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Raja Krishna Moorthi
Indian American candidates lose in primaries Details on page 10
March 30, 2012
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PETITION LAUNCHED TO SAVE DHARUN RAVI
SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service
Multicultural Marketing Expo empowers locals
VOL 17, No. 915
NEW JERSEY: The resounding 'GUILTY' verdict in former Rutgers student Dharun Ravi's case has set off a raging debate across the US and abroad on the "unfairness" of the likely punishment. While there is unanimity of expert and public opinion that Ravi did indeed invade the privacy of his roommate when he spied on his intimate encounter with another man through a remotely accessed webcam, no one including
gay activists favored the likely punishment that Ravi faces, which involves up to 10 years of imprisonment and deportation to India at the end of the sentence. Even as op-ed writers, columnists, bloggers and people in general are going hoarse calling for a relook at the bias intimidation laws in the nation, a petition to the Obama Administration has been launched on the White House website, to address the issue of "media driving the justice system's decision." Details on page 5
Details on page 18
Nithin Reddy Tumma
Indian American wins Intel Science contest Details on page 7
Hospitality industry is struggling: Aahoa Details on page 11
USIBC targets $500b in twoway trade Details on page 19
India joins UN vote censuring Sri Lanka
US court dismisses case against Kamal Nath
Details on page 8 Details on page 8
Congressman Ackerman not to seek re-election
CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 24-25 Classifieds ------------------------- 47 Community Post -------------- 10-17
Details on page 8
Date Book -------------------------- 46 Edit Page --------------------------- 49
INDIA POST SURVEY
HealthScience Post --------- 38-41
survey@indiapost.com
Horoscope ------------------------- 28
This week’s question
Immigration Post ------------- 42-44
Dharun Ravi case: Is it bias against South Asians?
Life Style ----------------------- 26-27 Philosophy ------------------------- 48
Last week’s result
Mamata Banerjee will take the country back? YES 77%
NO 23%
Publisherís Diary ------------------ 4
UNPRECEDENTED MOVE: Indian Ambassador Nirupama Rao hosted a group of members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus for dinner, March 20, at her residence in Washington D.C. (Details on page 8)
Real Estate -------------------- 35-37 TechBiz Post ------------------- 18-23 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 29-32
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t just might be a waste of this space but I do want to comment on author Salman Rushdie's visit to India this past week. "What?" you say… yes, this visit comes after all those riotous protests across India by radical Muslim groups only two months ago when Rushdie was supposed to participate in the Jaipur Literature Festival. The infamous Satanic Verses author was at the annual India Today Conclave in New Delhi a few days ago, and surprisingly this time, there were no death threats issued by any radical group, no burning of Rushdie effigies or copies of his book and no righteous, self-promotional comments on freedom of expression by pseudo-intellectuals. It was as if the entire played-out-for cameras and headlines drama about hurt Muslim sentiments never happened. How is it that these Muslims who did not want Rushdie to set foot in India because he hurt their sentiments because of a book he wrote 25 years ago, were not bothered by his presence at the India Today Conclave only two months later? But ironies never cease to manifest themselves where politics are concerned in India. Assembly elections in some states, which were just ahead of the Jaipur Festival, are over now so there was nothing to gain for politicians from creating mob frenzy. Rushdie came to them on a platter then as a whipping boy, but now they didn't need him. So, the same government which had asked Rushdie not to come to India because he might cause communal riots two months ago, let him breeze into the country. While mass sentiments were not hurting anymore, invited political leaders stayed away from the event thus inadvertently giving Rushdie a free rein to slam them for their hypocrisy and machinations. Now this is what bothers me. In India, absolutely every aspect of public life is driven by politics and politicians. What people think, feel and believe as a society is manipulated and controlled by politicians. Rushdie is not the greatest hero around, but he is right in saying: "People here are asleep, very much asleep, and they need to wake up."
Romesh K Japra rkjapra@indiapost.com
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Bollywood: Awesome character Kangna Ranaut, who plays John Abraham’s girlfriend in “Shootout at Wadala”, is in awe of her character.
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Cover Story: Unfair verdict The resounding 'guilty' verdict in Dharun Ravi's case has set off a raging debate across the US on "unfairness" of punishment.
Community: Indians lose Indian Americans contesting for elective positions at the State and Federal level were badly bruised during the Primaries.
Immigration: Just reward The widow and daughters of a Pak immigrant killed by a white supremacist in a 9/ 11 revenge attack became U.S. citizens.
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Life Style: Sunny Leone Indian American porn star Sunny Leone has arrived in Mumbai to shoot for a 'regular' Bollywood movie.
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Travel: Dharamshala Dharamshala, which literally means The Holy Refuge, lies perched on high slopes in the upper reaches of Kangra valley.
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Cover/Top Stories
March 30, 2012
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Petition launched to save Dharun Ravi SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service
NEW JERSEY: The resounding 'GUILTY' verdict in former Rutgers student Dharun Ravi's case has set off a raging debate across the US and abroad on the "unfairness" of the likely punishment. While there is unanimity of expert and public opinion that Ravi
rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution: presumption of innocence. No one treated Dharun as though he was innocent until proven guilty." The petitioners continue to say that: "The prosecutor's office has taken advantage of a faulty law that can prosecute any citizen for the thoughts of others along with misplaced political pressure from
Dharun Ravi, center, is helped by his father, Ravi Pazhani, second right, as they leave court in New Brunswick, N.J
did indeed invade the privacy of his roommate when he spied on his intimate encounter with another man through a remotely accessed webcam, no one including gay activists favored the likely punishment that Ravi faces, which involves up to 10 years of imprisonment and deportation to India at the end of the sentence. Even as op-ed writers, columnists, bloggers and people in general are going hoarse calling for a relook at the bias intimidation laws in the nation, a petition to the Obama Administration has been launched on the White House website, to address the issue of "media driving the justice system's decision." "Dharun Ravi is NOT Biased", the petition says. The petition says that Ravi was "prejudged" by everyone as they believed that in 2010, Ravi, who was then an 18-year old Rutgers student, secretly recorded his roommate Tyler Clementi while he was with another man and posted video on the internet for everyone to view. "Until 2012, before trial started, this is what the world was told by every media outlet, politician, and activists worldwide and we accepted it as the truth," the petition says. "Two years later (March 2012), we know none of this is true, nothing was ever recorded/broadcasted over the internet. Yet Dharun was robbed of one of the most fundamental
activist groups to convict Ravi on bias charges, a law that even the Judge Glen Berman admitted was muddled. "Every single witness testified unequivocally that Dharun Ravi had absolutely no hatred towards gays/homosexuals, however the prosecution decided that he did, they decided what was in his mind
despite all the evidence saying otherwise. This is not the precedence we want to set in United States." The petition that has already garnered over 2,000 signatures, requires 25,000 signatures by April 15 to get a response from the White House. The community reacts The Indian American community is, to put it simply, upset and disturbed over the outcome of the trial. What has flummoxed most is the interpretation of the State's Bias Intimidation law. On that charge, Ravi was found Not Guilty of bias intimidation per se, but was found Guilty for leading Clementi to reasonably believe that he was being intimidated because of his sexual orientation. "That kid (Dharun) never had a chance," said Madhu Jampala, a software company executive in New Jersey who has a daughter in an upstate New York college and a younger son in middle school. "Almost two years of a media-built image of a loathsome jerk and an overzealous prosecution worked against him. He was already found guilty long before the trial." However, Jampala, as one belonging to a minority community, is acutely aware of how vulnerable his own children are at school or for that matter in society at large. "I can very well understand what the Clementi family must be going through. But this punishment is not commensurate with the crime." "What I am freaked out about is this intimidation law," said Sayu
Tiwari, a second year political science student in New York City. "My friends and I are afraid to even casually rib someone or pull somebody's leg in fun because you never know who might take offense and feel intimidated; this law is not just about the perpetrator's intentions but about the victim's feelings, which could be so subjective." "We live in such a complex society. This is not just about the case of Dharun Ravi vs Tyler Clementi," said Poornima
she adds. "Who do you blame the parents for buying them or the manufacturers for selling them?" "I do not know what to advise my kids anymore," adds Jampala. "At school our kids are torn between trying to fit in with their peers not only with the non-Indian groups but also within their ethnic group. They want to adapt to American ways but are pressured by their own community to carry their unique cultural identity. As if that was not pressure enough, parents like me are all the
‘That kid (Dharun) never had a chance,’ said Madhu Jampala, a software company executive in New Jersey who has a daughter in an upstate New York college and a younger son in middle school. ‘Almost two years of a media-built image of a loathsome jerk and an overzealous prosecution worked against him Jagannath, a retired teacher in New York. "It is about a privileged kid against a vulnerable kid; it is about social conditioning, about passed on mindsets, and about a legal system that is desperately trying to cope with changing social and moral codes of conduct where modern technology has a huge role to play." "What does any teenager with access to sophisticated technology do but try to find new and more exciting ways of using it. That's how they become popular among friends. But it is not to justify criminal use of these gadgets,"
time pushing them to perform better at their academics." "As a society we all live with so many different kinds of prejudices and biases… we can only teach ourselves and our children to be tolerant, but how do we uproot inherent biases?" asks Swati Patel, a Connecticut mom of a teenage daughter. "Don't we all know that it is not possible to please all the people all the time? So where do we go when they have laws that force you to please all the people all the time?" Cont’d on page 6
The gamble that didn't pay off Dharun Ravi found guilty of hate crimes SRIREKHA CHAKRVARTY India Post News Service
NEW JERSEY: It was a gamble he took, but the odds were stacked heavily against him. Dharun Ravi, 20, the former Rutgers student who refused to take a plea bargain and opted for a trial on charges of bias intimidation and invasion of privacy of his gay roommate Tyler Clementi, lost when at the end of a four week trial and three days of intense deliberations, a 12-member jury in a Middlesex County court in New Jersey, found him guilty March 16, on all 15 counts as charged. "A jury is required to follow the law, as a judge instructs. This jury found Dharun Ravi was not antigay, but guilty of all other charges, including, bias-intimidation and
invasion of privacy. The split verdict proves that the jury was just and fair, and why juries are central to American freedom and American greatness," said influential New York attorney Ravi Batra, min-
Clementi and "M.B.", Clementi's gay partner, who was also deemed a victim of Ravi's webcam spying. Ravi's sentencing is set for May 21 before Judge Glen Berman, and Ravi faces 5 years to 10 years of
What clinched a decision for the jury - and made it difficult to consider Ravi's indiscretion as an immature teenage prank - was the fact that Ravi had indulged in his webcam spying of Clementi's intimate encounters, not once but twice utes after the verdict came out. A "pleased" prosecution said it would submit a memorandum for sentencing to the court after consulting with the family of Tyler
jail time and deportation to his native India thereafter. He continues to be out on bail until sentencing. Ravi was accused of spying
through a webcam on Clementi's gay encounter with "M.B." in their dorm room and talking about it on social media. In a case that threw an ominous light on the impact of social media and digital trails in contemporary society, the prosecution had mounted overwhelming evidence of iChats, twitter feeds, text messages, and Facebook posts both by Ravi and Clementi, that the jury found irrevocable in as far as proving Ravi's guilt. What clinched a decision for the jury - and made it difficult to consider Ravi's indiscretion as an immature teenage prank - was the fact that Ravi had indulged in his webcam spying of Clementi's intimate encounters, not once but twice. Cont’d on page 7
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Prosecution case was overzealous: Gay activist "Homophobia is not unique to South Asians" SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service
NEW YORK: In the wake of Dharun Ravi's trial and guilty verdict, the South Asian gay and lesbian community and other social activists have come out with their own perspective on the case, bias laws, the issue of tolerance among South Asians, as also the immigration policies in the country. Shawn Jain, a former Board Member of the South Asian Lesbian & Gay Association of New York City (SALGA NYC), told India Post he thought the prosecution in Ravi's case was overzealous. "No doubt what Ravi did was messed up," Jain said. "I wouldn't be opposed to a prosecution that sought a smaller sentence or, even better, a long term probation that required him to do something productive. But I'm against imprisoning him for 10 years. It's now a tragedy for all sides, as Ravi could very well be deported for being a dumb teenager, which is also an injustice, and reflects upon the insanity of our very broken immigration system." "Like most gay people, I was deeply moved when I first heard the news of Tyler Clementi's suicide. But when I read the recent New Yorker feature piece on the case, I was upset that so many facts about the case had been misrepresented, and that my own knowledge about what actually happened was rather limited," Jain said. Jain further reasoned that Tyler Clementi was not outed by Ravi (he was already out), that a sex tape of him had not been posted on the Internet by his roommate
Jain said, "I know that suicides happen far too often in our community, especially among youth, and that it's an ongoing issue not something new. It can be related to stressful life events, depression, and yes, homophobia, and I wonder what about the case
‘I wouldn't be opposed to a prosecution that sought a smaller sentence or, even better, a long term probation that required him to do something productive. But I'm against imprisoning him for 10 years’ of Tyler Clementi made it worthy of the national attention that befell it? It seems like the story broke during a crisis of LGBT suicides that was manufactured, and there were elements of the story that made it sensationalistic and therefore something seen as newsworthy - use of social media and a webcam, jumping of a bridge, the college roommate experience." But what Jain thinks more interesting are LGBT people who survive and thrive. "We need more stories of people like them in the headlines - those of us who are resilient and are able to overcome societal homophobia, racism, sexism, etc. - that's a story that I think needs to be told, not
‘I don't think Dharun Ravi is guilty of homophobia the way Rick Santorum (A Republican Presidential candidate) is. The "problem," in a sense, is that Ravi is NOT Rick Santorum. He is probably a Democraticleaning upper-middle-class college kid. But even among this type, there is a sort of deplorable homophobia (as had been widely reported), and that a connection was drawn between the actions of Dharun Ravi and Tyler Clementi's suicide, without there being a clear link between the two. "So given that, I think the prosecution was overzealous - the facts in the case don't support blaming Ravi for Clementi's death," he said. As an LGBT person of color,
just the stories of those of us who commit suicide. For those of us who survive, we pass on strength and resilience to those who are younger than us." What touched Jain most about Clementi, that he could relate to, was how isolated he seemed to be and how much time he spent on sexual networking websites and on his computer. "How do we
blame Dharun Ravi for this isolation Clementi felt, which to me seems far more likely of a contributing factor to his suicide than the stupid actions of his inconsiderate roommate? And almost every LGBT person I know, especially LGBT people of color, can relate to those feelings of loneliness, those feelings of isolation and of lacking self-worth, and that's a greater societal issue that we have to confront - not an issue that we can blame on any one person." And as for Ravi, Jain says, "We shouldn't throw Dharun Ravi under the bus, even though part of me despises men like him, who, as a good friend of mine said, act in a way that is "symptomatic of an abusive straight privilege a male Desi is capable of exhibiting in America despite his own lack of agency." Homophobia, Jain points out, is a structural, societal issue, not just an issue of someone being taunted for who they are, bullied, or in this case, having their privacy violated. "Those are all terrible things, but we can't de-link what Dharun Ravi did with the greater homophobic society that Tyler Clementi grew up in. Not to mention other issues he apparently dealt with, such as feeling incredibly isolated," he says. "Furthermore, homophobia is a scourge across all communities and is not unique to the South Asians. Also, I don't think Dharun Ravi is guilty of homophobia the way Rick Santorum (A Republican Presidential candidate) is. The "problem," in a sense, is that Ravi is NOT Rick Santorum. He is probably a Democratic-leaning uppermiddle-class college kid. But even among this type, there is a sort of deplorable homophobia expressed, it goes unchecked, and they don't even perceive themselves as homophobic. That doesn't make it OK. At the end of the day, it's still homophobia." Trikone Trikone - a California-based South Asian LGBTQ organization, while strongly condemning Ravi's acts of invasion of privacy and bias intimidation, said it recognizes the inherent cultural complexities at hand. "The case brings to our attention the need for an on-going dialogue within the South Asian community in the United States and also the subcontinent. The tragedy highlights not only the homophobia that is prevalent within the South Asian community but also the absence of meaningful dialogue in addressing stereotypes and cultural
prejudices," it said in a statement. In the coming months, Trikone hopes to partner with mainstream South Asian organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area and conduct workshops addressing homophobia, cultural stereotypes/ misinformation around gender
‘This case not only brings into question not only whether a possible ten-year jail sentence is appropriate based on the acts committed, but it also underscores concerns about the immigration consequences of criminal convictions’ identity, sexual orientation and sexuality. SAALT Social and political activist group South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) has unequivocally stated that it has always supported and will continue to support bias intimidation and hate crimes laws at the local, state, and national levels, while calling attention to the immigration policies in the country. In a statement to India Post, Priya Murthy, Policy Director, SAALT said, "Our organization has seen the harm that crimes motivated by bias cause, not only
for the individual victim, but also for the entire community that may be targeted by that crime - this is what makes such crimes particularly egregious." "While we certainly support the vigorous enforcement of bias intimidation and hate crimes statutes and that individuals should be held responsible for their actions, we also believe that the punishment should be proportionate to the crime," Murthy added. "This case not only brings into question not only whether a possible ten-year jail sentence is appropriate based on the acts committed, but it also underscores concerns about the immigration consequences of criminal convictions. The fact that Dharun Ravi may face deportation after serving jail time - and, in effect, be punished twice for his actions shows that the immigration policies need to be reformed in this arena." As for the reaction among South Asians over Ravi's guilty conviction, Murthy said: While we understand that some segments of the South Asian community have called for no punishment in this situation, we believe that the community should be focusing its energies towards addressing homophobia that exists within the South Asian community and becoming involved in efforts to change the discourse regarding the LGBTQ community. There are many South Asian LGBTQ organizations across the country that have been doing just that - and it's important for more South Asians to join those dialogues."
Petition launched to save Dharun Ravi Cont’d from page 5
"Bullying is a real issue in schools," says Radha Panjwani, a New Jersey housewife who has a son in middle school. "I am tensed always, on a day-to-day basis because I am not only afraid that my son might get bullied, but that he might himself get into trouble knowingly or unknowingly." "Being sensitive towards others is absolutely important, but I think we are living in a world of extreme political correctness, where we now have too many groups classified as "minorities"
and "vulnerable" - you have the religious groups, gender-based groups, health-based groups, mental-ability groups, countrywise groups, ethnic groups, sexuality groups, racial groups, political groups. Anything you say can be considered as offensive or insensitive by one or the other group," Panjwani rants. Upon hearing news of Ravi's guilty verdict, Shija Nair, a San Antonio, Texas physician, said she had only one advice for her hyperactive 10-year old son. "Mind your own business. Don't mess with anyone at school." A life lesson that should go a long way.
Top Stories
March 30, 2012
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Indian American wins Intel Science Competition Seven desi kids among 40 finalists India Post News Service
NEW YORK: Michigan student Nithin Reddy Tumma, 17, has won the prestigious Intel Science Talent Search, bagging $100,000 in prize money for his research on devising a more effective and less toxic breast cancer treatment. Two other Indian American students - Neel Patel from Florida and Anirudh Prabhu from Indiana - were among the top 10 winners of the science competition. In fact, of the 40 finalists in the competition, seven were Indian Americans who represent the nation's most promising high school seniors with the greatest potential to solve pressing challenges in the world. All 40 finalists had the opportunity to meet with President Barack Obama at the White House. The Intel Science Talent Search is the country's oldest and most prestigious pre-college science competition, where participants are judged on both their original scientific research and on their achievement and leadership, inside and outside the classroom. "The US needs these talented innovators to go as far and as fast as they can, solving the world's most critical challenges, imagining - and creating - a new and better future for us all," said Wendy Hawkins, executive director of the Intel Foundation. "Math and science are the language and tools of this innovation - that's why Intel is so proud to invest in these students, and to advance math and science education for all students." Society for Science & the Public, a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to public engagement in scientific research and education, has owned and administered the Science Talent Search since its inception in 1942.
"Tackling real-world challenges from cancer to Internet security to alternative energy solutions, this year's finalists are a true inspiration," said Society President Elizabeth Marincola. "We join with Intel in congratulating them on this tremendous honor, and commend the mentors, teachers, schools, parents and communities that have contributed to their success." The Winner Nithin Reddy Tumma of Fort Gratiot investigated the signaling pathways involved in cancer progression for the biochemistry project he submitted to the Intel
team and co-founder and captain of the robotics team. He is also the founder of a district-wide math circle for gifted students and a research club for middle school children. A volunteer for the Port Huron Museum, he created an online database of historical information and initiated a program to restore local landmarks. Fluent in Telugu, Nithin is the son of Suresh and Kavita Tumma. The other Finalists Saurabh Sharan, 18, of Cupertino, proposed a novel algorithm as his computer science project that may improve image and photo recognition software. Saurabh created an improved automated method to accurately identify the shapes and sizes of cells in digital microscopic images. He tested his new system on a public database of cell images and reported that it outperformed the current state-of-the-art in two different measures of accuracy. Saurabh's design could lead to
Nithin Reddy Tumma
Science Talent Search. Using techniques to measure activated protein levels in cultured breast cell lines at varying stages of malignancy, he characterized two biochemical pathways that play a role in cancer pathogenesis, specifically identifying the role of a protein (gC1qR) in the evolution and immune-evasion of cancers. He believes his study clarified some of the mechanisms by which cells become malignant and, by defining the signaling pathways involved in the process, provided new targets for novel cancer treatments. First in his class of 332 at Port Huron Northern High School, Nithin is an award-winning varsity tennis player, the leading scorer on the varsity Quiz Bowl
Saurabh Sharan
significant improvements in the automated tools used by clinicians and researchers to examine cells in biologic samples. Saurabh says the idea for his project came from watching characters on a popular TV show try to enhance grainy images from a security
camera using photo recognition software. Saurabh attends Bellarmine College Preparatory School in San Jose, where he is founder and president of the programming club and vice president of its national champion robotics team. The son of Atul and Preeti Sharan, Saurabh plays jazz trombone and counts golf, swimming, photography and yoga among his hobbies. His ambition is to pursue a long career in computer science and make meaningful contributions to image recognition technology. Neel Sanjay Patel, 17, of Geneva, studied how non-speech patterns of sounds, called sonifications, can convey information for his behavioral and social sciences project submitted to the Intel Science Talent Search. Sonifications can represent information in the same way that a line graph represents a data trend: for example using increasing pitch or loudness to indicate an upwards sloping line. His four-year study focused on how sonifications are perceived, how accurately they are understood and the mental activities required for comprehension. He found that people can interpret and recreate data they can hear with a high degree of accuracy. As part of his research, Neel developed SonicGraph, a usercustomizable tool kit that allows users to create sonifications from data sets. He believes that sonification could be as revolutionary as the graphical user interface was 30 years ago. An Eagle Scout, Neel is first in his class of 483 at Oviedo High School, and has varsity letters in swimming and water polo. He is the lead author of two papers delivered at professional confer-
The gamble that didn't pay off Cont’d from page 5
Although Ravi was charged of causing Clementi to commit suicide following the webcam incident two years ago, his unfortunate death hung heavy in the courtroom throughout as his family sat through the proceedings every single day of the trial. At a post-verdict press conference in the courthouse, the Clementi family, in a prepared statement said, it was difficult for them to sit through the trial and hear about the mean things that were done
to their child. As an advice to youngsters, they said: You meet many people in life that you don't like, but that doesn't mean you work against them. Experts believe that the real time Ravi might spend in jail is about 1 year 5 months in what can be considered as the least difficult jail which does not house hardcore criminals. However, as a convicted felon who is not a US citizen, Ravi's prospects of being deported are very real, they say. For those who may wonder why
Ravi did not go for the offer of a plea bargain which entailed community service and help with his immigration, experts with knowledge of the how the prosecution works say although it would have spared him jail time, he would have been deported no matter what, because deportation is a matter for an immigration judge to decide. Experts also believe an appeal in the case would be forthcoming, which will very likely challenge the laws of bias intimidation, which, during the trial, even Judge Berman had said were "muddled".
Anirudh Prabhu
number theory dating from Euclid's work around 300 B.C., for his project in mathematics. A perfect number is one which equals the sum of all its proper divisors, such as 6 = 1 + 2 + 3. There are 47 known perfect numbers, all even. Anirudh considered the odd case, and gave the first non-trivial analytic lower bound for odd perfect numbers, a bound in terms of the number of distinct prime divisors. By improving his lower bounds and also improving known upper bounds, one could hope to show that no odd perfect numbers exist. Anirudh is sole author of a paper describing his findings, published in the International Journal of Contemporary Mathematics, and was also first author of a publication in the peer-reviewed journal Integral Transforms and Special Functions. Anirudh attends West Lafayette Junior-Senior High School, where he is president of the math club and the Red Cross Club, which he co-founded in 2010. He was crowned Homecoming King in the fall of 2011. Anirudh enjoys playing tennis and pingpong, and is the son of Nagabhushana and Rajini Prabhu. Siddhartha Gautama Jena, 18, of Bloomfield Hills, conducted a three-year study of the effect of excess cholesterol on the ability of red blood cells to transport
Neel Sanjay Patel
ences and a paper accepted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. The son of Sanjay and Nita Patel, he hopes to change the world through science. Anirudh Prabhu, 17, of West Lafayette, investigated perfect numbers, an ancient subject in
Siddhartha Gautama Jena
water, oxygen and carbon dioxide for his medicine and health project. Cont’d on page 9
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Amb. Rao hosts Congressional US court dismisses case against Kamal Nath Hispanic Caucus India Post News Service
NEW YORK: In an unprecedented move, Indian Ambassador Nirupama Rao hosted a group of members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus for dinner, March 20, at her residence in Washington D.C. Those attending included Congressmen Ruben Hinojosa and Silvestre Reyes from Texas, and Congresswoman Grace Napolitano and Congressman Jim Costa from California. Founded in December 1976, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus is among the oldest and most prominent Caucuses in the US Congress. It aims to address national and international policy issues and the impact they have on the Hispanic community in the US by serving as a forum for the Hispanic Members of the U.S. Congress to coalesce around a collective legislative agenda. In her welcome remarks, partly delivered in Spanish, Ambassador Rao highlighted the importance of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus as a representative body for an important group of constituents in the United States that showcased the plurality of the
American society. She described the Hispanic Community as an important partner as India's relations with the United States became increasingly multifaceted and multidimensional. Ambassador Rao also gave the Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus a brief overview
On behalf of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, he expressed keenness to stay in close touch with Ambassador Rao and invited her for a lunch meeting with the Caucus at Capitol Hill at early mutual convenience of the present state of the global strategic partnership between India and the United States, highlighting their shared values and converging interests, and drawing reference to the vast canvas of bilateral cooperation. She described the strong bipartisan sup-
port in the US Congress, including among the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, as a major driving force in realizing the qualitative transformation of India-U.S. relations in recent years. Speaking on behalf of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Congressman Silvestre Reyes thanked Ambassador Rao for her hospitality and for organizing this interaction between the Embassy of India and the Caucus. He highlighted the shared values of democracy and pluralism between India and the United States, and described India as a very important partner of the United States. Congressman Silvestre echoed Ambassador Rao's observation that the IndiaU.S. strategic partnership offers a pillar of stability amidst many uncertainties - political, security and economic - facing the world today. On behalf of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, he expressed keenness to stay in close touch with Ambassador Rao and invited her for a lunch meeting with the Caucus at Capitol Hill at early mutual convenience in order to build upon this first interaction. Ambassador Rao accepted the invitation.
