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Rajat Gupta released after jail term Details on page 5

White House condemns attack on Indian Details on page 5

VOL 21, No. 1121

March 18, 2016

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Periodical Postage

INDIAN WINS START UP OF YEAR AWARD

KOCHI, Kerala: Kochi-born social entrepreneur Shaffi Mather's MUrgency, a mobile-based emergency medical response app, has been chosen as the 'start-up of the year' at the prestigious Startup Grind 2016 conference held at Silicon Valley in California.

MUrgency, launched in Chandigarh last month, is an app that connects people in need of emergency medical aid with doctors and paramedical staff. It has the potential to save thousands of lives across the globe. "Our app was selected from among 1,100 start-ups from 200 cities around the globe that had applied," Shaffi Mather, founder and CEO of the San Francisco-based MUrgency Inc., told

BusinessLine over the phone from Austin, Texas.

Startup Grind is a Silicon Valley-based organization that networks with more than two lakh start-ups across the world. Founded in 2010, it educates and inspires start-ups through business events and monthly conferences and also partners with Google For Entrepreneurs. Grind's events are now organized in 20 cities around the world.

"Startup Grind is a prestigious event and winning the 'start-up of the year' prize is a major achievement for any entrepreneur," said Pranav Kumar Suresh, CEO of the Kochi-based Startup Village.

Details on page 5

Dr Romesh Japra to receive NFL Alumni award Details on page 16

Indian statues seized from Christie's in US Details on page 6

Ganga Ram's descendent contesting Details on page 7

Harassment case: PIO dean resigns

Indian-American scientist makes meat in lab

Details on page 6

Details on page 8

Air India flew all-female flight on Women's Day

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

Details on page 17

Community Post -------------- 16-25 Date Book -------------------------- 47

INDIA POST SURVEY

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

survey@indiapost.com

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

This week’s question

Horoscope ------------------------- 31 Immigration Post ------------- 44-46

Should Rajat Gupta continue with his case?

Life Style ----------------------- 50-52 Philosophy ------------------------- 53

Last week’s result

Has it become easier to do business in India?

YES 73%

NO 27%

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

SRI SRI'S GIFT: The World Culture Festival 2016, a three-day massive cultural extravaganza was organized on the banks of Yamuna River in Delhi as a celebration of The Art of Living's 35 years of service, humanity, spirituality. It was attended by thousands of people and delegates from a number of countries. (Report on page 9)

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

Real Estate -------------------- 36-38 TechBiz Post ------------------- 12-15 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 40-43

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pologies to the readers if they are already suffering from panic attacks even as the current election cycle is reaching a crescendo, but we've got to keep blowing the 'Trumpet' at least till such time as we can all safely sleep at night in the knowledge that we have a sane President in the Oval Office and Mr. Trump has packed himself off from the political milieu for good.

One thing I would say in his favor though, that the rabble rousing Republican frontrunner is not a politician - in the sense that he abhors political correctness or for that matter political tact, and well, political diplomacy, as also political friends.

And to blow that Trumpet some more, I'd say he doesn't really believe in mundane qualities such as a political leader - especially an American leader having to be a unifier, a statesman, a hope giver for all.

Trump reminds me of the folk tale of the monkey that gleefully ran away with all of the tailor's caps and the more the tailor chased him the more aggressive he got till the tailor found a clever way to get the macaque to return his property. Similarly, the more the liberal media chases him, and the more the protesters against him, the more aggressive he gets in his antics. And the more divisive and polarizing and dangerous his hip shooting gets, sparing none, within and outside the country.

The question may be whether we can take the Trump phenomenon as lightly as comparing him to a petulant monkey; perhaps not, but I do believe that a little bit of cajoling in his own language and he really might go away allowing us our peaceful nights of sleep.

So let's all collectively tell him how great and fantastic and beautiful and smart he is and how the world needs more of him to build golden arched mega hotels and luxury residences and how politics is for mere mortals, and running a country like America was for politicians of the astute kind.

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Romesh K Japra rkjapra@indiapost.com

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Cover Story: Start up of year Shaffi Mather's MUrgency has been chosen as the 'start-up of the year' at the Startup Grind 2016 meet in Silicon Valley

Community: Dr Japra to be honored NFL Alumni and Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame will honor Silicon Valleys' community leader Dr. Romesh Japra

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Immigration: Attack on H-1B Donald Trump says the H-1B visa program is "very unfair" for American workers and has been taking away their jobs

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Vrindavan It is widely believed that Lord Krishna spent his childhood in Vrindavan and performed Raas Leela with Gopis

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Indian wins start up of year award KOCHI, Kerala: Kochi-born social entrepreneur Shaffi Mather's MUrgency, a mobile-

that connects people in need of emergency medical aid with doctors and paramedical staff. It has

Shaffi Mather & team with Startup Grind award

based emergency medical response app, has been chosen as the 'start-up of the year' at the prestigious Startup Grind 2016 conference held at Silicon Valley in California.

MUrgency, launched in Chandigarh last month, is an app

the potential to save thousands of lives across the globe. "Our app was selected from among 1,100 start-ups from 200 cities around the globe that had applied," Shaffi Mather, founder and CEO of the San Francisco-based MUrgency Inc., told BusinessLine over the

phone from Austin, Texas.

Startup Grind is a Silicon Valley-based organization that networks with more than two lakh start-ups across the world.

Founded in 2010, it educates and inspires start-ups through business events and monthly conferences and also partners with Google For Entrepreneurs. Grind's events are now organized in 20 cities around the world.

"Startup Grind is a prestigious event and winning the 'start-up of the year' prize is a major achievement for any entrepreneur," said Pranav Kumar Suresh, CEO of the Kochi-based Startup Village.

Mather, 45, a lawyer, business executive and public policy analyst, had launched the 'Dial 1298 for Ambulance' project in Kochi a few years ago. "It was the experience I gained from the Dial 1298 project that inspired me to conceive MUrgency," he said.

How it works Explaining the concept, which has been put to use in Israel, apart from the Chandigarh-PanchkulaMohali tri-city, Mather said it functioned almost like the Uber

Rajat Gupta released after completing jail term NEW YORK: India-born former Goldman Sachs Director Rajat Gupta has been released after completing his two-year prison term, weeks after a US court agreed to rehear his appeal to throw out his 2012 insider-trading conviction.

Gupta, 67, was "released" on March 11, according to his record at the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

While Gupta's prison term was to end on March 13, but since the date fell on a Sunday, he was released on Friday, four years after he lost his insider trading trial and suffered multiple legal setbacks to overturn his conviction.

The Harvard-educated was convicted in his 2012 trial of passing confidential boardroom information to his one-time friend and business associate Raj Rajaratnam.

Apart from the two-year prison term, he was fined USD 5 million and the Securities and Exchange Commission also slapped a USD 13.9 million penalty against him.

Gupta started out his prison term in 2014 at FMC DEVENS, an administrative security federal medical centre with an adjacent minimum security satellite camp in Ayer, Massachusetts.

Rajaratnam is serving an 11year sentence for insider trading in the main prison adjacent to where Gupta was assigned.

His attorneys did not immediately respond to emails on whether Gupta would make a statement following his release.

Ever since his conviction in

Apart from the twoyear prison term, he was fined USD 5 million and the Securities and Exchange Commission also slapped a USD 13.9 million penalty against him June 2012, Gupta filed several appeals, including to the US Supreme Court, to overturn his conviction and prison term but the courts rejected his arguments and affirmed his sentence.

However, it was only early last month, just weeks before his prison term was to end, that he had some legal respite when the US Second Circuit Court of Ap-

peals agreed to rehear an appeal to throw out his insider-trading conviction.

Gupta completed the last two months of his prison term at his home in Manhattan, after being released on January 5 from the Devens correctional facility.

Even though he was not in the prison centre, he remained a federal inmate until his release on March 11. He was confined to his apartment and was required to wear an ankle bracelet that monitored his movements.

A January report in the New York Times had said that Gupta "appears to be eager to get back to the world he once inhabited".

"Since returning to his Manhattan apartment, Gupta has been fielding calls from former associates who say he is in good spirits and looks back on his spell in prison philosophically," the report had said.

The report had said Gupta had applied last year to corrections officers for an early discharge from Devens.

An inmate can be given credit for good behavior and becomes eligible for home confinement for 10 per cent of a sentence, up to six months. -PTI

and Ola cab-hailing apps.

In a medical emergency, such as a heart attack or stroke, the app sends emergency alerts to the doctors, nurses and other paramedical staff in the neighborhood. The nearest one rushes to the patient and helps to save his/her life.

"In Chandigarh, the app is able to get medical responders in under ten minutes," Mather noted.

given training," he added.

Explaining the business model, Mather said that in Chandigarh, Rs 370 is charged for each emergency response (doctors and paramedics reach the patient in their own cars/vehicles). The responder is paid Rs 280 and the company keeps Rs70.

Mather said the biggest advantage of the Grind prize was his

In a medical emergency, such as a heart attack or stroke, the app sends emergency alerts to the doctors, nurses and other paramedical staff in the neighborhood.

The nearest one rushes to the patient and helps to save his/her life "There are 37 doctors, 40 ambulances and 358 other medical responders signed on to the network."

The facility will be available in Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Amritsar in 2-3 weeks. "We plan to cover the entire Punjab by April 30. Later it will be extended to southern States. Those who sign on as emergency responders will be

company's access to world's-leading investors.

Since the app has been extremely useful in giving emergency medical aid in both developing and developed countries, there is a high level of interest from investors. "But I am more interested in the app's potential to save thousands of lives," he said.Courtesy Hindu BusinessLine

White House condemns violence against journalist WASHINGTON: The White steps that they took to try to reHouse has condemned violence store order, but obviously we against an Indian-origin journal- condemn any violence that's perist during a campaign rally by petrated against a professional Donald Trump in Chicago that journalist who's just trying to was cancelled after a clash be- cover a political event," he said. tween supporters and opponents Deb was covering the clash of the Republican front-runner. between protesters and the Re"We condemn any violence publican front-runner's supportthat's perpetrated against a pro- ers when he was detained. fessional journalist who's just try"And that's why the willinging to cover a political event," the ness of Trump to direct so much White House Press Secretary, Josh Earnest, told reporters.

"For Trump just to use indeHe was responding to a question on Sopan pendent journalists who are Deb, who was on asjust trying to do their job as a signment with CBS News to cover the ploy to further incite the Trump Campaign, who was not only heckled crowd is deeply disturbing," by pro-Trump supporters but also grounded, Earnest said handcuffed and briefly detained by the police at a Chi- antagonism and invective at incago rally. dependent journalists is totally The rally had to be cancelled inappropriate and totally worthy because of clash between sup- of condemnation on the part of porters and opponents of the Re- Democrats and Republicans," he publican front-runner. said.

"Obviously, the kind of situa"For Trump just to use indetion that erupted at this rally was pendent journalists who are just rather chaotic. I don't have any trying to do their job as a ploy to specific information about the ac- further incite the crowd is deeply tions of local law enforcement and disturbing," Earnest said.-PTI

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Indian statues seized from Christie's in US NEW YORK: Two stolen Indian statues dating back to as early as the 8th Century and valued at over USD 4,50,000 were seized in the US from premier auction house Christie's, just days before an auction.

The artifacts made from sandstone were recovered from the auction house following an international investigation with assistance from the Indian government and the Interpol.

ern'.

The artifacts are a Buff Sandstone Stele of Rishabhanata, believed to be from Rajasthan or Madhya Pradesh belonging to the 10th century AD. It depicts a stele carved with the first Jain Tirthankara and is valued at approximately USD 1,50,000.

The second artifact is a Buff Sandstone Panel depicting Revanta and His Entourage from India in the 8th Century AD, in a

Special agents with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) along with the Manhattan District Attorney's Office seized the statues, believed to be from 8th and 10th centuries AD. The seizure comes days before the March 15 'Asia Week New York' festivities as part of which Christie's had included the two artifacts in the auction entitled 'The Lahiri Collection: Indian and Himalayan Art, Ancient and Mod-

very rare representation of the equestrian deity and valued at approximately USD 300,000.

According to the ongoing investigation, the Sandstone of Rishbhanata appears to have been sold to London-based Brandon Lynch Ltd between 20062007. The Panel of Revanta, according to images provided by the source dealer, appeared to have contained an "orphan fragment" - a piece perfectly broken off to be sold by the smugglers after the sale of the main part of the sculp-

ture.

"This seizure at the beginning of an international event as well recognized as Asia Week New York sends two important messages: first and foremost, it demonstrates that we are committed to protecting cultural heritage around the world and second, it demonstrates that we are monitoring the market to protect prospective buyers as well," said Angel M Melendez, special agent in charge of HSI New York.

HSI special agents were able to determine that both of these artifacts had come from a specific smuggler and supplier of illicit cultural property in India.

Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R Vance, Jr said that "with high demand from all corners of the globe, collectors must be certain of provenance before purchasing. I urge dealers and auction houses to take every necessary precaution to avoid facilitating the sale of cultural heritage stolen from other civilizations".

Christie's said that it would never knowingly offer a stolen work of art and it was cooperating with authorities.

"Christie's devotes considerable resources to investigating the provenance of all objects we offer for sale.

This is one of the difficulties the art market faces in vetting antiquities, which is why Christie's very much values building strong relationships with and between countries of origin, law enforcement, archaeologists, and the collecting community," it said in a statement. -PTI

Canadian govt has more Sikhs than Modi's WASHINGTON: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, known for his witty repartees, told an American audience here that he has more Sikhs in his Cabinet than his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.

The quip came when Trudeau was taking 10 questions from students at the American University in northwest Washington during his state visit to the US. During the half-an-hour session at the university, a student named Jahan from the Punjab province of Pakistan told Trudeau that it was really great to see so many Punjabis in his cabinet.

"I have more Sikhs in my cabinet than Modi does," Trudeau was quoted as saying by the Canadian daily 'The Star'.

44-year-old Trudeau, who assumed office in November last year, surprised one and all by in-

cluding four Sikh-Canadians in his Cabinet.

Cont’d on page 8

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responds to questions during a Canada 2020 luncheon in Washington

PIO dean resigns after 'sexual harassment' case NEW YORK: A 45-year-old In- against Choudhry even though dian-origin dean of a prestigious the investigative report had supUS law school has resigned from ported the victims claims. his post, days after a lawsuit was "The dean's resignation is an filed against him by his executive outcome in the best interests of assistant alleging that he sexually Berkeley Law and the university harassed her over a period of sev- as a whole. At the same time we eral months. are under no illusion that a resigSujit Choudhry had initially nation could or even should bring taken an indefinite leave of ab- this matter and broader, related issence after the lawsuit was filed sues to a close," they said. but the Berkeley Law School an"It is clear, as we heard during nounced that he had resigned from our meeting with law school fachis post and his resignation had ulty this morning, that the initial been accepted. decision not to remove the dean Choudhry had also "admitted" from his position is the subject of in a campus investigative report, legitimate criticism," they added. dated July 2015, that he had New Delhi-born Choudhry, an hugged and kissed his executive expert in comparative constituassistant but there was no "sexual tional law, was named the 12th dean intent" to his conduct towards her. of Berkeley Law in 2014 after a naThe school admitted that criti- tional search that considered both cism against it for not removing internal and external candidates to Choudhry from his post immedi- head one of the nation's top law ately after the allegations had sur- schools. faced is legitimate.

As the lawsuit was filed, the The victim filed the lawsuit in Alameda County Superior Court New Delhi-born Choudhry, in California that sues an expert in comparative him for sexual harassment, failure to prevent constitutional law, was harassment, retaliation, named the 12th dean of infliction of emotional distress and assault. Berkeley Law in 2014 The lawsuit alleges that Choudhry hugged and kissed her almost daily and the school had asked Choudhry to harassment began in September apologies to the victim but Steele 2014 until March 2015. and Dirks said the university "can The July 2015 campus investi- and must do better as a campus gative report corroborated the administration. claims made by the victim and also We must move in the direction said that Choudhry "admitted" to of stronger sanctions, and in doing hugging, kissing her on the cheek, this we want and need the broad touching her shoulders and arms input of the campus community." from behind while she sat at her "We are sharply focused on desk, squeezing her arm when he this issue and committed to ensurpassed by her desk and holding ing a supportive and safe environher hands to his waist. ment for every single person on He however "defends" his ac- this campus. We will act quickly to tions saying there was no "sexual generate action that will produce intent" to his conduct towards her lasting change in our culture and and instead it was a way to express practices," they said. gratitude" to Sorrell, the investiUnder the University of gation report said.

California's tenure policy, The report, which did not name Choudhry remains a member of the the assistant, said that she had school's faculty at present. written a six page email in March He had released a statement to 2015 to Choudhry detailing her ob- the Berkeley community earlier this jections to "rude and demeaning week, saying he disagreed with the conduct and sexual harassment" allegations and that he will conby him towards her, "including tinue to cooperate with the Uniunwelcome touching and kissing." versity in the investigation.

The investigation report had con"While I disagree with the cluded that "By a preponderance of plaintiff's claims and allegations, the evidence," Choudhry had "vio- and will defend against them, I am lated the sexual harassment provi- unfortunately unable to comment sions of the UC Policy on Sexual on the substance of the lawsuit.

Harassment and Sexual Violence."

However, I can say that I cooperUC Berkeley Chancellor Nicho- ated fully with, and take extremely las Dirks and Provost Claude seriously, the University's confiSteele said in a statement that they dential investigation into this matwere wrong to not to take action ter and ensuing sanction.�-PTI

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Ganga Ram's descendent running for US post WASHINGTON: A great great granddaughter of Ganga Ram, an Indian civil engineer known for building a network of health infrastructures in both India and Pakistan before partition, is running for a top elected position in the US State of Vermont.

Seeking an inspiration from her great great-grandfather, IndianJewish-American Kesha Ram promises to make accessible health care and education as one of her prime focus if elected as the Lt Governor of the American State of Vermont later this fall.

Ram, 29, is the first woman of color to run for State wide office in Vermont.

Vermont has been in the news lately as its Senator Bernie Sanders is a Democratic presidential candidate and is giving a run for the money to the party's frontrunner Hillary Clinton.

"I was there (in India) last year.

Unfortunately, I had to take my father's ashes to the holy river. But in the course of the trip, we were able to visit Sir Ganga Ram hospital, where my relatives lead the board of directors," Ram told PTI in an interview.

Her father was born in Lahore

A snap of Indian-American Kesha Ram, who is running for the post of Lt Gov in the US State of Vermont. She is the first Indian-origin woman to run for the post

but after partition the family moved to India and grew in Punjab. He came to Los Angeles for studies as a student where he met her mother, a Jewish American.

"Together they opened an Irish pub in Los Angeles," she said, adding that here she helped her

father.

For her studies, Ram moved to the University of Vermont.

She was elected to the state House of Representatives at age 22 to represent the University District and Hill Section of Burlington. She has represented the district since 2009.

"It (Indian and Jewish heritage) really gave me an important foundation in terms of tolerance and being versatile, hoping to bridge different world," she said.

"Vermont and the country are at a very pivotal time when we are having conversations about whether or not keep our borders

open and how to be a welcoming place for people from other countries. I feel uniquely positioned how to lead that conversation as some one with an immigrant parents with a diverse background," Ram said in response to a question.

Ram said Sanders gave her the "first big break" in politics.

"He invited me to introduce him and then Senator Barack Obama on stage when I was a student, when Bernie was running for the Senate seat for the first time. Ever since then, I have been very grateful to his leadership and his role in shaping, change and advocating for economic equality," Ram said, adding that for now she is very supportive of the message and energy coming from the Sanders's campaign.

Asked if the US is ready for the first woman president, she said yes.

"I believe; the US has been ready for the first US president. I hope, if it is not Hillary Clinton, people do not see that as the country not being ready for a woman president.

The country is still having a conversation about gender equality," she said. -PTI

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Indian-American scientist develops meat in lab WASHINGTON: An IndianAmerican scientist-led team has developed contamination-free meat from animal cells in a laboratory that could be harvested in 9 to 21 days, a new technique that could help in stopping large scale slaughtering of animals globally.

Hoping to go in for large scale commercialization by selling meat grown from animal cells in the next few years, Uma S Valeti said the popularity of such meat would help stop large scale killing of animals.

"It is sustainable as well as cruelty free," Valeti, a cardiologist and co-founder of Memphis Meats, told PTI. The meat grown by his team in the laboratory does not carry the health side effects like bacterial contamination, or high saturated fat or the big environmental issues that come along with it, he said.

"We are growing meat which is safer, healthier, more sustainable," Valeti said.

For developing this unique variety of meat without killing an animal, the Andhra-origin doctor said they took identified cells from the targeted animal that are capable of renewing themselves.

These cells are then provided

Indian American Uma S Valeti, co-founder of Memphis Meats, which has developed artificial meat. The meat is expected to be available in the market in three to five years time

with oxygen and nutrients such as sugars and minerals, Valeti said.

The meat thus can be harvested between nine and 21 days, he said.

Valeti, who recently received

venture capital, said that they are working on beef, pork and chicken as these are the three meats that have highest consumption and also have the highest environmental and health impact.

They already had test runs for

Unstoppable Vijender clinches fourth win LIVERPOOL: There was no stopping Indian boxing star Vijender Singh as he notched up his fourth successive knockout professional win by pummeling Hungary's Alexander Horvath in under three rounds here.

Vijender had little trouble outpunching his opponent, who failed to get up after being thrown off balance by his body blows in the third round of the six-round contest of the middleweight (75kg) category.

"I don't know what happened to him, I think he was looking to get out by making an excuse. It's a good start to the year for me. I am happy to register another knockout win. I think this is a great start for me looking ahead to my WBO Asia title bout in India (on June 11) this year," Vijender said after the bout.

"My target is to win the Asia title in front of my home crowd and looking forward to register two more knockout wins in April before I play in India," he added.

The 30-year-old Indian, who

went into the contest on the back of three successive knockout triumphs, continued to be a cut above his rivals, who talk big but deliver little inside the ring.

The 20-year-old Horvath, with an experience of seven pro fights, had been drinking snake blood to prepare himself but it seemed the

Vijender Singh

bizarre routine helped little in countering the ferocity of India's first Olympic and World Championships bronze-medalist.

Vijender walked into the arena to the trademark beats of popular Bollywood song 'Singh is King' and was cheered vociferously by

the sizeable Indian community present inside.

The Indian took barely a few seconds to get a measure of his rival and once that was done, Vijender landed some telling jabs to unsettle Horvath, who spat out his gum shield twice in the opening round itself.

Vijender did exceptionally well in commanding the pace of the bout and managed to drain the Hungarian in the second round itself.

Horvath's body language was sluggish while Vijender executed his counter-attacks with the right mix of confidence and power.

Horvath's agony ended barely a minute into the third round when Vijender's body blows brought him to his knees, giving the Indian his fourth knockout triumph.

Vijender will next be seen in action on April 2, the opponent and venue for which would be decided later. -PTI

beef meat.

"We are motivated by the thought that people can buy it off the shelf," Valeti said.

"Our goal is to be in restaurants in three years and retail in five years. In 2021, we want to be in

retail or even earlier," he said.

While the first manufacturing base is to be set up in the US, Dr Valeti said. He is also exploring the possibility to establish a manufacturing foot print in India and China, as they have shown some interest.

"The meat that we are growing is identical at the molecular and cellular level," he said, adding that his product detaches the concept of slaughter of an animal to eat a meat be it beef, chicken or goat.

"Cultured meat will completely replace the status quo and make raising animals to eat them simply unthinkable," he said.

Valeti, a cardiologist who trained at the Mayo Clinic, is associate professor of medicine at the University of Minnesota and president of the Twin Cities American Heart Association.

He founded Memphis Meats with Nicholas Genovese, a stem cell biologist, and Will Clem, a biomedical engineer who owns a chain of barbeque restaurants in Memphis, Tennessee.

"I grew up in a meat eating family. From the very young age, I always thought, why do we eat the meat the way we do," he said referring to the slaughter of animals to eat meat. -PTI

Canadian govt has more Sikhs than Modi's Cont’d from page 6

and visiting Gurdwaras several times. He has also participated in Diwali celebrations apart from a 'Gurbani' recital. He has even helped out women in preparing meals in a langar.

Asked why he sought femalemale parity in cabinet appoint-

The four Sikh Canadians inducted into Trudeau's Cabinet include Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan, a combat veteran who did three tours in Afghanistan as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Apart from Sajjan, the other three Sikh His late father was prime ministers are - Infrastructure Minister minister for the better part of Amarjeet Sohi, Small Business Minister 16 years, between 1968 Bardish Chagger and and 1984 Innovation Minister Navdeep Singh Bains, the Canadian daily The Globe and ments, Trudeau said, "It's 2016, guys."

Mail had reported at the time.

Trudeau carries one of the most There were also 17 Sikh MPs elected in the election in Canada famous names in Canadian politiin October last year - 16 from the cal history. His late father was Liberal Party of Canada and one prime minister for the better part Conservative - the highest num- of 16 years, between 1968 and 1984, and remains the rare Canaber of Sikhs ever elected.

In contrast, there are two Sikh dian politician who is recognized Cabinet ministers in the Modi gov- in America.

During his interaction at the ernment - Maneka Gandhi, who is a Sikh by birth, and Harsimrat American University, the students Kaur Badal who is the Food Pro- did not let Trudeau get away with his now-standard poker-faced cessing Minister.

Trudeau, in the past, has been line on Republican Presidential spotted doing Bhangra moves front-runner Donald Trump.-PTI

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Indians should be proud of their heritage: PM NEW DELHI: The controversial event on the floodplains of Yamuna opened with Prime Minister Narendra Modi heaping praise on Sri Sri Ravi Shankar saying he had "introduced" India to the world but made no reference to the raging row over environmental concerns surrounding it.

The three-day cultural extravaganza attended by thousands of people and delegates from a number of countries saw the Prime Minister telling Indians to be proud of their cultural heritage.

"India has the cultural heritage and richness which the whole world is looking for. We can fulfill those needs... But it can only happen, if we take pride in our heritage. If we keep cursing it, then why the world will look at us," he said while praising Ravi Shankar's efforts in this regard.

Modi spent three hours at the event but did not make any reference in his brief speech to the controversy triggered by environmental activists accusing Ravi Shankar's Art of Living Foundation of destroying the river bed by erecting massive structures as

Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the inaugural ceremony of the World Culture Festival, in New Delhi on March 11. The Spiritual Leader and Founder of the “Art of Living Foundation�, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is also seen

dignitaries present on the occasion.

But several others including Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe, Sri Lankan President Maitripala Sirisena and Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah kept away.

In his address, Ravi Shankar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

lakhs of people are expected to participate.

Former French Prime Minister Dominique Villepin, Nepal's Deputy Prime Minister Kamal Thapa, UAE's Cultural Minister Al Nahayan were among the foreign

took a dig at his critics for describing the World Cultural Festival as his "private party" saying "obstacles" do come when something great is done.

Ravi Shankar also told his detractors that it was in our DNA to

"care for and love" nature and protect environment.

Rains threatened to play spoilsport but the event went ahead as per schedule amid colorful cultural performances by artists from across the world and addresses by foreign dignitaries.

Terming the event as "the Kumbh fair of art", Modi said even rains were "testing" the organizers.

"But this is art of living. Art of living is not living amid comforts and easy conditions. When move on with our ideas, it is art of living.

"When we live our dreams, it is art of living. When we tackle challenges, it is art of living and when we live for others instead of ourselves, it is art of living," he said.

The focus of Modi's brief address was the promotion of Indian culture and heritage to an audience which comprised participants from UAE, Argentina, Pakistan, Nepal among other countries.

"It is not that the world is connected by economic interests alone, it can also be connected through human values. It can be done, it should be done.

"India has the cultural heritage and richness which the whole world is looking for. We can fulfill

Kejriwal seeks Sri Sri help in cleaning Yamuna NEW DELHI: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has sought Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's assistance in cleaning the Yamuna River.

"We are sitting along the banks of Yamuna River. We have taken several initiatives for cleaning it.

If Guruji takes a little initiative ...

Several governments need to come together to keep the Yamuna clean. The Delhi government and

the Centre and many of its ministries need to come together.

"Today, on the left side of Guruji is the Union government and to his right is the Delhi government. If he takes the initiative and pledges to clean Yamuna under his leadership, then I think this can be achieved," Kejriwal said at AOL's World Culture Festival here.

"I consider myself very fortu-

nate that I could see this historic moment. I am thankful to Guruji.

Jai Gurudev," Kejriwal added.

The Delhi Chief Minister said he is very "selfish" and is seeking help in two areas, include cleaning of Yamuna River.

Noting that the AOL volunteers are "disciplined", he also sought assistance of its volunteers in Delhi government's functions. -PTI

those needs... But it can only happen, if we take pride in our heritage. If we keep cursing it, then why the world will look at us," he said while praising Ravi Shankar's efforts in this regard.

Emphasizing the importance of the "soft power" of India's' cultural heritage, Modi recalled that Art of Foundation had also organized an event during his visit to Mongolia where the residents of that country welcomed him carrying Indian flags.

