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Buffett bullish on India; promises big investments Details on page 34

VOL 16, No. 864

April 1, 2011

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COMBATIVE PM SLAMS BRIBERY CHARGES

NEW DELHI: Refusing to yield to Opposition "onslaught" on 'cash-for-votes' scam, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh decried the hue and cry over "wild" charges of bribery during the 2008 Confidence Motion and warned that believing a diplomatic communication was "dangerous". He adopted a combative approach to the Opposition

Rain fails to dampen joyous Fremont Holi Details on page 17

attack and demands that he should quit in the wake of resurfacing of charges that MPs were purchased to save the UPA-I government. In an uncharacteristic manner, Singh particularly targeted L K Advani for raking up the issue, saying the BJP leader thought becoming Prime Minister was his "birth right" and hence had never "forgiven me". Details on page 6

Maharasthra Mandal fetes Alderman Pawar

FIA celebrates Holi with other ethnic bodies

Details on page 10

US Labor Dept issues revised H-2B program

Rajat Gupta sues US regulator

Details on page 42 Details on page 34

Chatwal pact with Wyndham Hotel Group

Dell to hire a few thousand in India

Details on page 35 Details on page 35

UN Conference on Women's Empowerment

OPENING GATES TO BIHAR: Melinda (C) and Bill Gates (R) interacting with villagers during a trip to Patna district in India's Bihar's state on March 23. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is visiting India as part of "The Giving Pledge" campaign started by Gates and investor Warren Buffett last year. (Details on page 7)

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 24-25 Classifieds ------------------------- 47 Community Post -------------- 10-22

Details on page 7

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

Do you believe UPA survived through bribery in 2008? Last week’s result

Is India safe from nuclear disaster? YES 47%

NO 53%

Bayer to abandon 'Bhopal gas' plant in US India Post News Service

Date Book -------------------------- 46 Edit Page --------------------------- 49

world's worst industrial disaster. In the years since the Bhopal disaster, many people in Institute have fought to protect their community from a Bhopal-like disaster. Maya Nye, a leader of the local group People Concerned about MIC, and 16 other residents recently sued Bayer to stop the company from restarting MIC production at the site. In August 2008, there was an explosion at the factory, killing two workers.

HealthScience Post --------- 36-39

Details on page 7

Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 29-31

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

Horoscope ------------------------- 23 Immigration Post ------------- 42-45 Life Style ----------------------- 26-28 Philosophy ------------------------- 48 Publisherís Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate -------------------- 40-41 TechBiz Post ------------------- 34-35

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April 1, 2011

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Publisher’s Diary

o many in the West, India has been a constant enigma as regards its foreign policy. Take the US for reference - here's a country that has historically taken a clear policy of self interest above all, 'using' allies at convenience and pushing a 'my way or the highway' line with non-committal nations. But India has always remained a peculiar entity with a mind of its own, often asserting its non-alignment with the Western powers while standing loyal with partners that share a cultural and geographical equation with it. Over the decades since Independence, India has preferred to be politically righteous than politically correct in dealing with the super powers. And therein I guess, lies the explanation for its recent decision to abstain from voting in favor of a no-fly zone over Libya in the UN Security Council and going so far as to regret the air strikes by the US and its allies, unmindful of the fact that it would require these very countries to support its bid to gain a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. Irrespective of India's stand or that of the US vis-à-vis Libya, I am torn in so far as understanding what role the world should ideally play when faced with a situation like Libya. Egypt was easy. The world simply watched from the sidelines and applauded Egyptians as they liberated themselves. But what does one do with a ruler like Gaddafi who is not only in denial of popular peoples' opinion, but does not think twice before killing his own people to keep his throne? Isn't it what a body like the United Nations has been created for - to protect the interests of people against oppressive regimes? Collective world action against Libya, I would think, is justified and do not see why Libyans should not be supported in their fight for liberation. To compare without comment, the US, even if buoyed by its military might, does not shy from sticking its neck out in such situations, whereas India, despite its high hopes of becoming a super power, never jumps off the fence.

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Nine skirts Its a regular affair for Deepika Padukone to get gifts but this time she was petrified to find nine skirts sent to her!

Cover Story: Combative PM Refusing to yield to Opposition on 'cashfor-votes' scam, PM warns that believing diplomatic communication was "dangerous".

Community: Holi celebration

The FIA headed by Sunil Shah, in league with two associations, organized a successful Holi celebration in Elmhurst.

Health: Divisive law A year after Obama signed his health care overhaul, the law remains so divisive that Americans can't decide what to call it.

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Travel: Siliguri The second largest city of West Bengal, it is the gateway to Darjeeling, the most important tourist attraction.

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Combative PM slams bribery charges NEW DELHI: Refusing to yield to Opposition "onslaught" on 'cash-for-votes' scam, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh decried the hue and cry over "wild" charges of bribery during the 2008 Confidence Motion and warned that believing a diplomatic communication was "dangerous". He adopted a combative approach to the Opposition attack and demands that he should quit in the wake of resurfacing of charges that MPs were purchased to save the UPA-I government. In an uncharacteristic manner, Singh particularly targeted L K Advani for raking up the issue, saying the BJP leader thought becoming Prime Minister was his "birth right" and hence had never "forgiven me". He asked Advani to wait for three-and-a-half years, in an apparent reference to the next Lok Sabha polls. Singh insisted that nobody from Congress or government was involved or had "authorised" anybody to engage in "transactions" like purchase of MPs during the trust vote and raised questions over the authenticity of the correspondence between the US Embassy here and its government in Washington. Replying to a short duration debate in both Houses of Parliament over his statement on the WikiLeaks documents which were first accessed by 'The Hindu', Singh said the government could not verify the authenticity of correspondence. Speaking on the issue in Parliament for the second time since March 18, he warned that believing a communication sent by some official in an Embassy was a "dangerous thought". To press the point that the bribery charges were wrong, Singh referred to the probe by a Parliament's Committee in 2008 and said it had concluded that there was insufficient evidence to prove that MPs were purchased. "I am convinced that taking the report as a whole, this is a correct inference.... I leave it to the good sense of this House to decide for itself whether the report of the Committee in any way substantiates the wild allegations levelled by some Hon'ble Members of the Opposition," Singh said amid thumping of desks. Referring to the Opposition attack on him, he said, "This is not for the first time that I have faced in my Parliamentary career the Opposition onslaught of the type we have witnessed of late. I have had to go through that as Finance Minister and as Prime Minister." Attacking the BJP, he said right from 2004, it had adopted the atti-

tude that "we are a usurper". He specifically took a dig at Advani, saying the BJP veteran "believes that being Prime Minister was his birth right and therefore, he has never forgiven me... All I can say to Advaniji is that people of India have voted us to power in free and fair elections. Please wait for another three-anda-half years." The swipe was followed by thumping of desks by the Treasury benches and peals of laughter. Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee were seen smiling as was Advani himself. . Sonia intervention In a rare intervention, Congress President Sonia Gandhi sought to dismiss in the Lok Sabha BJP's charge that the cashfor-vote scam was aimed at salvaging the Indo-US nuclear deal, besides saving the UPA-I government. "They used to say the same about your government," Gandhi told Yashwant Sinha (BJP) when he said that apart from the government and its longevity, the Indo-US nuclear deal was at stake at the time of the 2008 trust vote. The one-line intervention by Gandhi, who is also UPA Chairperson, came at a time when Sinha was going all out to attack the government over the WikiLeaks expose. Gandhi's intervention was

To press the point that the bribery charges were wrong, Singh referred to the probe by a Parliament's Committee in 2008 which it had concluded that there was insufficient evidence to prove that MPs were purchased loudly cheered by the Treasury benches with Congressmen thumping their desks. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, who is also leader of the Lok Sabha, were present. Sinha, however, said the response from Gandhi proved that he was able to drive home his point. Opposition attack Earlier, on the previous day, a united opposition mounted attack on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh over the cash-for- votes scam wondering as to how he

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh coming out after voting for the election to Parliaments Committee on Public Undertakings in New Delhi

could wash his hands of the matter as he had headed the government in 2008 and was the "biggest beneficiary" of the trust vote. Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj made a stinging attack on Singh in the Lok Sabha telling him that as head of the government he should take responsibility instead of making others scapegoat for the omissions and commissions of his regime. "It is the habit of the Prime Minister to blame others. If it is price rise then (Agriculture Minister) Sharad Pawar is responsible, if it is 2G then (former Telecom Minister) A Raja is responsible and if it is Commonwealth Games then (Suresh) Kalmadi is to blame," she said. "'I don't know anything, I am not aware of anything, there are coalition compulsions and I am not that much guilty as I am made out to be' ...the people are fed up with such excuses. They are asking why you are the Prime Minister," she said participating in a discussion. "The issue involves your leadership," she said, quoting an Urdu couplet which means one should not make any excuse but tell how the caravan got looted. The Prime Minister was present in the House and was listening intently to the debate. Earlier, initiating the discussion on the Prime Minister's statement on the Wikileak's expose in the cash-for-votes scam, first accessed by 'The Hindu' daily, CPI leader Gurudas Dasgupta accused Singh of resorting to "parliamentary piracy" to win the vote of confidence in 2008 and demanded that he come clean. He said the report of a Parliamentary panel on the scam had clearly recommended "investigation by an appropriate agency"

into the alleged attempts to purchase votes to win the trust vote on the Indo-US civil nuclear deal. "It's a case of parliamentary piracy because some members were hijacked. The suspicion is that organized group of political gangsters were at work," he said. Dasgupta's remarks terming the alleged scam as an act of "parliamentary piracy" and the handiwork of "organized groups of political gangsters" drew an angry retort from the ruling benches. . As the CPI leader demanded a

‘Swaraj insisted that bribe was paid and asked who its ‘beneficiary’ was, ‘whose government was saved’ and ‘who had to remain the Prime Minister’ probe into large-scale absenteeism in the opposition benches during the trust vote, ruling members, including Congress member Raj Babbar, were on their feet protesting the reference. Taking objection to Prime Minister's remarks that the UPA had returned to power even after the alleged scam, Dasgupta said "electoral verdict cannot condone criminality if it has been perpetrated." He said the Congress had polled only 25 per cent votes in the General Elections but did not want to draw any conclusion from it. "I make no conclusion. I do not

say it is a minority government," he said. However, this contention by the Prime Minister gives credence to the 'might is right' theory. "Might is right is a dangerous proposition that does not fit-in in a democracy," he said. Last week, the Prime Minister had hit out at the opposition for giving "dignity" to an "unverified communication", and pointed out that the Congress had won the 2009 Lok Sabha elections and that the tally of the Opposition parties had reduced considerably. Despatches by American diplomats, leaked by WikiLeaks and published in a national daily, purportedly claim that payoffs had been made to MPs to ensure a majority for the Congress-led government in the confidence vote following differences over the India-US nuclear deal in 2008. As per the cables, a US diplomat was told Rs 50-60 crore was kept aside by the Congress party to get some opposition members of the Lok Sabha on board before the trust vote in July 2008 during the first tenure of the UPA government. Weak & strong "I concede that the PM was precise in his statement and the statement was cogent. PM was very prompt in throwing the ball in the court of the Opposition, his tone was very firm, normally he is not. He was firm in rejecting the complaints on cash-for-votes during the last no confidence motion," said Dasgupta. The CPI leader said linguistic fervor was used to conceal the facts. "Strong is the language of the weak and persuasive is the language of the strong," he said. Disputing Singh's contention that neither any Congress member nor anyone from the government indulged in any illegal act, Swaraj insisted that bribe was paid and asked who its "beneficiary" was, "whose government was saved" and "who had to remain the Prime Minister". Taking a dig at Singh, she questioned why he says he is unaware whenever an issue is raised. Amid repeated disruptions by Congress members, she said after Parliament Inquiry Committee had recommended further probe into the scam, Delhi Police Crime Branch had registered a case in January 2009 and the Central Forensics Laboratory had verified the authenticity of tapes of the sting operation. Noting that Singh had not mentioned this in his statement, Swaraj said, "Nobody tells you anything? This is why I have given notice for Breach of Privilege Motion."-PTI

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Bayer to abandon 'Bhopal gas' plant in US India Post News Service

NEW YORK: In an announcement that has come as a surprise to many, Bayer CropScience announced it would be abandoning plans to restart production of Methyl Isocyanide (MIC) at their plant in Institute, West Virginia. MIC was the chemical leaked from the Union Carbide factory in Bhopal, India in 1984, killing thousands immediately and thousands more in the many years since the world's worst industrial disaster. In the years since the Bhopal disaster, many people in Institute have fought to protect their community from a Bhopal-like disaster. Maya Nye, a leader of the local group People Concerned about MIC, and 16 other residents recently sued Bayer to stop the company from restarting MIC production at the site. In August 2008, there was an explosion at the factory, killing two workers. The equipment that exploded narrowly missed the above ground MIC storage facility. This brought

new scrutiny to the site from Congress and the Chemical Safety Board. A congressional hearing concluded that the near disaster would have "eclipsed Bhopal" in magnitude. Bayer spent $36 million to improve safety at the site and re-

We should all celebrate the victory, and at the same time take a resolution that we won't let them manufacture MIC anywhere else duced their MIC stockpile by 80% following the accident. Activists learned that Bayer was planning to restart MIC production this February and responded with the suit. A judge had issued a temporary injunction to prevent Bayer

from restarting MIC production. A hearing was scheduled for next Monday to determine if the injunction would be made permanent. Sanjay Verma, Bhopal survivor and activist had arrived in West Virginia March 19 to testify at the hearing about the real and long term consequences of an MIC disaster. He said: "Another Bhopal would have taken place. Today I am happy that Bayer CropScience announced that they were dropping plans to resume production of the chemical, commonly called MIC, and would begin dismantling the unit. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is not only the victory for residents of a tiny West Virginia town called Institute, it is a victory for the world. We should all celebrate the victory, and at the same time take a resolution that we won't let them manufacture MIC anywhere else. I am sure that this news will encourage people from Bhopal, as they have kept their fight against these corporations for years."

Bill & Melinda Gates shower praise on Nitish PATNA: Bill Gates and Melinda Gates on their visit here showered praise on him for the development in the health sector. Complimenting Nitish, Gates, the Microsoft founder and billionaire philanthropist, said the Bihar government was "more open to ideas and innovations" than any other state government in the country that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation had worked with. "The foundation is pleased to work in collaboration with the Nitish Kumar government. We have set some specific goals in terms of health indicators like nutrition, infant mortality rate, maternal mortality rate and the percentage of underweight children. The state government has shown some real good results in the past few years and is keen on working with us. Bihar is a unique place and we are hopeful that it will give lessons to other places in the coming few years," Bill said. His better half, Melinda, was also impressed with the Bihar government's efforts. "They are open to new ideas and innovations. They share the ground realities with us. It has helped shape us the umbrella program - Ananya - in the state. Today I went to a

Conference on Women's Empowerment held at UN India Post News Service

person of the NGO Committee on Spirituality, Values and Global Concerns-NY, and Chair of the Spirituality, Values and Business Working Group, welcomed the audience and introduced the panel, and the hosting co-sponsors of the Forum. Ambassador Anwarul K. Chowdhury, Former Under-Secretary General and High Representative of the UN, moderated the panel and also spoke on the importance of having youth leadership becoming part of all the Committees and work at the UN. The panelists included Monica

NEW YORK: At the 4th Annual Conference on Women's Empowerment held the United Nations in New York, March 15, one week after celebrating the 100th year of International Women's Day, a diverse group of women came together to share their wisdom, experiences, knowledge and expertise in an international panel. The conference entitled 'Women's Leadership that Inspires Global Change', was organized by The Spirituality, Values and Business Working Group of the NGO Committee on Spirituality, Values and This not-for-women-only Global Concerns -NY in session invited men to join association with The Spiritual Council, the group to hear perspecWomen Rising, Health tives that may not have Transformation & Spirituality Working Groups been heard before of CSVGC-NY; Global Family, International Center for Good Business (ICFGB), Silfverskiold Getz, Founder and Institute of International Social President of the Coalition for FamDevelopment (IISD), IDEAL ily Justice; Devika Kawalramani, Spring International, Inc., Interna- Partner and Co-Chair of Moses & tional Youth Council, Spiritual Singer's Legal Ethics Law Firm PracUnited Nations (SUN), and Univer- tice; Helena Magareta, Founder of sal Peace Federation at the United ACTIVALE, A Global Enterprise Nations Church Center, New York. for Human Development and The panel highlighted different World Peace; and Asha aspects of what women are doing Castleberry, Co-Founder, Internaas leaders globally and in their lo- tional Youth Council. This not-for-women-only session cal communities, including in Africa, the Philippines, Europe, Asia invited men to join the group to hear and the Americas, to inspire pro- perspectives that may not have been grams on health, education, cul- heard before, including sharing and tural awareness and cooperation becoming open to possible new to create a Culture of Peace for all ways of thinking and understanding how the qualities of women is peoples of the world. Sharon Hamilton-Getz, Chair- directly linked to global change.

Fake pilot scam: SpiceJet sacks two Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar shakes hands with Melinda Gates as her husband and Microsoft founder Bill Gates looks on during a press conference in Patna

village and interacted with a lot of women. I was really impressed to see the lives of people, especially women and kids, are changing. The infant mortality rate has come down and there has been tremendous improvement in neo-natal care," she said. The foundation has selected seven national and international non-government organizations (NGOs) that will work together to improve healthcare delivery system in the state. The NGOs are

working in eight districts of the state for the past three months. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who was present in the joint news conference, said the foundation had a unique and different way of functioning. "For example, they go to the primary health centers and other health institutions and observe how many patients are being treated. They later come with ideas to improve the facilities. They also suggest us ways to improve the services," he said.

JAIPUR/NEW DELHI: Two SpiceJet pilots arrested in connection with fake flying licenses have been sacked as nine more pilots suspected to have obtained licenses on the basis of forged mark sheets were under the close watch of authorities. Eight pilots of different airlines were under the close watch of Rajasthan's Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), a day after it arrested the two SpiceJet pilots - Captain Anuj Kumar and First Officer Amit Mundra - while one pilot is under the scanner of Delhi Police. A SpiceJet release said the airline had terminated the services of Kumar and Mundra with immediate effect. They were produced

before a Jaipur court which sent them to judicial custody. Kumar and Mundra have been accused of misrepresenting their flying hours in order to obtain their license from the civil aviation regulator DGCA, the release said. Both the pilots said they have done no wrong and that they passed out from a government-run flying school. "We have been charged because the flying school did not deposit the money we gave them as fees," Kumar said. As more and more pilots came under watch since the fake pilots scam was unearthed early this month, investigators stepped up efforts to nab one absconding pilot.-PTI

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Immigrants paid for fake results Former Lt Gen put on trial for leaking official secrets in Australia: Reports MELBOURNE: Over 25 immigrants, including Indians, are being probed in Australia for allegedly paying bribes to obtain dodgy marks in English-language exams in a bid to get visa or permanent residency, media reports have said. The state's Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC) is investigating allegations that a staff member at Curtin University was bribed to falsify results of Englishlanguage competency tests. According to rules, applicants for permanent residency and work or students' visas must pass the International English Testing System (IELTS) which is relied upon by the Department of Immigration. During a hearing, it was revealed that, in 2009, Abdul Kader, who migrated from India and is now an Australian citizen, was living in a shared house with an employee at the Curtin English Language Centre, Keith Low. Kader had been approached by his former petrol station workmate Pritesh Shah concerned about a friend, Vishnal Pandya, who was applying for permanent residency but was repeatedly failing the English language requirements. Kader told the CCC hearing that Shah asked him whether he knew anyone who could help his friend. He told him that he knew Low. Later, Low said he could help Pandya and a cash payment was arranged. Kader said as "the middle man" in the operation he didn't really want to know how the falsification of test results was done. "I did ask how he was doing it and he said he was changing the

scores in the system and mentioned something about using different persons' log in ID to log into the computer," he said. After the first bribe was paid, Shah began arranging for the IELTS exam results of more of his friends to be falsified with Kader becoming an intermediary. Kader, currently working as an accountant, collected the names, passport numbers, date of births

After the first bribe was paid, Shah began arranging for the IELTS exam results of more of his friends to be falsified with Kader becoming an intermediary and cash payments from those wanting their IELTS to be changed and gave them to Low. Applicants would normally pay USD 1500 with Kader receiving a commission, usually what ever amount was paid in excess. He said between 2009 and 2010 as many as 25 people paid bribes for their IELTS scores to be changed. During that period Rajesh Kumar, an acquaintance of Shah also joined the operation. "It grew as time went on, initially it started with like one, then one came in a few weeks later," Kader said, adding, "When Rajesh (came in) the number grew higher because Rajesh had a fair

few people applying for their permanent residency." The CCC's investigation will also determine whether the Curtin English Language Centre had policies in place to detect misconduct and examine whether the IELTS had been compromised at testing centers operated by any other public authorities. Meanwhile, according to 'The Australian', the scam had stretched across the country, with one student flying from Queensland to obtain dodgy marks. The student, Sukhdeep Buttar, was desperate to secure results good enough to qualify for permanent residency. He heard about the racket through a friend in Perth, Satinder Sidhu, who gave evidence at Western Australia's Corruption and Crime Commission. Sidhu said he and Buttar paid 8000 dollars each to a man known as "Jimmy" so his results could be falsified. "(Buttar) was too much depressed... he couldn't get the results; he tried a lot. That's why he said if you know somebody," Sidhu told the inquiry. He said he had since learnt that "Jimmy" was in fact an Indian student called Pritesh Shah. Shah also took the stand and admitted he took about 30,000 dollars from Indian students so their results could be falsified. Shah said he became involved in the scam through Kader. Shah admitted he took about 200 dollars per transaction and said Kader also took a slice of the amount charged.-PTI

Close Indo-US ties not at China's expense BEIJING: The US has described its deepening ties with India as "one of the defining partnerships" of the 21st century, but underlined that it was not at the "expense" of China. "First of all, the United States considers (the ties with) India to be probably one of the defining partnerships for us in the 21st Century," Robert O. Blake, US Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs, told the media here after his talks with Chinese officials here. Blake said President Barack Obama's announcement extending US support for India's candidacy as a Permanent Member of UN Security Council "reflects our sense that India is first of all going to be a very important partner

for the United States going forward, but also is a very constructive force in the world". "Things like non-proliferation,

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;We have reassured our friends in China that growing relations between the US and India will not come at China's expenseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; climate change, and we're very pleased that India is working closely with us in such areas as

Afghanistan, helping to address poverty in Africa, and issues such as that," he replied when asked on the deepening Indo-US ties. Refuting perception that US is using India as a "hedge" against China, Blake said: "We support growing relations between India and China and we have reassured our friends in China that growing relations between the US and India will not come at China's expense, and that we want to see the growth of our relations with China, our relations with India, and India's relations with China." Blake said US is having "sub dialogues" with China on issues concerning South Asia. For the first time, he held a subdialogue on Central Asia with Chinese officials. -PTI

NEW DELHI: A retired lieuten- office here on February 2, 1987. ant general has been put on trial "During the aforesaid period, by a Delhi court for allegedly di- you being Lieutenant General in vulging sensitive secret informa- the Indian Army and having action about the country's arms and cess, owing to your position as a ammunition system to an interna- person who had held office under tional arms dealing firm, imping- the Indian Army, willfully commuing upon the nation's security. nicated such note/ information to Additional Sessions Judge Khanna, a person who is other Kaveri Baweja put Lieutenant than to whom you were authorized General (retd) Nirmal Puri on trial to communicate it," the ASJ said. along with M/s Concord InternaKhanna was charged with obtional Pvt Ltd's official Vinod taining the information which Khanna, whom the top army of- "might be or is intended to be, dificer had allegedly supplied sensitive information in 1984-87. Puri is alleged to have preThe court put the duo on trial after fram- pared two hand-written notes ing charges under varicontaining classified informaous provisions of the Official Secret Act and tion regarding equipment like the India Penal Code light tanks, radio sets for AFV, against them. "During the period training simulators and others 1984-87, both of you entered into criminal conspiracy in order to obtain, col- rectly or indirectly, useful to an lect, communicate secret/ classi- enemy". fied/ official information/ docuThe court noted the disclosure ments pertaining to the defense of such information "is likely to of the country with the purpose affect the sovereignty and integthat same may be prejudicial to the rity of India, the security of the safety or interest of the state," the state or friendly relations with forcourt said. eign state". Puri is alleged to have prepared Puri had joined the Indian Army two hand-written notes contain- on December 11, 1949 and had reing classified information regard- tired on March 17, 1985. ing equipment like light tanks, raThe FIR was registered in Janudio sets for AFV, training simula- ary 1988 against Puri and Khanna tors and others. following a complaint by D M L The notes were recovered dur- Malhotra, Under Secretary of the ing search conducted in the pre- Ministry of Defense, and the mises of M/s Concord Interna- charge sheet was filed in 1989. tional Pvt Ltd from its Golf Links PTI

Japan tsunami: PM speaks to Kan, offers assistance NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has spoken to his Japanese counterpart Naoto Kan and offered any additional assistance Japan may require to deal with the devastation caused by the twin disaster earlier this month. Singh had a telephonic conversation with Kan during which he expressed deepest condolences over the loss of life and property in Japan consequent to the recent earthquake and tsunami, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a release here. The Prime Minister said the people and the Government of India stood solidly with the friendly people of Japan in their hour of grief. "He also offered to make available any additional assistance

that Japan may require. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that Japan would emerge from the calamity as an even stronger nation," it said. The Japanese Prime Minister expressed deep appreciation for India's solidarity and support, as the country coped with the enormous natural disaster. "He was touched by Prime Minister's gesture of visiting the Japanese Embassy to sign the Condolence Book. He thanked the Prime Minister for the assistance that India had provided," the ministry release said. Premier Kan had also written a letter to Prime Minister Singh expressing similar sentiments, in response to the latter's message of condolence sent on 11 March 2011. -PTI