India joins UN vote censuring Lanka GENEVA: Sri Lanka faced a major embarrassment as the UN's top human rights body adopted a resolution censuring it for alleged war crimes in the conflict with LTTE as India joined the West in backing the US-sponsored move. In the 47-member UN Human Rights Council, 24 countries, including India, voted for the resolution and 15 against it, while eight nations abstained. India, which normally does not vote on nation-specific resolutions, made a last-minute departure in the current instance after overwhelming pressure from parties in Tamil Nadu, especially the DMK which had even considered pulling out its ministers from the government at the Centre, to vote against Sri Lanka. Interestingly, India's neighbors like China, Pakistan and Bangladesh, voted against the motion. Maldives said the resolution was not necessary and Sri Lanka should be given time to implement the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC). The vote came after a spirited opposition from Sri Lankan Plantation Industries Minister Mahinda
Samarasinghe, who said no one from outside could dictate to his country about human rights. The resolution asked the government to explain how it would address the alleged violations of international humanitarian laws and how it would implement the
‘These are norms which all of us in the Council subscribe to. A democratic country like Sri Lanka has to be provided time and space to achieve the objectives of reconciliation and peace,’ the explanatory note said recommendations of the LLRC. It also encouraged the UN Human Rights Office to offer Sri Lanka advice and assistance and the government to accept it. Explaining its position on its vote for the resolution, India said it believes the primary responsi-
bility for promotion and protection of human rights lies with the states. It said while it subscribes to the broader message of the resolution and the objectives it promotes, it also underlined that any assistance from the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights or visits of UN Special Procedures should be in consultation with the Sri Lankan government. "These are norms which all of us in the Council subscribe to. A democratic country like Sri Lanka has to be provided time and space to achieve the objectives of reconciliation and peace," the explanatory note said. In the Council, India said, everyone has the responsibility to ensure that "our conclusions do contribute to this objective rather than hinder it." India also urged the Sri Lankan government to take forward the process of broader dialogue and show concrete movement towards a meaningful devolution of powers, including the implementation of the 13th Amendment and beyond. Cont’d on page 9
India Post News Service
NEW YORK: A US District Judge in the Southern District of New York dismissed a civil suit filed against Indian politician and a federal minister Kamal Nath by the group Sikhs for Justice. The suit sought action against Nath for allegedly organizing the anti-Sikh pogrom in November 1984. Jusge Robert W. Sweet dismissed the case on the basis that the summons was improperly served. He found that this was not adequate service and that personal jurisdiction over the defendant was therefore never established.
"Conclusory statements are not sufficient to overcome a defendant's sworn affidavit that service was improper," Sweet wrote. "No one handed the summons or complaint to Nath outside of the Indian Consulate." The civil suit invoked two federal US laws: the Alien Tort Claims Act (ATCA) of 1789 and the Torture Victim Protection Act (TVPA) of 1991 to claim compensatory damages for the victims of the anti-Sikh riots in November of 1984, and would have been a landmark case for Sikhs who have been pursuing any kind of justice for decades, according to the website American Turban.
Congressman Ackerman not to seek re-election India Post News Service
A
staunch India supporter and popular among the Indian American community as a 'Friend of India', Congressman Gary Ackerman (D-NY) announced last week his decision not to seek re-election to the US Congress. On the eve of the Federal Circuit Court's approval of Congressional district lines that were seen to be extraordinarily favorable to Ackerman, and with the primary-free backing of the Democratic Party virtually assured, Ackerman has informed his family, staff, friends and party leaders that he will not seek a 16th term of office. "The residents of Queens and Long Island have honored me with their trust and support for the past 34 years, first as a New York State Senator, and for the past 15 terms as a Member of Congress," said Ackerman. "I've been truly privileged to have had the opportunity to fight for the beliefs of my neighbors in both the State Capital and in the halls of Congress. During my years in Congress, it has been my pleasure to address the needs of thousands of individual constituents and to influence domestic and global policy while serving on the Financial and Foreign Affairs Committees in the House. I am most thankful for the opportunity I've had to serve my country and my community." Ackerman serves as co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on In-
dia and Indian Americans. Over the years, he has been a die-hard advocate of closer US-India relations; he was one of the strongest voices in Congress in support of the US-India civil nuclear deal. Always a critic of Pakistan, Ackerman tirelessly brought to the attention of the US Congress India's suffering at the hands of Pakistan-based terrorists. He is also opposed to
Gary Ackerman
unconditional US aid to Pakistan, which he said, was being diverted towards a military buildup for war against India. As he announced his retirement, Congressman Ackerman went on to say that he remains extremely passionate about the causes related to his Congressional activities and expects that he will continue to be aggressively involved in many local and global issues as he moves into his role as a private citizen. Ackerman's term of office will end on January 2, 2013.
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HAF releases report on plight of Pakistani Hindus India Post News Service
NEW YORK: The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) released its eighth annual Hindu human rights report March 16 amidst increased concern over the worsening plight of Hindus in Pakistan. The report, Hindus in South Asia and the Diaspora: A Survey of Human Rights, 2011, documents human rights violations against Hindus in Pakistan as well as seven other countries and regions around the world, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Fiji, the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Trinidad and Tobago. It also summarizes the situation facing the small Hindu populations in Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia. According to the Foundation, Hindu minorities continue to be subjected to violent attacks, restrictions on religious freedom, discriminatory laws, and economic and social marginalization in many of these nations. In Malaysia, for instance, HAF asserts that the Bhumiputra (Sons
of the Soil) policies, enshrined in Article 153 of the Constitution, provide economic and social benefits to the majority ethnic Muslim Malay population, while explicitly discriminating against Hindus and other minorities. Moreover, nonMuslims are increasingly compelled to adjudicate family law
According to the Foundation, Hindu minorities continue to be subjected to violent attacks, restrictions on religious freedom, discriminatory laws, and economic and social marginalization in many of these nations cases through the Islamic Sharia law court system. This past November, the Foundation sponsored a Congressional briefing, Institutionalized Racism and Religious Discrimination in Malaysia,
India joins UN vote censuring Lanka Cont’d from page 8
"We would also urge that Sri Lanka takes forward the measures for accountability and to promote human rights that it has committed to. It is these steps, more than anything we declare in this Council, which would bring about genuine reconciliation between all the communities of Sri Lanka, including the minority Tamil community," it said. India said the UN Council has also been briefed by the government of Sri Lanka in this session on the series of steps taken to implement the report and other measures. "We welcome these steps. We are confident that implementation of the report will foster genuine reconciliation," it said. Noting that it cannot remain untouched by developments in Sri Lanka, India said it will continue to remain engaged with the country to take forward the process of reconciliation to secure for all its citizens a future marked by equality, dignity, justice and self-respect. Flanked by Sri Lankan Foreign Minister G L Pieris and senior Tamil leader and Minister Douglas Devananda, Samarasinghe
rejected outrightly the US-sponsored resolution terming it as "misconceived, unwarranted and ill-timed". Contending that stability and peace had been achieved in the island nation after the end of the decades-old conflict in May 2009, he told the Council that Sri Lanka should be given time to "further consolidate" the progress achieved. He said the resolution embodies "several harmful elements that clearly violate important principles that will have adverse ramifications not only for my country but for many other countries in the future." Reiterating Sri Lanka's stand that a resolution to the Tamil question can be found only inside the country, Samarasinghe said the resolution also runs counter to the principle of international law that "domestic remedies" must be exhausted and should be the first resort prior to "super imposing" external mechanism. "Situation in the country does not warrant attention and criticism in this resolution. We are justified in asserting that we require time to realize comprehensive reconciliation," he asserted. -PTI
with exiled Malaysian Hindu civil rights leader, Waytha Moorthy, in order to raise awareness on these issues. "While we are encouraged by improvements in the condition of Hindus in countries such as Fiji and Trinidad and Tobago, the situation for Hindus continues to significantly deteriorate in other areas, particularly Pakistan and Malaysia," said Ramesh Rao, PhD, HAF's Human Rights Coordinator and author of its 2011 report. "It is absolutely imperative that the international community and the U.S. government urgently address the systematic and rampant denial of fundamental human rights in these countries." The recent kidnapping and forced conversion of a young Pakistani Hindu girl, Rinkle Kumari, is indicative of the danger faced by the Hindu community in Pakistan, allege several human rights groups. Kumari was reportedly kidnapped from her home in Sindh province, forcibly converted to Islam, and married to a Muslim man with the assistance of a leading Pakistan People's Party (PPP) politician's son. The case has attracted widespread media attention and has shed light on the common practice of kidnappings and forced conversions in this South Asian nation.
According to numerous sources, including the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), at least 20-25 Hindu girls are kidnapped and converted to Islam every month in the southern Sindh province alone. HRCP further contends that local
Hindus and other minorities are subjected to a wide range of violence and persecution in Pakistan, including abductions for ransom, attacks on places of worship, and institutional and legal discrimination politicians, police authorities, and the courts are frequently complicit in such kidnappings and conversions, or fail to adequately protect the victims. Kumari's case has also garnered the interest of U.S. Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA), who wrote directly to Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari earlier that week, urging him to intervene on Kumari's behalf and ensure her safe return to her family. Rep. Sherman's letter
further called on President Zardari to put an end to the kidnappings and other acts of "harassment" of the Hindu community in Pakistan. "Rinkle Kumari's case is a heartbreaking example of the desperate plight faced by Hindu girls and their families in Pakistan," said Samir Kalra, Esq., HAF's Director and Senior Fellow for Human Rights. "Unfortunately, such kidnappings are only one of a litany of abuses Hindus confront in that country." The Foundation's latest report notes that Hindus and other minorities are subjected to a wide range of violence and persecution in Pakistan, including abductions for ransom, attacks on places of worship, and institutional and legal discrimination. Poor rural Hindus are also victimized by the bonded labor system, where they are unable to pay off debts to feudal landlords. The majority of Pakistan's remaining Hindu population resides in Sindh, with smaller concentrations in the provinces of Balochistan, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkwa. Many Sindhi advocacy groups, such as World Sindhi Congress (WSC) and the Sindhi American Political Action Committee (SAPAC) have been active in raising awareness about the plight of Hindus in Sindh.
Indian American wins Intel Science Competition Cont’d from page 7
By measuring the movement of these life-sustaining molecules into and out of red blood cells in the presence and absence of elevated cholesterol, Siddhartha demonstrated that excess cholesterol impaired their transport. He also found that a common treatment for Type II diabetes, glyburide, and a compound called ONO-RS-O82 can offset these detrimental effects of elevated cholesterol. He hopes that this new understanding will result in the early diagnosis, treatment and management of patients with elevated cholesterol. Siddhartha attends International Academy, is active on the Science Olympiad team and the student council, and is cofounder of an event to raise funds for educational infrastructure in poor countries. He has earned awards for both solo and ensemble piano performances and as a saxophone soloist. The son of Bhanu
and Minakhi Jena, Siddhartha is first author on a paper related to this project published in the Journal of Biological Physics and Chemistry. Neil Kamlesh Mehta, 17, of Jericho, NY, entered a biochemistry project in the competition investigating the effects of a gene mutation associated with schizophrenia on a protein of neuregulin-1, which is considered a schizophrenia susceptibility gene. Neil's study identified this mutation as
Neil Kamlesh Meht
the cause for a significant reduction in intracellular signals resulting in improper neural connections, presenting abnormalities similar to those found in brains of patients with schizophrenia. He believes his research presents an avenue for uncovering the possible causes for subsets of the disease and demonstrates the potential of optogenetics, the use of particular frequencies of light to achieve restoration of protein signaling and, in turn, of receptor and protein expression. He believes this use of light stimulation may point to future treatment for this debilitating mental disorder that afflicts one percent of the U.S. population. The son of Kamlesh and Alpana Mehta, Neil provides extensive math and science tutoring to younger peers before and after school. He is captain of the badminton and bowling teams and a member of the debate club at Jericho Senior High School, and he hopes to earn a Ph.D. in neurobiology.
Desi News Dr. Sudhir Parikh honored with Knighthood India Post News Service
NEW JERSEY: New Jerseybased physician, publisher and philanthropist Dr. Sudhir M. Parikh has been nominated as Knight of the Ecumenical Hospitaller Order of the Knights of Malta. The Knighthood ceremony was held on March 17 at the La Salle University in Philadelphia, according to a notification issued by Maltabased Ecumenical Hospitaller Order of the Knights. The Knights of Malta, as the order is better known, was originally founded in 1176 in Jerusalem, during the Crusades to treat Christian pilgrims and soldiers.
COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA
New Paradigm tour visits Bay Area April 15 Details on page 16
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Indian Americans bruised in primaries but spirits still high
Details on page 12
Seniors celebrare Holi with fanfare Asian Media USA
CHICAGO: Members of Indian Seniors of Chicago met at Manav Seva Mandir, Bensenville, recently to celebrate Holi. Around 135 members attended the meeting that started with prayer and chanting of Hanuman Chalisa. CV Desai presented the detailed accounts for the month of February, 2012, and also gave information about the two days tour which is being organized on July 21 and 22 to Maharishi Vedic City in Fairfield, Iowa. Seniors whose birthdays were in the month of March were given birthday greeting cards and booklets by the special guests, Greg James, Director of Expansion. Details on page 13
Russian court's no to Gita ban applauded SURENDRA ULLAL
CHICAGO: Indians across Chicago land have welcomed the rejection by Tomsk regional court in Siberia (Russia) of the proposed move to ban ancient scripture Bhagavad Gita (Song of the Lord). Gita is a dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna, just before the beginning of the great Mahabharata war, in which Lord Krishna gave spiritual enlightenment to warrior Arjuna, who realized that the true battle was for his own soul.Its 700 verses in 18 chapters considered the nature of action, the religious and social duty. Details on page 15
Tammy Duckworth, Raja Krishna Moorthi, Vivek Bavda, Ketki Shroff, Farah Baquai, Dorotthy Brown and Jesse Jackson Jr.
SURENDRA ULLAL & RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service
CHICAGO: Indian Americans contesting for elective positions at the State and Federal level were badly bruised during the Democratic and Republican Primaries held here on Tuesday March 20. This notwithstanding, the sprit is intact as many firmly believe that making a good attempt to be part of mainstream politics is many a time better than making no attempt. "We are still newcomers in this field and we are learners. We have to welcome the efforts put in by those who seek elective positions and also those who actively support their efforts," said veteran Indian community activist Niranajan Shah. None of the three candidates seeking Democratic nomination for Congressional seats - Raja Krishnamoorthi, Vivek Bavda and Farah Baqai - won. The only Indian woman activist and attorney seeking judicial position, Ketki Shroff, also could not scrape through the primary round. Raja Krishnamoorthi however, made an excellent show and got over 7300 votes but was out voted by Tammy Duckworth, an Iraqi war veteran with backing from top brass in the Democratic machine. It is reported that she had subtle endorsement from President Barack Obama and Sen Durbin, among others, Niranjan Shah said that one has to keep in mind the fact that Tammy Duckworth evoked good emotional support in the light of the fact that she lost her legs in a combat helicopter crash in Iraq. She has been a rising star among the state's powerful Democrats and
needs to be congratulated on an "excellent campaign." Expressing an honest opinion, this octogenarian and recognized community leader made it clear that the leadership means being the part of the electorate and being able to define their points of view in consonance with their minds reflecting the famous 'General Will" of the pioneering political philosophers of the nineteenth century, Rousseau and Hobbs, to mention but two. Quoting from the opening words of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution, he observed what the expression, "We, the people of India" signify? These
impossible task, except in some cases at the local level of governance. That is why all modern democracies have representative governments, i.e. governments elected by the people. In these democracies all adults have the right to elect their representatives. The right to vote is called franchise. Answering the question why the people failed to elect prominent Indian American leaders like Raja Krishnamoorthy and Vivek Bavda, he felt that a number of issues like personal sacrifice for patriotic causes might have inspired it, giving an example of Duckworth, that brave soldier who
Raja Krishnamoorthi however, made an excellent show and got over 7300 votes but was out voted by Tammy Duckworth, an Iraqi war veteran with backing from top brass in the Democratic machine words mean, he added that the ultimate authority resides in the people themselves. The principles and practice of government are essentially practiced by almost all the democratic governments like the U.S., U.K., India and Canada, to name a few. People exercise authority through the representatives elected by them. These representatives conduct the functions of the government in accordance with the wishes of the people. In essence people govern themselves through their elected representatives. In a country which is vast and has a large population, the establishment of direct democracy is an
lost her limbs during the Iraq War. "In spite of my high respect for leaders like Raja, I would definitely have voted for her, even if my daughter were a candidate against her!' Harendra Mangrola, the head of Indo American Democratic Organziation, (IADO) said his impression was that Indian Americnas have shown great apathy for going to vote. "Even educated people qualified to vote were reluctant to come out and exercise their franchise. This was sad." he said. Citing a couple of examples, he said there were two precincts in Hoffman Estate with 600 plus vot-
ers but nto more that 60 voters turned up. In one precinct in Bartlett only 16 votes were cast out of 200 plus qualified votes. "We went from house to house cajoling people to come out and vote, and were appalled at the response we got from some. What benefit we could get if Raja is elected, a voter had the audacity to ask. Yet another senior had been in the country for four decades and was not ready to go out and vote in the Primary. Many were unaware that it was election day!" "If we want to make our presence felt and our voice heard at the right place in the power corridor, we should create awareness among voters about importance of exercising their voting right. As otherwise, we would be just hapless onlookers and armchair critics," he said Many among Indian Americans - Dr Ram Gajela, Harenra Mangrola, Mafat Patel and Naren Patel share the views expressed by Mangrola and observed that Raja could have fared a lot better had South Asian voter numbering 21000 could have come out and voted for him. Many did not and that is a sad reflection on the community as one cannot have one's voice heard if the community as a whole doesn't make its presence felt. "I think the voters highly prized an American hero, as they should," Krishnamoorthi said. "I think Joe Walsh (Tammy's Republican rival in November elections) is in trouble." She served as director of the state's Department of Veterans' Affairs and as an assistant secretary of veterans' affairs in the Obama administration. Cont’d on page 12
March 30, 2012
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Hospitality industry struggling to come out of woods RAMESH SOPARAWALA & ASIAN MEDIA USA India Post News Service
CHICAGO: One of the biggest victims of the economic recession and a huge surge in gas prices in recent years is the hospitality industry with many a franchise and non franchise unit closing down or facing closure. The industry as a whole is struggling to come out of the morass that is largely the creation of external factors. CK Patel, outgoing chief of Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) said that he was not very sanguine about the prospects for the industry at least for the next couple of years but the industry should turn the corner once the economy starts showing signs of revival or the gas prices get stabilized. He felt that the Government could do a lot to cut down dependence on oil and gas besides augmenting domestic production of these commodities. A boost to the car industry for coming out with fuel saving cars, including the higher usage of battery run or electricity run cars would go a long way in this direction. He observed that the government should take more initiative in helping small and medium scale manufacturing and service companies as they would be good job creators. The cut in unemployment rate would help boost consumption and favorable chain effect on the economy. "People should have money to spend and go traveling. Hospitality industry would get a boost with more traveling public around," he said. Yet another way to help boost the industry prospects is to get a bit easy on providing finance. Many in the industry feel that the industry of late has been getting step motherly treatment and many financial institutions just would not look favorably at its plea for financial accommodation. CK Patel was in Chicago to attend one of the Regional meets of AAHOA. He told this paper that India offered a good chance for hospitality industry to branch out but one of the most negative factors is "layers of corruption" and entrenched bureaucracy resulting in delayed decisions on many points. The country however, provides a good investment opportunity for the industry in as much as the economy expands with 7 to 9 per cent growth rate and the quality accommodation is a far cry in general, especially in big cities. An AAHOA delegation had been to Gujarat two years ago and was also at PBD meet in Jaipur. However, the actual progress in setting up of four star and five star
hotels is quite slow and as mentioned, the reason is prevalent corruption deterring initiatives from investors abroad. Asian Media USA adds: AAHOA organized Upper Midwest Regional Conference on March 16 at India House with 250 plus people attending this trade show. Educational Seminars were conducted between 1 pm to 3 pm that provided attendees with important information about operating hotels and protecting investments. The seminars were very informative and people attended in large numbers. Three seminars were based on the following subjects: 1. ADA guidelines for 2012 and New Pool Lift Laws. 2. How to save more money on
CK Patel addressing the AAHOA Meet
rials, D&M Laundry Equipment Dexter Laundry, Century Laundry, Hilton, Lodging Pool lift Supply, Hospitality International, Avion
AAHOA director at large Sunny Gabhawala, Banker Dinesh Gandhi and AAHOA Chief CK Patel
he said. He emphasized the importance of members' support to move this organization forward. He also narrated certain facts about the or-
A section of the audience
Energy Bills by Avion Engineering Group. 3. Debt restructuring for troubled mortgages by Delta Capital Group LLC The Trade Show enlightened visitors and members about vari-
India offered a good chance for hospitality industry to branch out but one of the most negative factors is "layers of corruption" and entrenched bureaucracy resulting in delayed decisions on many points ous product profiles and services available for the industry at great prices. Exhibitors included PMC Commercial Trust, Wyndham Hotel Group, Onity-Parts and Mate-
Energy Group, VingCard, Carlson, Best Western, American Hotel Register Company, Sunset Telecom, Chase Paymentech, The Motel 6 phoenix Prototype, OSP Hospitality Space Seating, Hampton, Phone Suite, Dixie Smart Stock Cutlery Dispenser, Star Textile Inc and many more. AAHOA business meeting was held from 6-30 to 8-30 pm when activities of AAHOA were presented. Outgoing President C.K.Patel, Project Chairman Satish (Sunny) Gabhawala and Raj Bhatia and Chandresh Brahmbhatt were the key speakers. Chandresh Brahmbhatt gave glimpses of activities of AAHOA. Leadership of C.K.Patel was given praise and recognition for his dedicated service. C.K.Patel recalled the history of AAHOA and the attempt of Manubhai Patel to foster the organization. "There were very few members in 1990 and because of their sincere efforts, AAAOA has reached this height and we still have lot of things to accomplish"
ganization and what advantages could be achieved with proper persuasion and with proper follow up with the concerned authorities.
Sunny Gabhawala described their efforts in solving and pursuing problems experienced by franchisees in his spirited speech. He emphasized the need to strengthen the organization and stressed the united support of all the members. Activities of AAHOA were shown by power point presentation, describing it as the largest organization and a leading force in the hospitality industry, providing answers to the distinct challenges facing Hoteliers today. AAHOA's advocacy initiatives and educational opportunities have helped Asian Americans succeed. AAHOA has notched significant growth with its membership crossing the 11000 mark. Dinner and entertainment was provided. Members had the opportunity to network with fellow hoteliers from their region who deal with the same issues/challenges/opportunities every day. Entertainment was t provided by Malhar Group comprising Rohit Parekh, Gayatri Patel, Neerali Shah and sound engineer Arun Modi
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Dr. Sudhir Parikh honored with Knighthood India Post News Service
NEW JERSEY: New Jerseybased physician, publisher and philanthropist Dr. Sudhir M. Parikh has been nominated as Knight of
The Knighthood is the latest among a series of honors and awards that Dr. Parikh has received during his three-decade Prince Peter nominates Dr. Parikh as New Jersey Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula looks on.
long career and community service in the United States
the Ecumenical Hospitaller Order of the Knights of Malta. The Knighthood ceremony was held on March 17 at the La Salle Uni-
versity in Philadelphia, according to a notification issued by Maltabased Ecumenical Hospitaller Order of the Knights. The Knights of Malta, as the order is better known, was originally founded in 1176 in Jerusalem, during the Crusades to treat Christian pilgrims and soldiers. Dr. Parikh was honored in recognition
of his philanthropic contributions that have enabled the Ecumenical Order to undertake humanitarian aid projects such as establishing orphanages, schools, training programs, medical assistance programs for the poor in association with local hospitals and general development projects without taking into consideration the color or
Dr. Sudhir M. Parikh, publisher of Desi Talk, is flanked by Prince Peter of Lemessos, left, and Princess Alexandra, as he poses with his citation after being nominated Knight of Ecumenical Order of the Knights of Malta at a ceremony held at the La Salle University in Philadelphia, March 17.
the belief of the assisted. The Knighthood is the latest among a series of honors and awards that Dr. Parikh has received during his three-decade long career and community service in the United States. Included among
them are two of the most distinguished awards bestowed by the Government of India - the Padma Shri and the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman. Dr. Parikh is also the recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
Indian Americans bruised in primaries but spirits still high Cont’d from page 10
She returned from Washington to seek the nomination in the newly redrawn 8th District. Naren Patel, president of AIA, said that he was really hopeful for Raja but things did not go the way expected. "Raja is well educated, quite qualified with lot of experience in public service and a good candidate by all standards. We hope that this sort of defeat would not deter him from going forward in politics. He would find himself in the winning circle one of these days. He should not lose heart or courage. We are with him," he said. Mafat Patel echoed the same feelings and felt that we have to support candidates like Raja. Vivek Bavda had joined the fray but fared badly getting 1800 plus votes, the lowest among four candidates. As put by Mafat Patel, a business tycoon, he is too good a person to be a politician. "Politics is a dirty game and one should be smart enough to play the game without getting dirt or hurt" he said. Prashant Shah, front ranking Indian journalist, said that no elections in this country could be won unless one has huge financial backing. Vivek lacked this weapon and was outsmarted by others. Ketki Shroff Steffen of District Courthouse in Rolling Meadows appointed as Judge by the Illinois Supreme Court in January 2010, was seeking election as a Republican candidate to the same position in the Republican Primary scheduled for March 20. She had been recommended or qualified by all evaluating Bar Associations. She could not get through but ran a decent campaign with lot of support even from non Indian Americans. Ketki was on a Republican ticket and it is
likely that voters got divided between Democratic candidates and Republican contenders. It was however, commendable that she put up a good fight. Attorney Vivek Bavda 34, of Mundelein, Ill, was one of five challengers seeking the Democratic Party's nomination in the March 20 primary. In the general election, the winner will likely face incumbent Congressman Robert Dold, R-Kenilworth, in a revamped district including sections of Lake County and Cook County in northeastern Illinois. He focused his campaign for Congress in Illinois' 10th Congressional District on three
most important ingredients to succeed as leaders in any kind of platform whether leadership in local groups, associations or political units at all levels, especially relating to the mainstream environment. He said that the position is changing as we see more and more participation in the political process by our youth. Indian Americans have to rejoice however, that some of the candidates whom they had backed in the past and continued to back even now, won handsomely. One such candidate was Dorothy Brown who ran successfully for the fourth time for Cook County
He was of the opinion that the candidates from the Indian American community lacked the art of communication and ability of public speaking - two of the most important ingredients to succeed as leaders in any kind of platform whether leadership in local groups, associations or political units at all levels issues: creating more jobs and improving the economy, reforming education, and working to ensure that "too-big-to-fail banks are too big to exist. Nand Kapoor, a former President of the Association of Indian Americans, reflected the above and added yet another important point of Political Science known as Public Opinion. It is basically created by explaining the social and political opinions of the candidates by volunteerism and continuous public relations bringing home their points of view through public meetings and media exposure. He was of the opinion that the candidates from the Indian American community lacked the art of communication and ability of public speaking - two of the
Clerk for the Circuit Court. She literally crushed her opponent Richard Munoz in the Democratic primary. Dorothy Brown has endeared herself greatly among Indian Americans as she has been a great supporter of the community with her presence at all important festivals and celebrations organized by the Indian community - whether it is India Day or Republic Day or Diwali. She has a great ethnic mix among her staff and has not shown any hesitation in selecting qualified Indian Americans for important positions in her office. Many do feel that she could have won as Cook County President too but for bad publicity she got for her innocuous Friday party.