"Where the authority and power of the state do not reach, the soft power has a very big role to play at those places...when the power of art is looked, then the inner strength of this nation comes out," he said.

At the event, which saw artistes from a number of countries performing, Modi hailed Indian traditional music as one which appeals to the soul unlike other ones, whose impact is confined to the body.-PTI

AOL won't pay fine, support Yamuna restoration NEW DELHI: Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, whose cultural event on the floodplains of Yamuna is mired in controversy over violation of green norms, has sounded defiant, saying he will not pay any fine or penalty.

But, he said, he would wholeheartedly support the "development and restoration" of the venue where the event is being held.

Addressing the event on the second day, Ravi Shankar said the amount the National Green Tribunal had asked the AOL to pay was for restoration and not as a penalty.

"All through, I have lived a spotless life. I have never been late to school. I have never paid fine, even of a single paisa. So, we said we will not pay any fine.

But then I was told that this is not a fine or penalty. It was wrongly reported in newspapers.

"They said it was for the development here. We said, if this is for development and restora-

tion, then we will whole-heartedly support this and put everything into this," Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said.

The NGT had allowed Art of Living Foundation to hold the festival but asked it to pay Rs 5 crore as environmental compensation for ecological damage.

However, the relief to the AOL Foundation came with a stinker from the green panel which took strong exception to Ravi Shankar's remarks about refusal to pay Rs 5 crore and instead saying he would prefer to go to jail.

"When a man of his stature makes such statements, it hits the very rule of law. If anybody hurts the image of the tribunal, he will be taken to rule of law. Don't treat tribunal as subject to your controversy with regard to the event," a bench headed by NGT Chairperson Swatanter Kumar said, while directing AOL to pay Rs 25 lakh immediately after the organization expressed difficulty in arranging Rs 5 crore in such a short period.-PTI

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Afridi's India love begets legal notice in Pak LAHORE, Pak: Shahid Afridi was dragged to court for "committing treason" and "hurting sentiments" of Pakistanis, a day after his statement that the national cricket team was "loved more in India" than in Pakistan.

A senior lawyer served a legal notice on the 36-year-old Pakistan cricket captain for his statement in India ahead of the World T20 tournament.

"I have served a legal notice on Shahid Afridi and 'de facto' chairman of Pakistan

Cricket Board Najam Sethi for their love for India over Pakistan. I have also written to PCB Chairman Shahryar Khan to launch an inquiry into the statement of Afridi in India," said advocate Azhar Saddique said while sharing the contents of the legal notice with PTI. "Afridi has let down the whole Pakistani nation for expressing more love for India than Pakistan. In fact he has committed treason. Now who will ensure that Pakistani team will play against India in

Shahid Afrid

Kolkata in T20 match to win," said Saddique.

At a press conference in Kolkata, Afridi had said, "I've not enjoyed playing anywhere as much as I have in India. I am in the last stage of my career and I can say that the love I have got in India is something that I will always remember. We have not got this much love even from Pakistan. There are cricket-loving people here, much like in Pakistan. Overall, I've enjoyed a lot playing in India in my cricketing career".

Saddique said Afridi's insensitive statement has not only hurt the sentiments of Pakistanis but also made his (Afridi) life vulnerable.

"God forbid if Pakistan loses match against India, Afridi keeping in view his 'pro-India' statement nobody here will forgive him ever," he said, adding Afridi is neither an ambassador nor a diplomat and he made "uncalled for comments" which he should take back.

"The PCB should investigate the role of Najam Sethi as he might have pushed Afridi to speak in favor of India. Sethi always advocates Indian cause," he said.

The notices have been sent to the residences of Afridi and Sethi.-PTI

Indian 'stole' computers from college NEW YORK: A 31-year-old Indian-origin man has been arrested and charged with stealing 22 computers worth over USD 30,000 from his former college in the US. Dhawal Gandhi, who is reportedly homeless, was arrested and charged with stealing USD 30,799 worth of desktop computers and equipment from Syracuse University's Link Hall, a report in syracuse.com said.

Gandhi has been in the Onondaga County Justice Center and is being held on USD 10,000 bail.

Gandhi, a former student of Syracuse University, allegedly trespassed at his college last month late in the night and stole 22 computers from a lab, police said.

The report said that the computers in the lab were fixed to tables with cable locks and Gandhi cut the cables and stole the 22 computers.

Syracuse Police Sergeant Rick Helterline said more than half of the computers have been recovered, some from various locations at the campus itself.

Gandhi told police he sold some of the computers and accessories online. Police said the motive behind Gandhi's action was not clear.

Gandhi was charged by Syracuse police with third-degree burglary, third-degree grand larceny and third-degree criminal while Syracuse Campus police has charged him with fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property and third-degree criminal trespass, both misdemeanors, according to jail records. -PTI

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NRI's novel deals with dispute resolution NEW DELHI: Author Shilpi Somaya Gowda deals with a slew of subjects like relationships, family dispute resolution and medical residency experience in her new book which is a love story spanning India and the US. "The Golden Son", published

by HarperCollins India, follows a young man through the three years of his internal medicine residency program at an urban American hospital in the early 2000s.

"While historical experience provided the inspiration for my story, all of the details of specific cases in this book are purely fictional, as are the village of Dharmala, India, and the town of Ashford, Texas," says US-based Gowda, who has also authored the New York Times bestseller "Secret Daughter".

Anil comes from a large family in rural India and as the eldest boy, he is expected to inherit the role of leader of his clan and arbiter of its disputes, dispensing wisdom and good advice.

Leena is his closest companion, a fiercely brave girl who loves nothing more than the wild terrain they inhabit and her close-knit family. As childhood friends, they are inseparable, but as adulthood approaches, they grow apart.

Anil is the first person in his family to leave India, the first to attend college, the first to become a doctor. Half a world away in Dallas, Texas, he is caught up in his new life, experiencing all the freedoms and temptations of American culture: he tastes alcohol for the first time, falls in love, and learns firsthand about his adopted country's alluring, dangerous contradictions.

Though his work in a gritty urban hospital is grueling, Anil is determined to carve out his own life in America.

At home, Leena dreams of marriage, a strong and true love like the one shared by her parents, and leaves her home to join her new husband's family in a distant village.

Then things start to go wrong:

Pramod Kapoor knighted with French award NEW DELHI: Roli Books founder and publisher Pramod Kapoor has been conferred with the prestigious 'Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur (Knight of the Legion of Honor) for his contribution towards producing books that have changed the landscape of Indian publishing and to promoting India

have created your own enterprise and you have made it flourish, which means that you are not only a man of culture and art but a man of business, two qualities which are very important," he said.

"Your books reveal you as a man focusing on quality, of elegance, culture, knowledge and in all desire to make the lives of the readers better," the ambassador said.

Kapoor who founded Roli Books in 1978, has conceived and produced several award winning books that have changed the landscape of Indian publishing. Books like "Made for Maharajas," "New Delhi: the Making of a capital" and most recently "Gandhi: an Illustrated Biography" have endeavored to weave compelling narratives through visual storytelling.

Distinguished publisher Pramod Kapoor was "I am not just honawarded the highest French distinction, ored but humbled to Knight of the Legion of the Honor by French stand here and to be ambassador Franรงois Richier in New Delhi given such a big honor. s tangible and intangible heritage It is a moment I will cherish rest of within the country and abroad. my life. I can't help but feel nosFrench ambassador to India talgic and feel almost like recountFrancois Richier bestowed the ing and autobiography, not in honor on the veteran publisher in color but in sepia," the 64-year old a ceremony here late last evening. author-publisher said while ac"You are not only a publisher. You cepting the award.-PTI

Anil makes a medical mistake with tragic results, his first love begins to fray and a devastating event makes him question his worth as

made years earlier.

As the two old friends discover each other again, they must also weigh the choice between respon-

a doctor and as a friend. On a visit home, Anil rekindles a friendship with the woman who seems to understand him better than anyone else. But their relationship is complicated by a fateful decision

sibility and freedom, and between loyalty and love.

"In India, there is a long tradition of settling disputes between individuals and families within a community. In its original form, the

panchayat - the assembly (ayat) of five (panch) respected elders was the inspiration for the name of the fictional village in this novel, Panchanagar. In less formal ways, I have witnessed the same practice of navigating disputes in my own family and that of others, usually by an elder male in the family," Gowda says.

"For the purpose of this narrative, I chose an individual, the eldest son of the clan, to be the arbiter; in reality, the practice of informal dispute resolution can be carried out in as many different ways as there are families," she says.

The author had generous help of many people, including patients, hospital staff, physicians, nurses, and current and former interns and residents at several medical centers across the country during her research process. -PTI

Tech News Indian launches global education fund DUBAI: An Indian-origin entrepreneur in the UAE has launched a new USD 200,000 fund to support education projects around the world by providing good teachers and quality education to every child including refugees.

Kerala-born Sunny Varkey, 59, a Dubai-based education philanthropist, launched the Varkey Foundation Challenge Fund here at the two-day Global Education and Skills Forum 2016.

The first allocations of the fund will go for projects in the Middle East, China, Ghana and Ukraine, Varkey said.

"The Challenge Fund looks to support early-stage initiatives which build the capacity of teachers and to strengthen the status of the teaching profession. As with the Global Teacher Prize, it is part of the Varkey Foundation's vision of providing every child with a good teacher and a quality education," Varkey said. -PTI

Jharkhand to facilitate industry function JAMSHEDPUR: Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das has said his government will act as a facilitator for smooth functioning of industry in the state as it was committed towards growth and development.

Taking part in a session of the ongoing '9th Enterprise Jharkhand', an industry and technology fair, at Gopal Maidan here, Das said four major thrust areas of the government were IT, Agriculture, Industry and Tourism.

He also pointed out that steps have been taken for 'Ease of Doing Business' to do away with bureaucratic hurdles and to allow industries flourish and pledged his government will act as a facilitator for smooth operation of the industry.

The Chief Minister announced that his government will be coming up with a separate policy on MSMEs and will also bring forward major incentives for the Mega Projects in the state.

Tata Steel Managing Director (India and South East Asia), T V Narendran, who is also a Deputy Chairman CII Eastern Region, highlighted various initiatives of CII at the Regional Level.

Narendran congratulated the state government for its proactive stance to address the concerns of industry and providing a conducive environment for industries.-PTI

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March 18, 2016

Adani to arrange land on its own for plant RANCHI: The Jharkhand government has said the Adani Group, which has signed an MoU with the state for a proposed Thermal Power Plant, would have to arrange the required land on its own.

"The Adani group has to arrange the required land for the power plant on its own," an official release said quoting Energy Department Principal Secretary S K G Rahate here.

"The MoU gives approval or disapproval rights to the state," he added.

Stating that interest of the state was kept during inking of the MoU, he said under the Jharkhand Energy Policy, the Adani group would provide 25 per cent of its installed capacity to Jharkhand on the rate fixed by the Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission.-PTI

977 companies from 46 countries to participate in Goa Defense Expo PANAJI: With more than 977 companies and 46 countries registering for the upcoming Defense Expo scheduled in western Indian state Goa, the Defense Ministry has said the event is steering the path of steady growth.

"Defexpo India 2016, the ninth in the series of biennial Land, Naval and Internal Homeland Security Systems Exhibition, will be held at Naqueri Quitol in Quepem taluka of South Goa from March 28-31," the Ministry said on its website designed for this internationally famed event.

"Defexpo India is clearly steering the path of steady growth and has been receiving overwhelming and unprecedented international response with each edition," it said.

This is for the first time that the Expo will travel to Goa from Delhi.

According to the Ministry, till date 977 companies and 46 countries have registered for participating in the Expo. For this edition, countries like USA, Russia, Sweden, Republic of Korea, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates and

Portugal amongst others have confirmed their participation.

"The eighth edition of Defexpo India held in February 2014 recorded an unprecedented growth in foreign as well as domestic com-

This year, on the first day, March 28, hosts of seminars including that on "State of Art Technology in Shipbuilding Initiative and Requirements of Indian Defense Shipyards" would be held.

panies' participation over its previous editions," the Ministry said.

"An impressive 232 foreign companies from 32 countries participated in the show in 2014 along with 15 country pavilions with a growth of 12.64 per cent in terms of space booking," it said.

There will also be a session on "International Cooperation in Futuristic Maritime Research and development" and "Advanced Technologies in Submarine Construction."

On next day, March 29, the Industrial body Associated Cham-

ber of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) will hold daylong Global Investors' Summit on Defense sector.

Similarly, there will also be a seminar on private sector participation in Defense development program which will be chaired by Smita Nagraj, Director General (Acquisitions), Union Ministry of Defense.

The event will also host a discussion on "Defense collaboration and joint ventures with global partners" to be chaired by K Nagaraj Naidu, Director, Investment and Technology Promotion Division of Union Defense Ministry.

The Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) has also planned a seminar on "Defense Off set: Challenges and Opportunities" during the event.

Another industrial body Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) will host "India Korea Defense Cooperation Seminar and business meet" and also discussion on modernization program of Indian Army. -PTI

Indian budget: the sheen is off ADRIAN LIM

U

nder the flamboyant Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indian government initiatives tend to be well-hyped. But at the end of February, after his finance minister Arun Jaitley, de-

Adrian Lim

livered the annual budget, there was a sense of anti-climax.

Mr Jaitley was sensible. He has to balance the needs of spending

to support growth and reform while reassuring investors that the government remains committed to deficit goals. So spending is up, but still in check.

This is positive for fixed income markets as it keeps hopes of interest rate cuts on course. We expect another 25 basis point (bps) cut when the Central Bank next meets in April, although a move could come even sooner.

For equities, the news was more muted. There was no trimming of corporate tax and silence on the goods and services tax (GST) - a pillar of Modi's reform agenda and critical if the government is to diversify and boost revenues. With the opposition having stalled such reforms and state elections coming soon, this was a disappointment but not a huge surprise.

With half an eye on politics, the

budget's focus was on the rural sector. A fat part of the U.S. $289 billion in projected spending will go on rural infrastructure, agriculture and social programs. More will be doled out via direct benefit transfers that will, for example, help farmers buy fertilizer.

In view of India's dire transpor-

sheet - should keep down headline costs.

Elsewhere, budget details were either short or tentative. For instance, the measly sum of 50 billion rupees (US$739 million) was earmarked for the recapitalization of the hard-pressed state banks.

In seeking a trade-off between

Mr Jaitley was sensible. He has to balance the needs of spending to support growth and reform while reassuring investors that the government remains committed to deficit goals. So spending is up, but still in check. tation bottlenecks, spending on roads and railways also remains a priority. Some artful shifting of planned capital expenditure to public sector undertakings - which are off the government's balance

growth and asset quality, the government appears to have conceded that proper reforms will have to wait. Divestment, alas, is off the table.

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PM pitches for further quota reforms at IMF

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the MOF-IMF Conference on “Advancing Asia: Investing for the Future”, in New Delhi on March 12

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pitched for further quota reforms at IMF to reflect global economic realities and give India and other emerging economies larger say in the working of multilateral bodies.

Modi said the long pending quota revisions agreed in 2010 have finally come into effect but "even now, IMF quotas do not reflect the global economic realities."

"Change in quotas is not an issue of increasing the 'power' of certain countries. It is an issue of fairness and legitimacy. The belief that quotas can be changed, is essential for the fairness of the system," he said addressing a conference on Advancing Asia, co-hosted by India and the Inter-

national Monetary Fund (IMF).

For poor nations to respect the legitimacy of such institutions, they must be able to aspire and to hope, he said.

"I am, therefore, very happy

IMF in January announced implementation of its long-pending quota reforms, which will give more voting rights to emerging economies such as India and China in the functioning of the multilateral institution. that the IMF has decided to finalize the next round of quota changes by October 2017."

The Prime Minister said the quota reforms implemented in January reflects the emerging

Modi promises to continue reform-to-transform NEW DELHI: Terming India a haven of macroeconomic stability, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to continue 'reform-totransform' process and pursue policies that will enhance growth and further inclusion.

India's rapid economic growth that is now the fastest among big economies in the world is very distinct in Asia, he said.

"We have never tried to gain in trade at the expense of our partners. We do not follow 'beggar thy neighbor' macroeconomic policies.

We have never undervalued our exchange rate," he said addressing a conference on Advancing Asia, co-hosted by India and IMF here.

Modi said India is a "haven of macroeconomic stability and a beacon of hope, dynamism and opportunity" amid global problems and has dispelled the myth that democracy and rapid economic growth cannot go together.

"India has also shown that a large, diverse country can be man-

aged in a way that can promote economic growth and maintain social stability," said.

tion, a comfortable balance of payments position and build-up of foreign exchange reserves.

In a difficult external environment and despite a second successive year of weak rainfall, India's growth rate increased to 7.6 per cent, the highest among major economies.

"All of us need to pursue policies that proUnion Minister for Finance, Arun Jaitley and the vide a stable Managing Director, International Monetary Fund (IMF), macroeconomy, Christine Lagarde exchanging the signed documents in enhance growth the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the and further inMOF-IMF Conference on “Advancing Asia: Investing for clusion," he the Future”, in New Delhi on March 12 said.

Listing achievements in macroStating that economic govereconomic stability, he said there nance has improved, he said corhas been a durable reduction in ruption and interference in the inflation, steady fiscal consolida- decisions of banks and regulators

India's star shines bright: IMF chief Lagarde NEW DELHI: Appreciating continuing reform process in the country, IMF chief Christine Lagarde has said "India's star shines bright" amid global economic challenges and can deliver nearly two-thirds of the worldwide growth over the next four years despite a slowing momentum.

The world's fastest-growing large economy, she said, is on the verge of having the largest and youngest-ever workforce and, in a decade, set to become the world's most populous country.

"So, India stands at a crucial moment in its history - with an

unprecedented opportunity for transformation.

Important reforms are already under way," the IMF Managing Director said at a conference on 'Advancing Asia: Investing for the Future' here. "Think, for example, of Makein-India and Digital India. And with the promise of even more reforms to come, India's star shines bright."

The conference is being organized by the Ministry of Finance and IMF, which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Recalling that India and IMF go back a long way together - India was a founding member of the

Fund more than 70 years ago Lagarde said Asia is the world's most dynamic region and today accounts for 40 per cent of the global economy.

"Over the next four years, even with a slightly declining momentum, it stands to deliver nearly two-thirds of global growth," she added.

Lagarde, who got reelected for the second term as chief of the Washington-headquartered International Monetary Fund (IMF), pointed to the global economy facing many challenges-PTI

economies' greater weight in the world economy.

"This will give them (emerging economies) more say in collective decisions in the IMF," he said while lauding IMF Managing Di-

are now behind us.

"We do not intend to rest on these achievements because my agenda of 'reform-to-transform' still needs to be finished," he said.

Modi said Budget 2016-17 provides a roadmap for future plans and ambitions.

"Our underlying philosophy is clear: To create the climate for wealth generation and for that wealth to be spread to all Indians, especially the poor, vulnerable, farmers, and disadvantaged communities," he said. -PTI

rector Christine Lagarde's role in persuading all members to ratify the decisions taken in 2010.

Hoping that IMF would be able to build on this success, Modi said, "Reform of global institutions has to be an ongoing process. It must reflect changes in the global economy, and the rising share of emerging economies."

IMF in January announced implementation of its long-pending quota reforms, which will give more voting rights to emerging economies such as India and China in the functioning of the multilateral institution.

India's quota in IMF rose to 2.7 per cent from 2.44 per cent and its voting share increased to 2.6 per cent from 2.34 per cent.

For the first time, four emerging market countries of the BRIC bloc Brazil, China, India, and Russia will be among the 10 largest members of IMF.-PTI

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Time not right to return to India: Mallya NEW DELHI/HYDERABAD: Beleaguered businessman Vijay Mallya, who has been summoned by the ED to appear before it on March 18, has ruled out his return to India for now, saying the time is not "right".

Mallya said this as his troubles mounted with a Hyderabad court issuing a non-bailable warrant

e-mail by PTI on his future plans.

He, however, tweeted that he was being "hunted down" by the media in the United Kingdom.

"I am being hunted down by media in UK. Sadly they did not look in the obvious place. I will not speak to media so don't waste your efforts," he said.

The liquor baron while stating

Vijay Mallya

(NBW) against the liquor baron after he failed to appear before it in a cheque dishonor case.

The court order in the case of alleged dishonor of a Rs 50 lakh cheque to GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd came even as Union Labor Minister Bandaru Dattatreya said a probe will be launched to check whether there were any anomalies in the Provident Fund (PF) contributions made by Mallya's Kingfisher Airlines for its employees when it was functioning.

Mallya, 60, is facing multiple proceedings for allegedly defaulting on loans of over Rs 9,000 crore from various banks.

His departure from India on March 2 unhindered in the middle of the probes also triggered a political row.

Taking forward its money laundering probe in the alleged default in payment of Rs 900 crore dues to IDBI bank by the now defunct Kingfisher airlines, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued summons to Mallya for appearance in Mumbai on March 18.

Asked when he planned to return to India, Mallya told 'The Sunday Guardian' in an e-mail interview, "I am an Indian to the core.

Of course I want to return. But I am not sure I'll get a fair chance to present my side. I've already been branded as criminal. I do not feel the time is right."

Mallya did not respond to an

that the time is not right for his return said he left India due to a "personal visit with a friend" and appeared to shift the blame of the massive loan default to the banks.

"There was a lookout notice issued against me last year. But I didn't t 'escape'. Why am I being portrayed as a criminal now? Loan defaults are a business matter.

When the banks give out loans, they know the risk involved. They decide, we don t.

"Our own business was flourishing, but plummeted suddenly.

Don t make me the villain. I have the best intentions. I m quiet because I fear my words will be twisted like of others," he said.

"I've not done anything wrong.

I am being victimized...I'm one of the most open people. I'm forced to go into hiding and that makes me sick."

The 14th Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) in Hyderabad issued the NBWs on March 10 against the company (airline), Mallya and another senior official of the carrier and posted the matter to April 13.

Mallya's counsel H Sudhakar Rao said he will move the high court seeking quashing of the non-bailable warrant.

GMR counsel G Ashok Reddy said, "He (Mallya) and others were supposed to appear before the court on March 10. They did not appear...hence, court issued NBW order which has to be executed by April 13."-PTI

'All willful defaulters to be brought to justice' NEW DELHI: Amid a raging row policy failure of the previous govover loan defaults by Vijay Mallya, ernment, are facing significant fithe government has said that "full nancial distress. force of the law" is being applied "And we have to have approto bring all willful loan defaulters priate resolution process as well to justice. as appropriate policy intervention Minister of State for Finance to ensure those that are NPAs for Jayant Sinha said willful default- those kind of reasons go through ers and the corporates that are orderly resolution process," he unable to repay loans as their busi- said. ness is hit due to global slowdown He said there wasn't anything should not be commingled. "illegal or criminal" done by those "We have some people that are classic business failures that hapwillful defaulters, that have genuinely engaged in illegal activity. Willful defaulters and the As far as those are concerned, the full force of corporates that are unable the law is being applied. to repay loans as their busiAll the investigative agencies are working in ness is hit due to global that regard to ensure slowdown should not be that they have to be brought to justice," he commingled. told reporters here.

He, however, did not make any direct reference to pened because of wrong busiMallya who had left India on ness/financial strategies or exterMarch 2, presumably for London, nal factors that made project or days before the Supreme Court business unviable. heard a plea of clutch of state"... We have to recognize that owned banks seeking recovery of we have to ensure these problems over Rs 9,000 crore from his group have occurred because people companies. have done willfully wrong thing ...

Sinha said the second set of (and) people who are facing busidefaulters are those corporates ness challenges do not have to go who, because of some slowdown through those kind of problems in global economy or because of again.-PTI

'Avoid toxic growth while emulating China' BEIJING: India must avoid China's supply-driven growth model and stay clear of the toxic manufacturing processes that have damaged the environment while emulating the Chinese infrastructure development plan to achieve a double-digit growth, according to a senior Indian official.

"China unleashed a blistering level of double-digit economic growth for three decades, using a cleverly driven strategy of inviting foreign investments to leverage on a supply of cheap land and labor, while encouraging domestic enterprises to become big and absorb foreign technologies," Sumita Dawra, who has worked as India's first Economic Counselor in the Indian Embassy here, said.

Dawra recently released her book 'China: Behind The Miracle' in which she has provided a detailed account of the Chinese economic success.

"Infrastructure was developed, and supply chains are today one of China's biggest advantages," she told PTI in an e-mail interview.

"India must similarly invest in

infrastructure and attract foreign investments in a strategic manner.

Skilling the labor force and identification of land banks would smoothen the process of domestic and foreign investments.

"At the same time, India must avoid China's supply-driven growth model that has resulted in overhang of infrastructure, industrial overcapacities, surplus realestate inventories, rapidly dimin-

environmentally toxic, polluting air, water and soil, as has happened in many parts of China," she said.

Dawra headed the Economic Wing of the embassy between 2011-14 and is currently posted as Principal Secretary for Higher Education in Andhra Pradesh.

The Economic Wing was set up as an intrinsic part of the Indian Embassy here to act as the nodal wing of the Finance Ministry and

India must similarly invest in infrastructure and attract foreign investments in a strategic manner. Skilling the labor force and identification of land banks would smoothen the process of domestic and foreign investments. ishing returns on investment," she said.

Dawra said India "must encourage a market-driven model that brings in more efficiency in investments."

"We must also stay clear of manufacturing processes that are

focus on economic matters, bring about macro- economic coordination, foreign investments, aid technical and financial coordination between Chinese and Indian firms.

In the 221-page book, Dawra attempts to provide an extensive account of her study of the Chi-

nese economy, which in 2011 emerged as the world's secondlargest economy with prospects of even overtaking the US. But of late, it has been bogged down and is struggling to halt the slowdown impacting its social and political systems.

"I arrived in China in 2011 - a year after the country had its last double-digit growth of 10.4 per cent in 2010. I saw the growth rates dip to 7.7 per cent in 2012."

And she says as she left China in July 2014, the days of economic slowdown in Chinese economy had already set in.

"Trends of extensive cooling down of investments, retail sales and factory output were also firmly discernible. As were issues of rapidly rising local government debt levels, risky shadow banking, industrial over-capacities, declining corporate profit - which were all part of the economic slowdown," she said.

The slowdown has continued despite measures to develop the lesser-developed western provinces and massive urbanization.-PTI

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March 18, 2016

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King's College to set up hospital in Andhra LONDON: King's College Hospital, one of UK's largest teaching hospitals, will soon set up a 1,000bed world-class medical facility in Andhra Pradesh's new capital Amaravati, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has announced.

"The King's College Hospital has agreed to set up a 1,000-bed hospital in Amaravati immediately and make it their headquarters as they plan to set up 11 hospitals in different parts of India," Naidu said here.

"They will manufacture equipment necessary for the hospitals in India itself. They will also promote Health Tourism in India. The foundation for the hospital in Amaravati will be laid in the first

transplantation, neurosciences, haemato-oncology and fetal medicine.

A 'Health City' of 6387.67 acres has been planned in the capital and land has been reserved throughout the city for healthcare infrastructure. A medical academy and research centers are planned in the capital, providing access to workforce.

"Leading institutions like AIIMS and the Indo-UK Institute of Health have already shown interest in setting up hospitals in the capital," he said.

The Chief Minister said his government has set up an office for Amaravati in London.

"Vijay Goel, partner Singhania & Co, a leading solicitor firm here,

week of June," he said.

King's College Hospital is one of the UK's largest and busiest teaching hospitals with specialized work in liver diseases and

has offered to set up the office free of cost," he said.

The office will coordinate with investors and help them invest in Amaravati. Earlier in the day, Naidu

visited the Special Gallery of Amaravati at the British Museum.

The Chief Minister also had a

Chandrababu Naidu

separate meeting with Non-Resident Telugus in the UK and they offered to adopt villages in Andhra Pradesh for speedy development.

Naidu said he planned to set up a Museum in Amaravati and get expertise from the British Museum.

The Chief Minister said his government would also set up Balaji temples all over the world.

"We want to set up Balaji Temples all over the world and promote Kuchupudi dance as part of religious and cultural promotion," Naidu said.

He said at a recent global investment conference held at Vishakhapatnam, a total of "Rs.4.67 lakh crore investment" has been promised by global investors.

"I am confident that a reasonable amount will come," the chief minister said. -PTI

Melinda Gates meets Rajnath Singh NEW DELHI: Melinda Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, called on Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh here and apprised him about various activities of her organization.

During the 20-minute meeting, Gates briefed the Home Minister about the ongoing projects of the Foundation in sectors like health, agriculture and rural development.

She also told the Home Minister about fresh projects to be initiated by the Foundation in some backward areas covering sectors like education and child and women welfare, official sources said.

The Home Minister appreciated the works of the Foundation in India and assured Gates of all necessary help.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is not registered under the Foreign Contribution Regulation

Act (FCRA) which is required for foreign organizations to undertake charitable works in India.

