. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 30

Travel & Hospitality Post

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Ratnagiri: Magnificent hills, pretty seashore

Attractions: Ratnadurg Fort: Besieged by the charming Arabian Sea on the three sides, the massive Ratnadurga Fort presents a splendid look. A massive structure in the shape of a horseshoe, with a length of 1,300 meters and a width of 1,000 meters, Ratnadurg Fort was once a strong hold of the Maratha Empire. Spread over a vast area of 120 acres, Ratnadurg Fort was under Muslim rule for so many years. Now a collapsed structure, lying across two hills, Ratnadurg Fort gives a decrepit look. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, Ratnadurg Fort offers the dazzling view of the sun going down the sea and the sweet sound of the pounding of the waves against the rocks makes a perfect symphony. Another specific attraction in the fort is the marvelous lighthouse situated in the bastions of the fort. Once in the fame of glory, Ratnadurg Fort on the coastal line of the Konkan region is a perfect place to getaway from the trappings of city life. Gateway of Ratnagiri: The Gateway of Ratnagiri is a preposterous structure with a slopped roof in the Ratnagiri Jetty in Mandavi Beach. The magnificent beach itself is renowned as the gateway

of the hilly terrain. The popular belief is that this structure,

Ratnagiri Port Lamp.

the defense of the mainland, is the work of the Pratinidhi Dhondu Bhaskar. A fabulous construction overlooking the majestic Arabian Sea, Gateway of Ratnagiri provides a unique opportunity to walk through the seashore and enjoy

Ganpatipule temple

the cool breeze that gently flows from the sea. It is indeed a marvelous experience. Swaymbhu Ganpati Temple: The idol of Ganapati at the Swayambhu Ganpati Temple is built of pule which is nothing but white sand and is believed to be self originated - it is not man made. Another idol of Ganapati which is made of copper is placed in the Sanctum Sanctorum. It depicts the Lord astride a lion. The idol is so set that at sunrise and sunset, the golden light of the sun penetrates and lights up the idol. T h e Swayambhu Ganpati Temple is about 20 km from the town of Ratnagiri. The rhythmic beat of the nagaras is heard in early morning. The chaughadas rhythms can be heard in the evenings when the clothes on the idol are changed. Pandre Samudra: Pandre Samudra is a beach with a long, clean stretch of sand whose name means 'White sea'. Situated very near to Ratnagiri town, Pandre Samudra allures people with its silvery charm.

A dip in the crystal clear water and viewing the marvelous sunset on the background of beautiful surroundings is a wonderful experience. With the emerald water in front, and the swaying palm groves in backdrop, Pandre

Thibaw Point is also a thriving spot of picnickers, and it gives a panoramic view of the entire city. People gather here in large groups to see the stunning view of the sunset. The Thibaw Point, nestled in the lap of majestic Arabian Sea, presents a picturesque view of a dense village Samudra exhibits an ethereal experience and it is a perfect destination for tranquil holidays. Mandavi Beach: A booming hot spot of tourists, Mandavi Beach is the most crowded beach in the Ratnagiri region. The prettiest beach in Ratnagiri, Mandavi is gifted with a vast line of seashore right up to Rajiwanda Port. This fabulous beach is surrounded in the west by the Ratnadurg fort, and the majestic

Thibaw Point

Arabian Sea lies to its south. The proximity of the beach to the town makes it a favorite holiday spot of the water enthusiasts. Mandavi beach offers lustrous black sand and so it is renowned as the 'Black Sea'. In comparison with other beaches, Mandavi beach appears little filthy because of the black sand; yet this is the most sought after picnic spot in Ratnagiri. As the most popular beach of Ratnagiri, it is possible to get some chat and soft drinks around the beach. Thibaw Point: Thibaw Point is the place where the lovely mansion, The Thibaw Palace is located. Built in the year 1910, the palace is famed as the exile shelter of the king and the queen of Burma (Myanmar). Thibaw Point is also a thriving spot of picnickers, and it gives a panoramic view of the entire city. People gather here in large groups to see the stunning view of the sunset. The Thibaw Point, nestled in the lap of majestic Arabian Sea, presents a picturesque view of a dense village. Situated at the hem of a hill, this point is a fast emerging tourist destination in Ratnagiri that offers delightful sceneries of a virgin land. The best time to visit: Between October and March. How to reach Road: Ratnagiri is situated along the western coast of Maharashtra 375Km south of Mumbai, along the Konkan coast. On Mumbai Goa National Highway No. 17 (NH-17), after Sangameshwar, take right turn from Nivali village [while one is driving towards Ratnagiri] for Ganapatipule (32 km) or take right turn from Hathkhamba (Nivali Hathkhamba: 4km) to go to Ganapatipule. Ganapatiphule is well connected by state transport buses. Rail: Karbude is the nearest station for passenger trains and Ratnagiri for all trains. Air: Ratnagiri and after that Mumbai is the nearest and well connected airport.

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Multi-storey ashram in Shirdi for Sai devotees NEW DELHI: Devotees traveling to the famous Sai Baba Temple in Shirdi can now hope to have a comfortable stay with the trust that runs the temple planning to throw open next month a multi-storey ashram that could accommodate over 15,000 people at a time. Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Trust in association with the Shirdi Sai Trust, Chennai has constructed the 'Sai Ashram' at a cost of Rs 125 crore that would have over 1,500 rooms and nearly 200 halls. "The Ashram built in an area of 25 acres will be thrown open to the public by next

month. Over 30,000 pilgrims come to Shirdi everyday and most of them prefer to stay

192 big halls that would accommodate over 15,000 people at a time, he said.

The trust also wanted the Central Government to announce a special fund to commemorate the centenary year of establishment of Sai Baba's samadhi in Shirdi there. This centre would be great help to them," Ashok Khambekar, Senior Trustee, said. The Ashram will have 1,536 rooms and

Khambekar also said the Sansthan Trust has earmarked Rs 88 crore for laying "excellent" roads in and around Shirdi village and other areas.

During his meeting with Tourism Minister Subodh Kant Sahay, he demanded that religious-based tourism be established in Shirdi so that the pilgrim centers in and around Ahmednagar district receives more devotees. The trust also wanted the Central Government to announce a special fund to commemorate the centenary year of establishment of Sai Baba's samadhi in Shirdi. "We are also demanding that Shirdi Development Authority be established so that 40 to 50 villages near the temple can be developed," he said. -PTI

Adventure tourism scaling new heights NEW DELHI: Pumping adrenaline, a rush of air, and literally no ground beneath your feet... want to challenge your guts? Then head to Rishikesh, where the thrilling sport of bungee jumping awaits you. The city of Rishikesh in Uttarakhand whose major tourist attractions lie in its holy spots is now becoming a hub for adventure sports in the country. In the 90's, following the popularity of adventure sports numerous river rafting and mountaineering facilities were provided in Rishikesh. More recently entrepreneurs are venturing into other territories and exploring the market in sports such as bungee jumping. One such extreme adventure zone is located 13 kilometers from

the town of Rishikesh at Mohanchatti village and offers a mix of adventure sports with its

At 83 meters height, the Bungee jump is done by jumping from a cantilever platform built over a rocky cliff. Rubber chords are tied to the ankle of the jumper for safety focus on bungee jumping. Brainchild of an ex-army officer Rahul Nigam, the company 'Jumpin

Heights' has a team of ex-armymen overseeing its day- to-day operations. "Prior to this Bungee was not done professionally, it took more than four years for the idea to conceptualize. We started in October 2010," says Colonel Manoj Kumar (Retd), Executive Director, Jumpin Heights. At 83 meters height, the Bungee jump is done by jumping from a cantilever platform built over a rocky cliff. Rubber chords are tied to the ankle of the jumper for safety. "Safety standards offered by Jumpin Heights in India are comparable to safety standards and practices followed in Australia and New Zealand. -PTI

TN Tourism to launch 10 special tour packages CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation Limited will soon launch 10 special tour packages in an attempt to give tourists visiting Tamil Nadu a chance to experience religious architecture and soak them in divine fervor. Carrying forward the idea of launching a one-day tour to all important temples in the state as announced by Tamil Nadu Tourism Minister Gokula Indira in the state Assembly last year, TTDCL has come up with 10 special packages that includes visits to notable religious sites in the state.

The packages include a tour to nine Nagarathar temples in Sivaganga district Illaiyathangudi, Illupaikudi, Iranikoil, Mathur, Nemam, Pillaiyarpatti, Soorakudi, Vairavankovil, and Velangudi temples near Karaikudi. Another tour includes visit to Divya Desam temples in Kancheepuram and Thiruvallur districts and a tour to Thirukkadaiyur temple in Nagapattinam district. TTDCL also has tours to Yelagiri Hills and Kolli Hills for those interested in hiking and trek-

king. Another interesting package in the bouquet of tours is exclusively organized around places that held importance during the nation's freedom struggle. Named 'Freedom Fighters' Circuit Tour,' it takes tourists around places associated with the freedom struggle, memorials and birthplaces of freedom fighters from the state. These packages will be launched this month, going by the government order passed on February 29 in this regard, TTDC sources said. -PTI

Himachal attracted 4.85 lakh foreigners NEW DELHI: Despite the slowdown, hill stations of Himachal Pradesh attracted nearly 5 lakh foreign tourists in 2011, an increase of more than 30,000 than the previous year. A total of 4.85 lakh foreign tourists visited Himachal in 2011 as against 4.53 lakh in 2010, an increase of 32,000 tourists, according to Himachal tourism department data. A total of 6.29 million foreign

tourists visited India last year. The majority of foreigners who visited Himachal were from the UK, USA and France followed by Australia. Shimla, Kullu and Kangra district in Himachal have emerged as popular international tourist destinations While Kullu received 1.38 lakh foreign tourists, Shimla and Kangra welcomed 1.34 lakh and 98,962 foreigners respectively during the period.

Besides Dharmshala, Mcleodganj, Kasauli, Chail, Dalhousie, Keylong, Palampur also witnessed constant flow of tourists during the year. The state has witnessed constant increase in foreign tourist arrivals (FTA) over the last five years as from 2.07 lakh in 2007, it has touched 4.85 lakh in 2011. The state expects to attract more than 5 lakh foreign visitors this year. -PTI

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Bill changing FASD sentencing rules clears hurdle JUNEAU, Alaska: Alaska judges are not allowed to consider fetal alcohol spectrum disorders during criminal sentencing, but a bill that would change that has cleared a Senate committee. The Senate Health and Social Services Committee advanced SB151 along to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Anchorage Republican Sen. Kevin Meyer says the point of his bill is to make the option available if the condition is documented and played a role in a crime. The bill would let judges consider the condition as a mitigating factor. Concerns of whether the bill would let people get off easy were raised, but Superior Court Judge Michael Jeffery of the Barrow District Court told the committee it would require clear and convincing evidence for FASD to be considered. -AP

Health Science 34

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INDIANAPOLIS: Bar owners who have already snuffed out smoking say bans like one Indiana lawmakers are considering aren't the death knell many opponents claim they are. Owner Stuart Robertson of MacNiven's bar in downtown Indianapolis says he's seen a slight increase in sales since going smoke-free on Jan. 16. Other popular downtown bars have done the same as public attitudes toward smoking bans shift. A July Gallup poll found that a majority of Americans supported smoking bans for the first time. The Indiana House and Senate have approved different versions of a smoking ban amid debate over which establishments should be exempt. The Senate version grants exemptions to bars and other sites not included in the House version. -AP

No tobacco at LSU Health Center NEW ORLEANS: Don't light up or take a chew of tobacco at the LSU Health Sciences Center. That's the word from LSU officials who say the center's New Orleans campus has adopted a zerotolerance policy on the use of tobacco products inside the buildings or outside on the center's grounds. The policy applies to faculty, staff, students, patients and visitors. -AP

TRENTON, N.J.: Children who may have taken breast cancer treatment medication mistakenly distributed by a New Jersey pharmacy instead of prescribed fluoride pills likely won't suffer any health problems, a pharmaceutical expert said.