U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. was another candidate who was backed by a great number of Indians although he was under cloud seeking Senatorial position from former Governor Rod Blagojevich. Indian Americans consider him to be a great friend and supporter of Indian community and many in the community would have liked him getting nominated to US Senate in a fair and square manner. He had espoused the cause of the Indian community and India, and had supported US-India Nuke deal. He blew past Democratic rival Debbie Halvorson in their bitter primary battle for his Congressional seat on the South Side and nearby suburbs, surviving a pair of scandals that threatened his political viability. His victory is greatly savored by Indians. US Congresswoman Jan Schakowski was endorsed by IADO and a good number of Indians Americans. Balwinder Singh a community activist was active in her campaign team. She won handsomely. The primary elections have thrown open many questions about elections vis-Ă -vis the role and influence or lack of it of the Indian American community in the U.S. Eyebrows were raised especially for Indian American leaders' inability to succeed in seeing their candidates emerge as the choice of the people to lead them in the legislature An election is a formal decision-making process by which a population chooses an individual to hold public office. Elections have been the usual mechanism by which modern representative democracy has operated since the 17th century. Elections may fill offices in the legislature, sometimes in the executive and judiciary, and for regional and local government.
Community Across America
March 30, 2012
India Post 13
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Seniors celebrare Holi with fanfare
Indian Seniors with Greg James (extreme right) Asian Media USA
CHICAGO: Members of Indian Seniors of Chicago met at Manav Seva Mandir, Bensenville, recently to celebrate Holi. Around 135 members attended the meeting that started with prayer and chanting of Hanuman Chalisa. CV Desai presented the
detailed accounts for the month of February, 2012, and also gave information about the two days tour which is being organized on July 21 and 22 to Maharishi Vedic City in Fairfield, Iowa. Seniors whose birthdays were in the month of March were given birthday greeting cards and booklets by the special guests, Greg
Members at the Holi celebration at Manav Seva Mandir. (Pics Asian Media USA)
James, Director of Expansion, Brahmanand Sarasvati Foundation, Fairfield, IA and Bhupendrabhai. All senior members collectively sang the song "bar bar ye din aaye tum jio hazaron sal, happy birthday to you" and gave their blessings. Greg James explained the important activities carried out in
Maharishi Vedic City. Secretary Hirabhai gave the detailed program, approximate expenses and the important places to be visited during the seven-day tour to Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone and Las Vegas. Narsinhbhai Patel explained about eight nights Southern Caribbean cruise and the islands to be visited.
A good entertainment program was organized and participated by talented members. Manubhai Shah congratulated all the participants and thanked them for the entertainment program. Sharad Shah spoke about Holi dhuleti festival and its importance in our life. Delicious food marked the end of festivities.
Community Across America
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Tabla soloist Aloke Dutta in Chicago MADHU PATEL
CHICAGO: Kalapriya in cosponsorship with Old Town School of Folk Music will present tabla artist, Aloke Dutta on World Music on April 11, at 8:30 p.m. at the Old Town School of Folk Music in the Gary and Laura Maurer
He grew up in Shantiniketan, India where the artistic influence of Rabindranath Tagore created a suitable environment for his musical talent. Dutta received his training in tabla under his father, Anadinath Dutta, as well as Shankar Ghosh and Jnan Prakash Ghosh Concert Hall in Chicago. Aloke Dutta is a rare solo tabla musician. He grew up in Shantiniketan, India where the artistic influence of Rabindranath
Aloke Dutta
Tagore created a suitable environment for his musical talent. Dutta received his training in tabla under his father, Anadinath Dutta, as well as Shankar Ghosh and Jnan Prakash Ghosh. He holds a Bachelors and Masters degree in Music and was a tabla instructor at Viswa Bharati in Shantiniketan and Rabindra Bharati in Kolkata. He began his
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tabla career as an accompanist and shared the stage with great Indian musicians, such as Nikhil Banerjee, Lakshmi Shankar, Sisirkana and many others in India, Europe, Japan and North America. Since 1990, Dutta has devoted himself exclusively to the development and promotion of pure tabla music, an art form which he believes is one of the most expressive and powerful in the world. Encompassing the complexity of traditional, classical Indian rhythms and contemporary ideas, his tabla music is unique and emotionally charged. Aloke Dutta is a well known and respected teacher who teaches many distinguished American drummers. He is presenting a workshop at Old Town School on April 12.
Arvind Shah: New chairman of Jain Society SURESH SHAH
CHICAGO: Board of Trustees (BoT) of Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago recently held a meeting at the society complex in Bartlett and elected unanimously Arvind Shah as Chairman. Shah, who hails from Mahuva village in Surat District, holds a degree in engineering from Maha-
Prabodh Vaidhya, had expired in 2011 and an election was held last year that saw Atul Shah , Dilak Doshi and Hemant Shah getting elected as Board of Trustees for a period of four years. Arvind Shah, the new Chairman of Jain Society Chicago, said that with the support of all members and
He came to USA in 1973 to pursue higher studies joining University of Chicago. He earned M.S. putting in two years of study in his field of engineering. He picked up a job in government and worked as highway engineer for 26 years Arvind Shah
raja Sayajirao University Baroda. He came to USA in 1973 to pursue higher studies joining University of Chicago. He earned M.S. putting in two years of study in his field of engineering. He picked up a job in government and worked as highway engineer for 26 years. The term of three Board of Trustees, Kishorlal Chhaganlal Shah, Dr. Mukesh Doshi and
Board of Trustees "we will run the society in an efficient manner." All members of Executive Committee are very active and supportive, he added, and as such with their dynamic actions the Society will go ahead with its planned line of action. He also said that members of Mahila Mandal are also working very hard for the betterment of society.
Expanded translation service on employment website SURENDRA ULLAL
CHICAGO: Governor Pat Quinn has announced enhanced language translation services at the Illinois Department of Employment Security's (IDES) website. The initiative makes information more accessible to individuals and businesses, helping them accomplish their goals more quickly. Visitors to the IDES website can explore new career opportunities, obtain information to help build a business and access tips to aid in their job search. The translation effort converts English text on the IDES website to four languages. Other language translations can be delivered on request. "IDES' employment services are critical to keeping our economic recovery moving forward," Governor Quinn said. "Helping individuals reach the services they
need is one of the core missions of government, and these translation services will help employers and job seekers." Previously, IDES provided automatic website translation in Spanish, the most frequently requested language. This effort expands the available languages and also expands the number of documents and videos available for translation. Users can access translated documents by clicking the appropriate button in the upper-right corner of the IDES homepage. For each language, the IDES reviews more than 280 website pages with nearly 94,000 characters. A common website language translator converts the text from English, followed by review by fluent IDES staff to ensure accuracy and nuance.
March 30, 2012
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Russian court's no to Gita ban applauded SURENDRA ULLAL
CHICAGO: Indians across Chicago land have welcomed the rejection by Tomsk regional court in Siberia (Russia) of the proposed move to ban ancient scripture Bhagavad Gita (Song of the Lord). Gita is a dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna, just before the beginning of the great Mahabharata war, in which Lord Krishna gave spiritual enlightenment to warrior Arjuna, who realized that the true battle was for his own soul. Its 700 verses in 18 chapters considered the nature of action, the religious and social duty, human relationship to God, the means of liberation, and the nature of sacrifice, etc. Madhu Patel, founder president of NRIN Press Club said that any attempt at banning Bhagavad Gita was apparently an attack on
Pic caption: Sohan Joshi, Nand Kapur, Madhu Patel and Rajan Zed
religious freedom and belittling of the entire community. Sohan Joshi, former president of FIA, observed that it was gladdening to know that Russia has come out of Communist-era and that the courts do act independently of executive wing of the government. Nand Kapur, former head
of Association of Indians in America said that teachings of Gita do cross religious and geographic boundaries and help the society as a whole to advance spiritually. Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, said that Bhagavad Gita was one of
the holiest scriptures of Hinduism and banning it would have deeply hurt the devotees. Rajan stressed that this philosophical and intensely spiritual poem, is one of the masterpieces of Sanskrit poetry and a world treasure and had been commented upon by hundreds of authors and
translated into all major languages of the world. Established in 1604, Tomsk, one of the oldest towns in Siberia, is a major center for Russia's IT industry and houses Siberia's oldest university Tomsk State University. Nikolay Nikolaychuk is reportedly the acting Mayor.
Piyush Pandey gets Lifetime Achievement Award SUDHIR VYAS
NEW YORK: Piyush Pandey has been named recipient of the 2012 CLIO Lifetime Achievement Award. The CLIO Awards are one of the most recognized awards competitions in the world honoring excellence in advertising, design and communications. Pandey, Executive Chairman and Creative Director of South Asia for Ogilvy & Mather India, will be the first person from the South Asia region to receive the distinction. With a prolific advertising career spanning three decades, Pandey is often revered as "the godfather of Indian advertising" by peers. He will be presented with the LifetimeAchievementAward at the 53rd annual CLIO Awards ceremony, scheduled for Tuesday, May 15 at theAmerican Museum of Natural History in New York. The CLIO Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes the outstanding creative contributions of an individual who leads the advertising community forward. "Piyush truly embodies the spirit of this award," said CLIO director, Karl Vontz. "He not only possesses wonderful creative vision, but he is a great leader who motivates everyone around him with his enthusiasm and passion. We look forward to celebrating his body of work and his ongoing contributions in the field of advertising." Pandey, the recipient of the 2010 Advertising Agencies Association of India LifetimeAchievementAward, has won five CLIO Awards to date. With more than 600 international awards to its credit, O&M India is ranked among the most creative offices in the entire O&M network.
Under Pandey's stewardship, O&M India weathered the storm of the 2009 worldwide financial crisis and won Media Magazine's Office Of The Year Award. In the same year, Pandey unveiled mobile service provider Vodafone's popular ZooZoo characters, a social phenomenon that swept India. CLIO established its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001. Pandey will join the ranks of such previous honorees as iconic director/cinematographer Tony Kaye (2001); Abbott
Piyush Pandey
Mead Vickers BBDO co-founder David Abbott (2002); former Ogilvy & Mather and WPP worldwide creative director Neil French (2003); global director media arts, TBWAWorldwide, Lee Clow (2004); BBH cofounder, Sir John Hegarty (2005); R/ GA co-founder and chairman, Bob Greenberg (2006); Saatchi & Saatchi worldwide creative director, Bob Isherwood (2007); partner and general creative director of AlmapBBDO, Marcello Serpa (2008); Wieden + Kennedy co-founder, Dan Wieden
(2009); Goodby, Silverstein & Partners co-chairman/creative directors Jeff Goodby and Rich Silverstein (2010); and influential director Joe Pytka (2011). The CLIO Awards has maintained its original commitment to celebrate and reward creative excellence, honoring a powerful form of communication and its impact on modern culture. To this day, CLIO's iconic statue is the most widely recognized and coveted symbol of the industry's creative accomplishments.
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New Paradigm tour visits Bay Area April 15 India Post News Service
FREMONT: A team of leading scientists, artists and business leaders will tour eight North American cities this spring, delivering a series of cutting-edge presentations entitled "A New Paradigm: Veda, Consciousness, The Ramayana, and the Self." The tour visits the Bay Area on Sunday, April 15, with the special event to be held at the India Community Center, Milpitas. The evening event features a social hour and the New Paradigm presentation, with a dinner to follow. The event will explore the meeting point of science and spirituality by presenting pioneering research that reveals the profound relationship between Vedic sound
tional President of Maharishi Universities of Management worldwide. John Hagelin, Ph.D., is a world-renowned quantum physicist, educator, public policy expert, and leading proponent of peace. He is responsible for the development of a highly successful grand unified field theory based on the superstring, which was featured as a cover story in Discover magazine. Winner of the prestigious Kilby Award, Dr. Hagelin was recognized for his achievements as a scientist in the tradition of Einstein, Jeans, Bohr and Eddington.? He is Chairman of the Physics Department at Maharishi University of Management and will speak on "Consciousness and the Unified Field."
Renowned quantum physicist, John Hagelin, Ph.D.
Dr. Nader's desire to gain a deeper understanding of the human mind and body - of consciousness and physiology - led him to the study of Vedic Science under the guidance of the Vedic sage Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. His discoveries have inspired medical doctors and scientists throughout the world by demonstrating the effectiveness of Vedic sound to heal mind, body and society
and the health and vitality of the mind and body. Extensive research on these breakthrough discoveries has also documented collective benefits for society, including the potential for creating world peace. The speakers at this event come from diverse backgrounds. Tony Nader, M.D., Ph.D., neuroscientist and researcher, will headline the event as the keynote speaker with his presentation, "Embodying Totality". Dr. Nader received his Ph.D. in the area of Brain and Cognitive Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and completed post-doctoral work at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Nader's desire to gain a deeper understanding of the human mind and body of consciousness and physiology - led him to the study of Vedic Science under the guidance of the Vedic sage Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. His discoveries have inspired medical doctors and scientists throughout the world by demonstrating the effectiveness of Vedic sound to heal mind, body and society. Dr. Nader is presently the Interna-
Ramani Ayer was the first Indo-American CEO of a Fortune 500 company. He was Chairman of the Board and CEO of Hartford Financial Services Group for 13 years, retiring in 2009. Under his direction, the company's North American operations became the eighth largest in the United States, with revenues of more than $6.3 billion. Mr. Ayer will speak on "Enlightened Leadership and World Peace." Joining these speakers via videoconference will be special guests, Hollywood director, David Lynch, and the Sagar family, of Ramayana fame, from Mumbai. David Lynch is acclaimed as one of the most creative minds in film, art, and music today. He is also the founder of the David Lynch Foundation for Consciousness-Based Education and World Peace. Ramanand Sagar created the original epic Ramayana series in 1987, inspiring all of India while preserving Vedic values in the culture. The next generation of Sagars - Prem, Anand, Shiv and Shakti of Sagar Arts - created the 2008
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remake of this timeless saga. The speakers will explore three primary themes in the presentation. The first theme explores the cosmic nature of the individual. The sounds of the Veda have been found to reside in the physiology on the vibratory level. These sounds become the physiol-
Keynote speaker Tony Nader M.D., Ph.D
ogy - the brain, the heart - the whole physiology is seen from this perspective as a replica of Veda and the Vedic literature. The practical application of this has been documented by original research conducted by medical doctors and scientists that demonstrates the effectiveness of these Vedic sounds for creating brain coherence and for the treatment of chronic disorders. The second theme explores the applications of this discovery on the collective level of society. The frontiers of modern physics and the development of Unified Field theories point to the understanding that this field of natural law is one and the same as the fundamental level of life described by Vedic Science. The presentation will review evidence
The presentation will review evidence that large groups of thousands of peace-creating Vedic pandits are capable of changing the destiny of mankind by applying Vedic technologies of consciousness from the deepest level of consciousness - the common unified source of both science and religion that large groups of thousands of peacecreating Vedic pandits are capable of changing the destiny of mankind by applying Vedic technologies of consciousness from the deepest level of consciousness - the
common unified source of both science and religion. Demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach, the global peace initiative has already established 1000 Maharishi Vedic Pandits in Maharishi Vedic City in Iowa, and 2500 at the center of India in Madhya Pradesh.
Subtitled "Discovery of the Eternal Reality of the Ramayan in the Structure and Function of the Physiology," the book was developed by Dr. Nader over a 10-year period under the guidance of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. It describes the profound correlation between the characters, details and happenings of the Ramayana with every part of the human physiology The third theme of the presentation explores Dr. Nader's newest book, "Ramayan in Human Physiology," which will be released on this tour. Subtitled "Discovery of the Eternal Reality of the Ramayan in the Structure and Function of the Physiology," the book was developed by Dr. Nader over a 10-year period under the guidance of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. It describes the profound correlation between the characters, details and happenings of the Ramayana with every part of the human physiology. "It will serve as a revelation to those who desire a greater understanding of the unity underlying all that makes us human," said Gary P. Kaplan, M.D., Ph.D., Clinical Associate Professor of Neurology at Hofstra University School of
Ramani
Medicine. This event-from 4:30-8:00 pm on Sunday, April 15-is presented by the Maharishi Foundation and the Global Peace Initiative, and co-sponsored by Vedic Dharma Samaj.
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Holi picnic hosted by medical association SVAPNA PATEL
HUNTINGTON BEACH: The Indian Medical Association of Southern California (IMASC) celebrated Holi on Sunday, March 11 at Huntington Beach with a pro-
Guests enjoyed throwing colors on each other all afternoon and participated in various activities such as volleyball, football, and kite flying on the beach. The event was catered by Tandoor and all those in attendance had an afternoon full of masti gram highlighted by music, food, and fun. IMASC, founded in 1979 is a non-profit professional organization whose members are leaders in medicine. IMASC is a local chap-
ter of the largest national organization, the American Association of Physicians of India which boasts of more than 41,000 physicians. Holi, commonly known as the festival of colors, is a celebration of spring and the triumph of good over evil. The event hosed by IMASC commenced in the afternoon with Holi Pratigya and was followed by games for all. Prizes and gifts were given to winners of
the games such as luv letter and honeymoon island. DJ Dhamaka provided the music followed by some live singing by Dhiren Buch. Guests enjoyed throwing colors on each other all afternoon and participated in various activities such as volleyball, football, and kite flying on the beach. The event was catered by Tandoor and all those in attendance had an afternoon full of masti.
Blind girl raising $10,000 for Obama campaign India Post News Service
LOS ANGELES: Blind from birth, final year law student, Deepa Goraya has accomplished more in her young life than most sighted people. Her latest campaign is to raise $10,000 for President Obama's campaign. This she says is in acknowledgement of the Obama Administration helping the disability community with unusual energy and compassion. In a press release, Deepa Goraya says, "The disability community has pledged to raise at least $100'000 (one-hundred thousand dollars) for the Obama campaign, and I would like to raise at least $10'000 (ten-thousand dollars) on my own to contribute to that pledge. We want to show the President that the disability community can not only vote for him, but can raise a significant amount of money for his re-election and meaningfully contribute. Deepa says President Obama and his team have done so much for persons with disabilities. "We want to show our thanks and help him win a second term so he can do even more for us and for this
nation. He has much more to do, and even he said he would not be able to do everything in one term." In an appeal to the South Asian community, Deepa says, "If you donate and help me reach my ten-
event at FOXKISER in DC and someone from the White House will be invited to speak. Who knows, it may be the President!" In the end she says, "please help me and donate as much as
Deepa says President Obama and his team have done so much for persons with disabilities. "We want to show our thanks and help him win a second term so he can do even more for us and for this nation Barack Obama
thousand-dollar goal, I may have a good opportunity to meet the President in person! It would also mean a lot coming from the South Asian community. My deadline to raise this money is March 29th, where the fundraiser will culminate in an
you can to my $10'000 pledge. You can donate online at: https:// m y. b a r a c k o b a m a . c o m / march29dcreception and fill my name in the blank when you see the question, "Who encouraged you to make this contribution."
HAF inaugurates first Sacramento Advocacy Day India Post News Service
NEW YORK: The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) traveled to the California State Capitol early this month for its inaugural Sacramento Advocacy Day. A delegation of HAF's Northern California leaders met with a number of state government officials to advocate on behalf of California's large Hindu community. The day included successful meetings with State Senate Majority Leader Ellen Corbett (10th Senate District), Senator Mark DeSaulnier (7th Senate District), Assembly Member Bob Wieckowski (20th Assembly District), and the offices of State Senators Leland Yee (8th Senate District), Elaine Kontominas Alquist (13th Senate District), and Lori Hancock (9th Senate District). During the meetings, HAF discussed a number of issues, including concerns over the continued inaccurate and negative portrayal of Hinduism in the sixth grade public school textbooks, and the need to ensure that when new textbooks are adopted, the process is conducted in a fair and equitable manner. They also expressed the importance of including vegetarian meal options in public schools throughout the state to provide healthy alternatives for students who do not consume meat or animal
based-products for reasons of faith, health and other considerations. Currently, all California school districts are not required to provide a healthy vegetarian meal option, leading to an inconsistent policy across the state. And finally, HAF leaders communicated the importance of having the state of California officially recognize the significance of Diwali to Hindus and the larger Indian community. Both the US
All the government officials were very receptive to HAF's issues and indicated they would be supportive of a Diwali resolution, the HAF said House of Representatives and the US Senate have previously passed resolutions recognizing the religious and historical significance of the festival of Diwali, but California's legislature has not yet done so. California is home to the nation's largest Hindu and Indian population. All the government officials were very receptive to HAF's issues and indicated they would be supportive of a Diwali resolution, the HAF said.
Tech News India set to move into top ten broadband nations
TechBiz
R
obin Mersh, CEO, Broadband Forum while addressing reporters in a press conference at the 20th Convergence India 2012 at Pragati Maidan, announced the Year End 2011 global Broadband and IPTV subscriber data. He also highlighted the growth trends of broadband and IPTV in the sub-continent and Asia. According to year-end figures published by the Broadband Forum, Broadband and IPTV growth spiked to a high in 2011 with rates higher than at any time in the last five years. Mersh said that with a number of new markets coming online broadband is moving into the daily lives of more and more people across the globe.
Rakesh Gopal joins Mogae Media
M
ogae Media has roped in Rakesh Gopal, as its Senior Vice-President. He will be reporting to Sandeep Goyal, Chairman Mogae Media. He will be shouldering the responsibility of spearheading sales of mobile, DTH and other inventory. Welcoming Gopal to Mogae, Tanya Goyal, Executive Director, Mogae Group, said, "Rakesh is a mature professional with very good client outreach. He will be one of the leaders for Mogae in monetizing mobile as a medium." Prior to this development, he was working with Mail Today, as Head- Impact for Delhi, East and South Asia for three and a half years.
YouTube to offer 19, 000 episodes of Indian TV
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March 30, 2012
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echnology giant, Apple has put up a new record as it has sold 3 million iPads within few days of launching its hit tablet computer. This beats the record of the earlier version of iPad which took 28 days to hit one million sales. Apple launched the advanced version of iPad which comes with few new features ranging from an improved display, better camera, faster processor and support for AT&T's and Verizon's fourth-generation LTE cellular networks.
Multicultural Marketing Expo empowers local businesses India Post News Service
NEW YORK: The day-long New York Multicultural Business Expo held March 15 at Leonard's of Great Neck in Long Island brought together business owners and executives of different ethnic backgrounds through a variety of seminars and networking opportunities. A central theme to the expo was the growing important of the multicultural consumer in American society. Conservative estimates already place one in three Americans belonging to a Diaspora community. In fact, recent data from the US Census 2010 shows that the Hispanic community in the USA is larger than the total population of Canada. The numbers alone show the growing scale and increasing scope of opportunities for businesses dealing with the ethnic markets. Seminars that were held covered a wide range of topics such as the future of small businesses, the importance of social media, getting certified by the government to do business, and engaging with the multicultural consumer. Neeta Bhasin, President and CEO of ASB Communications,
why every business needs to give serious thought to developing or improving their own multicultural communications strategy. Each panelist shared great insights of their market and elaborated on its significance and potential. The panel also discussed the importance of building a 360 marketing program, by using grassroots activities and events to complement traditional media channels, in reaching out the multicultural community. Michelle Hare, of Multicultural Business Development at State Farm Insurance, said, "State Farm believes in having one on one re-
such as the current viewership of South Asian channels in the US. Rajan Singh, Executive Vice President of International Business at Star TV said. "Research companies such as Nielsen in the US do not adequately reflect the reality of viewership trends in the US, thereby undervaluing the viewership that multicultural media actually has. This is not the case in the UK where for example Star Plus is rated #6 in terms of viewership among 350 mainstream channels." Anoop Nigam, Senior Vice President at Neo Sports TV, a cricket channel, added, "Cricket is the 2nd most popular sport in the world, more than 2 billion follow it regularly. Neo invests in the
stream media, leading to a lack of programming for the ethnic viewer. This provides a window of opportunity for enterprising individuals. Ron Garner, senior consultant at the Africa Channel, said, "We saw a lack of programming catering to the needs of African Diaspora. We felt that a channel was needed which gave Africans in America the information that they needed, and to hear the perspective that was lacking in the mainstream media." Steven W. Neumann of Heatwave Radio Pacific said, "We started this channel for the many Filipino's who lacked a radio station where they could hear their own music and could connect with their own culture."
Seminars that were held covered a wide range of topics such as the future of small businesses, the importance of social media, getting certified by the government to do business, and engaging with the multicultural consumer
G
oogle's YouTube has initiated to revamp its Shows page at youtube.com/shows to enable the television viewers follow their favorite television shows and follow new ones. Over the last few years, major Indian broadcasters such as Sony Entertainment Television, Colors, ImagineTV, Star India, and VikatanTV have been bringing their shows to YouTube so that the viewers can watch them anytime. Currently, as Youtube's Indian TV partners offer more than 19,000 full episodes of 300 programs in six different languages (Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Gujarati, and Punjabi), they have decided to offer the Indian viewers an updated Shows page.
Apple sells 3 mn new iPads in three days
moderated a panel at the event, entitled 'How to engage with the multicultural consumer'. Together with senior executives from State Farm Insurance, Star TV, the Africa Channel, Heat Wave Radio Pacific, and Neo Sports Television, the high-powered panel engaged in a lively discussion on
lationships with our consumers, through our network of agents. We also like to sponsor community events in the Asian, Hispanic and African American communities, and are involved with sports and music sponsorships to reach our multicultural customers." The panel also covered topics
cricket leagues which have some 2,000 teams across the USA to reach our multicultural audience." All this indicates that the viewership for South Asian channels is much greater than the current numbers provided by popular mainstream media statistics. Multicultural markets also often get over-looked in the main-
At the end of the day, the panel discussions, networking opportunities and the expo as a whole was very successful in bringing multicultural and mainstream companies together under one roof where they could exchange views, building commercial contacts, and most importantly begin engaging with the multicultural markets.