The Foundation, however, op-

erates as a 'Branch Office' under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) as approved by the Reserve Bank of India. -PTI

She also told the Home Minister about fresh projects to be initiated by the Foundation in some backward areas covering sectors like education and child and women welfare

The Co-Chair & Trustee, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Melinda Gates calling on Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh, in New Delhi on March 12

HDFC Bank has no respect for India: NCDRC NEW DELHI: The HDFC Bank problem," the bench headed by "has got no love and respect for Justice J M Malik said.

India" as it put the country's repuThe apex commission entation at stake by not activating a hanced the compensation from Rs debit card of a couple "trapped in 50,000 to Rs 5 lakh to Chandigarh a foreign country", the apex con- residents, senior advocate sumer court has said.

Mohinderjit Singh Sethi and his The National Consumer Dis- wife Rajmohini Sethi. putes Redressal Commission The couple had approached (NCDRC) made the observations NCDRC against an order of a state while asking the bank to pay a consumer commission which had compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the refused to enhance Rs 50,000 comIndian couple, who were stuck in pensation awarded by a district Thailand and Singapore as the consumer forum. bank did not activate their debit In its order, the apex consumer card for 10 days in 2008. commission said the bank was at "The bank has got no love and respect for India. The reputation of "He committed an egreIndia was at stake.

Knowing fully well that gious mistake for taking no Indians were trapped in action for 10 days. It a foreign country, it was exposes the sloth and the bounden duty of the manager to swing callousness on the part of into action immediately. the manager. This shows "He committed an egregious mistake for negligence� taking no action for 10 days. It exposes the sloth and callousness on the part liberty to take action against of the manager. This shows negli- branch manager Rajinder Patheja gence, inaction and passivity on and at least Rs 50,000 may be dethe part of the bank. ducted from his salary, out of the "Foreigners always complain said compensation. that due to procedural delays, they According to the complaint do not want to have business re- filed by the couple, Raj Mohini lations with this country. The opened a joint account after delackadaisical approach by the positing Rs 1.5 lakh and the bank bank is surprising. issued a debit card with an assurThe bank manager did not make ance that they would face no diffiany effort to straighten out the culty in foreign countries.-PTI

Indian budget: the sheen is off Cont’d from page 48

In seeking a trade-off between growth and asset quality, the government appears to have conceded that proper reforms will have to wait.

Meanwhile, there was a boost to institutional reforms with a new legal framework announced for dispute resolution and re-negotiations on public private partnerships (PPP), although there was no word on the actual mechanics of debt recovery, insolvency and bankruptcy.

Some aspects of the budget's small print were encouraging. Tariff hikes on tobacco were up 10.3%, a few percentage points ahead of inflation and within consumer tolerance. Overzealous hikes in the past have typically just pushed smokers to buy nonbranded cigarettes, defeating the

intention of raising revenues.

Overall, we believe the sheen has come off India's growth story a little as slowing global trade catches up with it - much as everywhere else. Earnings growth has been stalling, although there have been signs of resilience among individual companies. This change in growth put to rest any big gestures in the budget.

That said, we believe foreign direct investment remains healthy while competitive federalism - the devolution of economic resource allocation and decision-making to the states - is producing results, especially by improving the ease of doing business.

And so despite the slightly underwhelming budget, we still like India from both a fixed income and equity market perspective.

The writer is Senior Investment Manager, Asian Equities

Desi News PG&E contributes $1 million to Red Cross India Post News Service

OAKLAND, CA: Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is contributing $1 million to the American Red Cross to build safer, more disaster resilient communities across Northern and Central California. The donation was presented during the March 7 Golden State Warriors' PG&E Title Night halftime show.

"Last year, during one of the worst wildfire seasons in California history, the Red Cross was vital in helping communities recover.

From clothing to food to housing, the Red Cross meets critical, basic needs when it counts the most.

We're proud of our decades-long partnership with the Red Cross, and to support its meaningful work across our service area," said PG&E Vice President of Emergency Preparedness and Operations Barry Anderson.

The donation will be used to support the Home Fire Preparedness Campaign, a multi-year home safety program that will help save lives and enhance safety in underserved communities. Some of the program activities include door-to-door installation of smoke detectors and home-safety checklists, as well as in-classroom demonstrations on fire safety. More information on how to take advantage of this program can be found at www.pge.com/ partnersinpreparedness.

"For over forty years, the vibrant partnership between the Red Cross and PG&E has provided critical disaster preparedness and response programs to the people of Northern and Central California.

We are grateful for their continued support. This funding allows Red Cross to provide the tools like smoke alarms and preparedness education to make our communities safer, empower local residents with the skills, networks and supplies necessary to serve as leaders in times of emergency, and enhance the ability of the Red Cross to stand ready year-round to provide help and hope to hundreds of local disaster clients," said American Red Cross of Northern California Coastal Region CEO Trevor Riggen.

Local Warriors, a partnership between the 2015 NBA Champion Golden State Warriors and PG&E, also teamed up with the American Red Cross this month to educate Bay Area students about disaster preparedness.

Warriors' Guard Brandon Rush visited the Boys and Girls Club Columbia Park Clubhouse in San Francisco on March 2, and along with volunteers from Local Warriors and the Red Cross, built disaster preparedness kits that were distributed to club members.

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Believing in God, by logic & scientific reasoning-II Details on page 25

March 18, 2016

Dr Romesh Japra to be honored with NFL Alumni & MESHOF award India Post News Service

FREMONT, CA: NFL Alumni and Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame will honor Silicon Valleys' community leader Dr. Romesh Japra at their 16th Annual Bay Area Induction and Legacy Award Ceremony.

This year's Hall of Fame inductees include 49rs Willie Harper, Allan Kennedy, Ted Kwalick, Dana Stubblefield and Ray Wersching.

Raiders will include George Buehler, John Vella, Robert Jenkins, and Mervyn Fernandez.

ment from NFL. This event will be held at 6 PM on March 26th in Fremont, CA. Dr Romesh Japra, the Visionary Thirty-six years ago, Dr Japra had a vision - How to empower Indian American Community.

Since then he's been on a continuous journey working tirelessly towards this mission. He's been very creative and innovative and step by step has brought the Indian American Community to a tremendously respectable and empowered status, not only in Silicon

Dr. Romesh Japra with Prime Minister Narendra Modi

it into a thriving and flourishing center which not only provides social, spiritual, cultural and religious needs of the society but has also transformed those children from confused to confident Indians. Dr Japra has been serving as Chairman of this center for the last 33 years.

In 1987, Dr Japra became President of FIA (Federation of Indo Americans) of Northern California.

From 1987 to 1992 he founded the Annual Unity Conventions where Coach Bill Walsh (posthumously), Clem Daniels and Leigh Steinberg will receive Legacy Awards.

To be chosen for this honor, one must have made a major contribution to the world, and have been a role model for youth during their career. With diligence and tenacity in his own endeavors, Dr. Japra, has made an impression on the world, and on the youth with his influence upon them for the betterment of their personal lives.

"I am pleased to accept this award on behalf of Festival of Globe, Silicon Valley (FOG-SV), its members and the Silicon Valley community", said Dr. Romesh Japra reacting to this announce-

Valley of San Francisco Bay area but across the United States of America.

In 1979, he observed that next generation children were being discriminated in schools as browns and they were losing their confidence and will, despite being the most intelligent kids in their class. They started refusing their identity of having Indian roots, eating Indian food and wearing Indian clothes.

Along with some other like minded people Dr Japra founded Hindu Temple and Cultural Center in Fremont, California. It's a long and touching story but they managed to buy a church and convert

Youth Leadership Development, growing up in two cultures, pride in your identity, culture and heritage etc were the main topics. Dr Japra led celebrations of India's Independence Day and Republic Day. To bring about Economic Empowerment, he founded the Indo American Chamber of Commerce. He was also President of National Indo American Forum for Political Education.

At Holi celebration with Community

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Air India flew all-female flight on Women's Day VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service

SAN FRANCISCO: Commemorating International Women's Day, India's national carrier Air India Flight 173 took off on Sunday March 6 from Delhi to reach San Francisco, with an all-female crew, making it the longest flight staffed entirely by women in history. The airline was operated by all-women crew led by Captain Kshamta Bajpayee and Captain Shubhangi Singh, along with First Officers Ramya Kirti Gupta and Amrit Namdhari.

Sandeep Roy Choudhury, Air

India Manager San Francisco, described the 17-hour flight as a "symbol of women empowerment." The airline has immense

respect for women. All the onboard positions on the flight including the pilots, cabin crew, check-in staff, doctor, customer care, air traffic control and ground crew were held by women, added Sandeep. An event was hosted by Air India at Le Meridien, San Francisco CA on March 8th to felicitate the crew and their achievement.

Consul General Ambassador Venkatesan Ashok and Savita Vaidyanathan, Vice Mayor Cupertino, were the guests of honor. The event was attended by Air India officials, Deputy Consul General of India KJ Srinivasa and

media.

Captain Kshamata Bajpayee said, "I feel truly blessed to be part of the Air India family. Only when

you wish can you be granted that wish. Only when you dream can that dream come true, it has come true for me".

Captain Shubhangi Singh told India Post, "I come from a modest family, and without any aviation background. I am overwhelmed to be part of an all-women crew in the history of aviation. It's a long flight covering various countries.

There are several procedures that we had to keep in mind. There is no shortcut to success, hard work, pays".

"The entire message is actually to encourage young girls who have dreams of getting into the skies and they feel it's too techni-

cal or this is something only men do. This flight's a symbol that every single male-dominated function can be carried out by women safely and efficiently", says the whole crew in one chord.

Every year Air India operates all-women flights to celebrate the International Women's Day. This year they operated 18 flights

Air India's mission to make women self-reliant forms a core facet of the national carrier's corporate responsibility towards its women employees and reflects the "Truly Indian" tradition of showing respect to women. Air India was the first carrier in the world to operate an all-women crew in 1985.

The state-run airline has around 3,800 women workforce of the total 27,500 people with 20,500 of them regular. Every year Air India operates all-women flights to celebrate the International Women's Day. This year they operated 18 flights with all women crews in both domestic and international routes.

Lord Shiva festivities at Hari Om Mandir Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: Devotees of Shiva celebrated the festival of MahaShivaratri at the Hari Om Mandir on Monday March 7 with great joy and enthusiasm. This was the day of Lord Shiva's wedding with MaaGauri (Parvati) and people observe fast and perform special Poojas.

As per Hindu tradition, devotees bathe the Shiva Lingam with holy water, milk, honey and offer Chandan, BelPatra amidst chanting of prayers, mantras and the resonating sound of Om Nama Shivaya.

Newly married couple Manish and Amrit celebrating the festival of MahaShivaratri at Hari Om Mandir Shobhanaben doing Jalabhishek

It is called the "RudraAbhishek".

Living up to tradition, thousands of devotees came to the Hari Om Mandir to perform the rituals and sing the glory of Lord Shiva.

For the convenience of the people, the Temple authorities had made special arrangements to perform these Poojas at two stations.

The Mandir Priest, Pandit Dinesh Kumar recited the holy Mantras and helped devotees to perform the special "Rudrsabhishek Pooja" at the regular Shiv Darbar, which is also open every Monday. Another

Devotees celebrating the festival of MahaShivaratri

station was set up with a huge Brass Statue of Lord Shiva, the Shivaling & Nandi raised on a tall pedestal, shining bright amidst lights, exhibiting His glory, charm and might.

This year almost 3000 people came to the temple to do the Pooja as early as 7.30am, and by the evening, long unending lines were seen at both the stations. A special Bhajan Sandhya was organized in the evening, where two well-known singers of the Midwest region: Padmini and Uma Nath mesmerized

the audiences with their soulful Bhajans.

The President of the Temple EB, Vipan Wadhera thanked members and volunteers who had worked hard to make appropriate arrangements for this day. The priest, Pandit Dinesh Kumar, who recited the Shiv Mantras nonstop all day, did Poojas and helped the devotees who came to the temple, to seek solace and peace in the lap of their Lord Shiva.

Special Thandai and fruit prasad was distributed and the devotees relished the same.

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Unique cultural program at MahaSivarathri celebrations Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple in Aurora organized a devotion-filled cultural program on Saturday, March 5 in the temple auditorium celebrating MahaSivarathri "Om NamahShivayah" was a unique program consisting of chanting of slokas, classical music and dance performances by fea-

Academy rendered Sambhomahadeva, Mamavasadajanani and Mahaganapatim and students of Smt. Maragatham Mani of Ganalahari School of Music and Culture rendered Bhajans on Lord Siva.

An exquisite Bharatanatyam performance

by Swetha Ravishankar from Portland, Oregon was embellished with grace and expertise. She explored the romantic love of mother Parvathi for Lord Siva.

Soudaryalahari by students of Dr Burra Hemalatha

tured artists, professional teachers of Chicagoland and their senior students. The classical Indian dance forms of Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi and Odissi were presented in the Veluchamy auditorium.

The event began with a fervent invocation - Lingashtakam, Ananda Natamaduvar and Siva PanchakshariStotram by young students of Smt. Devaki Janakiraman of Noopura Dance Academy. Students of Smt. Rama Gurupalli of Rama Advanced Music

Soorya Dance School under the artistic director Jinoo Varghese presented Ardhanareeswara, a beautiful ragamalika, depicting the union of Lord Siva and Mother Parvathi. Mudra Dance Academy students gave an energetic and inspiring performance of Siva Stuti and Natarja Natanam, with beautiful Siva costumes.

Students of Mahalakshmi Varadhan of Noopura Dance Academy presented BhoShambho, Nataraja Anjali and

Ardhanarishwara Stuthi, which was well of ladies chanted beautifully Adi Sankara's received.

Soundaryalahari with English commentary.

Bharatanatyam by Madhavi Reddi of Pabitra Pradhan's Odissi dance was capWashington DC was next . With finesse tivating. His grace of movement, energetic and passion she presented beautifully cho- foot work, astounding sense of balance as reographed pieces - Siddi Vinayakam, he rendered Sivapanchaka and Panchabhuta Adidum Arase and Shankara Shrigiri. captivated the audience.

Sushmita Arunkumar of Nrithyanjali Students of Sowmya Kumaran of School of Dance gave a thrilling presenta- Nrithyasangeeth presented Kapalini beaution of the thunderous descent of river tifully which was well appreciated. Nrithya Ganga from her ce- Geethanjali Dance Academy students prelestial world on to sented Deva Stuthi and Idadupadam with the earth and how great ease and beauty. A special mention of Lord Siva effort- the item AndanalInivarumo by Pravalika lessly contains her Bhagavatula, a special needs child, was in his locks, in appreciated by one and all. This was folThungatarangegange. lowed by the concluding presentation of Her students pre- Guru Poonam Mahesh of Nrityanant Persented Natamadum forming Arts, and her students showcasing Nadanadi with ease. Siva Kirtanam and Sambhostuti. The beauThere was a vi- tifully coordinated costumes were pleasing brant Kuchipudi to the eye and the dance was enthralling. performance by Welcome words and vote of thanks were Aparna Satheesan, given by Viji Susarla, co-chair of the culartistic director of Samyoga from Indiana.

With beautiful expression and precise footwork, she presented Ganesha Pravesha Daravu and Ganapathy Kauthuvam in praise of Lord Ganesha and Shiva Stuthi where she explored the stories of Markandeya, and Tripurasura and the swallowing of halahala by Lord Siva.

Dr Hemalatha Burra, a Sanskrit scholar and a reFeatured artist Swetha Pabitra Pradhan presenting tired professor of Sri Ravishankar Odissi Satya Sai University, India, made a unique sloka presentation. tural committee.

While her young students rendered Balaji temple cultural committee will be Ardhanareeswara stortram and Sivatandava hosting a classical vocal concert by Vidwan stotram with accurate pronunciation, amaz- Sikkil Gurucharan on March 19, 5 pm at ing discipline and musical precision, a group Veluchamy Auditorium.

Mahashivratri celebrated in Greater Boston GEETHA PATIL

BOSTON: Mahashivaratri was celebrated with great zeal and religious fervor at the Shivalaya Temple of Greater Boston on Monday March 7 with over 800 devotees of all ages participating.

The Rudra Abhishekams were performed for every 30 minutes between 7 am to 6 pm

and worship was conducted. The temple witnessed heavy rush from early morning.

In the evening, Shiva Tandava Nritya, Shiva Kalyanam and Bhajans were organized as part of cultural programs of the celebration.

Aarti To Lord Shiva

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March 18, 2016

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Young Nepali wins big in Bingo lottery ARVIND PATEL

CHICAGO: "I have been occasionally buying Blackout Bingo tickets for the past six months because I enjoy playing the Bingo-style game. I never imagined my favorite game would pay off with a $100,000 prize!" Lasang Tamang said when he presented his winning ticket at the Illinois Lottery Prize Center in Chicago.

Tamang was on his way to work at a downtown Chicago hotel when he stopped to buy a soft drink and a Blackout Bingo ticket. He was at work when he scratched it and realized he was a big winner. When he shouted 'I won!' his co-workers came running and then cheered when they found out he'd won the lottery.

Dr Romesh Japra to be honored with NFL Alumni & MESHOF award Cont’d from page 17

ture. Lots of other diverse groups are asking him how to empower their communities.

So Dr Japra decided to launch FOG (Festival of Globe).

Dr Japra 's vision is to create a single platform and many bridges for all global communities to share their culture and heritage and thus empower themselves.

San Francisco Global Movie Fest is also his brainchild. Dr Japra strongly believes that films, music and performing arts can unite all the diverse communities lot easier than any other activity.

Dr Japra has lived in Silicon Valley for 36 years. He has seen ideas transforming into reality and entrepreneurship blossoming into wealth. He envisions Silicon Valley helping filmmaker entrepreneurs as well. Venture capitalists, angel investors and bankers will also come on FOG platform to participate in Investor Pitch.

Besides promoting culture and Arts Dr Japra has been a champion of various chari-

He was appointed by President George Bush to the Meritorious Award Commission in the White House. He raised funds to set up the first India Studies Chair at University of Berkeley. He was bestowed upon the best Immigrant Award. All this helped him to empower the Indian American Community in every field of life.

In 1993, Dr Japra envisioned something real big. He founded Annual Festival of India and Parade along with India's Independence Day Celebrations. Creating this Little India every year, he helped the first generation Indo Americans to cherish and thrive on nostalgic atmosphere and second generation to imbibe their rich heritage, culture, values, traditions and philosophy. Showcasing our culture to mainstream Americans and other ethnic communities helped in contributing best parts of Indian culture to the mainstream American culture.

The First Festival of India and Parade where Bollywood Star Asha Parekh was the Grand Marshall attracted 5000 participants. Since then it has grown by leaps and bounds and in 2014 there were 150,000 attendees.

Dr Japra has not only been the founder of Festival of India and Parade but also its Convener for the last 23 years. He's been persistent and consistent in recruiting youngsters in thouDr Romesh Japra with Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar sands. They participate in different aspects of leadership roles. They design and ties. Through Aasra, helping women and build Parade floats reflecting our culture children victims of domestic violence; and heritage. They perform cultural dances, through FIA Senior wing helping elderly for musicals as reflections of our rich antiquity. health, transportation, immigration, meals Besides promoting Art, Craft and Food and abuse issues; through IWE wing, Emin the Festival Dr Japra initiated free Health powering Women; through Toy Drive, helpFair which has been serving the communi- ing destitute and juvenile children. His vities for 30 years. His motto all along has sion also includes feeding the hungry and been Sharing and Caring. He personally supporting homeless, fundraising for earthdevotes time to serve the uninsured and quake victims and many others. elderly patients at the center.

Dr Japra's stamina amazes everyone. He After noticing cross cultural ethnic com- has become a role model to many and an munities and mainstream Americans joining icon of not only Indian Americans but comin, Dr Japra is envisioning the Global pic- munities at large.

Originally from Nepal, Tamang, 29, lives in Rogers Park with his parents, brother and two sisters. He plans to share the windfall with his family. "I have to take care of my family. I want to make them as happy as they have made me." He also plans to buy himself a car. When asked what advice he would give to other lottery players he said, "Play your favorite game like I did!"

The winning Blackout Bingo ticket was purchased at Gateway Newstand, 875 North Michigan Avenue in Chicago. The store will receive a $1,000 bonus, one percent of the prize amount, for selling a winning ticket. Blackout Bingo is a $10 instant ticket with a top prize of $500,000. For more information, please visit

illinoislottery.com.

Founded in 1974, the Illinois Lottery has contributed over $18 billion to the state's Common School Fund to assist K-12 public schools, as well as hundreds of millions of

Lasang Tamang

dollars to the Capital Projects Fund and to special causes like Illinois Veterans, the fight against breast cancer, MS research, Special Olympics, and assistance for people living with HIV/AIDS.

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Operation Asha winning more laurels FRANK FERNANDES

MUMBAI: Operation Asha has proved again that it is not confining its operations to India and has been doing exceptional work outside the country Set up in 2005 with a compelling vision to improve the lives of the disadvantaged, its first step in this direction was to eradicate TB and then add other products and services to the delivery pipeline of Operation Asha. Their clearsighted goals and unwavering dedication prompted policy-makers, health practitioners and investors to join from both sides of the Atlantic.

The organization's primary work is curing TB and preventing Multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in India and Cambodia.

Operation Asha specializes in lastmile connectivity, bridging the gap between government medicine distribution centers and the communities of patients to deliver treatment at the doorsteps of the under-served.

Its work in Cambodia has resulted in the training of more than 3000 people from remote villages

as community health workers.

These foot soldiers carry out TB

flung areas, thus ensuring health and economic stability, and pre-

Dr Shelly Batra in Davos

detection and provide doorstep delivery of TB medicines to patients living in villages and far-

Drug resistance continues to be one of the biggest challenges. "We prevent this by using eCompliance, the fingerprint technology to monitor every dose taken, and slowly but surely, eCompliance is becoming the gold standard for TB care. This eCompliance has been replicated

by ASPAT, an NGO in Peru, by the name SisBiotic, to target Peru's TB high treatment abandonment rate.

Aspat Peru received the Kochon award at the UNION conference in Cape Town last year, which is awarded annually by the Stop TB Partnership to individuals and/or organizations that have made a significant contribution to combating TB." Work continues,

and better than before. Each successive year makes us more determined," Abuja said.

He claimed this year has started with great accolades. "Dr Shelly Batra, co-founder of Operation Asha, was invited by the World Economic Forum to attend its Annual Summit at Davos in January 2016. There was a brilliant gathering of the who's who from across the globe. No doubt this one invitation added greatly to our credibility and strength. With recognition comes greater responsibility and now our resolution is to accelerate our work with greater determination and courage, in order to expand our model to many more geographies," Ahuja added.

Mahashivratri celebrated in Greater Boston

venting the menace of drug resistance, said Sandeep Ahuja, an OpAsha activist.

Indian American Medical Association charity gala CHRIS ZALA

CHICAGO: The Indian American Medical Association Charitable Foundation of Chicago (IAMACF) has slated holding its annual 2016 Charity Gala on Saturday, April 16 starting at 5:30pm at the Waterford Banquet Hall, in Elmhurst, a suburb of Chicago.

This year's keynote speaker is

free community health clinic. It has been providing primary healthcare on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm for over 20 years at its 2645 W. Peterson Avenue location in Chicago. The community clinic is run by volunteer physicians from area hospitals and private practices, including IAMA

underserved with no other affordable or culturally competent alternative medical facilities to serve their healthcare needs.

The IAMACF annual charity gala helps raise the funds required to keep the clinic running for a year, allowing it to serve almost 3000 people annually, pay for medical

Shiv Parvati Vivah Cont’d from page 18

Children presented an amazing Tandava Nritya performance wearing masks and wigs. Pleasant Shiva Bhajans were sung by Shri Mohanji and his family members.

Temple priest Pandit Jay Narayan Badal performed all day Abhishekams with Vedic rituals and mantras without showing any exhaustion. He also performed Shiva Kalyanam with all the Vivah rituals. Devotees sang Punjabi melodious Shiva Vivah songs in chorus and created a special spiritual atmosphere in the shrine.

Chiragji put all the programs to-

gether very agreeably and nicely.

The temple arranged delicious Maha Prasadam for all the devotees and special Prasadam to those devotees who were observing fast.

Sudarshanji, Subhas Bansalji and Duttji controlled the crowd with a big smile on their face. Prem Chawla, Vedaji, Harkirth Singh and team served Maha Prasad to everyone very lovingly.

Temple president Vijay Kumar Sethiji thanked generously all the devotees for making this event a memorable and outstanding one. He appreciated and thanked all the volunteers of the temple who worked hard with great dedication and commitment.

IAMACF facility in Chicago and a group of physicians

Dr Jay Bhatt, Chief Health Officer of the Illinois Health and Hospital Association. The Master of Ceremony is Ravi Baichwal of ABC Channel 7 Chicago and live entertainment is provided by Malhar Orchestra of Rohit Parikh and Group.

Established in 1994, the IAMACF is a not-for-profit taxexempt organization and it runs a

and its Charitable Foundation.

It is also a teaching clinic for medical students from six local medical schools, and student activities coordinated by New Life Volunteer Services. Together, the IAMACF free clinic provides medical services on a walk-in basis serving an extremely low-income segment of the area's population, who are uninsured and

laboratory testing and provide a limited number of pharmaceutical medications to all those in need.

The IAMACF community health clinic is located in an area that is home to one of the largest culturally diverse immigrant and refugee communities in the city and state, which unfortunately, also happens to be one of the most underserved.

Singing Punjabi Vivah song

March 18, 2016

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Yoga's role in slowing brain decline India Post News Service

RHODE ISLAND: Supported by an Alzheimer's Association grant, researchers in Rhode Island Hospital in Providence are

Founded in 1863, awards-winning Rhode Island Hospital, whose tagline includes "Delivering health with care", and whose Mission includes "We are seekers"; is "dedicated to being on the cutting edge of medicine and research". thing basic in the human soul and psyche.

Founded in 1863, awards-winning Rhode Island Hospital, whose tagline includes "Delivering health with care", and whose Mission includes "We are seekers"; is "dedicated to being on the cutting edge of medi-

studying whether regular practice of yoga can "help a brain in slow decline".

It is "recruiting people with mild cognitive disorder" to study whether yoga can improve their condition. "Yoga is an ancient practice known to improve mental, spiritual and physical well-being among its practitioners", a Hospital release says.

Led by Dr. Geoffrey Tremont, Neuropsychology Director at Rhode Island Hospital, the study will direct patients through a 12week, twice-weekly yoga regimen. He hopes to enroll 70 patients in the study of yoga's role in improving "cognitive conditions among people diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment".

"The yoga program involves meditation, physical postures, breathing exercises and relaxation", the release says and adds, "Yoga has benefits for a variety of medical and psychiatric conditions".

Yoga, referred as "a living fossil", is a mental and physical discipline for everybody to share and benefit from, whose traces go back to around 2,000 BCE to Indus Valley civilization, According to a recently released "2016 Yoga in America Study", about 37 million Americans (which includes many celebrities) now practice yoga; and yoga is strongly correlated with having a positive self image. Yoga is the repository of some-

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cine and research". It is the principal teaching hospital of The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and home to Hasbro Children's Hospital. A major trauma center for southeastern New England, it had over 148,000 emergency department visits

in 2014. Dr. Margaret M. Van Bree is the President.

Indians have welcomed these efforts of Rhode Island Hospital and Alzheimer's Association in exploring yoga's role in cognitive health.

Rajan Zed, president of Universal Society of Hinduism, says that although introduced and nourished by Hinduism, yoga is a world heritage and liberation powerhouse to be utilized by all. According to Patanjali who codified it in Yoga Sutra, yoga was a methodical effort to attain perfection, through the control of the different elements of human nature, physical and psychical.

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Yoga & Hindu meal at Canned goods mural

by St Louis teens military medical center ASHWIN PATEL

NEELA PANDYA

MARYLAND: World's largest military medical center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) in Bethesda, Maryland offers specialty meals to meet the dietary and religious requirements of Indians besides conducting Hindu Service and

born all creatures, by food they grow, and to food they return.

Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, commended WRNMMC for offering the choice of Hindu meals. He pointed out that consumption, preparation, transformation, offer-

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) in Bethesda

Yoga on Thursdays Special room service menus are available for religious diets, including vegetarian and vegan meals, for inpatients and staff.

Ancient Taittiriya Upanishad says-Food is Brahman (the supreme Godhead). From food are

ing, etc., of food had been pivotal in Hinduism since the Vedic times.

Dharmasastras extensively talked about issues related to food consumption. It was believed that taking of pure food leads to mental purity while consumption of improper foods was both spiritually

and physically harmful. Foods had been classified into sattvic, rajasic and tamasic categories; depending on their effects on the human body.

WRNMMC, the flagship of military medicine, also known as the President's hospital, on 243 acres with over 2.4 million square feet of clinical space, provides care and services to over one million beneficiaries annually. Its motto is "hope to those who enter its doorway". It also provides care for the President and Vice-President of the United States, Members of Congress, and Justices of the Supreme Court. Its history goes back to 1909. Rear Admiral David A. Lane is its Director.

The Walter Reed National Military Medical Center is one of the nation's largest and most renowned military medical centers.