March 16, 2012

Details on page 36

Soaring cost estimate prompts health law doubts bers, buried deep in the president's budget, stumped lawmakers and some administration officials. At a congressional hearing, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, who is in charge of carrying out the health care law, indicated she was unaware of the changes. At issue are subsidies that will be provided under the health care

Smoking bans pick up steam as attitudes shift

Expert: Kids likely not harmed in CVS pill mix-up

derlying assumptions regarding ... costs,'' Camp wrote in a letter to Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner. Republicans say they're concerned about two possibilities: that the estimated cost of the insurance has gone up, or that the administration has quietly determined that more people will be losing employer coverage as a result of Obama's overhaul. That means

Cost overruns for the health care overhaul President Obama, accompanied by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, speaks at the White House

WASHINGTON: Cost estimates for a key portion of President Barack Obama's health care overhaul law have ballooned by $111 billion from last year's budget, and a senior Republican lawmaker demanded an explanation. House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp, RMich., wants to know why the estimated cost of helping millions of middle-class Americans buy health insurance has jumped by about 30 percent for an eight-year period, from 2014-2021. Administration officials say the explanation lies in budget techni-

calities and that there are no significant changes in the program that would raise concerns. Cost estimates for new government programs can be wide off the mark. For example, the actual cost of President George W. Bush's Medicare prescription drug benefit came in lower than estimated, so it wasn't as big a drag on federal finances as initially forecast. Cost overruns for the health care overhaul could create new political problems for Obama by undermining the law's promise to reduce federal deficits. The revised health care num-

could create new political problems for Obama by undermining the law's promise to reduce federal deficits law to help middle class people buy private coverage in new state insurance markets that open in 2014. Last year's budget estimated the cost of the aid to be $367 billion from 2014-2021. This year's budget puts it at $478 billion over the same period. ``This staggering increase ... cannot be explained by legislative changes or new economic assumptions, and therefore must reflect substantial changes in un-

they'd have to purchase coverage in the new government-subsidized markets, called exchanges. Either of those explanations could have major consequences for taxpayers and the nation's health care system. But administration officials say the big increase is no cause for alarm and that the administration is not forecasting an erosion of employer coverage or higher insurance costs. Cont’d on page 37

BP settlement includes new health claims process BOOTHEVILLE, La.: A settlement that BP is hammering out with victims of the massive Gulf oil spill finally provides a system for monitoring health concerns and compensating people whose illnesses are found to have a link to the disaster. Government and university doctors studying locals' health haven't found significant evidence of spill-related illnesses, but problems years from now remain a question mark. Gulf Coast residents say they're happy their complaints are getting a serious look, even if they'll face hurdles in proving that rashes, shortness of breath and other maladies were caused by the oil or chemical dispersants sprayed to break it up. Under the settlement, BP said it expects to pay out $7.8 billion to

settle a wide range of claims that also include property damage, lost wages and loss to businesses. While a previously created fund had already been paying such economic loss claims, it hadn't paid claims over illnesses related to exposure.

my kids on the school bus and calling my lawyer and see what's going on,'' she said. ``I'm being very hopeful and that it all works out in our favor.'' First, Maurer and others like her will have to show that they got

While a previously created fund had already been paying such economic loss claims, it hadn't paid claims over illnesses related to exposure Nicole Maurer, a resident of this fishing community, said she feels optimistic about getting medical bills paid under the courtsupervised process. She blames the spill for a number of her family's health problems. ``Bright and early, I'm getting

sick from the spill. To receive compensation, claimants will be examined by a court-approved health care practitioner. Then, a claims administrator working under the supervision of a federal judge will determine who should be paid. ``The workers have a different

kind of exposure because they were there all the time, but anybody living in an area where they were at risk of exposure will be eligible to participate in the program,'' said Ervin Gonzalez, one the plaintiff lawyers leading the litigation. The settlement also establishes a program to monitor claimants' health for a period of 21 years. People whose physical symptoms haven't yet developed will also be able to pursue claims. BP has also promised to pay $105 million to improve health care around the Gulf region. ``You don't know what the long-term (health) effects will be,'' said another of the plaintiffs' lawyers, Steve Herman. ``You don't know how the science is going to play out.'' Cont’d on page 36

Health Science Post

March 16, 2012

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First lady promotes fitness at basketball tourney

First Lady Michelle Obama, center, embraces members of the Johnson C. Smith ladies' basketball team during a "Let's Move!" physical fitness promotion between games at the CIAA basketball tournament in Charlotte, N.C. on Friday, March 2

CHARLOTTE, N.C.: For a few minutes, first lady Michelle Obama turned the hardwood floor at the Time Warner Arena into an elementary school gym. Obama was in North Carolina for two Democratic Party events in Raleigh and Charlotte. But before those fundraisers, she promoted the ``Let's Move!'' fitness program with children from two Charlotte elementary schools.

It took place after the first women's basketball game at the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association basketball tournament. Obama walked to midcourt and addressed the crowd about her national anti-obesity campaign. She touted basketball as a way to keep active. ``We need them to be the next generation to handle challenges,'' she said.

She promised she wouldn't talk long because ``we're going to be moving around.'' ``There's no better way than basketball to illustrate the point (of staying healthy.) We are a basketball family and my husband is a crazy fanatic about basketball,'' she said. Obama and Sen. Kay Hagan, D-N.C., then took part as students from two Charlotte elementary schools competed in a relay. After the students ran the length of the court and jumped rope, Obama and Hagan tossed them basketballs so they could take shots. Afterward, Obama hugged some of the children to cheers from the crowd attending the conference tournament. The first lady's event took place in the arena where the Democratic National Convention will be held in early September. The conference, which is comprised mostly of historically black colleges and universities, is celebrating its 100th year anniversary this year. The state is home to eight of the 12 colleges in the conference. -AP

TIP OF THE WEEK

Cure a toothache with cloves

ot a toothache and can't get to the dentist? Gently chewing on a clove can ease tooth pain and gum inflammation for two hours straight, say UCLA researchers. Experts point to a natural compound in cloves called eugenol, a powerful, natu-

ral anesthetic. Bonus: Sprinkling a Âź teaspoon of ground cloves on meals daily may also protect your ticker. Scientists say this simple action helps stabilize blood sugar, plus dampen production of artery-clogging cholesterol in as little as three weeks.

India Post

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March 16, 2012

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Expert: Kids likely not harmed in CVS pill mix-up TRENTON, N.J.: Children who may have taken breast cancer treatment medication mistakenly distributed by a New Jersey pharmacy instead of prescribed fluoride pills likely won't suffer any health problems, a pharmaceutical expert said. CVS Caremark officials say only a few children ingested pills for breast cancer treatment that they mistakenly received, and company investigators are still working to determine how and why the errors occurred at the pharmacy in Chatham. The pharmacy has acknowledged improperly dispensing Tamoxifen instead of chewable fluoride tablets to children in as many as 50 families between Dec. 1 and Feb. 20. ``Fortunately, it's very unlikely that this specific drug would cause any serious or adverse effects when used for only a short periods of time,'' said Daniel Hussar, a professor with the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy at the University of the Sciences. CVS said it had spoken with or left messages for every family whose child was dispensed a 0.5 mg fluoride prescription from its Chatham location within the past 60 days. The company issued a statement that said it was ``deeply sorry for the mistake that occurred,'' although it did not explain how the mistake happened. Mike DeAngelis, CVS Caremark's director of public relations, has said that ``most of the families we have spoken to did not indicate that their children received any incorrect pills.'' No injuries related to the mix-up have been reported. Officials say the two pills are similar looking but have distinctively different tastes. Fluoride

the Drug Information Association and the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association. Hussar also noted that while such prescription mix-ups are ``rare occurrences,'' they can be important learning tools to help ensure that similar problems don't occur in the future.

helps prevent tooth decay and is usually prescribed by dentists for children, while Tamoxifen is used to treat breast cancer and blocks the female hormone estrogen. Hussar noted that while the fluoride pills may have some flavoring because they are meant to be chewed, Tamoxifen is a pill that's intended to be swallowed, so no effort is made to make it taste good. That means a child

who mistakenly took a Tamoxifen pill would likely ``want to spit it out or tell his parents it tastes bad,'' said Hussar, who has written and spoken extensively in the areas of new drugs, drug interactions, patient compliance, and issues facing the profession of pharmacy. He's also served as a member of the Board of Trustees for the American Pharmacists Association and is a Past President of

The pharmacy must provide the information and company representatives must appear before division officials for questioning under oath, an order signed by division Director Thomas R. Calcagni said. He said in the order that the division wants to look into whether any laws were violated.

Hussar also noted that while such prescription mix-ups are "rare occurrences,'' they can be important learning tools to help ensure that similar problems don't occur in the future The state attorney general's office has begun a preliminary investigation into the matter. Its consumer affairs division ordered the Chatham pharmacy to explain the mistake and provide the names of all its employees along with all emails, telephone calls, complaints, and other information related to the mix-up.

DeAngelis said the company is ``actively investigating this matter to determine how the mistake occurred in order to take corrective actions to prevent this from happening again.'' CVS Caremark, based in Woonsocket, R.I., runs the second-largest chain of drugstores in the U.S., after Walgreen. -AP

On health care, Ore. picks up where Obama left off SALEM, Ore.: Pregnant with her seventh child and desperate to kick a meth addiction, Madeline Hutchinson turned to a program from the local Medicaid provider that connected her with a mentor and other support that she said helped her get off drugs. Emmanual, now 2, was born healthy. ``We need mentors. We need advocates,'' Hutchinson said. ``We need someone that's going to come along and say, `This baby needs to be clean. And we're going to show you how.'''

There's a smattering of preventative care programs like this around Oregon, and not just for addicted mothers. But there hasn't been a statewide push until now. Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber recently signed a law that will create new regional entities, called coordinated care organizations, which will be able to spend money on programs like the one Hutchinson credits with turning around her life. Kitzhaber says the plan will improve care, reduce costs and serve as a model for the rest of the nation.

But critics say that if the program works, more people will use health care benefits and costs will rise. The coordinated care organizations will be responsible for looking after Medicaid patients in their area. Local organizations will determine their exact models. But each will be a holistic approach that addresses every aspect of health mental, medical and dental with a focus in particular on people with mental illnesses, addictions or chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease,

asthma and kidney failure. The idea is to target the costliest patients and provide up-front care that can prevent emergency room visits and other expensive interventions, and thus save Medicaid a lot of money. Oregon has long been a pioneer in finding new approaches to health care, and Kitzhaber a former emergency room doctor who is passionate about overhauling the system believes the new law could solve several problems. Cont'd on page 37

BP settlement includes new health claims process Cont'd from page 34

Herman said medical claims won't be paid until U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier gives final approval to the overall settlement, which could take months. The process is a step in the right direction for residents who felt their health concerns had been ignored. The previous compensation fund, called the Gulf Coast Claims Facility, received roughly 200 claims asserting spill-related illnesses, but none were paid. The older fund did cover injured rig workers on the Deepwater Horizon, the drilling rig that exploded on April 20, 2010. Since shortly after the spill, government and university researchers have been investigat-

ing public health complaints, but so far haven't found significant evidence of illnesses caused by the spill. Still, some caution that their work has only begun. For example, studies by the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute of Health Sciences are in their early stages, according to a researcher involved. ``We are trying to pinpoint exposure and unravel those complex questions,'' said Maureen Litchveld, a lead researcher at the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. ``Two of the most persistent concerns are those about seafood safety and if the air is safe to breathe.''