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SIAEA delegation lobbies in Albany for state contracts India Post News Service
NEW YORK: The Society of Indo-American Engineers and Architects (SIAEA), a leading organization of engineers and architects of Indian origin, sent a delegation to Albany, New York to support Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's initiative to increase state contracting opportunities to 20 percent for minority and women entrepreneurs. Led by SIAEA president Nayan Parikh, the delegation comprised Mihir Patel, president-elect and Ravi Shenoy, past president of the organization. It was a day of lobbying and mobilizing legislative support for various minority groups including Asian Indians. Business leaders representing various ethnic minority groups attended the 3rd Annual Statewide MWBE Advocacy and Awareness Day event along with New York State Assemblymen and Senators. Society of Indo-American Engineers and Architects was the only group representing Asians in general and Asian Indian businesses in particular. The speakers reinforced their commitment to the cause of promoting minority and women businesses in government contracting at the event organized in the Legislative Office Building at the Empire State Plaza in Albany where Minority and Women Business Enterprise Coalition demonstrated its united strength. New York State Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy assured the audience that his office was working for simplifying the licensing and certification procedure for contractors. Reaffirming the policies of Governor Cuomo to remove all obstacles in meeting the State's goal of 20 percent participation by minority and women business
SIAEA president Nayan Parikh (extreme right) and president-elect Mihir Patel (left) with New York Lt. Governor Robert Duffy (center) in Albany where Parikh led an Asian American delegation to attend the 3rd Annual Statewide MWBE Advocacy and Awareness Day.-Pic Gunjesh Desai
owners, Duffy advised entrepreneurs to seek his help in case of any difficulty. Echoing the sentiments of the Lieutenant Governor SIAEA president Parikh said, "We wholeheartedly support the Governor's efforts to create more opportunities for minority and women entrepreneurs in the state of New York." The driving force behind the event was Minority & Women Enterprise Coalition, a nonpartisan group focused on implementation and enforcement of legislations promoting equal opportunity for minority and women entrepreneurs in New York. The coalition invited lawmakers and community organizers to share their view at the event in which members of various minority groups, such as, African American chamber of commerce, Hispanic Business Group,
The speakers reinforced their commitment to the cause of promoting minority and women businesses in government contracting at the event organized in the Legislative Office Building at the Empire State Plaza in Albany Society of Indo-American Engineers and Architects and Women Builders Council participated. The event aimed at encouraging minor-
ity and women business owners to fully participate in the economy by developing their capabilities to compete for 20 percent participation in State contracts. Encouraging minority and women owned businesses to aggressively competing for contracts, Carra L. Wallace, Managing Director, Executive Initiatives, Dormitory Authority State of New York, said that contracting jobs for extension of No. 7 Subway train involved a total of $513.7 million out of which $104 million worth of jobs were available for minority and women businesses. Governor Cuomo established a team to explore ways to meet his goal of expanding minority and women owned business enterprises participation in state contracting to 20 percent. The MWBE team includes elected officials,
business and academic leaders and members of the Governor's cabinet and administration. One of the most vocal member of team Senator Ruth Hassel-Thompson asked the entrepreneurs to share their experience bring the problems on the table with legislatures and members of the team 'bring the problems on the table' to find solutions. Ms. Thompson emphasized the need to press government agencies and committees remove barriers in getting the contract and make the system user friendly. In order to train business owners to qualifying for licensing and certification representatives of Governor's office of Minority Development informed the audience about Bonding Assistance Program managed by Bonding Authority. Prominent officials and business owners who spoke on the occasion included Speakers who supported the James Hieyligier, President, Association of Minority Business of New York, Sandra Wilkins, Women Builders council, Assembly Members Karim Camara, Crystal Peoples-Stokes, Felix Oritz, Venessa Gibson, Andrea Stewart-Cousins and others. The MWBE programs aim at providing equal opportunities to entrepreneurs and businesses in competing for state contracts. At present participation of minority and women businesses is at 9.2 percent. A disparity study commissioned last year by the state Department of Economic Development identified numerous barriers that have impaired access by MWBE to state contracting. Governor Cuomo's team is working to identify ways to overcome these obstacles and enhance existing programs to spur participation.
USIBC targets $500b in two-way trade by 2020 India Post News Service
NEW YORK: The US-India Business Council (USIBC) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) set a mutual goal of achieving $500 billion in twoway trade before this decade is completed, or by 2020. Twoway trade in goods and services between the countries presently stands at $100 billion, despite the global economic crisis of 2008 and the challenges still threatening full-blown economic recovery. "If we keep to this progressive reform path, and resist political distraction and protec-
tionist impulses, there is every reason the US and India commercial relationship will unlock inherent synergies, enabling USIndia two-way trade to grow fivefold by 2020, achieving the $500 billion mark," said CII and USIBC leadership in a joint statement released March 21, in Mumbai. "Just five years ago, in 2006, total US-India trade stood at a mere $25 billion, which was considered a remarkable achievement at the time," reflected USIBC Chairman Terry McGraw. "The global economic crisis of 2008 was punishing, prompting economic contraction. Now, fortunately, we are beginning to see
positive signs of recovery. So long as oil prices remain stable and Europe continues to make
USIBC cites India's market size, its youthful demographic, the country's track record of impressive growth, and its burgeoning purchasing power, as the reasons why it remains bullish
progress, there is every reason the U.S.-India two-way commercial relationship can surpass the $500 billion mark by the end of this decade. There is enormous opportunity before us," McGraw noted. Heartened by reassurances USIBC received in high-level meetings in New Delhi and Mumbai, which have confirmed a unanimous consensus by India's political leadership and intelligentsia that the US-India commercial relationship remains a defining priority, USIBC cites India's market size, its youthful demographic, the country's track record of impressive growth, and
its burgeoning purchasing power, as the reasons why USIBC remains bullish that US companies will continue to invest in India, and Indian companies will continue to feel welcome as they invest in the United States. "This two-way street of investment will pave the way to prosperity for both countries for decades to come," USIBC President Ron Somers said. "However, we must keep vigil to ensure that a welcoming business environment is sustained if we are to realize this remarkable USIndia growth story." ContĂd on page 21
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India showcases seafood exports at Boston Show
India Post News Service
NEW YORK: India's nodal seafood promotional Agency, Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) participated in the International Boston Seafood Show 2012, displaying an array of seafood products at its booth - "India Pavilion". The Seafood Show was convened in the Boston Convention Center, Boston, MA, March 11-13. India's seafood exports in the year 2010-2011 to US Market have grown by almost 45%. The export
in the current year in value terms has been $545.74 million for the period April- December 2011. Indian seafood exports to US are expected to reach $700 million by end of March 2012. MPEDA has been participating in the Show for the last 10 years. This year MPEDA had 6 Co-Exhibitors: Dish Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., West Coast Frozen Foods Pvt. Ltd., Gadre Marine Exports Pvt. Ltd., Seven Seas Exports Pvt. Ltd., Surya Mitra Exim Pvt. Ltd., Shree Datt Aquaculture Farms Pvt. Ltd. One of the co-exhibitors, Dish
Hospitality won the 2012 Seafood Excellence Award for the second time in a row for their product "Oriental Shrimp Nest" as the Best New Food Service Award. The $30 million company has gone miles in Value Added Products and they are striving for quality excellence. "India Pavilion" attracted a lot of potential buyers and various trade inquiries were received. MPEDA also had a cooking demonstration in the Pavilion showcasing the most popular Indian Black Tiger Shrimp and the White
Shrimp-Vannamei. The taste of the Indian Seafood was appreciated by all visitors. Ambassador Prabhu Dayal, Consul General of India in New York, who visited the "India Pavilion", congratulated Dish Hospitality on winning the award, and assured full support of the Consulate General of India, New York to promote Indian seafood trade to US. MPEDA has been facilitating the Indian seafood exporters and supporting them so that they get appropriate exposure of the inter-
national market and its demand. The participation in the Boston Show has given the Indian seafood exporters a platform to make their business grow by leaps and bounds. Chairman, MPEDA Leena Nair remarked that, "India had already exported over $3 billion value of seafood products during April-December 2011 and hopes to touch $3.5 billion by the end of March 2012." She added, "Boston Show 2012 will definitely help us in achieving this goal and strengthen the Brand India in the US market."
Sahara Force India ties up with US online services company India Post News Service
NEW YORK: Internap Network Services Corporation, a US-based provider of intelligent IT Infrastructure services, announced March 15, that it has been selected as the official supplier of web hosting and content delivery network services to Sahara Force India, the fast-rising Formula One racing team, based in Silverstone, United Kingdom. As a key competitor on the Formula One racing circuit that this year includes 20 races across four continents, Sahara Force India wanted to expand the features and performance of its ForceIndiaF1.com website on a global scale. The website is the team's primary tool for branding, communications and interacting with its global fan base as well as key members of the media that follow the team. Established in 2008, the Sahara Force India team has steadily ad-
vanced in the standings and secured an overall 6th place finish last year - its highest ever. As a reflection of that success, the team's website received more than a half million visits last year from around the world. As Sahara Force India gets ready to launch a new website to communicate and interact with this growing fan base, it needed a reliable, high-performance web hosting environment to deliver the site globally. The "performance package" from Internap will allow Sahara Force India to distribute i t s
c o n tent - including high-definition images, videos, live streaming and social media - to fans and members of the press worldwide
on computers, smartphones, tablets and other devices. Internap also gives Sahara Force India the global footprint to effortlessly support local spikes in website traffic across the various countries where races are taking place. "Growing our brand and our international fan base requires that we build a strong web presence," said Dr. Vijay Mallya, team principal and managing director of Sahara Force India. "But the global nature of our sport means that this presence is always on the move, so our fans need to be able to follow us whether they are at the track or on the other side of the world. Thanks to Internap's hosting solutions and 100% uptime service level guarantee, we can seamlessly interact with our fans wherever they are and whenever they want." Later this season,
Formula One racing marks its return to the U.S. following a fiveyear absence with the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, on November 18.
even milliseconds." Sahara Force India Formula One Team is currently in its fifth year of competition in the FIA Formula One World Championship. The team
"Growing our brand and our international fan base requires that we build a strong web presence," said Dr. Vijay Mallya, team principal and managing director of Sahara Force India. "But the global nature of our sport means that this presence is always on the move, so our fans need to be able to follow us whether they are at the track or on the other side of the world� "Working with Sahara Force India is the perfect showcase for the benefits of our global, performance-centric managed hosting and connectivity services, especially given the mass popularity of Formula One racing and the international nature of its races and fan base," said Eric Cooney, president and chief executive officer at Internap. "Like Sahara Force India, we stake our reputation on performance. We are both aiming to be the fastest to our destination and cannot afford to lose
was born in 2008 when Dr. Vijay Mallya, chairman of India's iconic UB Group and Kingfisher Airlines, launched the first-ever Indian Formula One team. The cars incorporate the colors of the Indian flag and the team is a sporting representation of the emerging generation of young, aspirational Indians and the growing strength of India as a nation. In 2011, a historic partnership was agreed upon as Sahara India Pariwar became co-owners of the Silverstone-based team.
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Satyam merges with Tech Mahindra to create $2.4 bn co MUMBAI: The diversified Mahindra Group has announced the amalgamation of its two technology companies, under which Mahindra Satyam will merge with parent Tech Mahindra, creating a USD 2.4-billion entity that will be the 5th largest software firm in India. "This merger is a key part of our strategy to deliver industry leading performance and this would make us a company with an annual revenue of USD 2.4-billion approximately, with more than 75,000 workforce and over 350 active clients across 54 countries," Tech Mahindra Vice-Chairman and Managing Director Vineet Nayyar told reporters here. Nayyar, who is also Chairman of Mahindra Satyam, said the merger happens now as the company has achieved all the targets set for itself and it was appropriate to start the merger process as the new company is ready to take off. The merger ratio is pegged at 8.5:1, which means share holders get 8.5 share of Mahindra Satyam for each share of Tech Mahindra. Nayyar said the new entity will be head-quartered in Mumbai and the merger will be effective retrospectively from April 1, 2011, while the full integration process will take another nine months. He also said both the companies will have separate AGMs for this fiscal. Nayyar said the new management structure is not finalized yet as a revamp of the existing management is on the anvil. To a query on a possible delisting of Satyam shares from the Nasdaq, Nayyar answered in the negative.
Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Tech Mahindra and Chairman of Mahindra Satyam Vineet Nayyar with whole-time Director and CEO of Mahindra Tech C P Gurani (L) and CFO Sonjoy Anand (R) during the announcement of Tech Mahindra and Mahindra Satyam merger, in Mumbai
Earlier, the companies informed the exchanges that their boards approved the merger with an exchange ratio of 2:17 ratio. Two
Nayyar, who is also Chairman of Mahindra Satyam, said the merger happens now as the company has achieved all the targets set for itself and it was appropriate to start the merger process
shares of Tech Mahindra will be given for 17 shares of Mahindra Satyam, with shareholders getting one share of Tech Mahindra for 8.5 shares of Satyam. The companies said 20.4 crore equity shares of Rs 2 each of Mahindra Satyam will be transferred to a trust of which Tech Mahindra will be the beneficiary. The companies were advised by JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley and KPMG for the merger process. Tech Mahindra took over the reins of the scam-hit Satyam Computer Services in April 2009 by picking up 31 per cent stake for USD 351 million at Rs 58 per share, a 23 per cent premium, in a government monitored deal.
USIBC targets $500b in two-way trade by 2020 ContĂd from page 19
Some basic tenets, USIBC feels, must be followed: namely a sensible and predictable tax policy that inspires investor confidence; the protection and reward of intellectual property that spurs R&D and innovation; a deepening of the Indian capital markets; speedy infrastructure development, including the development of world-class infrastructure supporting India's farm-to-market supply chain; prudent incentives (not mandates) that encourage manufacturing; strengthened educational collaboration; and open borders and free movement of our technical professionals that can support the shared goal of building a world-class knowl-
edge economy, working toward freer trade and cooperation across all sectors. "These are the key ingredients that will unlock unimaginable economic prosperity and generate unparalleled growth and job creation - a goal shared by both countries," Somers stated. The 2012 USIBC Chairman's Executive Mission to India, led by USIBC chairman Harold "Terry" McGraw, and composed of members of the USIBC Board of Directors, was hosted in Mumbai by senior leadership of the CII. Earlier in the week, USIBC held partner meetings with FICCI and NASSCOM, and met Government of India officials as well as with members of the Opposition Party in New Delhi.
USIBC plans on hosting "India Week" in Washington as the centerpiece of USIBC's 37th Anniversary, on the sidelines of the US-India Strategic Dialogue and CEO Forum meetings, which are scheduled the week of June 11. "We hope to mark this auspicious week by renewing our shared commitment and mutual trust of one another, to develop strategies that deepen our commercial ties and bolster the strategic partnership between the world's largest free-market democracies," Somers noted. "If we keep this focus and remain mindful of our shared values, the US- India partnership can and will shape the economic destiny of the 21st Century," Somers concluded.
The company was rebranded as Mahindra Satyam The deal saw the Mahindras edging out existing partner engi-
neering conglomerate Larsen & Toubro, widely seen as a front-runner, and private equity firm WL Ross & Co. Founder and the then chairman of Satyam B Ramlinga Raju in January 2009 had admitted to multi-crore accounting fraud of around Rs 7,000 crore at the beleaguered firm. For the October-December quarter, Mahindra Satyam reported a stronger-than-expected 5-fold jump in net profit to Rs 308 crore, helped by a fall in the rupee value. Its consolidated revenue rose to Rs 1,718 crore, up 34 per cent. The total headcount of the company stood at 32,280, a net addition of 188 quarter-on-quarter. Tech Mahindra, for the same quarter, reported 7.3 per cent spike in net profit to Rs 276 crore, backed by gains from its associate firm Mahindra Satyam. Its revenue rose to Rs 1,445 crore, up 19.3 per cent. The increase in the topline was despite a drop of revenue from its largest client BT. -PTI
No game-changing reforms in Indian budget: USIBC India Post News Service
sively for international investment. For foreign investors to have confidence in India, a predictable and transparent tax environment is essential," USIBC President Ron Somers said. "USIBC encourages the Government of India to support the Supreme Court decision on Vodaphone and avoid any regressive policy changes. The 20122013 Budget's s progressive re-
NEW YORK: The US India Business Council (USIBC) is looking to the coming Budget Session of the Indian Parliament to deliver on key reforms that would signal to foreign investors that the Government of India remains steadfast in its objective to achieve strong GDP growth and expand global trade. The bilateral industry body called Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee's Union USIBC noted some positive Budget "measured but elements, including the without game-changliberalization of FDI and ing reforms." USIBC noted some External Commercial Borpositive elements, inrowing (ECB) in Civil Aviacluding the liberalization of FDI and Exter- tion, as well as other annal Commercial Bor- nouncements including the rowing (ECB) in Civil Aviation, as well as allowance of Qualified Forother announcements eign Investors (QFI) to directly including the allowance of Qualified For- invest in corporate bonds eign Investors (QFI) to directly invest in corporate forms in civil aviation, infrastrucbonds, and an increase in defense ture, and capital markets should spending at a time of essential not be undercut by inconsistent national security and technology tax policy," Somers continued. Diane Farrell, Executive Vice cooperation. However, several policy announcements-especially President of USIBC, said, "Predictability is vital for attracting in taxation-raised concerns. "Given continuing apprehen- and keeping the foreign investsion about the anemic global eco- ment necessary to attain the nomic recovery, India's policy en- growth projections stated by vironment must compete aggres- Minister Mukherjee."
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Iran disruption may up crude oil prices by 30%: IMF
Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Christine Lagarde meeting Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi on March 20
NEW DELHI: IMF chief Christine Lagarde has cautioned that supply disruptions from Iran could push global crude prices by up to 30 per cent, at a time when the price is hovering at USD 125 a barrel. "If there was for instance a major shortage of export of oil from Iran, it will certainly drive prices up, at least for a period of time. We believe that it will be in the range of 20-30 per cent," Lagarde told reporters here. Her comments come against the backdrop of prevailing global tensions over Iran's nuclear ambitions. "As I just mentioned the sudden and brutal rise in the price
would have serious consequences on the global economy at large and will impact particularly the oil importing countries and amongst them low income countries," International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director said. Crude oil prices have surged to USD 125 a barrel on concerns over Middle East supplies as well as on signs of stabilization in the world economy. Oil price shock would have its implication on the global economy including India, she said. India heavily depends on import for its crude oil requirement. The country imports 110-120 mil-
lion tonnes of oil every year. "If there was oil shock of significant multitude, it will affect all of us, all the importing countries of the world. Clearly India is one but not the only one," Lagarde, who is on her maiden visit as IMF chief, said. Highlighting the need for rebalancing the supply of crude oil due to geo-political situation, she said, "while other countries adjust in order to address the supply shortage that would result from the limitation of exports". "So, it is necessary that the rebalancing if that was due to happen... happen rapidly," Lagarde noted. -PTI
Pak notifies negative list for trade with India ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan government has issued a notification for switching over to a negative list regime for trade with India, under which the import of only 1,209 Indian products will be barred. The Commerce Ministry issued the Statutory Regulatory Order for trade with India under the negative list regime, officials said. According to the notification, a total of 1,209 items have been included in the negative list and will not be importable from India. Of the importable items from India, 137 products can be brought in from India through the Wagah land border crossing. Major items included in the list of items importable through Wagah are livestock, vegetables and newsprint in rolls or sheets.
Manufacturers can import raw materials, except basic materials that are locally manufactured, and packing material needed for phar-
Finalizing the negative list will help to formally start trade between both countries, which will be beneficial for the people of India and Pakistan, an official said maceutical products once they are approved by the Director General of Health, officials said. The import of vaccines will be
allowed only from Indian plants that have been approved by the World Health Organization. Till now, Pakistan traded with India under a positive list regime that allowed the import of less than 2,000 items. The import Indian products through other countries increased the cost of items in the local market, officials said. Finalizing the negative list will help to formally start trade between both countries, which will be beneficial for the people of India and Pakistan, an official said. Trade with India under the negative list regime was allowed only to protect Pakistani industry and the negative list will be phased out by December 31, 2012, said the official who did not want to be named.-PTI
India offers export of gas to Pakistan NEW DELHI: After fuel, India ford to ignore India's proposal on is offering to export natural gas to gas exports as shortfall has led to Pakistan to help the neighboring daily power outages and riots and country tide over its gas crisis. caused factories to shut down. State-owned GAIL's just comGAIL is an equal partner in 10 missioned natural gas pipeline million tons a year import facility from west coast to Bhatinda in at Dahej while Shell and Total of Punjab is barely 25-km away from France operate a 3.6 million tons Pakistan border and the gas util- terminal at Hazira. ity is proposing that the line can A third terminal is being build be extended to Lahore in no time, at Mundra in the state while sources privy to the development said. GAIL plans to import Unlike India, Pakistan has till liquefied natural gas or now not built a LNG import LNG (natural gas that has been liquefied at terminal and so buying gas sub-zero temperature from GAIL pipeline may and shipped in cryogenic vessels) at Dahej make economic sense for or Hazira import termithe Islamic nation. Gas nals in Gujarat. It plans to move this gas supply in Pakistan at around through the Dahej5.497 bcfd in the year to Vijaipur-Dadri-BawanaNangal-Bhatinda pipe- June 30, 2012 is short of line to Punjab and then demand by 2.458 bcfd into Pakistan. But before a formal proposal is made to the Pakistani GAIL's Dabhol plant in side, it needs the blessing of the Maharasthra will go on stream Ministry of External Affairs, next week. Dabhol too is connected sources said. with pipeline to Dahej and any Pakistan may experience its LNG imported at the terminal too worst gas crisis in 2016 when can find its way into Pakistan, shortfall is expected to hit 3.021 they said. billion cubic feet per day as supMost affected is the Pakistan's ply-demand position deteriorates, textile industry, which contribute the State Bank of Pakistan had said 60 per cent to the country's total in December last year. export earnings. Unlike India, Pakistan has till The nation's textile exports may now not built a LNG import termi- miss the USD 16 billion target by nal and so buying gas from GAIL 25 per cent this year. pipeline may make economic sense About 53 per cent of Pakistan's for the Islamic nation. Gas supply energy comes from natural gas, 30 in Pakistan at around 5.497 bcfd in per cent from oil and the rest from the year to June 30, 2012 is short coal, nuclear and hydropower, acof demand by 2.458 bcfd. Supplies, according to the State Bank of Sources said Pakistan can Pakistan, are likely to afford not to buy liquid fuel increase to 6.354 bcfd in 2015-16 but the deficit from India as it can import will expand further to them from the Middle East. 3.021 bcfd. Sources said a LNG But it can ill-afford to ignore terminal will take a miniIndia's proposal on gas mum of four years to build while the GAIL exports as shortfall has led pipeline can be exto daily power outages and panded into Lahore within months. riots and caused factories India had previously offered to sell petrol, to shut down diesel, jet fuel (ATF) and fuel oil to Pakistan and had cording to BP. planned to build pipelines to transPakistan and India are pursuport the products but Islamabad ing gas imports from Iran and has not yet responded to the pro- Turkmenistan but the multi-billion posal. dollar pipelines that are to transSources said Pakistan can af- port the fuel are yet to get off the ford not to buy liquid fuel from ground because of security conIndia as it can import them from cerns of such transnational pipethe Middle East. But it can ill-af- lines. -PTI
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Apple announces $2.65 a share dividend NEW YORK: Cash-rich iPad maker Apple has announced a USD 2.65 per share quarterly dividend and a USD 10 billion share buyback plan as part of its broad plans on how it intends to use nearly USD 100 billion reserves. The world's most valuable company had last offered a dividend in 1995. Apple said it will initiate a quarterly dividend of USD 2.65 per share in the fourth quarter of its fiscal 2012 which begins on July 1, 2012. Announcing its plans to reward shareholders with the dividend, the California-based company said it wants to provide a current income to its long-term shareholders and increase attractiveness of Apple to a wider investor base. Apple Inc expects its first year annual dividend payment to be
over USD 10 billion. The dividend "will provide a current income to our shareholders and we believe it will broaden
The repurchase program is expected to be executed over three years, with the primary objective of neutralizing the impact of dilution from future employee equity grants Apple's investor base by attracting new investors who do not currently own Apple stock," Apple's Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook said in a conference call.
Apple will declare the dividend concurrent with the quarterly financial release in July. The company board has authorized a USD 10 billion share repurchase program commencing in its fiscal 2013 which begins on September 30, 2012. The repurchase program is expected to be executed over three years, with the primary objective of neutralizing the impact of dilution from future employee equity grants and employee stock purchase programs. At the end of December 2011, Apple had a cash reserve of 98 billion dollars, of which 64 billion dollars was outside the US. Its shares were up nearly 1.17 percent at USD 592.70 in early morning trading. Apple boasts of a market capitalization of about USD 545 billion. -PTI
Planning Commn faces criticism for poverty figures NEW DELHI: Planning Commission is facing criticism inside and outside Parliament for its description of poor and resultant fall in people below the poverty line with Opposition parties saying it was making a "dishonest" attempt to conceal reality through "fraudulent" estimates. BJP hit out at the government and the Planning panel for the conclusion that the number of people living below the poverty line has fallen by seven per cent, alleging that the Manmohan Singh administration appeared to be setting a "starvation line". The Planning Commission had released data to show that poverty had significantly declined between 2004-05 and 2009-10 after it lowered the income criteria for defining poor from the previous Rs 32 per day mark to Rs 29. "I don't know which line they are drawing. Whether it is the starvation line or the poverty line. It is beyond the imagination of the Prime Minister and the Planning Commission to know how a person can survive on such a low income," Deputy Leader of BJP in Rajya Sabha S S Ahluwalia told reporters. BJP maintained that for a person to live a life of dignity and to meet his needs of clothing, food, medical facilities and the like, the amount of Rs 29 is too little. Asserting that the Planning Commission's poverty estimates was a "dishonest attempt" to conceal the reality of glaring inequalities and increasing poverty in In-
dia, CPI(M) asked the Prime Minister to shun these figures and urged him not to use these "fraudulent" estimates to deny poor people of their right to BPL
BJP maintained that for a person to live a life of dignity and to meet his needs of clothing, food, medical facilities and the like, the amount of Rs 29 is too little cards. In a statement, CPI (M) said even the recently released Household Amenities and Assets Census of 2011 shows the extent of
poverty in different spheres in India but the Planning Commission has set an "absurdly low" national poverty line of Rs. 22.40 per day for an adult in rural areas and Rs. 28.65 per day for an adult in urban areas in 2009-10. "Anyone spending more that this is being categorized as nonpoor. On the basis of these flawed figures, the Planning Commission claims that the proportion of BPL persons has gone down by 7 per cent between 2004-05 to 2009-10," the party said. "The CPI (M) demands that the Prime Minister should make a categorical statement that these fraudulent poverty measures will not be used to deny poor people of their right to BPL cards or be used as a benchmark for allocating funds to the states or for welfare programs," it said.-PTI
JLR and Chery in joint venture in China LONDON: Tata Motors-owned Jaguar Land Rover has said it has finalized Chery Automobile Company as partner to form an equal joint venture in China that will produce both JLR and the JVbranded vehicles. The new JV entity will also manufacture engines and set up a research and development centre in China. "Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and Chery Automobile Company Ltd have reached agreement on a proposed joint venture in China.