Recently dubbed "The Nation's Medical Center", WRNMMC represents the joining of the "Best of the Best" in military medicine when National Naval Medical Center and Walter Reed Army Medical Center came together in September of 2011, to form Walter Reed National Military Medical Center as decreed by the Base Realignment and Closure law of 2005.

POC Director Kathy Millin honored HARISH RAO

CHICAGO: Kathy Millin, Director POC (Partners of Our Communities, formerly Palatine Opportunity Center) was honored at Palatine, Illinois Gurudwara Sahib on Sunday, March 13 for her services to the community.

She also set up table for few hours there to explain the free services that are available at the center.

POC is a notfor-profit organization that gets its funding from local charities and individuals. It provides free English classes, Computer classes, Citizenship classes, Childcare facility and medical ser-

vices to people who don't have medical insurance.

Mostly it serves underprivileged people, recent immigrants,

Jasbir Kaur Saluja, President Sikh Religious Society, presented her with some books on Sikh religion.

After establishing the center in Pa-

ST LOUIS: Bal Vihar teens created a unique mural of canned goods that will be on display at the Saint Louis Science Center through Sunday, March 27.

These teens, representing four faiths (Hindu, Muslim, Jewish and Christian), have taken their inspiration from Jerusalem, a giant screen film currently showing at the Saint Louis Science Center's OMNIMAXÂŽ Theater. The structure, requiring 1700 cans, is a

Shekar, Community Projects Coordinator at Bal Vihar.

"A CANstruction project allows local youth representing various faith groups, from different regions in the area to come together and build on their shared values. By partnering with the Saint Louis Science Center, we are able to share the energy and commitment this generation has for making the world a better place.

Through the process of assem-

Teens participating in Mural Can Construction Project in St Louis

bridge with supports representing the four faith groups being connected by concepts of interfaith cooperation to represent the theme of "Bridging the Gap though Conversation".

For the third year in succession, the Center for Indian Cultural Education, Bal Vihar of St. Louis and Interfaith Quest have organized this collaborative project in

bling the CANstruction, interfaith teens enhance team work and share interfaith conversations.

With all the recent negative press around youth and religion, we are pleased to display hard work, harmony and interfaith understanding," said Beth DamsgaardRodriguez, who heads Interfaith Quest.

When the structure is disas-

The mural art work by teens, side view

Kathy Millin being honored at Gurudwara

undocumented people and refugees. She was introduced in the Gurdwara by Thakar Basati who is on Executive Board of POC. Dr

latine, Illinois, now it also has opened up a branch in Hoffman Estates where they also teach Arts class and conversational English.

partnership with the Saint Louis Science Center. "One reason we create projects like this at Bal Vihar is to teach our youth the value of community service and to create a sense of oneness within our community. We especially love projects that we can share with our interfaith friends," said Shoba

sembled, the cans, purchased through the generosity of local faith communities, will be donated to Operation Food Search.

The Jerusalem-inspired mural will be on display through Sunday, March 27.

Cont’d on page 25

March 18, 2016

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Music show enthralls with Naushad & Sadhna numbers JAYANTI OZA & MADHU PATEL

CHICAGO: A group of talented local artists under the auspices of Dhwani Entertainment presented a 'down-the-memory-lane' performance as a tribute to Legendary Naushad and late Bollywood actress Sadhna at Schaumburg Prarie Center of Arts in Schaumburg.

The presentation followed three successful earlier shows and had the best of Hemant Kumar and Salil Chowdhary; both acclaimed music directors from Bollywood Though the performance was by local artists, more than 400 music lovers and supporters came to this show The Chicago area's local singers and dance artists

songs, Saila Khedkar, Pratibha Jairath and Nipa Shah (voice of Lataji and Ashaji), Raj Bankpur (Voice of Kishore Kumar and Mukesh) and the Dhingra couple regaled the audience with their performances. Dhingras performed a dance from Mere Mehboob" and songs 'mere mehboob tujhe meri mohobat ki kasam. Pratibha Jairath performed dances of movie 'Madhumati' song Aaja re pardesi mai to kubse khadi‌.

Madhu Patel adds The sold out show with the audience of 400 music lovers was enthralled by 32 beautiful melodies and also excellent dance perfor-

Dhwani Entertainment group artists with Virendra Kothari, Puranlal Vyas, Pratibha Jairath, Nipa Shah, Shaila Khedkar, Raju Bankpur, Mohammed Kubuddin and Orchestra group Chicago area community enjoying musical show

A section of the audience

gave a good account of themselves performing dances and singing songs of 50's, 60's and 70's Bollwyood films.

Virendra Kothari performed Bollywood singer Hemant Kumar

mances by Pratibha Jairath. It is admirable that Virendra Kothari has been keeping the memories of Bhule Bisre Geets of India alive.

Amit on keyboard and Puranlal Vyas played on Tabla with con-

summate skill. The singers even performed with various beautiful costumes.

The audience felt revival of the great musical hit movies between 1950 -70.Khamoshi, Mera Saya,

Anand, Kohra, Satta Bazar, Chhotisi Baat, Patita, Bees Saal Baad, Who Kaun Thi, Madhumati, Baat Ek Raat ki, Anupama, Parakh, Jaal, Solwa Saal, Badshah, Punam ki Raat, Usne Kaha Tha etc.

Virendra Kothari, who has already conducted three such shows successfully in the past, wished to continue charting this way for the music loving fans of metropolitan Chicago. He has planned an upcoming show, titled the Best of Shankar Jaikishan in November this year with an expected audience of 600 plus.

The program was excellent, said an attendee who observed that he would like more such programs in Chicagoland rather than spending huge amount on getting artists from India.

Pratibha Jairath, voice of Lata Mangeshker, performing dance movie 'Madhumati" song papi bichuwa....

Party to greet Rishikants R

ishikant Singh, former head of Air India in Chicago and New York and his wife Suneeta Singh, hosted a meet and greet party last week to express their thanks to well wishers, supporters and Air India patrons. It was an informal party but the popularity of Singh - more than that of Air India Maharaja - drew a large number of business interests. His acquaintances from the Indian community and almost all who came sat through the three hours of get together offering their best wishes to Singhs in their new endeavor and assignment in India- Harish Rao.

24 India Post

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Enthralling Sarod recital by Abhisek Lahiri India Post News Service

FREMONT, CA: It would have been just another Sunday afternoon, if not for the presence of two acclaimed artistes in Bay Area, namely Sarod virtuoso Abhisek Lahiri and Tabla wizard Subrata Bhattacharya. Sarod Sandhya was an intimate setting of a house concert in Cupertino, presented by the Sangeet Dhwani organization. The event was made possible by the efforts of Amit Gud (a disciple of Abhisek Lahiri), his wife Divya Ranganathan Gud and the support of Pradeep Joshi (Founder & President of

Sangeet Dhwani).

At the outset, Divya, a volunteer of Sangeet Dhwani, briefly introduced the artistes, stating that Bay Area music lovers were anxious to listen to these two icons of the music world. Abhisek started his rendition with a late afternoon raga Madhuvanti. It was incredible, how quickly he established the nuances of the raga and enhanced them with his startling improvisations.

It was quite evident as to why he was hailed as a child prodigy and named a "Wonder Kid" in his debut performance at Holland. Though he was trained under his eminent father and guru Pandit Alok Lahiri from a very tender age in the gurukul system, his approach to Sarod playing belongs to the three major gharanas of Sarod, which are Shahajahanpur, Senia Maihar and Senia Bangash (Gwalior). He with his father Pandit Alok Lahiri possesses the dignity of performing as the first Indians at the Europe Parliament in France, Cannes World Music Festival and also in Canada Culture Days in Toronto.

At the request of the Bay area listeners, he continued the concert with raga Miyan ki Malhar, requesting the rain gods to continue blessing Bay area! He was ably accompanied on the Tabla by celebrated artiste, Subrata Bhattacharya. Their SarodTabla jugalbandi was a treat to the listeners. The deftness with which Subrata matched every laya of Sarod with the perfect taal and strokes, showed why he was a leading Tabla player and a favorite accompanist for musicians worldwide.

He received his taalim under Tamal Krishna Chatterjee, Nripen Karmakar and Tapan Kumar Banerjee before he was fi-

At the request of the Bay area listeners, he continued the concert with raga Miyan ki Malhar, requesting the rain gods to continue blessing Bay area! He was ably accompanied on the Tabla by celebrated artiste, Subrata Bhattacharya. nally accepted as a pupil of Tabla maestro Pt. Shankar Ghosh, all of whom honed his talent to the level of refinement, now witnessed by audiences everywhere. Abhisek ended the concert with raga Mishra Khamaj as a tribute to his roots. It was a ragamalika of raga Mishra Mand, followed by raga Pilu, raga Shivaranjani, a small familiar riff of Rabindra Sangeet 'Ekla Cholo Re' and finally ended the evening with raga Bhairavi.

The audience was cosmopolitan, comprising of not only Indian music lovers but also those from US, China and Japan who listened to them with rapt attention and enjoyed the ecstasy of music on the strings of Sarod. The duo was treated to a thunderous applause by listeners who were hungry for more of the divine music!

March 18, 2016

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Believing in God, by logic & scientific reasoning-II

C

ontinuing from the discussion in the previous article, let us under stand the three kinds of evidence that can be used to prove the existence of God, similar to the scientific field. As described in the last article, the first kind of evidence is knows as Perceptual Evidence (Pratyaksh Praman) which is based on direct perception. The second one is called Testimonial evidence (Shabd Praman) is provided by those qualified individuals who have had the direct experience of God (Pratyaksh Praman).

We call them God realized Saints.

The third kind of evidence is known as Inferential Evidence (Anuman Praman) is provided by the Vedas and other scriptures which logically explain the rationale behind God's existence.

For example, the following logical argument is made: would anyone look at a watch and believe it could come into being on its own?

When something as simple as a watch requires an intelligent being for its creation, then how could one think that this amazing universe, full of unlimited complexities and variations stretching up to an unknown limit and yet regulated in a systematic and orderly way, could have come into being on its own? Thus, even without Pratyaksh Praman, we can deduce or infer the existence of God due to the assumed necessity of an allknowing and all-powerful being behind the existence of the universe.

Looking at a map of the world, would anyone believe that this representation of the earth could have come into being in a random, accidental way, or could have cre-

SWAMI NIKHILANAND

senses. Divine God can only be known with a Divine mind.

Our senses and mind are material, thus they relate to the material world. With material senses, we can only perceive material things and that too within certain limitations. We can only see to a certain distance and to a certain

Swami Nikhilanand

limit of subtlety. We can only perceive certain electromagnetic wavelengths. We can only hear certain wavelengths of sound waves and only above a certain decibel level. Thus, even within the material phenomenon we can only perceive within certain limitations, and anything beyond that is beyond our perception. Then how could our senses perceive God, Who is by definition Divine and all-together beyond the material phenomenon?

How could our limited senses perceive unlimited God? How could our limited material mind, which struggles to grasp material concepts and which has barely

“If one will neither accept the Shabd Praman for God's existence, nor follow the path to God to become qualified for the direct experience oneself, then that person is like someone who says, "All you so-called scientists are lying about the existence of atoms” ated itself? If the creation of a mere map of the world requires a maker, then how could we think that the world itself could have come into existence without a maker? These are examples of Anuman Praman, which uses logical arguments to deduce the existence of God. One may wonder as to why we cannot see God now? Why can we not have Pratyaksh Praman of God's existence immediately? The reason is that in order to see God, you need to have Divine eyes. In order to hear God, you need to have Divine ears. Divine God can only be perceived with Divine

scratched the surface in understanding the mysteries of the material universe, hope to know Divine, unlimited God, Who is the original cause of the universe and Who exists absolutely beyond the universe?

The answer given by the Vedas is that through God's grace, one can receive Divine senses and mind and with these Divine faculties one can experience God directly, just as we currently experience and interact with the material world directly. Once we have received Divine senses and mind, we can see and know God and we will

have gotten the Pratyaksh Praman of God's existence.

However, in order to reach that level of experience, we must become qualified by following the path to God. To do that, we have to start with faith in God based on the testimonial and inferential evidence provided by the scriptures and God realized Saints.

If someone has never been to Switzerland and verified its existence with their own eyes, then they have no Pratyaksh Praman of the existence of that country.

Does that mean it is irrational or unscientific for them to believe that Switzerland exists? On the contrary, most people would feel it is illogical of them not to accept the existence of Switzerland. Why, when they have no perceptual evidence? Because the existence of Switzerland is documented in every Geography and History textbook (testimonial evidence) and also corroborated by millions of people who have visited there and also testified to its existence.

In the face of such overwhelming Shabd Praman, a person generally accepts the existence of the thing even though they lack the direct experience of that thing. In other words, they have faith. Similarly, we are faced with an overwhelming amount of testimonial evidence for God's existence provided by the Vedas, other scriptures, and by God realized Saints.

Choosing to believe in God based on this is indeed logical and scientific.

Moreover, if someone still refuses to believe in the existence of Switzerland despite all the Shabd Praman, then what will those who have actually been there and seen it say? They can only say, "It exists. I have seen it.

You can also see it, but you have to go there yourself. I can show you the way. But if you both refuse to take my word for it and also refuse to go and see for yourself, then I cannot help you."

Similarly, if one will neither accept the Shabd Praman for God's existence, nor follow the path to God to become qualified for the direct experience oneself, then that person is like someone who says, "All you so-called scientists are

lying about the existence of atoms.

It is a big conspiracy to get me to believe in something that does not exist." And the scientists say, "Please perform this experiment and you will see for yourself." But the non-believer says, "I will neither perform the experiment, nor will I take your word for it. This is all a big hoax." Then the scientists will have to leave that person to his own imaginary thoughts.

Thus, we see that there is a logical basis for believing in God, and having faith in God is not an "unscientific" or irrational thing to do.

You can both believe in science and believe in God. Believing in one does not exclude you from believing in the other. Any valid scientific conclusion can be rigorously tested and verified over and over again, and an experiment, if properly performed will continue to give the same result again and again.

Similarly, the means of attaining God has been authenticated by millions of souls who succeeded in becoming God realized.

They all confirmed that God is perceivable with Divine senses and mind, is the very form of absolute bliss and knowledge, and that by attaining Him, they also became all-blissful and all-knowledgeable.

Disciple of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj Swami Nikhilanand Ji is a Canadian born Hindu spiritual

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

Attracted to the teachings of Hinduism from a young age, Swamiji eventually let his deep spiritual longing lead him to India, where he was most fortunate to come under the guidance of Shree Kripaluji Maharaj. Thereafter, living in the ashrams of JKP, he extensively studied Hindi, the philosophy of the prime Sanskrit scriptures (Vedas, Darshan Shastras, Gita, Bhagwatam), and practiced meditation in the tradition of raganuga bhakti. In 2003, he was given sanyas. Now, with the blessings of his Guruji, he offers satsang programs throughout America, engaging audiences with his clear explanations of Hindu philosophy coupled with inspired chanting of Sanskrit mantras and shlokas and charming nam sankirtan. His informative and compelling speeches provide practical insight into how to adopt the teachings of Sanatan Dharm into our daily lives, and inspire us to awaken our inner spiritual potential.

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

Canned goods mural

by St Louis teens Cont’d from page 22

It is on the first floor of the Saint Louis Science Center's main building, in the Human Adventure Gallery.

The mission of the Saint Louis Science Center is to ignite and sustain lifelong science and technology learning. It is one of the top 15 science centers worldwide and was named one of the "Top 10 Science Centers for Families"

by Parents magazine. The Saint Louis Science Center complex includes a four-story OMNIMAX® Theater, Boeing Hall and the James S. McDonnell Planetarium.

Kids have expressed their views in a positive manner. A Bal Vihar teen said, "Before tonight, I didn't think I could really talk about my faith, but I realized that I knew more than I thought I did and could really explain it."YES Teen " I thought this was going to be boring, but it was really fun!!"Seventh-Day Adventist

Teen.

"I'm usually shy and don't talk in public, but it was so much fun to share with everyone" said one.

Other Teens: "I have a different perspective of the Science Center now. I really like that they were willing to do this for us so people can see that this much diversity can get along."

"I didn't know they did things besides science, like they really want to do things in the community, too."

Center for Indian Cultural Education - Bal Vihar of St. Louis is a cultural school designed to promote, instill, and foster Indian culture in children ages 5 and above.

Bal Vihar encourages the youth group (ages 13 an above) to participate in activities that promote respect and understanding of different cultures and religion. Bal Vihar has been in existence since 1992 and its current enrollment is over 400 students.

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Jammu and Kashmir politics & security in 2016

T

he sudden passing away of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has created a serious political uncertainty in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Governor's rule had to be re-imposed within a little over 10 months of coming into existence of a Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) coalition government.

For a meaningful forecast of the politicosecurity situation, the fallout of this sad event has to be assessed in the backdrop of the existing security situation; renewed attempts of terrorists to infiltrate into J&K; reports of increased radicalization and fresh recruitments in local militant cadres; and the logjam in any forward movement in the IndoPak engagement.

The fractured electoral verdict of 2014 threw a formidable challenge in government formation in the state. The PDP received a resounding mandate from Kashmir valley, and voters in Jammu overwhelmingly supported the BJP. It took over two months for the now late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed to take the "courageous but unpopular decision" to lead a coalition government of the PDP and the BJP, which he himself described as coming together of "north and south poles."

Mufti’s vision Mufti had the vision for the coalition to deliver. He hoped to begin with a developmental agenda, addressing the aspirations of different regions as dictated by the mandate, and then slowly move towards his party's political and economic agenda. He had the stature and political acumen to try and create, in due course, a consensus around addressing "core" issues to meet the aspirations of the PDP's support base, including the alienated section in Kashmir valley. Once having entered into an alliance, Mufti demonstrated his wisdom and capacity to "swallow" avoidable diversions of political nature raked by the coalition partner which disallowed smooth running of the government.

Mehbooba Mufti as the party president is deeply conscious of stresses and strains that her late father had to pass through in running the coalition of diametrically opposite political ideologies. There is debate within the party on the desirability of continuing the coalition. It is argued that if a leader of Mufti's stature was distracted from pursuing the "Agenda of Alliance," it will be impossible for his successor to make any meaningful progress. This, they think, will further erode the support base of the party in the Valley. The supporters of continuity, who are currently in a majority, feel that Mufti's risk-taking experiment for peace and stability needs to be given more time in order to assess whether it can achieve the desired results and that it must not be abandoned half way simply because he is no more on the scene.

This puts Mehbooba in a dilemma. On one hand she inherits the political legacy of her late father and on the other, she faces the risk of failure to deliver on the aspirations of the party supporters and losing their confidence. It may not be easy for an out-of-power PDP to prevent poachers from changing the arithmetic of the verdict. De-

ASHOK BHAN

spite the serious political crisis following Shri Amarnath Land row in 2008 and widespread violence in the Valley in 2010, voters have shown faith in democratic institutions via the record turnouts in 2008 and 2014 J&K assembly elections. If Mehbooba's fears are not appropriately allayed, the state may go through a period of political uncertainty, and such an eventuality will seriously erode the faith.

Four credible assembly elections since 1996, supplemented by the periodic Lok Sabha and Panchayat polls, had considerably narrowed the democratic deficit in the strife-torn J&K. Successive elected governments of varying complexions, in close coordination with the central government, have pursued a largely peace-and-development-oriented agenda since then. The ceasefire agreement with Pakistan in 2003, which held ground till late 2008, gave much

have its political fallout but will also have serious security implications. It will give impetus to the separatists' agenda of ridiculing democratic institutions.

India has taken a bold stand in renewing the dialogue with Pakistan. The Pathankot terror strike has temporarily stalled the restarting of the "comprehensive dialogue," with New Delhi seeking action on the perpetrators of the attack before proceeding on the foreign secretary level talks. However, engaging Islamabad is no guarantee against the use of their soil for terror attacks in J&K and elsewhere.

Role of Pak Army Pakistan Army and the ISI will not miss any opportunity to exploit the leverage it enjoys with over-ground and underground support in J&K, particularly in the event of political instability. Pakistan Army is strongly op-

Scene of a terror strike

respite to people in the border areas. CrossLine of Control (LoC) travel, and later, trade, did attract the attention of alienated sections as useful Confidence Building Measured (CBMs).

Unfortunately, other attempts to address the political dimension of the problem, including the three Round Table Conferences at the initiative of the then Prime Minister in 2006 and 2007; reports of five Working Groups; and the report of interlocutors, have yielded no results.

It will continue to remain a question mark as to whether the people's faith in democratic institutions can be taken to another level by initiating a dialogue between internal stake holders to address the political dimension of the problem.

The Pathankot terror incident underscores the vulnerability of targets in J&K where Pakistan and its Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) have much more over-ground and underground support base. There is a sizeable residual militancy, and infiltration of terrorists continue. In 143 incidents of violence in 2015 in the state, 37 civilians, 39 security personnel and 108 terrorists were killed.

There are reports of over 200 militants operating in the Valley. 222 incidents of firing from across the border were reported in 2015, in which 16 civilians and nine SFs were killed.

36 terrorists infiltrated into the state during 2015. Fresh recruitments into jihadi tanzeems and reports of increased radicalization of educated youth do not augur well for the peace process. Any sign of instability will not only

posed to promoting friendly relations with India if it is at the cost of J&K. The recent terror attacks in Jammu, and the neighboring Punjab - at Rajbagh, Samba, Dinanagar, and Pathankot - reveal a pattern in the sneaking of terrorists from across the international border and targeting security force camps and police stations to cause maximum casualties.

These have come in quick succession after the first such attack on the Hiranagar police station in Kathua, J&K, and an army camp in Samba, J&K. None of these could have been possible without active support of the Pakistan Army. The re-emergence of suicide attacks in some of these incidents is a grim reminder of the post-Kargil situation in the late 1999-2001 period, when a spate of such incidents led to a serious sense of insecurity.

Pakistan Army, by these incidents, has demonstrated its capability to take the proxy war to areas that are considered free from terrorist support bases. Such attacks are likely to continue irrespective of the public stand that the Pakistan government takes to keep alive the current dialogue initiative at a time when, according to former Indian Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal, "Pakistan's conduct and affiliation with terrorism has come under greater scrutiny and strictures internationally."

While we must engage with Islamabad, any bonhomie must not lead to complacence in our security apparatus. The answer lies in preparedness to thwart such attacks, an effective counter-infiltration strategy, and

an urgent review of the coordinated intelligence-based operations to tackle residual militancy in J&K. The Central government has a decisive role to play in the predicted future course of events in J&K, not merely because it is led by the BJP, the most likely alliance partner of the PDP, but more importantly because of the bigger picture that the government can see, of the fallout of political instability on the security situation in the border states; and the fate of the much touted agenda for peace and development.

The country has paid a heavy price in terms of valuable lives (as many as 5,548 security personnel and 17,027 civilians till the end of 2015 ) and resources to bring the security situation to "manageable levels" as witnessed particularly during the past five years (with less than 200 incidents of violence per year). The government owes it to the people of the country to ensure that the situation does not slide backwards.

The peace process has to be taken forward. The residual militancy has to be tackled. The renewed dialogue with Pakistan is welcome, but we must upgrade our security infrastructure to prevent infiltration and terror strikes in J&K and elsewhere. The capacity of separatists to exploit incidents, particularly in a politically unstable environment, must not be lost sight of.

Regional aspirations and harmony; settlement of Kashmiri migrants; radicalization of educated youth; and engagement with the separatists are some issues that need urgent attention. These can be best addressed by an elected government with active support from the Centre.

Therefore, in the interest of peace and development, the Central Government (the BJP may have its own political compulsions) needs to allay Mehbooba Mufti's fears in a demonstrative manner. Both sides would be well advised to focus on peace and development and refrain from raking up controversial political issues. The government is well aware that Mehbooba is the undisputed leader of the PDP, enjoying mass support base in the Valley. The PDP in turn is deeply conscious that fulfilling the developmental agenda without the support of the Centre is a distant dream. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his politically mature Home Minister Rajnath Singh and the knowledgeable National Security Adviser Ajit Doval will have to take a call as well as the initiative in this regard, rising above party politics. J&K must not be made to suffer in wait for the PDP to spell out its expectations from the coalition partner. Both sides will have to sit across the table and draw lines for engagement rather than converse via the media.

Will the Central Government walk an extra mile for the sake of peace and stability in J&K? In the absence of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, the onus of hassle-free transfer of power and ensuring smooth running of the coalition in this sensitive state shifts to the statesmanship of Prime Minister Modi.

There lies the key to the developments in J&K in the year ahead.

The writer is Distinguished Fellow, IPCS; Former Director General of Police, J&K; former Member, National Security Advisory Board, India

March 18, 2016

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India Post 27

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Kar Gayi Chull : Kapoor & Sons 2 Jabra Fan: Fan 3 Sanam Re: Sanam Re 4 Soch na Sake: Airlift 28 India Post

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March 18, 2016

5 High Heels Te Nachche: Ki & Ka 6 Yeh Fitoor Mera : Fitoor 7 Gerua: Dilwale 8 Agar Tum Saath Ho : Tamasha 9 Janam Janam : Dilwale 10 Hua Hai Aaj Pehli Baar : Sanam Re

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agic was in the air when the world's no.1 tennis ace Novak Djokovic was seen leaving the famous celebrity haunt 'The Nice Guy' with a female companion. The said place is an extremely famous joint in Los Angeles, where all the A-listers come and hang out. And surprise of surprises, the 'female companion' turned out to be none other than Bollywood's very own Deepika Padukone!

His cool and suave dressing sense gave every-

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one the answer as to why he is number one, both on court as well as off it! While he looked every inch the most desired sportsperson, Deepika Padukone too looked her dapper best in her monochrome color theme. Deepika Padukone has an extremely strong connection with sports as her father, the legendary Prakash Padukone, has been an international badminton player and Deepika herself practices badminton in her free time.

n 'Ki and Ka', Arjun plays the role of a house husband, while Kareena portrays a career-oriented woman. Kareena Kapoor and Arjun Kapoor also shook a leg to 'Most Wanted Munda' song at the launch event of the movie.

Arjun said during the launch, "I might come across as a house husband handling the kitchen perfectly, but in real life I can only make a good omelette." Arjun also showed his culinary skill by cooking an omelette for Kareena Talking more about his character, he said, "The most difficult aspect of the role was the cleaning up the kitchen bit. If I have it my way, I would never enter the kitchen. I would destroy it."

Kareena was also full of praise for Arjun Kapoor. "He hasn't taken off his shirt to show off his body and yet has got all the kisses from me," she said, adding, "A lot of men shy away from accepting that they are house husbands, not Arjun."

fter tackling unconventional roles in films like 'Queen' and 'Tanu Weds Manu', Kangana Ranaut wants to make a film on her sister-manager, Rangoli, an acid attack survivor.

According to the 'Rangoon' actress, her sister is less than enthused with the idea though. "I told her that I want the rights to her life. I want to play her, me, and everyone. She replied, 'yes it will be a big flop'," Kangana said at an event in the city recently, adding that she thinks her sister's life is far more interesting than her own, thanks to her husband who has been madly in love with her ever since they got hitched.

Rangoli who accompanied Kangana to the do, narrated her struggle since the incident and how it affected her life. "I was struggling for my life.

When acid goes deep inside your skin and if you're not treated on time, it attacks your organs too. At the time, psychological, scar-related problems were not on mind," she revealed, recalling the trauma she underwent.

"My sister was there to inspire me. I am more confident today than I was before the attack. I know my strengths and weaknesses," she reflects, adding, "I have bigger plans.

Bollywood

March 18, 2016

India Post 29

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Earlier, the 42year-old 'Krrish' actor and Anand had teamed up for the movie 'Bang Bang,' which too was a remake of Hollywood hit, 'Knight And Day

I don't need to prove a point. It's about equal opportunity, whether you're man, woman, transgender.

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ollywood actress Sonam Kapoor believes that she doesn't need to burn her bra to prove that she is a feminist.

The 30-year-old actress, who recently shot the cover for Harper Bazar's 7th Anniversary issue, said in the interview with the magazine, "I'm the girliest girl but I'm a complete feminist." "It doesn't mean that I'm not wearing my dresses or my lipsticks and I'm definitely not burning my bra. I don't need to prove a point. It's about equal opportunity, whether you're man, woman, transgender. Own who you are and know your worth," the 'Neerja' star added.

Sonam also said that more female driven films should be made in the industry, "Films like Neerja and Piku aren't the same as, say, Tanu Weds Manu or Khoobsurat or The Dirty Picture. More commercially driven films need to be made, where you push women into the mainstream.

Women-centric shouldn't be a genre. Why can't we have women heroes?"

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I was in talks with a producer, who wanted to cast me in his film. But, due to some date issues, it didn't work out. He told me, that he will either cast someone else or will launch a new actor, because actresses are replaceable

riyanka Chopra might be having a handful of projects in the present, but when she looks down to the past, things were not so beautiful as she was approached with a 'take it or leave it' attitude during her early years in the industry.