Some doctors along the coast say they routinely treat cleanup workers and residents for chemi-

Glen Swift, a fisherman in Buras, said he worked cleanup boats and got sick one day cleaning up a big patch of oil. "I got nauseated, just real weak and sick" cal exposure and other problems that they blame on the spill. Dr. Mike Robichaux, a nose and

throat specialist in Raceland, La., said he has treated 50 people for a range of health problems that he believes were caused by exposure to chemicals released during the disaster. ``The illnesses are very real, and the people who are ill are apparently people who have sensitivities to these substances that not all of us are sensitive to them,'' he said. BP employed thousands of fishermen and other locals to respond to the oil spill, and scores have expressed health concerns. Many of those people can be found along the sliver of land south of New Orleans in the fishing and oilfield communities of Plaquemines Parish.

Glen Swift, a fisherman in Buras, said he worked cleanup boats and got sick one day cleaning up a big patch of oil. ``I got nauseated, just real weak and sick with diarrhea for a few days,'' he said. Swift said he wasn't sure if he would file a medical claim. More serious were the complaints of the Maurer household in Bootheville. Maurer said she'd developed cysts on her body since the spill, while her fisherman husband has suffered bleeding from his ear and nose since he did cleanup work. They also believe their daughter's asthma has gotten worse. ``I'm so tired of being sick,'' she said. -AP

March 16, 2012

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Mental health providers: No progress in NH CONCORD, N.H.: Assessing New Hampshire's progress in improving mental health services, Louis Josephson offered a vivid example of how things have gotten worse instead of better. The CEO of Riverbend Community Mental Health described what happened at Concord Hospital a few weeks ago when a young child, a suicidal 17-year-old girl and a psychotic man all spent several days in the emergency room waiting for spots to open up at the state mental hospital. ``You put an 8-year-old in a safe, secure windowless room for a couple of days, bad

cases gone backward. For example, the 10year plan recommended adding four 12-to16 bed inpatient treatment facilities at hospitals around the state, but since the plan's release, the state hospital has closed a 15bed unit, another hospital has decreased its behavioral beds from 30 to 10 and no additional facilities have been added elsewhere. ``There's not a single (goal) where I can confidently say we have made significant progress,'' said Jay Couture, director of Seacoast Mental Health and president of the New Hampshire Community Behavioral Health Association, which worked with the

"You put an 8-year-old in a safe, secure windowless room for a couple of days, bad things happen,'' Josephson said, describing the child's head banging and biting. "We had to restrain the child. Well, that upset the gentleman next door who was already agitated. He started kicking holes in the walls. And of course, the girl on the other side of the wall was very upset"

But once those patients are discharged, they often have no place to go, providers said. Dr. Mary Valvano, an emergency room physician in Concord, said her department sees 4-to-6 mental health patients in significant crisis each day. If a restaurant sent five people a day to the ER with life-threatening food poisoning, that would be big news, she said. But the mental health patients she sees are in just as much danger. ``They're fragile. They can't advocate for themselves. They're trying to exist in the system, and the system is not serving them,'' she said. Several of those who attended the meeting said those patients lamented that mental illness is not taken as seriously as any

On health care, Ore. picks up where Obama left off Cont'd from page 36

things happen,'' Josephson said, describing the child's head banging and biting. ``We had to restrain the child. Well, that upset the gentleman next door who was already agitated. He started kicking holes in the walls. And of course, the girl on the other side of the wall was very upset because she was feeling scared and threatened.'' Joined by hospital, law enforcement and corrections officials, Josephson and other community mental health leaders gathered in Concord to give a status report on the state's 10-year improvement plan. The plan released in September 2008 outlined goals for the next decade ranging from expanding inpatient psychiatric care in hospitals to increasing the number of group home beds to support people in their communities. But a third of the way in, those who provide services say the state not only has failed to make progress, but has in some

state Department of Health and Human Services to develop the plan. Nancy Rollins, associate commissioner of the state Division of Community Based Services, attended the meeting but declined to comment, citing pending litigation. Last month, advocates for the mentally ill filed a lawsuit against the state, saying it needlessly confines people in mental wards because it lacks services to treat them in the community. Those allegations echo federal investigators, who last year accused the state of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act. The state was criticized for failing to provide adequate community-based services to people with mental illness, leading to needless and prolonged stays at the state mental hospital. In its response, the state noted the median length of stay at the state mental hospital is seven days, compared to a national average of 47 days.

Soaring cost estimate prompts health law doubts Cont'd from page 34

About two-thirds of the increase is due to effects of newly signed legislation that raises costs for one part of the health care law but still saves the government money overall. The rest is due to technical changes in Treasury assumptions unrelated to the health care law, covering such matters as income distribution in America. ``The estimates do not assume changes in what exchanges look like, the cost of insurance, or the number of Americans who will get their insurance in this new marketplace,'' Treasury spokeswoman Sabrina Siddiqui said in a statement. That explanation has drawn skepticism from Ways and Means Committee Republicans. They say a big reason for their doubts is that the Congressional Budget Office the fiscal referee for lawmakers has different

numbers from the Obama administration. The budget office is not forecasting a major impact on the health insurance exchanges from the same newly signed legislation that the administration says accounts for most of the $111 billion increase. That legislation fixed a glitch in the health care law that would have allowed some middle-class people to get virtually free insurance from Medicaid. As a result, projected Medicaid spending under the health care law will drop significantly. But spending for subsidies in the exchanges will go up. Both the administration and the budget office agree on a bottom line conclusion that the fix ultimately saved money for the government, because the Medicaid savings are bigger than the new exchange costs. But their underlying numbers differ, and Camp says he wants a full accounting. -AP

other medical condition. ``Can you imagine a hospital saying, we know you have diabetes but we don't have the services to provide you? Maybe if you lived in another part of the state, you could get something different?'' said Brian Collins, director of Community Partners in Dover. ``We tell those individuals, we tell their families, we tell the other services they find themselves in - police, prisons, hospitals - `It's up to you to take care of them.' We know how to do it. We don't have the resources to do it.'' Getting more resources from the state is unlikely, if legislative interest in the meeting is any indication. Just two lawmakers attended the session, though all 424 were invited. -AP

Officials say that if all 50 states adopted Oregon's changes, the federal budget would save more than $1.5 trillion over the next 10 years _ more than Congress' failed ``super committee'' was trying to save over the same time period. ``I'm convinced ... the federal government is going to have to do something drastic about the cost of health care,'' Kitzhaber

said. ``And it's not going to be driven by how you keep people healthy. It's going to be driven by how do you keep from defaulting on the national debt, which is two completely different conversations.'' Long before the Oregon Legislature passed the law in February, Kitzhaber took his idea to Washington, D.C., to present it to Obama administration officials, and he caught their attention. -AP

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

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March 16, 2012

NEW BEAUTY â&#x20AC;&#x153;I saw first hand how good Nathalia is in dancing and in her ability to emote in the item song did I see her potential as an actressâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

HASHMI LINK W hen it comes to the Bhatts' Vishesh films, there is no getting away from Emraan Hashmi. Even when a rare Vishesh film comes along that doesn't star Hashmi, he makes his omnipresence felt. Though the new Vishesh Film 'Blood Money' stars Khemu, Emraan Hashmi is also a part of the film, albeit by proxy. Apparently, the film's leading lady Amrita Puri has based her role of a school teacher on Emraan Hashmi's wife Parveen who is a school teacher. Amrita's character and that includes her clothes, language and conduct in the classroom were all imbibed by Amrita while closely observing Emraan's gentle wife. Apparently, Amrita spent a great deal of time observing Parveen. Says the actress, "Yes, my character in Blood Money is modeled on Parveen. I got a chance to meet her. She is a very sweet girl and we had great time." Interestingly, Emraan's wife recommended Amrita Puri for the role in Blood Money.

1 Chikni Chameli: Agneepath 2 Hosanna: Ek Deewana Tha 3 Jhoom Jhoomta Hun Main : Players 4 O Saiyyan: Agneepath 5 Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu : Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu 6 Aromale: Ek Deewana Tha 7 Kal Chalna Shuru Tu : Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu 8 Zara Dil Ko Thaam Lo: Don 2 9 Dil Yeh Bekarar Kyu Hai : Players 10 Sharminda Hoon : Ek Deewana Tha

ith Ram Gopal Varma raving effusively about Nathalia Kaur's beauty and sensuality, it was only a matter of time we heard the news of him having signed for a new film. "Only because I saw first hand how good Nathalia is in dancing and in her ability to emote in the item song did I see her potential as an actress... Apart from being a fantastic looker the fact that she can also act so very well is what which made me decide to do a feature film with her" Ram Gopal Varma confirmed on Twitter. "I am going to do an action thriller romantic film starring Rana Daggubati and Nathalia Kaur and the shooting will start very soon," Ramu added. The director has already shot Nathalia Kaur in an item song in his film Department. It was during the filming of the song "Dan Dan" that Ramu was bowled over by Nathalia's beauty and "expressiveness". Nathalia Kaur is a Punjabi, but she hails from Brazil. She won Kingfisher Calendar Girl hunt 2012.

Bollywood

March 16, 2012

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Amitabh CONVALESCING A mitabh Bachchan, who is recuperating at home after abdominal surgeries, says he is "repairing well" but will take time to re-

cover. "Many ask how I am doing... I am repairing well and gradually, but it does take time, is all I can say...will persevere to hasten it," the 69-yearold tweeted. Amitabh Bachchan, who was operated upon Feb 11 for abdominal issues and was under ob-

Harder to be S

IT'S A JOKE A

ctor Akshay Kumar has rubbished reports that he is upset with filmmaker Shirish Kunder after watching the rough cut of their new film Joker. "To anyone who has read or heard the rumor that I was upset with my director Shirish Kunder, sorry to disappoint you but that's exactly what it is, a rumor! I haven't seen Joker yet, so I have no reason to be upset," Akshay Kumar tweeted. According to reports, Akshay was not happy the way "Joker" has shaped up and asked the director to make some modifications. "Joker", which also stars Sonakshi Sinha in the female lead, is due for release Aug 31.

FIT

alman Khan, who is a fitness freak and loves to shows off those fabulous abs and bulging biceps, feels he has to work two to three times more than before to match the new generation. "I have worked hard for this body. And today I am finding it difficult because however much I have worked in those days, that much these new kids are working out in today's date. So I have to work two-three times more," Salman Khan said at the Cosmopolitan Friends Association event where he came to cheer physically challenged, abandoned and orphan children. The actor, who has turned 46, says the more you age, the harder you need to work out. "When we were young, people used to forgive all your things and used to say he is a kid. That time we didn't even have to work hard. But now the more you grow, you have to work harder. You have to look younger; you have to be fitter, run faster, kick higher. All these things give you trouble later," he said.

servation at the SevenHills Hospital for 12 days, was discharged Feb 23. Despite being instructed to take proper rest, the megastar makes it a point to greet his fans at his doorstep almost every Sunday morning. "Gosh! Another Sunday? But we just had one the other day! Surprising how time flies even when you do nothing...will attempt to meet the fans and well wishers like all Sundays at the gate ... if they come," he further posted.

In Brief Baltimore bars cops from Immigration enforcement BALTIMORE: Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake is issuing an executive order prohibiting police officers from asking about a person's citizenship status. Rawlings Blake issued the order to all city agencies barring discrimination against immigrants. It bars use of city funds to investigate or question people suspected of violating of federal immigration law unless required by the state or U.S. government. The move comes days after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said it would begin implementing the Secure Communities program in Baltimore. Under the program, federal authorities check the immigration status of people arrested and booked in local jails. Baltimore officials are worried the policy will have a chilling effect on communication between the Hispanic community and police. They worry witnesses and crime victims will be afraid to come forward with information. -AP

Immigrant group demands mayor's resignation EAST HAVEN, Conn.: An immigrant advocates' group is demanding that East Haven Mayor Joseph Maturo Jr. resign over comments he made after four town police officers were charged with violating the rights of Latinos. The New Haven Register reports that a dozen or so members of Community of Immigrants of East Haven went to Maturo's office to deliver a list of demands including that he resign. Maturo's staff accepted the letter because the mayor is taking some time off. -AP

ICE looking for illegal immigrants at Aurora jail AURORA, Colo.: Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials say they are reviewing court summonses at the Aurora Detention Center in an effort to identify deportable illegal immigrants. Agency spokesman Carl Rusnok tells The Aurora Sentinel that ICE officers will be at the jail to identify inmates who are fugitives, who have been previously deported or who have been convicted of dangerous crimes. But members of local immigrant rights groups say ICE's actions are cultivating a culture of fear. -AP

Immigration 40

India Post

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March 16, 2012

NY woman accused of keeping illegal Indian house servant According to the criminal complaint, 39-year-old Annie George of Rexford induced the Indian woman, identified only as V.M., to overstay her visa. She had worked as a domestic servant for a U.N.

not immediately be learned. George was released on her own recognizance after an initial court appearance. Her lawyer, Donald Kinsella, said that she will deny the charge.