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Parliament approves new name 'Odisha' for Orissa NEW DELHI: Orissa will hereafter be called 'Odisha' and the Oriya language will be known as 'Odia' with Parliament giving approval to amendment of the Constitution and also passing the related bill. The Rajya Sabha passed the Orissa (the Alteration of Name) Bill and adopted the Constitution (113th) Amendment Bill after a brief debate with members from all parties hailing the move as "historic" for people of the state. Supported by all parties, including the Biju Janta Dal, the Constitution Amendment Bill was adopted by all 169 members present and voting. Such a bill requires support of at least two-third of members present and voting. Besides, the majority of the strength of the House should be present for voting. The Upper House has a strength of 245 members. Lok Sabha has already adopted these measures after the Centre received the resolution passed by the state Assembly. While there was all round support for the measure, BJP and Congress members sought to target Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik

charging him with non-performance and heading a government facing scams. The bills were piloted by Home Minister P Chidambaram. However, the electronic voting system witnessed glitches during the division so much so that even

Rudra Narayan Pany (BJP) charged the Orissa Chief Minister with non-performance and said Patnaik could not speak even the local language. His colleague Chandan Mitra said, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Orissa regains its prestige and sense of historyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's vote was also cast wrongly. Participating in the debate, members said the name change was the process of decolonization as Britishers had changed the Indian names of cities and states. Pyarimohan Mohapatra (BJD)

said it was a "great moment" for people of the state and added that with the change of name, they are getting back their pride. R C Khuntia (Cong) rued that the state, which was prosperous once, has become povertystricken. He, however, hoped the change of name will fulfill aspirations of people. He said the state was facing many scams and corruption charges in the present rule. Rudra Narayan Pany (BJP) charged the Orissa Chief Minister with non-performance and said Patnaik could not speak even the local language. His colleague Chandan Mitra said, "Orissa regains its prestige and sense of history." Mitra said while India's heritage was revered in many parts of the world, "we have forgotten our own heritage." There have been many cities and states that have been renamed after independence. These include Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Mumbai (Bombay), Chennai (Madras), Kolkata (Calcutta), Pune (Poona), Kochi (Cochin) and Bengaluru (Bangalore). -PTI

Pak seeks Cwealth help in extraditing Musharraf ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has sought the Commonwealth's cooperation in extraditing ex-President Pervez Musharraf from Britain after a court issued an arrest warrant for him in connection with the assassination of former premier Benazir Bhutto. Pakistan's High Commission in London has written to Commonwealth Secretary General Kamlesh Sharma to put pressure on Britain's Home Department to start criminal proceedings in British courts against Musharraf, The Express Tribune newspaper quoted unnamed sources as saying. An additional complication is Britain's obligations to humanitarian laws of the European Union, which abolished the death penalty within the grouping and prohibits extradition of suspects to countries where they are likely to face execution, the report said. Pakistan has already sent a request to Britain's Home Department for the extradition of Musharraf though legal experts believe the move is unlikely to receive a favorable response as there is no extradition treaty be-

tween the two countries. An anti-terrorism court conducting the trial of five suspects charged with involvement in the 2007 assassination of Bhutto issued an arrest warrant for Musharraf after investigators said he had failed to cooperate with them. Musharraf has been living in

Pakistani officials told the daily that Britain is bound by its obligations to the Commonwealth to coordinate with courts in other Commonwealth countries self-exile in Britain since early 2009. The British government has not yet responded to Pakistan's request, said Azhar Chaudhry, a prosecutor with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). He said the

British government did confirm that they had delivered the summons issued by the Rawalpindibased anti-terrorism court. Pakistani officials told the daily that Britain is bound by its obligations to the Commonwealth to coordinate with courts in other Commonwealth countries. However, an unnamed legal expert said Britain's Home Department will have to "obey the capital punishment laws of European countries". He said: "They may fear that the Pakistani court will award a death sentence to Musharraf." Musharraf's spokesman Muhammad Ali Saif said Pakistan government's attempts to extradite the former President were futile. "Musharraf will never lend a hand to FIA team, especially (after) the way they had treated him," he said. The FIA has reportedly decided to seek more time to produce Musharraf before the court. It will request the court to declare him an absconder at the next hearing of the case scheduled for March 26. -PTI

7 Pak lawmakers refuse to accept 'Nishan-i-Imtiaz' ISLAMABAD: Seven members Raisani of the PPP, did not accept of a Pakistani parliamentary panel the award to protest the deteriothat drafted the landmark consti- rating law and order situation in tutional reforms last year refused their province. to accept the highest civilian Raisani, the brother of award 'Nishan-i-Imtiaz' for differ- Balochistan Chief Minister Aslam ent reasons ranging from protest Raisani, told the Dawn newspaagainst drone attacks and lawless- per he could not receive the medal ness in Balochistan. at a time when bodies were being The lawmakers were conferred found in his province daily in the the honor on the occasion of Pa- presence of personnel of secret kistan Day. They were part of the agencies. 26-member Parliamentary Commit"The (secret) agencies people tee on Constitutional Reforms are roaming freely in my province. and included a Senator from the People are being killed daily and ruling PPP. They declined to receive the civilian award for differ- Three lawmakers of the oppoent reasons. sition PML-N collectively deThe seven men did not attend the investi- cided not to accept the ture ceremony at the awards in line with their Presidency where President Asif Ali Zardari party's protest during the decorated 130 recipi- presidential address to a joint ents of civilian and milisitting of parliament tary awards. Three lawmakers of the opposition PML-N collec- mutilated bodies are found. So tively decided not to accept the how can I receive the award even awards in line with their party's if it is announced by the governprotest during the presidential ment of my own party? My conaddress to a joint sitting of parlia- science did not allow me to do so," ment. he said. PML-N spokesman Ahsan Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam chief Iqbal said there was consensus Maulana Fazlur Rehman skipped in his party that it would send a the ceremony to protest US drone wrong message to people if its attacks in the tribal areas though members received an award from a Senator from his party received the President just a day after their the award from the President. boycott of his speech in parliaTwo lawmakers of the PML-Q ment. and Jamaat-e-Islami who were Three Senators from part of the parliamentary panel Balochistan, including Lashkari received their awards.-PTI

US pressures Bangla govt on Yunus issue DHAKA: The US pressed the Bangladesh government to soften its stand against micro-finance pioneer Muhamad Yunus, linking a "compromise" on the removal of the Grameen Bank founder to bilateral relations with the country. Indicating a toughening of attitude against the Sheikh Hasina government, US Assistant Secretary of State Robert Blake said a compromise would be better for US-Bangla ties. "The 'compromise' will allow us to make very good progress in our bilateral relations," Blake told newsmen after talks with Hasina and subsequently with foreign secretary Mijarul Quayes. "I would leave the matter to Prime Minister Hasina and her team to describe their own position on this (issue)," he added. Yunus was unceremoniously

fired last month from his Grameen Bank on grounds that his appointment as managing director of the institution in 2000 was faulty. During his talks with the premier, Blake, however, "expressed hope that a compromise could be found". The US official's comments came after 26 US Congressmen on March 15 urged Hasina to amicably settle the issue, saying "we are troubled by the removal of Dr Muhammad Yunus from his position at Grameen Bank". The group led by Joseph Crowley and Gary Ackerman said Bangladesh had made important strides in economic growth and fighting poverty and improving the rule of law but "unfortunately, the situation with Dr Yunus is beginning to overshadow these concrete gains".-PTI

Desi News Grand Holi celebration at Hindu Temple SURESH SHAH

CHICAGO: With spring around the horizon and a hint of warm temperature on Saturday March 19, a colorful Holi was celebrated at Sri Rama Temple in Lemont, a south side Chicago suburb. Holi also known as Dhuli Vandana in Sanskrit, is familiar to many as Dhuleti, Dhulandi, a rich Hindu culture celebrated at the end of winter season on the last full moon day of the lunar month Phalguna. Holi celebrations at Rama Temple involved a delightful gathering of well over 3,000 devotees. Details on page 12

Record amount pledged at Jain fundraising event UMESH PATEL

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

Rain fails to dampen joyous Fremont Temple Holi Details on page 17

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FIA celebrates Holi with other ethnic bodies SURESH SHAH

CHICAGO: The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) headed by Sunil Shah, in league with Six Gam Patidar Samaj, Gujrat Samaj and The Delhi Association, organized a successful Holi celebration at Waterford banquet Hall in Elmhurst recently. The near five hours program starting at 3 p.m. on Sunday March 20 was a huge success with active and enthusiastic participation by over 250 Holi revelers and guests. It was for the first time, said buoyant Sunil Shah, that an umbrella organization of Indian Americans

FIA, Delhi Association, Six Gam Patidar and Gujarati Samaj officials at the Holi celebration

- FIA in this case - had hosted this type of celebration and God willing "we will turn this into a tradition holding similar events year and year out." There was a great play of color and all those who attended left the banquet with colors of different shade - prominently rose red Gulal - all over their face, body and clothes. Nobody would mind that. The play of colors was not the only attraction as the three premier organizations hosting the event had chalked out a well-knit program of entertainment, fun and food.

Details on page 14 FIA Group: Rev Singh, Rita Shah, Sunil Shah and Shahid with Water Reclamation Commissioner Patricia Horton

ASQ to honor Manu Vora with award

Maharasthra Mandal felicitates Alderman Pawar RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

SURESH SHAH

CHICAGO: One of the oldest ethnic organizations in Chicagoland, Maharashtra Mandal of Chicago (MMC) held a luncheon reception-cum a mini fundraiser at Veer Doshi residence in Naperville, a south west Chicago suburb, for newly elect Alderman Ameya Pawar. The occasion was also taken to keep the Mandal members and others abreast about the progress made in hosting a National Convention of Maharashtra Mandals in the second week of July at McCormick Place in Chicago.

CHICAGO: American Society for Quality (ASQ) - the world's largest network of quality resources and experts - will present Dr Manu K. Vora Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) during its Annual World Conference on Quality and Improvement in Pittsburgh, Pa., May 15. In all, two Distinguished Service Medals and 12 Society medals and awards will be presented. The recipients are recognized for their innovative contributions and achievements in the area of quality methodology. Details on page 16

ContĂd on page 12

Alderman Ameya Pawar

Anudeep Dharker & MayorGeorge Pradel

MH Convener Nitin Joshi with donor S. Dangat

ContĂd on page 15

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Debra Silverstein: Winner in making at 50th Ward? SURESH SHAH

we see now are broken roads, lot of potholes, inadequate parking space, pile of garbage and dirt, and the last but not the least, lack of adequate security. The area that has huge potential to become an international marketing place because of its ethnic diversity, is slowly being shunned by outside visitors and shoppers because of lack of basic infrastructural facilities, poor planning and apathetic attitude of the concerned authorities," she said.

Debra Silverstein with two of her supporters

CHICAGO: With endorsements from two mainstream dailies in Chicagoland and blessings from Mayor-elect Rham Emanuel, Debra Silverstein appears to be heading for a decisive victory in the Aldermanic elections for the 50th Ward in the first week of April this year. Debra is facing long time incumbent Bernard Stone who had successfully warded off all opposition in the past, but is now facing an uphill task in the wake of his failing age (he is 82) and the invigorated opponent. Debra has been endorsed by Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun Times while the recently elect Rham Emanuel for the Mayoral position too has thrown his weight behind her. Many residents and voters in the 50th Ward are seeking a change in the leadership in the light of mounting problems of security, not up to the mark sanitary conditions, parking woes and fading significance of the Devon Avenue as an international

market place. Debra has been quite vocal in her assertions that she would address all these problems quite effectively and will continually seek input form the residents in the Ward about further improvements. "My office will be open for any one to come and place his grievance. I will be the People's Alderman and not shut myself in the office wall. I will set up an Advisory Committee consisting of 50th Ward residents and businessmen to chalk out strategy for turning the face of area around," she said. She asserted that she would leave no stone unturned to make this area (Devon Avenue ) a truly international marketplace with a total faceover of redoing - resurfacing roads, planting of trees and ensuring fullest security to shoppers and visitors, if elected in the forthcoming April run off elections. The 50th Ward has been getting a step motherly treatment over the years. "What

not using the available space. Also, she would see if some of the alleys could be used for providing some parking space. She would also pick up the issue of Parking Privatization which has resulted in sky rocketing parking cost. "I will work to correct the present unjust system with regard to parking meters and zone parking," she said. A graduate in accounting from University of Illinois, Debra was immersed in her own business but was urged by 50th Ward

"My office will be open for any one to come and place his grievance. I will be the People's Alderman and not shut myself in the office wall. I will set up an Advisory Committee consisting of 50th Ward residents and businessmen to chalk out strategy for turning the face of area around," she said Debra Silverstein

She also insisted for transparency and accountability in the working of her office besides staffing it with members speaking multiple languages. "I will have an open door policy and will welcome any one who would have any concern about this neighborhood," she said. When pointed out repeatedly about the parking problem and high cost of parking, she observed that she would have the South Sides of the streets on Devon Avenue, which have been reserved for residential parking, to be opened up for others in a limited way during the day time, especially when the residents are

residents to use her accounting and other experience for the betterment of the residents in this ward. Besides her business career, she was also engaged in community work and activities as she successfully organized "Movies in the Park", "Winter-fest", and the 50th Ward's participation in Breast Cancer's "Network of Strength - Walk to Empower" on Mother's Day. She mentioned that she is a co-founder of the Libenu Foundation, an organization creating supervised housing for adults with developmental disabilities in the 50th ward.

Large turnout at passport surrender camp RAJINDER SINGH MAGO

CHICAGO: Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago (PCS) in conjunction with the Sikh Religious Society of Chicago Palatine organized an Indian passport surrender certificate camp on Sunday March 13 at SRS Palatine Gurudwara in Palatine, a northwest suburb of Chicago, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The newly set up Federation of Indian Associations also lent a helping hand in hosting the camp. Ten officials from the Indian Consulate led by Consul Vishvas Sapkal and many PCS and SRS volunteers joined hands to manage the applicant crowd logistics and processing of the documents to issue the surrender certificates right there and then. The services were free and open to all. More than 400 surrender certificates were issued. Some appli-

PCS officials with FIA Office Bearers. FIA helped in organizing the camp

cants had to go back due to incomplete documents. More than 500 people with families started lining up early and the Gurudwara was crowded with anxious appli-

cants. For some of them it was their first time to a Gurudwara (a Sikh place of worship) where one has to remove the shoes and cover the head. No tobacco products are al-

Indian Consul Vishwas Sakpal with Consul Officials Surabhi and Manju Sahani. Standing behind them is Rajinder Mago

lowed inside. "We were overwhelmed but deeply pleased with such a tremendous response from the Indian

American community at-large," said Dr. Amarjit Singh PCS Chairperson for 2011. ContĂd on page 13

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Grand Holi celebration at Hindu Temple Holi at Dwarakadhish Temple SURESH SHAH

Playing with colors

At least 8,000 revellers gathered at the Dwarakadhish Temple in Parlin, New Jersey to celebrate Holi complete with the traditional burning of Holika and throwing of colors, on March 19. (Pic: Gunjesh Desai / Masalajunction.com)

Hindu culture celebrated at the end of winter season on the last full moon day of the lunar month Phalguna. Holi celebrations at Rama Temple involved a delightful gathering of well over 3,000 devotees. The celebrations started early with a cultural program. Children and young adults performed dances in groups for famous songs like Aaja nachle, Mujhe Rang de, Are jare Natkut (Navarang) and many more that bring everlasting memories to one and all. DJ Dhiraj Gupta played excellent selections as many danced during the 'audience dancing session'. Lastly, all in attendance, devotees and local community enthusiasts alike, joined together at the dance floor. Holika Dahan at Hindu Temple

ContĂd on page 13

FIA celebrates Holi with other ethnic bodies

Holi revelers ContĂd from page 10

There were local artists of all age who staged Holi dance, folk dances, classical Indian dances and songs. The delicious food served by Indian House was relished by all. Sunil Shah welcomed the

guests and underlined the importance and significance of Holi festival in the Indian subcontinent. He was grateful that Indians from all walks of life and from all parts of India came forward to participate in the event. He said the organizers were also grateful to Al Larson, Mayor of Schaumburg,

A dance item at the Holi celebration

Village Commissioner George Dunham and Patricia Horton, Commissioner Metropolitan Water Reclamation for their graceful presence at this celebration of an Indian festival. Ravi Kapoor of Delhi Association expressed his gratitude for the huge support that the community

gave to the organizers by spontaneous participation. He especially thanked Sunil Shah for getting FIA to join the hosting of the event. Bharati Desai emceed the event adroitly and gracefully. Suhani Dance Academy enthralled the audience with dances and songs. Singers like Raja Bankarpur, Sheila

Khedkar and Samir Saini lifted the spirits of all those present rendering popular film songs, one after the other. Present on the occasion were Dilip Patel of Six Gam Patidar Samaj, Suryakant Patel and Kamleshbhai of Gujarat Samaj. Babu Verma proposed a vote of thanks.

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Large turnout at passport surrender camp

Consul Vishwas with NC Chauhan and Manju Sahani fielding questions during Q/A Session ContĂd from page 11

"The PCS volunteers did a great job managing the crowd. I was able to get my certificate with no hassle," said Kasi Paturi of Hoffman Estates, his first time to Gurudwara. Many other first timers echoed a similar sentiment. The Sikh traditional Langar and tea were available all day

cleared many doubts and misunderstandings that many community members had. "For Indian origin persons, OCI card is better as you get several benefits with it and you are being treated at par with residents except the political right. Besides, you cannot purchase agricultural and plantation land. It's a lifelong visa to enter India along

Indian passport surrender certificate is a requirement in the process to get PIO/OCI cards as well, and to receive any Indian consular services in the future for those who have renounced their Indian citizenship long for all visitors to partake. On arrival, the Indian consular staff paid their respects (Matha Tekna) to the Guru Granth Sahib in the congregation hall, received Parshaad, before starting their work. There were question and answer sessions before and after the camp where Consul Vishvas Sapkal addressed the audience and answered PIO / OCI related questions and

with other benefits. OCI card is not a dual citizenship, there is no such thing as a dual citizenship with India. Children born to Indian origin parents are also eligible to apply for the OCI card if their parents are eligible for OCI card," said Consul Vishvas Sapkal. "Naturalized foreigners of Indian origin should acquire surrender certificates as per the Passport Act of 1967. Once you acquire

Grand Holi celebration at Hindu Temple

Huge gathering of devotees ContĂd from page 12

Holika Dahan (burning of Holika) bonfire was ready on premises with the help of temple shilipis Vanamoorthy and Velayudham. Children were selective in picking the colors green, pink, yellow, blue, orange and purple. Colors were applied to each other expressing love and respect to

each other with big hugs. With prayers offered ritualistically to Holika by Pandit RamParsad Sastry, the community joined to light the bonfire and go dancing around it to the music into the late evening. HTGC president and the Executive committee thanked all the volunteers for their efforts in making this event a successful one.

The crowd at the Surrender Certificate Camp

foreign citizenship, within three months period you need to renounce your Indian citizenship as per the Act. This is to stop abuse of old Indian passports after changing the citizenship as well as for security of all," he added. Indian passport surrender certificate is a requirement in the process to get PIO/OCI cards as well, and to receive any Indian consular services in the future for those who have renounced their Indian citizenship. Those who have a "cancelled" stamp on their latest Indian passport are not required to have the surrender certificate, but are advised to carry a photocopy of the cancelled old Indian passport.

This was the consulate's 15th and last surrender certificate camp, because now the PIO/OCI and surrender certificate services, (just like the visa to India), have been outsourced to Travisa. PCS's next event in the true spirit of Vaisakhi is to save lives, an all day "Blood Donation Drive", on Sunday April 10, 9 am to 3 pm, at Palatine Gurudwara, 1280 Winnetka St., Palatine, IL. PCS will hold its flagship annual event "Rangla Punjab 2011," a Punjabi variety cultural program to celebrate Vaisakhi festival, on Saturday April 23, 7 pm, at Copernicus Theater (formerly Gateway Theater) in Chicago.

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Record amount pledged at Jain fundraising event UMESH PATEL

LIVONIA, MI: With nearly 350 people in attendance, the 18th Annual Jain Society of Greater Detroit Fundraising event held Saturday March 19 at Livonia's Burton Manor, was a major success. The annual pledge drive spearheaded by Fundraising Committee Chairperson Akshay Shah and his wife Shweta Shah netted a record of $145,000 in pledges for the Jain Temple in Farmington Hills. Rajendra Modi, Chairman of Board of Trustees, said that Saturday's event showed the power of youthful leadership and ideas for the Jain Society. "Akshay Shah is the youngest chairperson we ever had for JSGD. The fundraiser came in with record pledges with generous support from the donors. This shows how new blood and ideas can energize a community." The event kicked off with the theme of "Tropical Paradise". All the guests were greeted with an "Aloha" and given Hawaiian lei to wear. During the "mocktail hour",

Akshay and Shweta Shah, Fund Raising Committee Chairs

the guests were treated to delicious appetizers as they listened to a calypso steel band. The youth group then welcomed the guests to the dining hall with an energetic dance performance. Before dinner, there was a formal presentation by JSGD. The Master of Ceremonies was Rajiv Maheswari and his wife Mamata, who kept the crowd entertained with their lively skits. Akshay Shah

Dr Kirit Tolia made a heartfelt speech on how much the Jain Temple means to him and requested all the guests to keep the beautiful Temple in mind as they pledged

Akshay Shah and Rajendra Modi, Chairman, Board of Trustees

formally welcomed all the guests. He thanked all the advertisers in the event souvenir and requested everyone to patronize these local sponsors. Dr Kirit Tolia made a heartfelt speech on how much the Jain Temple means to him and requested all the guests to keep the beautiful Temple in mind as they pledged. Special Guest Congressman Gary Peters got before the

audience and remarked how proud he was of the event and that it shows a positive impact for the State of Michigan. A sumptuous dinner prepared by BAPS (Swaminarayan) followed the presentation. The entertainment for the evening was provided by the Medley entertainment music group who kept the crowd dancing into the night.

IACS to host South-Asian Women's Conference India Post News Service

CHICAGO, IL: Celebrating the professional and personal achievements of women, IndoAmerican Community Services (IACS) is hosting its first SouthAsian Women's Conference 2011, on April 17, at Chicago Marriott, Oak-brook. IACS has teamed up with Chicago's educational, cultural, business and political leaders to put together a dynamic array of

SAW Conference participants

workshops, inspiring presentations and high-caliber cultural performances, informed Sreenivas Katragadda, IACS Secretary. Several notable Chicago leaders are already committed to the Conference including: K Sujata, President/CEO of the Chicago Foundation for Women; Dr Surinder Nand, Immediate Past President of Apna Ghar; Hema Rajagopalan, Founder of Natya Dance Academy; Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky; Rohini Dey, Founder and Owner of Vermillion Restaurants and Mukta Dutta Tomar, Consul General of India in Chicago. The conference will address a variety of issues that affect and inspire women, in the workplace, at home and in their communities. "The conference will be a gathering of South-Asian women residing in the US to share, educate,

inspire and empower women from all walks of life," said Sainath Reddivari, Treasurer of IACS. "It

The SAW Conference planning committee is staffed entirely by Chicago professionals who volunteer their time and share IACS' mission to empower and inspire women. Reema Kapur, Marina Isaac and Gayatri Kalluri are Co-Chairs for the event will focus on topics related to role of women in organizations, family and parenting, education,

money management and financial planning, to name a few," he added. The SAW Conference planning committee is staffed entirely by Chicago professionals who volunteer their time and share IACS' mission to empower and inspire women. Reema Kapur, Marina Isaac and Gayatri Kalluri are CoChairs for the event. "I am very excited about the caliber of speakers, panelists and performers who will be participating in the Conference," said Reema Kapur. "The idea driving this Conference is to bring together women leaders who excel in their respective professional and personal spheres. We hope that the presenters' and panelists' individual stories of challenge and achievement will inspire attendees and encourage dialog."

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Maharasthra Mandal felicitates Alderman Pawar ContĂd from page 10

Ameya Pawar's historic victory as first ever Asian descent Alderman at Chicago City Council coincided with yet another history making development - a Jew getting elected as Mayor for the first time. MMC decided to honor Pawar and the event got a boost when the Mayor of Naperville A. George Pradel readily agreed to be present as an honored guest. Indian Consulate was represented by Consul Vishwas Sakpal and that gave an added dignity to the function. Veer Doshi, one of the hosts, informed that over 100 members attended the event at short notice

Host Veer Doshi with Consul Vishwas Sakpal and Ald Ameya Pawar.