Talking to a leading daily, the 33-year-old actress said, "When I was relatively new in the industry, I was in talks with a producer, who wanted to cast me in his film. But, due to some date issues, it didn't work out. He told me, that he will either cast someone else or will launch a new actor, because actresses are replaceable," reports the Express Tribune. The 'Quantico' star added that this thing got stuck in her head and now she jokingly tells the same director that she is irreplaceable adding that she made a deliberate effort to become irreplaceable.

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ot only his fans, but filmmaker Siddharth Anand too feels that Greek god Hrithik Roshan is the only actor who can do full justice to Sylvester Stallone's 'Rambo.'

According to sources, director Sidharth Anand has bought the remake rights of 'Rambo' and is in talks with Hrithik for the lead role in the film. Earlier, the 42-year-old 'Krrish' actor and Anand had teamed up for the movie 'Bang Bang,' which too was a remake of Hollywood hit, 'Knight And Day'.

It is being said that the film is now in the pre-production stage. Hrithik, who is busy with Ashutosh Gowariker's 'Mohenjo Daro,' will also be seen in Sanjay Gupta's 'Kaabil' opposite Yami Gautam which will go on the floors this month.

30 India Post

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March 18, 2016

Horoscope

March 18, 2016

India Post

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March 18th - March 24th 2016

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Y

amily will be making preparation for an upcoming big event. Boss will call you to discuss another assignment. Be careful when signing any papers related to a property. You will receive help from totally unexpected places. You may be charging heavily on your credit cards. Much awaited clearance can also come this week.

ittle more physical activities can resolve health issues. You will continue to make progress on project in hands. It will be another fruitful week for brokers. Drive within speed limit or a ticket is in the cards this week. You will contribute towards a noble cause.

You may replace an old vehicle with more fuel economical one.

ou will be full of bright ideas and will try to implement them. Some of you will move to another location soon. If you are little flexible, the contract is all yours. A diplomatic approach will get many things done this week.

You will be spending lots of money on children. A short pleasure trip is also in the air.

ou will be more cheer ful and act childish.

People around will notice the change in your attitude.

Few bold actions will take you closer to your professional goals. Do not ignore the bills sitting on your desk or will end up paying late charges. A child may be slowly getting ready to move to another state for some purpose.

Y

ou should be careful with all financial matters as Saturn transiting second can cause some losses. Avoid buying any old property for investment purpose. Business will continue to grow but at a slower pace.

Impulsive move you make in career will prove to be blessings in disguise. Insurance claim if any will be approved quickly.

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ou will be working extra hours to meet the deadline. Money wise you will continue to do fine as long as you do not take any risks. You may not get instant results for the extra running around this week. An old friend will call and make an interesting proposal. Spouse will give you few very good ideas.

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ll you need is to make necessary changes in your diet to overcome some health issues. You may need to use your savings in order to make purchases.

Boss will call you to discuss the project few times this week. Your hard work and dedication will not go unnoticed. Value of your stocks will appreciate considerably.

ou will be successful in resolving several problems this week. Some one at work will try to cause disturbance but will not succeed. Do not wait any longer and dispose off money making stocks for the time being. You may be thinking of visiting an old friend out of state in near future and all by yourself.

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hanges in career are around if you looking for them. You will meet all financial commitments hand still have little left.

Personal issues will cause some frustration and you may feel like getting out of a relationship. Some of you may decide to join a short term program to improve your chances of a better career.

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ou will become motivated and try your luck in many directions. Phone calls will not go waste and you will receive the offer. You will make last minute changes in an upcoming trip. Money wise you will be comfortable. It will be better to dispose off money making stocks and wait for another week to buy them back.

ew association will be lucky for you. Business trip will be rewarding.

You should do your own research before making the final commitment. People looking for a career change will be successful in finding one. You will have an opportunity to spend time with some very successful people and learn few tricks also.

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fforts will not go waste and you will make some extra money this week. Some money could also come out of a small stocks transaction. You will buy some new gadget for personal use. It will take little more time before your application gets accepted.

Handle all tools with care.

You will attend a big social event with family.

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Health

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Punjabis most obese, Tripura men leanest NEW DELHI: Punjabis are the most obese people in the country, Health Minister J P Nadda told the Rajya Sabha, while men from Tripura and women from Meghalaya are the leanest.

Replying to a question on the prevalence of obesity, a condition when Body Mass Index (BMI) is more than 25, Nadda said diabetes, which is linked to obesity, is seeing a consistent rise with 65, 66.8 and 69.1 million people between 20-79 years of age suffering from it in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively.

Men and women from Punjab followed by Kerala and Delhi are the most obese people with 22.2, 17.8 and 16.8 per cent of men and 29.9, 28.1 and 26.4 per cent of women from respective states reporting a BMI of more than 25.

According to figures tabled in the House, women everywhere, except Bihar and Meghalaya, are more overweight than men.

In Tripura, only 4.8 per cent of men and 7.1 per cent of women are obese while in Meghalaya, only 5.9 per cent men and 5.3 per cent women are overweight.

The figures have been sourced to a 2005-06 National Family Health Survey.-PTI

Delhi saw maximum dengue deaths in 2015 NEW DELHI: Delhi reported maximum cases of dengue and most deaths caused by it across the country in 2015, Health Minister J P Nadda has told the Rajya Sabha.

The year saw almost 150 per cent rise in the number of dengue cases compared to 2014.

The number of deaths caused by the viral disease shot up dra-

Health Science

Womb transplant recipient grateful to donor

32 India Post

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March 18, 2016

Details on Page 35

Sexual transmission of Zika more common than thought: WHO GENEVA: Sexual transmission of the Zika virus is more common than previously thought, the World Health Organization has said, citing reports from several countries.

After a meeting of its emergency committee, the UN health agency also said there is increasing evidence that a spike in disturbing birth defects and neurological problems are caused by Zika, which is mostly spread by mosquito bites. When WHO declared the explosive outbreak in the Americas to be a global emergency last month, it said that the evidence that Zika was responsible was only circumstantial.

WHO Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan said ``reports and investigations in several countries strongly suggest that sexual transmission of the virus is more common than previously assumed.'' The U.S. is investigating more than a dozen possible cases of Zika in people who may have been infected through sex.

Dr. Bruce Aylward, who is directing WHO's response to Zika, said the cases seen so far of sexual transmission of Zika have been from men to women. He doubted sex would play an important role in the disease's spread. ``The mosquito is undoubtedly still the main driver of transmission,'' he said.

Chan also said nine countries

have now reported increasing cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare condition that may be linked to Zika and can cause temporary paralysis and death in people of all ages. She said that problems connected to Zika, including Guillain-Barre syndrome, are now being seen not just in women of child-bearing age, but children, teenagers and older adults.

evidence proving that Zika causes birth defects and neurological problems, Chan said officials shouldn't wait for definitive scientific proof before making recommendations. ``Microcephaly is now only one of several documented birth abnormalities associated with Zika infection during pregnancy,'' she said, adding that it can cause

China’s Margaret Chan, General Director of the World Health Organization, WHO, speaks during a press conference about a second meeting of the Zika Virus Infection, at the headquarters of the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland

Zika is also now spreading to new countries, WHO said. It noted local transmission has now been reported in 31 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean. ``All of this news is alarming,'' Chan said.

Despite the lack of definitive

growth problems, injuries to the central nervous system and fetal death.

WHO's emergency committee called for ``intensified'' research into the relationship between new clusters of babies born with abnormally small heads and other neurological disorders. It said par-

ticular attention should be given to studying the genetics of the different Zika virus strains and establishing studies to determine if there is a causal relationship.

The agency also noted it was important to continue studying whether other factors could be responsible for the jump in microcephaly and neurological problems, including whether several causes combined might be to blame. Aylward explained that scientists were focusing on diseases as the main suspect, noting the evidence seems ``really compelling that you're looking at an infectious process here.''

So far, cases of babies born with small, deformed heads linked to Zika have only been confirmed in Brazil and French Polynesia, though officials say they expect reports from other countries once the virus has been circulating there long enough to affect pregnant women. Colombia has reported several suspected cases of microcephaly. ``Women who are pregnant in affected countries or travel to these countries are understandably deeply worried,'' Chan said.

WHO recommends pregnant women avoid travel to areas with ongoing Zika outbreaks and that if their partners travel to affected countries, they should practice safe sex or abstain from sex for the duration of their pregnancy.-AP

Mumbai's test tube baby becomes mother matically in the national capital with 60 people dying of it last year compared to only three and six people in 2014 and 2013, respectively.

After Delhi, Kerala and Maharashtra reported most dengue deaths at 25 and 23, respectively, according to the figures.

Delhi also reported 15,867 cases of dengue last year against 995 and 5,574 cases in the previous two years, the figures tabled in the House showed. -PTI

MUMBAI: Twenty-nine years after she became famous as Mumbai's first test tube baby, Harsha Chawda Shah is now herself a proud mother of a baby boy.

Notably, Harsha's caesareansection at the Jaslok Hospital on the eve of Women's Day was performed by the same doctors who had helped her mother in conception by in-vitro fertilization (IVF) technique in 1986.

Harsha's baby boy, born on the auspicious day of 'Shivratri', is doing fine and the mother is fast recovering, said Dr Indira Hinduja who carried out the de-

Mumbai's first test tube baby Harsha Chawda Shah with her new born baby boy at a hospital in Mumbai on Women's Day

livery.

Dr Hinduja had led the team during Harsha's birth using IVF technology in August 1986.

Harsha, a resident of suburban Matunga, had hit the headlines when she was born on August 6, 1986, after Dr Indira Hinduja and Dr Kusum Zaveri -the infertility treatment specialists - delivered her at KEM hospital here.

The IVF technique opened new gateways and since then thousands of women, who could not conceive naturally, have got the pleasure of becoming mothers.

Cont'd on Page 35

March 18, 2016

Health Science Post

India Post 33

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Health law fines double for many uninsured WASHINGTON: Many people who went without health insurance last year are now seeing fines more than double under President Barack Obama's health care law, tax preparation company H&R Block has said.

Among its customers who owe a penalty for the 2015 tax year, the average fine is $383, compared with $172 for 2014, the company said.

Separately, among those who complied with the law and took advantage of its taxpayer-subsidized private health insurance, 6 in 10 are now having to pay back to the IRS some portion of their financial assistance.

Those payments also are trending higher this year, averaging $579, compared with $530 last tax season.

Although millions of uninsured people have gained coverage through the Affordable Care Act, the update from H&R Block underscores the extent to which the law's complex provisions remain a challenge for many consumers.

The law provides subsidized insurance for people who don't have access to coverage on the job. By using the income tax system to deliver the subsidies as tax credits, the White House and congressional Democrats were able to call the health law a middle-class tax cut.

But it also connected two of the most complicated areas for consumers: health care and taxes. At tax time, people have to

account for the subsidies they received for health care or, if they remained uninsured, pay a fine.

H&R Block said it expected to see lots of confusion last year, the first time that

to repay subsidies.

Ciaramitaro said many consumers appear to be having problems correctly estimating their incomes for the year ahead. Lowerincome workers who represent a big part of the customer base for coverage can have sizable swings in their earnings over the course of 12 months.

Underestimating income results in a bigger tax credit up front to help pay your premiums. But at tax time any overpayment has to be repaid usually subtracted from the consumer's tax refund. H&R Block said those who owed money back saw Ana Granado, left, and her daughter Andreia Walker, right, look over about a 20 percent rehealthcare paperwork at their home in Charlotte, N.C. duction in their federal consumers had to grapple with the connec- refunds. tions between the health law and the inOnly 3 percent of its customers with come-tax system. But such issues don't health law subsidies saw no impact on their seem to have diminished this tax filing sea- refunds, meaning they correctly estimated son. their incomes, or called HealthCare.gov to ``Even the people going through it a sec- report changes during the year. ond time weren't getting any better at it,'' More than 1 in 3 overestimated their insaid Mark Ciaramitaro, the company's vice president for taxes and health care. About the same proportions of returning customers and new customers wound up having

Switching off a gene cuts heart attack risk BERLIN: People with a specific mutation in a gene have a 50 per cent lower risk of suffering a heart attack, which if switched off with medications could reduce the risk of coronary disease significantly, scientists say.

"This discovery makes it considerably easier to develop new medications that simulate the effect of this mutation," said Heribert Schunkert from Technical University of Munich (TUM) in Germany.

For the study, scientists analyzed 13,000 different genes from a pool of 200,000 participants - both heart attack patients and healthy control persons. They were on the lookout for correlations between gene mutations and coronary artery disease.

For a number of genes, the researchers registered a correlation, including the ANGPTL4 (angiopoietin-like 4) gene. In addition, subjects with the mutated ANGPTL4 gene had significantly lower triglyceride values in their blood.

"The blood fat triglyceride serves as an energy store for the body. However, as with Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, elevated values lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Low values, by contrast, lower the risk," said Jeanette Erdmann from University of Lubeck in Germany.

"For most patients the focus still lies on

cholesterol. A differentiation is always made between the healthy High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and the harmful LDL cholesterol variants," said Schunkert.

"However, in the mean time we know that the HDL values always run inversely proportional to those of the triglycerides and that HDL itself actually tends to behave in a neutral manner," he added.

"The triglycerides, on the other hand, are the second important blood fat, alongside the harmful LDL cholesterol.

The only reason HDL blood values are still measured is because, together with HDL and triglyceride values, they can be used to derive the LDL values, which cannot be measured directly," Schunkert said.

The new study shows that the concentration of triglycerides in the blood are influenced not only by nutrition and predisposition, but also by the ANGPTL4 gene.

"At the core of our data is the lipoprotein lipase (LPL) enzyme. It causes the decomposition of triglycerides in the blood," said Erdmann.

Normally, ANGPTL4 hems the LPL enzyme, causing blood fat values to rise. The mutations identified by researchers disable the function of this gene and thereby ensure that the triglyceride value drops significantly. -AP

comes, meaning that received a smaller tax credit than they were entitled to. They got an average of $450 back from the IRS. As for the health care law's fines, they're meant as a stiff nudge to get healthy people who can afford coverage to join the insurance risk pool, thereby helping to keep premiums more manageable for everyone.

Exemptions are available for people with low incomes or who face other extenuating circumstances. But the law's requirement to have coverage or risk fines remains highly unpopular.

The minimum fine went up from $95 in 2014 to $325 for the 2015 tax year. It rises again this year to $695 for an adult uninsured for a full 12 months.

H&R Block said that means an uninsured family of four earning $60,000 will face a penalty of $975 for this year, compared with about $400 for 2015. Next year, that same hypothetical family would face a penalty of $2,000 at tax time.

With 2016 open-enrollment season over, uninsured consumers have few options for avoiding fines next year at tax time. If they don't qualify for a hardship exemption, they can try to find a job that provides health insurance, or see if they meet the criteria for a special sign-up period through HealthCare.gov.-AP

Health Science Post

34 India Post

March 18, 2016

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India part of UN initiative Puerto Rico might be next victim of Zika to end child marriage UNITED NATIONS: India is among the 12 nations that will be the focus of a new multi-country initiative by the UN to end child marriage and to help protect the rights of child brides, whose number can reach one billion by 2030.

'The UNFPA-UNICEF Global Program to Accelerate Action to End Child Marriage' is part of a global effort to prevent girls from marrying too young and to sup-

The initiative gains significance since the UNICEF predicts that if the current trends in child marriages continue, the number of girls and women married as children will reach nearly one billion by 2030.

"Choosing when and whom to marry is one of life's most important decisions. Child marriage denies millions of girls this choice each year," Executive Director of

A 16-year-old boy waits to be married to a much younger girl during a mass child marriage ceremony in Indore, Madhya Pradesh

port those already married as girls in 12 countries across Africa, Asia and the Middle East where child marriage rates are high.

The 12 countries that will be the focus of the initiative are Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Mozambique, Nepal, Niger, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Yemen and Zambia.

UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, Babatunde Osotimehin said.

He said as part of the global program, UNFPA will work with governments of countries with a high prevalence of child marriage to uphold the rights of adolescent girls.

The new global program will focus on proven strategies, in-

cluding increasing girls' access to education and health care services, educating parents and communities on the dangers of child marriage, increasing economic support to families, and strengthening and enforcing laws that establish 18 as the minimum age of marriage.

The program will also emphasize the importance of using robust data to inform policies related to adolescent girls.

"The world has awakened to the damage child marriage causes to individual girls, to their future children, and to their societies," UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake said.

Lake added that the new program will help drive action to reach the girls at greatest risk and help more girls and young women realize their right to dictate their own destinies.

"This is critical now because if current trends continue, the number of girls and women married as children will reach nearly 1 billion by 2030; 1 billion childhoods lost; 1 billion futures blighted," he said.

The UN agencies said women and girls who are married as children are more likely to be out of school, suffer domestic violence, contract HIV/AIDS and die due to complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

Child marriage also hurts economies and leads to intergenerational cycles of poverty, they said.-PTI

Obama remains in excellent health WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama rarely takes a day off from the gym and it shows, according to his latest physical exam.

The president is in excellent health and is getting into even better shape, lowering his cholesterol level and gaining muscle since his last exam, his personal physician reported.

Obama, 54, weighed in at 175 pounds, about five pounds less than from his last assessment in 2014. The 6-foot-1 Obama is focusing on healthy lifestyle choices and exercises daily with a focus on aerobics fitness and resistance weight training, said Dr. Ronny L. Jackson. ``All clinical data indicates that the president is very healthy and that he will remain so for the duration of his presidency,'' Jackson wrote in a memorandum

that was distributed to reporters.

Jackson said Obama takes vitamin D and Nexium, as needed, for occasional acid reflux, and he occasionally uses nicotine gum.

He said Obama ``remains tobacco-

free and only drinks alcohol occasionally and in moderation.'' He said the president also eats a healthy diet, which first lady Michelle Obama has prioritized in her Let's Move! initiative to reduce childhood obesity.

Obama completed his fourth

physical exam as president in February. He weighed 179.9 pounds in 2010, went to 181.3 pounds in 2011 and dropped back to 180 pounds in 2014.

His total cholesterol has dropped from 213 to 188.

The president's LDL, or ``bad,'' cholesterol is at 125. The recommendation is to stay below 130. His HDL, or ``good'' cholesterol level, is 68, which is above the recommended 60.

Other details from the exam show that Obama has a body mass index of 22.8, which is considered normal, and that he has a resting heart rate of 56 beats per minute. His blood pressure was 110/68, with both numbers falling under the normal category.-AP

SAM JUAN, PUERTO RICO: recovering from Guillain-Barre The director of the US Centers for syndrome, a rare paralysis that Disease Control and Prevention also may be linked to Zika. has warned that the Zika crisis Frieden said thousands of gripping Puerto Rico is likely to pregnant women across Puerto accelerate without quick action Rico will likely be infected, given and said his agency is helping the the island's population density US territory find insecticides best- and the custom of using windows suited to the fight mosquito- without screens. borne disease.

Puerto Rico halted all blood Visiting the US territory to help donations last month and began boost the fight against the virus, buying blood from the Red Cross Dr Tom Frieden urged local officials to create a robust and long-term mosquito surveillance and control program.

"Zika is likely to spread very quickly, so time is of essence," he said, noting that the virus is different from the dengue and chikungunya epidemics that have gripped Puerto Rico. "It can bring many problems to families, to Officials say they have requested at least the community, to the is$225 million in federal funds to fight the spread of Zika in Puerto Rico. land for many years to come."

Frieden said the island needs to prevent potential contaminanew insecticides that are efficient tion, following recommendations in killing the Aedes aegypti mos- from the US Food and Drug Adquito that carries Zika and other ministration. The US Department diseases, and he noted that CDC of Health and Human Services officials are helping test nine dif- announced that it was paying for ferent insecticides for that pur- shipments of blood products to pose.

Puerto Rico to guarantee a suffiResearchers are trying to de- cient supply. termine if Zika may be linked to a Officials say they have revariety of serious outcomes for quested at least $225 million in developing babies, including mi- federal funds to fight the spread crocephaly, which causes babies of Zika in Puerto Rico. to have unusually small heads Frieden said Puerto Rico's govand brain damage. Those threats ernment has worked hard and recan affect a woman at any stage sponded well ever since the first of pregnancy, officials have said. Zika case was reported in DecemPuerto Rico has 157 confirmed ber, but he noted that many chalZika cases, but many other people lenges await. are believed to be infected. Six "I'm never satisfied," he said. people have been hospitalized "We need to do so much more, so and 14 pregnant women are in- much faster to protect as many fected. In addition, one person is women as possible."-AP

Ministry team inspects AIIMS site in J&K SRINAGAR: A team of Union Health Ministry officials visited Pulwama district to inspect the 88-hectare site acquired by Jammu and Kashmir government for setting up an AIIMS-like institution in the Valley.

The central team, led by Joint Secretary Sunil Sharma, was accompanied by senior state government officers, including Secretary Health M K Bhandari, Director Health Services, Kashmir Sameer Matoo and Deputy

Commissioner Pulwama, Niraj Kumar, an official spokesman said.

He said the team reviewed the acquired land for the construction of AIIMS-like hospital at Awantipora, 32kms from here.

The team will submit a detailed report to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in order to expedite the process of establishing the stateof-the-art hospital in the Valley, the spokesman added.-PTI

March 18, 2016

Health Science Post

India Post 35

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Womb transplant recipient grateful to donor CLEVELAND: The recipient of the nation's first uterus transplant says that she prayed for years to be able to bear a child, and is grateful to the deceased donor's family and surgeons who've given her that chance.

Doctors at the Cleveland Clinic said that the 26-year-old woman is recovering well after receiving the uterus late last month.

The experimental surgery is part of a new frontier in transplantation that, if it works, might be an alternative for some of the thousands of women unable to have children because they were born without a uterus or lost it to disease.

The woman, identified only as Lindsey to protect her family's privacy, appeared briefly at a news conference with her husband. She said she already is a mother to three ``beautiful little boys'' adopted through foster care and that she was told when she was 16 that she wouldn't be able to bear children. ``From that moment on, I've prayed that God would allow me the opportunity to experience pregnancy,'' she said. ``And here we are today, at the beginning of that journey.''

The woman must wait at least a year to ensure the new uterus is healthy enough to try getting pregnant through in vitro fer-

tilization, using embryos frozen ahead of the operation. To monitor the transplant, she will undergo monthly examinations.

transplant team at the Cleveland Clinic, which has been exploring the possibility of performing uterus transplants for 10 years, trained with the Swedish surgeons.

The hospital has screened more than 250 women to identify 10 who qualify for the clinical trial, those lacking a functional uterus but with healthy ovaries that produce eggs.

They must understand the risks - complications from abdominal surgery, plus the possibility that the transplant will fail - and that it's experimental. ``We must remember Lindsey and her husband Blake stand with Cleveland Clinic medical a uterine transplant is staff as they announce she was the nation's first uterus transplant patient, in Cleveland. Standing with the couple, from left, are Ruth M. not just about a surFarrell, M.D., bio-ethicist, Rebecca Flyckt, M.D., OB/GYN surgeon, gery and about moving and Andreas Tzakis, M.D., program director of the Transplant Center. a uterus from here to Lindsey there. It's about having Other countries have tried womb trans- a healthy baby,'' said Cleveland Clinic surplants. Sweden reported the first success- geon Dr. Rebecca Flyckt. ful birth in 2014, with a total of five healthy One concern, both medically and ethibabies from nine transplants so far. The cally, is the effect that necessary anti-rejection drugs have on a developing fetus, the doctors said. Dr. Andreas Tzakis, a transplant surgeon who is leading the study, said many women who've had kidney transplants have delivered healthy babies while

Mumbai's test tube baby becomes mother Cont'd from Page 32

Expressing her joy over the birth of Harsha's child, Dr Hinduja told PTI, "It is really hard to believe that we have delivered more than 15,000 test tube babies since the day we delivered Harsha. I remember the day Harsha was born, and since then she has remained an integral part of my personal and professional life and I am very happy for her today."

"Harsha's baby was conceived naturally.

Now it's more than a proven fact that even test tube-born babies can also have a very normal life," she said, adding that IVF technique has proven to be a boon for infertile and aged women who want to become mothers.

"I remember the day Harsha was born.

Her parents were on top of the world as well as my team. Now that the test tube baby has delivered a healthy baby weighing 3.18 kilos, what can be more awesome than this," said Dr Hinduja, who got the Maharashtra Kanya Gaurav Puraskar by a social organization here for her contribution in her field.

"Since the day Harsha was born, she and her family members became a part of our lives, sharing every occasion and achievement. It was but a natural decision that she chose us to deliver her baby," she said.

Remembering Harsha's birth, the doctor said, "I can recall very accurately even now.

A tuberculosis infection had damaged Harsha's mother Mani Chawda's fallopian tubes.

Harsha's parents, in their 20s and desperate to have a child, had approached Dr Hinduja at Parel's K E M Hospital. Her both tubes were choked, that killed the chances of her to become a mother. But she desperately wanted a child."

"Hence we had two options. Either we open the tubes through surgery or go for IVF, which was in experimental mode in those days. I chose IVF and Harsha was born with this technique," she said.

We had two options. Either we open the tubes through surgery or go for IVF, which was in experimental mode in those days. I chose IVF and Harsha was born with this technique Sharing his joy at the birth of their child, Harsha's husband Divyapal Shah, an accountant by profession, said, "We are on cloud nine. These are the best days of our life. Our son born on the auspicious day of 'Shivratri' has added reasons to rejoice it."

To a question if he was skeptic about marrying a woman born through IVF, Shah, who tied the knot with Harsha last year, replied, "No not at all. I was very confident of leading a normal life with a normal woman and today I am the happiest person." - PTI

taking anti-rejection drugs.

Births will be by cesarean section. The transplanted uterus will be removed after the woman has had one or two babies so that she won't need those drugs the rest of her life.

The United Network for Organ Sharing, which oversees U.S. transplants, said Baylor University in Dallas and Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital have also been approved for uterine transplants.

A uterus donation requires a separate consent from a deceased donor's family, like donations for other new procedures such as hand and face transplants, said UNOS chief medical officer Dr. David Klassen.

The donor for the Cleveland Clinic transplant was described as a healthy woman in her 30s who'd had children and had died suddenly. Sweden has used living donors for transplants there, but the Cleveland Clinic trial, to avoid any risk to a donor, decided to start with donors who have died.

The Cleveland Clinic patient, Lindsey, said she was grateful to that donor's family. ``They have provided me with a gift that I will never be able to repay.''

Dr. Mats Brannstrom of Sahlgrenska University Hospital at the University of Gothenburg said the Cleveland surgery marked the 13th transplant worldwide. According to Brannstrom, Saudi Arabia and Turkey previously reported attempts and China performed one in November, but Sweden so far has the only births.-AP

Realty Tidbits

HDFC to raise Rs 525 cr as resources NEW DELHI: Housing finance major HDFC has said it will raise Rs 525 crore through debt instruments on private placement basis to augment its long term resources.

The Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC) will issue secured redeemable non-convertible debentures on March 11 to raise the required sum, it said in a BSE filing.

"The object of the issue is to augment the long-term resources of the Corporation. The proceeds of the present issue would be utilized for financing or refinancing the housing finance business requirements of the Corporation", it added.

The debt instruments to be maturing for April 2019, carry a coupon rate of 8.72 per cent.

However, only the person specifically addressed through a communication would be eligible for the subscription of the debentures, HDFC said, adding no other person can apply. -PTI

Real Estate 36 India Post

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March 18, 2016

MUMBAI: Kotak Mahindra Group's private equity arm has raised Rs 1,600 crore to invest in residential projects across six cities over the next 3-4 years. "We have closed a fresh commitment of Rs 1,600 crore from institutional investors for equity investments in residential projects in the six major metros," Kotak Realty Fund Chief Executive S Sriniwasan told PTI here.

He said the company will invest in projects coming up in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad and Chennai.

Sriniwasan further said the recent clarifications by the government enabled the company to structure this as an Alternative Investment Fund (AIF).

"Currently, there is enough liquidity for addressing debt requirements of the sector, so we felt probably there was need for equity as well. We feel this investment will help address the growing equity needs of the real estate industry in India," he said. The company's Chief Investment Officer Vikas Chimakurthy said, "We anticipate that the correction in the residential market will reflect in land values over the next few quarters, which will make the equity investment argument attractive.-PTI

MUMBAI: PE firm Paragon Partners has raised $50 million, marking the close of its $200 million growth fund, PPGF-I to invest in mid-size companies. Siddharth Parekh, an experienced Indian private equity investor and entrepreneur Sumeet Nindrajog, who manage the fund, said PPGF-I plans to invest in 10-15 mid-market companies in India with an average deal size of $10-20 million.

It will focus on five core sectors, including consumer discretionary, financial services, infrastructure services (capex light), industrials and healthcare services, Paragon Partners said in a statement. -PTI

Eight classic home features that are hot again DANA DRATCH

N

ot everything old is new again.

But just like Sinatra-style hats and skinny ties, some classic home features are timeless. From glass bricks to free-form pools,

homes "are (some) of our hottest houses now," says Pat Vredevoogd Combs, past president of the National Association of Realtors and Realtor with Coldwell Banker AJS Schmidt Re-

midcentury glamour is back.