Investigators said a labor department assessment indicated V.M. was lawfully entitled to about $77,000 for her last two years of employment and about $206,000 for the approximately six years

Annie George

ALBANY, NY: Federal authorities have accused an upstate New York woman of breaking immigration law by keeping an illegal alien as a servant who was paid little for cooking, cleaning and care for six children.

employee's family previously, but George offered her $1,000 a month in 2005 to come to the Albany area. The woman said she worked about 17 hours a day at the family's mansion and was only paid about $29,000 altogether. After a hotline complaint of forced labor, immigration agents removed her from George's home last May. Her whereabouts could

``We just dispute what's alleged in the complaint. There's several exaggerations, gross errors,'' he said. According to investigators, V.M. told them through a Hindispeaking translator that she communicated with George, her husband and other family members in Malayalam, an Indian dialect common to the Kerala region, where

she and the couple came from. V.M. said she could not drive and seldom left the residence, and that her own family didn't visit from India. Investigators said a labor department assessment indicated V.M. was lawfully entitled to about $77,000 for her last two years of employment and about $206,000 for the approximately six years. An affidavit by special agent Daria Botten said the woman recounted asking George, also known as Annie Kolath and Sajimol George, and her husband to let her return to India, but was told she lacked the necessary immigration documents. George brought her to see an attorney, and deducted $4,000 from her pay, but she never got documents. George's husband and oldest son died in a plane crash in 2009.-AP

FY 2013 H-1B filing season approaches CYRUS D. MEHTA

eginning Monday, April 2 (because April 1 is a Sunday), employers may file cap-subject H-1B petitions for fiscal year (FY) 2013, for employment starting on October 1, 2012, or later. On November 22, 2011, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) received a sufficient number of petitions to reach the statutory cap for FY 2012. USCIS also received more than 20,000 H-1B petitions on behalf of persons exempt from the cap under the advanced degree exemption as of October 19, 2011. With the improving economy, they could run out faster this year. The Alliance of Business Immigration Lawyers (ABIL) recommends that employers file early and allow time for the labor condition application process. Contact your ABIL attorney now for guidance and help with the process. March Visa Bulletin Continues Advances for India, China EB-2 Category The March 2012 Visa Bulletin shows that the priority date for

the India and China employmentbased second preference (EB-2) categories is May 1, 2010, which is a four-month advance over the February cut-off date of January 1, 2010. In January, the date was January 1, 2009, so the category has advanced well over a year in just a few months. The Department of State's Visa Office explained: The China and India Employ-

aggressive movement of the cut-off date for January and possibly beyond. While this action greatly increases the potential for an eventual retrogression of the cut-off at some point during the year, it also provides the best opportunity to utilize all numbers available under the annual limit. USCIS Launches 'Entrepreneurs in Residence' Initiative at Silicon Valley Summit

The China and India Employment Second preference cut-off date has been advanced at a rapid rate in recent months ment Second preference cut-off date has been advanced at a rapid rate in recent months. As previously noted, this action was intended to generate significant levels of new filings for adjustment of status at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offices. USCIS has reported that the rate of new filings is currently far below that which they had anticipated, prompting an even more

On February 22, 2012, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Alejandro Mayorkas met with more than 150 of Silicon Valley's entrepreneurs, academics, and government officials at NASA Research Park in Moffett Field, California, to launch the "Entrepreneurs in Residence" (EIR) initiative and gather information. USCIS said that the panel discussions and breakout sessions

held at the summit would inform the work of a newly formed EIR tactical team, which will "work collaboratively over the next several months to ensure that immigration pathways for foreign entrepreneurs are clear and consistent, and better reflect today's business realities. The tactical team will identify ways to enhance USCIS policies, practices and training across a range of existing nonimmigrant visa categories used by entrepreneurs." Mr. Mayorkas also presented five naturalized immigrant entrepreneurs with USCIS's "Outstanding Americans by Choice" awards. One award recipient, Vivek Wadhwa, an entrepreneur and researcher at Duke University, said the EIR initiative cannot fix by itself the "reverse brain drain" of foreign-born entrepreneurs who receive an education in the United States and then leave to form companies in their home countries because of concerns about U.S. immigration laws and regulations. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 41

Immigration Post

March 16, 2012

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Arpaio lawyers seek to exclude citizen letters A lawsuit by a handful of Latinos alleges that Arpaio's officers based some traffic stops on the race of Hispanics in vehicles, had no probable cause to pull them over and made the stops so they could inquire about their immigration status. Arpaio has denied the racial profiling allegations, saying people pulled over in the patrols were approached because deputies had probable cause to believe they had committed crimes and it was only afterward that deputies found many of them were illegal immigrants. During his immigration patrols known as ``sweeps,''

During his immigration patrols known as “sweeps,'' deputies flood an area of a city - in some cases, heavily Latino areas - over several days to seek out traffic violators and arrest other offenders

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio

PHOENIX: Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio's lawyers filed motions in federal court to exclude some citizen letters and complaints in a racial profiling lawsuit brought against his office. The five-page filing in U.S. District Court in Phoenix seeks to exclude ``the admission into evidence of racially or ethnically discriminatory or insensitive citizens' letters and complaints sent to defendants.'' Arpaio's attorneys say the letters ``contain hearsay'' and should be deemed inadmissible by the court.

deputies flood an area of a city - in some cases, heavily Latino areas - over several days to seek out traffic violators and arrest other offenders. Illegal immigrants accounted for 57 percent of the 1,500 people arrested in the 20 sweeps conducted by his office since January 2008. Separate from the lawsuit, the U.S. Justice Department has accused Arpaio's office of racially profiling Latinos, basing immigration enforcement on racially charged citizen complaints and punishing Hispanic jail inmates for speaking Spanish. The sheriff's office said it doesn't discriminate against Latinos and is negotiating to resolve the allegations. But the office says it is prepared to go to court if the Justice Department files a lawsuit. -AP

FY 2013 H-1B filing season approaches Cont’d from page 40

"We will now have created competitors worldwide we didn't need to create," he warned. A Scottish entrepreneur, Scott Allison, said at the summit that the immigration process "shouldn't be something we have to worry about. But we do have to worry about it. I don't know where my home is." Over One Million Employers Use E-Verify; USCIS Announces Expansion of Self-Check U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently

announced that in December 2011, E-Verify reached a milestone: employers are now using E-Verify at more than one million worksites. Also, USCIS announced on February 9, 2012, that Self Check, a free online service of E-Verify that allows workers to check their own employment eligibility status, is now available in all 50 states; Washington, DC; Guam; Puerto Rico; the U.S. Virgin Islands; and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Launched in March 2011, Self Check was developed through a partnership be-

tween the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to provide a tool for workers to check their own employment eligibility status and guidance on how to correct their DHS and SSA records. It is the first online EVerify service offered directly to workers. A Spanish version was added in August 2011.

* 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

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Immigration Post

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March 16, 2012

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Court hears challenge to Ga. immigration law ATLANTA: A federal appeals court pressed Georgia attorneys on whether the state's new law targeting illegal immigration conflicts with federal rules and challenged critics of the crackdown to explain why local authorities can't use the new powers to complement federal efforts. The three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals peppered both sides with questions at a hearing on a lawsuit opposing Georgia's new law filed by activist groups. The judges were set to hear arguments later on two separate challenges to Alabama's immigration law filed by immigrant rights groups and the Justice Department. The panel said it wouldn't rule until the U.S. Supreme Court releases a decision on a federal government challenge to a similar law passed by Arizona. The arguments in that case, set for April, revolve around a sweeping law taking aim at illegal immigration passed in 2010 that was opposed by activist groups and the federal government. At the hearing, Circuit Judges Bev Martin and Charles Wilson repeatedly asked state attorney Devon Orland whether the state law pre-empts federal rules. Martin said she's concerned that part of the law ``bumps up against this very comprehensive federal scheme.'' Orland urged the panel to view the state law as a supplement to federal statutes that allow ``dual

enforcement,'' much like laws that allow both state and federal prosecutors to charge suspects with drug crimes. ``It's axiomatic that both the state and the federal government can both prosecute the same crime,'' she argued, adding that the law's intent is not to ``persecute people.'' Opponents of the measure argued that immigration is a federal issue that shouldn't be governed bxy a patchwork of state laws. Omar Jadwat of the American Civil Liberties Union said the law forces ``police officers to take off their police officer's hat and put on an immigration enforcement hat.'' That prompted Wilson to ask him whether a state can seek to regulate illegal immigration if it decides the ``illegal alien population morphs into a public safety concern.'' Jadwat countered that it should be up to federal officials to address the issue.

Protesters gathered while the 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta heard challenges to the Georgia and Alabama laws filed by civil liberties

can Ronald Reagan. Five other states - Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, South Carolina and Utah - adopted variations on Arizona's law last year, with

Omar Jadwat of the American Civil Liberties Union said the law forces â&#x20AC;&#x153;police officers to take off their police officer's hat and put on an immigration enforcement hatâ&#x20AC;? The three-judge panel also included U.S. District Judge Richard Voorhees, a visiting judge from North Carolina who asked few questions during the hearing. Wilson and Martin were appointed by Democratic presidents while Voorhees was tapped by Republi-

Alabama's widely considered the toughest in the nation. All five laws have been challenged by coalitions of civil rights and immigrant rights groups, and the federal government has sued to block those in Alabama, South Carolina and Utah.

Opponents of the measures argue such laws lead to discrimination and racial profiling and that immigration is a federal issue that shouldn't be governed by a patchwork of state laws. Supporters say states have been forced to act to protect their resources because the federal government hasn't done enough to quell the influx of illegal immigrants. A federal judge in June temporarily blocked parts of Georgia's law pending the outcome of the legal challenge filed by the activist groups. One blocked section would authorize police to check the immigration status of suspects who don't have proper identification. The other would create a state penalty for people who know-

ingly and willingly transport or harbor illegal immigrants while committing another crime. Georgia appealed that decision to the 11th Circuit, which means the court will decide whether the injunction can remain in place. After a federal judge in Alabama declined in September to block many provisions of that state's law, the 11th Circuit in October temporarily blocked some parts, including a requirement for schools to check students' immigration status. But the appeals court left intact a section that allows police to check a person's immigration status during a traffic stop and to detain someone they believe is in the country illegally. Courts also can't enforce contracts involving illegal immigrants, such as leases, and it's a felony for an illegal immigrant to do business with the state for basic things such as getting a driver's license. The 11th Circuit will now decide whether to block sections of the law that had been allowed to go into effect, and whether to leave the injunctions previously obtained on other sections in place. The arguments attracted national media and dozens of protesters, who rallied outside the downtown Atlanta courtroom chanting slogans and holding signs saying: ``We are families not fugitives'' and ``Hate Hurts Alabama.'' -AP

Separated couple awaits immigration law TIJUANA, Mexico: Agustin Portillo checks the oil in his wife's car, stores her luggage in her trunk and then drives her from his tiny apartment in Tijuana to the United States border entry port. It's not a long trip, but Ana Portillo is afraid to maneuver the streets of this violent city by herself. They wait patiently in the hourslong security line, holding hands and stealing chaste kisses. A romantic ballad comes on the car radio, and Agustin faintly serenades his longtime bride. Ana tries not to notice when he tears up. When they are near the checkpoint, he kisses her again before stepping out of the car. This is as far as he can go. After 20 years of living with his Ana in Los Angeles, he is stuck on the Mexican side of the fence. Many assume an illegal immigrant married to a U.S. citizen easily qualifies for a ``green card'' or legal U.S. residency. But Ana, an immigrant from El Salvador who is a U.S. citizen, and Agustin, a Mexican who lived illegally in the

United States for decades, know the truth. They can live together in one of the poor, violent nations they fled, or they can live like this, divided. The federal law that prohibits many illegal immigrants from living in the United States with their citizen spouses has been criticized by President Barack Obama, who recently ordered the State Department to allow some families to stay together. But it's unclear when that will happen or how many families it will help. Agustin, 49, and Ana, 60, have been separated by the border for nearly two years. She misses his companionship and how he cared for her when she was sick. He longs to seek her counsel when something troubles him, to feel her warmth as they sleep ``Without her, I am practically nothing,'' he said. He lives alone in Tijuana. She lives in a small Los Angeles apartment with her younger son, an illegal immigrant, and his family. Her other child, a legal resident,

lives in Las Vegas. Her three grandchildren were all born in the United States. Every two weeks, she makes the 300-mile roundtrip from Los Angeles to Agustin's one-bedroom apartment in central Tijuana.