The agreement follows extensive talks between JLR and Chery on establishing an equal partnership company," JLR said in a statement. The scope of the proposed JV will include manufacture of JLR and JV-branded vehicles, establishment of a R&D facility, engine manufacturing and sale of vehicles produced by the JV company, it added. The statement further said JLR and Chery will now follow the official process to establish a JV company in China.-PTI
Tim Cook
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TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS
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March 30, 2012
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angna Ranaut, who plays John Abraham's girlfriend in "Shootout at Wadala", is in awe of her character in the underworld movie and says it is similar to what Smita Patil and Rekha did. "I play John's love interest. My character is similar to the characters played by Smita Patil and Rekha in the 1970s and 1980s," the 24-year-old said at a party organized for the film. The National Award winning actress, who is working with John for the first time, is happy to have got the opportunity. In "Shootout at Wadala", John plays gangster Manya Surve who was shot dead by the Mumbai police in 1982 and is the firstever registered encounter, or shootout, by Mumbai Police. Directed by Sanjay Gupta and co-produced by him and Balaji Telefilms, "Shootout at Wadala" also stars Sonu Sood, Manoj Bajpayi, Tusshar Kapoor, Ronit Roy and Mahesh Manjrekar.
1 Chikni Chameli: Agneepath 2 Hosanna: Ek Deewana Tha 3 Jhoom Jhoomta Hun Main : Players 4 O Saiyyan: Agneepath 5 Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu : Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu 6 Aromale: Ek Deewana Tha 7 Kal Chalna Shuru Tu : Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu 8 Zara Dil Ko Thaam Lo: Don 2 9 Dil Yeh Bekarar Kyu Hai : Players 10 Sharminda Hoon : Ek Deewana Tha
Too young to marry
AWESOME CHARACTER ‘Aise song mere liye kyun nahin likhte? Mujhe jyada suit hoga. Bitto sab ki lega will be a strong contender to DK Bose given its double meaning lyrics’
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alman Khan wants lyricists to pen double mean ing songs for him as he thinks such songs suit him more. After the controversial song 'Character Dheela', the star has recently launched new album 'Bitoo Boos'. "Aise song mere liye kyun nahin likhte? Mujhe jyada suit hoga. Bitto sab ki lega will be a strong contender to DK Bose given its double meaning lyrics," he said. However, Salman also insisted that his new song should not be publicized excessively as this will have negative impact on kids.
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ev Patel has reiterated his stance on marriage saying a wedding is not on the cards, as he is just 21. Dev, who rose to fame with the Oscar winning 'Slumdog Millionaire', is currently living with girlfriend Freida Pinto, 27, his co-star in the film. "I'm only 21, so I'm not going to rush into anything just yet. I think it's way too early to tell," the Daily Telegraph quoted him as saying. He admitted that he and Pinto are still adjusting to the challenge of their often long-distance relationship. "She's with me in LA at the moment so it's been really convenient," he said. "But when travel comes along and we're both shooting projects in different parts of the world, different time zones come into play," he added.
Bollywood
March 30, 2012
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JNU GIRL S
onam Kapoor has landed the role of a Varanasi girl, who studies in the capital's Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), in "Raanjhanaa". She is cast opposite southern star Dhanush. Dhanush plays a local Varanasi boy. Sonam is now spending time on the JNU campus to grasp the conduct and ideology of students there. "The culture of education at the JNU is radically different from other universities in Delhi and across the country. At JNU students, both male and female, are very politically aware," said a source from team of "Raanjhanaa". Sonam does not really play the quintessential Varanasi girl. Her character is that of a local girl who has been to college in Delhi for three years, and returned to her home town as quite the sophisticated small-towner with an acquired metropolitan air. At first the director was not sure if Sonam could carry off the role. But after meeting her, he was convinced. "I am bowled over by her commitment to get the nuances of the role right. I've found my lady," said Rai.
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ctor-producer Akshay Kumar, who spends quality time with his 10-year-old son Aarav despite his busy schedule, says that he wants to keep him away from films. "He is too young. I want my son to be away from films. I want him to enjoy childhood. I want him to go and play football. Go on the beach and enjoy life," he said. The Bollywood star also revealed that he leads a disciplined life and doesn't bend his rules regardless of his hectic shooting schedule. "I don't enjoy partying. I don't understand why they play music so loud. I like to sleep early. I go off to sleep by 9 to 9.30. I get up by 4.30 in the morning," the 44-yearold said. "Twinkle sleeps by 8.45 and thank god this is the only similarity that I and Twinkle share. Life becomes very calm when your partner sleeps at the same time. We share this one thing in common," he said.
NOT FOR KIDS
PLAYING DAWOOD S
onu Sood, who essays the role of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim in "Shootout at Wadala", says doing so was a huge burden for him. "We talk about power. I remember watching his images in the stadium during cricket matches. In fact, now that you are playing the same character, you feel a heavy burden on your shoulders as you are playing such an important role and it's such an important film. So, I have to be very right," Sonu at the red carpet of "Shootout at Wadala". To prepare for his role, Sonu visited those bylanes of Mumbai that are known for underworld activities, but he is not afraid. "I don't think it was tough to enter such areas. I remember during my struggling days, I had friends who used to hangout in such places. Even I have been to such places. Now that I am working on this character, I would be more curious to know about it and I hope I get some good inputs."
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unny Leone has arrived in Mumbai to shoot for a 'regular' Bollywood movie. In an interview she said, "It's the most amazing feeling that people are responding to me and I really want to do a good job with this movie. When people watch the film, I want them to forget about Sunny Leone and focus on the
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March 30, 2012
character. I want to be a believable character, because "Jism 2" has a great script and story. Of course, I know that the people who're going to watch the movie are going because of my name and who I am. I hope it's something they look past and see me as someone who wants to work hard. I have had the most
Losing weight It's not so much about losing weight, but I want to look my best. I'll still go and have a plate of French fries, but if I have 10 plates of that it's probably not a good idea. I was not given the gift from God where I have the metabolism of an 18-year-old, where they can eat anything and they don't gain weight. I work very, very hard for this. As an actor, you want to look your best, that's your job, that's part of the job description. If my job was sitting behind a desk, then I wouldn't care as much about my body or shape because nobody was looking, or judging. Nobody was saying 'oh my God, she shouldn't have eaten that last plate of fries because I can see it on her.'
I want to be a believable character, because "Jism 2" has a great script and story. Of course, I know that the people who're going to watch the movie are going because of my name and who I am. I hope it's something they look past and see me as someone who wants to work hard The other night, when I saw Mahesh Bhattji, he said, 'you've lost a little weight', and I was like, 'no!' But he wasn't saying it, like, you need to lose more weight. He was saying it, like, you need to eat more. Future plans I plan on staying here to shoot more movies. We have a few more offers on the table. There's a lot of people offering work.
JUDGE ME BY MY MOVIE: SUNNY LEONE amazing experience with my new fans here. It could have gone one or the other way for me. I don't know if I got lucky or people just liked me. And as far as acceptance from Bollywood is concerned, if my fans love me and see the movie, then that's all the acceptance I need. I can't take one man's opinion and let it hurt me. Debut jitters It's my first movie and I keep thinking to myself, how many actors do I know out there whose first movie was the most amazing thing that people have seen? It's hard! You watch the first movie that Angelina Jolie made or Shah Rukh Khan made. Was it amazing? Probably not. As hard as I am on myself in being a perfectionist and doing a good job, I also understand the realism of that fact.
My plan is to ride the roller coaster that I am on right now. I believe that things happen for a reason in life, and this is the most amazing opportunity of my life. Quitting adult films I only make one film a year, and at the moment I am not sure what the future holds. I won't say that I am finished with it. Every time you hear a girl say, 'oh I am done', whatever industry she's in, especially in that industry, it's the complete opposite. My plan is to be in India, keep shooting, keep working, and stay busy. Cont’d on page 27
March 30, 2012
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Sonam Kapoor graces Ghanta awards Judge me by my movie: Sunny Leone went onstage, gracefully accepted her award and even sportively posed with her Ghanta award. Sonam says she enjoyed being at the awards. "Was at the Ghanta Awards. What a talented bunch of writers and actors! Great show guys,"
Sonam Kapoor
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onam Kapoor sure is a sport. The actress was the sole star nominee of the second Ghanta awards who attended the awards ceremony held at the Comedy Store in Mumbai. The Ghanta Awards are a desi version of Hollywood's Razzies and celebrates and recognizes the worst in Bollywood. Sonam won the 'WTF Was That?!' award for her film "Mausam". The doe-eyed actress not only attended the awards ceremony but
and `Thank You`) and worst film to `Ra.One`. The actress' presence at the Ghantas won her admirers overnight. Celeb film critic and jury panel member of the Ghantas, Rajeev Masand, tweeted, "Sonam Kapoor turned up for the Ghantas? What a sport! Re-
Sonam says she enjoyed being at the awards. "Was at the Ghanta Awards. What a talented bunch of writers and actors! Great show guys," tweeted the 26-year old actress who was nominated in the worst couple category along with `Mausam` co-star Shahid Kapoor. But the award went to Ranbir Kapoor-Nargis Fakhri tweeted the 26-year old actress who was nominated in the worst couple category along with `Mausam` co-star Shahid Kapoor. But the award went to Ranbir Kapoor-Nargis Fakhri. Awards were given in 13 categories including, worst actress to Nargis Fakhri (`Rockstar`); worst actor to Salman Khan ("Bodyguard" and `Ready`); worst director to Anees Bazmee for (`Ready`
spect." Ace photographer Atul Kasbekar who attended the awards ceremony, too was all praises of the actress and posted, "And take a bow @sonamakapoor for attending the desi Razzies. #TheGhantas. Ur a gr8 sport n a class act." on the microblogging site. The nominees were decided by jury panel and the winners were decided by people via an online poll.
Cont’d from page 26
Item numbers I've gotten tons of other offers, but I'm in a contract right now with Pooja (Bhatt). As much as I'd love to take one hundred and one million different jobs because it's in my nature to want to keep working, my agreement right now is with them. I don't see any reason to rush things. He (RGV) seems like a really nice guy, and maybe one day he'll cast me in a movie where I am the star instead of just for a dance number. Hindi lessons I am taking Hindi lessons every day, and we're focusing on me saying it correctly. I am slowly getting used to talking in Hindi again, because I haven't spoken Hindi since the last time I was in India, in January. It's a process, it's like riding a bike, once you start using it, it comes naturally after a while. My parents spoke Punjabi, and we'd watch Hindi films. So I understood Hindi and Punjabi, but they never forced us to speak Punjabi in the house because we were living in Canada and they understood
that as children, we wanted to be just like everyone else outside. On religion and spirituality Growing up, going to the temple was a must for us. I grew up in a typical Punjabi home, but at the same time my parents knew that we weren't in India. Those little rules and things that people do here, they knew that they had to conform to America/Canada. They knew that stopping us from doing certain things wasn't healthy. But at the same time, they taught us about our culture and religion. They were diligent about giving us knowledge about where we came from. As you grow older, at least for me, you realize that God lives in your heart. You don't have to go to the temple to worship. Watching movies My mother always loved the idea of the mainstream work that I'd do. She and I would watch Hindi movies all the time. It was a mother-daughter thing. My dad and brother weren't always interested; they'd start making comments, being boys.
Horoscope
28 India Post
March 30, 2012
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Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar
MARCH 30TH - APRIL 5TH (November 23 to December 22)
(March 21 to April 20)
Y
C
ou will try to have conversation with a child and try to make him understand what's right for him. Hunt will continue for a better job. Trip will be fruitful but results will come at a later day. Your ventures will need more money and you will be exploring few ideas to tackle this situation. You may visit a holy place with family this week.
ombination of Sun and Mercury will help in all career related matters but you may have to settle for lot less than what you really deserve. You may put your needs aside and help a real needy person. There will be some delay but ultimately money will be funded for project.
(April 21 to May 20)
(December 22 to January 19)
I
f you play your cards right and on time without involving emotions, the world is yours. Opportunity will come on a silver platter. Deal will materialize and you will make plans about the big upcoming move. Value of your assets and stocks will appreciate but will be better to hold on to them. You will be working with the best in trade.
Y
ou will take time out to entertain yourself from a busy schedule. Health issues can be tacked by making change in diet and some walk. You may temporarily develop taste for hot and spicy food. Money will go on doing some work in or around the property. Spouse will need lots of moral support. A close relative will send an invitation.
(May 21 to June 20)
(January 20 to February 18)
Y
W
ou may make some money through stocks. Business deal will finally happen and you will lay your hands on a big chunk of money. Decisions will need to be taken fast or chances are you may miss the boat and settle for less. Spouse will buy some fine and expensive item for the house. You will slowly get ready for an upcoming trip.
eek may start with headache but one by one you will resolve all issues once for all. Phone call will not go waste but will bring down financial pressure. People in business will need to work harder to make old clients stay. Waiting for things to happen is not going to help, its you who will need to take initiative. Expect lots of bills in the mail.
(February 19 to March 20)
(June 21 to July 22)
D
I
o not let your guards down and watch out for a person trying to drag you into unnecessary argument and hurt your image even. This week expenses will definitely exceed your income. It will be better to seek advice and help from an experienced person before you make any move.
t will be a mixed week. You will be concerned about spouse and try to provide moral support. You will be buying new things for the house and personal use. Money wise things should start looking up. Dealing in stocks and playing lottery will be profitable. Throw all unnecessary fear out of your mind.
(July 23 to August 22)
S
low progress and not getting quick response will cause slight frustration. Keep working on your plans and have patience, results will come and in big way soon. You need to spend more time with children and provide them guidance now. You will be successful in recovering some old payments also. (August 23 to September 22)
Y
ou will continue to march in right direction. Help and ideas will come on their own. Some of you may be traveling long distance to attend to some important business soon. Legal issues should not be taken lightly and it will be better to seek the right advice. Strong Venus in angel will bring in much needed extra cash to play with. (September 23 to October 22)
Y
ou will be working extra hard to please the boss. Most of the conditions will be fulfilled and the loan will be approved in full soon. You will also recover from minor illness with the help of over the counter medication. Search for the right property may continue for some more time. You will do some cleaning work in or around the house.
(October 23 to November 22)
O
ffer will come but way lower than expectations. People in business will deal with few new faces. Running around will not go waste and some of you will be traveling out of area for an important business meeting. A child not doing so well in the past will make remarkable improvement. A sibling may call you and ask for your help.
Aamir Khan will do well this year too
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ill Aamir Khan, the man with the Midas touch, maintain his position in Bollywood? Will his next release Talaash be a hit? Astro-numerologist Bhavikk Sangghvi says Aamir will do well this year, too, as his numbers and stars are good. He says, "Aamir will be entering his 48th year and the only way his graph will go from now on is up. The year 2012 which adds up to number 5 is going to prove lucky for number 5 and 8 people. So, this year clearly belongs to Aamir Khan!" Shedding light on Aamir's 'intelligent actor' status who is also a commercial success, Sangghvi says, "Being a number 5 makes Aamir intelligent with a 'thinking' mind and hence he has a great command over learning things swiftly. The Jupiter effect helps him convert those ideas into commercial form and become a wise businessman." The astrologer also says that the impact of Moon indicates Aamir is humane. It also means he knows exactly what his audiences want and connects with them on a spiritual level. That explains why Aamir's fan following has increased by zillions since his first major film Qayamat
Pandit Parashar, CEO & COO Astro Scan USA is also available for individual consultations. He can be reached at: parashar@parashar.com
Se Qayamat Tak (1988). The astronumerologist says that Aamir's next release, Reema Kagti's thriller Talaash will click at the box office and Aamir's role will be well appreciated. Bhavikk also predicts the fate of Aamir's 2013 release, Yash Raj Films' Dhoom:3. He says, "Aamir's villainous act in Dhoom:3 will create shock waves all across the globe and the film will create new box office history."
925-833-7170
website: www.parashar.com
29 India post
Welcome to Dharamshala, the land of Dalai Lama, a charming little town with elegant bungalows. Dharamshala enjoys the unique distinction of being the chosen home of the spiritual and temporal head of the Tibetan people
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wo and a half millennia after the Buddha walked on earth, Another walks in his foot steps" - Welcome to Dharamshala, the land of Dalai Lama, a charming little town with elegant bungalows. Dharamshala enjoys the unique distinction of being the chosen home of the spiritual and temporal head of the Tibetan people. Set against the magnificent backdrop of the towering Dhauladhar ranges, which rise up to more than 4000 meters, Dharamshala, which literally means The Holy Refuge, lies perched on the high slopes in the upper reaches of the Kangra valley. Founded in 1855, it is one of the 80 hill resorts developed in the seventeenth century by the British to beat the heat and dust of the sweltering plains. The colonial origin, the Tibetan influence and the Kangra air make an invigorating cocktail with a unique blend. Dharamshala
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stands out amongst the other hill-stations of India. It is also an archetypal getaway for the jaded city souls with thatched cottages nestling amidst thick coniferous forests. As one looks up, the green fringes merge with the snow-clad mountains and as your eyes shift downwards, the vast panorama of the Kangra valley embraces you. It is a no holds barred battle of the eye with the scenery and one wonders how much the eyes can behold this quiet rhapsody of the nature. Is it a tale of two cities. The town is divided in flesh and soul into two halves, each with its own character. The lower Dharamshala is the main town at 1250 meters. The upper Dharamshala or McLeod Ganj from Dharamshala by road, is a 10 kilo-
March 30, 2012
meters drive, which takes almost the same time as you would, walking up the steep path. The only reason that you would like to visit lower Dharamshala would be to see the Kangra Art Museum, which has a treasure trove of the art and crafts of region. The vestiges of the Raj dot the town foremost is the church of St. John in the wilderness. There is a well-maintained, old graveyard. It reminds one of other old graveyards in hill-stations like Mussoorie and Shimla. Cont’d on page 32
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March 30, 2012
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Tourism, Aviation Ministries to promote Incredible India NEW DELHI: The Ministries of Tourism and Civil Aviation have signed an agreement here to work together for promoting tourism in India and abroad. The MoU was signed by the Joint secre-
Instructions would be issued by Civil Aviation Ministry to foreign and Indian carriers for screening 'Incredible India' promotional films on their flights, after take-off and before landing on both inbound and outbound flights taries of both the ministries in the presence of Tourism Minister Subodh Kant Sahai and Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh. "Conversion with Civil Aviation Ministry is very important for developing tourism in the country and abroad. This will help in effectively branding India as a major tour-
Minister for Civil Aviation Ajit Singh and Minister for Tourism Subodh Kant Sahai witnessing the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bring more synergy between the two ministries for the promotion of tourism, in New Delhi.
ist destination," Sahai said. Speaking on the occasion, Singh said "aviation is a major driver for development of tourism and both the ministries have decided to work together towards the com-
mon objective of brand positioning and effective promotion for enhancing tourism in India and abroad." He said tourism has to be an integral part of the growth of civil aviation.
The MoU aims at promoting tourism by leveraging the promotional opportunities provided at airports and aircraft. As per the agreement, the Airport Authority of India would provide space at various airports for 'Incredible India' branding by Ministry of Tourism at nominal cost. Branding space would be offered at prominent locations in the arrival hall, near the luggage belts in the arrival lounge and in the departure hall, in different sizes, in consultation with Ministry of Tourism. Instructions would be issued by Civil Aviation Ministry to foreign and Indian carriers for screening 'Incredible India' promotional films on their flights, after take-off and before landing on both inbound and outbound flights. Tourism Ministry would provide the films to the airlines. The Indian carriers would have to display 'Incredible India' logo on all their aircraft for which the Tourism Ministry would provide the design. Both the Ministries would participate in the road shows and events organized by each other. The Tourism Ministry would undertake marketing and promotion for promoting some of the newly upgraded airports like Aurangabad, Udaipur, Varanasi and Madurai. -PTI
Safety of tourists of utmost importance: Sahai NEW DELHI: The Centre, state governments and other agencies should be fully involved in ensuring safety and security of tourists which is of utmost concern, Tourism Minister Subodhkant Sahai has said. "Safety and security of tourists should be of utmost concern to everyone in the country. All stakeholders, including the Centre, state governments and other agencies, should be fully involved in this task," Sahai said while addressing a meeting of the Consultative Committee meeting attached to his ministry here. Sahai also called for investmentfriendly industrial policy for tourism sector in the country. He said the ministry's aim is to increase India's share in world tourist arrivals to one per cent from the present 0.6 per cent by the end of the 12th Five Year Plan. The ministry has set the target of attracting 11.37 million foreign tourists by 2016. Besides, the ministry is also targeting 1495.82 million domestic tourists by 2016. It is estimated inbound tourism would lead to additional employment generation of 2.5 crore jobs. For achieving this objective, the ministry has stepped up its promotional activities in important as well as potential source markets overseas and is taking several initiatives for overall growth of the sector, Sahai said. He said utilization of plan allo-
cation by the ministry during the first three years of the 11th Five Year Plan has been about 99 per cent. The utilization was almost 100 per cent during 2010-11. For 2011-12 up to February
tation for development of adventure tourism. He said an encouraging outcome has been the security clearance given by the Centre for opening of 104 additional peaks in Jammu and Kashmir (Leh Area)
The MPs cutting across the party lines appreciated the efforts of the ministry in promoting niche tourism. Some members suggested special efforts to promote cruise tourism in Kerala and Goa 2012, the utilization is 90.14 per cent of revised estimates of Rs 1050 crores. Sahai said his ministry has been following up with concerned central ministries with regard to facili-
subject to stipulations and clearances from the state government, Home Ministry and other concerned agencies. Sahai said the opening of the additional peaks will help in posi-
tioning the Indian Himalayas as an adventure tourism destination. The Tourism Minister said Central Financial Assistance is extended to various states and Union Territories for development of tourism infrastructure in adventure tourism destinations. The assistance covers facilities for trekking, rock climbing, mountaineering, aero-sports, winter/water related sports, trekker huts, wildlife viewing facilities, etc. Financial assistance for purchase of water sports equipment consisting of kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, fiber glass boats, hovercrafts, water scooters, etc. is also provided to state governments up to 25 per cent of the cost of the equipment. Referring to the various steps taken by the ministry to promote
and exploit the potential of adventure tourism in the country, Sahai said his ministry has introduced a voluntary scheme for approval of adventure tour operators, which is open to all adventure tour operators. Sahai said tourism, especially international tourism, in India is effective by seasonality and is therefore prone to the problem of demand and supply. He said the strategy to overcome from this aspect of seasonality of Indian tourism is to promote India as a 365-day destination, offering round-the-year experiences by selecting products which are unique to the destination and thereby create opportunities for tourists to visit the country all-round the year. The MPs cutting across the party lines appreciated the efforts of the ministry in promoting niche tourism. Some members suggested special efforts to promote cruise tourism in Kerala and Goa. One member was of the opinion that the Forest Conservation Act should be suitably amended for construction of more roads in hilly states to promote tourism. He urged the Tourism Minister to take up the issue with his counterpart in the Ministry of Environment and Forests. There was a suggestion for more active involvement of the Consultative Committee Members in the formulation of various tourism projects by states. -PTI
March 30, 2012
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Ministry of Tourism to support Panasonic Open NEW DELHI: Panasonic Open India received a significant boost with the support of the Ministry of Tourism India and confirmation of live television coverage over four rounds on the Asian Tour's global platform. The event will go to over 200 countries and 650 million homes across the live, highlights, magazine programs and via the additional exposure generated by golfing world. Indian star Anirban Lahiri will defend his title against a strong
line-up of players including Thai legend Thaworn Wiratchant, and Prom Meesawat, Peter Karmis of South Africa and newly-crowned HANDA FALDO Cambodian Classic winner, David Lipsky of the United States. The live broadcast of the USD 300,000 Panasonic Open India will also highlight the unique and venerable Delhi Golf Club which was built amidst old temples and monuments. The tournament will be held from March 29 to April 1. "We are delighted to work
closely with the Asian Tour on promoting and enhancing the sport in India. The live television coverage will further boost the stature of the game and showcase the immense talent of the Indian and Asian golfers," said Padamjit Sandhu, Director PGTI. A strong-line of Asian Tour stars including Thailand's Chawalit Plaphol, a three-time Asian Tour winner, Siddikur of Bangladesh and Ben Fox of the United States will also feature in the event. -PTI
Bihar Tourism to spend Rs 300 cr on infrastructure MUMBAI: In a bid to capitalize on the tourism boom in the country, the Bihar tourism department plans to invest Rs 300 crore to strengthen infrastructure. "Work on setting up Ramayan and Sufi tourism circuits have commenced and a total of Rs 300 crore is being allocated by the State Tourism Department to develop the required infrastructure," the Information Officer of Bihar Department of Tourism said in a release. Meanwhile, for the year 201112 Rs 3,043.89 lakh was announced by the Central administration for development of tourism
in Bihar. As per the Corporations plans, the Ramayan circuit will include places mentioned in the epic, like Tar in Bhojpur, Ahirauli in Buxar, Pretshila Hills in Gaya, Ramchura, Panth Pakar and Valmiki Nagar. The Sufi circuit will include Biharsharif, Manersharif, Munger and Phulwarisharif. Work on both circuits has begun and the Corporation will announce packages for the circuits soon. Besides, to attract international tourists, BSTDC plans to promote its traditional circuits - Buddhist,
Jain and Sikh - in Southeast Asian countries. Going ahead, BSTDC also plans to develop tourism activities centered around the river Ganga. At present, the corporation already has launched a floating restaurant and it also provides cruise services on the river between Kolkata-Varanasi and Faraka-Patna. The Corporation is also planning open the Ganga River Island, which will offer camel rides and food courts. It will also promote aqua tourism for the domestic and international markets. -PTI
Kashmir looks towards a boom season SRINAGAR: If you were planning to visit Kashmir this summer, you might have missed the bus as hotels across popular tourist destinations in the valley are fully booked till the end of this season. According to industry estimates, the tourist arrivals in the valley can break the all-time record and more than 20 lakh visitors are expected this year. "As Kashmir remained peaceful last summer, the response from intending tourists has been tremendous. It is hard to get bookings in star-category hotels," Mohammad Umar, a travel agent, said. The participation of tourism players in various fairs across the country during the winter has played an important role in the unusually high bookings for this year, he said. "The travel trade players from rest of the country have also helped as they have been selling Kashmir as a destination like they used to do before 1990 (eruption of militancy)," he said. Even high-end hotels like the
Taj Vivanta and Lalit Palace, located on banks of Dal Lake, are expecting a packed summer. "I had to make advance payment in January for booking a room in one of these two hotels for a guest arriving in April," Burhaan Yaqoob, a travel agent, said.