And those midcentury modern

alty in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

As a result, builders are incor-

Kotak raises Rs 1,600 cr for projects

Paragon Partners raises $50 million

PE investment from foreign fund up 33% NEW DELHI: Private equity (PE) investments from foreign funds in Indian realty sector rose by 33 per cent to Rs 14,974 crore during last year, according to property consultant Cushman & Wakefield.

In a recent report entitled 'Opportunities for foreign investors in Indian Real Estate', Cushman & Wakefield has reported that Mumbai accounted for about 35 per cent of the total foreign investments in 2015, followed by Delhi NCR accounting for about 25 per cent of the investments.

"Total private equity (PE) investments from foreign funds in Indian real estate increased 33 per cent from USD 1,676 million (approx Rs 11,306 crores) in 2014 to USD 2,220 million (approx Rs 14,974 crore) in 2015," C&W said in a statement.

"The three large cities; Mumbai, Bengaluru and DelhiNCR continue to attract the

highest investments in India and account for about 75 per cent of these investments," said Sanjay Dutt, Managing Director, India, Cushman & Wakefield.

However, he said that other cities in India are likely to witness rise in PE investments going forward on the back of government initiatives to relax FDI norms and focus to improve infrastructure across the country.

"These initiatives have made India as one of the largest markets for real estate investments offering a huge investment potential to foreign investors that were largely restricted until now," Dutt said.

While only 18 per cent of total foreign PE investments were structured debt, about 94 per cent of the domestic PE investments adopted the structured deal strategy for investments during 2015. -PTI

porating some of those design features into new homes, she says.

What's old is new What's old is new "We're seeing people ask for a contemporary look, from the '50s," says Combs.

Look for clean lines, smaller and more organized spaces, and energy efficiency. "We're going back to usability. Not froufrou stuff -- a clean look," she says.

Tastes are regional, too, says Ron Phipps, principal with Phipps Realty of Warwick, Rhode Island, and past president of the National Association of Realtors.

"While there are features that come back and have a great resurgence, they're very influenced by geography," he says.

Some things happen over and over again, as in the movie "Groundhog Day." These 8 home features were big in decades past and are hot again.

"Porches are back in a big way," he says. "And the porches that are being built today are built for function. They're deep, and they're wide."

If there's a great view, you might find rocking chairs on the front porch.

A modern twist: Privacy-loving homeowners might have a large porch in a more private part of the house - on the side or in the back, Phipps says.

Look for details such as elaborate inlaid flooring, composition

Porches "Porches fell out of vogue 10 years ago," Phipps says. Homes either didn't have them or there would be a small, token porch as a design element -- not to actually use, he says.

Fast-forward to today when,

flooring, and mosaics.

Glass blocks In midcentury modern homes, glass blocks are used for everything from windows to basements and decorative elements in the home, Combs says.

"Today, you see it more in showers ... a shower wall of glass blocks or decorative accessories with (glass) brick," she says. Another accent that's back: vertical brick. In the '40s, '50s and '60s, many homes used light-colored vertical bricks both outside and inside around fireplaces, says Combs.

Cont’d on page 37

March 18, 2016

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March 18, 2016

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Spur proclaims itself tiny house-friendly city SPUR, Texas: Benjamin Garcia's house is pretty small, but hey, that's the point.

The New Hampshire native's 96 square feet offer all the living space he needs. Plus, it beats paying a mortgage the next 30 years.

Self-employed as a financial consultant, Garcia can work remotely or from the road. Before he found Spur, he spent some time in San Francisco and elsewhere, bouncing around temporary apartments and friends' sofas.

So, what motivates a 24-yearold seasoned traveler to build a closet-size house in rural West Texas? ``Well, I wanted to do a tiny house, and Spur seemed like the best place to do it,'' he told the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. ``It's a home base - I can travel and come back. I wanted to have my own home, but I didn't want to pay a ridiculous amount since I'm not always gonna be here.''

Tiny houses don't have a formal, agreed-upon definition, but you certainly won't find one above 1,000 square feet. The smallest Spur has seen so far is 86 square feet.

The tiny-house movement has grown in recent years, a backlash

of sorts to the McMansion-building boom from the previous generation. Downsizers decide the extra space - and hefty mortgage - is no longer worth the stress.

In most towns, though, they'll encounter problems at City Hall.

City ordinances typically require a minimum number of square feet on new foundations.

But since July 2014, Spur hasn't been one of them. With a City Council resolution against foundation size requirements, Spur adopted a designation as the country's first tiny-house-friendly town.

Kay Mardis brought her house to Spur for that reason. ``I had this house built before I realized there were not many places that would want me,'' she said.

The local retiree and Muleshoe native learned about Spur's tinyhouse movement online. She toured the town with Dave Alsbury, the founder who originally presented the idea to the City Council. By Christmastime, she had moved in. ``It's still coming together, (but) so far I'm very happy,'' she said.

Even towns that allow smaller homes on wheels tend to confine

them to certain zoned areas - think trailer parks - with lots that are often rented.

Denise Rosner, in contrast, claims every inch of her baby-blue tiny house and accompanying

said. A moment later, she remembered paying cash for her 440square-foot home with a 100-foot upstairs loft. It's not big, but it's cute and comfortable - and it's all hers.

New Hampshire native Benjamin Garcia stands outside of the tiny house he is building in Spur, Texas.

land. The new homeowner lived in Florida and Los Angeles before she joined Spur's growing community of big-city expats. ``I woke up January 1st and I thought, `Oh wait, I didn't pay the rent. Oh wait, the mortgage,' "she

``I own this,'' she said with a hint of pride.

A block or two away, Garcia shares his neighbor's frugality.

Between the $500 he paid the local taxing entities for the lot and the $1,500 or so for supplies, he's

building a long-term residence for the cost of a single month's rent back in San Francisco.

And after he finishes the house he's building now, he plans to start construction on a slightly larger one. The new one - a Hobbit-inspired earth home - will contain a few extra square feet on the ground floor, and a basement.

Tiny-house dwellers can use the money they save for something more fun, or simply work less.

Garcia plans to use his extra free time for hiking and other outdoor activities and to study foreign languages.

He also hopes Spur's low cost of living will attract more business-minded folks. Opening a restaurant, for example, would be cheaper and easier than in a bigger town. ``It's low risk to do things here,'' he said.

Spur is a municipality of just over 1,300 residents, an hour east of Lubbock. It's not located along any major highway, nor down the road from any much larger town.

But that's not necessarily a bad thing. Rosner still cringes recalling Los Angeles traffic and pollution. She finds her new quiet street almost blissful. -AP

8 classic home features that are hot again Cont’d from page 36

These days, homeowners, designers and builders are using them for flooring, she says.

Farm sinks and white cabinets The farm sink "is a real throwback," says Cindy Bowman, listing agent with Keller Williams Realty in Charlotte, North Carolina.

"It's very popular now, and that's purely an aesthetic thing," she says.

The other thing that's again popular in modern kitchens: simple, white cabinets.

"Fifteen years ago, white cabinets were out," says Bowman.

"Now people want that white kitchen."

People want a simple look, she says. Less chic and busy, more Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware, she says.

"And subway tiles are back, especially in the kitchen," says Bowman. And throughout the house, "Everything's gotten simpler."

Shag carpets and dark wood trim This isn't your parent's shag carpet.

Instead, look for a shag that's

shorter and fuller than the 1970s style, says Combs. And you'll see versions with variegated colors a few close shades of the same hue - so that it appears to have slight flecks in it, she says.

We're "just getting away a little from plush carpet that's all the same color" and tends to show dirt and wear, Combs says.

What you won't find: that dated, 1970s scraggy shag. And no orange or avocado, she says.

Another flashback from the disco era?

Dark paneling.

Years ago, that dark paneling was all the rage for lining entire rooms, Combs says.

Builders and homeowners also used it as trim - especially in combination with wrought iron for a Mediterranean look, says Combs.

These days, you won't find an entire room decked out with dark paneling, but you might see it used as an accent wall or as trim this time without the

wrought iron, she says.

Another blast from the past: wallpaper But the modern twist is that we're seeing more geometric patterns and metallics, says Kerrie Kelly, designer and founder of Kerrie Kelly Design Lab. And another modern invention - digitally printed paper - "allows for large printed murals," Kelly says. "There's a lot more customization."

Freeform pools and fireplaces Freeform pools are making a comeback, Phipps says. And in some warmer climes, "They never went out of style," he says.

"People are spending the money for entertainment space in the yard," Phipps says. "It's not an afterthought. The outdoor barbecue or rear fireplace in the last 10 years has become really popular."

Another feature that's hot - literally - for interiors?

Wood-burning fireplaces, Bowman says, because wood-burning fireplaces cost less to run than gas fireplaces, and they generate heat.

Smaller, more practical spaces "People are going away from the ginormous house," Bowman says.

Homeowners instead want smaller spaces - as evidenced by the popularity of micro- and

minihouses, she says. Also high on their list: rooms and homes that are energy- and spatially efficient, she says.

"There's been a cultural shift," says Bowman. "Bigger is not always better, and energy efficiency is a big deal."

Look for less square footage, with clean lines and plenty of organizational features, such as shelves, closets, and closet organizers.

Rec rooms This one's back with a vengeance. The difference this time: Instead of an old couch and a pool table shoved in the basement next to the water heater, homeowners are spending some money to finish off these rooms in style and turning them into 2nd great rooms, says Phipps.

Look for wet bars, built-in entertainment and sound systems, home theaters, and flooring that stands up to wear and still looks great (such as indoor/outdoor carpet or tile).

And families aren't afraid to personalize these spaces; one family turned their basement into a computer lab and video-editing bay, Phipps says.

-Courtesy Bankrate.com

March 18, 2016

www.indiapost.com

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40 India Post

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L

ocated in the state of Uttar Pradesh in Mathura district, Vrindavan is a very beautiful town which lies in the Braj region. It is also famous as Vraj. It is widely believed that Lord Krishna spent his childhood here and performed Raas Leela with young ladies or Gopis at this place. The town is located at a distance of just 10 kms from Mathura, Lord Krishna's birthplace.

Vrindavan Travel Guide is incomplete without a mention of its

March 18, 2016

rich heritage. The town hosts hundreds of temples dedicated to Radha and Lord Krishna and is considered as a very sacred place by a number of religions such as Gaudiya Vaishnavism, Hinduism and Vaishnavism. The name 'Vrindavan' has been derived from the term 'Vrinda', which is similar to Tulsi plant that grows generously throughout the length and breadth of the city.

It is said that few years ago, the entire surroundings were a Tulsi coppice. It is widely believed that

in the 16th century Vrindavan was "rediscovered" by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu went to Vrindavan in 1515 to discover the vanished holy places connected with Lord Krishna. He roamed through the diverse sacred forests of Vrindavan and with his divine saintly power; he located all the holy places associated with Sri Krishna.

Events / Festivals

Cont’d on page 42

Travel & Hospitality Post

March 18, 2016

India Post 41

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Metrino project for Haryana soon GURGAON: Government has prepared the detailed project report of Metrino Personal Rapid Transit System in Gurgaon at a cost of Rs 980 crore and the project would start in near future, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has said.

"We have prepared Detailed Project Report (DPR) of this

that the Metrino Personal Rapid Transit System would be constructed from Delhi-Haryana border to Rajiv Chowk and Sohna Road (Badshahpur Chowk).

The government has planned the Rs 4,000-crore 'Metrino' public transport project from Dhaula Kuan to Manesar to enable

Nitin Gadkari

project having cost of Rs 980 crore and construction of the project will be kicked off in near future. It is a pilot project and it will be replicated in other cities as well," Gadkari said.

The Road, Transport, Highways and Shipping Minister said

people to travel in driverless pods suspended to a ropeway and also reduce traffic on congested roads.

Gadkari also announced a road from Dwarka in Delhi to Kherkidaula in Gurgaon as National Highway.

Addressing the Happening Haryana Global Investors' Summit here, he said nine National Highways costing Rs 8000 crore have already been announced for Haryana. He also announced that the state would have its first waterway from Palla in district Sonepat to Wazirabad in Delhi.

He also said that the work on Delhi-Jaipur Expressway would be started by the end of this year.

It would cost Rs 18,000 crore.

Speaking on the occasion, Yoga Guru Ramdev said that his Patanjali Group will invest a minimum Rs 5,000 crore in setting up an international health centre in the state.

"In Haryana, we will set up a global university and an international health centre. Our minimum investment here will be Rs 5,000 crore. We want to announce that we will invest Rs 5,000 crore in setting up an international health centre.

"An MoU worth Rs 5,000 crore has been exchanged between Patanjali Ayurvedic Limited and the Haryana Government for investment in health and education industries."

In the next 5-10 years, Patanjali will be the biggest brand globally in the FMCG sector and health products, he said.-PTI

China to build 2nd railway linking Tibet BEIJING: China will build a second railway connecting Tibet with other parts of the country, expanding its connectivity with the Himalayan region and increasing its strategic options to rapidly move troops to the borders with India.

The railway will be built between Tibet Autonomous Region's capital city Lhasa and Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province, in southwest China, according to the

no further details.

The plan is to be implemented from this year after its approval.

The new rail line is in addition to the Qinghai- Tibet Railway linking Tibet with inland regions of China.

The 1,956-km railway, which started operation in July 2006, is the world's highest and longest plateau railroad. It further expanded the deeper into the Tibet almost closer to the Indian border.

draft outline of the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020) on national economy and social development submitted to the national legislature for examination. It provided

In addition to the railway expansion, China has also built five airports in the Himalayan region.

The rapid expansion of the road, rail and air services in Tibet,

providing the facility to rapidly move the troops besides people made India to undertake infrastructure development in the border regions, specially in Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims as part of southern Tibet.

Media reports have said the new railway will be about 1,629km long, and it will only take 15 hours for trains traveling between Lhasa and Chengdu, state-run Xinhua news agency said.

"We hope that the railway will be completed as early as possible.

It will provide new momentum for our development, especially the tourism," said Wangdui, a national lawmaker and mayor of Tibet's Nyingchi City, where the new railway will go through.

In addition, the country will accelerate construction of railways in border areas and build crossborder corridors, the draft said. PTI

Ancient mosque a respite from Cairo chaos CAIRO: Amid Cairo's cramped mass of humanity and traffic, with its incessant honking and haggling, visitors will be hard-pressed to find some solitude. But if you're willing to go off the beaten tourist track a bit, serenity can be found.

The expansive Mosque of Ahmed Ibn Tulun is not as famous as Al-Azhar Mosque or the Mohamed Ali mosque inside the Citadel fortress, but it's a rare oasis of silence in one of the world's busiest, and loudest, cities. The mosque, completed in 879, is considered the oldest in Cairo that has

ing metropolis. From this vantage point it's easy to see why Cairo is known as ``the City of the Thousand Minarets.'' The vista of mosques, broken roads, bumperto-bumper traffic and roofs littered with satellite dishes will remind you of the intensity from which you have just escaped.

Entrance to Ibn Tulun mosque is free but donations are gladly accepted and actively encouraged from the men who attach cloth bags to your shoes in deference to the site's sanctity.

Within the same compound one

Egyptian Muslim pauses inside Ahmed Ibn Tulun Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Cairo, Egypt. Amid Cairo’s cramped mass of humanity and traffic, with its incessant honking and haggling, visitors will be hard-pressed to find some solitude. But if you’re willing to go off the beaten tourist track a bit, serenity can be found at this expansive mosque.

survived in its original form, and the third largest in the world by area. Local legend claims it was built on the hill where Noah's Ark landed after the flood.

Upon entering, you encounter the huge square plaza, surrounded by four shaded pathways that include patches of green rugs for prayer and long lines of hanging lanterns. The arches between the columns showcase a variety of sculpted patterns. If the backdrop looks familiar to movie buffs, it's because Roger Moore confidently strolled down these pathways as James Bond in a memorable scene from ``The Spy Who Loved Me.'' It's not unusual to find only a handful of other visitors on site and the unexpected quiet allows one to observe the various formations of shadows and the rays of light creeping through the intricately carved stone windows. The only noise here is that of the birds chirping from the rafters.

Once you've absorbed the calming karma of the courtyard, you can ascend the minaret's exterior stone staircase where a panoramic, albeit hazed-by-pollution, view of Cairo is revealed and you can take in the sheer expanse of the sprawl-

can include a visit to the GayerAnderson Museum, which boasts an impressive collection of Egyptian artifacts and relics. It provides a glimpse into the life of historyobsessed retired British officer John Gayer-Anderson _ who made it his home _ and offers perhaps the best example of domestic Cairo architecture. The museum is built from two houses dating back to the 15th and 16th century and is connected by a bridge supported by the outer wall of the mosque.

Highlights include an internal well, rooms devoted to the varied Chinese, Turkish and Syrian oriental styles and a courtyard that has another unlikely feature for Cairo _ green grass. The rooftop terrace is impressive and has been used as a set for several movies, including the Bond one where Moore battles a henchman on it and then flings him off the roof.

The museum, too, can be quite empty, with an accompanying guide turning on the lights of each room for a lone visitor. Entrance costs 40 Egyptian pounds (about $5). But it's worth a visit if only to prolong a relaxed outing before heading out once again into the hectic streets of Cairo.-AP

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Festivals in Vrindavan are celebrated with great enthusiasm and religious sentiments. They are extremely colorful and promote unity and feeling of brotherhood.

Janmashtami: Janmashtami marks the birthday of Lord Krishna. It generally occurs dur-

ing the month of August. There is a sense of euphoria in the entire city during the festival. The city remains immersed in chants and Bhajans dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is indeed a pleasure to be a part of the festivities during Janmashtami.

Halite "festival of colors" is celebrated in a very colorful and joyous manner in Vrindavan and is one of the biggest festivals for the natives. The atmosphere is really charged up during the celebrations.

Basant Panchami: A famous festival of Hindus known as Basant Pancham is celebrated in all the country and is renowned for kite flying. This festival is celebrated at the time of monsoon season.

Places to visit Shahji Temple: Shahji Temple is one of the famous temples in Vrindavan, devoted to Lord Krishna. The temple possesses a Dravidian architectural style and fabulous marble sculptures which fascinate large number of tourists

from all over the world. It was made

by Shah Kundan Lal, a prosperous jeweler of Lucknow. The idol of Lord Krishna is known by the name of Chhote Radha Raman.

Iskcon Temple: Located at Bhaktivedanta Swami Marg, Raman Reiti, Vrindavan, ISKCON temple is popularly known as Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir. One

of the most magnificent temples of Vrindavan, it was inaugurated by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, Founder Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness on Ram Navami Day (20 April, 1975). He also installed beautiful idols of Krishna Balaram, Sri Radha Shyamasundar, Gaura Nitai, Lalita

Devi & Vishakha Devi in the temple.

Seva Kunj and Nidhuban: Seva Kunj and Nidhuban is a beautiful

garden, majorly visited by Krishna disciples and scenic lovers. It is believed that Lord Krishna performed Raslila with Radha here. A small temple devoted to RadhaKrishna is situated inside the garden and it is believed that Lord Krishna used to spend his time in this garden indulging in dances with the Gopis.

Madan Mohan temple: Has anyone ever wondered that in the pious town of Vrindavan which temple holds the distinction of being the oldest one? If not, then get set to know that it is the Madan Mohan Temple in Banke Bihari Colony of Vrindavan, where the original deity of Madana-Mohan was discovered by Advaita Acarya hundreds of years ago. It is not just a religious shrine, but a historical landmark that transcends one back to 16th century India. It was then that Saint Sanatan Goswami enshrined the deity of Madan Mohan after Advaita Acarya entrusted the worship of the Lord upon him.

The Madan Mohan Temple we see today on a hillock in Vrindavan is a rebuilt version of the original

one. The towering red color structure led by multiple stairs and molded with spiritualism, devotion and tranquility adds an extrava-

gant dimension to one's Vrindavan trip. The history of Vrindavan that is yet unearthed, can now be discovered with a religious visit to Madan Mohan Temple.

Vrindavan's beautiful scenery from the hillock again soothes the eyes of those who travel miles to take a sneak peak of this historical religious edifice.

Yamuna River: One of the most sacred rivers of India, Yamuna River begins from Yamunotri. The river is regarded as being turned pure as it flows through the cities

when in the area.

Bankey Bihari Temple: Officially known as Shri Bankey Bihari Mandir, the Bankey Bihari temple of Vrindavan is one of the holiest temples of Lord Krishna in India.

Constructed in 1864, the temple houses the idol of Lord Krishna in the form of a child i.e. Nand Gopal.

of Mathura and Vrindavan. Thousands of devotees take a dip in this holy river.

Kesi Ghat: Kesi Ghat in Vrindavan, Mathura, is one of the most visited places in the area and is frequented by devotees and tourists alike. The Ghat, considered to be amongst the best in the country, is situated on the banks of the river Yamuna and is a huge hit amongst devotees of Lord Krishna.

According to popular belief, this is the Ghat where Lord Krishna took a bath after killing the demon Kesi. Since then, devotees rush in huge numbers to seek blessings of the Lord. An elaborate Aarti is practiced every evening, as a ritual for Yamuna Devi. The Ghat is rich in scenic beauty and is a must visit

monuments and other places of interest. The best months to visit are September to March.

Best time to visit The best season to visit Vrindavan is the winter season.

The temperature remains comfortable and is apt for visiting the

How to Reach Air: The nearest International Airport from Vrindavan is Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, about 144 Kms away and is roughly four hour drive from Vrindavan city.

Railways: Vrindavan has its own Railway Station which is connected to almost all the major cities.

Road: There are many ways to reach Vrindavan road. Vrindavan is 11 Kms from Mathura, 57 Kms from Hathras, 70 Kms from Aligarh, 73 Kms from Agra, 139 Kms from Gurgaon and 144 Kms from New Delhi.

March 18, 2016

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Naoshima, an art-and-design island of Japan DONNA BRYSON

NAOSHIMA, JAPAN: Because I had just emerged from the gloom of a tree-lined approach, the white stones that paved the courtyard seemed impossibly bright. Then, my eyes caught something unexpected: a flight of chunky glass steps, a very modern touch on a renovated shrine.

Encountering surprising and beautiful juxtapositions defined my visit to Japan's Naoshima, a small island that Pritzker Prize-winning architect Tadao Ando has helped transform into a destination for lovers of contemporary art and design.

My trip to Naoshima was something of an Ando pilgrimage. I'd admired the work of the Japaneseborn, internationally known Ando at the Art Institute of Chicago, where he created a powerfully contemplative gallery for Japanese screens using simple pillars and lines of light and shadow. My daughter came up with the phrase ``art-itecture'' during our visit to Naoshima because we focused so much of our attention on Ando's buildings, and less on the artworks they house.

For a 1989 festival, Ando designed a campground where the public could contemplate art and Naoshima's natural beauty. In 1992, an Ando-designed hoteland-art complex opened, Benesse House. It's a dream come true for

those of us who have always wanted to spend the night in a museum. I got a thrill passing one of Hiroshi Sugimoto's extraordinary photographs of theaters on my way to breakfast the two mornings I spent at Benesse House.

Anyone can view the art, but hotel guests get after-hours access.

Over the next decades, Ando designed several more buildings for Naoshima, including additional suites of rooms for Benesse House, with the most exclusive

A view of the coastline of Japan’s Naoshima island. Architecture, museums and art installations have turned the island into a destination for lovers of contemporary art and design.

The hotel complex, which includes a seaside sculpture park, also is home to work by, among others, Jennifer Bartlett, Jonathan Borofsky, David Hockney, Bruce Nauman, Niki de Saint Phalle, Frank Stella and Andy Warhol. A giant spotted pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama that sits on a pier jutting into the Seto Inland Sea has become a mascot for the enterprise.

connected to the main galleries by monorail.

Perhaps the most stunning of Ando's structures is the Chichu Art Museum, which opened in 2004.

Chichu means underground, and the galleries are buried into a hillside so that they become part of the island's dramatic landscape.

Yet the spaces are filled with natural light. A Claude Monet painting

1st look of World Trade Center's transit hub NEW YORK: New Yorkers and steel construction I have seen tourists got their first look inside a since I watched the twin towers $3.9 billion transportation hub at being built as a small boy.'' the World Trade Center site as of``I think it's beautiful,'' said anficials opened one entrance to the other, Chrissa Chappell, 41, a procathedral-like pavilion. fessor of English at Lehman ColThe partial opening comes af- lege in the Bronx. ``Maybe it can ter years of delays and cost over- be an example to the rest of the runs. The hub was originally budgeted at $2 billion with a target completion date of 2009. Rising costs have been blamed on factors including architect Santiago Calatrava's demands and the logistical complexity of building it while the Sept. 11 memorial and office towers were also under construction. ``We really hope from the People walk past the World Trade Center Transportation Hub New York. bottom of our hearts that New Yorkers embrace it and love it,'' said Calatrava, who shook country.'' hands with workers.

The structure with its massive ``I think it's absolutely spec- steel wings is supposed to evoke tacular,'' said one New Yorker, Jay a bird in flight. The grand hall, Singer, 50. ``It's the most amazing known as the Oculus, is a soaring

space with a skylight where the bird's spine would be.

Calatrava and his supporters say the facility will justify its price tag by taking its place as one of New York's most compelling pieces of public architecture. Calatrava called the hub ``a monument of faith in this city'' during a tour last month.

But Patrick Foye, the outgoing executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which owns the trade center site, has criticized the station as ``a symbol of excess.''

The station is replacing one that was destroyed along with the twin towers in 2001.

When it is completed, the hub will connect Port Authority Trans-Hudson trains to New Jersey with 11 New York City subway lines and ferry service. Shops and restaurants are scheduled to open this summer.-AP

of water lilies hangs in a room over a floor of white stone cubes that reminded me of the bright stones in the shrine courtyard elsewhere on the island. Chichu also houses installations by James Turrell and Walter De Maria.

In another Ando museum on Naoshima, dark hallways lead like journeys to the revelations contained in the precise paintings and bold stone and steel sculptures of Lee Ufan, who was born in Korea and established himself as a leading figure in Japanese contemporary art.

Ando got a museum of his own on Naoshima in 2013. The architect set a concrete box inside a century-old house in Naoshima's Honmura area. The house literally and figuratively embraces exhibitions on Ando's work, which is rooted in the simplicity of traditional design and casts an admiring glance at ancient craftsmanship. The museum is a short bus or bike ride from Benesse House.

The Honmura neighborhood also is home to another Benesse initiative, the Art House Project launched in 1998. Artists have made galleries and installations out of abandoned homes, temples, a dentist's office and a hangout for players of the board game Go. Benesse House is named for Japan's Benesse Corp., whose holdings include Berlitz, the lan-

guage education company.

Benesse founder Tetsuhiko Fukutake bought land on Naoshima as a base to explore ideas about nurturing children and worked with locals on projects linking economic and cultural development. He died in 1985, but his son, Soichiro, a collector of contemporary art, took his father's vision further, saying in an online welcome message that the island is ``a place where art is not experienced by studying set attitudes but appreciated on your own terms.''

Naoshima is craggily scenic, and so densely forested that the trees and ferns compete with sand for footholds along the shore. Before it became an arts destination, its economy centered on salt, fishing and manufacturing.

The glass steps that caught my eye are part of an Art House Project renovation of an Edo period shrine by Sugimoto. The steps link the hilltop shrine to an underground stone chamber. The glass stairs echoed timber risers I occasionally saw dug into the surrounding hills to ease the way for pedestrians. More than occasionally, I spotted humble roadside Shinto shrines at which the faithful had left flowers and other offerings. Seeing them, it was easy to imagine the island and its artitecture teeming with spirits.-AP

'Security at airports not being privatized' NEW DELHI: No core security activity is being privatized at airports across the country and only non-core security is being outsourced, government has said in Rajya Sabha.

"No core security activity is being privatized. Core security is with the government. Only noncore security is being outsourced to involve them in areas like baggage pick up as trained manpower is required. We follow the pattern of security as laid down in the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security," Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said when asked whether core security was being outsourced.

To a question on installation of inland baggage screening equipment to prevent long queues at airports, the Minister said it is an expensive system and its installation depends on the number of passengers at airports.

"The system is in place at some airports. But it depends on the

number of passengers. Where passengers are high, the equipment will be installed," Raju said, adding that this was a dynamic process.

In his written reply, he said, there are no laid down regulations on reporting time for air travelers at airports.

"To avoid inconvenience to air passengers due to recent security alert in the country, an advisory was issued by Air India advising its passengers that check-in will commence 3 hours prior to departure and closed 45 minutes prior to departure for domestic passengers and 60 minutes for international passengers," the Minister said.

He said appropriate security measures are put in place at various airports depending on the threat perception and intelligence inputs. "Further course of action is decided from time to time based on the security requirements," he said.-PTI

In Brief Fugitive immigrant held for 5 murders KANSAS CITY, Mo.: Immigration authorities last year sought to detain a Mexican national but they sent the detention order to an agency that didn't have him in custody. The same man is now charged with killing five men in Kansas and Missouri.