Agustin wants to be with his family, but not in Tijuana, where the U.S. State Department warns of narcotics-related violence There is no fridge, no sofa, no oven. He sleeps on an air mattress and stores his food in coolers filled with ice. On a recent visit, she wore a revealing shirt for her husband. Her hair had been straightened and dyed black. His hair was gray, but his arms looked strong from frequent workouts to relieve his

frustrations. He sobbed as they embraced. Agustin wants to be with his family, but not in Tijuana, where the U.S. State Department warns of narcotics-related violence. It's a city where border crossers pray at the centuries-old Roman Catholic church for safe passage. In a bustling street, amid churro vendors and the painted donkey of this infamous metropolis, dour-looking men and women clutch dirty duffel bags. They are ``Los Indocumentados,'' or the undocumented, people who haven't made it past the border. ``I am in the same position as them, waiting to cross to a better life and unable to do so,'' Agustin said as he and Ana stood near the crowded church on a recent afternoon. Inside, they knelt and prayed. They were both illegal immigrants living in the same Los Angeles apartment complex when they met at a birthday party in 1988. He traveled with her to El Salvador to help bring her two sons

from a previous relationship to California. They were chased by border agents and threatened by highway robbers and drug dealers. The brutality of the trip cemented the bonds of their new family once they made it to the United States. She took care of the children of affluent doctors while he sold cars or sewed clothes at a factory. Ana and her sons soon qualified for visas under a temporary amnesty program that helped foreigners whose homelands were deemed unsafe. They could work and live in the U.S., but not travel abroad. The amnesty did not apply to Agustin. Ana's older son graduated from high school with high marks, but couldn't afford to go to college because his non-resident status disqualified him from federal aid. His younger brother asked Ana and Agustin to take him out of advanced classes. What was the point, he said, if he couldn't go to college? It was one of many times Ana cried for her sons. -AP

Immigration Post

March 16, 2012

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Ga. Senate passes immigration colleges bill ATLANTA: The Georgia Senate has voted to approve a bill that aims to ban illegal immigrant students from state colleges, universities and technical schools. Senate Bill 458, approved by a 34-to-19 vote, also would tweak other state laws dealing with illegal immigration. During nearly two hours of discussion, lawmakers focused mostly on illegal immigrants' access to higher education before voting on the bill. The bill now heads to the House. A House committee held a hearing in January on a bill that would bar illegal immigrants from state higher education institutions, but its members have not voted on that bill. The bill's sponsor, Sen. Barry Loudermilk, R-Cassville, said it has stirred up a lot of controversy, but he said it simply aims to correct some unintended consequences and to clarify the legislative intent of previously passed laws. ``This bill is not about education,'' Loudermilk said, adding that it's about taxpayer-funded benefits going to people who are in the country illegally. He pointed out that illegal immigrants can still attend private institutions in the state. Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers, R-Woodstock, said federal law bars illegal immigrants from receiving public benefits, including postsecondary education, unless a state passes a law to the contrary. Georgia has no such law, he said.

may still be admitted to any other state college or university but must pay out-of-state tuition. University system Chancellor Hank Huckaby has told Senate and House committees that he does not believe such legislation is necessary and that current board policy is sufficient. The Senate bill also seeks to adjust some identification requirements from last year's law for applicants for public benefits, which

Undocumented students have attended hearings on the bill in protest

The new bill would clarify the intent of a law he sponsored in 2006 that he said should have been interpreted as prohibiting state colleges and universities from accepting illegal immigrants, he said. But the state university system does not believe illegal immigrants receive a public benefit via postsecondary education because they must pay out-of-state tuition. ``We have interpreted that to mean the benefit is in-state tuition because that is subsidized by the taxpayers,'' university system spokesman John Millsaps said. Only South Carolina currently prohibits state colleges and universities from admitting illegal immigrants. A section of Alabama's tough new law targeting illegal immigration that would have done

the same has been temporarily blocked by a federal judge. ``Why do we want to put Georgia in the posture of standing in the schoolhouse door?'' asked Sen. Nan Orrock, D-Atlanta, drawing a parallel to the desegregation of public colleges in the 1960s. Illegal immigrants already are effectively barred from the most competitive state schools because of a Board of Regents policy created in 2010 that prohibits any institution that has rejected academically qualified applicants in the previous two years from accepting illegal immigrants. That includes the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, Georgia Health Sciences University and Georgia College & State University. Illegal immigrants

Honduras prison fire victim wrongly deported LOS ANGELES: A Honduran citizen living in Los Angeles was wrongly deported in October, and went on to die in last month's massive prison fire in his home country, immigration officials said. Nelson Avila-Lopez, 20, was mistakenly deported in October, and was one of the 360 inmates who died in the Feb. 14 fire at the Comayagua prison in Honduras, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement told KPCC radio in a statement. Four years earlier in an attempt to avoid gang recruitment in Honduras, Avila-Lopez crossed the border illegally at age 16 to be with his mother in Los Angeles, KPCC reported. In September he was detained and slated for deportation, but his lawyer argued Avila-Lopez would face danger from gang members if he had to go back to Honduras, and a stay was automatically granted so his case could be reviewed.

Avila-Lopez's lawyer, Joseph Huprich, said he talked to the deportation officer and verified the hold status. ``That was the last thing we heard until we got a call from the mother saying, `He was just sent out last night,''' Huprich told KPCC, saying the deportation came just over two weeks after they'd been assured the delay was noted. ICE said in the statement that the deportation was probably the result of a breakdown in communication between the agency and the immigration court. ICE officials said they weren't notified of the judge's stay until the day after Lopez was back in Honduras. But the Department of Justice told KPCC that it sent ICE the court documents in a timely manner. ICE, the agency that deported Avila-Lopez, also points out that in November an immigration judge

denied Avila-Lopez's motion to reopen his case, and he would have been deported regardless. ``ICE goes to great lengths to ensure no stays are in place, nor court actions pending, prior to affecting an alien's removal,'' the agency's statement said. Avila-Lopez, suspected of gang affiliation, was sent to the badly overcrowded Comayagua prison just after his return to Honduras. The prison was teeming with inmates who had ties to gangs with roots in Southern California. Four months later, before he'd been convicted of a crime, AvilaLopez died in the world's deadliest prison blaze in a century. Avila-Lopez's mother is now in Honduras seeking her son's remains, believed to be among the many badly burned bodies that will need DNA testing for identification. -AP

plicants may submit their documents within nine months of the application deadline, as long as the documents are still valid when the public benefit is administered and for the duration of the benefit. The bill also says U.S. citizens renewing an application for a public benefit do not need to resubmit documents each time they apply to renew a benefit with the same agency. Applicants who are not U.S. citizens would have

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Why do we want to put Georgia in the posture of standing in the schoolhouse door?'' asked Sen. Nan Orrock, D-Atlanta, drawing a parallel to the desegregation of public colleges in the 1960s include food stamps and professional licenses. Applicants must provide a ``secure and verifiable'' document proving their legal presence in the country. Some agencies _ including Secretary of State Brian Kemp's office, which handles many professional licenses expressed concern the requirement would cause extra work for his staff that could delay issuing or renewing licenses. The new legislation says ap-

to submit the documents each time they apply. Last year's law required the state attorney general to create a list of acceptable, secure and verifiable documents. Attorney General Sam Olens' list included passports issued by a foreign government. Under the new legislation, foreign passports would only be acceptable if submitted with valid federal immigration paperwork saying the person is in the country legally. -AP

Immigration coalition holds rally in Springfield SPRINGFIELD, Ill.: Over 1,000 people from Chicago, the suburbs and downstate, came to Springfield for a rally to urge legislators to support a diverse immigration agenda. The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights brought together the leaders from over 130 partner organizations to promote the agenda. They call it the ``One Nation, One Dream.'' The agenda includes fair funding for immigrant integration pro-

grams, health care access, the AllKids health insurance program, employment plans and preventing hatred toward immigrants. Democratic State Sen. William Delgado of Chicago spoke in support of the coalition. He says everyone should be able to get driver's licenses as well, including undocumented people. He says it is matter of public safety, preventing uninsured motorists who don't know the rules of the road. -AP

Indictments in Texas immigrant smuggling case CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas: Prosecutors in South Texas have announced the indictment of more than 30 people in an immigrant smuggling ring allegedly operating since 2002. Details indicate a sealed indictment was returned Jan. 25 in Corpus Christi and partly opened upon the arrest of more than a dozen suspects. Five people have pleaded guilty

to conspiracy to harbor and transport illegal immigrants. A federal judge in Corpus Christi will sentence the five on May 3, with penalties of up to 10 years in prison. An additional 19 people were caught in February and face the same charge. Investigators say the defendants are from Edinburg, Wharton, Houston, Falfurrias, Conroe, Texas City, Missouri City and Galveston. -AP

Â&#x201E;

Realty Tidbits

UK-based Yoo to design Mumbai luxury tower

NEW DELHI: Estate developer Lodha group has roped in UKbased Yoo Ltd to design, brand and market one of its two luxury towers coming up in Mumbai. Yoo, a leading residential design and branding firm, said in a statement that it has been appointed for branding, design and marketing of a 63-storey tower. Lodha had purchased the 23acre site in the upmarket Wadala area of Mumbai in 2010 for USD 850 million and is investing USD 2.03 billion over the next 5-7 years to develop the project. -PTI

Â&#x201E; Westcourt sells 2530% Four Seasons' apartments

estcourt, which is developing Four Seasons hotel and private residences in Bangalore, has already sold 25-30 per cent of the first block of residences on offer. "The hotel wing of the project has 48 residences comprising onebedroom and two-bedroom apartments which we have opened up for sale. We have already sold 2530 per cent of this," Mr Vinay Kapoor, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Westcourt, said. The price tag for these onebedroom and two-bedroom apartments could be anywhere between Rs 4 crore and Rs 7 crore. The residences would be serviced by the project's hospitality operator, Four Seasons. Cityview, the Rs 1,500crore project which would have commercial, retail, hospitality and residential developments, would also offer larger private residences.-PTI

Â&#x201E; New accounting norms may make things tough

he revised guidance note on accounting for real estate companies brought out by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in India (ICAI) would ensure consistency in revenue reporting, say developers. But experts say that this could make the already challenging real estate environment tougher for developers. "The new guidelines are good for investors and customers, as they would ensure a fair degree of clarity in reporting. There would be parity among all real estate developers now and a standardized reporting structure would make comparison easier now for both investors and customers."