Dangat brought the check which was presented to the Convention Chair Nitin Joshi. Maharashtra Mandal president Milind Panat welcomed the guests and gave mike to Neal Khot who introduced Ameya Pawar. Khot

bigwigs, like Rod Blagojevich, Lisa Madigan, Rahm Emmanuel and others residing there. The present Alderman was elected many times and had a huge budget as against Ameya, who had no budget. He had been residing in the region for

Community activist Ajit Gandhi with Amerya Pawar

paign. He was calm, composed, measured and articulate in his delivery. He mentioned his interest in politics truly started in 2005 during the Katrina hurricane saga, during which he saw Chicago suc-

Consul Vishwas Sakapal in his address congratulated Pawar over his success against all odds and switched his emphasis for local politics to the Indian government scheme of OCI/PIO and Passport surrender certificates Maharashtra Mandal fundraiser for Amerya Pawar L-R: Anupma Dharker Ald Pawar, Cousul Vishwas Sakpal, Conv. Chair Nitin Joshi & Neal Khot

and they collectively raised a token amount of $2200 for Ald Ameya Pawar. Another highlight of the threehour event was the announcement that Avinash Rachamale of Lakeshore Construction Group in Detroit would make a donation of $15,000 for the 15th biennial North American convention of BMM slated for July this year. Sitaram

recounted the near single handed fight by David (Ameya with his determined associates) against all powerful Goliath (many term incumbent Alderman and fund rich opponents) and proved victorious. Ameya, 30, with no political experience or election history sought Aldermanic position from the 47th ward which is considered prestigious with famous political

four years only. The Ward is full of White Caucasians but not once was his race mentioned anywhere during the campaign. The campaign had to be built from the grassroots. There were very few volunteers but he managed to meet 95% of the approx. 55,000 residents in person. Ameya did not deliver angry or provocative speeches in the cam-

ceeding in handling 10,000 refugees and giving them a new life so much so that none of those 10,000 has gone back to New Orleans. He is against privatization moves such as parking meters. Ameya Pawar in his short speech touched upon his campaign experience and pitched for an increasing participation in mainstream politics by Indian Americans here. He thanked the Mandal

members for their love and regard for him and promised all possible help for the successful hosting of the National convention. He was accompanied by his parents. Consul Vishwas Sakapal in his address congratulated Pawar over his success against all odds and switched his emphasis for local politics to the Indian government scheme of OCI/PIO and Passport surrender certificates. He pitched for getting Overseas Citizens of India card and urged the Indian Americans to take advantage of this facility. He said that the entire process is now being outsourced to Travaisa. Nitin Joshi, the Convention Chair, talked about the four days of activities filled convention and indicated that over 6000 participants are expected to come from all over the country and abroad. Among the attendees were the Mayor of Naperville, A. George Pradel and Miss Charna Epstein who has been one of his earliest supporters. She helps him in various ways, mainly running his organization, called Renew Chicago. Ajit Gandhi, a community activist from Naperville, introduced the Mayor eulogizing his services to the local community. Anudeep Dharkar who happened to chair the Youth Committee of the convention, briefly dwelt on what his committee aims to achieve. He proposed a vote of thanks at the end.

IDS hosting seminar on water management NILA VORA

CHICAGO: India Development Service (IDS) is hosting a seminar on "Water: Sacredness, Scarcity and Sustainability" on Saturday, April 9, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm at the Loyola University Medical Center, in Maywood, a Chicago suburb. The event is co-sponsored by the International Studies Department of Loyola University and by the University of Wisconsin, White Water. The seminar speakers include: Rajesh Shah, Founder, Peer Water Exchange whose work involves using technology support to solve some of the complex problems of access to water and how to develop simple solutions by learning from the peer groups across the world. Gourishankar Ghosh, former Chair of UN Water will share his ex-

perience in India. Dr Cecil Lu-Hing, retired Director of Research and Development for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation Dis-

McDonnell Host of the World View Program at the Chicago Public Radio (WBEZ FM 91.5) will moderate the seminar.

Water, a precious and life sustaining resource is something we take for granted. But it is estimated that as many as a billion people across the world have no access to safe drinking water and about equal number suffer from the consequences of consuming polluted water trict of Greater Chicago will share his experience of waste water management. Dr Ann Feldman, who has done a documentary about water issues in India. Jerome

Some jarring statistics for world water supply and distribution - Global coverage figures from 2002 indicate that, of every 10 people: roughly five have a connection to a

piped water supply at home (in their dwelling, plot or yard); three make use of some other sort of improved water supply, such as a protected well or public standpipe; two are unserved. In addition, four out of every 10 people live without improved sanitation. Water, a precious and life sustaining resource is something we take for granted. But it is estimated that as many as a billion people across the world have no access to safe drinking water and about equal number suffer from the consequences of consuming polluted water. IDS, is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to promoting socio-economic projects in India for the people who are often left behind by the main stream development.

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ASQ to honor Manu Vora with award SURESH SHAH

Anudeep Kodali named Junior Tennis Player of the Year PRASAD THOTUKARA

CHICAGO: American Society bal quality management consultfor Quality (ASQ) - the world's ing firm. He has over 35 years of largest network of quality re- leadership experience in the areas sources and experts - will present of leadership development, cusDr Manu K. Vora Distinguished tomer satisfaction, employee enService Medal (DSM) during its gagement and process excellence. Annual World Conference on Since 1993, he teaches "Quality Quality and Improvement in Pitts- Management", "Supply Chain burgh, Pa., May 15. In all, two Distinguished Service Medals and 12 Society medals and awards will be presented. The recipients are recognized for their innovative contributions and achievements in the area of quality methodology. Their exemplary achievements are also representative of the ideas and tools that make our world work better. Dr Vora's citation reads "For his self-less service as a long-term enabler and champion of quality around the world; For sharing quality principles and best Dr Manu Vora practices for the benefit of the quality community; For his sincere dedication, exceptional con- The recipients are recogtribution, exemplary leadnized for their innovative ership and sustained service for the Society in contributions and achievepromoting quality principles, applications and ments in the area of quality methods; For devoting his personal energy, tal- methodology ent and time to enhance the image of ASQ at National, Section, Regional and In- Management" and "Project Manternational levels; For mentoring agement" courses at various busiand guiding quality profession- ness schools in Chicago. als." With millions of individual and Past Vice President of ASQ, organizational members of the ASQ Fellow and Certified Quality community in 150 countries, ASQ Engineer, Dr Manu Vora has B.S., is a global community of people M.S. and Ph.D. in Chemical Engi- dedicated to quality who share the neering and MBA with Marketing ideas to make our world work. It is Management headquartered in Milwaukee, He is Chairman and President Wis., with national service centers of Business Excellence, Inc., a glo- in China, India and Mexico.

NORTH CAROLINA: Anudeep Kodali, 13, of Durham, ranked number one in USA (USTA Boy's 12s) last year, has been named for the Junior Male Tennis Player of the Year Award by the North Carolina Tennis Association. Anudeep had earlier won the prestigious United States Tennis Association (USTA) Boys' Clay Court Super Nationals Championship held in Winston-Salem, NC (July 18-25, 2010). He won the gold ball in singles, and a silver ball in doubles in this tournament. He won bronze ball (Third) at USTA Hard Court Super Nationals in Little Rock, AR (August 7-13, 2010). He also won the National Open Championships- Columbus, GA (Singles & Doubles); Baltimore, MD (Singles). Anudeep has a passion for tennis. He used to watch his older brother, Aneesh play tennis and started playing at the age two. According to his mother, Usha Rani, Anudeep used to practice around the house with a phantom racquet when he was very young. Playing competitive tennis since he was seven years old, he won the Little Mo Eastern Re-

Anudeep Kodali

gional tournament when only eight. He won several USTA tournaments when he was 9-10 years old. He lives in Durham, NC with his parents Usha Rani and Valli Prasad. Usha is from Vijayawada and Valli Prasad is from Elamarru,

Krishna district. Anudeep is in 8th grade. He works very hard to balance academics and tennis. He is on the court 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week. His older brother, Aneesh is in first year college at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC.

Outstanding student award for Shahzeab Khan India Post News Service

SKOKIE: Mayor George Van Dusen of Skokie presented Shahzeab Khan with Outstanding Artist Award on March 14 at North Shore Community Center in Niles for his outstanding artistic work that sought to project underlying unity among all religions; emphasizing that there is One God for all. Shahzeab Khan with his Indian roots studies in Sixth grade at Lincoln Junior High School in Skokie. He is rated one of the best students with Gold Honor Roll, has a

proven artistic talent, is a winner of medal in local chess tournament and is the Vice President of Students Government. His father Ameer Khan, hailing from Hyderabad, is a Civil Engineer with IDOT. His grandfather was a well known figure in Hyderabad attached to Nawab Wajid Ali Khan as the Superintendent of Police.

Shahzeab Khan

Kalapriya collaborating in arts space project SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: Kalapriya, Center for Indian Performing Arts is participating as a resident company in the Chicago Human Rhythm Project (CHRP). The CHRP agency has announced the establishment of the Collaborative Space for Sustainable Development (CSSDworking title), which will serve as a shared, affordable and eventually self-sufficient education, rehearsal and administrative facility for arts organizations. CHRP on behalf of CSSD has secured

financial support of more than $500,000 to date. The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is providing $275,000 over four years toward the CSSD's development and implementation. This crucial contribution follows lead support for program development from The Boeing Company, The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, Pamela Crutchfield and the Arts Work Fund for Organizational Development. Most recently, the Gaylord & Dorothy

Donnelley Foundation approved $120,000 of support and the James S. Kemper Foundation and the Polk Bros. Foundation committed funding. Jenner & Block LLP and ProTen Realty Group are providing pro bono support. Initial funding has supported the hiring of respected arts administrator Suellen Burns as program director. CSSD has a lead space option in downtown Chicago and continues to pursue additional funding, which would facilitate a

development timeline culminating in a grand opening in fall 2011. Most cultural institutions in the United States, regardless of size, have experienced declining ticket revenue while education programs have held steady or grown. The medium to long-term trend may require cultural institutions to recalibrate the balance between performance and education, and CSSD will create a sustainable platform for that purpose.

Community/California

April 1, 2011

Cal News Manthan Dance Group launches website & logo India Post News Service

SANTA CLARA, CA: Manthan Dance Group (www.manthanarts.com) inaugurated its logo and website on March 7 at Dosai Place here. Manthan is a non-profit dance and performing arts group comprising a diverse team of young talented artists. Manthan's main organizer Jyotsna Bendapudi and her team invited Chief Guests Dr Romesh Japra (FIA Convener & Chairman), Jayaram Komati (TANA President & FIA Past President), Rajesh Verma (FIA President), Sameer Patkar (VP, Famous IT Company) for lighting the traditional lamp for an auspicious beginning. Details on page 18

Inclement weather fails to deter Holi revelers VICTORIA TRUVER

RIVERSIDE: The cold, rainy and windy weather could not deter the more than 800 devotees who came to celebrate Holi at Riverside's Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir. A Havan fire had been set up on the floor in front of the main altar of Shri Lakshmi Narayan. The devotees, including many young children, sat in a circle around the fire and threw rice in it. As the Havan fire slowly burned down, Vishnu Sahasranaam was recited. After announcements by President Bhoodev Tiwari, the three Mandir priests Pandit Seshacharya Samudrala.

India Post 17

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Rain fails to dampen joyous Fremont Temple Holi RAKESH KAPOOR

Dr Romesh Japra (Chairman) introducing the new priest to the people, Ex left Leela Mathur (Religiuous Chair), Veena Birla and Manorma Joshi both Trustees Ex right

Divya Jyoti group singing bhajans in temple (Pics Rakesh Kapoor)

FREMONT: In spite of bad whether, Holi festival was celebrated with great joy at the Fremont Hindu Temple by devotees, priests and the Temple management and staff. People were meeting, greeting and hugging each other and dancing to the tune of cultural program or at the beats of dhol by Sardar Lal Singh Bhatti.

painting the faces and bodies as well with the different colors. Some faces were piled with so much color that even their known people had a hard time recognizing them. As the music beat started floating in the air, the audience sitting in the tent started coming out and dancing in their own style and creating the atmosphere

the sponsor, the owners of Renu Auto and the team of temple volunteers. There were stalls for colors. The thandai (spicy and sweet drink with the extract of almonds and cardamom) was being served to visitors. Over 20-30 people registered themselves on stall of the Brahamkumaris who displayed their teachings and programs. On

present to celebrate and enjoy the Holi. Most of the board members were there with their families. Prominent among them were Dr Romesh Japra, Chairman, Rajesh Verma, Co-Chairman, Manorma Joshi, Treasurer, Veena Birla, Asst. Treasurer, Madhu Shahani, Youth & Sports Chair, Leela Mathur, Religious Chair, Deepak Chhabra,

Vijaya Aasuri, Cultural Chair holding the stage Details on page 20

BAPS conference celebrates 100 years of Women's Day India Post News Service

Holi is really a peculiar kind of festival. Instead of celebrating it, we play it, enjoy it and that is what actually the participants did it at the Fremont Hindu Temple. Dry color Gulal in different shades was being thrown in the air and on groups of Holi players. But the Rain God (Inder Devta) was there too, off and on, for the watery contribution to make the colors more prominent on the faces of all and sundry. Rain intervened to delay the festivities by half an hour on 20th of March. The festival started at about 11.30 am. In the beginning people feared the rain would spoil all the fun. But gradually it started gathering pace as little kids began their power packed performance on the stage before people sitting under the tent hiding from the rain. Even as Bolywoodmasti songs were creating dhamaal on stage, the younger generation started

of fun and amusement. Management team of the temple had already erected the tents in advance so that cold and rain do

another stall, about 70 registrations were made for the bone-marrow program. Inside the main temple, regular Aarti was per-

Taruna & Tina having fun

not spoil the fun of Holi players. Throughout the day the kitchen was busy making pakoras, tea, snacks and then lunch for the visitors and this whole credit goes to

formed after the Bhajans by the DivyaJyoti (Mata Shatrupaji fame) Group of devotees. There were thousands of visitors and devotees who were

Event Chair, Dharminder Dewan, Education Chair, Vijaya Aasuri, Cultural Chair, Rekha Malik, Preetibhoj Chair, Sudesh Kumari, Kitchen Chair, Amrit Chugh, Seniors' Coordinator, and Vijay Thapar, Publicity/Media. All the priests such as Pt. Govind Srinivasan, Pt. Ranganath Sharma, Pt. Brij Bhushan and Pt.Visham Krishtipatiall and Administrators Rakesh Kapoor, Trilok Kumar, Govind & Anitha Paumarthi and Arvind Kotah. The celebrations lasted for almost six hours continuously and there were seen some people saying that they have never seen such a nicely organized, joyous and playful Holi in Fremont. Rakesh Kapoor is Administrator, Fremont Hindu Temple More pics on page 21

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Manthan Dance Group launches website & logo India Post News Service

Manthan Dance Group

Vinay Yadappanavar and Madhavi Jain from Manthan team discussed the creative aspects of the show. The Chief Guests were presented with bouquets. Dr Romesh Japra launched Manthan's logo and Jayaram Komati launched the

Shubh Diya

The program was kicked off with a brief introduction and a presentation by Jyotsna Bendapudi. She shared the details of their past experience. The team has been successfully organizing and performing an annual Diwali show for a large IT company for the past five years, with a consistent turnout of 1500 people from multi-cultural and diverse backgrounds.

ergy and enthusiasm in the Manthan team. Jayaram applauded the team for promoting Indian culture and heritage and encouraged the group to become a success. He also ensured support from TANA. Rajesh Verma showed support on behalf of FIA and Fremont Temple. He was thrilled to see the creativity of the new group. Sameer congratulated the IT professionals and their supporting families for organizing such huge events and providing service to the community. Manthan team presented the chief guests with mementos as a token to remember the event. This was followed by the sumptuous dinner served by Dosai place. The platinum sponsors for Manthan include Dosai place, Scopus Consulting Group, PNG Jewellers, Ad-

Manthan Dance Group presentation

vent Technologies. Media Sponsors for Manthan are Sitaarre TV and TV9. Jyotsna Bendapudi ended the event with a thank you note to the chief guests and also thanked her team Vinay Yadappanavar, Madhavi Jain, Lakshmi Albright, Deepak Arora, Devi Seetharaman, Arvind Kotha, Keshava Rangarajan, Tony Sehgal, Karam

(SEF). The dance show will be held at Jain Temple Auditorium, Milpitas on April 16 at 7 pm. It was revealed that Manthan is a one-of-a-kind show with 120+ performers and three hours of nonstop entertainment. Most of the performers are professional dancers and models with previous stage experience. The theme based show includes dance, drama, film,

website in a high tech fashion by projecting on a slide screen. Rajesh Verma and Sameer Patkar lit the shubh diyas. The Chief Guests expressed their views. Dr Japra said that he was reminded of his yesteryears where he had followed his interests with energy and had participated/ achieved multiple goals. He was very pleased to see the same enManthan introduction

Welcoming Chief Guest

Saini, Madhu Thotakura and Ajay Patwardhan. The presentation continued with talk about Manthan's upcoming show details. Manthan presents E-Motion, a dance show based on a very unique theme, a modern contemporary interpretation of an ancient art. All proceeds go to Sankara Eye Foundation

visual arts and music. It has a variety of dance styles performed by both Indians and non-Indians. There is also a separate segment performed by kids and a professional fashion show. Manthan's goal is to showcase their talent and divert all the proceeds to a charity that works for a genuine cause.

April 1, 2011

Community/California

India Post 19

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Nithyananda's Mission is bouncing back, says official India Post News Service

MONTCLAIR, CA: Life Bliss Foundation and its founder Paramahamsa Nithyananda have filed a defamation suit against Sun TV et al for broadcasting a false, morphed video purportedly showing Nithyananda in a sex scandal at his ashram in Karnataka, India. NithyaBhaktananda Swami, a senior official from Life Bliss Foundation, elaborated on the events leading up to the defamation suit. He said that "shortly after the manipulated video aired in March 2010, Nithyananda was illegally arrested and imprisoned for 53 days in a Karnataka, India jail." Sun TV is India's largest cable network, and is carried by Dish Network in the United States. Bhaktananda Swami, a close disciple since 2003, was also arrested along with Paramahamsa Nithyananda and spent 53 days in jail. He opened his statements by showing a seven-minute video, which highlighted the purpose and charitable activities of Nithyananda's global mission, as well as a clip of the morphed video,

which Sun TV aired repeatedly and uploaded online through thousands of computers, essentially jamming the Internet. The Swami said, "The video also showed the resilience of Paramahamsa Nithyananda in the face of religious persecution and unlawful imprisonment, as he continues to radiate compassion and ahimsa (non-violence), and reach thousands of people around the world through his programs and daily discourses via live video streaming. Today, his organization has temples across the U.S. and India, and thousands of centers globally." He said similar legal action is being taken against Sun TV in India. Sun TV, headquartered in Tamil Nadu, India, has publicly identified itself as an atheist organization. Paramahamsa Nithyananda, a native of Tamil Nadu, has exploded in popularity over the past several years teaching the ancient

Press Conference

Vedic sciences. Bhaktananda Swami said that several groups, including anti-Hindu and anti-religion, were threatened by the rapid growth and astonishing success of Nithyananda's mission. These forces, including Sun TV, conspired to broadcast the false video with malicious intent to harm Nithyananda's reputation and his worldwide mission. In the defamation suit, Nithyananda asserts that the defendants at all times were fully aware that the news broadcast about the sex scandal was false. In addition, the defendants "did not exercise due diligence in verifying the veracity of the contents

In the defamation suit, Nithyananda asserts that the defendants at all times were fully aware that the news broadcast about the sex scandal was false. In addition, the defendants

Bhaktananda Swami

therein and published the information with an intent to cause harm to the plaintiff." Bhaktananda Swami said that as a result of the proliferation of the fabricated video on the air and online, Nithyananda's mission has experienced major losses in the US and also traumatized devotees. It lost public and financial support on a global scale. "Despite these recent setbacks, Paramahamsa Nithyananda and his devotees are committed to fighting with every legal means at their disposal, placing trust in the judicial systems of both India and the US," he said. In closing, Bhaktananda Swami said that despite this ongoing re-

Swan logo

ligious persecution, the organization stands behind its faith in Dharma, and will continue to give, share, care and love. He also appealed to the public to come and visit the temples, and enjoy all that is offered including yoga, dhyana (meditation), bhakti (devotion), gnana (life solutions) and seva (social service).

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Inclement weather fails to deter Holi revelers VICTORIA TRUVER

Skoll award for Madhav Chavan and Pratham India post News Service

Head Priest Dr. Shukavak Dasa recites slokas while devotees place rice into Havan fire

on Lakshmi Naryan and then on each other. Mandir officials soon joined in the fun taking place on the main altar. Suma Hareesh and Raji Chakrapani held the arati thalis ready for aarti and sang a Holi song. As expected, the children were anxious to be-

Mandir officials stop to pose with children during Holi celebration

Narayan. The devotees, including many young children, sat in a circle around the fire and threw rice in it. As the Havan fire slowly burned down, Vishnu Sahasranaam was recited. After announcements by President Bhoodev Tiwari, the three Mandir priests Pandit Seshacharya Samudrala, Pandit Vipul Jani and Pandit Shukavak Dasa put Holi colors

gin playing with the Holi color but they had to wait until the Holika fire was lit in the parking lot. The delicious Maha Prasad looked so enticing that everyone stopped to have a meal first. Only then did the Holi play begin in earnest. After a few hours of play, everyone was ready to head home and get cleaned up, contented with this year's Holi celebration.

Local college students joined in the Holi revelry

Over 800 attended the event

PALO ALTO, CA: The Skoll Foundation has named Madhav Chavan and Pratham as 2011 recipients of the Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship. Each year the Skoll Foundation chooses a select group of social entrepreneurs and their organizations working around the world in the areas of tolerance and human rights, health, environmental sustainability, peace and security, and economic and social equity. In conjunction with this award, Pratham will receive a three-year $1,235,000 grant from the Skoll Foundation to create an institution dedicated to identification, training, and nurturing of leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs who will not only continue to run Pratham programs around the country but who will also independently build new ideas and strengthen efforts in the area of education in the country. The global network of now 85 Skoll social entrepreneurs and 70 organizations includes Dr. Paul Farmer/Partners in Health, John Wood/Room to Read, and Wendy Kopp/Teach for All. The Skoll Awards program provides social entrepreneurs who have achieved significant impact with unrestricted funding to further extend their reach. "Madhav Chavan is transforming India's approach to children's literacy and education," said Sally Osberg, President and CEO of the Skoll Foundation. "Chavan's unwavering insistence on universal education, and his work to engage community volun-

teers in the quest for literacy, has already reached more than 34 million children, offering a proven model for the entire world." Along with Madhav Chavan, the other 2011 Skoll Awardees are: Ned Breslin/Water for People, Rebecca Onie/Health Leads, and Ellen Moir/New Teacher Center. "We are honored to have Pratham join the Skoll family and be recognized along with its peers tackling social and economic challenges

Madhav Chavan

across the globe," said Atul Varadhachary, President of Pratham USA. Madhav Chavan will be presented with the Skoll Award by Jeff Skoll, Skoll Foundation founder and Chairman, and Sally Osberg, Skoll Foundation President and CEO, on March 31 at the University of Oxford at the eight annual Skoll World Forum. The Skoll World Forum on Social Entrepreneurship is the premier, international platform for accelerating entrepreneurial approaches and innovative solutions to the world's most pressing social issues.

Sikh teens join interfaith dialogue India Post News Service

Twenty-three teenagers from the Sikh community took part in the 7th Annual Interfaith Youth Dialogue sponsored by the Interfaith Council of Central Orange County on March 13. The event was a tremendous success with about 120 high school teens and 25 adults participating in a discussion on the theme of Environment. Each discussion table group consisted of a teen from each faith, along with a facilitator, coming together to tackle difficult questions regarding their faith's view of nature and the responsibility of their community to protect the environment. There was a presentation on Buddhism and a demonstration of Buddhist prayers, which was enlightening for all who attended. The discussions were stimulating, energetic and productive of interfaith understanding and respect. In discussing the Sikh approach to the issues presented, the teens had to research and prepare beforehand, advancing their own understanding of their faith. They discussed Baani with reference to nature, Sikh Environment Day being celebrated on March 14, and the Eco-Sikh initiative.

The youth did an exemplary job of communication in an articulate and respectful manner. The following teens represented the Sikh community: Anupreet Kaur, Simran Kaur, Seerat Kaur Saini, Simran Kaur Chadha, Navjot Kaur Mehrok, Sharon Kaur Chawla, Roopkamal Kaur, Simron Kaur Kahlon, Jasmine Kaur Kaura, Nimarta Kaur,

In discussing the Sikh approach to the issues presented, the teens had to research and prepare beforehand, advancing their own understanding of their faith Taskeen Kaur, Keerit Kaur Kohli, Sukhmani Kaur Charaia, Arjun Singh Ahuja, Gurdev Singh Anand, Angad Singh Gogia, Navdeep Singh Sodhi, Kabir Singh Gogia, Harji Singh Charaia, Veeraj Singh Chugh, Roopinder Singh, Kabir Singh Jhita and Gurveer Singh Dhillon.