It was not the first time Pablo Antonio Serrano-Vitorino, who was in the U.S. illegally, eluded U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to the agency. In 2015, officials from a Kansas county where SerranoVitorino faced domestic battery charges queried federal immigration officials about him because he was born outside the country, but ICE didn't respond before the county let him go.

Serrano-Vitorino is now charged with killing a neighbor and three other men in Kansas, then gunning down another man at the man's rural home in central Missouri. He was captured.

Serrano-Vitorino, 40, was deported in April 2004 because he was in the country illegally, but he re-entered at some unknown time, ICE said by email.

Serrano-Vitorino, who has been living in Kansas City, Kansas, was fingerprinted Sept. 14 at the Overland Park Municipal Court after being cited for traffic violations.

That triggered an ICE order to have him detained. But ICE said it sent the order to the Johnson County Sheriff's Office instead of to the Overland Park Municipal Court.

„

Cont'd on Page 45

Stories of immigration among PEN nominees NEW YORK: This year's list of finalists for the PEN/Faulkner Award features stories of war, race and immigration.

Nominees announced for the $15,000 fiction prize include Viet Thanh Nguyen's novel about a former spy for North Vietnam, ``The Sympathizer''; Julie Iromuanya's novel about a Nigerian in the U.S. who lies about his profession to his family back home, ``Mr. and Mrs. Doctor''; and James Hannaham's book on race and class, ``Delicious Foods.''

Two story collections also are finalists: Luis Alberto Urrea's ``The Water Museum'' and Elizabeth Tallent's ``Mendocino Fire.''

The winner will be announced April 5. Previous recipients of the award, established in 1981, include Philip Roth, Sherman Alexie and Ann Patchett. -AP

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March 18, 2016

Canada reaches goal of 25K Syrian refugees Details on page 46

Republican presidential hopefuls want H-1B visa to end WASHINGTON: Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump has said the H-1B visa program he uses to employ highlyskilled foreign workers at his own businesses should end as it is "very unfair" for American workers and has been taking away their jobs.

The last Republican presidential debate in Miami began with all the four White House aspirants slamming the H-1B visa system popular among Indian techies, with Florida Senator Marco Rubio even naming Tata and India as part of his anti- H-1B rhetoric.

"I know the H-1B very well.

And it's something that I frankly use and I shouldn't be allowed to use it. We shouldn't have it. Very, very bad for workers. It's very important to say, well, I'm a businessman and I have to do what I have to do," Trump said while respond-

ing to a question on foreign workers, in particular H-1B visas.

"When it's sitting there waiting

workers. We should end it," he said.

IT professionals from India and major Indian IT companies are

Donald Trump

for you, but it's very bad. It's very bad for business, it's very bad for our workers and it's unfair for our

major beneficiary of H-1B, a nonimmigrant visa in the US which allows US employers to temporarily

employ foreign workers in speciality occupations.

Rubio said it is illegal under the H-1B program to use it to replace American workers.

"Under that program, you have to prove not only that you're not replacing Americans, but that you've tried to hire Americans. If a company is caught abusing that process, they should never be allowed to use it again," he said.

The second problem with the current structure of the program is that people perhaps do not understand these companies are not directly hiring employees from abroad, he pointed out.

"They are hiring a consulting company like Tata, for example, out of India. That company then hoards up all of these visas. They hire workers. Disney or some other company hires this company," Rubio said. -PTI

'H-1B issue will impact Indo-US defense trade' WASHINGTON: The doubling of H-1B visa fee would impact India's purchase of defense equipment from the US as the move would affect the country's IT exports that generate money to buy the American military hardware, a top American industry advocacy group has warned.

"If India's export gets impacted because of H-1B issue, then it would have an impact on India's purchase of defense equipment from the US, because India is (one of) the largest buyers (of military hardware in the world)," Mukesh Aghi, president of US India Business Council told PTI. "For India IT services in the US is slightly over USD 60 billion. It is the largest export of India into the US," he said.

"And if it (India) does not earn foreign exchange then how it will pay. So I think, it does have an impact directly or indirectly on job creation in the US," Aghi said responding to a question on the recent discriminatory policies of US against Indian IT companies.

Indian companies, he said

have invested over USD 19 billion in the United States creating large amounts of jobs.

"Secondly the (Indian) IT workers do make US companies much more competitive on a global basis. The classic example is the banking industry in the US after 2008 financial crisis a big chunk of

Aghi said in response to a question.

Meanwhile, the Senate Judiciary Committee has scheduled another hearing on 'Impact of High Levels of Immigrations on US Workers'. This is the second such similar hearing in less than a fortnight.

Last year, US President Barack Obama had signed into law a USD 1.8 trillion spending package which among other things introduces a hefty USD 4,000 fee for certain categories of H-1B visa and USD 4,500 for L1 visa. our work is being done by Indian companies and they become world class stronger," he said.

"We are very much against the imposition of this discriminatory penalty on Indian companies,"

The hearing has been convened by Senator Jeff Sessions, Chairman of the Senate subcommittee on Immigration and National Interest of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Sessions had recently endorsed Donald Trump the Republican presidential front runner.

During a Congressional hearing on February 25, Senator Jeff Sessions and Senator Dick Durbin agreed on need to reform two temporary work visas, the H-1B and L-1, because corporations use them to keep wages low.

Last year, US President Barack Obama had signed into law a USD 1.8 trillion spending package which among other things introduces a hefty USD 4,000 fee for certain categories of H-1B visa and USD 4,500 for L1 visa.

Companies having more than 50 employees and having more than 50 per cent of their US employees on H-1B and L1 visas would have to pay the new fee when the next visa application session kicks off on April 1.

India alleged that the recent US measures "appear to raise the overall barriers for service suppliers from India seeking entry into the United States. PTI

Immigration Post

March 18, 2016

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Mallya left country despite look-out notice NEW DELHI: Liquor baron Vijay Mallya, facing probe in a loan default case of IDBI bank, apparently managed to leave the country in spite of a look-out notice against him by CBI. The agency has also asked the rest of the 17 banks which had given loans to now defunct Kingfisher Airlines to declare these loans as fraud, on the lines of IDBI bank, after which it can take over probe in their cases as well.

tion authorities to prevent any move of a person facing probe from leaving the country.

SBI, which leads the consortium of 17 banks that lent money to the grounded Kingfisher Airlines, had moved DRT in Bengaluru against the airline's chairman Mallya in its bid to recover over Rs 7,000 crore of dues from him.

"We cannot arm twist a bank in terming a loan default as fraud. We can only advice them which we

Vijay Mallya

CBI sources claimed the agency had taken all legally-permissible precautions including issuance of look-out notices to all exit points from the country to prevent any such move on part of the Rajya Sabha MP but he still managed to escape.

The sources said look-out notices are issued to alert immigra-

have done. It is up to banks now to give us complaints based on which we can act," a senior official said.

CBI had registered a case against Mallya, Kingfisher Airlines, Chief Financial Officer of the airlines A Raghunathan, and unknown officials of IDBI Bank in its FIR alleging that Rs 900 crore IDBI

loan was sanctioned in violation of norms regarding credit limits on the basis of complaint received from the bank.

Clarifying his position in the loan owed by KFA, Mallya in a recent statement had said after the closure of the airline, since April, 2013, the banks and their assignees have recovered, in cash, an aggregate of Rs 1,244 crore from sale of pledged shares.

"In addition an aggregate of Rs 600 crore is lying deposited in the Karnataka High Court (since July, 2013) and a further sum of Rs 650 crore belonging to United Breweries Holdings has been deposited in the Karnataka High Court since early 2014, being sums realized from the sale proceeds received by United Breweries Holdings from the sale of shares in United Spirits to Diageo Plc in July, 2013," he had said.

"Thus, the aggregate cash recovery/security available is Rs 2,494 crore," Mallya said.

The Attorney General has informed the Supreme Court that Mallya left the country a week ago.

"I spoke to the CBI little while ago and it told me that on March 2 he (Mallya) left the country," Mukul Rohatgi told the bench comprising justices Kurian Joseph and R F Nariman.

The bench issued notice to Mallya and sought his response within two weeks on pleas filed by a consortium of banks seeking direction for freezing his passport and his presence before the apex court. -PTI

Driver's authorization card by submitting fingerprints ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.: After years of pressuring lawmakers and facing criticism from immigrant rights groups, New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez has signed a bipartisan bill that revises the state's immigrant driver's license law and puts New Mexico in compliance with tougher federal identification requirements.

The Republican governor signed the measure during a ceremony at Sunport International Airport in Albuquerque and announced that state residents won't need a U.S. passport to board a commercial flight as initially feared.

Under the new bill, New Mexico will stop issuing driver's licenses to new immigrant applicants regardless of legal status. Immi-

grants in the country illegally will be able to get a driver's authorization card by submitting fingerprints. Immigrants who already have licenses can skip the requirement.

In addition, residents will have the option to get REAL ID compli-

ant driver's licenses or driver's authorization cards.

The REAL ID Act requires proof of legal U.S. residency for

those who want to use state identification to access certain areas of federal facilities. New Mexico had no such requirement.

Martinez had tried repeatedly to repeal the state's immigrant driver's license law, but state Senate Democrats had blocked the measure.

This session, however, Martinez and lawmakers faced pressure to resolve their difference after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said the state wouldn't get an extension on tougher federal REAL ID mandates. ``It was a long five years,'' Martinez said. ``Today we say no more.''

Cont'd on Page 46

Fugitive immigrant held for 5 murders Court administrator Robin Barnard said Serrano-Vitorino showed up at the court the next month to pay a $146 fine. He was never in custody of any local authorities for the traffic violations.

ICE said that had its order been sent to an agency that had SerranoVitorino in custody, it would have sought to deport him.

Earlier last year, in June, Serrano-Vitorino was booked on a misdemeanor domestic battery charge in Kansas City, Kansas.

The Wyandotte County Sheriff's Department sent ICE an overnight query about him, sheriff's Lt. Kelli Bailiff said, but when ICE did not respond within the required sixhour period, Serrano-Vitorino was released.

ICE said, the query, which did not involve his fingerprints, required the agency to interview SerranoVitorino, something it wasn't able to do between when the sheriff's office sent it at 1:30 a.m. and released Serrano-Vitorino at 7:30 a.m. Authorities have not released a motive for the latest rampage.

Wyandotte County District Attorney Jerome Gorman, whose office has charged Serrano-Vitorino with four counts of first-degree murder, declined to discuss a possible motive, saying only that the Kansas killings did not appear drug-related.

Serrano-Vitorino is jailed in Montgomery County, Missouri, on $2 million bond stemming from the Kansas charges.

When he was captured, Serrano-Vitorino had an assaultstyle rifle with him, said John Ham, a regional spokesman for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. He said agents were trying to determine how he acquired the weapon. ``If he was in the country illegally, and that certainly appears

to be the case, it would have been illegal for him to have a firearm under federal law,'' Ham said.

The Kansas victims were identified as Serrano-Vitorino's neighbor, 41-year-old Michael Capps, and three other men who were at Capps' home: local brothers Austin Harter, 29, and Clint Harter, 27; and 36-year-old Jeremy Waters, of Miami County, Kansas. Before dying, one of the four managed to call police, prompting a manhunt.

The slain Missouri man was 49year-old Randy Nordman, whose property was about 5 miles from where a truck was found aban-

Serrano-Vitorino has had at least one previous conviction an unspecified terrorist threat for which he was sentenced doned along Interstate 70 that Serrano-Vitorino was believed to have been driving.

Serrano-Vitorino has had at least one previous conviction - an unspecified terrorist threat for which he was sentenced to two years in a California prison - that led to his 2004 deportation, according to ICE. ICE also said Serrano-Vitorino was convicted in 2014 of driving under the influence in southeast Kansas. But ICE records don't show the agency was notified that Serrano was fingerprinted at that time.

Gorman, the Kansas prosecutor, declined to criticize ICE, saying he was reserving judgment ``because I don't have all the facts.'' ``Obviously we wish it hadn't happened, (and) we'd love to discuss with ICE why it happened,'' he said. -AP

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

Former Assistant StateÂ’s Attorney

Civil & Criminal Litigation Felonies, Misdemeanors, Inc DUI 1 Personal Injury, Business, Divorce etc.

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

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Denial of tuition for immigrants challenged ATLANTA: Immigrant rights attorneys have filed a lawsuit challenging the Georgia university system's policy of denying instate tuition to students brought to the country illegally as children but who have been granted temporary permission to stay.

The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund filed the federal lawsuit on behalf of an immigrant rights group and two immigrant college students who graduated from Georgia high schools and live in the state but are required to pay out-of-state tuition at Perimeter College.

The lawsuit names as defendants the individual members of the Board of Regents, which governs the university system, as well as about two dozen state college and university presidents.

University System of Georgia spokesman Charlie Sutlive declined to comment on pending litigation.

An Obama administration policy introduced in 2012 granted temporary permission to live and work in the U.S. to young people brought to the country illegally as

children who meet certain criteria.

The University System of Georgia requires any student seeking in-state status for tuition purposes to provide verification of ``lawful presence'' in the U.S. The Regents have said students with temporary permission to stay under the 2012

The lawsuit asks a judge to declare the university system's policy illegal and to prohibit its enforcement. It also seeks damages for economic harm suffered by the two students and the group. program - known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals - do not meet that requirement The lawsuit says the policy is pre-empted by federal immigration law and therefore violates the supremacy clause of the U.S. Constitution. The policy also violates

the Constitution's equal protection guarantee by denying in-state tuition without a constitutionally valid justification, the lawsuit says. ``In an era when too many purported leaders maliciously target hardworking immigrants prepared to contribute to our nation's future success, this Georgia university policy is antithetical to the state's own interests,'' MALDEF president and general counsel Thomas A. Saenz said in a news release. ``The policy is also unlawful, and this suit promises to reopen the doors of higher education to some of the state's best and brightest students.''

The lawsuit asks a judge to declare the university system's policy illegal and to prohibit its enforcement. It also seeks damages for economic harm suffered by the two students and the immigrant rights group, as well as repayment of tuition fees and other costs.

One of the two students, Lorena Guillen, said she's thinking about leaving school because she can't afford the higher rates. The other student, Karla Lopez, has a pre-

med major and wants to become a doctor. She takes a lower number of credit hours each year than she'd like to because of the higher

the right to education. The group has had to use time and resources that would otherwise be used for other purposes to help students who are not eligible for instate tuition, the lawsuit says.

A group of immigrant students previously filed a lawsuit challenging the policy in state court, but that suit was dismissed based on the principle of sovereign immunity, which shields the state and its agencies from being sued unless the General Assembly has explicitly waived that protection.

Charles Kuck, a lawyer for those students, has said he plans to take legal action in state court against the individual University System of Georgia spokesman members of the Board of Charlie Sutlive Regents, who are not protuition rate, the lawsuit says. Be- tected by sovereign immunity, because of that, it will take her more cause he believes they are failing than four years to get a degree. to follow their own rules and The Georgia Latino Associa- guidelines by refusing in-state tution for Human Rights works to ition to young people who are lawpromote Latinos' rights, including fully present in the country. -AP

Jury selection on in immigrant's Driver's authorization card by submitting fingerprints murder trial NEW LONDON, Conn.: Jury selection is underway in the trial of a Haitian national charged with killing a Connecticut woman shortly after his release from prison.

Jean Jacques's trial is scheduled to begin on March 29 in New London. Jacques is charged with murder and drug violations in the June 2015 stabbing death of 25year-old Casey Chadwick of Norwich. Her body was found in a closet in her apartment.

The Bulletin reported in July that

Jean Jacques during a previous court appearance.

federal authorities failed to deport 41-year-old Jacques at least three times since 2002.

Jacques spent 17 years behind bars on a 1997 attempted murder conviction.

The newspaper reported that Jacques through his lawyer sought a dismissal of the charges.

Federal officials earlier this year announced an investigation into how Immigration and Customs Enforcement handled the case. -AP

Vietnam War veteran gets US citizenship ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.: A decorated U.S. veteran who served in the Vietnam War is now a United States citizen.

Fofo Tuitele recently completed his naturalization requirements and took the oath of allegiance during a special ceremony in Albuquerque last week.

The American Samoa-native who served in the U.S. Marines says he just decided ``to put the icing on the cake'' and get his citi-

American Samoa remains the only place in the United States where U.S. citizenship is not granted at birth.

zenship.

American Samoa remains the only place in the United States where U.S. citizenship is not granted at birth.

He joined the Marine Corps when he turned 18 and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. He received a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.

Less than 24 hours after officially becoming an American citizen, the 67-year-old Rio Rancho resident registered to vote. -AP

Cont'd from Page 45

Last year, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced it would give the state an extension on REAL ID mandates. That decision sparked uncertainty around the state after military bases said they were stopping accepting New Mexico driver's licenses for entry.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security also said non-compliant driver's licenses would no longer be accepted to board commercial air flights.

The department has since given New Mexico an extension after state lawmakers passed the bipartisan proposal.

The Santa Fe-based immigrant rights group Somos Un Pueblo Unido called the new bill a ``loss'' for Martinez and said it had been amended enough to protect immigrants' rights. ``We are proud that both Republican and Democratic leaders in the state Senate stood up to Governor Martinez' long campaign to divide New Mexicans on this issue,'' the group said in a statement.

The group had originally opposed any legislation that created separate ``driver's permit cards'' or required fingerprints

but reversed after Senate Democrats agreed to those provisions.

Martinez said the new measure was about public safety and not immigration. She pointed to the arrest of four Mexican nationals who were taken into cus-

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security also said noncompliant driver's licenses would no longer be accepted to board commercial air flights. tody hours before the bill signing for trying to obtain New Mexico driver's licenses using false residency documents.

New Mexico Taxation & Revenue Department Secretary Demesia Padilla said until state officials are able to fully adopt the new law, authorities are expecting others to try to obtain licenses using fake documents. ``We have to be vigilant,'' she said. -AP

Datebook

March 18, 2016

NEW JERSEY Upcoming

NEW YORK

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

Upcoming

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CHICAGO

Upcoming

Sat, Mar 19

Sat, Mar 19

• Rang Barsay Bollywood Night

• The Biggest HOLI Party in New York City

Venue: Empire Meadowlands Secacus, 2 Harmon Plaza, Secaucus, NJ 07094 Time: 09:00 pm Contact: 732-900-4200

Venue: Stage48, 605 W 48th St, New York, NY 10036 Time : 12:00 pm Contact: 908-4251603

Venue: Seaside Lagoon, 200 Portofino Way,

Sat, Mar 19 • KKNC Presents - Rock on Raaga

Redondo Beach, CA 90277

Venue: Carrington Hall, 1201 Brewster

Time: 11:00 am

Avenue, Redwood City, CA 94062

Contact: 843-503-2133

Time: 04:00 pm

Sat, Mar 19 • Namam Excellence Award Night 2016

Sat, Mar 26

Sun, Mar 27

Jun 18, 19 • Gujarat Mahotsav

Venue: Royal Alberts Palace, 1050 King Georges Post Road, Edison, NJ 08837 Time: 5:00 pm Contact: 848-667-3313

Sat, Mar 26

• Umar Chee Antique Pan dil chee Romantic Gujarati Drama Venue: Plainfield High School - NJ, 950, Park Avenue, Plainfield, NJ 07060 Time : 7:30 pm

• Holi Bollywood Dance Party-Play with Real Colors Venue: Maple / Aspen Club, 157 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036 Time : 9:30 pm Contact: 646-543-8127

Mon, Feb 29 • Sulekha Seating Venue: Tester Venue, 123 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036 Time : 1:00 pm

Sun, Mar 20 • Holi on the Beach

• Heritage 2016- An afternoon of Indian Music and Kathak Dance

Indo-American Gujarti Culture Association

Venue: Long Beach Convention and Enter-

Venue: ACME HOLLYWOOD THEATER,

tainment Center, 300 East Ocean Boulevard,

135 North La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, CA

Long Beach, CA 90802

90036

Time: 10:00 am

Time: 2:00 pm

Contact: 347-423-2502

Sun, Apr 10 • Saroj Khan Dance Workshops Los Angeles - Ages 8-16

ATLANTA Upcoming

Time: 10:00 am

Sat, Mar 19 • Bollywood Beats 2016 (FundRaiser Supporting Kids Battling Cancer)

Contact: 310-407-9191

Venue: Norcross High School, 5300

Venue: North Hollywood, 6407 Farmdale Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 91606

Spalding Dr, Norcross, GA 30092

ILLINOIS Upcoming 1st and 3rd Sunday of Month • Chicago Children's Bal Mukund Character Building Program and Hindi Literacy Classes Venue: Vogelei Center, 650 W. Higgins Road, Hoffmann Estates, IL 60192 (Next to Nissan Dealership) Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-561-4807

Mondays and Fridays • Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Metropolitan Asian Family Services Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105

Mondays and Fridays • Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Where: Metropolitan Asian Family Services Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105

Sun, Apr 10

Time: 4:30 pm

• Saroj Khan Dance Workshops Los Angeles Adults

Sat, Apr 9 • Hope Night At The Hawks

• Bhagavad Gita: Philosophy of life

Venue: Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive,

Venue: Public Library-95th Street 3015 Cedar Glade Rd Naperville IL 60564 Time: 1st friday of every month 7-8 pm Contact: 630-637-0662

Venue: North Hollywood, 6407 Farmdale Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 91606 Time: 2:00 pm Contact: 310-407-9191

Sun, Apr 10 • Kaifi aur Main Venue: The Terrace Theatre, 300 East Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802 Time: 06:30 pm

Swami Ishatmananda

Atlanta, GA 30303 Time: 7:30 pm

Sun, Apr 10 • Vishal and Shekhar Live in Atlanta Venue: Cobb Energy Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339 Time: 06:30 pm

• India Eternal: From the Vedic Age to the Present Venue: Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago 10915 N. Main Street Glendale Heights, IL 60139 Time: 10:00 pm Contact: 630-655-8822

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Philosophy

March 18, 2016

India Post 49

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Page Sponsored by Sahanis SRI MOOJI (ANTHONY PAUL MOO-YOUNG)

F

ew people come to realise the magnificence of this life and their existence simply because they do not question what is really here and true. This simple yet profound discovery is the highest opportunity available to us in this life. It is so easy but so easily overlooked.

We fall in love with passing phenomena and believe them to be the source of happiness. But everything in the dynamic realm comes and goes: thoughts, beliefs, likes and dislikes, friendships, work. Even the body must eventually pass. It is okay to enjoy this world, relationships or your work, but to be caught in the trap of attachment and identification is not a happy state.

Because of this, many people are now seeking a happiness, a peace, a joy that does not fade like everything else. They are hoping to find something that is not subject to change, something that does not fail or pass away.

How to discover this?

Before we can be certain of anything, we must first be clear about our real nature. One must be willing to leave aside all that is not one's essential being. Who or what are you really? Immediately, this question brings you to the most important discovery in life.

CHUCK HILLIG

O

ur closest relationships can be either a golden chalice or an iron cauldron. We're all cooked in the melodramas of our own making until we become softer and more malleable. Marriage is an opportunity to deepen our compassion, love and forgiveness.

Since our spouse is a reflection of who we are, the guru is really appearing to us as the Beloved. In our neurotic need to dominate and control each other, though, (all fear-based), we often don't appreciate the gifts that our significant relationships bring to us.

We should learn to deeply honor and respect their contribution to our own unfoldment. Your spouse is the way that they are because of the way that you are.

And, just like it was in school, you're not always going to like what you're being taught. Remember, though, that none of it (no matter how crazy it might be) is happening to you. It's all actually happening for you.

By the way, therapy is not about feeling 'better.' Therapy is about telling the truth. It's about 'feelingwhatever-you're-feeling' and finding the courage to 'be-who-youalready-are.' Bottom line: A good therapist helps you to grow up and

You are being presented with this question by existence itself.

Let's start here: Everything that you can perceive, all you have learned, accepted or experienced arises in front of you. All are like clouds floating in the endless sky.

None of it is permanent. Let's include the idea you have of who you are and all belief, culture, thoughts.

Don't identify with any of that.

Why? Because they cannot exist independent of your perceiving.

All this is so simple.The trouble is not the object, but the attachment. If you know yourself without need or desire, then you can make use of everything. Nothing is so bad in itself. It is who or what you take yourself to be in relation to the things you have come to value that causes trouble. One can be very open towards life; however, if we develop strong emotional attachments, they can create a kind of blindness in our natu-

tantly, leave who you believe you are. Leave thoughts also, for it is you who observes them.

If you don't strike up a relationship, you see clearly that thoughts are also fleeting. just you be only you, without association. Just be what is here without effort, before even the idea of 'you' or 'I' arises. How simple! Just leave everything aside so we can get back to the unshared place which is only you. What remains?

Leave everything that can be perceived Sri Mooji (Anthony Paul Moo-Young)

The trouble is not the object, but the attachment. If you know yourself without need or desire, then you can make use of everything. Nothing is so bad in itself.

Leave everything that can be perceived, and allow the attention to rest upon that which you can sense simply Is, which is not dependent upon any effort, belief system or training. All these are watched from an untouched place.

As soon as you come to this recognition, your mind is in the space of the universal Self. You're out of the box of personal conditioning and in the field of pure consciousness. This is what you are.

ral functioning. As we discover our true nature, grace takes the form of a sweet detachment from our limiting habits. We now come to function and flow in harmony with all of life.

Must I leave everything aside?

Who are you without the things you are holding onto? For one moment leave aside all your practices, your ideas, projections and relationships. Most impor-

Yes. It is the indivisible, imperishable, timeless-untouched. It is without any story. It doesn't have parents. It is beyond all references.

It is unborn awareness. You are already this awareness, but you must discover it in and as your own Self.

Sri Mooji, a disciple of Papaji, is a spiritual teacher originally from Jamaica. He lives in 'Monte Sahaja' in the Alentejo region of Portugal.

to create better dreams. A satguru, however, helps you to wake up and to stop dreaming altogether.

The only Truth (capital 'T') that's really real is Absolute truth, and it'll never change into anything else simply because it can't change. It just 'is-what-is.' Absolute truth manifests as relative truth within the Great Illusion, however, whenever we start telling a story about 'what is.' Relative truth de-

opposite simply because it's incapable of adopting a single point of view about anything. Or, more accurately, you might say that Absolute truth holds all possible points of view because, at the bottom line, Absolute truth is just 'what's so.'

When we speak truthfully from the Heart in this present micro-moment of Now, then we're speaking directly from (and about) 'what is.'

truth about 'what's so' about themselves... warts and all...at this single moment of Now. With the therapist taking the part as the non-judgmental Witness, this 'truth-telling' then becomes the litmus test for all therapeutic healing.

What often stops us from speaking our truth, however, is our belief that we 'should' be feeling, thinking, saying or doing something other than what we are feel-

Absolute Truth holds all possible points of view

Chuck Hillig

On the other hand, whenever we move away from this present moment of Now and into the past or future, we begin speaking relatively because the truth is now being described from an egoic point of view.

Clients are able to heal in therapy when they find the courage to fully embrace the Absolute

Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail.

Failure is another steppingstone to greatness.

-Oprah Winfrey Women are made to be loved, not understood.

-Oscar Wilde A woman is like a tea bag you can't tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.

-Eleanor Roosevelt In our society, the women who break down barriers are those who ignore limits.

-Arnold Schwarzenegger Emancipation of women has made them lose their mystery.

-Grace Kelly

Your spouse is the way that they are because of the way that you are. And, just like it was in school, you're not always going to like what you're being taught. pends on remembering a past or imagining a future. It only shows up within the dualistic world of opposites, stratifications, values (e.g. ethics) and, of course the five senses.

Specifically, relative truth arises when there's a point of view (i.e. an 'Observer' observing an 'Observed'). Absolute truth, on the other hand, doesn't have a polar

The words that enlighten the soul are more precious than jewels. Everything in life is speaking in spite of it's apparent silence. I have seen all souls as my soul, and realized my soul as the soul of all.

-Inayat Khan

ing, thinking, saying or doing. By always aligning ourselves completely with the Truth of 'what is,' we're making the unqualified (and enthusiastic) 'YES' to be the default position of the Heart.

Chuck Hillig is a modern spiritual teacher, author and licensed psychotherapist based in Virginia, USA

The age of a woman doesn't mean a thing. The best tunes are played on the oldest fiddles.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson Ah, women. They make the highs higher and the lows more frequent.

-Friedrich Nietzsche

Insure yourself FIRST. Call Sahanis, (Arish, Priya or Shiv) for your Insurance needs 718- 271- 0453. Serving for last 35 yrs

50 India Post

T

his year started on a high note for women's empowerment when Neerja, a true-life account of a female hero became a surprise hit. Followed Jai Gangaajal, a loud and gruesome clarion call for women in khaki to take scummy politicians. The year has other films lined up where women are given a plotted predominance.

1. Haseena: Sonakshi Sinha plays the real-life role of alleged underworld gangster Dawood Ibrahim's sister, apparently an outlaw herself. Her life and death were stuff that gangster celluloid epics are made of.