Real Estate 44

India Post

www.indiapost.com

March 16, 2012

Equinox Realty seeks $200 mln from asset sale

quinox Realty, an arm of oli-to-steel conglomerate Essar Group, plans to sell a minority stake in its biggest commercial asset in Mumbai to raise between 7.5 billion rupees and 10 billion rupees, sources close to the development said. Equinox is in talks with several international and domestic investors, including an arm of Singapore's Government Investment Corp (GIC) GIC.UL and India's Infrastructure Development Finance Corp to sell a stake in Equinox Business Park, sources said.

Chennai realty has recovered faster

uring the economic down turn of 2008, while the other neighboring and glamorous property market of Bangalore and Hyderabad fell by 24-29 per cent, the Chennai market fell only 8.3 per cent. Limited supply of land and pent-up demand is how NHB's Residex defines Chennai property market. However, what actually has made Chennai market stand out is that first of all property market is driven by the end users, and then the city has seen most of the property transactions within the Central Business District areas only. That speaks volumes about the growth potential of the city as well. If the National Housing Bank's property price index 'NHB Residex' is a fair indicator, property value in Chennai has doubled from the downturn price of 2008, best appreciation than any other part of the country. What has helped the Chennai market beat the more glamorous Mumbai, New Delhi and even Bangalore in price appreciation? Chennai, for long, had the least supply of land available for building property among the metros. It was also a plot-oriented market and multi-apartment models are the new fancy thus attracting a premium. Anshuman Magazine, Chairman and Managing Director, CB Richard Ellis Asia, believes the real-estate activity in Chennai is significantly driven by end-users compared with other markets, and this is one reason why prices are not too volatile and are holding up well. Real estate in Chennai has been undergoing a shift in its trends recently. Chennai property prices have been on rise since long, especially the commercial property rates. The rates of commercial properties are very high in areas like IT, T.Nagar, Anna Nagar, and Adyar. As these localities have reached saturation and new industries & software companies are coming up at NH4, GST Road, and OMR. These new developments are coming in affordable limits and larger areas. The booming commercial segment and growing influx of IT professionals have pushed the residential demand and prices to a new high in Chennai over the

last few years. The Chennai office market has witnessed remarkable growth which is due to the offices built for the IT industry (as IT Parks or IT Special Economic Zones), which constitute 86 per cent of the operational office stock in Chennai. According to a report by Real Estate Intelligence Service of Jones Lang LaSalle India, 2011 had ushered in renewed interest in non-IT office space in Chennai - especially from firms wishing to

dential catchments, ample space for a hassle-free car park and proximity to the city centre are the key demand drivers for high-end high streets. The high streets of Khadar Nawaz Khan Road (KNK Road) and Wallace Garden Road have emerged as important retail destinations for global luxury, fashion and premium brands, the report added. While, the commercial properties of Chennai have reached a point when it is very difficult to

Anshuman Magazine, Chairman and Managing Director, CB Richard Ellis Asia, believes the real-estate activity in Chennai is significantly driven by end-users compared with other markets, and this is one reason why prices are not too volatile and are holding up well relocate their offices to better grade buildings. The expected fresh supply of non-IT office space should witness active absorption at the right rentals. There will be greater demand for investment grade office spaces within the city, since there is a severe dearth of high quality office buildings in the central areas, the report said. Chennai's high streets continue to remain a favorite location for retailers as conversion rates in high streets are higher compared with those in malls. The neighborhood of premium resi-

purchase a property in prominent locations, the residential property preferences are also changing. Apartment flats in Chennai are gaining popularity day by day due to the increase in population and lack of space. Many prominent builders in Chennai are building projects comprising of luxurious apartments, providing ultra modern facilities. With young professionals going in more for rented units, the lifestyle apartments are attracting huge investments from NRIs. With the announcement of the monorail project in Chennai, the

land value in Chennai is going to see another dramatic change. A crisscrossing network of four monorail corridors, running to a total length of 111 km is expected to add to the beautification of the city and make Chennai by and large traffic free. Chennai infrastructure is looking forward to match to the international standards. Unlike other metro cities land prices in suburbs are yet to reach the peak and the concept of satellite town yet to catch fancy even after Jayalalitha Government is keen to develop more satellite towns. In most parts of Old Mahabalipuram Road, GST Road and the Chennai-Bangalore Highway, realtors say, land transactions are very few. Surprisingly, many new residential projects were launched along these corridors over the past two years and even received good patronage from buyers. But that has not translated into an increase in land prices along these stretches, says Kevin William Albert, Associate Director of Jones Lang LaSalle. "This indicates the potential of Chennai's suburbs to emerge as an attractive retail destination. Bigger residential catchments in the suburban areas combined with more reasonable rentals compared to those in the prime city are expected to act as key driving forces for retailers to increase their presence in the suburban precincts of Chennai in the long term," the JLLI report added.

Real Estate Post

March 16, 2012

India Post

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DDA to auction 100 flats at Games Village NEW DELHI: Delhi Development Authority has decided to auction 100 flats from its share at Commonwealth Games Village at a base price of Rs 16,000 per square feet. After the Delhi high court paved way for the clearance of 30 towers at the village, DDA is now awaiting a nod from its legal department to initiate the process of auctioning. According to DDA officials, the authority has also requested for an early hearing in the court so that the process can begin in the coming weeks. Of the total 1,168 flats in 34 towers, DDA owns over 700 flats in the village. The land-owning agency will auction 100 flats first to assess the market price. "We had bought these flats from Emaar MGF at Rs 11,000 per square feet but if we add further charges and

interests, the basic price for auction goes up to Rs 16,000 per square feet," a DDA official said. The authority expects to issue advertisements for inviting ten-

ders by next week. The price escalation comes after the CAG report mentioned that the price of Rs 11,000 per square feet at which DDA bought 333 flats

from the private developer was much higher than what was recommended by its own evaluation committee. DDA officials said the increase in price was inevitable

considering the existing realty situation. The prices will go up further, an official said. "We have been getting requests from various PSUs. Once the auction is done through tendering, other flats will be allotted to PSUs. On the other hand, Emaar MGF has already sold over 400 flats for anything between Rs 2 crore and Rs 5 crore. Though these flats had been bought in 2008 and were supposed to be sold within eight months of the Commonwealth Games getting over, buyers are still waiting to get possession of their houses. Though the court gave DDA a go ahead to give clearance to most of the towers, it will still be sometime before the issue of excess floor area ratio is sorted out. and the furniture in the flats is removed for buyers to take over.

MoEF guidelines could 'Regulatory Act to benefit builders, customers' hit realty industry

he new Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) guidelines may prove to be a dampener for Kerala's construction industry. As per these guidelines, buildings that are more than five storeys or 15-metre high should have wide roads around them. These guidelines are applicable to Kerala, Maharashtra and Haryana. These three states had approached the ministry for approval to increase the height limit for buildings. As per the guidelines, a 5-storey or 15-metre high residential or industrial building should have a 15metre wide road surrounding it. Higher the building, wider the roads! For instance, a 15-storey building should ideally have a 24metre road around it. "Considering Kerala's exploding population, if construction and road widening are carried out as per these guidelines, the price of land will shoot up to astronomical levels. Then hypothetically, open

spaces and paddy fields will be eaten up by construction works. As far as Kerala's infrastructural development is concerned, only vertical growth is possible," said Antony Kunnel, president, CREDAI (Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Associations of India) Kerala. The draft also proposes carrying out mock fire drills on an annual basis on all high-rise buildings in the state. "This is a welcome decision, and it should be followed. It will definitely reduce casualties due to fire accidents," said Kunnel. The draft suggestion to have a fire station within 10km radius of buildings with more than 10storeys has also been received well. On March 28, chief minister Oommen Chandy will take up the issue with the concerned representatives. "We will look into it after an official meeting with builders and concerned stake holders in the coming weeks.

PUNE: The proposed Maharashtra Housing Regulatory Development Act is a step in the right direction, one that will bring the members of the low-income group to the mainstream, said Gautam Chatterjee, Principal Secretary, Housing, Government of Maharashtra. "The proposed Maharashtra Housing Regulatory Development Act will safeguard the interest of customers as well as builders. Though, it may not solve all the issues, it is nevertheless a positive step. A notification has been issued to the builder community to reserve at least 20 per cent space for the weaker section and the low income group. The main motive is to ensure decent housing for all," he said. Chatterjee was speaking at an interactive session organized by CREDAI Pune on the issue of notification of 20 per cent reservation for low income groups and economically weaker sections in a given housing project and proposed Maharashtra Housing Regulatory Development Act.

Tata launches low-cost housing in Ahmedabad AHMEDABAD: Tata Housing Development Company has announced tie-up with Arvind group to develop Rs 1,600 crore integrated township and launched Rs 8-12 lakh low-cost housing in the state capital. "We have partnered with Arvind Real Estate (an Arvind textile group company) to develop 135-acre integrated township in

Ahmedabad," Tata Housing Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Brotin Banerjee said. The township would be developed by a special purpose vehicle (SPV) Arvind and Smart Value Homes. In the first phase, it would launch 1,091 flats under the Tatas' low-cost housing brand, 'Shubh Griha'. "This is our first real estate

project in Gujarat. The Shubh Griha scheme has been launched here following its success at Boisar and Vashind in Maharashtra (outskirts of Mumbai)," Banerjee told reporters here. At present, Tata Housing has 46 million sq ft under various stages of planning and execution and an additional 19 million sq ft in the pipeline. -PTI

Also present on the occasion were Satish Magar, president, CREDAI Maharashtra, Head of MHADA - Pune Rajendra Nimbalkar, Shantilal Kataria, vice president CREDAI - Pune, Hemant Naiknavre, vice-president CREDAI - Pune, Nitin Nyati, the honorary secretary, CREDAI Pune . Speaking on the real estate sector scenario in the country, he said, "We are witnessing a huge crunch of houses. To develop a city, real estate sector needs to play a crucial role. But the increasing rates of houses are making it difficult for lower income group, resulting in the development of slums. To promote the construction of houses for these groups, the notification for 20 per cent reservation has been introduced." This, he said, is not applicable to commercial projects. Builder community needs to look into this issue with an open mind. " So, instead of considering this as a government policy against realtors, they should consider it as a genuine step towards mak-

ing houses available for the weaker sections and involving them in the mainstream," he said. "Only construction charges will be levied on houses constructed under 20 per cent reservation for weaker section. MHADA will undertake the distribution of such flats as per lottery system. The proceeds collected will be given to the builders after MHADA deducts 5 per cent commission. Chatterjee also touched upon the need to bring in more transparency. "Government has tried to bring transparency in the Act. The builders violating the Act will be booked under civil offence. Formation of Regulatory Authority body under this Act is also been ensured. If the completion of a project or delivery of flats is delayed due to the callous approach of customers, then builders can approach this regulatory body for intervention." He added that before the sanction of the plan, builders should refrain from advertisement of the project.

Real Estate Post

46 India Post

March 16, 2012

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Tata Housing bids to buy US consulate buildings MUMBAI: The American consulate properties have generated considerable interest in Mumbai's real estate circles. "Negotiations are at an advanced stage and the deal is expected to be concluded in less than a month," said an industry source tracking the sale. The US government had set a reserve price of Rs 850 crore for Lincoln House, but found no takers when it invited bids late last year. "Most big developers found the price too high because the development potential of the plot is limited due to coastal regulation zone (CRZ) restrictions and the heritage tag the property enjoys," said the source. It was then that the Tata Group stepped in with its offer. Market sources said indications were that the Tatas may have quoted an amount "close to the reserve price". Another property market insider claimed that the salt-tosoftware group has already made an upfront payment for the Breach Candy property. A builder, not wishing to be identified, said that "they (Tata officials) are telling people they have taken the consulate property for development". DTZ international property advisors, retained by the US government as its exclu-

sive representative to find buyers, said in its bidding memorandum for Lincoln House, "There is a strong potential demand for residential units from within the neighborhood itself. The business families residing here have a strong tendency to continue to grow and expand in the vicinity and willingly pay a premium for the location."