"Hassle-free arrivals of tourists at Jammu and Srinagar Airports and entry points at Lakhanpur and Lower Munda will be ensured so that tourists are not made to wait for long hours" On its part, the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has urged the state government to take steps to ensure that visitors leave with a good im-
pression. In a memorandum to the state government, the KCCI has asked authorities for ensuring sanitation and hygiene in the city and smooth movement of traffic during the peak season, while also urging taxi drivers to wear uniforms with name badges. Minister of State for Tourism Nasir Aslam Wani chaired a highlevel meeting to take stock of arrangements. "We had a successful tourist season last year and will pool in efforts and put in place a joint mechanism to ensure better results this year," he said after the meeting. A 'Quick Response Mechanism' will be put in place, he said, adding that "hassle-free arrivals of tourists at Jammu and Srinagar Airports and entry points at Lakhanpur and Lower Munda will be ensured so that tourists are not made to wait for long hours." The Tourism Department will coordinate with airline carriers to shorten the stay of visitors at the airport after their arrival, he said. -PTI
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32
Travel & Hospitality Post
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Travel, hospitality to become more expensive NEW DELHI: Travel and hospitality sector in the country will be hit by the government's decision to increase service tax to 12 per cent as it will result in spike in costs, according to tour operators. "We expect tour prices to increase due to the cascading effect of the service tax increase resulting in an adverse impact on the travel and tourism industry as a whole," Thomas Cook India Managing Director Madhavan Menon said. He said the inbound segment, already reeling under the impact of global slowdown in key source markets, would be further impacted with a decline in foreign tourist arrivals. "It will be a further dampener on the growth rate in foreign exchange earnings already estimated to be down to 16.7 per cent in 2011 from 24.6 per cent in 2010," he
added. The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), which has been asking the government to do away with the 10 per cent service tax charged earlier, was taken aback
countries like Thailand, China and Malaysia. It may be noted that in the Economic Survey 2011-12, the government had suggested various measures to promote India
"We expect tour prices to increase due to the cascading effect of the service tax increase resulting in an adverse impact on the travel and tourism industry as a whole," Thomas Cook India Managing Director Madhavan Menon said by the decision. "We are shocked to see that more areas have been included for service tax which has bearing on tourism," IATO President Subhash Goyal said. He said the increase in tax burden will make India uncompetitive as compared to
as an attractive tourist destination. Commenting on the impact of increase in service tax on air travelers, Pearl International Tours and Travel (PITT) Executive Director Arjun Seth said: "Airlines will pass on this cost increase to travelers making tickets more expensive." -PTI
Tourism gets Rs 1,282 cr for fiscal 2012-13 NEW DELHI: The government has earmarked Rs 1,282 crore for Tourism Ministry in the Union Budget, up from the last year's allocation of Rs 1,115 crore. While Rs 1,210 crore has been allocated under plan expenditure, Rs 72 crore has been earmarked for non-plan expenditure in Tourism Ministry. The Ministry has set a target of attracting over 11 million foreigners by 2016. A total of 6.29 million tourists visited India in 2011. Rs 267 crore has been allocated for overseas promotion and publicity campaign for 2012-13. Recently, the Ministry has decided to set up representative offices in eight more countries. In order to create more tourist spots, the Ministry has decided to create 20 theme parks on the pattern of Sentosa in Singapore across the country on a public-private participation basis. -PTI
Dharamshala: A tale of two cities - material & spiritual Cont’d frompage 29
These are perhaps the only peaceful places left in the hustle and bustle of these touristy places and your best bet if you are looking for peace! Best season: January to June; September to December. July-August is rainy season. Tourist attractions McLeodGanj - the Little Lhasa is thick with the Tibetan cultural feel. It is an altogether different world where the crisp breeze is broken by chanting of the hymns along with the tinkling of the prayer wheels. The place was once full of hippies who have since moved out with the crowds inundating the town. For a research scholar, McLeodGanj offers a host of possibilities and to the not-so-scholarly souls, a cultural bonanza awaits. First lets look at what has McLeodGanj got to offer to the hungry palette and then we will look into spiritual stuff! The Tibetan run restaurants give you an ample respite from dal, chapatti and rice that you get in most other places. If you are fond of momos, thukpa, and the likes, you have come to the right place. Tsongkha Restaurant, Yak Restaurant, Snowland and Shangrila are some of the places which serve excellent food. A constant flow of Westerners has brought in its wake a number of restaurants and eateries, which offer the kind of food that is not so commonly available in India. Abode of the Dalai Lama Dharamshala is better known as Dalai Lama's abode and Tibet's Government-in-exile after the Chinese invasion of Lhasa in October 1959. A visit to the Namgyal Monastery, ensconcing the Center of Tibetan Studies, is nothing short
of mandatory. 'Tsuglagkhang', opposite the Dalai Lama's residence reminds one of Lhasa - it contains large gilded bronzes of the Buddha, Avalokiteswara and Padmasambhava. The other places of interest are the Museum at the Nechung Monastery which is three kilometers downhill on the way to Dharamshala and the Norbulingka Institute which has become a major center of learning. You could see young artists learning Thangka painting. When the Dalai Lama is in residence, he heads the prayers. For an audience with the Dalai Lama, who is also believed to be the reincarnation of Buddha, special permission needs to be taken with a proper request in writing at the security office near Hotel Tibet. The best time to see him is after the Tibetan New Year, which falls in March. The living deity gives spiritual discourses for 10 days. The hotels and guest houses are all full at this time of the year when Dharamshala is at its colorful best. If you really want to savor the place, the best thing is to stay at a family run place. Himachal Tourism also runs a few comfortable rest houses to suit all budgets. If one is into meditation, there
are a number of classes held by monks for the beginners, as well as advance practitioners. Tushita Meditation Center is one such
The Tibetan run restaurants give you an ample respite from dal, chapatti and rice that you get in most other places. If you are fond of momos, thukpa, and the likes, you have come to the right place outfit, which offers clean residential accommodation as well. There are also a number of alternate medi-
cine doctors in the little town. It is not unusual to find monks from the Western countries. Places around: After satisfying your palette and your soul, you could go out for a nice long walk or an arduous trek. Bhagsunath, three kilometers away is an easy option after momos and beer. There is a temple, a spring and also a waterfall. Dal Lake is a major disappointment, as it does no justice to its name. An annual fair is held here in the month of September. It is worthwhile walking up to Naddi, which offers a splendid view of the Dhauladhar ranges. If you are adventurous enough, the Mountaineering Institute can organize treks, rock climbing and rappelling. They normally would like to do this for groups of 10 or above. However, the best thing about Dharamshala is the easygoing
pace, the peaceful expression on everybody's face. It is a place where you would like to do the ordinary things in life, where you would like to let yourself loose and forget about hectic schedules and maddening self imposed deadlines! How to reach: Air: Nearest airport is Gaggal airport located 15 km. from Dharamshala. Other airports having regular service are: Jammu 200 km., Amritsar 210 km. and Chandigarh 260 km. Rail: Nearest broad gauge railhead is Pathankot 95 km. A narrow gauge railway line between Pathankot and Jogindernagar passes through Kangra, 17 km. from Dharamshala. Road: Almost each and every part of the state is linked by roads. The Himachal Road Transport Corporation runs buses covering the whole state.
March 30, 2012
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Realty Tidbits
Delhi govt to pay more for peripheral road
Real Estate
T
he Delhi government has decided to release funds required to get work moving on a key periphery road around Delhi. The Cabinet decided it will pay Rs 621 crore to pay off the hiked compensation to landowners whose properties have been acquired for the Western Peripheral Expressway. "The land acquisition cost has to be shared between Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh governments. Our share has gone up from the initial Rs 422 crore to Rs 1,245 crore. Since we had already paid Rs 624 crore, the Cabinet decided to pay the remaining Rs 621 crore," said a senior Delhi government official.
„ Budget disappoints realtors in Noida
N
oida and Ghaziabad being two major real estate destinations, realtors in the two cities had high hopes from the union budget. But major players associated with the confederation of real estate developers association of India (CREDAI) have termed the annual exercise disappointing. Pankaj Bajaj, president, CREDAINCR, said, "It is a disappointing budget for middle-class homebuyers. We had made numerous representations to the ministry to bring down the cost of loans." "Instead the real estate sector will have to grapple with even higher rates of service and excise taxes. This will lead to increase in cost of construction by Rs 50 to Rs 100 per sq ft," he said.
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Projects in limbo as officials are transferred NOIDA: Within days of the SP government being sworn in, more than half a dozen senior administrative officials in Gautam Budh Nagar have been given their marching orders. With no replacements announced yet, an overall lull surrounds the district. While Noida Authority officials claim to be unaware of the next change of guard, the residents remain in a state of confusion, not only about their problems but also the several projects that continue to remain in limbo.
Yamuna Expressway to open in April, trial runs on NOIDA: Dispelling fears regarding the fate of Yamuna Expressway, the developer of the project said the 165-km corridor is gearing up for a grand opening in April. Trial runs are being conducted on the much-awaited expressway, which was initially set to open in January. The return of the SP government had put the developer, Jaypee Group, in a quandary over the future of the project. However, putting an end to all speculation, officials from the group said that work on the expressway is in the final stages of completion. "Though the deadline has repeatedly been pushed back, this time things are expected to fall in place by the scheduled date," said an official. At present, finishing touches are being added to the toll plazas and cloverleaves. "We are testing the toll plazas in order to iron out any errors. Trial runs by our company officials are also being conducted regularly to take care of any shortcomings," added the official. "As it is a toll road, the charges to be levied on motorists will be announced shortly," he added.
To ensure safety of the road users, the expressway will have certain restrictions and conditions for use by motor vehicles. Officials
Noida, Greater Noida and Yamuna Expressway Authorities. "When the new set of officials takes charge, we will meet with them to
The expressway will have six interchanges and ramps. Underpasses and bridges have been built to provide connectivity to areas along the expressway of the Jaypee group said that since a new government has taken charge of the state, they were expecting a change of guard at
decide on the safety aspects and speed limits to be fixed for the expressway. The speed limit and restrictions will come into force once
the Yamuna Expressway opens to the public," said a company spokesperson. To be opened two years ahead of schedule, the Rs 11,000 crore access-controlled and elevated Yamuna Expressway corridor is expected to benefit an estimated 1.2 lakh commuters heading towards Agra and beyond daily. The six-lane toll road between Greater Noida and Agra will provide commuters seamless connectivity along a six-lane main carriageway and a single-lane shoulder road. The expressway is completely concretized and has been designed for speeds up to 120kmph. Commuters using the expressway would be able to cover the distance between the two cities in merely 90 minutes. The expressway will have six interchanges and ramps. Underpasses and bridges have been built to provide connectivity to areas along the expressway. To ensure commuters' safety, CCTV cameras will be installed at regular intervals. "Mobile radars will be used to monitor speeding. Ambulance services, petrol sheds, resthouses and a food court are also in the offing.
Fund window opens for low-cost houses
A
ffordable housing got a big boost in the Budget this year as finance minister Pranab Mukherjee announced measures to address the shortage in the space. The Budget has allowed external commercial borrowing for low-cost housing and the setting up of a credit guarantee trust fund to ensure better flow of institutional credit for housing loans. "I propose to enhance provisions under the rural housing fund from Rs 3,000 crore to Rs 4,000 crore," said Mukherjee The minister allowed investment-linked deduction of capital expenditure incurred in affordable housing at 150 per cent, against the current rate of 100 per cent. Renting of residential dwellings and construction services relating to low-cost mass housing up to an area of 60 sq mt under the Scheme of Affordable Housing in Partnership got a service tax exemption. Sachin Sandhir, MD, RICS South Asia,
said: "For the housing sector, the Budget has exceeded expectations given the fiscal health. It has focused on affordable housing by allowing ECBs for low-cost housing." The interest subvention scheme of one per cent on housing loans up to Rs 15 lakh where the cost of the house does not exceed Rs 25 lakh will continue. Tax will be deducted at source on the transfer of immovable property (other than agricultural land) at one per cent over the sum payable for transfers exceeding Rs 50 lakh in the case of properties situated in a specified urban conglomerate or Rs 20 lakh in case a property situated in any other area. Though the sops could spur projects, measures such as tax deducted at source and increase in service tax will make properties more expensive. "In the absence of any clear cut steps to help realty sector," said Lalit Kumar Jain, president of the Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India.
"The realty sector also faces a grave risk of drying up of liquidity and here again the finance minister has not done anything to mitigate the crisis," Jain added. Anuj Puri, chairman of Jones Lang LaSalle, said: "This sector is typified by low margins, and it becomes attractive only if developers are enabled to produce greater volumes. Better capital availability will help in timely project execution, which will result in higher volumes," Puri said.
Real Estate Post
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Records sought of land grabbed by MLA NEW DELHI: The capital's land owning agency DDA has been directed by the Delhi High Court to produce its records relating to a piece of land, allegedly encroached by a sitting MLA to run a zoo illegally in city's south district. A bench of Acting Chief Justice A K Sikri and Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw also directed Okhla MLA Asif Mohammed Khan to submit to the court his evidence to prove his claim that the land measuring 5 bigha in Jasola village belonged to him. Khan was also asked by the court to explain to it by April 18 as to how he has been running a zoo on the land. In addition, the bench asked the SHO Sarita Vihar to file the status report relating to the FIRs lodged against Khan for alleged encroachment of the land.
The court passed the order after Delhi Government Standing Counsel (Civil) Najmi Waziri informed it that two FIRs have been registered against the MLA. The chargesheet has been filed in the first FIR lodged in 2000 and the second FIR was registered last year in which investigation is on, he said. The bench was hearing a petition, filed by one Kamran Siddiqi, who sought registration of a criminal case against the MLA on charges of criminal trespass and land grabbing. Accusing the MLA of misusing his clout, the petitioner said the court should direct the police to take action against him as he violated the provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and also the Wild Life Protection Act.
14,000 illegal construction cases registered
T
he Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has regis-tered 14,306 cases of unauthorized constructions, demolished 5,128 and sealed 2,476 constructions in the last three years, the Rajya Sabha was informed. In a written reply, Minister of State for Home Affairs Mullappally Ramachandran said the MCD as well as the Delhi Police were making all efforts to curb cases of illegal construction in the capital. "MCD has registered 14,306 cases of unauthorized construction in the last 3 years. It has also fully/partially demolished 5,128 constructions and sealed 2,476 buildings in the same period," said Ramachandran. The minister further said that four people were arrested in 2011 in connection with cases related to illegal constructions while none were arrested till Feb 29, 2012. "Whenever any apprehension to the security of the whistleblowers is brought to the notice of police, immediate legal action is taken by Delhi Police and security is provided to such individual after necessary enquiry," said Ramachandran.
Maharashtra Govt promises inquiry against builder MUMBAI: Maharashtra Government has promised an inquiry into allegations against city-based Akruti Developers in connection with a project in the neighboring Thane. "I assure the House that I and the secretary of Urban Development Department will look into the irregularities that have come to light in Thane," Minister of State for Urban Development, Bhaskar Jadhav, said in the Legislative Council. MLC Jaiprakash Chhajed had raised the issue alleging that Akruti acquired some land in Thane for setting up an IT park, but came up
with a rental housing scheme instead. Jadhav said in reply during the question hour that the land was given for commercial purposes, but the builder later sought approval to develop it under the rental housing scheme. "During the Construction, it was found that the builder had exceeded the number of floors that were permitted, and was fined for this irregularity," he said. Deputy Chairperson Vasant Davkhare, who is from Thane, lamented that illegal buildings had mushroomed in Thane, and gone unnoticed.
Kotak to invest Rs 120 crore in Parsvnath BANGALORE | NEW DELHI: Parsvnath Developers is raising Rs 120 crore from Kotak Realty Fund for a new 100-acre integrated township project on Sohna Road in Gurgaon. Kotak Realty fund will get a 20% stake in the special purpose vehicle that will develop the yet unnamed project, more than one person in the know of the deal said. The project will be largely residential in nature with some commercial and retail developments, and will be launched in the next two months. "The land for the project has been aggregated by Parsvnath over many years and at approvals are being taken to launch the project," said the person. A senior executive at Parsvnath who did not want to be named confirmed that talks were on. A Kotak Realty Fund spokesperson declined to comment on the deal. Parsvnath Developers has sold stakes in many of its residential and office projects to private equity funds in the past. Last year, JP Morgan had invested $30 million in Parsvnath's residential project La Tropicana in Civil Lines area of north Delhi, which was
used to give an exit to Red Fort Capital that had invested 115 crore in the project in 2009. Red Fort Capital had earlier picked up 24.5% for Rs 120 crore in an office project Parsvnath is developing on land it had got from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation in New Delhi. In January 2011, Sun-
heart of Delhi, on Kasturba Gandhi Marg, on the block and is expecting to raise around 700 crore through the sale. The plot is located opposite the American Centre on KG Marg, just outside the Lutyens Bungalow Zone. If the sale goes through, it will be the first new building to be built in the
The project will be largely residential in nature with some commercial and retail developments, and will be launched in the next two months. "The land for the project has been aggregated by Parsvnath over many years and at approvals are being taken to launch the project" Apollo India Real Estate Fund invested 100 crore for a 49.9% stake in a residential project Parsvnath Exotica in Ghaziabad near Delhi. The listed real estate player, which has a focus on the national capital region, is currently trying to reduce its debt, which stands at around Rs 1,300 crore. It recently put a 1.2-acre plot in the
central business district of Connaught Place in Delhi after the Birla Tower that was built in early 2000. It is also in the process of selling some land parcels it owns in Kochi and Chennai. The company has been selling its non-core assets to reduce debt, which has come down by 50% over the last two years.
Real Estate Post
March 30, 2012
India Post
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Buying, building of house to cost more NEW DELHI: Purchase or construction of a house would now cost more due to expected rise in prices of key raw materials cement and steel and a hike in service tax by 2 per cent, realty players said. Barring low-cost housing, property prices are expected to rise in the coming days after the proposed hike in service tax from 10 per cent to 12 per cent. TDS at the rate of 1 per cent on transfer of immovable property (other than agricultural land) above a specified threshold will also add to the cost of buying a house. The threshold would be over Rs 50 lakh an urban areas and Rs 20 lakh elsewhere, according to the budget proposals. Cement and steel manufacturers have already hinted at a price hike after the Budget proposed raising the excise duty to 12 per cent. Commenting on the budget proposals, Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Association of India (CREDAI) Chairman Pradeep Jain said, "Application of TDS on
the purchase and sale of property and increasing Service Tax by 2 per cent will further add on to the overall cost of property and are
"The increase in the service tax rate from 10 per cent to 12 per cent will increase the cost of production for developers, who are already reeling under high input costs. It follows that this increased burden will be passed on to end users" bound to make property more costly in coming days." Realty consultant DTZ said that increase in the service tax is going to further increase marginally the overall burden on the home buy-
New NCR plan to avoid land acquisition row NOIDA: Even as the one lakh homebuyers of Noida Extension are waiting for the NCR Planning Board's meeting to shed some light on the fate of the projects, the new state government has already launched the process of formulating a new sub-regional plan for the NCR region to ensure "holistic development" of the area. Once the new plan is formulated, all departments and concerned agencies will coordinate to bring about time bound development in the NCR. The new plan will also ensure that situations similar to the Noida ExtensionGreater Noida land acquisition fiasco do not surface again. The sub-regional plan that will define the land use and other development activities in the region will be effective in Ghaziabad, Baghpat, Gautam Budh Nagar, Meerut, Bulandshahar and Panchsheel Nagar. It focuses on issues like housing, industries, commercial development, roads, transport, health and education among other things. The state housing department made a presentation recently to the chief secretary's steering committee regarding the new sub-regional plan. The work has already begun in association with several other departments to resubmit the plan as soon as possible. "The idea is to take into ac-
count the population and the infrastructural and development needs of these districts and to come up with an all encompassing development plan. The presentation had a lot of gaps and so the chief secretary has ordered a revised presentation be prepared as soon as possible," said Anil Kumar Gupta, the new industrial development commissioner. "It will take into account all aspects of development, be it the
The new plan will also ensure that situations similar to the Noida ExtensionGreater Noida land acquisition fiasco do not surface again micro need for new roads, flyovers, schools and colleges, hospitals and better public transport arrangements or macro issues like housing and industrial development. The new sub-regional plan will be in conformity with the NCR Regional Plan to ensure systematic development across the six districts," Gupta said. "It is a step forward and the new plan will take into account all aspects of development and serve till at least 2031," Gupta added.
ers of mid and high segment (dwellings costing more than 25 lakh). The impact of service tax would be about Rs 40,000 on a Rs 75 lakh home. However, DTZ said that afford-
able housing, being part of negative list, is exempted from service tax and the move would give a boost to the affordable housing segment. Jones Lang LaSalle India Chair-
man and Country Head Anuj Puri said that "the increase in the service tax rate from 10 per cent to 12 per cent will increase the cost of production for developers, who are already reeling under high input costs. It follows that this increased burden will be passed on to end users". Omaxe Chairman Rohtas Goel noted that budget would give boost to affordable housing, but felt that "what nullifies the above positivity is an increase in service tax and excise duty to 12 per cent each resulting in an increase in cost of raw material". In Budget for 2010-11, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee had brought development of real estate complexes under the ambit of service tax unless the entire consideration for the property is paid after completion of construction. Complex is defined as consisting of more than 12 residential units. The service tax is levied on 25 per cent of the gross sale value of property. -PTI
HC strikes down showcauses to six developers MUMBAI: In a breather to six realty majors, the Bombay High Court has stuck down the notices issued by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to their projects constructed under the parking FSI policy. These include luxury residential projects like DB Realty's Orchid Crown at Prabhadevi, Indiabulls Sky Forest at Jupiter Mills and Sky Suites at Elphinstone Mills, the proposed 117-storey World One Tower by Lodha at Shrinivas Mills, Kohinoor Square at Kohinoor Mills in Dadar and Palais Royale at Shreeram Mills in Worli. These were the first few projects that were approved under the BMC's policy of allowing developers a maximum FSI of 4 if they construct a public parking lot on their plot and hand it over to the BMC. The policy, once enforced in August 2009, resulted in a spate of projects where the parking lots were as high as 15 storeys so that the developers could get the extra FSI and construct 50-storey highrises. Municipal commissioner Subodh Kumar then issued a circular revising the policy to limit the height of the parking lot to two basement and ground plus four storeys. In the above six cases, the commencement certificates (CCs) had been issued before revising
the rules. The BMC issued showcause notices to all these projects under Section 51 of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act asking the developers why the BMC should not revoke their CC unless they modified their plans in keeping with the revised rules. The court held that the policy cannot be revised through a mere circular and that the state government must amend the Development Control Regulations (DCR) in order to bring about any change in the rules. State government officials confirmed that they would be issuing the amended rules soon. "While at first the BMC circular said the number of basements should be limited to two, the com-
missioner has recently decided to increase it to three. He added a new category of light commercial vehicles (80 sq m slots) to the existing parking category of cars (50 sq m slots) and buses (120 sq m slots)," said a senior government official, adding that these revisions won't be valid until the DCR is amended. The official added that of the six cases, projects where construction was at an advanced stage would get further respite and the builders may not have to pay the premium for the incentive FSI as required under the new rules. The official said under Section 51 of the MRTP Act, "no such order. shall be passed after these operations have substantially progressed".