Director Apoorva Lakhia is fully into helming the hijinks of this colorful personality.

Sonakshi Sinha gets into the skin of the role, added kilos and all.

2. Sarabjit: Though this film is named after Sarabjit Singh, the Indian who was convicted and killed for being an Indian spy, the film focuses on his sister Daljit's struggle to get her brother freed. As a rural

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Punjabi woman, it is complete makeover time for Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Omung Kumar, who directs Sarabjit, earlier helmed the Mary Kom bio-bic.

3. Cabaret: Pooja Bhatt directs Richa Chadha in this tribute to women who take to the floors to sizzle and seduce in clubs. Pooja says this is her tribute to Bollywood's ultimate cabaret queen Helen.

Richa learnt the ropes of cabaret dancing to get into the soul of the role. Let's see how far she

March 18, 2016

gets to the core of the theme.

4. Simran: After two back-to-back intense male-dominated films based on the lives of real life characters Shahid and Aligarh, Hansal Mehta is all set to direct Kangna Ranaut in a feisty film about a Gujarati NRI in the US. Again, it's a film based on a true-life character. Kangna has been heard going to town about how much she admires 'Hansal Sir' after watching Aligarh. She needs a third author-backed hit after Queen and Tanu Weds Manu Returns to complete her trilogy of I-me-myself triumphs.

5. Akira: A full-on action film by Telugu director A. R. Murugadoss, where Sonakshi Sinha not only plays the title role but she also steps into a territory so far largely restricted to the male bastion: the action genre. Apparently, she has trained for the action scenes and is all set to dazzle with her kickass skills.

6. Meri Pyaari Bindu: Parineeti Chopra missed out on playing 'Piku'. Never mind.

She is all set to make up for lost time with new director Akshay Roy's film where Parineeti plays a singer. Since she belongs to a family of singers (please check out her cousin Priyanka Chopra), Parineeti is very excited about the opportunity to flex her vocal chords and show the world her newly revamped physique.

7. Kahaani 2: Vidya Balan's recent female-centric films have under-performed. But, she is back in a strong author-backed role in Kahaani 2. It was Kahaani in 2013,

where her journey towards becoming one of the contemporary female heroes actually began. Let's hope Vidya regains lost glory with the sequel to Sujoy Ghosh's intriguing yarn.

March 18, 2016

India Post 51 www.indiapost.com

Indo-Pak joint TV channel in Dubai?

NEW DELHI: Politicians and subject experts from India and Pakistan here pitched for a joint IndoPak TV channel saying it could help create an "unprecedented" improvement in mutual perceptions and bilateral relations.

They also welcomed the recent high-level sharing of intelligence by the two countries on potential terror activities and hoped the move will help build trust and eliminate terrorism.

During the third round of 'Pakistan-India Legislators and Public Officials Dialogue on Sharing of Experiences on Governance and Democracy' organized here, the participants discussed role of media in India-Pakistan relationship and policing system in the two countries.

Among key suggestions, they pitched for pursuing the prospect of a jointly owned India-Pakistan TV channel, possibly located in Dubai, to see it engenders an "unprecedented" improvement in mutual perceptions and bilateral relations.

The day-long dialogue was organized by Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and

Transparency (PILDAT) along with Lokniti-Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS).

"Dialogue participants welcome the recent high-level sharing of intelligence information by Pakistan with India to alert the Indian government against potential terrorist activities.

"They hoped that this becomes the first of a series of confidencebuilding measures to build trust and goodwill, and eliminating terrorism," a joint statement issued by the participants said.

Observing that there is "tendency in a few media houses" from both the countries to be "shrill and jingoistic" (in their reportage), the delegations from both the sides deplored the same and sought to address the issue.

The participants expressed concern that fringe elements are "wrongly" given more space than warranted in media in both the countries.

"More often than not, news media's unquestioning reflection of their own government's foreign and defense policies stance hampers the expression of independent perspectives," the statement

read.

The participants noted that "lack of access" for media to locations in the other country and obstacles in obtaining visas for journalists of both the countries were hampering an "informed" portrayal of each country.

In this regard, they insisted both the governments put in place policies ensuring ease of access, travel and reporting by scribes from the two countries.

"Specific proposals (during the

meeting) included visa-free access without city restrictions and for setting up of media lounges at Pakistan-India border posts to facilitate regular interaction and engagement between Pakistani and

Sonakshi Sinha creates Guinness record

B

ollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha entered the Guinness Book of World Records on International Women's Day and got the title of 'Most people painting their fingernails simultaneously.'

Talking about her achievement, the 28-year-old actress said in a press conference, "As a kid, I used to wait for the Guinness Book of World Records to come and used to think if I would get my name into it someday and I feel today's day is so special as I was a able to be a part of this prestigious book along with such wonderful ladies

and it feels great."

Talking about women empowerment, the 'Dabangg' star said, "A lot of women have started voicing their thoughts today and that is the biggest step one can take for women empowerment and I believe

that there is nothing better than women empowering women and if we support each other than no one can stop women from growing."

Sonakshi will be next seen in A R Murugadoss' directorial 'Akira' and John Abraham starrer 'Force 2.

Indian media representatives without the need to obtain visas," it added. The two sides insisted on having regular dialogues between Indian and Pakistani media with an objective to develop joint code of conduct on reporting about the two nations "starting from refraining to refer to the other as enemy state".

Both the parties underscored the need for joint initiatives in conventional, mainstream and social media.

prised senators Javed Jabbar, Lt Gen (Retd) Abdul Qayyum (PMLN), Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo (National Party), Nauman Wazir Khattak (Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf), Saud Majeed (PML-N) and other lawmakers including women leaders and media representatives.

On the Indian side were senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar, IPS officer-turned-politician Kiran Bedi, AAP leader Somnath Bharti and former RAW chief A S Dulat among others.

Ex-Federal Information Minister of Pakistan The participants exJabbar said even pressed concern that as media's growth becomes phefringe elements are nomenal, there is "wrongly" given more a great need for space than warranted "reflection for new legislation in media in both the for self-regulation countries. to remove some major deficiencies The participants also dis- of media". cussed policing in the two counHe said there was "no questries and agreed that police sta- tion" of interfering with media's tion reforms and revamping freedom of expression, but added should be at the heart of improv- there is a need for media to being the system in both the coun- come "more conscious" of the tries. need for its own reform.

Both India and Pakistan need He also suggested that governto reduce disconnect existing ments should facilitate greater examong the actors of the criminal change of people in media so that justice system of the two coun- "journalists can go and visit the tries by introducing criminal jus- other country, remove misundertice coordination committees at standing and improve reporting district-levels, they suggested. and coverage of both the counThe participants also batted for tries". effective police leadership that is Qayyum, chairman of independent of the role of politi- Pakistan's senate standing commitcians in policing and stressed on tee on defense production, also need for use of technology in po- pitched for objective reporting by licing. journalists from both the counThe Pakistani delegation com- tries.-PTI

52 India Post

March 18, 2016 www.indiapost.com

Sikhs get a better deal in Iran

E

very Iranian I meet on my trip is astonished to hear there's a Sikh temple, or "gurdwara," in Tehran. I wouldn't know of it myself but for IranianAmerican author Hooman Majd's terrific book, The Ayatollah Begs to Differ, where the temple makes a cameo appearance in a juicy rumor about the antecedents of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini… but more about that later.

It's taken me a week of false starts and red herrings to find the temple, hidden behind a high gate at the dead end of a quiet street.

It's hard to imagine that the motorcades of two Indian prime ministers-Atal Behari Vajpayee in 2001, and Manmohan Singh in 2012-were able to squeeze in here.

The building itself looks more like a Soviet-designed office than a place of worship. But once in the inner sanctum, I feel like I've been transported to a gurdwara in almost any town in India, with only the beautiful Persian rugs signaling my real location.

Bahrinderjit Singh Sahni, a worshipper who's sitting on one of the carpets with some of his friends, helping to count the take from the donations box, notes my mystified expression and laughs: "I'm sure you didn't expect to find this here."

BOBBY GHOSH

It certainly is a surprise. Not a surprise that there are Sikhs in Tehran, because they are the most peripatetic of India's peoples, and there is no corner of the globe where I would be taken aback to find a Sikh. And it stands to reason that there are gurdwaras all over the world-I've even been to the one in Helsinki, Finland. But I hadn't expected to find one in the capital of the theocratic Islamic Republic, which has a well-earned reputation for intolerance of all religions other than Shia Islam.

The United Nations' special rapporteur on human rights has repeatedly accused Tehran of persecuting and prosecuting minorities for their faith. On Pew Research's index of government restrictions on religion (pdf), Iran ranks alongside its nemesis, Saudi Arabia.

The gurdwara's presence here shows that the picture is more complicated than it might seem. There are no Sikh temples in Riyadh.

Iran's minorities are not uniformly oppressed. Tehran has several churches: the Armenian St. Sarkis Cathedral is probably the most prominent. A small Jewish community is allowed to preserve some of their religious and cultural traditions, as are the remaining Zoroastrians.

The liberties of these groups are severely constrained, but they are much envied by other minorities that are denied even tokenism. The Baha'i, for instance, are brutally persecuted. And Sunnis, who make up 10% of the population, are the target of official discrimination. Although it is not uncommon for Shias and Sunnis to pray in each other's mosques across the Muslim world, Iran's Sunnis complain that, although

this time, as Majd notes in his book, critics of the new regime spread the scuttlebutt that Khomeini, whose grandfather had lived in India, was greatly influenced by the Sikh faith-and that the Ayatollah might not even be Iranian. As proof, they pointed to the motif on Iran's new flag, which looks a lot like a Sikh symbol.

This was arrant nonsense, of course, but the resemblance is striking: When I point to the "Nishan Sahib," or Sikh flag, at the gurdwara, my translator and driver immediately speculate the Sikhs were inspired by the Iranian flag!

The Sikhs kept the gurdwara going, with some help from the Indian government, despite the dwindling numbers. The school attached to the temple was opened to non-Sikh students, mainly other groups from the Indian subcontinent and Africa. The community was rattled by the 2003 murder of a Sikh businessman, especially when the murderer's lawyers arThe inner sanctum.-Pic Bobby Ghosh gued that their Muslim client was they number close to 1 million in last spasm of violence against In- entitled to lesser punishment bethe capital, they are not allowed to dians-specifically, Hindus-oc- cause his victim had been a nonbuild a proper mosque of their own- curred in the 17th century, Muslim. (The Iranian Supreme and that the authorities routinely whipped up by a powerful cleric. Court threw that argument out.) destroy ad-hoc places of worship. The Sikhs arrived in large numbers Many of the remaining Sikhs are The Sikhs, on the other hand, at the start of the 20th century, Iranian nationals. Kotwalia tells me number in the mere scores-there mostly from the areas of British- he travels on an Iranian passport, controlled Punjab province that enduring all the hardship that enwould eventually become part of tails: "Getting visas is…. Ooooof, Pakistan. They settled first in so hard!" But he's proud to have Zahedan, in eastern Persia, but served his compulsory national many gravitated to Tehran. service, and to have voted in the Unsurprisingly, they prospered 2013 presidential election. in periods when the British essenAs we prepare to leave the tially controlled the country. (In gurdwara, he invites us back on had a fight with superstar Shah My Uncle NapoFriday, to eat Rukh Khan during the latter's leon, Iraj at the world tour, but the 'Angreji Beat' Pezeshkzad's sa"langar," or Kotwalia tells me he hitmaker dismissed the reports. tirical 1973 novel community "Nothing like that happened. of Iranian family travels on an Iranian kitchen. "It We have great relations (with each life during World will be vegother). I met him after one-and-a- War II, later passport, enduring etarian," he half years at an award function (re- turned into a all the hardship that says, somecently), we couldn't meet earlier." what apolohugely popular entails: "Getting 'Zorawar' will feature Honey TV series, the title getically. "But making his debut as a lead character is con- visas is…. Ooooof, maybe afteractor in films. He was ear- vinced that a Sikh ward, we can lier seen in Himesh neighbor-with the so hard!" go out and Reshamiya's 'The Xpose'. improbably Musget kebabs."

The 'Chaar Botal lim name of Sardar Maharat KhanThis piece originally appeared Vodka' singer says he is a British spy.) The Sikhs tended in Quartz. Bobby Ghosh is Quartz's wanted to try his hands to be-and still are, for the most Managing Editor, based in New at acting and feels it was part-merchants.

York City. He has strong opinions a challenging task.

At its peak, the community is on foreign affairs, food and football.

"I don't consider my- thought to have topped 5,000, but Ghosh was previously at TIME self just a rapper or singer. I am a a decline began with the Islamic Magazine for 16 years, including music producer, lyricist, poet... Revolution of 1979, and acceler- stints in Hong Kong, London, Acting is also a part of big enter- ated through the Iran-Iraq war of Baghdad, New York and Washingtainment. So it was something 1980-88. Some in the community ton. Before TIME, Ghosh worked which was left. It is a tough job to attributed the exodus to restric- at the Far Eastern Economic Reportray a character and make it tions imposed by the new theo- view in Hong Kong, BusinessWorld believable on screen." cratic government, but others Magazine in Mumbai and New Directed by Vinnil Markan, point out that the long war was Delhi, Business Standard in 'Zorawar' is scheduled to release very damaging for businesses.

Kolkata and Deccan Chronicle in on May 6. -PTI Now, about that rumor. Around Visakhapatnam, India.

Honey Singh is 'Rolls-Royce' & 'Badshah Nano' MUMBAI: They may have collaborated earlier on hit songs but now, rapper Honey Singh says the difference between his music and singer Badshah's is that of a RollsRoyce and a Nano.

The duo worked together for six years until 2012 and collaborated on songs including tracks like 'Get up Jawani' and 'Khol Botal'.

Badshah launched his first single in 2006 with Honey. During Honey's break from the music scene, Badshah gave chartbusters like 'DJ Waley Babu' and the recent 'Kar gayi chull' from 'Kapoor & Sons'.

When asked if Badshah has taken over the music scene in his absence, Honey told reporters, "Have you driven a Rolls-Royce?

There is a difference between a Rolls-Royce (an ultra luxury car brand) and a Nano (the world's cheapest car)."

The 32-year-old singer was speaking at the trailer launch of

his upcoming Punjabi film 'Zorawar'. Honey's last Bollywood song was 2015's 'Aankhon Aankhon' from Kunal Khemustarrer 'Bhaag Johnny'.

The 'Lungi Dance' singer, who reportedly was in rehab, did not divulge the reason for his absence but said it was an "important phase" of his life.

"It's a long story, I had disappeared for almost 18 months. There were lots of rumors about where I was. But today I'll talk about my movie, very soon I'll give an interview where I'll tell you the entire story about what had happened with me. That's an important phase of my life."

It was also reported that Honey

are between 60 and 100 families in Tehran. The gurdwara was founded in 1941, and the current structure was built in 1967, when the community was 10 times larger.

But Saheb Singh Kotwalia, a regular worshipper, tells me he feels no discrimination at all. "We are in the [Iranian] culture, and their culture is part of our lives," he tells me.

Indians have lived in Persia for millennia, and have only occasionally faced serious repression. The

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Akshara theatre on verge of going dark NEW DELHI: Akshara Theatre, one of the top 20 theatres of the country, which is on the verge of going dark due to pending electricity dues has now started an online crowd funding campaign seeking financial support.

Authorities at the iconic 44year-old theatre here allege that the electricity department has sent them a bill of Rs 3 lakh which they could not pay before March 1, the last date for payment.

"We received a bill of Rs 3 lakh from the electricity department a month back much to our horror as we could not have paid such a big amount. But somehow we raised Rs 2 lakh rupees which the electricity department accepted after much pleading," says actress Jalbala Vaidya, one of the founder members of the theatre.

The theatre has received a notice which informs that the theatre's lights will be switched off if the pending bill of Rs 4 lakh is not paid off by March 15.

"We again received a bill of Rs 3 lakh some days back from the electricity department and the last date of it was March 1. We could not pay the amount and hence it

got increased to Rs 4 lakh," says Vaidya.

The theatre has now started an online crowd funding campaign at

BitGiving inviting donations to save itself from going dark. Since it is a registered, non-profit Theatre Society donations attract exemption from Income Tax under Section 80G. Artists from the country and abroad have come forward to help the theatre authorities raise money with many students of Akshara also extending their support to the campaign.

"An audience member who had come to watch a play told us about

Bitgiving. So we aim to raise the amount and pay it by March 15.

Also many artists including stand up comedian Kishor Dayani, Papa

appeared on Broadway in February 1975 with the New York Times calling it 'India's Gift to Broadway'.

Since then 'The Ramayana' has been performed more than 2000 Akshara Theatre times as a tour de force solo performance, by Jalabala Vaidya, who is Sharman's wife in various national theatres in the West and in 35 towns and cities in India to packed houses and rave CJ have extended their support to reviews. raise funds, says Vaidya.

A string of stand up comediThe theatre has been a nursery ans - Papa CJ, Jeeveshu for stand-up comedians since its Ahluwalia, Zakir Khan, Apoorv inception when it opened to a Gupta, Maheep Singh - have perhouseful at Lady Shri Ram College formed at the venue. on March 11, 1972.

Akshara's own political satires Over the years Akshara Theatre in the 'Larflarflarf series' have kept has hosted numerous plays and audiences laughing their guts out supported young theatre groups at every national election. and college students over the Its lampooning of Indira Gandhi years with its "Ramayan" written during the Emergency had perby Gopal Sharman becoming the formed to a packed house that old only Indian play till date to have timers recall, that "if the door was

No roles for older actresses: Hema Malini

H

ema Malini says there is a dearth of opportunities for older actresses in Hindi films unlike in Hollywood, where quality roles get written for female stars of all ages.

Malini, who has starred in more than 150 films during her glorious career, feels she can still play a variety of characters on screen but feels quality roles are hard to come by.

"Internationally, such beautiful films are made with elderly actresses but that doesn't happen here. They don't want to invest money because filmmaking is too expensive so why would they risk it with me? That's the problem...

No one comes to me with (good roles)," the 67-year-old actress said.

"Meryl Streep is doing fantastic work. She is of my age.

I can also do so many things but I need opportunities for that," she added.

The actress, who is the BJP MP from Mathura, was last seen on the big screen in a guest appearance in megastar Amitabh Bachchan-starrer Aarakshan (2011).

She will now be seen in Ramesh

Sippy's upcoming production Shimla Mirchi, which also stars Raj Kumar Rao and Rakul Preet Singh.

"It is a sweet comedy and I had fun doing the film. I say yes when interesting roles come up and I thought this part was really nice so I agreed to be a part of it."

Malini, meanwhile, has entered a new territory - singing.

She has launched her maiden album Dream Girl, which has been composed by Babul Supriyo and features his duet "Aji suniye to zara, kya hai maajra" with the actress.

The album also has two Bengali songs, which Malini had originally recorded for Kishore Kumar.

"I never thought I would sing professionally but it so happened that I made Babul hear a Bengali song I had sung many years ago.

He thought I should sing and bring out an album. I readily agreed. I don't let any opportunity go."

When asked what was the reaction of her family to her songs, Malini said, "My family liked the tracks. Dharam ji was surprised to hear me sing. To impress him, I even recorded a ghazal and made him hear that. He said, 'I never knew you sing so well'. I said that now whenever you write a ghazal next, I will sing."

Dream Girl was earlier launched in Mumbai by Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan and his wife Jaya Bachchan. The Baghban actress has also recorded a bhajan album, which she will release soon.

opened midway people fell out!"

Theatre groups like New Delhi Players, IPTA, Tadpole Repertory, MITR Cultural Society, Saksham Arts, Curtain Call Productions, are regulars at the venue.

Theatre authorities say that the government should look into the pending dues matter and provide them with subsidized electricity.

"I strongly feel that the government should provide us with subsidized electricity. We are promoting the traditional and modern art of the country. We have been artists and both me and my husband, Gopal Sharman have been working to promote art," says Vaidya.

The authorities claim that they had approached the Ministry of Culture to make the wood paneled theatre into a museum. The theatre currently has a 40-seat acting area for poetry and song and green amphitheatre shaded by two giant Pipal trees.

"We had approached the Culture Ministry to make the theatre into a museum but the response has been slow and nothing much has been happening on that front," says Vaidya. -PTI

Angelina, Brad Pitt move to London LOS ANGELES: Hollywood's power couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have moved to London with their kids Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh and twins Knox and Vivienne.

The duo settled into an eightbedroom, USD 21,000-a-month rental at the end of last month, reported US magazine.

The couple and their kids will stay at the "beautiful, White

House-style home," for at least six months, a source said.

Situated on the River Thames in the London suburb Surrey, the mansion has an indoor pool and gym. It is just 40 minutes from friend George Clooney's home.

During their stay in the city Pitt, 52, will be busy with filming of 2017's "World War Z 2." Goodwill Ambassador, Angelina 40, will focus on her political projects. -PTI

A fitter Vir Das to spread humor in US

I

ndian comedian-actor Vir Das, who is off on his second USCanadian comedy tour, won't forget his fitness routine while he is abroad! He is ready to workout at fitness centre Barry's Bootcamp, where celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Jake Gyllenhaal have sweated it out.

The fitness centre chain has outlets spread across various cities in the US, and as Vir will be travelling to different places to

spread humor with his shows, he will make sure he keeps his fitness in check.

"I am pretty excited to join Barry's Bootcamp, as I am already focusing a lot on my fitness. After this, you shall see me in the best shape of my life," Vir said in a statement.

For his second tour, Vir will be performing in cities like Washington, Chicago and San Jose among others.

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Should Europe impose sanctions on Maldives?

O

ness figures responsible for the abuses, while the Commonwealth appointed a Ministerial Action Group, which may suggest moves towards its own ultimate sanction of possible suspension.

The European Parliament's standing delegation with South Asia visited the Maldives. Polarization in the country is personalized around the treatment of the former President Mohamed Nasheed, who was arrested by his successors for illegally ordering the detention of a judge and later seeing that the charge converted to terrorism, and subsequent conviction to thirteen years in prison. Conceding to international pressure, Nasheed was recently flown to London for medical treatment.

The Delegation was the first of the international observers to be able to publicly inspect the prison conditions in which he is being held. The "speMaldives President Abdulla Yameen cial protection quarters" inside the prison were exact reprisals against political clean and with basic comforts, but were still far from the Maldivian opponents.

In small nations, it is highly foreign minister's outlandish claim personalized too. Such is the case that he "had access to his own of the Maldives. World famous for swimming pool."

A separate meeting with its luxury holidays, the Maldives has become notorious for abuse Nasheed's legal team yielded firsthand evidence of how defense lawof democratic and human rights.

A thirty-year dictatorship yers had been given insufficient ended in the country with the first time to prepare the case; of defense democratic transition of power in witnesses unable to be called; and 2008, only for its newly elected of deep 'conflicts of interest' in the president to be removed in what he alleged was a coup four years later, but where anti-democratic claims exist on both sides.

Today, human rights groups point to what they call a large number of political prisoners; opposition parties allege large-scale corruption; security forces prevent rallies and political campaigning by the opposition parties and any Former President attempt to publicly criticize the Mohamed Nasheed government makes the attempter subject to arrest and intimidation. court - for instance, the judge and The same human rights groups prosecutor also acted as witnesses also accuse the international com- in the same case.

The challenge for Europe and othmunity of pressing local parties to accept the inquiry commission's ers internationally, is to raise these findings that allowed a return to concerns without appearing to be elections after 2012 but of failing to partisan towards the former presipress on for the implementation of dent and running the risk of alienatfundamental police and judicial re- ing the incumbent government, forms contained in the same report. whom we most hope will listen.

The Delegation also raised high With the situation deteriorating in the period since, in 2015, the profile cases of alleged political European Parliament voted to sup- prisoners, such as those of former port moves towards targeted sanc- Vice-President Ahmed Adeeb; Col tions against political and busi- (retd) Mohamed Nazim; and the ne key test of democracy in countries where it has only recently emerged is based on how far the rights of the political opposition are fully respected.

There is a temptation for governments to dismantle the tools that enabled them to be elected in fledgling democracies, to use newly-acquired power to hold on to that power. In countries where there has been conflict - real and political - there is further fuel to

India Post

RICHARD HOWITT

apparent lack of a credible investigation in the disappearance of journalist Ahmed Rilwan Abdullah who is still missing.

Incumbent Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen made a speech telling foreigners to mind their own business just hours after telling the aforementioned visiting Delegation that he would "follow the trail of evidence in corruption cases, wherever it leads."

Candid admissions during informal exchanges by the members of parliament from the governing party that "we are only doing to the opposition what they did to us," suggests that the roots of the country's problems do not lie with one person or party, but with the political maturity inside this young nation. However, the wealth of the tourist market and the integral part it plays within the country's politics mean the threat of sanctions may be one of the few actions that can have real impact.

Given the rising Saudi and Chinese influence, and the island nation's notorious distinction of being the source of the highest number of foreign fighters per capita to the Islamic State (IS) in Syria, the Maldives is not a country Europe should disengage with.

Nevertheless, there is evidence that its senior political and business figures do not want their foreign travel banned or their foreign bank accounts frozen, even more than genuinely those of us in Europe reluctantly consider deterring our tourists from enjoying the islands' exotic charms.

Already, the EU has sent an Italian judge to assess the country's legal system, which may lead to joint action between ourselves and the Maldives to address the fundamental judicial flaws that beset the country.

The Commonwealth Ministers will produce their report and the European Parliament and a UN Assistant Secretary-General will visit the islands, in a fresh attempt to kickstart inter-party talks that can seek to overcome the current crisis.

Such concerted international pressure has already succeeded in getting one political prisoner frees, if only temporarily.

The same pressure must be continued - the threat of sanctions included -to permanently ensure that democracy is not lost in the whole country.

The writer is MEP; Vice Chair, European Parliament's Delegation to South Asia; and British Labor Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Human Rights

The Sanskrit row

A

s a PhD student in Harvard University, Rohan Murty, the 33-year old son of Infosys founder Narayan Murthy, took a graduate course in Sanskrit. He was amazed and excited to discover the wisdom contained therein. He wondered why was this wisdom not available to students in India.

Perhaps it was the difficult Sanskrit language to which they were not exposed. He thought why not get this ancient literature translated and made easily available. In keeping with the philanthropic traditions of his family, Rohan Murty set up the Murty Classical Library of India (MCLI) with an endowment of $5.2 million in 2010 with the objective of producing high-quality translations of ancient Indian classics every year.

The ambitious project covers over two millennia and 14 classical Indian languages. So far it has produced nine volumes and hopes to produce some 2500 volumes over the next 500 years. Stressing the difficulty of finding Indian translators, Murty has collected so far eight expert translators, six of whom are foreigners. The project's general editor is also a foreigner, American Sanskrit expert and much awarded Prof Sheldon Pollock.

Some concerned Indian intellectuals have pointed out that Prof Sheldon has a history of antipathy towards Indian culture and as such his heading this big project carries the risk of his bias entering into the translations. They doubt his ability to appreciate the depth of ancient Indian classics.

An online petition addressed to Murty and his father, signed by 132 academics and public figures including several IIT professors, alleges that Pollock "has deep antipathy towards many of the ideals and values cherished...in our civilization".

Pollock has already been under criticism for endorsing the views of British historian Thomas Macaulay and German sociologist Max Weber that the Indian shastras "serve no contemporary purpose except for the study of how Indians express themselves."

Pollock is against the revival of Sanskrit, and would like to treat this mother of Indian languages as a dead cultural heritage, which can be dissected by Western scholars in their own orientalist way, as US based Indian researcher and author Rajiv Malhotra notes in his book, 'The Battle For Sanskrit' which is in part a response to Pollock's essay 'The Death of Sanskrit.'

Some of Pollock's politically colored views brought to light by the petitioners are: Sanskrit is not indigenous to India; it is associated with narrow forms of religion and priestcraft; it is wrong to assume that Sanskrit culture declined with the coming of Muslim power.

In fact, it was often the "barbarous" invader who sought to revive Sanskrit; the purpose of Ramayana composition was to express in popular language the oppression advocated in the Vedas.

It stresses the divine right of kings in the person of Rama and demonizes foreigners as symbolized by Ravana. In the language of Pollock, "the Ramayana was repeatedly instrumentalized by the ruling Indian elites of the middle period to provide a theology of politics and a symbology of otherness." Also "some hold that there may no longer exist any such thing as the Ramayana."

Those ranged against Pollock quote Jawaharlal Nehru as saying in his 'Discovery of India' that Sanskrit "language and literature is the greatest treasure which India possesses and‌it is her greatest heritage. So long as this endures and influences the life of our people, so long will the basic genius of India continue."

Rohan Murty has replied to the petitioners saying Pollock is the best investment and he is not going to replace him. In fact, it is true that you cannot ask a privately funded project to change its leader.

However, since the project is titled "Library of India," Murthy should also give thought to the views of the petitioners who say the right to translate manuscripts should lie with those who really know Sanskrit and our civilization. "Subsequently people will read only the English interpretation, whereas the actual manuscripts will have much deeper meaning."

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