The Altamount Road residential building, Washington House, has a reserve price of Rs 350 crore and is believed to have received three bids. Sources said the Lodha Group has already offered Rs 400 crore, which may be the highest of the three bids for this over half acre property.

"Most big developers found the price too high because the development potential of the plot is limited due to coastal regulation zone (CRZ) restrictions and the heritage tag the property enjoys," said the source. It was then that the Tata Group stepped in with its offer The property has a large piece of open land in its sea-facing backyard, which currently houses a tennis court and a small garden patch. "With the permission of the BMC's heritage committee, the winning bidder could build around the heritage structure," said a property consultant who gave the example of Colaba's Buckley Court where a skyscraper was build without demolishing the heritage property.

Washington House too is a listed Grade III property like Lincoln House and falls under CRZ II. The floor space index-the ratio which defines how much can be built on a plot-is restricted to just 1.33 on both these properties. The US property sales will have to be cleared by the Union external affairs ministry and state government/local authorities. The bidding memorandum said the US gov-

Hyderabad favored destination for investment

yderabad continues to be a favored destination for investments due to its unique infrastructure, and real estate prospects are promising despite the Telangana agitation. Realty experts believe Hyderabad's new international airport, the rapidly-growing urban infrastructure, satellite townships, cosmopolitan lifestyle & culture, and large employable talent pool for the services sector make it attractive for IT, hospitality and other services sector. Hyderabad is basically a services sector growth-driven market and the infrastructure is getting better by the day. While the IT sector spreads to new areas around the city such as Uppal, Pocharam, Bachupally, Jawaharnagar and Shamshabad, other industries are also setting up base in the city. New investments are expected in pharma and biotech, manufacturing SEZs and research & education. According to the Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) report, the growth in the IT sector and new infrastructure projects such as the Hyderabad Metro is expected to give a push to housing and retail investments in the city. Investor perception of Hyderabad's real estate market is set to turn positive. The report said the market had remained still in the last few years because of the economic reces-

sion and relatively uncertain political conditions immediately following it. The period, which saw a correction in valuations to an extent of 30-35 per cent, was a shortterm phenomenon and investor sentiments would bounce back, it said. According to the report, though a few Greenfield projects have remained stalled, many resi-

Realtors believe setting up of new projects, such as the new international airport and educational institutions around Hyderabad and new IT projects in the suburbs creates new jobs that attract people to invest dential projects which had seen PE investments are witnessing good sales. Hyderabad is still much more affordable, with property prices in prime precincts of the city being relatively less than in other cities. The President of Andhra Pradesh Real Estate Developers' Association (APREDA), Prem Kumar, admits prices have bot-

tomed out, but input costs have gone up significantly. "We don't see much downside from here. On the contrary, prices could firm up. Therefore for buyers, who are keen to acquire a property, there should be no reason to postpone," he says. Realtors believe setting up of new projects, such as the new international airport and educational institutions around Hyderabad and new IT projects in the suburbs creates new jobs that attract people to invest. This will happen again, even though the city may see a momentary subdued phase. According to real estate consultants Cushman & Wakefield, a total demand of 2.3 million units of residential property is likely in the next five years, and the estimated supply is likely to be approximately one million, leaving a gap of approximately 1.3 million. Unlike upward pressure on prices in cities such as Mumbai and Bangalore, where the supply is less, Hyderabad may see a lower demand-supply gap, therefore it is unlikely to see appreciation of capital values. In another report, Cushman & Wakefield, while discussing commercial property, stated that Hyderabad, along with Chennai and Kolkata, would see a little gap between demand and supply, due to more cautious and planned developments, supported with the higher growth potential of demand.

ernment expects to procure clearances from the MEA and state and local authorities for the sale within 90 to 180 days of getting the confirmation letter from the winning bidder. However, if the clearance does not come through within this period, the US government may cancel the transfer of property and hand the money back to the bidder. "The sale can be effected subject to an approval from the ministry of external affairs, government of India, and from the state government/authorities, as may be applicable. The time-frame for grant of such approval is not definite and on receiving such approval(s), the United States government will notify the successful bidder," said the document. "However, in the event the US government is unable to obtain the approval within 90-180 days, it may terminate the arrangement of prospective transfer of the property to the successful bidder and refund the money deposited by the successful bidder…Alternatively, the US government may approach the successful bidder for a mutual decision on extension of the time limit for obtaining the said approval from the ministry of external affairs," it said.

PE funds using mezzanine debt route

oreign private equity funds which have invested in real estate and infrastructure sector and find themselves caught in a policy row between the Reserve Bank of India and the government, are lining up a bevy of 'mezzanine funds' for the Indian market. These funds, which are typically debt-dominated instruments with an equity "sweetener," provide medium-to-long term capital to promoters without significant ownership dilution. The RBI, which has taken the firm view that equity instruments with in-built options will be considered external commercial borrowing (not allowed in realty sector), is open to mezzanine funds. Foreign direct investment (FDI) is allowed in specified real estate projects, but not in realty firms. While from the lenders' perspective, mezzanine funds offer a measure of downside risk protection, these funds are widely predicted to favor mid-cap Indian firms, where promoters would not like to cede considerable shareholding while raising funds. Mezzanine debt route is being charted out by the PE firms to mainly sidestep 'put option' route. Six out of every 10 private equity deals in the real estate sector have put and call options built into them. The confusion stemmed from a policy announcement by the department of industrial policy and promotion (DIPP) in the min-

istry of commerce and industry in the beginning of October 2011, which said that "equity instruments issued/transferred to nonresidents having built-in options or supported by options sold by third parties would lose their equity character and such instruments would have to comply with the extant ECB guidelines". But after a huge amount of negative feedback on the subject, DIPP later

These funds, which are typically debtdominated instruments with an equity "sweetener," provide medium-to-long term capital to promoters without significant ownership dilution on October 31, 2011, deleted the clause. The RBI, however, continues to question deals that had in-built options, saying such investments will be considered debt. Mezzanine funding in India is moving beyond the periphery and getting into the mainstream. Niche mezzanine funds are coming in the investment fray and companies, too, are preferring these over pure equity investments.

Horoscope

March 16, 2012

India Post

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Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar

MARCH 16TH - MARCH 22TH (November 23 to December 22)

(March 21 to April 20)

ind will stay disturbed and you will be looking for solutions. You will try to free your self from previous attachments but will not be easy. Plans you have been working on, will take little more time to implement and bring in rich rewards. You will receive some nice gifts also from people close. If you are flexible, the deal is yours.

ime spent on writing mails will not go waste and may open new doors. An older member of family may need extra medical attention. You may put your needs aside in order to fulfill demands of close family members. You will receive good piece of advice from a learned person. Do not increase liability at this point and keep an eye on expenses.

(April 21 to May 20)

(December 22 to January 19)

ust do not give some one the opportunity to come after you. There will be some fortunate changes at work and you will benefit from mistakes made by others. Business will keep improving at fast pace this week. Spouse will become very health conscious and change diet completely. Y

lanets will give you the wisdom to make good choices. You will overcome some strong opponents. Phone call for another interview will come towards evening. Children will make some plan for a short trip. There will be some interesting developments in ongoing legal matters. You will be invited to few parties this week.

(May 21 to June 20)

(January 20 to February 18)

ou will use your imagination and definitely come up with a great idea to make big money. It's the personal side that you will have to be very careful as someone close can cause emotional mayhem. You may be calling a trustworthy person to clear some confusion and seek guidance. Check you had been waiting for will come in the mail.

ou will put all the energy you got at work. Results will be positive. You may spend some time with a person you trust and try to finish some very important paperwork. Having almost everything in today's date, mind will stay restless. You will call siblings to exchange news. Things will continue to be in your favor at work.

(February 19 to March 20)

(June 21 to July 22)

ou may experience slight difficulty in getting the jobs done. There will be slow or no response from the other side. You will meet many old friends at the party. Ideas will be great but lack of finances will make you put them on hold. Spouse will be very understanding as usual and provide with emotional support.

ou will start the process to obtain a big loan. You may have to pour in more money into existing business also. Planets in second will give you taste for red meat or spicy hot food. Willing or not, you will go on a short trip with the family. Changes taking place in career will create more uncertainty. You will call an old friend for advice. (July 23 to August 22)

o not be impulsive or will end up taking wrong decisions. Some one at work will keep creating headaches for you. Your plans are great but you need to take second opinion and make necessary changes. Family will plan a short trip to a nice place never visited before. You will feel tired of some ungrateful relatives and may start ignoring them. (August 23 to September 22)

eople will try to take advantage of your generosity. You may not get full rewards for the work right away, but in short time. Move will finalize and you may start the necessary preparations. A child will need lots of your time and attention. A close relative will call to invite you at his place for a small get together. (September 23 to October 22)

xpansion is not bad as long as you do not stretch your limits. You may invite few friends at your place for dinner. Problems will be followed by solution. A big payment will release financial pressure for quiet some time. You may have some concerns about an older family member not keeping well lately. Do not sign any paper in rush.

(October 23 to November 22)

pouse may stay irritated for small reasons. Progress will be slow but confidence level will stay high. You will have the chance to make little money through stocks also. You will continue to do good to others and help them with your expertise. Material you study will benefit you for long time. You will get in touch with an old friend.

Chrissy Lampkin & Jim Jones will marry, finally

ove & Hip-Hop's drama continues to heat up. Chrissy Lampkin is upset with her boo Jim Jones because he still hasn't bought her an engagement ring. The Taurus girl has said she's ready to walk, if Jim doesn't doesn't put a ring on it. Jim Jones, born under the astrology zodiac sign of Cancer, is a straight up mama's boy. He's all about family and there's no doubt he loves Chrissy, she's his number one girl. The problem is our moon dude suffers from a fear of commitment. Add insult to her heartache, he buys a new set of wheels. Seriously? She has to bring in reinforcement with her Aunt Cookies and Uncle Ralph to talk some sense into Jimmy, this girl wants a wedding and she wants one now. Astrologically, Jim Jones and Chrissy will get married. They have too much history to break up and doesn't seem she will walk away from her man. Plus, what would the show Love & Hip Hope and without these two. Astrologically speaking, they are a perfect love match. Chrissy is Jummy's rock, she keeps him grounded

Pandit Parashar, CEO & COO Astro Scan USA is also available for individual consultations. He can be reached at: parashar@parashar.com

Chrissy Lampkin & Jim Jones

and stands her round in the relationship. Underneath Jimmy's cool exterior is a really sweetheart. He's very emotional and would be lost without her. May be next season these two will get hitched.