Community/California

April 1, 2011

India Post 21

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Rain fails to dampen joyous Fremont Temple Holi

Dr Japra having fun with his grand-daughter, Leela ji in foreground

Deepak Chhabra, Event Chair at color booth

Neelam Kapoor, Tina & Mrs Amrit Chugh

Tina, Kanika & Taruna having Holi ki masti

Kids performing on stage

L-R: Dharminder Dewan, Leela Mathur, Rajesh Verma, Nandini & Neelam

Mr. Suri with Trilok Kumar

L-R: Leela Mathur, Rajesh Verma, Nandini Verma & Neelam Kapoor

Tina, Shalini and Madhu Shahani (Youth & Sports chair)

(Pics Rakesh Kapoor )

22 India Post

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April 1, 2011

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BAPS conference celebrates 100 years of Women's Day India Post News Service

MILPITAS, CA: March 19 marked the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day. BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) commemorated this day with its 4th annual Women's Conference in Milpitas on the afternoon of March 19. Conference organizer Heena S. Patel said, "BAPS is committed to the enrichment of women, and we feel incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to participate in this global celebration right here in Milpitas." International Women's Day was on March 8, and it was celebrated with several thousand events around the world. As an organization with consultative status with the United Nations, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is taking an active role in honoring the achievements and contributions of women. The NGO, is commitment to the service of others, has over 160 humanitarian activities including women's development programs ranging from women's literacy to health and wellness education to postdisaster safety and support to helping women secure livelihoods for their families. Themed "Honoring the Past, Envisioning the Future" the con-

Sucharita Biswas leads the Women's Conference assembly with prayers for the victims of Japan Tsunami and world peace

Dancers of Bharathakala Kutiram, the school of Bharatnatyam depict how to follow Hindu rites and rituals

ference allowed for a positive and rich collection of dialogues, performances and exchanges. The program highlighted the role of women in India's history and cultural heritage, the impact of the practices and principles of Hinduism in the life of women, and the opportunities and challenges that face the Indian female Diaspora today. BAPS brought together 200 women from across the Bay Area community and inspired ideas of

swer session Pratima Patel explored how Hema Patel, a 2nd year law student, Pooja Khacchia, a senior in high school, and Kirtida Patel, a software engineer maintain Hindu identity in North America. Topics discussed included the benefits of mandir, prayer, and vegetarianism. Pooja Kacchia stated how "Being a Hindu woman, I have carried my values with me and these values have allowed me to make my decisions of avoiding drugs and alcohol," when explaining the benefits of the teachings she learned from the mandir. Jayanthi Shridharan, director

"Being a Hindu woman, I have carried my values with me and these values have allowed me to make my decisions of avoiding drugs and alcohol," she said explaining the benefits of the teachings she learned from the mandir the positive development of future generations of women. Nikshita Patel discussed how we could honor and maintain the values of our history as a woman in today's society. Using the example of how Sita, Lord Rama's wife, teaches us how to be strong, unconditionally love, the importance of education, and to have true faith. Afterwards, in a question-an-

of the Bharathakala Kutiram, a renowned Bay Area school for Bharatanatyam, choreographed a classical dance-drama that depicted the central Hindu rites and rituals of a woman's life. The dance illuminated the 16 samskaras, or rites of passage, and illustrated key everyday rituals such as aarti and puja through this traditional Indian dance form.

Kalgi Parmar shared how mandir is a contemporary forum for women to connect with their heritage. "Mandir is a place where Vedic teachings come to life," she said. "The conference empowered women not just to learn about our culture, but to take pride and apply its eternal teachings in our daily lives," said conference participant Heli Patel. The Milpitas BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir has hosted the Women's Conference annually since 2008. Past conference themes have emphasized the importance of investing in the lives of women and girls, the role of women in their family and community, as well as women's health, wellness and balanced development. "It was wonderful to be a part of an event that had so many remarkable women gathered together with the same goal: to build a sustainable future for women. In the networking hours before and after the event, seeing women engaged in this positive dialogue about our shared values really allows me to visualize our guru, Pramukh Swami Maharaj's words 'The Future is Bright,' said Janki Patel, a BAPS volunteer. In March 2011, BAPS hosted Women's Conference in 20 of its North American mandirs, including New York City, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, and Toronto.

Horoscope

April 1, 2011

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Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar

APRIL 1ST TO APRIL 7TH ARIES (MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20)

TAURUS (APRIL 21 TO MAY 20)

hanges will make you nervous. Feel confident about steps you have taken recently as the results will start coming in soon. Money wise you will stay comfortable as expenses will come down a lot. You may call an old friend and invite him for lunch. You will benefit a lot from some one very fair and with blue eyes.

lanet Mercury is in house of loss so avoid signing any paper or contract in a hurry. Efforts will not go waste and there will be some more positive changes in career. A colleague may invite you for a get together at his place. Long awaited clearance can come during the week from a government agency.

GEMINI (MAY 21 TO JUNE 20)

CANCER (JUNE 21 TO JULY 22)

ou will enjoy company of a new colleague or friend. Meetings will go well and you will be given green signal. Boss will call you to discuss an important issue. Money wise you will stay comfortable. You may also start working on a business idea given by a close friend. You will spend money on one of your vehicle.

LEO (JULY 23 TO AUGUST 22)

hings will get little slow this week but do not panic and continue to work on your plans and stay connected with people on the other side. Money you need will get arranged on last minute. Some one too close will try to take undue advantage of your generosity. Do not stretch your limits or compromise with principles.

lanets in house of luck should continue to pro vide the much needed boost in life. Money can continue to pour in from various places. There should be some fortunate changes in career too. Stocks will appreciate and refund can come this week.

VIRGO (AUGUST 23 TO SEPTEMBER 22)

any positive things will happen in a dramatic way this week. You will receive help from powerful people. Lucky break you had been praying for will become a reality this week. You will feel lucky in all money matters and achieve your goals quickly. You may call an old and trusted person for some advice.

SCORPIO (OCTOBER 23 TO NOVEMBER 22)

LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 23 TO OCTOBER 22)

hings will improve all of a sudden. Concentration of planets in fifth will help you achieve your goals in fist shot. There will be big improvement in career too. People in business will make new and important clients. Trip will not only be beneficial but will also boost your morales in a big way.

ou will gain edge over your opponents. A clear victory possible in ongoing litigation. You will be selected among large number of candidates for the job. Money will come but lot less than your immediate needs. You will be making plans with family to visit a nice place in upcoming short holidays.

SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 22)

CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 19)

old actions will get the work done and you will quickly jump to next level. Answer will come in positive for the emails you write. Mind will be slightly restless as you will not be able to make up your mind about traveling overseas because of other commitments. Refund may come this week.

ind will be at ease as you will overcome many obstacles of the past and look forward to make a fresh start in life. Bank balance will continue to grow slowly. You will maintain a tough stand when it comes to negotiations and get what you really deserve. A long distance tip is in the air.

AQUARIUS (JANUARY 20 TO FEBRUARY 18)

PISCES (FEBRUARY 19 TO MARCH 20)

trong Venus in first will help you resolve many is sues haunting you in the past. Property deal will close soon and you will get indications of upcoming positive changes in career. You may be writing a check to government also. Eye sight may need to be tested again. You will plan a short family vacation.

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

government agency may seek more information before giving final clearance. Things will get more relaxing at work as you will finish the project well before deadline. You will be doing some work or cleaning up in or around the house. You will enjoy an evening with an old friend and discuss some business plans.

925-833-7170 website: www.parashar.com

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Mit Jaaye Ghum: Dum Maaro Dum 2 Le Ja Tu Mujhe: F.A.L.T.U 3 Sadi Gali: Tanu Weds Manu 4 Maine Yeh Kab Socha Tha: Game

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5 Sararara : Yeh Saali Zindagi

April 1, 2011

ts a regular affair for Deepika Padukone to gets gifts and mails delivered to her house from her fans. If its soft toys one day, its chocolates to greeting cards the next. However, this time, the actress received very unusual gifts. DP was back from Bhopal after the shooting of her upcoming film Aarakshan, and was petrified to find nine skirts sent to her! This is the first time she has got such an unusual gift. A source reveals, "Usually her fan mail is kept in a separate room. So whenever she comes back from outdoor shoots, she personally sits and reads through each one. There are times when she's replied to her fan's letters as well. But nothing prepared her for nine skirts!" The actress feels that these skirts are the reactions to her Dum Maro Dum number where she exposes lot of leg. The length of the skirts vary. "Some are extremely long, while others are short." says the source. Deepika reacts, "I've just come home. It has just hit me. It's all because of Dum Maaro Dum."

6 TJiyein Kyun: Dum Maaro Dum 7 Mere Bachche (Lullaby): Satrangee Parachute 8 Ya Maula: Yeh Dooriyan 9 Razia: Thank You 10 Ringa Ringa Roses: Yeh Dooriyan

Kashmera item

ohn Abraham had a bad fall while shooting for a stunt scene for Vipul Shah's "Force". The stunt required him to jump from one moving goods train to another. Instead of landing on his feet, he lost his balance and fell on his back over a heap of stones. The actor was severely injured and suffered as many as 40 injury marks on his back. Despite being given immediate medical attention, John was visibly in discomfort. But he braved it out and finished the shot he was required to. A source who was present on the sets said, "This happened at the Jogeshwari yard (Mumbai). John had a bad fall and his entire back was injured." Producer Vipul Shah said, "We were shooting a scene with two moving goods trains. John had to jump from one to another. Although all precautions were taken, this is something that can never be controlled. He was supposed to land on his feet but he fell on his back, and the compartment of the goods train was full of stones. The impact with which he fell down on the stones was huge and that's why he got hurt badly. Both my director, Nishikant Kamath, and I, were extremely scared that he might have injured his spinal chord. His back had as many as 40 injury marks. We somehow finished the shot as it was the last day of this schedule. He is now resting." Wish you a speedy recovery, John.

ashmera Shah, who has been in the news for her topless calendar shoot recently, has shot for an item number for NRI filmmaker Manan Singh Katohara's "9 Eleven", touted as the first Hindi film shot entirely in Washington. Kashmera, who is seen more on the small screen than in movies these days, will be shaking a leg in a song called "Let's do chummaalingan". The item song is composed by Jatin Pandit, who earlier worked on films like "Khiladi", "Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander" and "Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge". The lyrics have been penned by Sanjay Chhel. "9 Eleven" is made under the banner of Amar Durga Films and JMD Creations. The film portrays the life of 10 people from different walks of life thrown together in an unfamiliar place and terrorised by an unknown entity.

April 1, 2011

Bollywood

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alman Khan and the unit of "Ready"returned home after a 40-day schedule in Bangkok. And with them came the news that an ex-girlfriend may have made a comeback in Sallu's life. Fed up of going back and forth with Katrina, it seems Sallu is giving his old love a second chance. Somy Ali with whom he shares old passions and an abiding friendship joined the star during the last leg of the shoot, much to the amusement of the unitwallahs. While the rest of the crew stayed at Hotel Sukumvit, Sallu and Somy stayed at the luxurious Hotel Landmark. Ali,who is based in the United States, arrived in Bangkok at the end of February and stayed on till the star's return to Mumbai. "She and Salman would spend a lot of time together after the day's shoot would get over. They were seen shopping in various places in Bangkok and looked happy and comfortable like two people who have been with each other for many years," a source confirmed. "All through her stay Salman was very protective of Somy. She did not come on the sets but he was with her all the time after the shoot. They were quiet discreet about the whole thing," he added.

fter two years' break from acting, Preity Zinta has decided to wear the grease paint, but before that she has to get back in shape. "This year for me is about getting back into movies and the entertainment industry. I had let myself go for some time because I had taken a break. I had put on sevenand-a-half kg. But then I lost all of it because I can't afford to look like that in a film," Preity says. Asked to reveal the names of the projects she is working on, the 36year-old declined. "I'll start working on films this year for sure, but my lips are sealed. Announcement will come from the producers. But I'll be doing some real cool films," she added.

Labour class

e might be called the Badshah of Bollywood, but superstar Shah Rukh Khan consid ers himself labour class. "I consider myself labour class as I like to maintain an active lifestyle. I like to work all day round and when it is taken away, it affects me mentally. And that percolated down to my family... as a result, everyone in my house also becomes sad," said Shah Rukh while speaking at the India Today Conclave. The actor has been dealing with a problematic back for a long time which has slowed him down. Shah Rukh says he enjoys sharing his life with his fans as he has worked hard to achieve where he stands today. "All my life I have worked so that I can be recognised. I want thousands of people to scream my name out. I want girls and youngsters to tear my clothes. I have worked very hard to achieve this, then I find it very stupid when I see stars hiding their faces. "I want to be disturbed and troubled by people for as many years possible. I want to be remembered as 'he tried and he tried very hard'," he added.

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KAVITA ARORA India Post News Service

o sellout crowds of approximately 20,000 in each city, Canadian rocker Bryan Adams, Keith Douglas Scott on guitar, Michael Timothy Curry on drums and Bryan's band captivated Indian audiences with their classic hit songs at MMRDA Grounds in Mumbai on March 12, Palace Grounds in Bengaluru on March 13, and at the HITEX Exhibition Center in Hyderabad on March 16. Micromax was the title sponsor of the shows. The headliner, Bryan Adams, raised money in India's largest production of

the year, for Save the Children, a charity founded by Sunil Shetty. Bryan awarded a grant to the NGO he supports in India, IIMPACT and Netsurf Entertainment tied-up with Mana and Sunil Shetty's 'Save the Children India,' that works for underprivileged children. "We are grateful to Netsurf Entertainment for giving us this opportunity to tie-up with a global icon like Bryan Adams to promote a benevolent initia-

tive such as 'Save the Children' and choreographer Sharmilla Khanna for hosting the VVIP guests at all the venues," said Mana Shetty, Trustee, Save the Children, India.

A mixed audience of teenyboppers to middle aged folks and older adults in each of these cities put their hands together for classics of Bryan Adams

A mixed audience of teenyboppers to middle aged folks and older adults in each of these cities put their hands together for classics such as "Summer Of 69," "Run To You," "18 Till I Die," and "Everything I Do," as well as songs from his latest album, Bare Bones, Bryan's collection of work spanning three decades. Gouri Balachandran held her own singing "When You're Gone" and must

April 1, 2011

have felt like the only girl in the world at the Mumbai show, as she was pulled on stage to sing along with Bryan. Gouri said, "I don't know how Bryan picked me. Singing a duet with him on my favorite track, was incredible." "The Bryan Adams concert is a great way to celebrate and applaud music as a way to connect with masses and touch the chord with audience across the globe, said Rahul Sharma, Executive Director, Micromax, India. This was Bryan's fifth visit to India, but this production was one of the biggest of the year, even bigger than the Michael Jackson show, with giant LED screens flown especially from the UK

and a crew of approximately 38 people. "We are thrilled to be associated with the iconic Bryan Adam for his multi-city tour in India. The effort of arranging a charter plane to transport equipment weighing over 22,000 pounds, arranging private kitchens, and 100 white towels has definitely paid off. We look forward to a long lasting association with the legend," said Sujit Jain, Managing Director, Netsurf Entertainment.

Bryan Adams perfoms at Bangalore

Akbar Sami performs at the Bryan Adams Concert for Save the Children in Bangalore

During the tour, Bryan very humbly agreed to take an early morning economy class flight since business class seat was not available. Check Donation: Sujit Jain, Bikram Basu, Mana Shetty, Bryan Adams, and Sunil Shetty

Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 28

April 1, 2011

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Equipping & inspiring pageant participants India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: Beyond the Beauty Leadership Academy is a nonprofit subsidiary of Virgelia Productions, Inc. This unique program is designed to equip and inspire delegates of the Miss Asia USA, Mrs. Asia USA and Miss Latina Global Cultural Pageants to excel in life, business and philanthropy. The delegates will gain elite training towards becoming future executives, thought-leaders, philanthropists and trend-setters. The Leadership Academy was developed and will be delivered by a dynamic gentleman who is very familiar with achieving world-class results. Chris Bryant is a former Director of Staff Development and Company Speaker for the legendary RitzCarlton Hotel Company where he led a staff of nearly 1,000 employees at the largest RitzCarlton in North America to a #1 ranking in staff performance. His five star insight and eye for excellence is sought-after from clients that include Bank of America, Madison Square Garden, Chrysler, Mattel, Nestle and the U.S. Department of Treasury to name a

few. He's been featured in national media and writes a monthly column for a major newspaper.

Chris Bryant said, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I see the pageant as a tremendous platform. I'm excited to work with Virgelia in equipping the delegates to become as known for their influence, impact and inspiration as they are for their beautyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Chris Bryant said, "I see the pageant as a tremendous platform. I'm excited to work with Virgelia in equipping the delegates to become as known for their influence, impact and inspiration as they are for their beauty."

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Bryan rocks: Classic hits captivate Indian audiences Cont’d from page 26

A very down-to-earth Bryan gushed as he talked about the positive and overwhelming response Indian audiences have had towards his music noting that "my band and I were the first to do a big outdoor concert in Mumbai back in the 1990s and we are proud of this." Aside from the hectic schedule during the concert, Bryan also spent time doing photography and visiting temples while in India. The concert also featured opening performances by Akbar Sami and Shiamak Davar and music lovers couldn't have expected a better start to the concert or to the year. Akbar Sami told India Post that he became involved with the show though his connection with Jahan and Sunil Shetty, with whom he had worked in the past. Akbar noted, "I had to entertain large crowds for two to three hours while keeping in mind the different taste in music of audiences in the diverse cities. “I loved playing at Bengaluru and Mumbai because the energy levels were very high and the response from the crowd was fantastic, especially when I played evergreen songs like "Stairway to Heaven," "Black Magic Woman," and even the back-

stage crew was having a blast listening to tunes like 'Hotel California," and other classics. "I still can't get over the voices of so many people singing along to the tunes I was playing one after the other, the memories of meeting so many new people at each city, and the quick morning breakfast just before

opportunity and made an impromptu suggestion of performing two opening acts. "From ages, we have all loved Bryan Adams songs. His songs are evergreen so all age groups can relate to them. My favorites are "Run to you," "Summer of 69," and "Here I am," Shiamak Davar told India Post.

When asked about Bryan, Akbar Sami said ‘Bryan is an awesome artist and a very good person too. My favorite songs of his are ‘Cuts like a knife,’ ‘Everything I do,’ ‘18 till I die,’ ‘Summer of 69;’ gosh, most of them’ running to the airport to fly to another city for another show," he added. When asked about Bryan, Akbar Sami said "Bryan is an awesome artist and a very good person too. My favorite songs of his are "Cuts like a knife," "Everything I do," "18 till I die," "Summer of 69;" gosh, most of them." When Shiamak heard that one of his favorite Canadian singers was visiting India, he seized the

"Opening for the legend in Mumbai and Bengaluru was a true high and I shall never forget it. I sang three songs and had my dance company perform with me. I sang, "I want To Break Free," "With or Without You," and "We Will Rock You." The feedback was like wow. It's so humbling when you are performing on the ground and all are just cheering for you," added Shiamak. "After Bryan

Stylish new Indian radio in Bay Area India Post News Service

SAN FRANCISCO: From AM to FM - In the AM and in the PM - Entertainment now has a new name - Radio Dehotties - A stylish new Indian Radio creating waves across the airwaves in the San Francisco Bay Area airing on 96.1 FM/ 103.3 FM and 1450 AM. Mahima Creations, a leading Media-Marketing and Content Production firm here in the Bay Area with several blockbuster Radio attractions to its credit such as the hilarious entertainer Bay Area Bak Bak, the classical music show Raga Sudha Rasa, the peppy morning drive show Good Morning Bay now have launched "Radio Dehotties- Dehatis with ishtyle" that airs on the largest Indian FM here in the Bay Area 96.1 FM while also airing on the Oldest Indian Radio Station here in the Bay Area 1450 AM. The legendary Bollywood Music Trio, Shankar - Ehsaan Loy launched the FM initiative of Radio Dehotties on Saturday March 5. The first of its kind Hybrid Indian Radio Network, Radio Dehotties will air on 96.1 FM / 103.3 FM (San Martin) and also

on 1450 AM. Radio Dehotties will also be a 24/7 Internet radio which will be made accessible through mobile applications as well featuring live shows, caller interaction and all the blockbuster entertainers put together by Mahima Creations, Inc. Currently Radio Dehotties airs on 96.1 FM during morning drive on weekdays and primetimes on weekends.

‘It is all about connecting with the kind, warm, giving and true of heart ‘Dehati’ in every one of us here’ Mahima Creations has been popular for the diversity in programming and for the unity brought about by the pervading sentiment of "Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani" in all of their shows which cater to an audience as diverse as India itself with full fledged entertainers like Bay AREA BAK BAK, Lunch With Altu Phaltu, Geet Gaata Chal, The

Night Show, and highly acclaimed regional entertainers such as Tamizh Darbar(Tamil), Gandhada Gudi(Kannada), Sunday Sandadi(Telugu), Jalsa Ghar (Bengali), Anjarai Petti (Tamil). Aside from their signature high energy entertainers, Radio Dehotties will also feature the critically acclaimed and muchloved "Raga Sudha Rasa" featuring Hindustani and Carnatic Classical Music for the listening pleasure of all the aspiring musicians and music lovers in the area. For a detailed show by show listing of the Radio Dehotties Schedule, visit www.mahimacreations.com For all the discerning listeners in the Bay Area, now there is an option, a better alternative with Radio Dehotties. In the words of Mahima, the founder of Mahima Creations, "It is all about connecting with the kind, warm, giving and true of heart "Dehati" in every one of us here and cherishing everything beautiful about our culture and heritage". Radio Dehotties will carry this vision across the airwaves of 96.1 FM/ 103.3 FM and 1450 AM for now and eventually across other frequencies and also on the world wide web.

Shiamak Davar on tour with Bryan Adams

performed at the concert, we had a great chat in Bengaluru. I didn't realize that he knew a lot about me and my work. Bryan's a really cool dude," added Shiamak. Dozens of Bollywood celebrities flocked the concerts. Akshaye Khanna, Priety Zinta, Rani Mukherji, Kunal Ganjawala, Deepika Padukone and Anoushka Sharma were among the elite group that attended the show in Mumbai. Other celebrities wanted to attend but they had date conflicts. For instance, Sonu Nigam couldn't attend and when asked, he said, "I had my own concert that day." "Just as I was rehearsing for my act, a song called '"Let's Go For Glory," for the ICC World Cup opening ceremony in Dhaka, I heard someone standing in front of me with a guitar in his hand and a hat singing my song to me with a smile. That was Bryan. I said hello to him and he asked me if I was the one who sang that song. I told him that I both composed and sang the song. He congratulated me and I told him how much I have admired his work. He humbly accepted it," Sonu Nigam told India Post. My favorite songs of Bryan Adams are "Please forgive me," and "Everything I do." I used to

love the part in "Everything I do," when the song stops and after the bridge, Bryan says, "Die for you," added Sonu. Bryan was not keen on meeting any celebrities during the tour and stated, "I don't differentiate between people, for me I'm only interested in people that are real, people with their feet on the ground." Instead he was interested to meet people who are grounded and passionate about their work and not focused on their stardom, talents such as Sachin Tendulkar and A. R. Rehman. Both Sachin and A. R. were not able to meet Bryan due to a conflict in schedules. Since Delhi was also a schedule venue but was canceled, audiences are hoping that Adams will return to India and specifically to New Delhi. Madhavi Advani, a parent that was planning to take her teenagers to the show, told India Post that her "kids were really psyched about the concert in New Delhi. It was the talk of the town. We are hoping that the concert will return for Delhi audiences." "Bryan Adams will return to India this year to fulfill his commitment to his fans," said Sujit Jain, Managing Director of Netsurf Entertainment. Kavita Arora is Anchor & CoProducer of Sitaarre TV

iliguri is one of the most important cities not only for West Bengal, but for many states of North East as well. Situated at a distance of 600 km from Kolkata, Siliguri is at an altitude of 400 feet above sea level. This not too high and not too low altitude ensures a perfect climate for tourist activities. The second largest city of West Bengal after Kolkata, it is the gateway to Darjeeling, the most important tourist attraction of the state. It is from New Jalpaiguri station that one catches the famous Toy Train to Darjeeling. Siliguri lies at the foot of Eastern Himalayas providing some exceptional views of the snow clad mountains. Apart from pilgrimage attraction like Kali Mandir, Wildlife attraction like Jaldapara Wildlife Park and nature attraction of Mirik hill station, tourists can also indulge themselves in shopping. Shopping is undoubtedly an attraction in itself as choices and variety for items here is innumerable. Siliguri being at the border of West Bengal and North East, offers best of both cultures. Darjeeling Tea the most shopped for item here, is closely followed by

29 India Post

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April 1, 2011

This not too high and not too low altitude ensures a perfect climate for tourist activities. The second largest city of West Bengal after Kolkata, it is the gateway to Darjeeling, the most important tourist attraction of the state Tibetan paintings, woolen garments and wooden handicrafts. The best place for shopping in Siliguri is Hill Cart Road and Sevoke Road. Do not forget to take a look at the electronics market here which is famous by the name of Hong Kong market. You will find surprisingly low cost gadgets that will compel you to grab hold of almost everything. Nature at its best Though Siliguri is not as famous as Darjeeling but one cannot skip Siliguri as the few tourist attractions that are there, are simply outstanding. Jaldapara Wildlife Park is the most widely visited attraction of this town. Kali Mandir: Kali Mandir of Siliguri is an important temple for Hindus which is situated near Sevoke. The temple is said to be the abode of living Goddess Kali. It is visited not only by locales but by pilgrims from adjoining areas as well. However, it is most famous among newly weds who come here to attain blessings of Goddess Kali for a happy married life. Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary: Spread in an area

of nearly 216 sq. km, Jaldapara Wildlife Park is at a distance of 140 km from Siliguri and is situated in the Jalpaiguri District. The wildlife park is famous for the endangered one horned rhino. Jaldapara Wildlife Park is cut by the passing River Torsa making a large part of the park a marshy land, a perfect setting for thriving of one horned rhinoceros. Jaldapara Park holds the most number of one horned rhinoceros after Kaziranga National Park in Assam, though the difference between the numbers is mind boggling. Royal Bengal Tiger, leopard, spotted deer, elephants and gaurs are the other main attraction of

the park. When visiting the park, do not forget to carry along a pair of binoculars as Jaldapara is a magnificent spot for bird watching. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 30