Health
Line
Anti-abortion group plans ultrasound exhibition
BOISE, Idaho: Anti-abortion activists hope to gain attention with a live ultrasound exhibition in the Idaho Capitol, part of their efforts to convince lawmakers to require a sonogram on women before an abortion. Republican Sen. Sheryl Nuxoll of Cottonwood announced the exhibition in the Capitol's West Wing. Nuxoll says senators, their families, Capitol staff and media will be allowed inside. The bill to force Idaho women to undergo an ultrasound before getting an abortion passed the Senate 23-12. It's been among the 2012 Legislature most-contested issues. The exhibition, with women in all stages of pregnancy, will likely be hotly debated, as well. -AP
Backer says Ariz. birth control bill to be changed PHOENIX: Supporters of an Arizona legislative bill on health plan coverage for contraception plan to change it to provide reassurances that employers won't get information about workers' private health care information. Center for Arizona Policy President Cathi Herrod says supporters will prepare an amendment to change the bill when it is considered by the full Senate. Under the bill, employers with religious or moral objections could decline to provide employees with coverage for birth control drugs being used to avoid pregnancy. Coverage to use the drugs for other medical purposes still would be provided through a reimbursement process. -AP
Health dept. to conduct TB testing at 2 colleges HONOLULU: The state Department of Health will be testing students and faculty at two colleges due to a possible exposure to tuberculosis. The department said that it will test 95 students and faculty at Kapiolani Community College and 120 students and faculty at Hawai'i Pacific University for TB due to possible exposure from a student who is being treated the disease. Dr. Richard Brostrom, the department's TB Control Branch Chief, said that the screening is an extra measure of safety adding that the student is not in school and is doing well while undergoing treatment. -AP
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March 30, 2012
Kansas abortion debate shifts to doctor training TOPEKA, Kan.: A push by abortion opponents to ensure that Kansas doesn't have even indirect involvement in terminating pregnancies has legislators focusing on the state medical school.-AP
New concerns over use of drug called 'spice' TWIN FALLS, Idaho: A few times a week, emergency room staff at St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center see the same thing: law enforcement, emergency responders or a distraught parent with a teen or 20-something in tow. The patient's heart rate might be elevated or it might be low. He or she could be shaking, anxious and difficult to control or entirely unconscious. The patients are often brought in because of unexplainable, bizarre or even psychotic behavior. Though the symptoms vary widely, the underlying cause is often the same: The patient has smoked a synthetic version of marijuana known as spice. When patients with these symptoms started coming in a few years ago, many local physicians hadn't even heard of spice, said St. Luke's Director of Emergency Medicine Dr. Matthew Larsen. For most drug overdoses there's an obvious course of action and medication to counteract the effects. For spice, it's different. Without medication to reverse the effects, hospital staff must treat spice reactions symptomati-
cally. ``Sometimes vital signs are not stable,'' Larsen said. Often, patients who are believed to have smoked spice are given anti-anxiety medication and have to be calmed. Doctors also must tease out whether symptoms like paranoia are a result of underlying mental health issues or an acute drug reaction, Larsen said. ``We stabilize and wait to see,''
If you believe most products' packaging, spice is intended to be used as incense or potpourri and is generally labeled not for human consumption. But the plant matter is sprayed with a manmade version of THC, the naturally occurring chemical that gives marijuana smokers a high. Locally, Twin Falls businessman Allen Nagel produces and sells a legal brand of the substance
When patients with these symptoms started coming in a few years ago, many local physicians hadn't even heard of spice, said St. Luke's Director of Emergency Medicine Dr. Matthew Larsen he said. ``It's a matter of hoping that everything resolves itself.'' That's an option Idaho lawmakers don't have. The state's easily skirted ban on synthetic marijuana has done little to keep the lightly researched drug out of circulation. And with increasing reports of severe reactions with its use, spice has evolved from what some saw as a 2010 fad to what some now call an ``insidious'' influence on Idaho youth.
called Hayze, but nationally, similar substances both legal and banned are most widely known by the brand names Spice and K2. Due to holes in an Idaho ban passed last year, legal versions of spice are sold in smoke shops and several other Gem State businesses. This hasn't stopped the sale of illegal spice, though. Possession of legal versions of the product won't get an adult arrested, but driving after smoking
it, selling or giving it to a minor or adulterating it with an illegal substance are all citable offenses. Due to the patchwork of criminal charges that spice use can be charged under inhalation of intoxicants is another option it's difficult to definitively quantify the drug's impact on Idaho's court system. But charges out of Twin Falls County alone paint a picture of a drug that's been both a commercial success and a danger to its users' health. On Feb. 7, Joey Trevino, 21, was charged with manufacturing a controlled substance and possession with intent to deliver. According to police, he was selling a version of synthetic marijuana that was mixed with ``bath salts'' another relatively new synthetic drug that mirrors methamphetamine use. Despite a readily available supply of legal versions of spice in Twin Falls, 47-year-old Robert Skinner was recently charged for selling a banned version. Police say Skinner carried several business cards that stated, ``We spice up your life. A Hay Ride Delivery Service 24/7.'' Cont’d on page 41
California's stem cell agency ponders its future LOS ANGELES: The creation of California's stem cell agency in 2004 was greeted by scientists and patients as a turning point in a field mired in debates about the destruction of embryos and hampered by federal research restrictions. The taxpayer-funded institute wielded the extraordinary power to dole out $3 billion in bond proceeds to fund embryonic stem cell work with an eye toward treatments for a host of crippling diseases. Midway through its mission, with several high-tech labs constructed, but little to show on the medicine front beyond basic research, the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine faces an uncertain future. Is it still relevant nearly eight years later? And will it still exist
when the money dries up? The answers could depend once again on voters and whether they're willing to extend the life of the agency. Several camps that support stem cell research think taxpayers
state ballot initiative that formed CIRM. Last December, CIRM's former chairman, Robert Klein, who used his fortune and political connections to create Prop 71, floated the possibility of another referendum.
So far, CIRM has spent some $1.3 billion on infrastructure and research. At the current pace, it will earmark the last grants in 2016 or 2017 should not pay another cent given the state's budget woes. ``It would be so wrong to ask Californians to pony up more money,'' said Marcy Darnovsky of the Center for Genetics and Society, a pro-stem cell research group that opposed Proposition 71, the
CIRM leaders have shelved the idea of going back to voters for now, but may consider it down the road. The institute recently submitted a transition plan to Gov. Jerry Brown and the Legislature that assumes it will no longer be taxpayer-supported after the bond
money runs out. CIRM is exploring creating a nonprofit version of itself and tapping other players to carry on its work. ``The goal is to keep the momentum going,'' board Chairman Jonathan Thomas said in an interview. So far, CIRM has spent some $1.3 billion on infrastructure and research. At the current pace, it will earmark the last grants in 2016 or 2017. Since most are multi-year awards, it is expected to stay in business until 2021. So what have Californians received for their money so far? The most visible investment is the opening of sleek buildings and gleaming labs at a dozen private and public universities built with matching funds. Cont’d on page 40
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Community groups oppose health panel nominees HONOLULU: The Hawaii Health Insurance Exchange Board should not include members who represent health insurance providers, consumer advocates say. The board was established to create the Hawaii Health Connector, a marketplace where Hawaii's more than 100,000 uninsured residents can find affordable health coverage. According to consumer advocates from several community groups, it would be a conflict of interest for health insurance representatives to play a decisionmaking role on the board because they have a financial stake in the outcome. ``How could they not act on behalf of the organizations that they work for?'' asked Kokua Council President Larry Geller, speaking on behalf of nine advocacy groups at a news conference. ``Consumers should guide the development of our health plan, not the monopoly health insurers,'' he said. A Senate committee plans to hold confirmation hearings on 11 exchange board nominees and the advocates plan to oppose the con-
firmation of those with ties to major Hawaii insurance companies. Beth Giesting, Gov. Neil Abercrombie's Healthcare Transformation Coordinator, responded to the consumer advocates in writing: ``We respect their point of view but also appreciate the contributions of insurers to this pro-
The Hawaii Health Connector will be operational in January 2014, as mandated by the national Affordable Care Act cess. It is critically important to engage consumers and ensure a good understanding of Insurance Connector,'' she stated. State Insurance Commissioner Gordon Ito, who serves on the exchange board, told a House committee that his department has the authority to qualify health plans and insurers, not the Connector
board. Having representatives from major health insurance providers won't hinder competition, he asserted. ``The insurance division is the gatekeeper,'' Ito said. The Hawaii Health Connector will be operational in January 2014, as mandated by the national Affordable Care Act. Ito describes the Connector as a website that will match individuals with the insurance packages that best meet their needs. If Hawaii were to prohibit insurers from serving on the exchange board, it wouldn't be alone. According to AARP Hawaii State Director Barbara Kim Stanton, other states have passed or are considering legislation that would prohibit health insurance companies from serving on exchange boards. She and other consumer advocates suggest that insurers serve on a non-voting advisory council instead. ``You can always call on technical panels and that is a fairer, more professional way to do it than to have someone with an inherent conflict of interest on the board,'' Stanton said. -AP
TIP OF THE WEEK
Erase earaches with garlic
P
ainful ear infections drive millions of Americans to doctors' offices every year. To cure one fast, just place two drops of warm garlic oil into your aching ear twice daily for five days. This simple treatment can clear up ear infections faster than prescription meds, say experts at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. Scientists say garlic's active ingredients (germanium, selenium, and sulfur compounds) are naturally toxic to dozens of different pain-
causing bacteria. To whip up your own garlic oil gently simmer three cloves of crushed garlic in a half a cup of extra virgin olive oil for two minutes, strain, then refrigerate for up to two weeks, suggests Teresa Graedon, Ph.D., co-author of the book, Best Choices From The People's Pharmacy. For an optimal experience, warm this mix slightly before using so the liquid will feel soothing in your ear canal.
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Lyon County offers teen mental TB in South-East Asia health screenings region down by 40% CARSON CITY, Nev.: Early intervention and suicide prevention is the goal behind confidential mental health screenings for teens being made available by the Lyon County School District. The TeenScreen program is funded by a federal grant administered by the Nevada Office of Suicide Prevention and is being offered to students for free. Participation is voluntary and confidential. Parents must give permission for their children to be tested, and teens must be willing participants. Screenings began March 13 and run through May 9. Officials said the program is possible because of a partnership between the state, the Children's Cabinet, and Healthy Communities Coalition of Lyon and Storey counties. Nevada's first lady Kathleen Sandoval, who works with troubled youth at Children's Cabinet, is supporting the effort. ``As first lady and in my work at Children's Cabinet, I have dedicated my energies to raising awareness of mental and behavioral issues and helping Nevadans find assistance,'' she said. According to national statistics calculated by the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nevada in 2007 had
the 5th highest suicide rate in the nation, at 18.4 per 100,000 in population. A 2009 youth risk behavior survey estimated nearly 63,000 Nevada youth seriously considered attempting suicide; nearly 49,000 made a plan to attempt suicide; and nearly 35,000 attempted sui-
Officials said the program is possible because of a partnership between the state, the Children's Cabinet, and Healthy Communities Coalition of Lyon and Storey counties cide one or more times. Misty Vaughan Allen, Nevada's suicide prevention coordinator, said the Lyon County effort began in 2010 when the community formed a coalition to look at suicide prevention as a community service. ``Mental health is just as important as all the other health screenings we do for our kids,'' Allen said.
Clark County in southern Nevada implemented similar screenings in 2005, she said. But to be successful, a community first needs a network of support services, something Lyon County rallied to provide. ``They just had the support and the will,'' Allen said. ``The Healthy Communities Coalition was ready to take it on.'' Funding comes from the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act signed in 2004 by President George W. Bush. The youth suicide prevent bill was named in memory of the son of former Sen. Gordon Smith, R-Ore., who committed suicide. The act provides grants to help combat teen suicide, and since 2005, the state has been awarded $2.7 million. Nevada last received $1.5 million spread out over three years, and the state has about $500,000 left. ``We can probably make it through to June 2013,'' Allen said, adding that her office will reapply if more funding becomes available. Allen said she hopes to expand the program to other areas around the state. ``In the meantime, we build partnerships,'' she said. ``Our success really depends on our partners.'' -AP
India Post News Service
NEW DELHI: The number of people with tuberculosis in the WHO South-East Asia Region has decreased by about 40% since 1990, due to improved detection and treatment. According to the World Health Organization, half a million people in the Region die every year from the disease. The South-East Asia Region has almost half of all the world's tuberculosis cases, and five of the world's 22 TB high-burden countries. India alone accounts for a quarter of all new cases. On World TB Day 2012, which is observed on 24 March, WHO calls for greater partnerships with all sections of society to eliminate this disease. According to Dr Samlee Plianbangchang, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia: "Partnerships, education and empowerment of the people as part of primary health care, are key to eliminating TB. Partnerships, with NGOs, public and private hospitals, and others, since the 1990s, contributed to about 25% increase in case notification and more than 90% of the treatment success rate. However, tuberculosis is a disease of poverty and unless we reach the poorest of the poor, and fo-
cus on prevention and education, we cannot eliminate the disease." According to the WHO annual report on tuberculosis titled Tuberculosis Control in the SouthEast Asia Region 2012", the South-East Asia Region registered an estimated 5 million prevalent and about 3.5 million incident TB cases in 2010. Though the death rates in the Region have declined due to successful implementation of the DOTS (directly observed treatment, short course), the disease still claims about half a million lives a year in the Region. A growing number of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) diagnosis and treatment sites are being established in the Region. In 2010, almost 4000 MDR-TB patients were put on treatment. There are currently 105 000 MDR-TB cases estimated in the Region. Collaboration between TB and HIV control programs is also improving substantially but need further strengthening. In order to successfully control TB, national TB programs also needs to address new issues such as the fragile funding situation, the introduction of new/rapid diagnostics, scaling up civil society's involvement and addressing TB-diabetes and other co-morbidities.
California's stem cell agency ponders its future Cont'd from page 38
Two years ago, Stanford University unveiled the nation's largest space dedicated to stem cell research - 200,000 square feet that can hold 550 researchers. There are no cures yet in the pipeline and CIRM has shifted focus, channeling money to projects with the most promise of yielding near-term results. Most of the money early on was funneled toward learning the basics and recruiting scientists. One researcher lured to California was Paul Knoepfler, a stem cell and cancer expert who was deciding between positions at University of California, Davis and an East Coast school. ``I was getting more interested in embryonic stem cells and I knew California would be a more friendly climate for that,'' said Knoepfler, whose work focuses on why some embryonic stem cells trigger tumor growths. Knoepfler favors another bond measure to keep CIRM afloat, but
recognizes the average Californian may disagree. Scientists have prized embryonic stem cells since their discovery over a decade ago because of their potential to transform into any cell of the body. If researchers could harness these flexible cells, they might create replacement tissues to treat diabetes, spinal cord injury and other debilitating conditions. For all the medical promise that embryonic stem cells hold, the payoff will take years and it's not surprising that there are still no treatments on the market. Their use has been debated because human embryos from fertility clinic leftovers have to be destroyed to harvest the cells. When Prop 71 was approved, there were limits on federal spending to a small number of cell lines made before 2001. The restrictions, enacted by the Bush administration, were lifted eight years later by President Barack Obama in 2009 - a move that expanded the number of stem cell lines available for
government funding. With that hurdle gone, some question whether California should stay in the stem cell business once funding ends.
David Jensen, who runs the blog California Stem Cell Report, said Californians have benefited, but whether it will be worth the $6 billion the state has to pay back remains unclear Some observers say CIRM lost precious time because legal challenges prevented it from getting off the ground for nearly two years. ``The initial hope was that CIRM would give California a head start,'' and ramp up stem cell research, said Roger Noll, professor
emeritus of economics at Stanford. Despite the delay, Noll said CIRM's legacy has yet to be written. "CIRM spent a lot of money and there's a lot of stuff going on, but it's too early to know whether it was worth it,'' Noll said. While CIRM has found its stride, it is a victim of its early supporters' hype, said John Simpson of Consumer Watchdog. ``The impression you got was, if you just passed this bond measure, Christopher Reeve will be jumping out of his wheelchair and walking next week,'' said Simpson, referring to the late paralyzed actor who appeared in TV ads backing Prop 71. ``They're having to live down the super high expectations that they raised.'' Since handing out the first pot of money in late 2006, CIRM has been dogged by questions about its grant-awarding process with critics charging that many of the awards have gone to universities associated with the agency's board. CIRM says all proposals go through peer review and board
members with a stake recuse themselves. The institute employs 50 people and has an operating budget of about $18 million. CIRM suffered a blow last year when Geron Corp. abandoned the stem cell field to concentrate on its lucrative cancer therapies instead. CIRM had loaned the company $25 million to support its spinal cord injury trial, the first embryonic stem cell trial approved in the U.S. Though Geron paid back the amount spent plus interest, the episode put increased pressure on CIRM to support work with more practical payoff. David Jensen, who runs the blog California Stem Cell Report, said Californians have benefited, but whether it will be worth the $6 billion the state has to pay back remains unclear. ``The agency's responsibility is now to get the biggest bang for the buck, which is no easy task given the tentative nature of much of the science involved,'' he said in an email. -AP
March 30, 2012
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New concerns over use of drug called 'spice' Cont'd from page 38
And on Jan. 5, 22-year-old Richard Gremler Jr. was charged with injury to a child for providing spice to a 17-year-old girl police say they found lying in a Twin Falls street, screaming. Police say Gremler and the minor had smoked a type of spice labeled ``Trainwreck Ultra.'' According to court records, it took four police officers and hospital staff members to physically control the girl. ``She was unconsciously straining, writhing and had body tremors,'' the records state. After resisting treatment for more than three hours, she was eventually moved to the intensive care unit. Spice use has perhaps been most visible in Idaho's treatment diversion courts and probation and parole programs, where participants have found it to be one option to skirt the system. ``It's an ongoing battle for us at this point,'' said Marsha Stallones, director of Twin Falls County juvenile drug court. Recently, eight juvenile offenders in one of the treatment court's most highly monitored groups were tested for spice. Five had chemicals used in spice in their system, Stallones said. ``Word on the street is it's everywhere and `everyone' is doing it,'' she said. While Stallones said she doesn't believe that spice use has become a teen pandemic, she thinks there's a perception that it's a legal, safe alternative to marijuana. That's something she disputes. ``The high is not anything like natural THC,'' she said. ``It's nothing like marijuana at all.'' The youth in her programs often report an increased heart rate, along with feeling breathless, sweaty and jittery, Stallones said. ``Most of them will tell you it's not great,'' she said. ``Lots of kids say you'll never know if it will be a good trip or bad.'' Among drug court participants, Stallones estimates spice is more popular to use than marijuana because it's easier to get, cheaper, and there's a perception that it's undetectable. While police currently lack a field test for spice, there is a lab test for the banned substances. Until recently, a lack of onsite testing meant an eight-day wait before the drug court received the results of a test. Now Stallones said, she has ordered tests that can be done in-house to detect three common chemicals used in spice. But at $35 each, it won't be cheap to test kids once a week, she said, and the results will still need to be sent to a lab for verification. The drug diversion program is for firsttime offenders, and kids are routinely testing positive for spice, she said. ``They give up marijuana, drugs, booze,'' she said, but they still smoke spice. ``It's just out there. It's pretty insidious. It's being promoted as a kind of safe alternative and it's not safe,'' she said. ``Anything you buy in ounces and grams speaks for itself.'' At Filer High School, students witnessed firsthand two of their peers' troubling reactions to spice, once at an early fall football game and again at the beginning of a school
day last November. In both instances, students were hospitalized after losing balance and shaking uncontrollably. ``It had a profound effect, but it hasn't stopped it,'' Filer High School Principal Leon Madsen said of spice use among Filer's student body. Madsen has worked with Filer police,
``The big problem with it in general is the people who manufacture it change the compounds from time to time,'' he said. ``They kind of skirt the law and the intent of the law.'' Last year, the Idaho Legislature passed a bill to add several chemicals commonly used in spice formulas to the state's con-
Until recently, a lack of onsite testing meant an eight-day wait before the drug court received the results of a test. Now Stallones said, she has ordered tests that can be done in-house to detect three common chemicals used in spice. But at $35 each, it won't be cheap to test kids once a week, she said, and the results will still need to be sent to a lab for verification school staff and parents to raise awareness about the drug's possible effects. Filer Police Sgt. Bill Deetz gave the community a nuts-and-bolts presentation about what spice is made of, what it looks like and the effects of smoking it, Madsen said. ``It was good information for not only the kids but a lot of our parents,'' he said. ``They had no real deep understanding.'' Information about spice use was also added to the school's advisory period curriculum for four weeks. Before Deetz's presentation and the informational classes, two or three kids a month were showing up at the school's office under the influence of spice, Madsen said. Since the classes there have been none. Twin Falls Schools are also working to dispel myths about spice for parents and students. Superintendent Wiley Dobbs sent information out to principals, teachers and parents about a workshop which included information about how to identify spice and its symptoms. Dobbs said he worries about students losing control of themselves and ending up in situations where they must rely on others to take care of them. ``We're taking it very seriously and we're very concerned about it,'' he said. ``The health of our students is involved here. We'll do anything to put ourselves between this product and our students.'' At Twin Falls High School, administrators still see more instances of students using marijuana than spice, Principal Ben Allen said. ``I'm sure there's some here,'' he said. ``We just haven't caught a lot of kids under the influence.'' In general, Allen said it's difficult to keep up with the constantly changing substances that students choose to try or abuse. ``It goes in spurts,'' he said. ``Once they find out it's dangerous, then it dies down.'' The Magic Valley has bigger drug concerns than spice, even among youth. Twin Falls County Prosecutor Grant Loebs said that marijuana and prescription drug abuse are more common among area youth. But Idaho has clearly defined laws to make illegal the use or possession of marijuana, and abuse of prescription drugs. Not so with spice, at least not yet.
trolled substances list. But by altering the chemical compounds, spice producers were able to evade the law and keep their products, only slightly altered, on the shelves. That's led legislators to pitch a more inclusive spice ban this year. On Feb. 29, the House unanimously passed House Bill 502 to add additional compounds to the state's list of controlled substances. The bill was presented to the Senate Health and Welfare Committee March 1. The new bill states ``any compound'' derived from synthetic cannabis formulas
will be banned. At the end of February, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration extended control of five common chemicals used in spice for six more months while the group determines whether the compounds should be permanently added as a controlled substance. Of course, a state ban won't rid Idaho of spice, but only drive it underground. A patchwork of state laws means the products will still be legally produced, shipped and sold in other states. But the hope is that the drug will lose some of its luster with teens if it's only available on a black market that's more difficult for them to navigate. Right now, educators and law enforcement agree that education about the product is essential to parents and youth alike. Fifth District Judge Mark Ingram, who serves as the juvenile judge for five Magic Valley counties, hopes to create a film to raise awareness about the prevalence and health effects of synthetic marijuana. The purpose of the film wouldn't be to scare viewers into submission, but rather to educate them. In his court, Ingram often hears of how a juvenile offender thought spice was legal or because it is legal it must be harmless, he said. ``I am very convinced it's way worse than the general public thinks it is,'' Ingram said. -AP
In Brief 32 illegals found in Texas stash house EDINBURG, Texas: The Border Patrol says it has arrested 32 illegal immigrants found in an unfurnished, mobile home without electricity. Border Patrol agents, Edinburg police and Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations agents found the illegal immigrants in the single-wide trailer with only one bathroom and not enough room to sleep. Two suspected smugglers were also arrested. Border Patrol says 27 of those arrested were Mexicans and the remainder came from El Salvador. They will be processed and deported. Immigrants are often held in homes just across the border for days until transportation for the next leg of their journey is arranged. -AP
SC immigration law exempts farm workers, nannies COLUMBIA, S.C.: A loophole in South Carolina's immigration law exempts farm workers and private maids and nannies from a mandatory immigration status check. The law went into effect January 1 and requires all private employers in South Carolina to use the federal E-Verify database to check newly hired employees' immigration status. But the State newspaper reports that a little-known loophole provides exceptions for agriculture laborers, domestic workers in a private residence, ministers and fishermen working on small crews. Bill supporter Sen. Chip Campsen says the loophole was necessary to get the legislation passed. The Charleston Republican says he opposed the exemption but said it doesn't make the bill ineffective. Critics say it's is unfair for legislators to create an exemption for select groups and not provide it to other small businesses. -AP
Miss. House moves to combat illegal immigration JACKSON, Miss.: Mississippi House members want to step up enforcement against illegal immigrants, voting 70-47 in favor. Details on page 43
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Bill would bar illegal immigrants from colleges ATLANTA: A Georgia legislative committee has voted to approve a bill that would bar illegal immigrants from state colleges, universities and technical schools. Details on page 44
Kin of 9/11 hate crime victim become US citizens WEST WINDSOR, New Jersey: The widow and daughters of a Pakistani immigrant killed by a white supremacist in a 9/11 revenge attack became U.S. citizens in a touching ceremony that one daughter described as the fulfillment of their father's dream for his children. Durree Hasan and three of her daughters took the oath in a ceremony at the New Jersey office of U.S. Rep. Rush Holt. A fourth daughter became a citizen earlier in New York City. ``Obviously, he's in our thoughts every day but especially today,'' Usna Hasan said about her father, Waqar Hasan, who was fatally shot at a Dallas convenience four days after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. ``It was his dream come true today; it was his dream that became our dream, and it's an extreme sense of accomplishment, of overwhelming joy and gratitude.'' Waqar Hasan was shot in the head and killed on Sept. 15, 2001, as he grilled hamburgers in a Dallas convenience store he had opened that year. A white supremacist admitted killing the 46-yearold Hasan, thinking he was an Arab, as part of a series of revenge attacks for 9/11. Durree Hasan and her daughters, Nida, Usna, Anum and Iqra, faced the threat of deportation as a result of his death. The family, who emigrated legally, had been living in Milltown,
Durreshahwar Hasan smiles along with her daughter, Asna, left, grandson, Abdullah, 3, daughters Iqra, center, and Nida holding her daughter Hafsa, six months, after their naturalization ceremony at the office of U.S. Rep. Rush Holt, D-N.J., Friday, March 16, in West Windsor, N.J. Hasan, the widow of a Pakistani immigrant killed by a white supremacist in a 9/11 revenge attack, became a U.S. citizen along with her daughters
in central New Jersey, when Hasan moved to Dallas in 2001 to search for a home and open a convenience store in hopes of eventually relocating the entire family. He had applied for a green card, but the application became invalid when he died. But instead of wanting to leave, the family instead embraced their new home and their New Jersey community embraced them in re-
turn. Their neighbors and a congressman viewed them as victims of 9/11, came to their aid and offered them support. The family said they liked the freedoms granted to women in America. Durree Hasan said neighbors brought food, called, wrote letters and attended a candlelight vigil in the rain in the days after her husband was killed. She remembers being deeply moved by the eld-
erly, frail woman who lived next door and showed up to support the family at the vigil. ``It never occurred to us we'd have to leave,'' Durree Hasan said. ``It's home life to us; especially New Jersey and Milltown, we never thought to leave, even to another town. It's a very small town, but like a big family; very supportive.'' Cont’d on page 44
Lifesaving neurosurgeon gets citizenship in US TAMPA, Florida: An otherwise routine U.S. citizenship ceremony was extra special for an immigration officer who presented a certificate to a doctor from Peru who saved her life with emergency brain surgery. In front of 450 clapping, cheering people from 75 countries at a Florida convention center, Melissa Wingerd presented Dr. Gabriel Gonzales-Portillo his naturalization certificate. Last year, Wingerd suffered a near-fatal brain hemorrhage the day after her daughter's fifth birth-
day party. She was taken to a hospital, where Gonzales-Portillo was the neurosurgeon on call. The doctor told Wingerd that a
performed the surgery, and within two weeks Wingerd's life was nearly back to normal. Wingerd told her story to the
“I'm very happy, very excited. It was a long road to become a citizen,'' Gonzales-Portillo said. “I'm happy to know that I'm going to be able to exercise my right to vote'' vein in her brain that was malformed at birth had burst, and she needed surgery immediately or she would die. Gonzales-Portillo
hundreds of new citizens. ``I wanted these people to see a different side of immigration officers,'' she said after the cer-
emony. ``Immigrants bring a lot to this country on so many different levels. They bring a lot of value. They are this country.'' Gonzales-Portillo, 48, has been in the U.S. for about 20 years. ``I'm very happy, very excited. It was a long road to become a citizen,'' Gonzales-Portillo said. ``I'm happy to know that I'm going to be able to exercise my right to vote.'' After singing the national anthem, taking the citizenship oath and hugging Wingerd, GonzalesPortillo had to leave. He had brain surgeries to perform. -AP
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Miss. House moves to combat illegal immigration JACKSON, Miss.: Mississippi House members want to step up enforcement against illegal immigrants, voting 70-47 in favor. Leaders stripped more controversial provisions before the vote on House Bill 488. After initially failing, opponents of the bill were able on a second attempt to strip a provision requiring schools to count illegal immigrants, saying it would violate federal law. House Judiciary B Committee Chairman Andy Gipson, a Braxton Republican, denied opponents' claims that the measure was racist or immoral, saying it was about enforcing the law. Gipson said he tried to craft a bill that would survive court challenges and allow charity toward migrants. ``It's about the rule of law,'' he told House members. ``We want to say you're welcome here, we just want you to follow the proper procedures, the proper protocols.'' Opponents warned families would be shattered by deportations and that the bill would reinforce outsiders' stereotypes of Mississippi. ``If we pass this bill, it will set Mississippi back 60 years,'' said Rep. Sonya Williams-Barnes, DGulfport. ``Let us show America we are not the narrow-minded people they say we are.'' No Republicans opposed the bill, while 10 mostly white and rural Democrats voted for it. They crossed party lines despite an appeal from House Agriculture Chairman Preston Sullivan, DOkolona, a rural white Democrat who warned the bill would hurt farmers. A provision that allowed law enforcement officers to ask about a person's immigration status in a traffic stop was removed. That means someone would have to be arrested for another offense before inquiries could be made. ``If they're stopped, that in itself will not trigger this bill,'' Gipson said. ``It would require an arrest to be made. If they are found to be unlawful, then they would be deported.'' Among earlier changes was the
removal of a clause that said people could be arrested for not carrying identification, a clause that had led opponents to nickname the measure the ``papers,
“It's about the rule of law,'' he told House members. “We want to say you're welcome here, we just want you to follow the proper procedures, the proper protocols'' please'' bill. That portion, like several others removed in committee last month, have been blocked by courts in Arizona, Alabama and elsewhere. During the debate that, Gipson also removed a provision that could have allowed municipal utilities to refuse power, water, sewer and other services to illegal immigrants. Such a provision was also recently blocked by a federal court in Alabama.