925-833-7170

website: www.parashar.com

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Philosophy

March 16, 2012

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omeone asked me recently about the connection between spiritual awakening and the actual state of the world. I don't see any disconnection there. The root of political and social activism is freedom, and the root of spiritual awakening is freedom. Freedom is really just the beginning. We need social and spiritual freedom to consciously evolve. We need to be free of the burdens of dogma and social constraints (internal or external) to consciously discover. We need to be free as spiritual beings and we need to be free as human beings inhabiting a planet with other human beings as well as other species. We are at a critical time, and we have both the capacity and necessity to examine the way we have done things for most of our individual and collective human past. We must tell the sometimes hard truth about what no longer works, however well it may have worked in the past. We have been experts at making war: our internal war, war with what is foreign, with what is other, war with what we disagree with. Our tendency as humans is to attack whatever is either within ourselves or in others that we perceive as threatening. We have the power to destroy and this power is now dePEMA CH÷DR÷N

efore we can know what natural warmth really is, often we must experience loss. We go along for years moving through our days, propelled by habit, taking life pretty much for granted. Then we or someone dear to us has an accident or gets seriously ill, and it's as if blinders have been removed from our eyes. We see the meaninglessness of so much of what we do and the emptiness of so much we cling to. When my mother died and I was asked to go through her personal belongings, this awareness hit me hard. She had kept boxes of papers and trinkets that she treasured, things that she held on to through her many moves to smaller and smaller accommodations. They had represented security and comfort for her, and she had been unable to let them go. Now they were just boxes of stuff, things that held no meaning and represented no comfort or security to anyone. For me these were just empty objects, yet she had clung to them. Seeing this made me sad, and also thoughtful. After that I could never look at my own treasured

stroying us, as it is destroying other species and our planet, our home. Our power to conquer has circled back on us. The true spiritual invitation is a call to surrender. It is a call to open the mind and discover peace. This surrender is neither passive nor active; it is reflective. It is not in opposition to an activist point of view, but it also does not champion an activist view. And yet cre-

At one time in my life I called myself a political activist. I was a non-violent trainer for the Abalone Alliance in the Bay Area. We were protesting the building of a nuclear power plant on an earthquake fault. It seemed like a reasonable thing to protest. We went to San Luis Obispo, California, and held a non-violent protest and were-predictablydragged away to jail. I spent ten

fault, there was a definite glee in our rightness as opposed to our opponents' wrongness. We were standing up for what we believed to be right. But we were also puffing ourselves up at just how wonderful we were! Actually there was more pleasure in the usversus-them aspect of the protest than there was in the possibility that perhaps the plant wouldn't get built. And in the end it did get built.

The words of truth are always paradoxical. To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders. -Lao Tzu

True spiritual invitation is a call to surrender This surrender is neither passive nor active; it is reflective. It is not in opposition to an activist point of view, but it also does not champion an activist view

Gangaji

ative and inspiring activism arises from surrendering points of view and opening the mind to conscious discovery. To be willing to discover what an answer may be, we first must give up our preconceptions of what that answer is. If we cling to spiritual dogma or political and social idealisms, we continue to live lives bound by dogma and idealism, however we may identify ourselves at any particular time.

days in jail. It was really valuable time spent with dedicated individuals, and I treasured it. But I discovered something that was disillusioning to me. This discovery was important, because to discover freedom we need to be disillusioned out of our old ways of seeing ourselves and the world. I discovered that in all of our meetings about non-violence and the danger of the nuclear power plant being built on an earthquake

Discovering this self-righteousness was disillusioning to me because I had a notion that political activism at its pinnacle was really about working for all. I knew that a power plant over an earthquake fault would be non-discriminating in whom it could hurt if there happened to be an earthquake. I was disillusioned, and rather than stay and face the pain and the root of that disillusion, I withdrew from political activism.

objects in the same way. I had seen that things themselves are just what they are, neither precious nor worthless, and that all the labels, all our views and opinions about them, are arbitrary. This was an experience of uncovering basic warmth. The loss of my mother and the pain of seeing so clearly how we impose judg-

ourselves as we are is a simple, direct relationship with our being. We call this maitri, loving-kindness toward ourselves and others. There are four qualities of maitri that are cultivated when we meditate: 1. Steadfastness. When we practice meditation we are strengthening our ability to be steadfast with ourselves, in body

the emotion, experience it, and leave it as it is, without proliferating. Thus we train in opening the fearful heart to the restlessness of our own energy. We learn to abide with the experience of our emotions. 4. Attention to the present moment. We make the choice, moment by moment, to be fully here.

Seeing the emptiness of so much we cling to Pema Chˆdrˆn

ments and values, prejudices, likes and dislikes, onto the world, made me feel great compassion for our shared human predicament. I remember explaining to myself that the whole world consisted of people just like me who were making much ado about nothing and suffering from it tremendously. Meditation takes us just as we are, with our confusion and our sanity. This complete acceptance of

Attending to our present-moment mind and body is a way of being tender toward self, toward others, and toward the world. This quality of attention is inherent in our ability to love as well as mind. 2. Clear seeing. This is another way of saying that we have less selfdeception. Through the process of practicing the technique day in and day out, year after year, we begin to be very honest with ourselves. 3. Experiencing our emotional distress. We practice dropping whatever story we are telling ourselves and leaning into the emotions and the fear. We stay with

Attending to our presentmoment mind and body is a way of being tender toward self, toward others, and toward the world. This quality of attention is inherent in our ability to love. These four factors not only apply to sitting meditation, but are essential to all the bodhichitta (awakened heart) practices and for relating with difficult situations in our daily lives.

Nothing to do, nothing to force, nothing to want--and everything happens by itself. -Ven. Lama Gendun Rinpoche Form is emptiness; emptiness is form. Form is not other than emptiness. Emptiness is not other than form. -The Heart Sutra Tao is the source of both fullness and emptiness. But it is itself neither fullness nor emptiness. -Chuang Tzu We do not ëcome intoí this world. We come out of it as leaves from a tree. As the ocean ëwaves,í the universe ëpeoples.í -Alan Watts Behold the one in all things. It is seeing the second that leads you astray. -Kabir Know yourself as me. Just as one sees himself as two when reflected in a mirror, so do you appear as ìyouî and ìI.î But, in reality, we are One. -Srimad Bhagavatam

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Myanmar and the West: Economics of politics MEDHA CHATURVEDI

fter decades of isolation, Myanmar is again on the international radar. A series of high-level interactions with Western dignitaries including the US Secretary of State and the British Foreign Minister are indicative of this. While democracy in Myanmar is still in an embryonic stage, the international community seems to have opened its arms to the government of Myanmar. With the US indicating a withdrawal of economic sanctions against Myanmar in the near future, the biggest questions that come to mind are: Why now, and what next?

Why now? Myanmar's efforts at democracy are now gaining legitimacy internationally, primarily because of Western economic interests. Myanmar is a resource-rich country and the West's loss since the sanctions has been China, Thailand and India's gain. Since the 1990s the Western world's economic engagement with Myanmar has been limited to humanitarian aid. Despite Myanmar's abundant natural resources and resulting economic and investment opportunities, economic sanctions meant the West could not take advantage of them. Now, with a democratically elected civilian government led by President U Thein Sein having assumed office, the international community is rushing to this potential goldmine of investment opportunities. Post the global financial meltdown, financial bailouts, fiscal austerity measures and freezing salaries have become an accepted norm for the Western world, especially EU countries. With declining employment rates and increasing national debts, Myanmar could come as a blessing in disguise in terms of investment opportunities. Myanmar is endowed with natural resources, but lacks the technology to capitalize and process this strength. The West is now indicating its willingness to provide Myanmar with the technical know-how in return for cooperation. In recent months, Myanmar has gone for many reforms including in the banking sector, liberalization of economic and financial activities, the operation of trade unions, eased media and censorship laws, reconstituted the National Human Rights Commission and provided greater internet access. These reforms indicate an inclusive approach in the path to progress.

These developments can also be seen as confidence-building measures which increase the country's legitimacy on the international front. Personal banking is coming up in a big way in Myanmar and as a result, many international banks are already setting up branches. Access to the Bay of Bengal is another important aspect of this renewed interest. If the Chinese infrastructure projects continue to grow at their current pace in Myanmar, China gaining a viable corridor to the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean and bypassing the Malacca Straits is a very plausible scenario which is worrisome for the rest of the world. Myanmar however is showing subtle signs of moving away from the preponderant Chinese influence.

What next? Myanmar's efforts at improving its image internationally are gaining ground with many regional groupings and organizations granting it legitimacy and acceptance. Its election to the ASEAN chair for 2014 has brought a promise for greater engagement with member countries and the US. The GMS initiative also held its summit in Myanmar in December 2011 which contributed to expanding its trade relations with member countries. This is evident with the upward swing in Myanmar's overall economic situation with its currency, the Kyat, becoming 25 per cent stronger due to capital inflows since the beginning of 2010. The possibility of President Sein's government reaching peace agree-

Aung San Suu Kyi with Myanmar President Thein Sein.

The suspension of (the Chinese-funded and built) dam on Myitsone River is indicative of this as is Myanmar's willingness to also cooperate with countries other than China. The West's poster girl for Myanmar's pro-democracy movement for over two decades, Daw Aung Saan Suu Kyi, has also been a factor for this change in the attitude of the international community. Post her release from an extended house arrest sentence in January 2011, and after President Sein's talks with her, the constitution was amended to allow her to contest the upcoming by-elections. This gesture by the Myanmarese government has gone a long way in addressing the West's concerns. President Sein seems to have understood that Suu Kyi is the key to court Western investments and has therefore undertaken every measure to accommodate the pro-democracy leader. The gradual release of political prisoners also served this end.

ments with the ethnic armed groups has also generated a fair amount of confidence in international investors towards securing and safeguarding investments. Myanmar's head of the newly inducted economic advisory board, U Myint, recently said, "Myanmar is a rich country with poor people." So far, neither the West nor Myanmar has gained anything fruitful from not engaging. In fact, the West's treatment has only pushed Myanmar closer to China over the last two decades. This has been problematic given China's rise being viewed as a menacing phenomenon. Now, with Myanmar opening up to economic liberalization and privatization, Western attempts can be viewed as a form of neoliberalism. While there is no denying that politics and economics in the contemporary sense are inseparable, the long-term ramifications of this shift are profound. The writer is Research Officer, IPCS

India Post Weak, weakerâ&#x20AC;Ś

rom the reaction of Congress leaders it doesn't seem they are going to learn any lesson from the drubbing received in four of the five recent assembly elections. True to the sycophantic tradition of the party, they were found more eager to defend Gandhi family scion Rahul Gandhi than put the finger on nongovernance and corruption which has been the legacy of the present Congress government at the Center. Even Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi brashly declared there was no danger to the UPA government. The Congress had little promise to hold out to the newly aspirational UP voter except the patronizing programs it has been squandering money on. As against this, the young face of Samajwadi Party, another scion of a family, Akhilesh Yadav had got the pulse of the people. On the campaign trail for more than a year, he turned round his party's image of anti-English and anti-computers and even promised laptops to those going for higher education. A weak Congress party has been further weakened by these results. It could not even cash on the anti-incumbency in Punjab where the Badal family was not exactly very popular. The Uttarakhand vote, which should have been in the Congress pocket, went the full distance with the incumbent BJP breasting the tape along with the Congress. The result in Goa went totally against the corruption and scamstainted Congress. The Anna Hazare movement against corruption may have faded but the awareness it brought among people and the exposure of the role of the Congress in corruption has not faded. Corruption was very much an issue in all the states which went to polls. The Samajwadi Party of Mulayam Singh Yadav in its previous incarnation had been notorious for the "goondagardi" and the muscle power with which it ruled. This has changed, according to rising son Akhilesh Yadav. It will not be tolerated, he has pledged. But it will have to be seen in practice. The battering for the BJP has been no less severe. In fact both the national parties have emerged from this election with their images tarnished. The BJP had little aspiration from the UP election. It had no credible local leaders who could be seen as chief ministerial material. In fact the message of this election has been the rise of the regional parties and the fall of the national parties. Although in national elections, the issues may not be the same but it is certain that powerful local leaders of the states are going to call the shots. With the national parties falling woefully short in performing even on national issues, their hold on the regions was always going to be loose. All the promises of Rahul Gandhi and complaints of corruption against opposition parties in the fray did not have any effect because people knew of the Congress corruption and scams at the Center. In the eyes of the electorate, the performance of the Congress party and that of Rahul Gandhi could not be separated. Rahul Gandhi has to pay for misgovernance at the Center. His synthetic sympathy for the poor fails to make any sense when there is so much that the Congress party at the Center could have done for them but is not doing. The impact of the electoral debacle is going to be felt on the budget and the Presidential elections due in July. A government on the back foot cannot be expected to take bold steps on the economy. In fact hard measures might bring more credibility to the government than its propensity for populist measures which keep backfiring on it.

March 16, 2012

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