Travel & Hospitality Post

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April 1, 2011

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JK multi-pronged strategy to boost tourism JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir government will embark on a multi-pronged strategy to develop and showcase the tourism potential of the state both at domestic and global level, Minister for Tourism and Culture Nawang Rigzin Jora said. Over Rs 315 crore centrally-funded projects are under execution to boost tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, he informed the Legislative Assembly here. "Government has embarked on a multipronged strategy to develop and showcase boundless tourism potential of the state both at domestic and global level," he said. Development of basic tourism infrastructure through private investment, opening of new potential destinations and development of heritage, adventure, pilgrim and eco-tourism form components of the plan, he said. The Minister said that an amount of Rs 222 crore has been incurred on development of tourism infrastructure under the state plan during the last two years. 53 villages across the state will be developed as tourist villages to boost rural tourism for which the Centre has agreed to provide requisite funds, he said. A bio-diversity park is being developed in Lolab-Bungus valley, he said, adding areas like Gurez, Dumchuk, Khag, Drugjan, Marwah, Wardwan, Dacchan and Blessa are also being taken up for development of tourism infrastructure, Jora said. Pilgrim tourism also has a good market in the state and over 1.15 crore pilgrims have visited the state this fiscal year, he said, adding Rs 4.4 crore has been pro-

vided for development of pilgrim tourist facilities. To promote eco-tourism, which is the main thrust of the government, various steps are being taken while building basic infrastructure at tourism spots, he said. Golf tourism is also being promoted in the state following which a new 18 hole

terests of the tourists visiting the state, the Tourist Trade Act 1978 is being amended to make it more effective and more relevant in the present tourism scenario, Jora said. Rs 3.50 crore has been incurred on restaurants and hotels run by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation,

Golf tourism is also being promoted in the state following which a new 18 hole Sidhra Golf Course at a cost of Rs 45 crore is nearing completion, he said. Pahalgam Golf Course has been upgraded to international standards, the minister said, adding that Gulmarg Golf Course has also been upgraded at a cost of Rs 4.50 crore Nawang Rigzin Jora

Sidhra Golf Course at a cost of Rs 45 crore is nearing completion, he said. Pahalgam Golf Course has been upgraded to international standards, the minister said, adding that Gulmarg Golf Course has also been upgraded at a cost of Rs 4.50 crore. In order to provide protection to the in-

which has earned a revenue of Rs 19.98 crore during the current fiscal against Rs 17.94 crore during previous year marking an increase of 11 per cent, he said. Over 80 per cent work on Kungdoori chairlift has been completed while the rope way project at Mokdoom Sahib will be tendered shortly, he said. -PTI

Singapore's record tourist arrivals in 2011 SINGAPORE: Singapore is on track to receive 12 million to 13 million tourists this year and tourism receipts of 22-24 billion Singapore dollars (SGD), Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry and Education S Iswaran said here. "Supported by our investments in software to enhance productivity and quality, we should be on track to achieve the forecast of 12 to 13 million visitor arrivals and SGD 22 to SGD 24 billion in tourism receipts in 2011," he said. "Singapore is well-placed to tap this growth. With innovative ideas, an integrated approach within the industry and greater productivity, we can ride on Asia's momentum and position ourselves for the next phase of growth," he said at the opening of a Singapore Tourism Board conference. The senior state minister also called on the tourism industry to continually push for product and process innovation to meet the rising expectations of sophisticated and affluent travelers. Last year, 11.6 million tourists visited Singapore, a 20 per cent increase vis-a-vis 2009, while tourism receipts increased by 49 per cent to SGD 18.8 billion. The World Economic Forum's Travel and Tourism Competitiveness report has ranked Singapore 10th out of 139 world economies for competitiveness of the tourism sector. -PTI

Siliguri: Confluence of two cultures -West Bengal & North East Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 29

Famous for Bengal Florican, other birds that can be seen here are paradise flycatcher, crested eagle, fishing eagle, peafowl, racket tailed dongo and many more. The best way to explore the wildlife of the park is by taking an elephant safari deep into the jungle. Jeep safaris are also organized inside the park but not many parts of the park can be covered by jeep be-

in recent years become a must visit destination in West Bengal. The main attraction of this quaint hill station is a centrally located natural lake called Sumendu Lake. Tourists can indulge in boating and fishing in the lake which is approximately 1 km long. While boating, enjoy the views of magnificent green hills that surround the lake from all sides. Mirik is an important pilgrimage destination with revered Hindu Temple of

Famous for Bengal Florican, other birds that can be seen here are paradise flycatcher, crested eagle, fishing eagle, peafowl, racket tailed dongo and many more Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary

cause of the marshy nature of the land. During monsoons, that is from June 15 till September 15, the park remains closed to the visitors. On general days, the park is open from 9 am till 4 pm. Mirik: Mirik is the perfect option for an excursion from Siliguri. Situated around 55 km from here, it takes nearly an hour and a half to cover the distance. Mirik is a picturesque hill station which has

Sangla Devi on the western side of the lake. This hill station is dotted with many apple orchards and tea gardens. Coronation Bridge: Built in 1930, Sevoke Coronation Bridge is still considered among the best architectural wonders in the country. The Coronation Bridge was built by the British to connect West Bengal to North East India. The Bridge is built over River

Teesta and stretches from Salugara till Kalihora. Situated around 20 km from Siliguri, the Coronation Bridge gives breathtaking views of River Teesta below and high green mountains on both sides. Accommodation: Siliguri is one of the most developed cities of the state. Therefore it receives both tourist as well as business travelers. To cater to the needs of

both categories, Siliguri has good luxury and budget hotels with splendid leisure and business facilities. The appealing feature of Siliguri hotels are that even luxury hotels are quite reasonably priced. Hotel Sinclairs, The Cinderella Hotel and Viramma Resort are the major hotels in the Siliguri. How to reach Air: Siliguri has its own domes-

tic airport which is situated in Bagdogra at a distance of 12 km from city center. Jet Airways, Indian Airlines and Kingfisher Airlines are the main flight operators to Siliguri. There are flights connecting Siliguri to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and all other major airports in India. There is a regular helicopter service as well to Gangtok. Rail: New Jalpaiguri station is the nearest railway head to Siliguri, situated just 16 km south of Siliguri. Jalpaiguri Station is connected to all major stations in the country like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore with regular train service. Road: Siliguri is nearly 600 km away from the capital city Kolkata. There is regular bus service to Kolkata and to many other important places in West Bengal like New Jalpaiguri and Kharagpur. Private coaches as well as transport buses are operational between the cities. It is also connected to cities in North East India as well like Gangtok. Local Transportation: Along with splendid bus facility inside the town, there are numerous jeeps as well that cater to locals and tourists. These jeeps generally run on shared basis.

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Bhutan looking at India to boost tourism THIMPU: Bhutan, which has constantly won India's support in its pursuit to achieve high Gross National Happiness, is now looking at its neighbor for an increased flow of tourists to give a boost to its economy. "India is a very close neighbor and friend. The Indian government has always supported our development and continues to do so. Though an increasingly number of tourists visit our country every year, we want the numbers to increase and we would like more and more Indians to travel to our country," said Khandu Wangchuk, Bhutan's Minister for Economic Affairs. The small landlocked country with a population of less than 7 lakh has been recording an average growth of 27 per cent per annum in the number of international tourist arrivals every year. From over 5,000 foreign visitors in 2003, the number rose to over 28,000 in 2010, according to the data of Bhutan Tourism Council (TCB). "Of the over 27,700 international tourists who visited our country in 2009, over 20 per cent were from the US, 13 per cent from Japan and 8 per cent from the UK. Not too many tourists from India visit our country, but we want the trend to change," said Janyang Choden, a TCB spokesperson. "About 40-41,000 international tourists are expected to visit Bhutan this year. We are aiming to receive about 1,00,000 tourists per

annum by the end of 2020, and hope than many of them would be from India," she said. The Bhutanese government and their national airline Drukair have tied up with India's popular online travel company MakeMyTrip.com to provide tour

‘Our country believes in non-materialistic pursuit of happiness. Though it is essential that we promote tourism to achieve economic self-reliance, we are following a cautious approach. We will not compromise our environment for money and development’ packages with chartered flights from New Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata to the country which is also known as The Land of the Thunder Dragon. "With our association with Make My Trip, we look forward to welcoming visitors from India and give them a memorable holiday with their families and friends in the Land of Happiness," said Major General V Namgyal, the Ambas-

sador of Bhutan to India. The Bhutanese government has also revised its FDI policy, making it more friendly for foreign investors, in order to encourage tourism, he said. "As per the new FDI policy, a foreign entity can have 100 per cent ownership of land in case of five star hotels, and 75 per cent ownership in four star hotels," Wangchuk said. Wangchuk, however, said that while the government aims to promote tourism, it is well aware of the risk it may expose its fragile natural environment to. "Our country believes in nonmaterialistic pursuit of happiness. Though it is essential that we promote tourism to achieve economic self-reliance, we are following a cautious approach. We will not compromise our environment for money and development," Wangchuk said. "We understand the importance of preserving our trees and rivers and also our culture. We want tourists to value our natural heritage and cultural values," he said. The concept of Gross National Happiness was coined in 1972 by Bhutan's former King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, who opened Bhutan to the age of modernization, to define an indicator that measures quality of life or social progress in more holistic and psychological terms than the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). -PTI

Goa planning 'helicopter tourism'

Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat

PANAJI: Tourists visiting Goa would be able to enjoy a bird's eye view of the state's beaches and thick forests as the state government plans to develop

'helicopter tourism'. Presenting the budget, Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat announced development of helicopter tourism in the state in

association with private operators. Kamat, who also holds finance portfolio, said the central government's assistance of Rs 75 lakh will be utilized for the construction of helipads. Goa attracts around 24 lakh tourists annually, of whom 4 lakh come from abroad. The Goa budget for 2010-11 has also made provision of Rs 200 lakh for commencing a sunset cruise from Panaji to Cortalim. Strengthening the tourism infrastructure, the budget also encourages countryside tourism and allows residents to construct self-contained rooms for tourists. Kamat also announced softloan at the rate of 8 per cent interest through Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and a onetime grant of Rs 50,000 per room constructed. -PTI

Mubarak Mandi Hotel move to be reviewed JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir government says it will re-examine a hotel project proposal at famous Mubarak Mandi complex, once the seat of power of Dogra Kings in Jammu city. "We will re-examine the heritage hotel project proposal at Mubarak Mandi heritage complex in Jammu", Minister for Tourism and Culture Nawang Rigzin Jora told the assembly after protests and walkouts by opposition from the House. "Even with all the aforesaid measures, it is not expected to achieve full funding for the vision plan prepared by the consultants", the Minister said adding that in order to seek resources for the remaining work, the consultants recommended that PPP route may be followed by the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society as some of the structures could not only be restored but also put to adaptive use, thereby providing avenues for raising revenue for sustainable operation and maintenance. He said the matter regarding floating of expression of interest for Heritage Hotel was discussed in the meeting of the governing body of the society. "It was decided that sub-committee under the chairmanship of Vice Chairman G

S Charak and comprising four other members would examine the whole issue and take into confidence other senior citizens and

The Minister said adding that in order to seek resources for the remaining work, the consultants recommended that PPP route may be followed by the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society as some of the structures could not only be restored but also put to adaptive use, thereby providing avenues for raising revenue for sustainable operation and maintenance cross sections of the people in Jammu for their view point. The report of the sub-committee will be placed before the governing body in the next meeting", he said. -PTI

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Tech News Parl panel to examine Antrix-Devas deal NEW DELHI: The controversial Antrix-Devas deal will now come under the scrutiny of a Parliamentary panel. Parliament's Committee on Estimates has decided to examine the allocation of S-band spectrum by Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) with special reference to the Antrix-Devas deal, an official said. The government had last month annulled the controversial deal between ISRO's commercial arm Antrix Corporation and Bangalore-based Devas Multimedia for lease of space segment in Sband. Under the deal, Antrix was to provide 70 MHz of the scarce SBand space segment to Devas for its digital multimedia services.

Loop officials meet Indian envoy to Mauritius NEW DELHI: Officials of Loop Telecom, under the scanner in the 2G spectrum scam, met the Indian High Commissioner to Mauritius and sought details about the Letters Rogatory sent by the CBI in connection with the probe into certain transactions by a dozen companies from that country. The High Commissioner M Ganapathi informed the Ministry of External Affairs which in turn communicated to the CBI about the questions posed by Loop officials, agency sources said. During the interaction, the Loop officials apprised him about operations of the company in Mauritius. -PTI

Tips from Indian-Americans helped Rajaratnam NEW YORK: Sri Lankan-born billionaire Raj Rajaratnam made four million USD on Hilton stock in a single day after getting tips in which two Indian-Americans were involved - when the hotel chain was bought by Blackstone Group in July 2007, a federal jury was told. The jurors at the insider trading trial, in which Rajaratnam is the prime accused, also listened to more wiretaps that prosecutors say show disgraced former Intel executive Rajiv Goel provide secret information about pending technology industry deals to the hedge fund tycoon. -PTI

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UK investors want to invest in HP SHIMLA: Investors in UK are exploring investment opportunities in various sectors, including energy, agriculture, in Himachal Pradesh, a delegates of a British company said here. In an interaction with media after meeting Chief minister PK Dhumal, chief secretary and senior officials, Paul Grey, Head of United Kingdom Trade and Investment delegation (UKTI) said UK has special relationship with Himachal and its investors are looking for collaboration with Indian companies. "Besides agriculture, education, energy and infrastructure, climate science was another area where there was scope for investment and we propose to open a climate science centre in Shimla," he said. -PTI

Buffett bullish on India; promises big investments BANGALORE: Bullish on India, famed American investor Warren Buffett here promised big investments in the country, preferably in the financial services and the consumer goods sectors. Stressing that he should have been in India much earlier, 80-yearold Buffett said in recent years he

Manmohan Singh and insurance sector regulator IRDA's Chairman J Harinarayan, among others. Buffett-chaired conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway has most of its investments in the US. Without speaking further on his India plans, Buffett said that a foreign investment cap of 26 per cent

Referring to his buying 100 shares of Microsoft in 1991, Buffett quipped, "... in the end, I did not know enough about the (IT) businessâ&#x20AC;? saw more opportunities outside America. The legendary investor said his company continued to look at large countries like India because it needs to make "large commitments". "India is the logical place to look (to make large commitments). So, I hope I spend some money here (India)". On his maiden India visit, Buffett met Prime Minister

in insurance sector here was a deterrent. Berkshire Hathaway had recently forayed into the Indian nonlife insurance sector as a corporate agent of Bajaj Allianz General. Terming his company's entry into India as "better late than never", the world's third richest man said that he understands (companies) that are into soft drinks and chewing gums rather

Warren Buffett, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., speaks during an interactive session organised by CII in Bangalore.

than IT. Referring to his buying 100 shares of Microsoft in 1991, Buffett quipped, "... in the end, I did not know enough about the (IT) business. I will never know enough about the (IT) business". The legendary investor also heaped praise on Ajit Jain, long rumored to be his successor, but did not provide any clear hints on his succession plans.

Jain heads reinsurance business of Berkshire Hathaway. "I owe it to the people of India for sending Ajit Jain (to me) ... he is much smarter than what I am," Buffett said. The billionaire investor is in the country as part of his philanthropic initiatives, but is also expected to look at possible investment opportunities in the country. -PTI

Rajat Gupta sues US regulator in Galleon case NEW YORK: Former Goldman Sachs board member Rajat Gupta has sued US regulator SEC for "unfairly and unconstitutionally" prosecuting him on charges of passing insider tips to Sri Lankan born-billionaire Raj Rajaratnam. Indian American Gupta, who was on the board of Proctor and Gamble, faces civil charges from the Securities and Exchange Commission, for passing confidential information to Galleon Group founder Rajaratnam, the main accused in the biggest insider trading case to hit US courts in decades. "He (Gupta) has devoted his professional life to guarding and maintaining the most sensitive confidential and proprietary information of his clients, which included many of the largest multinational corporations and

government institutions in the world," the new complaint said. "There is no plausible reason why Mr Gupta would have deviated from a lifetime of probity and a career dedicated to safeguarding corporate confidences in favor of engaging in

where he can get a jury trial. "The Commission is treating Mr Gupta differently from all other non regulated persons from whom it has sought civil penalties for alleged insider trading by depriving Mr Gupta of the most fundamental rights for de-

"There is no plausible reason why Mr Gupta would have deviated from a lifetime of probity and a career dedicated to safeguarding corporate confidences in favor of engaging in the significant and aberrational wrongdoing allegedâ&#x20AC;? the significant and aberrational wrongdoing alleged," it added. Gupta objects to being tried before a SEC administrative judge instead of federal court

fending against insider trading charges," the complaint said. This week, prosecutors played a secretly recorded phone conversation between Gupta and Rajaratnam during proceedings

for the main accused. In a July 25, 2008 phone call, Gupta can be heard telling Rajaratnam that Goldman Sachs is discussing buying Wachovia or American International Group (AIG). "And there's a rumor, that Goldman might look to buy a commercial bank," Rajaratnam said in the conversation. "This was a big discussion at a board meeting... It was a divided discussion in that board," Gupta purportedly said. The main question of this insider trading case is whether Rajaratnam, 53, made USD 45 million by using leaked confidential information. His lawyers say that Rajaratnam conducted his business based on information that was already in the public domain and through research. -PTI

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Chatwal pact with Wyndham Hotel Group NEW YORK: NRI hotelier Sant Chatwal has signed an agreement with the world's largest hotel group Wyndham, which will now have exclusive rights to franchise and manage his Dream and Night boutique brands globally. Alternatively, Chatwal Hotels and Resorts will help Wyndham, a part of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies, expand its business in India. This marriage will help their diverse brand portfolios and focus on meeting guests' needs with a hotel product for every kind of traveler -- luxury to budget, Chatwal, Chairman and CEO of

Chatwal Hotels and Resorts, and Eric A Danziger, President and CEO of Wyndham Hotel Group, said addressing the international media here last evening. "The relationship with Wyndham will unlock the true potential of Dream and Night brands, which have proven their success in key markets like New York and Bangkok during the last six years and are keen to further expand globally," Chatwal said. Chatwal Hotel Group has 11 hotels with 3,000 rooms in every block of midtown Manhattan of New York City, such as The President, Time, Night, Hilton Garden,

Dream Downtown and Hamptons. In addition, it has hotels in Bangkok and Cochin, while the art-deco inspired Dream South Beach is getting ready in Miami Beach in Florida. Wyndham Hotel Groups has 7,200 hotels in 67 countries and 15 brands under its belt, while it has just 26 hotels in India compared to 400 in China. Chatwal Hotels will help Wyndham set up classy hotels in major cities and tourist resorts where the room rent would be USD 100 (Rs 4,500) per night as against the prevailing market rate of USD 250 to USD 500 per night in luxury hotels.-PTI

Tatas hit back at govt over demerger NEW DELHI: Amid a raging controversy over disinvestment of the erstwhile VSNL, Tatas have hit back at the government, saying the company made several attempts since 2005 onward for the demerger of surplus land but the Telecom Ministry's response is still awaited. In a letter to Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal, Tata Communications Chairman Subodh Bhargave gave a summary of the sequences of events since 2005, which also have concurrence of two directors nominated by the government. Tatas' letter comes in the wake of Sibal raising concerns over the disinvestment of VSNL in 2002, saying, "It has come to my notice that the disinvestment of Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited (VSNL) in 2002 does not seem to be fair and transparent." "Prima facie, the way issue of demerger of 773.13 acres of surplus land of VSNL was handled in 2002 and thereafter, not only the interests of investors but also the interests of the government seems to have been adversely affected," Sibal said in an internal note asking Telecom Secretary R Chandrashekhar to constitute a high-level committee to examine the issue in detail. The Tatas, however, said "The surplus land remains secured and

unused by the company, waiting for a resolution of the demerger issue. The company continues to bear the expenses toward the surplus land's upkeep and security as well as associated property taxes." More officially, Bhargava said,

If a probe has to be ordered, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;It should be against P Chidambaram and Pranab Mukherjee, the past and present Finance Ministers in the UPA government in past seven yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; the company has been unable to raise any non-debt funding during the last few years to support its investment and growth aspirations due to the non-resolution of this issue. In fact, former Disinvestment Minister Arun Shourie, under whom VSNL was sold to Tatas, had also said that if there was any delay in the demerger of the land and if a probe has to be ordered,

"It should be against P Chidambaram and Pranab Mukherjee, the past and present Finance Ministers in the UPA government in past seven years." Shourie had defended the disinvestment, saying stringent conditions were laid down that prohibited the sale of surplus land by winning bidders. Bhargava said that the company has participated in a few discussions and received some correspondence on surplus land, but those have been mostly in nature of seeking clarifications and the "DoT response to the draft scheme of demerger is still awaited." "You (Sibal) would agree that the demerger of this surplus land is waiting for the government's response on the matter. You should also recognize that the Board of Tata Communications has two directors nominated by the government and they are apprised of all these issues," Bhargava said in the letter. Tata Communications would be "more than willing to share all the facts with you or any officer deputed by you to look into the matter. More importantly, we welcome a speedy resolution of the demerger issue in the best interests of the company and all its shareholders."-PTI

Dell to hire a few thousand in India NEW DELHI: Michael Dell, founder and CEO of world's second largest PC maker Dell Inc, sounded buoyed by the "fantastic opportunity" India presents and said the revenues from the country would soon touch USD 2 billion. "India today offers a fantastic opportunity to use technology for

a wide range of applications. We see a tremendous opportunity for growth of the PC segment in this country," the Dell chief said at a FICCI event here. With penetration level of about 20-30 computers per 1,000 people, the growth opportunity is tremendous in India, he added. Dell said his company is ap-

proaching USD 2 billion in annual revenue in India. "USD 2 billion is the milestone that our India team is now working on," the Dell chief said without disclosing the timeframe for the target. The company, which has 23,000 employees in India, also plans to add "a few thousand" people. -PTI

Govt asks telcos to raise capacity for interception NEW DELHI: With mobile subscriber base growing exponentially posing serious security concerns, the government has asked operators to ramp up their network capacity to meet the demand for lawful interception of calls. Union Home Secretary G K Pillai and Telecom Secretary R Chandrashekhar held a close-door meeting with the leading telecom service providers, including Bharti, Vodafone and Idea and asked them to ensure that they provide enough network capacity to the government for interception. This is important in view of increasing number of service providers and growth in the number of calls made. On an average there are 12-13 operators in each circle. The two secretaries have asked the operators to give compliance report by April 2 on network capacity. Recently, some of telecom operators had increased the interception capacity of their servers to 5,000 and the government had asked them to increase it further as and when the tele-density of the operators increased.

They also discussed introduction of Location Based Service (LBS) in order to help the security agencies in nabbing a suspected person in real time. The government also wishes that the telecom companies put in a system under

Recently, some of telecom operators had increased the interception capacity of their servers to 5,000 and the government had asked them to increase it further as and when the teledensity of the operators increased which a handset without an International Mobile Equipment Identity, was not registered with the system. The government has also asked the telecom companies selling broadband wave length to keep the track of the Internet protocol addresses. -PTI

ED arrests Hasan Ali aide Kashinath MUMBAI: The Enforcement Directorate has arrested Kolkatabased businessman Kashinath Tapuria, an associate of Punebased stud farm owner Hasan Ali Khan, accused of money-laundering and huge tax evasion. Tapuria was arrested here after three days of questioning, ED sources said. Meanwhile, Khan's chartered accountant, Sunil Shinde, has been asked to appear before the ED for questioning. The

ED had conducted searches at his residence in Pune. 53-year-old Khan has been arrested by the agency on charges of stashing huge amounts of black money in banks abroad. He is also facing a Rs 70,000-crore tax demand notice from the Income-Tax department. The I-T department has raised a tax demand of Rs 591 crore against Tapuria and Rs 20,540 crore against his wife Chandrika.-PTI

Health

Line

Protest over exclusion from health fair HELENA, Mont.: About a dozen people picketed outside a health fair sponsored by the Independent Record in Helena to protest the exclusion of Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood spokeswoman Stacey Anderson told the Great Falls Tribune that her organization was invited to join the more than 60 health and wellness businesses and organizations exhibiting at the fifth annual event at the Helena Civic Center. But about a week ago, the IR returned the group's registration fees, Anderson said. ``They said they decided not to let either side (of the abortion debate) exhibit,'' she said. IR publisher Randy Rickman told The Associated Press that the newspaper was not targeting Planned Parenthood. -AP

Carbon monoxide detectors likely in schools HARTFORD, Conn.: Two Connecticut legislative committees are endorsing a proposal that would require at least one carbon monoxide detector in every public and private school building. The bill comes after recent incidents, including one in Waterbury, in which students became ill when the colorless, odorless gas permeated their classrooms. The bill's supporters say carbon monoxide detectors would help ensure safety, and that they are inexpensive enough that requiring them would not be a hardship on municipalities. The measure requires full General Assembly approval to go into effect. -AP

Raccoon tests positive for rabies TAZEWELL, Va.: Tazewell County is reporting its first confirmed animal rabies case of the year. The Tazewell County Health Department says in a news release that a raccoon collected in the community of Grafton tested positive for rabies. Brian Stanley with the Cumberland Plateau Health Department says the raccoon attacked a resident's dog. The dog's rabies vaccination is current. No human exposure has been reported. Eight animal rabies cases were confirmed in the county in 2010. -AP

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Bethany Beach extends boardwalk smoking ban BETHANY BEACH, Del.: A smoking ban on the Bethany Beach boardwalk will now be extended year-round. The Town Council in a 4-3 vote extended the ban beyond just the summer season to the entire year. -AP

Health care overhaul taking root in divided US WASHINGTON: A year after President Barack Obama signed his health care overhaul, the law remains so divisive that Americans can't even agree what to call it. Even so, it is taking root in the land. Whether it grows is another matter. Polls show that about 1 in 8 Americans believe they have been personally helped already, well before the main push to cover the uninsured scheduled for 2014. Still, issues of affordability and complexity guarantee ongoing problems, even if the Supreme Court upholds the landmark legislation that made health insurance both a right and a responsibility. The United States is the only developed nation that does not have a comprehensive national health care plan for all its citizens. Supporters call it the Affordable Care Act, a shortened version of the official title Democrats gave their massive bill. It may be better known as ``Obamacare,'' the epithet used by Republicans seeking its demise. Community commemorations come as the health care battle moves to the states. Even states suing to nullify the law's requirement that most Americans carry health insur-

ance are proceeding with building blocks of the new system. About 50 million of America's 300 million people are without health insurance. The government provides coverage for the poor and elderly, but most Americans rely on private insurance, usually received through their employers. However, not all employers provide insurance and not everyone

surance as she tried to launch a wedding photography business. Last summer Megan started getting sick and rapidly lost weight. Doctors diagnosed a serious digestive system disorder that would make her uninsurable. But her parents were able to get her into a high-risk insurance pool created under the law, and this year Megan signed up for her father's

Supporters call it the Affordable Care Act, a shortened version of the official title Democrats gave their massive bill. It may be better known as 'Obamacare,' the epithet used by Republicans can afford to buy it on their own. With unemployment stubbornly staying around 9 percent, many Americans lost their health insurance when they lost their jobs. Families, small businesses and seniors are starting to feel the impact of dozens of insurance changes already in place. Interviews with people affected reveal it's not always clear-cut. In small-town Circleville, New York, Patti Schley says the law has made a dramatic difference. Her daughter Megan, 23, was out of college, going without in-

workplace plan, under a provision extending coverage for adult children up to age 26. ``As a mother of a sick child, you are concerned whether your kid is 4 or 24,'' said Schley, an office administrator. ``We couldn't wait for this to kick in.'' Things are working out for the Schleys, but the high-risk pools that provided the initial lifeline for Megan are faltering. Nationally, the latest count shows fewer than 12,500 people signed up, mainly because of waiting periods and high premiums.