“Your bill has nothing in it to show any kind of compassion or any kind of consideration for the children who are left behind,'' said Rep. Kelvin Buck, D-Holly Springs Gipson said he was balancing the need to write a law that will survive court scrutiny versus the desire to remove illegal immigrants. ``I have tried to bring the best possible product to the body for a vote,'' he said. The changes did little to mollify critics, who continued to ques-
tion whether the bill was needed. Opponents emphasize that Mississippi doesn't need to summon any ghosts of its racist past. Opponents in the House debate zeroed in on the possibility that parents could be arrested, leaving behind children who are U.S. citizens. Those who have fought the Alabama and Arizona measures have highlighted such problems. ``Your bill has nothing in it to show any kind of compassion or any kind of consideration for the children who are left behind,'' said Rep. Kelvin Buck, D-Holly Springs. Gipson admitted that ``some separations'' were a possibility. Mississippi has a relatively small illegal immigrant population, although it appears to have grown in recent years. The Pew Hispanic Center estimated that in 2010, the state had about 45,000 illegal immigrants out of nearly 3 million total residents. The bill is supported by Gov. Phil Bryant, a Republican who has been campaigning against illegal immigration since his days as state auditor. Proponents say the state spends more money providing services to immigrants than it reaps in taxes, and claim that illegal immigrants, if they leave, will vacate jobs that unemployed citizens can take. They say the bill is about legal compliance and that they welcome legal immigrants. Gipson denied any racist intent, saying he had helped start a Hispanic ministry at a church nearly 20 years ago. ``I have been accused of being a racist,'' he said. ``I reject that.'' Gipson earlier added an amendment that allows any church or religious organization to minister to ``immediate basic and human needs.'' He told a questioner that a soup kitchen could feed an illegal immigrant every day and not run afoul of the proposed bill. But Gipson said that, ``if the question is `Can they harbor these people?' the answer is `No.''' The bill now goes to the Senate, which has not advanced its own immigration bill. -AP
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Immigration Post
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March 30, 2012
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Bill would bar illegal immigrants from colleges ATLANTA: A Georgia legislative committee has voted to approve a bill that would bar illegal immigrants from state colleges, universities and technical schools. The House Judiciary NonCivil committee passed an amended version of the bill that passed the Senate chamber earlier this month. It now goes to the House Rules Committee, which will decide whether to bring it up for debate before the full House. The bill's main sponsor, Sen. Barry Loudermilk, R-Cassville, said the bill is meant in part to clarify the intent of a 2006 law that he says should have been interpreted as prohibiting state colleges and universities from accepting illegal immigrants. It also makes some changes to identification requirements for applicants for public benefits laid out by a law enacted last year to crack down on illegal immigration in the state. The committee heard from both supporters and opponents of the bill during nearly two hours of discussion. Almost all of the discussion centered on the education provisions of the proposal. Supporters of the bill say it's necessary to preserve state-funded education for citizens and legal residents. Opponents say the bill unfairly denies motivated illegal immigrant students the opportunity to further their education. Illegal immigrants already are effectively barred from the most competitive state schools because of a Board of Regents policy created in 2010 that prohibits any institution that has rejected academically qualified applicants in the previous two years from accepting illegal immigrants. That includes the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, Georgia Health Sciences University and Georgia College & State University. Illegal immigrants may still be admitted to any other state college or university but must pay out-ofstate tuition.
Students walk across campus at Dalton State College. Georgia is working to become the third state to ban illegal immigrant students from attending public colleges and universities
University system Chancellor Hank Huckaby told committee members he believes that policy is adequate and asked that it be allowed to work. He offered nearly identical testimony before
dent will be taking a seat in a class away from a Georgia student, since our selective institutions are not allowed to admit undocumented students,'' University system Chancellor Hank Huckaby
Illegal immigrants already are effectively barred from the most competitive state schools because of a Board of Regents policy created in 2010 that prohibits any institution that has rejected academically qualified applicants in the previous two years from accepting illegal immigrants a Senate committee last month and before another House committee that was considering a similar bill. ``We believe this policy assures undocumented students do not receive a public benefit since they must pay out of state tuition and that no undocumented stu-
said. The university system has said it does not believe illegal immigrants receive a public benefit via postsecondary education because they must pay out-of-state tuition. Loudermilk said that even if illegal immigrants are covering the
Immigration rally blocks Phoenix road; 5 arrested PHOENIX: The organizers of a rally in a Phoenix intersection to protest Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio's immigration policies say police have arrested five participants. The protesters included students from Trevor Browne High School and other area high
schools and colleges. They rallied in the intersection of 75th Avenue and Cheery Lynn Street, forcing the closure of 75th Avenue in both directions. The Arizona Republic says the protest started on a street corner but moved into the street by 3:15 p.m.
Phoenix police say the protest was illegal because participants blocked the road. Police say the protesters were told to leave by 5:30 p.m. A line of officers approached the protesters in the road after that and started taking some into custody one by one. -AP
direct cost of their education by paying out-of-state tuition, they also benefit from the buildings, computer systems and other capital investments that are funded by tax dollars. ``Postsecondary education is a public benefit whether it is directly subsidized or not,'' he said. Democratic lawmakers raised some concerns about the bill. House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams, D-Atlanta, suggested it was possible that people who are in the country legally but don't have their paperwork because of bureaucratic problems might be
excluded. And Rep. Roberta Abdul-Salaam, D-Riverdale, said she was concerned that illegal immigrant students might be discouraged from completing high school if they're not allowed to go to state colleges. Only South Carolina currently prohibits state colleges and universities from admitting illegal immigrants. A section of Alabama's tough new law targeting illegal immigration that would have done the same has been temporarily blocked by a federal judge. The version of the bill that passed the full Senate earlier this month did not explicitly define postsecondary education as a public benefit, though the sponsors said that was implied through references to a section of federal law. But the House committee approved an amendment that specifically adds postsecondary education to a list of public benefits that illegal immigrants are ineligible to receive. The bill also includes some changes to the identification requirements from last year's law for applicants for public benefits, which include food stamps and professional licenses. Notably, it says applicants for public benefits can submit required paperwork up to nine months before the application deadline and that U.S. citizens don't have to resubmit ``secure and verifiable'' identification documents to renew a benefit with the same agency. It also excludes foreign passports from a list of acceptable identification documents unless valid federal immigration paperwork is also submitted. -AP
Kin of 9/11 hate crime victim become US citizens Cont’d from page 42
U.S. Rep. Rush Holt, whose intervention in 2004 gave them permanent legal residency, hosted the naturalization ceremony. Holt said he was horrified at hearing of Hasan's killing and then realizing the family was facing deportation. ``It's a story of bravery, perseverance and ultimately, I think it's a story of justice and compassion,'' Holt said. ``Our laws have imperfections, but America continues to strive toward fairness and community and compassion, and that's what you see today.'' Mark Anthony Stroman, who was executed last year in Texas, said at the time he shot Hasan and two other South Asian men: ``I did what every American wanted to do but didn't. They didn't have
the nerve.'' But he also said he made a ``terrible mistake'' and had destroyed his victims' families ``out of pure anger and stupidity.'' Stroman, who had a criminal background dating back to his childhood, was put to death in July by lethal injection for the Oct. 4, 2001, killing of Indian immigrant Vasudev Patel at a gas station. He was charged but never tried in Hasan's murder. During his shooting spree, Stroman also shot and wounded an immigrant from Bangladesh who, despite being blinded in one eye, unsuccessfully sued to stop the execution on the grounds his Muslim beliefs dictated he forgive him. Stroman was executed on July 20, 2011, at the age of 41. -AP
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Datebook
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NEW YORK
NEW JERSEY
Upcoming
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ILLINOIS
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Upcoming
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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Upcoming
Sat March 31
Sat March 31
• The Lhevinne Classical Concert
• Arif Lohar/Sanam Marvi Ensemble
Sat March 31 to Sun April 1
Sat March 31
Sat April 28
Venue: The Center at Maple Grov, 127-15 Kew Gardens Road, Kew Gardens, NY Time: 8pm Contact: 718-523-1876
Venue: Pollak Theater, 400 Cedar Ave, West Long Branch, New Jersey Time: 8pm Contact: 732-263-6889
ï Ramnavmi Akhand Dhun
• The 18th Annual Spring Garden Market
• Javed Ali in Concert
Sun April 22
Sat March 31
• Pandit Jasraj: Masters of Indian Music
• Priyadarsini Govind Bharatanatyam Concert
Venue: Peter Norton Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway@95th street, New York Time: 7pm Contact: 212-545-7536
Venue: Montgomery High School, 1016 Route 601, Skillman, NJ08558 Time: 4pm Contact: 609-273-1450
Sat April 7
Sun April 21
• Best of the Best 2012
• India Fair 2012
Venue: Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers Street, New York Time: 6:30pm
Venue: NJ Convention & Expo Center, 97 Sunfield Ave, Raritan Center, Edison, NJ Time: 11am Contact: 609-240-2350
Venue: Shree Jalaram Mandir of Chicago Time: 11am Contact: 847-490-5252
Sun April 1 ï Akshaya Trust and meet Venue: Sama Rathi Auditorium Hindu Temple of greater Chicago, 10915 Lemont Road, Lemont, IL Time: Show-4pm to 7pm and Dinner 7pm to 9pm Contact: 630-841-6789 Highlights: Enjoy an evening of an Indian Cultural Show, Featuring stellar multi-lingual music and dance performances by Professional Chicagoland Talent and an Inspiring presentation by Narananan Krishnan
Fri March 23 to Sun March 25 • March Retreat with Sarvadevananda Venue: Sri Ramakrishna Universal Temple, 14630 Lemont Road,Homer Glen, IL 60491 Time: 7:30pm to 8:30pm-Forbearing (March 23), 9:30am to 6:30pm-Yoga Vasishta (March 24) & 11am to 12pm- Depression: Its Causes and Cures (March 25) Contact: (708) 301-9062
Sat March 31 • Musical Program to benefit the Blind Foundation for India Venue: the Avery Coonley School in Downers Grove, asouthwest suburb of Chicago Contact: 630-548-5531
Tues April 3 ï 'Tagore in Chicago, 1913: The Risks & Possibilities of Cosmopolitanism' Venue: Fullerton Hall at the Art institute of Chicago Time: 5:45pm Contact: culture@indianconsulate.com Highlights: By renowned professor, Dipesh Chakrabarty
Venue: Councilmember Rose Herrera City Hall, 18th Floor 200 E. Santa Clara St. San Jose, California Time: 9am to 2pm Contact: (408) 535-4908
Sat March 31 • Councilmember Rose Herrera invites join the united Neighborhoods of Santa Clara County Venue: Santa Clara Valley Water District 5750, Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA Time: 9am to 12pm Contact: 408-535-4908 Highlights: Guest Speaker Senator Joe Simitian. Topic- 13 tips for successful advocacy learn how to work with others to achieve a positive outcome when meeting with people you are hoping to influence
Venue: Palace Theater, 61 Atlantic St. Stamford, CT 06901 Time: 8pm Contact: 203-325-4466
Fri Oct 19 • Royal Drummers and Dancers of Burundi Venue: Palace Theater, 61 Atlantic St. Stamford, CT 06901 Time: 8pm Contact: 203-325-4466
Thurs Sept 27 • Ballet Folklorico De Mexico Venue: Palace Theater, 61 Atlantic St. Stamford, CT 06901 Time: 8pm Contact: 203-325-4466
Sat March 31 Sat April 7 • Samsmaranam - Co-sponsored event with Guru Shradha/ Abhinaya Dance Copmany Venue: Sunnyvale Community Center Theater, 550 E. Remington Ave, Sunnyvale, CA Time: 5pm to 7:30pm Contact: 408-871-5955
• Student Performance Show Case Venue: Mimis Plaza 13931 Carroll Way Suite C cross street - 17th Street, Tustin, Tustin, CA 92780 Time: 1pm Contact: 714-368-3424
Sat March 31 Sat April 7
• Jashan A celebration
• Celebrate Ram Navmi, Hanuman Jayanti & Hari Jayanti with LNSO Swaminarayan Devotees
Venue: Pearson Park Amphitheater, 401 North Lemon Street, Anaheim, CA Time: 5pm Contact: 714-368-3424
Venue: The Fremont Hindu Temple, 3676 Delaware Drive, Fremont, CA Time: 4pm to 6:30pm Contact: 510-862-8025 Highlights: fourth celebration of the twin appearances of Lord Swaminarayan & Lord Shree Ram and also the appearance of supreme devotee Shree Hanumanji, following which mahaprasad will be served.
Fri April 20 • Tadasana Festival Venue: The Tadasana Village 2600 Barnard Way, Santa Monica, CA Time: 8am Contact: 415-533-4052
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Philosophy
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March 30, 2012
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Page Sponsored by Sahanis SWAMI DAYANANDA SARASWATI
Y
ou all have citta-ekägratä, capacity to keep the mind in a given track. People often tell me, "Swamiji, I have no concentration." This is a common thing. If somebody confirms that, it is another form of manipulation. If you want to manipulate people, tell them they should develop concentration. "Yes, Swamiji, how can I develop concentration?" Everybody will ask you that. Even if you ask God to develop concentration he will ask how, because this is a common problem. In fact, there is no problem at all. We will make a problem out of no problem. Who has no concentration, tell me? You may say, "I have no concentration because when I read the book, my mind goes all over the place." Which book? "My text book, Sanskrit." You said it. Suppose you are reading about a particular topic that you like, or the book is a novel by an author you love. There you find concentration. You will read the whole book in one day. From where do you get this concentration? You can understand that unless you have it, you can't apply that concentration under any circumstances. So, in what you are interested, there is concentration. But what you are in-
U.G. KRISHNAMURTI
T
he 'how' has got to go - that is the only way. The 'how' has got to go because the 'how' implies that there is a way, that there is a method, that there is a technique, that there is something you can do to bring about this total change in your chemistry, this alchemy. But any such method defeats its purpose. When you find yourself in a situation where there is no way of finding any answer to that question, that is the moment when something can happen, that is the moment when the triggering apparatus that is there helps to trigger the whole thing. When the question "How?" freed from the desire to understand or bring about a change, remains there.... It is a thought you see, and thought is after all a vibration. It has a built-in atomic structure: there is an atom embedded in that thought. And when that thought cannot move, when it cannot make a move in any direction, then something has got to happen to that thought. There is no continuity of thought, because thoughts are disconnected, disjointed things; but something is linking them up.
terested in, what you have a value for cognitively, intellectually, you may find is not compelling, emotionally. But once you begin loving that, you have concentration, because there is a certain emotional satisfaction in it. Everybody has concentration; it is a question of discovering that particular attraction for a topic. You have to discover that. Any topic, once you get involved in it, once
the motion unless it is. It has to be momentary, like a movie. Your mind is not like a Polaroid camera. It is momentary, so you don't see a single picture. It goes on taking pictures; that is how the mind works. The mind has to move, okay, but why should it not chant, when I want it to? When I am repeating something mentally, my mind moves away from what I am repeating."
mind moves away, because you understand the logic. Moving away is natural, but if you don't bring it back, there is no meditation. Your attempt to bring it back is meditation. And that capacity to bring it back is what is called cittaekägratä samädhänaà. Samädhäna can also be taken as a mind that is not interested in too many things, or in doing many
Bringing the mind back to focus is meditation
Swami Dayananda Saraswati
Everybody has concentration; it is a question of discovering that particular attraction for a topic. You have to discover that.
you begin to understand it properly, elicits concentration. So no one can say that he or she has no concentration. Still, someone can say, "Swamiji, if I have concentration, why, when I am chanting a mantra, does my mind move away? It goes all over." It is the mind's nature to go all over. It should not be stagnant. Otherwise you won't be able to know anything. The thought frame must be momentary, because you can't see
Do you know what? This is called meditation. Part of the definition of meditation is to bring back the mind to what you are doing. That is what meditation is, so you cannot complain to me anymore that you cannot meditate. Bringing the mind back to the object on which you are dwelling is the definition of meditation. So nobody can really complain, "My mind moves away." Bring it back. Bringing it back is meditation. You can no longer say that the
things at the same time. Trying to do many things at the same time is so common that we even have a new word for it 'multitasking.' This is a particular kind of habit that is not helpful in this pursuit, so we need to have samädhäna. And also, too many irons in the fire is a problem. When there are too many things out there to do, we need viveka and vairägya. Here, a certain citta-samädhäna is required.
What you call the 'I' or the 'self' or the 'center' is illusory. I can say it is illusory, because it is the knowledge you have about the self that creates the self when you look at the self. So all the talk of 'self-knowledge' or 'self- knowing' has no meaning to me. It is within the framework of knowledge. It is playing tricks with
tomatically. The computer is not interested in your question, nor in my question. The computer is not interested in trying to understand how this mechanism is operating, so all those questions that we have as a result of our logical and rational thinking have no validity any more; they have lost their importance.
the senses become very important factors: they begin to function at their peak capacity without the interference of thought except when there is a demand for thought. Thought is not self-initiated; it always comes into operation on demand. It depends upon the demands of the situation:
Knowledge you have about the self creates the self Don't call it 'divine'; there is an extraordinary, tremendous intelligence which is guiding the mechanism of the human body, and its interest is protection itself. Q: Is there somebody or something witnessing this process? UG: That somebody, that artificial, illusory identity is finished. Then, you see, and even now, there is nobody who is feeling the feelings there, there is nobody who is thinking the thoughts there, there is nobody who is talking there; this is a pure and simple computer machine functioning au-
So, the mechanism is functioning in an automatic way, but with an extraordinary intelligence that is there. It knows what is good for it. Don't call it 'divine'; there is an extraordinary, tremendous intelligence which is guiding the mechanism of the human body, and its interest is protection. Everything it does is to protect its survival that's all it is interested in. Then,
U.G. Krishnamurti
there is a situation where thought is necessary, and so it is there; otherwise it is not there. Like that pen you are using - you can write a beautiful piece of poetry or forge a cheque or do something with that pen - it is there when there is a demand for it. Thought is only for the purposes of communication, otherwise it has no value at all.
When you understand one thing through and through, you understand everything. -Shunryu Suzuki Just don't seek from another, Or you'll be far estranged from self. - Dongshan To remember what needs to be remembered is the secret of success. You come to it through earnestness. -Nisargadatta Maharaj Sagehood has nothing to do with governing others but is a matter of ordering oneself. Happiness has nothing to do with wealth and status, but is a matter of harmony. -Lao-tze The real glory of meditation lies not in any method but in its continual living experience of presence, in its bliss, clarity, peace, and most important of all, complete absence of grasping. -Sogyal Rinpoche For life in the present there is no death. Death is not an event in life. It is not a fact in the world. -Wittgenstein
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Should New Delhi reach out to Mullah Omar? ARYAMAN BHATNAGAR
I
ndia continues to uphold its position of not talking to the Taliban in spite of both Afghanistan and the US reversing their position and attempting to engage with the militants. Should India also now try to reach out to Mullah Omar? Is it likely that he would reciprocate? What could be the implications of such a policy reversal? Talking to the Taliban The change in the international opinion about talking to the Taliban - the Mullah Omar-led Quetta Shura - is borne out of the realization that a military victory over them may not be possible. However, to prevent a negation of the achievements of the past decade, it is considered crucial to reach an agreement with the Taliban. This rationale is applicable to India as well, which seeks to increase and preserve its soft power arc in Afghanistan, use it as a springboard for expanding into Central Asia and undermine the influence of Pakistan in the region. In order to achieve these aims, it is important for India to maintain good - or at least moderate relations with the key political elements in Afghanistan. Given the important, if not dominant role, the Taliban is likely to play in the country post-2014, maintaining a blanket ban on talking to them may not serve India's interests. Opposing or snubbing the Taliban carries the danger of being marginalized in Afghanistan, as was the case in the 1990s due to India's support of the Northern Alliance. Due to the complete absence of any diplomatic engagement with the Taliban regime, this was one of the worst periods in recent history as far as Indian influence in Afghanistan was concerned. Reaching a settlement with the Taliban may also guarantee some protection to the Indian investments in Afghanistan in the shortterm. Will Mullah Omar talk? Significant to note here is that, it is the same group that has agreed to open a political office in Qatar to talk peace with the Americans. Although, these talks may have been suspended for the time being, the decision to engage with the US by Mullah Omar highlights the existence of realism in his political calculations. A settlement with the Americans may guarantee some respite from their military operations as well as long-term
political concessions such as legitimacy and recognition. Such pragmatism may also shape his approach to any overture made by India. Cultivating relations with India may serve Mullah Omar's objective of breaking away from the dependence on their Pakistani 'patrons'. The links of the Quetta Shura with Pakistan are tenuous at best. Even when the Taliban was in power it maintained a high de-
Mullah Omar
gree of independence from Pakistan and constantly resisted and resented Islamabad's attempts to control them. Although, it is reliant on Pakistan's hospitality for now, the Taliban would almost certainly want to break away from this dependence and have more avenues for external engagement. Interna-
One cannot rule out the possibility of a more fundamentalist leadership emerging within the Quetta Shura making it tougher to negotiate a political settlement tional isolation and reliance only on Pakistan is a mistake that they would not be keen to repeat. In this respect, India may be an option, especially, given the present popularity of India and ever present distrust of Pakistan. At the same time, the Taliban could leverage its ties with India into a better negotiating position vis-Ă vis Pakistan.
The Possible Implications Reaching out to the Quetta Shura also carries high risks for India. First, it can endanger the goodwill that India has won in Afghanistan since 2001, especially among the non-Pashtuns. India also stands to lose the support of its allies- the Northern Alliance who would fear abandonment in the face of this policy reversal. Moreover, reports have emerged that Mullah Omar may not be in full control of his foot soldiers and the hawkish elements, who highly resent the peace process. Thus, one cannot rule out the possibility of a more fundamentalist leadership emerging within the Quetta Shura making it tougher to negotiate a political settlement. Thus, the possible failure of reaching out to the Quetta Shura would make things worse as India would not only lose out on its existing constituency but also fail to gain any new friends in the process. Second, there is no guarantee that the Quetta Shura will be the group that will emerge victorious in Afghanistan. In a scenario, where a different faction - like the Haqqani network emerges victorious, India once again stands the risk of being marginalized having placed all its bets on the wrong horse, especially on account of the close relations between the Haqqani network and Pakistan. Finally, attempts to reach out to the Taliban without the blessing of Pakistan carry the risk of antagonizing Islamabad. In the past, Pakistan has arrested or assassinated militants who have attempted to hold unilateral talks with the Karzai or the Americans and it is possible that Islamabad will once again act as a spoiler to the process, especially given their paranoia about India's increasing clout in Afghanistan. It is also possible that Pakistan would increase its support to the Haqqani network - responsible for most of the attacks carried out against Indian targets in Afghanistan - to counterbalance the prospects of an alliance between New Delhi and Mullah Omar. While, the changing ground reality does dictate that India should rethink its approach to Mullah Omar, it would be unwise to do so without taking the larger implications into consideration. The writer is Research Officer, IPCS
India Post Tale of tails
T
he ease with which the tail is wagging the dog is alarming. A regional party like the Trinamool Congress headed by the temperamental Mamata Banerjee has been able to brow beat the Congress-led UPA government at the Center to change the minister of railways (who belonged to her own party) mid-session. The crime of the previous minister was that he had presented a progressive, modern, growth oriented budget which entailed raising of passenger fares to finance the modernization and safety of the woeful condition of the railways functioning. Railway accidents had become the norm, railway platforms looked ugly, the amenities were minimal and that also not always functioning. Funds had to be generated to ensure the safety of passengers, provide basic facilities and replace and renew rolling stock. But the tantrumprone Trinamool Congress chief, who considers railways her fiefdom, put her chappal down causing a little tremor in Delhi. Initially, the central government showed some spine with veteran Congress leader and Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee declaring the railway budget was the property of the House and if anything is to be changed in it, it would be done by the MPs participating in the debate. The government also made it known that the railway minister would not be changed until the present budget session is over. But the Didi, the big sister running or ruining this government, landed in Delhi, met the Prime Minister and was allowed to have her way. The minister was changed the same day. The succumbing of the central government was not a pretty sight. If the government had stuck to its guns and ensured passage of the reformist budget, it is likely that the Trinamool would have withdrawn support and the government could have collapsed. But this government is ensured outside support by the Uttar Pradesh Samajwadi Party of Mulayam Singh Yadav and even the Bahujan Samaj party of Mayawati. Although these two parties would not join the government, they would not also want it destabilized so much that a mid-term poll would become necessary. In fact the outgoing railway minister said he had resigned to avoid creating a scenario for a mid-term poll. The Trinamool is not the only tail which is wagging the Center. The emasculated DMK of Karunanidhi in Tamil Nadu had threatened to pull out of the Congress-led UPA coalition if the Centre did not support the US-backed resolution against Sri Lanka in the United Nation Human Rights Council (UNHRC) over alleged war crimes against ethnic Tamils. The Prime Minister, who was earlier not inclined to annoy the Sri Lankan Government, has now succumbed to DMK pressure and promised to support the resolution, to the great delight of the regional party. The Central government shows the pitiable sight of a rudderless, aimless ship which would not take the necessary measures of governance just in order to survive. With two years of its term remaining, it is already behaving like a lame duck government. If little whiffs from the states keep frightening the Center, it is better for them to give up the pretence of governance and hope the country can elect a better government for its own future. The coalition is in name only was evident at the lack of bon homie at the swearing in of the lone replacement minister for railways, Mukul Roy. The President had to be specially summoned for this out of the blue swearing in. Those present including Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi refused to speak to the Press. And the photographs of the ceremony showed the morose leading Congress ministers and Trinamool MPs trying to avoid looking at each other or to the camera.
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