Another mom with an uninsured daughter ran into a Catch22 that illustrates the law's complexity. Mary Thompson of Overland Park, Kansas, was sure the law would finally let them get 11-yearold Emily on the family's health insurance. Insurers had repeatedly rejected Emily due to a birth defect of the spine, surgically corrected when she was an infant. The law requires insurers to accept children regardless of pre-existing health problems, a safeguard that will extend to people of all ages in 2014. But because Emily's father is self-employed and the family buys its own coverage, things didn't work out as expected. Certain ``grandfathered'' plans selling individual coverage are exempt from the law's requirement to cover kids. The Thompsons' plan was one. That meant they would have to apply for a whole new policy, and the mother, a breast cancer survivor, was unlikely to be accepted. ``We would have had to start over with me - and I can't start over,'' said Thompson. A social worker helped get Emily into Medicaid. Cont’d on page 39

Greater innovation key to fight TB India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: Causing a death every minute, tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the biggest threats to public health in the WHO-South-East Asia Region. Although the total number of people with the disease has steadily declined in the past decade there are five million people with TB in the Region - a third of the global burden - and more than 3 million are added every year. On World Tuberculosis Day, 24 March, the World Health Organization emphasizes the need for greater innovation for strategy, diagnostics and new drugs, and universal access to health services, in order to successfully

fight tuberculosis. With resistance to current drugs a persistent threat, new, effective drugs for tuberculosis are urgently needed. "There have been significant achievements in the past decade. However, globally we have a lim-

said Dr Samlee Plianbangchang, WHO Regional Director, for South-East Asia. He added, "We need to ensure a regular supply of quality-assured drugs, and effective detection of cases. In SEAR countries, management of drugs

The World Health Organization emphasizes the need for greater innovation for strategy, diagnostics and new drugs, and universal access to health services ited number of options to seriously tackle tuberculosis. Our best available strategy, and one that must be strengthened further if we are to have a chance of achieving our goals, is basic directly observed treatment, short course (DOTS),"

has been strengthened." Expansion and strengthening of DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment - Short Course, the strategy recommended to detect and cure tuberculosis) in the 11 Member states of the Region has resulted

in over two million people with TB being successfully treated every year. As a result, the proportion of the Region's population becoming affected with TB has been declining each year and is now a quarter less than 1990 levels, while the number of deaths has reduced by 44%. Good performance in DOTS in the Region has also led to low proportions of multi-drug resistance among newly detected cases of TB. However, given the large number of TB cases in the Region, this translates to 130 000 people with multi-drug resistant or MDR-TB, accounting for a third of all the world's MDR-TB cases. Cont’d on page 38

April 1, 2011

Health Science Post

India Post

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Hospice programs at odds over proposed regs HARTFORD, Conn.: Proposed changes to decades-old state public health regulations are pitting dozens of Connecticut hospice providers against a nationally-recognized facility in Branford for the terminally ill, which claims the suggested revisions could be financially devastating and compromise patient care. Natalie ``Nikki'' O'Neill, the state's former first lady, has joined the emotional debate by urging support for Connecticut Hospice, which operates the palliative hospital in Branford as well as a visiting hospice program that cared for her late husband, former Gov. William O'Neill. He died at home in 2007 after battling chronic emphysema for years. ``In Connecticut, we have the highest hospice standards in the nation,'' said O'Neill, who recently wrote an opinion column in The Hartford Courant that Connecticut Hospice sent to supporters. ``Why spoil what we have?'' But proponents of the new Department of Public Health regulations, the subject of an April 4 public hearing before the General Assembly's Regulations Review Committee, argue the changes are long overdue and will ultimately allow more hospices to provide

end-of-life care in a residential facility, such as the one in Branford. ``It creates competition. It allows other hospices to do what Connecticut Hospice has been doing solely for 30 years,'' said Cynthia Roy-Squitieri, executive director of Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut, which serves 600 to 800 hospice patients a year. Roy-Squitieri said families cannot or do not always want to drive the hour and a half to visit their loved ones in Branford. ``Families in Connecticut should be allowed to have a choice,'' she said. Besides the Branford facility, there are two pilot residential programs in Stamford and Middletown. The draft regulations, initiated during former Gov. M. Jodi Rell's administration, apply only to inpatient hospice facilities that families typically turn to when care at home, in a nursing home or a hospital is not a viable option. The rules would change various requirements for medical staffing levels, onsite pharmacy services, spiritual counseling, arts programming, as well as required qualifications of administrators and medical staff, and building requirements such as ceiling

height and patient room size. Roy-Squitieri said 29 of the state's 30 hospices support the new regulations. DPH spokesman William Gerrish said the proposed changes reflect requirements by the federal Medicare program and ``how hospice care is delivered in the modern era.''

Natalie 'Nikki' O'Neill, the state's former first lady, has joined the emotional debate by urging support for Connecticut Hospice ``Ultimately our goal is to improve quality and access to hospice care,'' he said. Sen. Andrew Roraback, RGoshen, co-chairman of the regulations committee, said many people on both sides of the issue have contacted him about the new regulations. He said he hopes the Public Health Department will find a compromise.

Dr. Joseph Andrews, medical director at Connecticut Hospice, said his organization believes the proposed regulations would essentially revoke the Branford facility's unique designation as a palliative care hospital, which allows it to receive higher rates under Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance. If Connecticut Hospice loses its hospital designation, Andrews said ``it's kind of tough to see us staying the way we were.'' About 20 percent of the time, when people approach the end of life, Andrews said they can become agitated or frightened. They might pull out catheters or rip off their clothing, or need help coping with major pain. Andrews said the visiting nurse associations that want to provide inpatient hospice services are ``not realistic about the seriousness'' of what's involved in treating some patients in their final throes of illness. ``They're going to get outmaneuvered by disease and it happens very quickly,'' he said, predicting many patients will end up in emergency rooms. At the 52-bed hospice facility in Branford, which has sweeping views of Long Island Sound,

there is one nurse and one nurse's aide for every six patients. During the day, there are typically two to four doctors on staff. There are also social workers, a full-time pharmacist and emergency admissions taken around-the-clock, said Andrews. He said the new regulations set a bar far below what is provided by Connecticut Hospice, the first hospice program in the U.S. But other hospice groups point out that they are based on best practices and standards set by Medicare that affect more than 5,000 hospice programs across the U.S. Dr. Steven Wolfson, a cardiologist from Guilford, brought his wife Susan to Branford six years ago when she was dying from ovarian cancer. She had an intestinal obstruction, a broken arm from a fall, a nasal gastric tube and was in terrible pain. Within two hours after her arrival, Wolfson said his wife was pain-free. During her final five weeks, she received physical therapy and was able to walk, sit outside in the sun and attend parties for friends and family. Wolfson said he believes the new residential hospices, under the new regulations, won't be able to provide the same level of care. -AP

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April 1, 2011

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How health insurance benefits rural individuals India Post News Service

LYONS, Nebraska: The Center for Rural Affairs has released a report that examines how health insurance marketplaces, one of the primary features of the Affordable Care Act, will benefit rural individuals and families. Entitled, Health Insurance Exchanges That Work for Rural, the report examines some of the crucial rural issues and considerations in establishing state health insurance Exchanges - new health insurance marketplaces that ensure individuals and small businesses access to health coverage that provides them quality, affordable health care as well as choice and competition. "As the first anniversary of the Affordable Care Act being signed into law arrives, we believe it is crucial to reflect on what the Act really does... what it actually has to offer, especially to rural Americans who have faced stern challenges in finding and accessing quality, affordable health care coverage," said Jon Bailey, Center for Rural Affairs Rural Research and Analysis Director and author of the report. The Affordable Care Act re-

quires states to have an operating health insurance marketplace by January 2014. States have the authority to create two such marketplaces - an American Health Benefits Exchange for individuals and a Small Business Health Options (SHOP) Exchange for businesses with up to 100 employees. "Competitive health insurance marketplaces will benefit everyone, but since rural areas have high numbers of people without health insurance, have vastly higher numbers of people who purchase health insurance on the individual market and have more small businesses - as well as farmers, ranchers and many other selfemployed individuals - these marketplaces will be crucial for access to affordable, quality health insurance in the countryside and in our rural communities," explained Bailey. "Many of the questions and issues facing states as they develop their health insurance marketplaces are important to making them work for rural people." This report identifies issues with exchange, or marketplace, systems that affect rural areas, for example: • Outreach to rural residents...

Outreach in rural areas is challenging for a number of reasons. Residents are scattered across vast expanses of land, making personal or community outreach difficult. Communication vehicles in rural areas are limited and different than in urban settings. Resources dedicated to rural out-

Outreach in rural areas is challenging for a number of reasons. Residents are scattered across vast expanses of land reach are also limited. Grant programs established by the Affordable Care Act should also be written to specifically address rural outreach initiatives and some portion of grant resources be made available to implement rural outreach initiatives... • Rating areas... the Affordable Care Act allows for geography to be used as one of the factors that insurance companies may take into account when assigning in-

Minn. GOP aims to cut senior services ST. PAUL, Minn.: A House GOP health and welfare bill would slash spending on home care and other services for seniors and disabled people, eliminate MinnesotaCare health care for 7,200 working adults and ask the federal government for permission to cut the much larger Medicaid health plan for the poor. The proposed cuts for the second-biggest piece of the budget emerged as Republicans who run the Legislature parceled out budget legislation for various spending areas. They are fashioning an alternative to Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton's plan to raise highend income and property taxes to erase a projected $5 billion deficit over the next two years. Top House Republicans on health and human services issues said the plan would reduce projected spending on health and welfare programs by $1.6 billion. They said current spending levels are unsustainable. ``We have to start doing things better so that we can keep the promises we're making instead of making promises we can't keep with money we don't have,'' said House Health and Human Services Reform Committee Chairman Steve Gottwalt, RSt. Cloud. ``We've been doing

that for too long. It's not getting us anywhere.'' Another piece of the House budget - for state agencies - includes a 15 percent reduction in the state work force by 2015, a pay freeze for state employees through July 2013 and a plan to block raises for state workers unless they pass a performance evaluation.

There are also differences between the House and Senate budget plans that will be hashed out in conference committees A Senate budget proposal for K-12 schools shared similar features with a House bill. Both would boost per-pupil state funding while reducing racial integration aid and capping money for special education costs. Both bills continue a $1.4 billion delay in state aid payments first imposed in 2009. Dayton's budget also includes that provision. The bills are a starting point for end-of-session budget talks.

None are likely to become law as proposed because of Dayton's veto power. There are also differences between the House and Senate budget plans that will be hashed out in conference committees. Dayton declined to comment on specific aspects of the legislative budget bills that have been released so far. ``It makes more sense to wait until it settles down and comes into focus,'' he told reporters at an unrelated news conference. The House health bill would cut almost $500 million from services such as home health aides and home-delivered meals intended to keep elderly and disabled people out of nursing home care, though House Health and Human Services Finance Committee Chairman Jim Abeler, R-Anoka, said the number is likely to shift as the bill goes through the committee process this week. Another $300 million in cuts would penalize the least efficient medical providers. The bill also banks $300 million in Medicaid cuts, based on the assumption that the federal government would approve a waiver allowing the state to reduce spending on the program. -AP

surance rates. Lower population density may lead insurers to charge rates in rural areas that are higher and ultimately unaffordable for many rural residents. Therefore, rating areas in plans offered through health insurance marketplaces should be at least statewide. In states with particularly small populations, interstate rating areas should be allowed... • Making the Exchanges attractive to rural employers, small businesses and the rural self-employed... Small businesses and self-employed individuals make up a substantial percentage of the rural population. Historically these workers have the highest likelihood of being uninsured due to the high cost resulting from very small risk pools. Because of the importance of small businesses to the rural economy and to rural communities, health insurance marketplaces must be attractive to small businesses employers in order to be successful in rural areas... • Exchange governance... Existing state agencies, new state agencies or contracts with a nonprofit entity are the administrative options provided by the Affordable Care Act. Whatever option is selected by the state, there is likely to be some sort of governing or advisory board for the Exchange. These boards should include broad representation of state agencies with which the marketplace must work, interested parties and those with expertise on related matters. Governance should include geographic diversity, including rural representation, and representatives from those who will purchase coverage

through the health insurance marketplace (primarily the self-employed and small businesses). "Almost all states are in the process of developing health insurance marketplaces with an eye toward having them ready in 2012 or by early 2013. This is a new undertaking by most states - Massachusetts, Utah, Washington, Connecticut and California are the only states that have some form of insurance marketplace already established," added Bailey. "Given the newness of this state function, state policy-makers have many questions to answer and issues to address." According to Bailey, rural places and the residents of them have unique circumstances that must be considered and addressed in the development of Exchanges, state-based or otherwise. By their very nature rural places and their residents are more isolated. That is particularly true of low-income rural residents. Information about health insurance marketplaces will be difficult to spread to these populations without a specific emphasis and significant resources. "For example, conventional wisdom appears to be that Exchanges must be web-based to be effective and efficient. This may be true for the largest number of people across the nation, but it is not necessarily true for many rural residents who generally have less access to high speed telecommunications technology. Again, that is particularly true for low-income rural residents and residents of remote rural areas," concluded Bailey.

Greater innovation key to fight TB Cont’d from page 36

Costs of treating MDR-TB are high - nearly 100 times a normal case of TB, requiring high resource inputs and mobilization by the governments, which would mean approximately US$ 400 million each year for emerging cases in the Region. However, provision of quality DOTS services to all TB patients prevents emergence of resistance. Healthcare services in TB have been expanded to include providers outside the purview of the Ministry of Health, such as railways, military and prison health services as well as private providers. Approximately 30 000 such institutions across the Region, such as medical colleges, private

practitioners, large public and private hospitals, corporate institutions, nongovernmental organizations, faith-based organizations and prisons are now working with national TB programs. In addition, an increasing number of private laboratories are now included in national diagnostic networks. Business alliances in the Region such as the Thai Business Coalition, the Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Associations and the India Business Alliance to Stop TB, are emerging as players from the nonhealth private sector by introducing TB services into their workplaces. All of these initiatives have contributed to the improved detection and treatment of tuberculosis in the Region.

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April 1, 2011

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New rules aim to get kids eating healthier SIOUX FALLS, SD: In school lunchrooms, the days are numbered for 2 percent milk and white bread, while starchy vegetables such as potatoes and corn are being viewed as occasional treats. Instead, foods such as sweet potato tater tots and bok choy might be gaining momentum. The reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act, which provides partial reimbursement for school meals, brings with it new, more healthful menu guidelines. The changes are open for public comment through April 13. Janelle Peterson, program specialist with the South Dakota Department of Education's Child and Adult Nutrition Services, said the proposed rules contain no surprises. They are based on recommendations from the Institute of Medicine, which call for more fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and less sodium. South Dakota schools gradually have been adopting those changes in recent years. Sioux Falls public school lunches already meet most of the proposed new nutrition guide-

lines, said Joni Davis, child nutrition services supervisor. With a few tweaks, some new vegetables and continual efforts to reduce sodium in meals, for example, the district will be compliant in following new government rules.

She said products such as spaghetti sauce and tomato paste are high in sodium, and school vendors are going to have to change their products ``The most important thing for us is do we have healthy, nutritious and customer-pleasing meals? We know a child has to eat in order to learn,'' she said. Reducing sodium in food served will be one of the toughest challenges, Davis said. ``It's the hidden ingredient.'' Canned vegetables contain

sodium, so schools might have to serve more frozen and fresh vegetables, for example. Food vendors also will work on reducing sodium in products for school lunches, Davis expects. Peterson said the state department has two related concerns about the new guidelines, which will go in effect in the 2012-13 school year: Requirements for fresh instead of canned fruits and vegetables will be expensive, and the law raised the reimbursement rate only 6 cents per meal. It will be difficult for schools to reduce the sodium content in meals. She said products such as spaghetti sauce and tomato paste are high in sodium, and school vendors are going to have to change their products. The proposed guidelines call for a 10 percent reduction in sodium content by 2014 and bigger reductions by 2022. ``The manufacturers are going to have to rework recipes,'' Peterson said. Davis said Sioux Falls school menus already are under the sodium guidelines but will have to continue to go lower. -AP

Health care overhaul taking root in divided US Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 36

In neighboring Missouri, an insurance company's campaign to get small businesses to sign up by taking advantage of new tax breaks has yielded mixed results. One of the chief promoters of the idea is Ron Rowe, an executive of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City. With some 150 previously uninsured businesses offering new coverage, his company's efforts earned the praise of Obama administration officials. But Rowe says many business owners found the math didn't work for them. ``The longer this has been out in the marketplace, the less appealing it's been to small-business owners,'' he said. A typical employee with 10 workers would have to pay about $31,000 a year for health insurance, and get only 10 percent to 15 percent of that back through the new tax credit. Rowe says his company is getting more interest from business owners by offering a cap on rate increases. No group is more sensitive to medical costs than senior citizens, whose votes are also critical to Democrats' chances in the 2012 presidential election. So far, alarms that Medicare cuts would compromise their care have not been borne out. But Democratic lawmakers engineered the cuts to take effect gradually, while new Medicare benefits are being provided up front. Topping the list this year is a 50 percent price cut on brand-name prescriptions for

Medicare recipients who fall into the coverage gap called the ``doughnut hole.'' Daniel Wisniewski, a retired truck driver from Staten Island, New York, reckons that will reduce the price of one of his heart drugs from $234.99 a month to around $117. ``I'm not much on politics, but I feel that that's got to help me,'' said Wisniewski, 69. ``I worked and paid into Social Security for 55 years. When I was a kid I used to wash

A typical employee with 10 workers would have to pay about $31,000 a year for health insurance, and get only 10 percent to 15 percent of that back through the new tax credit dishes in a bakery after school.'' Republicans say such gains will be temporary. For families, ``any marginal benefits from this law are far outweighed by the heavy-handed intervention in their health care by Washington bureaucrats,'' said Sen. Orrin Hatch. One of the principal authors of the bill, Democratic Sen. Max Baucus, says he laments not devoting more attention to cost control up front as lawmakers worked to expand coverage. "It gave detractors an opening,'' he said. -AP

Avoiding canned food reduces BPA levels India Post News Service

SAN FRANCISCO: A peer-reviewed study published in Environmental Health Perspectives suggests that food packaging is a substantial source of exposure to the endocrine-disrupting chemical bisphenol A (BPA), which laboratory studies have linked to serious health problems including breast cancer, infertility and early puberty. In this human study, scientists at the Breast Cancer Fund and Silent Spring Institute discovered significant drops in levels of BPA when study participants ate a diet that avoided contact with BPAcontaining food packaging, such as canned food and polycarbonate plastic. The study, "Food Packaging and Bisphenol A and Bis (2Ethyhexyl) Phthalate Exposure: Findings from a Dietary Intervention," tested the levels of BPA in the urine of five San Francisco Bay Area families of four who had a high likelihood of regular exposure to food packaging containing BPA.

Next participants ate the lowBPA diet for three days, and another sample was taken. Finally they were evaluated after returning to their normal eating habits. The BPA levels dropped signifi-

Food packaging is a substantial source of exposure to the endocrine-disrupting chemical bisphenol A (BPA), which laboratory studies have linked to serious health problems cantly during the dietary intervention. In addition to BPA, participants were tested for several phthalates, plastic chemicals with known links to reproductive problems. Levels of the phthalate DEHP, found in some plastic food packaging, also dropped significantly.

Realty Tidbits

DLF launches luxury housing project in Kochi

Real Estate

eal estate major DLF has announced the launch of its luxury housing project 'Bay View' at Marine Drive in Kochi. Lt Gen M G Girish, executive vice president, DLF Kerala operations, said that the project comprises exclusive air conditioned apartments with prices ranging from Rs 1-2.8 crore developed in 3.78 acres of land. "An eco-friendly project, the complex has about an acre of landscaped garden and 95 per cent apartments within the complex are waterfront." The project is in close proximity to the Vallarpadam International Container Terminal and the new Express Highway which connects the container terminal with NH47 will be an added attraction," he said.

DLF blames archaic law for black money

laming use of black money in real estate to archaic laws, India's largest realty firm DLF said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's emphasis on reduction of stamp duty will help in cleansing the sector. "Real estate industry is the least reformed. Wherever any reforms have not taken place, parallel economy exists… This industry's laws, regulations everything is archaic. No reform has taken place since Independence," DLF chairman K P Singh said at a media conclave. He, however, said although changes are being undertaken, it is "not happening at the pace that I would like to see". Recently, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had said stamp duty needs to be reduced in order to check flow of black money into the real estate sector.

BPTP launches second township in Gurgaon

PTP, a leading real estate de veloper from NCR, has launched its second township 'Astaire Gardens' in sector 70A, Gurgaon. The first phase of this integrated township, comprising plots, independent floors and villas, is spread across 102 acres amidst wide open spaces, offering comfort of living that provides space and security. Astaire Gardens is strategically located in close vicinity of Gurgaon's Golf Course Extension Road/Southern Peripheral Road.

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April 1, 2011

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MAT can make SEZs unattractive

he imposition of minimum alternate tax (MAT) on special economic zones could make them unattractive for exporters as incentives available outside will outweigh the tax benefits offered by an SEZ, according to experts. The Budget for 2011-12 has proposed to levy 18.5% MAT on the book profits of units operating in SEZs. Exporters in the domestic tariff area, or places outside the SEZs, are offered several incentives under the foreign trade policy, such as the freedom to set up the unit anywhere and no obligation to be net foreign exchange earners. -PTI

CREDAI drafts agenda to boost real estate sector

REDAI National, the apex industry body for real estate developers, has drafted a comprehensive agenda to provide a fillip to the real estate sector. Speaking to Realty Plus about this agenda, the newly elected Chairman of CREDAI, Pradeep Jain, Chairman, Parsvnath Developers said that they would take up with the government issues like single-window clearance, tax sops and priority lending to buyers as well as builders in the affordable housing segment. "There is no justification in imposing service tax in this year's Budget when the Government is already charging stamp duty. CREDAI will take up the duality of taxes which is burdening the real estate sector. The issue of timely approvals of projects will be high on our agenda. We demand a single window system that can

reduce the construction cost by Rs 500 per sq ft. Our vision is to bring CREDAI at par with other business chambers. We need to work hard with the government for changing the perception about

Kumar Urban Infrastructure Ltd told Realty Plus: "There is a negative perception about real estate community in the government as well as in public's eyes. We will work for changing this perception.

In its bid to bring in more transparency in real estate transactions and boost consumer confidence, CREDAI, according to Lalit Kumar Jain, is focusing in a big way to set up Consumer Redressal Forums at state level the industry," Jain said. He also noted that the government should promote affordable housing by providing credit at cheaper rates to home-buyers as well as developers. Lalit Kumar Jain, the newly elected president of CREDAI and Chairman of

A balanced regulatory mechanism will go a long way in increasing transparency and professionalism and in the process improving the image of industry while safeguarding the interests of developers and consumers." He also informed that CREDAI

would prepare a comprehensive check list for single-window clearance. "It would consist of all the requirements pertaining to various government agencies that a developer has to meet for getting approvals. This check-list could be adopted by the state governments for approval process," he said. In its bid to bring in more transparency in real estate transactions and boost consumer confidence, CREDAI, according to Lalit Kumar Jain, is focusing in a big way to set up Consumer Redressal Forums at state level. Already such forums are in operation in the states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. To carry forward its agenda for implementation, CREDAI has formed 16 committees which are headed by real estate visionaries who are its key members

Home seller 'remorse' could lead to lawsuit STEVE MCLINDEN

Dear Real Estate Adviser, e're selling our home in North Dakota on our own and have signed a purchase agreement with buyers. I recently read that a buyer is obligated to the purchase agreement. But is this also true of the home seller? Can we change our mind if we really aren't ready to sell the home at this time? -- C.E. Munson Dear C.E., Sure, you can change your mind. But whether or not you are doing so lawfully is only relevant if the buyers decide to pursue you should you bust the legally binding contract. That could be costly and timeconsuming and end quite badly for you. Seller's remorse, though less common than buyer's remorse, is a very real phenomenon. Sometimes the finality of the sale hits home just before closing and reinforces longtime emotional attachments. Other times, second

thoughts about the sale price or fresh doubts about buying a replacement home are reasons to which sellers cling. A new job that isn't panning out also can be a factor. Often, buyers spurned at the last minute will just decide to move on to the next opportunity with their deposits returned and reimbursements for any expenses they

against your title. This could prevent you from selling to another buyer until the matter's cleared up. While it's pretty rare for a court to actually force people to sell their houses under such circumstances, this can also happen. Of course, buyers in these instances can usually be persuaded to accept money to go away. If

If they have already sold their current home in anticipation of buying yours, or they can't get out of a contract with their buyers, you are probably looking at a lot more money and a similar amount of anger suffered in hand. But if these spurned buyers take you to task, you should know what could happen. The buyers may hire an attorney, who probably would send you a letter noting the legal consequences of not closing as agreed and perhaps threaten to file a "specific performance" suit against you and a "lis pendens"

they have dollars tied up in inspections and the like, you would certainly owe them that as well. If they have already sold their current home in anticipation of buying yours, or they can't get out of a contract with their buyers, you are probably looking at a lot more money and a similar amount of anger. You could also get socked for storage costs, lost deposits on

moving arrangements and even their agent's commission. Before making any decisions, I would suggest you take a fresh look at your original "pros" list for selling, then re-examine your "cons." Don't forget to add a new consideration -- "might get sued" -- to the proper column. Most times, people in your situation will conclude their initial rationale for selling was actually sound. If you still want to hold fort and the buyers persist, enlist the services of an attorney. (Many real estate attorneys, by the way, will suggest you proceed with the sale of the house in the absence of any serious extenuating circumstances.) Bottom line: Sorry, but there's no easy out for sellers with cold feet and a signed sales contract. When you scrawled your name on that dotted line, you made a legal, enforceable promise to sell. So it just might behoove you to do so, should push proceed to shove. Good luck! -Courtesy Bankrate.com

Real Estate

April 1, 2011

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Hyatt aims at a strong luxury positioning Lack of reliable info for nternational luxury hotel chain, West Asia, Europe and the US. As luxury brand Park Hyatt, at present buyers in Gurgaon Hyatt Group, is embarking on the Indian market matures and offers 2,631 rooms in six Indian cit-

an ambitious medium- to longterm India plan to service not only foreign travelers to India, but also to build a strong luxury brand among Indian travelers with its 5star deluxe offerings. With a strong global footprint in key gateway cities that provide a foundation for expansion in high growth markets like India, the group is optimistic about creating its brand experience in the country with a combination of international flavor and local touch, reports Financial Chronicle. "In the long term, India is an extremely important destination. India has just a fewer five-star hotels than Manhattan. It is very important too for us in relation to growth. The secondary destinations in India are showing tremendous growth opportunities. Besides tapping the international and Indian business travelers, our distribution through India will also help our hotels in

there is better representation in India, the chances are better to attract customers to the rest of

Our track record over the years in India and elsewhere is of taking young people and developing them into hoteliers of the future Hyatt worldwide," said Peter Fulton, MD, Hyatt International South West Asia. The Hyatt Group, with its upscale brands like Grand Hyatt and Hyatt Regency and the smaller

ies. Two more hotels, Hyatt Regency in Chennai with 327 rooms, and Park Hyatt with 209 guestrooms and 44 serviced apartments in Hyderabad, are to become operational this year. It is also planning to open Park Hyatt in Chennai and Grand Hyatt in Goa during next fiscal. "Our key differentiator will be people. Our track record over the years in India and elsewhere is of taking young people and developing them into hoteliers of the future. We will continue to do so in India and develop those resources - it has nothing to do with the bricks and mortars but it is the personality or the soul of the property that makes the difference," said Fulton. Hyatt had 127,507 rooms in its worldwide portfolio in December 2010 with North America accounting for 71 per cent. Hyatt Regency accounted for 57 per cent of the total portfolio.

Parsvnath focus on hospitality & residential

eal estate company Parsvnath Developers says it expects three hotel properties - in Shirdi, Mohali and Lucknow - to become operational next fiscal. The company, which had already 'scaled down' its original plans, is going slow on its hospitality blueprint. The current focus, it claims, is to finish 80 million sq ft of space that it is developing across 52 projects, mostly residential. "We are not going aggressive on hospitality…few of the properties are under construction, and for the rest the process of approval and sanction has not started. We are going slow because our major focus is on execution of 80 million sq ft," Parsvnath chairman, Pradeep Jain told Business Line. Parsvnath has roped in ITC to manage the three hotels that will come up next fiscal. The three properties have a combined capacity of over 260 rooms. While Mohali will be a 5-star hotel, Lucknow and Shirdi are 4-star and 3-star properties respectively. The three prop-

erties are under various stages of construction, he said, adding that the company anticipates a strong demand in the three locations given the shortage of hotel rooms. At the height of the property

‘When we were in aggressive mode, we were thinking of 50 hotel properties. But now are looking at 5 - all of these are part of integrated township or mixed development’ boom, Parsvnath had outlined a bold hospitality strategy and had tied up with two hotel chains, Fortune Park Hotels Ltd (a subsidiary of ITC) and Royal Orchid Hotels, to manage and operate its proposed properties. As per the company's Web site, ITC's FPHL

was to manage and operate 50 hotels developed by Parsvnath Hotels Ltd, the hospitality arm. Three years and a downturn later, the company has reset its expectations for hospitality space although Jain is reluctant to term it a 'scale down'. "When we were in aggressive mode, we were thinking of 50 hotel properties. But now are looking at 15 - all of these are part of integrated township or mixed development. The figure of 50 (hotels) was only a plan….We had said from 15 we will go to 50…but we are not acquiring land aggressively," he said. Moreover, the hospitality special purpose vehicle (SPV) with Royal Orchid Hotels is still operational but there has been no acquisition of land under it. "We formed an SPV with Royal Orchid Hotels to acquire some hotel property. But after the global slowdown both partners decided not to acquire any property… We formed the SPV with a small capital and only if we had acquired (land for hotels) we would have had to invest.

Ansal sells 3mn sq ft worth Rs 294 cr

eal estate developer Ansal Properties & Infrastructure has sold nearly 3 million sq ft of space worth Rs 294 crore in February across various places in the country. "In February 2011, the company booked sales of about 2.92 million sq ft, aggregating to sale value of about Rs 294 crore," the company said in a presentation to its investors.

The company received highest bookings for 1.49 million sq ft in its largest township, Sushant Golf City, in Lucknow. Another township 'Esencia' in Gurgaon contributed 0.07 million sq ft to its total sales booked in last month. 'Sushant Golf City' is a 3,530acre hi-tech township, while 'Esencia' is being developed in 112 acres of land. "Consequently the

total sales booked in 12 months of FY11 increased to about 20.39 million sq ft, aggregating to sale value of about Rs 2,174.5 crore," the company said. The company currently has a net land bank of over 8,500 acres in various locations across the country. In January, it received bookings for 1.66 million sq ft, aggregating to sales revenue of Rs 166.74 crore.

he city has over 75% of Haryana's share of applications for licenses and clearances of residential projects, which are being launched on a weekly basis. However, customers do not have any reliable information about whether the builders have obtained the necessary clearances before they start raising money from them. About a fortnight ago, the Town and Country Planning department had passed strict orders that all builder advertisements should carry license details. But the builders have failed to adhere to the TCP orders. What is surprising is the fact that even the state-registered real estate brokers do not check the details before advertising for a private developer and collecting payment cheques on behalf of the builders. Even the major builders in Gurgaon have not been giving license details in their advertisements. While two real estate majors refused to comment on the issue, one said it would implement the rules soon. "Regarding the referred notification from the Town and Country Planning department, we have not received any official communication from the department as of now. But we have no hesitation in accepting such guidelines and we will follow the instructions whenever the orders are received," said spokesperson of a real estate major in Gurgaon. Industry experts say, "Consumers feel that some builders may be suppressing this information in their advertisements and promotional material because they actually don't have the requisite clearances and licenses, in which case their raising money from the public amounts to a pre-launch sale, which is strictly prohibited in Haryana." The customers find it difficult to check whether a builder collecting their booking cheques has all the required clearances because there is no reliable source from where they can get this information.

Interestingly, it is not only the private developers, but also the public sector bodies like National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC) that fail to comply with the TCP norms. Take for example an advertisement of NBCC Heights (Sector 89) and NBCC Green View (Sector 37-D), where the launch of the project has been announced recently. However, nowhere in the entire advertisement does the public sector undertaking mention the licence details. Most of such orders remain ineffective in the absence of a monitoring system. The recent order also specifies that the director,

The customers find it difficult to check whether a builder collecting their booking cheques has all the required clearances because there is no reliable source from where they can get this information Town and Country Planning department (DTCP) has instructed the town planners and enforcement wing staff to "monitor all public material and advertisements" to keep a tab on defaulters. When contacted, senior town planner R K Singh said that it was the responsibility of the DTP (enforcement) and that he will have to check whether an action has been initiated in this matter. According to Gurgaon deputy commissioner, P C Meena, the details of project licenses are available with the STP office and a consumer can verify the details. "However, if the department is not complying with the norms, I will ask them to do so immediately," said the DC.

In Brief Bill targeting bail for illegal immigrants stalled DENVER: Colorado lawmakers killed a watered-down immigration proposal that would have forced bail bond agents to forfeit bonds when a client is deported. Sponsors of the legislation scaled back several provisions of the bill but it still attracted opposition from the bail industry and immigrant advocates. House Bill 1088 was postponed indefinitely by a Senate committee. The bill initially would have required law enforcement to notify prosecutors when they suspect someone in their custody is in their country illegally. That provision was deleted and all that remained was a crackdown on bail bond agents who provide bail to illegal immigrants. -AP

Kansas panel fails to revive immigration bill TOPEKA, Kan.: A Kansas House committee has failed to revive a bill that would require police to check the immigration status of people they suspect of being in the country illegally. Chairman Lance Kinzer had hoped the House Judiciary Committee would reconsider an earlier decision to table the bill indefinitely. The Olathe Republican is pushing the measure. But the Judiciary Committee had its last scheduled meeting of the year without a move to take the bill off the table. However, the bill remains alive. Kinzer's policing proposal is similar to an Arizona law enacted last year. The bill also would require state agencies and contractors to check the status of their employees with the federal EVerify program. -AP

Faulty immigration advice to defendant OLYMPIA, Wash.: The Washington Supreme Court has unanimously voided a guilty plea by a Grant County man, saying his lawyer gave him bad advice about its immigration consequences. Permanent legal resident Valentin Sandoval pleaded guilty to third-degree rape in 2006 after his lawyer told him he could work later whether he'd be deported to Mexico. In reality, his guilty plea made him automatically deportable. The justices said that advice violated the Sixth Amendment's guarantee of the right to effective assistance from a lawyer. -AP

Immigration India Post

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April 1, 2011

US Labor Department issues revised H-2B program India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The US Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration and its Wage and Hour Division announced the publication of a proposed rule that seeks to improve the H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker program. The proposed rule, published in the March 18 edition of the Federal Register, includes changes to several aspects of the program to ensure that US workers receive the same level of protections and benefits as temporary foreign workers recruited under the H-2B program, and to provide better access for employers with legitimate labor needs. The H-2B program allows the entry of foreign workers into the United States on a temporary basis when qualified US workers are

not available and when the employment of those foreign workers will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed US workers. The H-2B program is limited by law to a program cap of 66,000 visas per year.

In order to streamline and improve the program for employers, the proposed rule would create an H-2B registration process that would allow employers to conduct labor market tests closer to their date of need before applying for a certification. It also would elimi-

The department further proposes to improve US workers' access to jobs and increase worker protections by creating a national job registry for all H-2B job postings "As our economy continues to recover, it is important for US workers to receive access to all jobs, and that the H-2B program is used as it was intended," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "At the same time, workers employed through the H-2B program must be treated fairly."

nate job contractors as users of the program. The department further proposes to improve US workers' access to jobs and increase worker protections by creating a national job registry for all H-2B job postings; requiring employers to provide documentation that they

have taken appropriate steps to recruit US workers, rather than permitting employers to attest to such compliance; enhancing transparency by requiring employers to submit agency agreements and through the use of foreign recruiters; reinstating the role of state workforce agencies in providing expertise on local labor market conditions and recruitment patterns; and increasing the amount of time during which US workers must be recruited. Additionally, the department proposes to extend H-2B program benefits to workers employed alongside those recruited under the H-2B program; require employers to pay transportation costs and other fees; and enhance enforcement by giving the department's Wage and Hour Division independent debarment authority.

Naturalization while working abroad for US firm CYRUS D. MEHTA

t is not uncommon for a permanent resident to receive a plum posting for an American corporation overseas or for its subsidiary. This is a frequent occurrence these days in a globalized world, and especially when jobs have become more `scarce in the US since the economic downturn. While such an assignment may provide a great boost to the permanent resident's career, he or she may still wish to preserve the ability to naturalize, but the overseas posting presents a challenge since it may be difficult to maintain continuous residence. One of the key requirements for applying for US citizenship under INA § 316(a) is the need to be physically present for half the time in the US during the qualifying period, which may either be five or three years (if one is married to a US citizen) and to have also resided continuously during this period. The challenges of maintaining residence while on

an overseas assignment were addressed in a prior blog, Naturalizing In A Flat World, http:// cyrusmehta.blogspot.com/2010/ 07/naturalizing-in-flat-world.html. This article specifically examines the inadequacy of the exception in INA 316(b), which was designed to avoid the need to maintain continuous residence

zation. The USCIS requires the applicant to file Form N-470, http://1.usa.gov/h8HTyj, to seek this exemption. So far so good. Unfortunately, very few can avail of this exception since INA § 316(b) also requires that the individual be physically present and residing in the US, after being admitted as a per-

Why should an ‘uninterrupted period of one year’ require the individual to stay put in the US for an entire 365 day stretch? for purposes of naturalizing if a permanent resident is employed by an American firm overseas, or its subsidiary, that engages in the development of foreign trade and commerce of the United States. INA § 316(b) further provides for exemptions when one works overseas for the US government, an American research institution or a public international organi-

manent resident, for an uninterrupted period for at least one year. One would think that a brief trip to Canada, even for a few hours, would still qualify as an uninterrupted period of at least one year. Wrong, according to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. In order to qualify, the permanent resident must demonstrate that he or she never left the US for even a

single day (or less if it was to a neighboring country like Mexico or Canada) during that 365 day period. Even a single departure precludes the permanent resident from qualifying for this exception. We can surely advocate for a re-interpretation of what constitutes an uninterrupted period of one year. Why should an "uninterrupted period of one year" require the individual to stay put in the US for an entire 365 day stretch? Let's dig a little deeper. In Phinpathya v. INS, 464 US 183 (1984), the Supreme Court interpreted another unrelated statute, INA § 244(a)(1), with similar but not identical language, which granted suspension of deportation to a noncitizen who inter alia "has been physically present in the United States for a continuous period of not less than seven years immediately preceding the date of such application.." Cont’d on page 45

Immigration Post

April 1, 2011

India Post

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Business opposition doomed Ariz. immigration bills PHOENIX: Dozens of Arizona CEOs from hospitals, construction companies and other major businesses joined to turn back new get-tough legislation on illegal immigration, citing worries that emphasis on the issue could hurt the state's struggling economy and cost jobs. The result was something much different from a year ago, when Arizona's governor enacted a tough local enforcement measure that put the state at the heart of a fierce national debate over the issue. This time, numerous Republican senators joined with Democrats in rejecting bills dealing with health care, government benefits and everyday activities like driving. Besides business groups' opposition, others factors came into play: There isn't an election looming this fall, some GOP senators had never been too enthused by the severity of some of the bills and many lawmakers have simply become tired of the issue. Getting the clear ``vote no'' signal from so many major employers provided political cover to lawmakers whose constituents could demand explanations for votes against the bills, said Bill Hart, an analyst for the Morrison Institute for Public Policy at Arizona State University. ``They'll be able to say the top business CEOs in Arizona were very forcefully against it,'' and that packs some punch as the state continues to deal with economic troubles, he said. Arizona's approval last year of the get-tough illegal immigration

law, known as SB1070, produced protests, boycotts and court fights. The business CEOs cited concerns in a letter hand-delivered to lawmakers that more of the same would come from new legislation, with possible economic fallout to tourism and the hosting of industry conventions. ``They really wanted to go on record letting the legislators know what they needed,'' said Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce president Todd Sanders, adding

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Legislature and the people ... are also suffering from immigration fatigue,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; said Sen. John McComish, a Phoenix Republican who voted against the bills that it wasn't hard to get business leaders to sign on. ``For us the surprise was how fast the replies came back 'sign me up.''' The letter a joint product of the Phoenix chamber, its statewide counterpart and another business group said the best answer to the illegal immigration issue is federal action on border security, identity theft, a workable employment verification system and creation of a guest work program. Several senators mentioned the letter during the floor session. The votes showed last year's

Illegal immigrant charged for having machine gun

Ore. Senate panel votes for immigrant tuition bill

PHOENIX: An illegal immigrant who was living in Phoenix has been charged with possessing a machine gun and ammunition. Ramon Antonio ArguellesLopez entered a not guilty plea earlier this week to the charge. He could get up to 10 years in prison if convicted. Authorities says the 35-yearold was found with a Colt M4 Commando machine gun, a Bushmaster assault rifle, a bullet proof vest and scales at a Phoenix house. A statement from the U.S. attorney's office says he was in Arizona as part of a drug trafficking organization. Another man was arrested in the same house and charged for transporting and harboring illegal aliens. -AP

SALEM, Ore.: An Oregon Senate panel has approved a bill to grant in-state college tuition to some illegal immigrants. The Senate Education and Workforce Development Committee approved the proposal on a 4-1 vote, sending it to the full Senate. Supporters of the bill say many high school students brought to the United States illegally by their parents had no say in the decision to emigrate and deserve an opportunity to get an affordable education. Republican Sen. Larry George of Sherwood cast the dissenting vote. He says he was concerned the bill would cost taxpayer money at a time when the state is struggling to fund education. -AP

overwhelming margins of support among Republican legislators for SB1070 stemmed from electionyear pressures, said Constantin Querard, a Republican consultant whose clients mostly voted for the bills. It's evident now, however, that many Republican senators aren't that concerned with the issue, he said. Republican legislators had already been saying for months that boosting Arizona's economy and fixing the state's budget troubles were bigger priorities than illegal immigration. ``The Legislature and the people ... are also suffering from immigration fatigue,'' said Sen. John McComish, a Phoenix Republican who voted against the bills. ``We're totally distracted and it's divisive.'' The Senate's actions also illustrate limits on the potency of the tea party movement's ability to decide legislative action, said Pat Kenney, an Arizona State University political science professor. ``This is driven ideology that isn't mainstream with other Republicans the business leaders, the moderate Republicans,'' he said. ``They have some things in common but they don't have everything. There's a split there.'' Also, specific provisions of the bills defeated troubled lawmakers. Requiring hospitals to report people being treated if they lack insurance and could not produce documentation of legal status could burden hospitals, some senators said. Others questioned whether two of the five bills, which were aimed at forcing a U.S. Supreme Court ruling against automatic citizenship for US-born children of illegal immigrants, would produce the desired result. Business lobbying on the issue included reminding lawmakers of commitments made last fall that economic development and fixing the state budget would be the big priorities for this year's session, Sanders said. Sen. Russell Pearce, who was elected incoming Senate president last November and is the chief legislative champion of bills on illegal immigration, was among those making the promises. The Legislature last month approved an economic development package with phased-in business tax cuts, and the Senate approved a budget plan drafted by the chamber's majority Republicans. However, there's no budget agreement yet with the Republican-led House or Republican Gov. Jan Brewer. -AP

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Immigration Post

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April 1, 2011

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Former ICE lawyer gets prison Immigration fingerprints plan gets initial OK in immigration case LOS ANGELES: A former Immigration and Customs Enforcement attorney has been sentenced to more than 17 years in prison for pocketing hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes to create fake documents for immigrants in a scheme prosecutors described as an epic display of a public official's greed. Constantine Peter Kallas, a one-time assistant chief counsel for ICE, was also ordered by U.S. District Judge Terry J. Hatter Jr. to pay $296,000 in restitution after being convicted last year of 36 counts, including conspiracy, bribery and fraud. Prosecutors said Kallas and his wife Maria Kallas carried out the elaborate scheme between 2003 and 2008 by setting up two companies to file false paperwork claiming the immigrants had job offers to work in this country. Video footage provided by prosecutors showed a smiling Constantine Kallas taking $20,000 in cash from a man at a California casino and shoving it in his pocket amid the din of slot machines. ``He was a prosecutor and he

engaged in a conspiracy with the people he was charged to prosecute,'' Assistant U.S. Attorney Raymond Aghaian said outside court. On a search of Kallas' home, authorities found 24 immigration files hidden in a floor safe and a de-

Maria Kallas pleaded guilty in 2009 to conspiracy, bribery and conspiracy to commit money laundering. She is scheduled to be sentenced May 2 tailed payment ledger with the names of 60 different people. They also found $177,500 in cash, authorities said. In one instance, Kallas took a $7,000 bribe from his housekeeper and convinced an immigration judge to halt the deportation of her daughter by claiming she had agreed to be a witness on another case, court papers show.

The Alta Loma couple banked about $950,000 before their arrests in 2008, with at least $425,000 of that amount coming from bribes, authorities said. Prosecutors said it was a relatively long sentence for a federal case dealing with the corruption of federal or local officials. Attorney Dean Steward, who represents Constantine Kallas, said he thought the sentence of 17 years and eight months was too severe. Maria Kallas pleaded guilty in 2009 to conspiracy, bribery and conspiracy to commit money laundering. She is scheduled to be sentenced May 2. The restitution will help cover workers compensation' payments that Kallas received during leave from ICE due to a purported injury while he was simultaneously accepting bribes, Aghaian said. Hatter closed the sentencing hearing at Kallas' request. Steward said his client was threatened by fellow inmates when his case previously appeared in the news and he wound up in solitary confinement. -AP

Handful of Ga. immigration bills still viable ATLANTA: With a big immigration bill clearing each chamber of the Georgia Legislature, Republicans seem to be following through on their promise to focus on the issue, but a number of smaller immigration measures have failed to advance and may be stalled for this session. Of nearly a dozen immigrationrelated bills, only three cleared either the House or Senate by the deadline. Before the session even started, Republicans formed a legislative study committee of seven senators and seven representatives to examine the hot-button issue, soliciting testimony from various people and opening the floor for public comment. Senate Democrats who argue immigration is a federal issue embarked on a listening tour after the session's start in January, holding town hall meetings around the state to listen to constituents' concerns. They largely opposed immigration bills that came up for a vote, to little effect because of comfortable Republican majorities in both chambers. The Senate and House each passed separate comprehensive bills that would require many employers to use a federal database to check the immigration status of

new hires and would authorize law enforcement officers to check the immigration status of criminal suspects who can't produce an accepted form of identification, among other provisions. But those two bills aren't identical and a group of lawmakers from both chambers will likely begin meeting soon to hash out some of the differences.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The most important bill, the one that will help save jobs and the budget in Georgia and that will actually address illegal immigration, passedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Rep. Matt Ramsey, R-Peachtree City, who co-chaired the study committee in the fall and authored the House's comprehensive bill, said he's pleased with the way things are going. The focus from the beginning was passing a comprehensive piece of legislation that would address the most important issues, he said. ``Of all the bills that were batted around in the House, this was

the most comprehensive one and that's why it got the most attention and effort,'' Ramsey said of his bill. D.A. King, founder of the Dustin Inman Society, which advocates for stricter enforcement of immigration laws, spent hours at the Capitol during the session. King said he was pleased with the passage of Ramsey's bill, which he sees as stronger than the Senate version written by Sen. Jack Murphy, R-Cumming, which also passed. ``The most important bill, the one that will help save jobs and the budget in Georgia and that will actually address illegal immigration, passed,'' he said of Ramsey's bill. A lot of the smaller bills weren't as well written or researched, which could be part of the reason they didn't pass, King said. Jerry Gonzalez, executive director of the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials, has been lobbying aggressively against the various immigration-related bills proposed in Georgia. ``I'm disappointed any of these bills passed,'' he said. ``I think fundamentally it sends the wrong message that Georgia's not a hospitable place and not welcoming to foreigners.'' Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 45

DENVER: A Republican proposal to withhold funding from Colorado municipalities who reject a divisive federal immigration fingerprinting program got preliminary approval amid objections from Democrats who said the bill will punish small communities who don't have the technology to join the initiative. Republicans said withholding severance and cigarette taxes from municipalities that refuse to participate in the immigration program will serve as an incentive to implement Secure Communities statewide. Run by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the program quickly references fingerprints against records from the FBI and Department of Homeland Security. It's a capacity local jurisdictions don't immediately have. Critics of Secure Communities say it can lead to racial profiling and will make illegal immigrants reluctant to cooperate with authorities in criminal matters for fear of being caught in the immigration system. Some jurisdictions around the country, including Washington, D.C., have opposed the program. It became operational in San Francisco last summer over objections from the sheriff. Rep. David Balmer, a Republican from Arapahoe County who is sponsoring House Bill 1140, said he has heard some Colorado municipalities, including Basalt, Boulder and Durango, had expressed reservations about the program. He argues that the funding proposal - which he called ``a carrot and a stick'' approach - will address that. ``So this is a punishment to communities that don't want participate and it is a reward to communities that do want to participate and do want to take seriously enforcing our immigration laws and making sure that Colorado is safe from dangerous criminal illegal aliens,'' he said. Lawmakers approved the bill on a voice vote. It faces another vote before going to the Senate. Democrats argued that measure would unfairly take away funds from small cities and towns that may agree with the Secure Communities initiative but don't have the technology to participate in the program. ``I just can't see how in Colorado, while local communities are struggling, while people are having a hard time making their revenues and their expenditures

add up, how at this we can start taking money away from our local communities and adding a new mandate to the list of requirements to our communities,'' said Rep. Sal Pace of Pueblo, the Democratic leader in the House. Secure Communities is operational in 1,080 jurisdictions in 39 states, and ICE has said it wants to have the program in every jail by 2013. While the program has sometimes been described as voluntary, it nevertheless remains unclear whether jurisdictions have the power to opt out. Former Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter, a Democrat, approved Secure Communities to be used in the state in January despite getting dozens of letters of opposition from immigrant groups and lawmakers, including Denver City Council members. So far, the fingerprint-sharing program is being used in Denver, El Paso and Arapahoe counties.

Democrats argued that measure would unfairly take away funds from small cities and towns that may agree with the Secure Communities initiative Hans Meyer, the policy director of the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, said authorities should make sure that Secure Communities is used to deport only the most serious criminals. ``It is a mass dragnet immigration enforcement program masquerading as a public safety initiative,'' he said. Balmer told lawmakers that Secure Communities is a fair way to identify illegal immigrants without racial profiling because everyone's fingerprints are screened upon arrest. He said that before Secure Communities, it was more likely to engage in racial profiling at the jails when ICE was asking local authorities to report suspected illegal immigrants. ``How did they make that decision? The truth is that they made that decision, that they looked at people and they said, well, if they're Hispanic they might be illegal aliens so we're going dig a little bit deeper to find out that they're illegal aliens,'' he said. ``That's how the sheriffs were forced to do it.'' -AP

Immigration Post

April 1, 2011

India Post

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Naturalization while working abroad for US firm Cont’d from page 42

The Supreme Court in Phinpathya reasoned that the ordinary meaning of these words does not admit any exception, and that the individual who qualifies for suspension of deportation must have been physically present without having departed during the 7 year period. Following the Supreme Court decision, the Commissioner of the then Immigration and Naturalization Service adopted a strict interpretation of the physical presence requirement under INA § 319(b) in Matter of Copeland, 19 I&N Dec. 788 (Comm'r 1988) and Matter of Graves, 19 I&N Dec. 337 (Comm'r 1985). The author gives credit to David Isaacson for pointing out that the INA § 316(b) language and the INA § 244 language at issue in Phinpathya are a little bit different. § 316(b) refers to "the case of a person who has been physically present and residing in the United States, after being lawfully admitted for permanent residence for an uninterrupted period of at least one year, and who thereafter is" in one of the protected classes.

The § 244(a)(1) language at issue in Phinpathya referred to an applicant who "has been physically present in the United States for a continuous period of not less than seven years immediately preceding the date of such application," which is not quite the same thing. § 316(b) does say "physically present," but it uses the word "uninterrupted" rather than the word "continuous". Much of Phinpathya, according to Isaacson, goes on and on about the meaning of "continuous". Although "uninterrupted" sounds similar, that doesn't necessarily mean it should be interpreted in exactly the same way especially because much of § 316 uses the word "continuous", so the distinction between "continuous" and "uninterrupted" presumably means something. Incidentally, INA §244(a)(1) no longer exists. The current version of suspension of deportation, now known as cancellation of removal, allows the individual to have been out of the US for a period of not longer than 90 days on any trip and for an aggravated period of not more than 180 days

to still qualify for this relief. See INA § 240(d)(2). Even long before cancellation of removal replaced suspension of deportation, Congress restored the "brief, casual and innocent" departure exception to suspension applicants, as set forth in Rosenberg v. Fleuti, 374 U.S. 183 (1963) in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

Why cannot ‘uninterrupted’ allow for short trips that do not meaningfully interruptive of physical presence? The rationale for the Service to cling on to the rigid interpretation is that Congress never amended 319(b), while it explicitly provided an exception for applicants seeking relief from deportation Prior to Phinpathya, the interpretation of 316(b) was more in line with the "brief, casual and innocent" test, and the old pre-

Handful of Ga. immigration bills still viable Cont’d from page 44

A bill that makes driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol a felony on the first conviction only for illegal immigrants cleared the Senate last week. In Georgia, DUI is a misdemeanor on the first two convictions, a high and aggravated misdemeanor on the third conviction and a felony on the fourth and subsequent convictions and would remain so for everyone in the country legally. Another bill that would require the written portion of the Georgia driver's license test to be given only in English made it to the House floor but was tabled after an amendment passed that effectively gutted it. If it were to become law, it would not affect illegal immigrants because they aren't eligible for driver's licenses. A bill that would bar illegal immigrants from enrolling in state colleges and universities passed a House committee but failed to make it to the chamber floor for a vote by the crossover day deadline. Bills that never made it out of committee include ones that would: - require K-12 schools and hospitals to report the number of

illegal immigrants they serve; - prohibit illegal immigrants from receiving worker's compensation; - prohibit illegal immigrants from collecting unemployment benefits; - toughen worker eligibility verification requirements for contractors who receive public works

Thompson, who organized the Democratic listening tour on immigration, has repeatedly argued immigration is a federal issue contracts; - require jails to apply for participation in and use federal-local partnership programs that help local law enforcement agencies identify illegal immigrants in their custody. ``I'm very pleased that the school bills did not make it through because they were the

most constitutionally suspect and most risked harming innocent people,'' said state Sen. Curt Thompson, D-Tucker, referring to the children of illegal immigrants who are brought here when they're young. Thompson, who organized the Democratic listening tour on immigration, has repeatedly argued immigration is a federal issue. Just because certain bills failed to pass either chamber of the Legislature and seem to have stalled doesn't mean they're completely dead for the year. Some or all of the provisions of those bills could be tacked onto another bill as amendments in the session's waning days. -AP

Phinpathya interpretation ironically still remains. See USCIS Interpretation 316.1(c), http:// 1.usa.gov/fBeMMU. One can only assume that the USCIS has inadvertently failed to withdraw these interpretations and has not left them there purposefully. Ideally, it would be simple for Congress to fix it. We are not asking for Comprehensive Immigration Reform here! But we know that Congress may never act. On the other hand, there is no reason for lawyers not to advance a more generous interpretation of the uninterrupted physical presence requirement under INA § 319(b) to allow brief trips outside the US in an age when frequent overseas travel has become the norm. It is impossible for a high level executive to remain land locked within the US for 365 days. Apart from the two decisions of the INS Commissioner in Graves and Copeland, no federal court has interpreted this provision. In addition to the distinction of the terms "continuous" and "uninterrupted," from a policy perspective, it makes no sense to analogize 316(b), which furthers our commercial and trade interests overseas, with a defunct provision that allowed undocumented non-citizens to seek a

waiver from deportation. Moreover, the term "uninterrupted" appears nowhere else in the statute, except in § 316(b) and in a parallel naturalization provision, INA § 317, for religious workers who work overseas. Why cannot "uninterrupted" allow for short trips that do not meaningfully interruptive of physical presence? Such an interpretation, while consistent with the "brief, casual and innocent" test set forth by the Supreme Court in Rosenberg v. Fleuti to the defunct "entry" doctrine, can also further the trade and commerce of the United States, one of the goals of INA § 316(b), by permitting the executive to take up an overseas assignment for an American firm without fearing the loss of the coveted naturalization benefit at the end of the assignment. As a practical matter, though, until Congress provides a fix, or there is a sensible reinterpretation of the INA § 319(b) exception to continuous residence, one should only file Form N-470 upon meeting the uninterrupted 365 day requirement. * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

Datebook

India Post

April 1, 2011

www.indiapost.com

NEW YORK

ILLINOIS

Upcoming

Sat April 1

Sat April 2

• Wasifuddin Dagar Dhrupad master vocalist

• Bihar Association Holi Celebration

Venue: Peter Norton Symphony Space, Broadway at 95th Street, New York Time: 8pm Contact: 212-545-7536

Venue: Meadows Corporate Center, 2850 Golf Road, Rolling Meadows, Illinois Time: 4:30pm to 10:30pm Contact: 630-542-2318

Sun Apr 3

NEW JERSEY

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

Thurs April 7

Sat April 2

• Eating For Enlightenment

• The Plight of Hindu Minorities

Venue: Private Residence, 1506 Windsor Court, Denville, New Jersey Time: 7pm to 9:30pm Contact: 973-400-9191

Venue: Shreemaya Krishnadham Cultural and Community Center, 25, Corning Ave, Milpitas, California Time: 2:30pm to 4:30pm Contact: 510-299-3404

Thurs April 7

• South Asian Bridal Expo 2011

Sat April 9

• The Varli Food Festival

Venue: Meadows Club, 2950 W Golf Road, Rolling Meadows, Chicago, Illinois, 60008 Time: 11:00 am to 6:00 pm Contact: 630-277-9273

• Rahat Fateh Ali Khan show In New Jersey

Venue: The Altman Building, 135 West 18th Street, New York Time: 6pm to 10pm Contact: 612-220-3617

Fri April 8 • Erasing Borders Festival of Indian Dance Venue: Asia Society, 725 Park Ave, New York Contact: 212-594-3685

Sat April 16

Venue: New Jersey Performing Arts Center, One Center Street, New wark, New Jersey Time: 8pm Contact: 516-692-8690

• Everyday Awareness Techniques Venue: I.M.U., 1418 W Howard St at Sheridan Rd, Chicago, Illinois Time: 2pm Contact: 773-262-1468

Sun April 10 • Maywood Springtime Family Festival Venue: Maywood Market Place, 78 West Pleasant Ave, Maywood, New Jersey Time: 10am to 5pm Contact: 201-998-1144

WASHINGTON DC

Upcoming Sun Apr 10 Yoga, Meditation & Spiritual Discourses by Swami Mukundananda Venue: Shri Mangal Mandir, 17110, New Hampshire Ave Silver Spring, Washington DC, District of Columbia, 20905 Time: 4:00 pm Contact: 323-2860452

Mon July 4

Sun April 3 • Saregamapa Singing Super Stars Live In Concert Venue: Flint Center De Anza College, 21250 Stevens Creek Boulevard, Cupertino, BA Time: 7pm Contact: 650-771-0933

Sat April 9 • Sanskrit Shloka Recitation Competition 2011 Venue: Sunnyvale Hindu Temple, 450 Persian Drive, Sunnyvale, CA Time: 10am to 2pm Contact: 978-268-8406

Sun April 10 • Galleria Printemps 2011 Venue: India Community Center, 525 Los Coches Street, Milpitas, California Time: 2pm to 8pm Contact: 510-894-3047

Sat April 16 • Manthan Presents "E-Motion" A Unique & Creative Dance Show Venue: Jain Temple Auditorium, Milpitas Time: 7pm Contact: 408-685-4234 Highlights: Be part of our fun team as a sponsor, fashion show model, dance performer and/ or volunteer.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Upcoming Sun April 3 • Help Japan NowFundraising Luncheon Venue: Virgelia Productions, Inc., 14300 Terra Bella Street, #19, Panorama, CA 91402 Contact: 323-888-2121 Highlights: We Need Help: Should you have any contact in these areas please assist us in: - Food Donation for the luncheon to maximize the monetary donation, we are soliciting for food donation from restaurants. Table Linens, flatware, Drinks, AV, Volunteers, Most importantly your monetary donations.

Tues April 12 • 9th Annual Indian Film Festival Of Los Angeles Venue: Arclight Hollywood, 6360 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles Time: 8pm Contact: 310-988-2602

Sat April 16 • Pediatric Feeding Seminar Venue: Embassy Suites Hotel, 2053 Grant Rd Suite 158, Los Altos, Los Angeles Contact: 650-752-4993

Sat April 23 • India Festival Venue: Civic Arts Plaza, In The Park, 2100 E. THousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, CA Time: 12pm to 4pm Contact: 805-754-9861

Sat April 30 • Festival of Books Venue: University of Southern California, 3551 Trousdale Pkwy, Los Angeles Contact: 866-790-5813

on Aug 1

• Rathyatra, Festival of India

Thu May 5

• Yogalicious!

Venue: National Mall (in front of Air & Space Museum), Washington, DC Time: 10:30am to 9pm Contact: 301-299-2100

• Fund raising Volleyball tournament

Venue: Art of Living Center Los Angeles, 948 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, California Time: 6:30pm to 9pm Contact: 310-820-9429

Venue: Ponderosa Park, Sunnyvale, CA Time: 8am to 5pm

April 1, 2011

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Philosophy

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gnorance is the cause of fear. Man tasted the "forbidden fruit" and became a slave of lust. He forgot his original, divine nature and was thus caught up in the whirlpool of ignorance. The infinite fearless Brahman became the finite Jiva with fear. Identification of the body or Dehadhyasa is the cause of fear. Dehadhyasa is another form of ignorance. This physical body is an instrument for man's sensual enjoyment. If he suffers from any disease he is afraid that he will lose this body which serves him as a vehicle for his enjoyment. He tries his level best to preserve this body. All other causes of fear are traceable to Dehadhyasa. Fear (Bhaya) and Raga (attachment) are modifications or Vrittis in the mind. They are temporary whirlpools or waves. The substance of the mind is nothing but Raga and fear. They are twin-sisters. Hence they are closely related to each other. If you destroy fear and Raga there is neither life nor existence for the mind. The Upanishad declares, "Detachment, faith, fear, Raga, shyness, modesty, shame. etc.," are only mind. Fear is a product of ignorance or Avidya. Man forgets his essential, divine nature through Moha or infatuation and identification with the body. He was the all-perSWAMI DAYANANDA SARASWATI

hat is uparati, or as the author of the Tattvabodha Sri Sankaracarya calls it, uparama? He answers, svadharmä nuñöhänameva. This is a very interesting meaning. Uparama is getting back to yourself. There is a tendency to omit what I have to do, and do what I need not do, do something else. This is the tendency that everybody has. A withdrawal from that, and doing what is to be done is uparama, svadharmaan-uñöhänam eva. Svadharma: sva means one's own; dharma, here, is what is to be done. What is to be done is to be done. We can't say, "I don't feel like doing it," and not do it. This is a certain abuse of freedom. Even though you don't feel like doing it, sometimes it has to be done. So what is to be done, you do, even though you don't feel like doing it, and what is not to be done, even if you feel like doing it, you don't. That is what he calls uparama. Uparama is also translated as sannyäsa, renunciation-taking to a life of renunciation for a dedi-

vading immortal fearless Soul or Brahman in the beginning. He was the "Santam (Peaceful), Ajaram (decayless), Amritam (immortal), Abhayam (fearless) Brahman." On account of egoism he became a rebellious child. He separated himself from his Father. He had division of property. He started his own independent living in this earth-plane. He rented a house in the mundane world. He entered the bodyhouse of flesh and bone and

fearless, and ever blissful and peaceful. He had no thought of body, house, property, wife, children, position and prestige. He had no thought of diseases of body and fall from his social status or prestige. He had no thought of enemies, war, riots and of running to any place for safety, security. His original bode was peacefully secure and free from any sort of a danger and enemies. It was all one Brahman community. There was no fear of attacks

mous with "Pig-philosophy." Every day fears multiplied, as he was very much attached to his body, the bodies of wife, children and to his house, property, etc. Raga (attachment) is the longstanding associate of fear. Wherever there is Raga, there is fear. Fear and Raga co-exist. Man is attached to his wife. The body of his wife is his greatest pleasure-centre. So there is fear for him, fear of losing her, fear of her death, fear of her running away

Fear comes wherever there is attachment Man forgets his essential, divine nature through Moha or infatuation Swami Sivananda

and identification with the body

became a little timid man, a little Jiva, with all sorts of fears. Thus started his downfall on account of his quarrel with his Almighty Father and owing to his starting a new egoistic living with Raga-Dvesha. He was bodiless muscle-less, fleshless, boneless, I-less, mineless, desireless, Vasanaless, when he was one with the Father, when there was a joint family. And so he was absolutely

through bombs or torpedoes. It was an impregnable, invulnerable fortress. It was disease-proof, bomb-proof, earthquake-proof. In his new, independent egoistic life, he became selfish, crooked, narrow, and mean minded. He entertained low thoughts. He ever thought of flesh and pleasures of the flesh. He practiced the philosophy of flesh and preached the philosophy of flesh which is synony-

with another man, fear of her divorcing him, fear of her being displeased with him, etc. As he is attached to his children, house and property, he has fear of losing his house, property and children. Hence Raga is the cause of fear. If there is no Raga, there is no fear. The first link in the chain of Raga is his attachment to his body. All kinds, of Raga start from this Raga to the physical body.

cated pursuit. In fact, this is a more suitable meaning for all of us. But here, he says that it is svadharma-anuñöhänam eva, whatever is your dharma, whatever is to be done at a given place and in a given situation, that you do, whether you like it or not. That is how we gain a certain mastery over our own likes and dislikes. Otherwise they dictate

is something like a doctor telling you that every day you must eat an apple, and you saying, "Oh, that's wonderful, I love apples." When you love apples and somebody advises you to eat an apple daily, you can enjoy that; there is no conflict. But then, if they say that you have to take this bitter gourd juice every day, then you have to take

be what is to be done every time, and what we don't like is not what is not to be done every time. No, what we don't like sometimes is to be done, and what we like is not to be done. And therefore, what shall we do? If you go by what you like and don't like, you'll become a derelict, so what is to be done you do, and what is not to be done, you avoid.

What is to be done is to be done If you go by what you like and don't like, you'll become a derelict, so Swami Dayananda Saraswati

our behavior all the time, and that is a meaningless life, really speaking. As long as these likes and dislikes conform to dharma, they are fine. If what is to be done conforms to dharma and you like it, and it is good for you, and you do it, in fact, you will be spontaneous. It

what is to be done you do it, even though you don't like itand I don't think anybody will ever like it. Certain things you can learn to like after some time, like blue cheese, I suppose. But I don't think anybody will learn to like bitter gourd juice. Still, you take it. Why? It has to be taken. And so, what we like is not going to

This becomes uparama. It avoids conflicts, and it gives you a sense of satisfaction, also, a sense of success about yourself as a person, because you can deny yourself something you want. That is an amazing thing. That makes you feel good, and therefore, you have a good day.

A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life. -Charles Darwin All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better. -Ralph Waldo Emerson All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on. -Henry Ellis Any idiot can face a crisis - it's day to day living that wears you out. -Anton Chekhov Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact. -William James Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. -Buddha Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first. -Mark Twain

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An Indian anti-nuclear peace movement FIRDAUS AHMED

he events of Japan have had a catalyzing effect elsewhere. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has already ordered a nuclear safety recheck. Those opposed to nuclear power expansion in India, such as the CNDP (Coalition for Nuclear Disarmament and Peace) have used the opportunity to drive home their arguments against such expansion. The Disaster Management Authority is no doubt studying the aftermath, even as it keeps relief teams on standby for deployment. Nuclear lobbies interested in the nuclear renaissance have been at work dispelling any aspersions on their stewardship of the nuclear program. Missing in action is the peace lobby. Currently, they are doublehatted, also busy with fending of nuclear power expansion, particularly the Jaitapur plant. The unfortunate happenings in Japan can have a useful purpose in case the fledgling peace movement can acquire momentum. This is the time to move from an activist-centered program to a mass-based one. The back-to-back nuclear tests were the spark but there was no tinder. As a result there was little societal opposition. Instead the nationalist narrative took over, fanned later by the Kargil War. The nuclearists were sensible in bolstering their doctrinal releases with due genuflection to disarmament, even as they shifted the goal posts from 'minimum deterrence' to 'credible minimum deterrence'. Their dominance of the discourse since, relying on official power, has kept the peace movement in the realm of possibility and not quite a 'happening' field. This is despite South Asia having undergone a near war and a crisis after Kargil. The nuclear race, if not an arms race, is one being run neck in neck, with a news report having it that Pakistan has 'edged' past India in numbers. In a variegated program, India remains ahead, having a nuclear powered submarine under trial and ballistic missile defense system retested recently. The somnolence in the peace counter-offensive owes to the movement lacking in escape velocity. The current juncture of the third blast in Japan's atomic power station and Tokyo being downwind is an opportunity that must be suitably leveraged. Directly confronted with the sad images, people can imagine what they are in for in case the false god, deterrence, were to fail. Japan has evacuated a 20km

radius around the plant. Since it was on the sea the displacement has been up to tens of thousands, others having left due to the tsunami. The Japanese being traditionally disciplined the images are of oriental calm in face of tragedy and challenge. Transferring the disaster template onto the IndoGangetic plain would surely focus minds; given South Asian densities of population, levels of preparedness and suspect social cohesion. While rightly the current focus of activists is on nuclear plants'

paranoia. In case of inadvertent conventional strikes on nuclear weapons, the weapons are unlikely to go off in sympathetic detonations due to safety features. What would result would at best be akin to a dirty bomb, limited to the danger zone of the chemical explosive. Besides, India has the NDMA in place. The shortcomings of this position need to be brought out. Firstly, the wars were in an era when the shared heritage and memories were still fresh in memory. Ever since, respective re-

Narora Atomic Power Station

safety and the shortcomings in the Indian system, such as absence of an independent over-watch and safety audit body, there is a need to go beyond. The counter-attack must move into terrain hithertofore considered settled due to the hegemony of nuclearists. Anticipating their arguments would be instructive. Foremost

The somnolence in the peace counter-offensive owes to the movement lacking in escape velocity. The current juncture of the third blast in Japan's atomic power station and Tokyo being downwind is an opportunity that must be suitably leveraged would be that India and Pakistan have always waged limited, virtually 'gentlemanly' wars that were at best, 'communal riots with tanks'. Both states have an agreement not to attack each other's nuclear assets, an agreement that has withstood the test of all the crises over the past two decades. Limited War entails avoiding nuclear infrastructure targets, lest it trigger a 'use them lose them'

ligion-based nationalisms have made an advent in mainstream political imagination and the consequences are yet unfolding in both societies. Secondly, while the treaty exists, its robustness in war is not known. The level of credence given to the treaty, particularly in the classified air force doctrine, is not known. Thirdly, the emphasis on firepower is evident from the number of FICCI and CII seminars on the theme and developments in the missile field, particularly cruise missiles. Nuclear hideouts can figure either explicitly or inadvertently in such fire assaults. This could trigger nuclearized responses. The leisurely pace of the peace process that could dispel such concerns stands explained in the WikiLeaks releases made accessible by The Hindu. The lobby against normalization, in which, incidentally, also figures an erstwhile NSA, is capable of stymieing the PM's best intentions. That many sections gain from such a status quo, including the nuclear lobby, accounts for its strength. In light of this asymmetry, positional war needs to be launched by getting not only masses but the middle classes, who stand to lose the most, on board to move from an anti-nuclear coalition to a 'movement'. The Japanese experience is the second, and possibly last, for learning. Courtesy IPCS

India Post Corrupt & the not soâ&#x20AC;Ś

here are few leaders who are found gloating over revelations in a Wikileaks cable. Among those few is Narendra Modi, the cocky chief minister of Gujarat who seemed to be celebrating the character certificate given to him by a US official of being "incorruptible." This must be a rare recognition in a country, which must be, going by the exposes everyday in the media, stinking with bribes and dubious deals at every street corner. Leaders of hardly any country have been left unscathed by the leaks. India's turn has come rather late and the exposes have only confirmed what has been suspected. But the reaction by the Indian establishment to any expose has been attempts at cover up. The Congress party is now showing rare unity to deny and shield any wrongdoing and wrongdoers, particularly on the eve of elections in five states, which could prove crucial for its survival at the Center. If there are more exposes coming, there will be more denials and more cover-ups. Will these tactics succeed this time in the technology advanced world where it is becoming easier to expose? Doubts about the manner in which the Congress won the 2008 no-confidence motion on the civilian nuclear deal with the US were raised at the time of the vote and even an inquiry did not come to a satisfactory conclusion. It recommended a further inquiry which was never agreed to. Now those very doubts have come to the surface with fresh allegations of MPs being bought with large sums of money. This is what the Wikileaks cable talks about. How some functionaries and their sympathizers were organizing crores to keep the numbers in the parliament vote on the government's side. The Prime Minister had rejected the allegations that the Congress bribed some opposition MPs to save the government from collapse during the trust vote. He called the WikiLeaks cables as 'unverified and unverifiable.' He also claimed that the committee (that probed the scandal) had concluded "there was insufficient evidence to draw any conclusion of bribery." The BJP said the statement was contradictory to the findings of the committee which had recommended a deeper inquiry. These approaches are true to party lines. But it is instructive to know what the founder of the Wikileaks Julian Assange has to say about the leaks concerning India. In an interview with NDTV, he said that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was wrong to have questioned the authenticity of the WikiLeaks cables. The PM's statements "seem like a deliberate attempt to mislead the public by suggesting that governments around the world do not accept the material and it is not verified," he emphasized. The WikiLeaks founder also said, "The cables are authentic but the contents of the cables may or may not be correct. They need to be investigated, interrogated." This is where the government's intention comes into question. If the PM really wants to clear the air, he could order a proper investigation, as he had ordered in the 2G scam. It has however to be conceded that in the 2G case, his hands were forced by a persistent Supreme Court of the country. What the redoubtable Narendra Modi has been crowing about is also not the whole truth. He chose to ignore the not-so-flattering comment about him in the cables, which said, in part, "In public appearances, Modi can be charming and likeable. By all accounts, however, he is an insular, distrustful personâ&#x20AC;Ś. He reigns more by fear and intimidation than by inclusiveness and consensus, and is rude, condescending and often derogatory to even high-level party officials. He hoards powerâ&#x20AC;Ś." So what we need is an honest appraisal of Wiklieaks disclosures.

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