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Modi for global efforts to tackle nuke terror Details on page 5
Kejriwal among world's 50 greatest leaders Details on page 6
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VOL 21, No. 1123
April 1, 2016
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BLACKLIST OF INDIANS OVERSEAS PRUNED
NEW DELHI: A blacklist maintained by the Central government imposing visa restrictions on Sikhs settled abroad has been pruned, reportedly following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention. The Prime Minister's "intervention" came after Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal wrote a letter urging him to remove names of 36 Sikhs settled overseas from the "secret blacklist", maintained by the government. Some names have been removed from the blacklist after detailed discussions among various stakeholders, of-
ficial sources said. The blacklist, which was prepared at different levels by security agencies, has been maintained by the government on mostly Indian-origin people allegedly involved in subversive or anti-India activities abroad. Such people, whose names figure in the blacklist, are barred from visiting India. The Punjab Chief Minister had urged Modi after he became Prime Minister in 2014 to direct the Home Ministry to evolve a mechanism for a regular review of all such cases. Details on page 5
Shiladitya Sen Gupta
Indians develop tech for cancer treatment Details on page 5
Sonika Vaid mesmerizes Idol judges Details on page 12
Amitabh and Kangna win National Awards Details on page 52 See pages 24-33
Houston CGI lauded by Indian American groups
CONTENTS Bollywood -------------------------- 36
Details on page 6
Classifieds ------------------------- 48 Community Post -------------- 12-23 Date Book -------------------------- 47
INDIA POST SURVEY
Edit Page --------------------------- 54
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HealthScience Post --------- 37-39
This week’s question
Horoscope ------------------------- 49
Should India have allowed Pakistani team to Pathankot?
Immigration Post ------------- 34-35 Life Style ----------------------- 50-52
Last week’s result
Is Raja Krishnamoorthi complacent about November? YES 43%
NO 57%
Philosophy ------------------------- 53 Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4
INSIDER VIEW: Pakistani Joint Investigation Team returning after their investigation inside Pathankot IAF base on March 29. Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists had attacked the IAF base recently. (Reports on page 8)
Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”
TechBiz Post ------------------- 44-46 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 41-43
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here is this strange new prayer going up among believers and I would guess, non-believers too to whatever divine powers that be, that 'die we have to one day, so let it be at home amidst our loved ones, even if it were to be of a deadly disease, but let me not be blown to bits in an explosion by a mindless suicide bomber.' A rather fatalistic prayer I must say, but one that I would think over if only hypothetically, but with no sense of morbidity. We are living in troubled times where death as by disease thanks to consumerist lifestyles; by accidents thanks to increasing traffic complications; or natural disasters thanks to climate change (yes, that's a reality); political strife thanks to corrupt leaders; and crime thanks to increasing wealth disparities are becoming de rigueur. But, its violent death due to terrorism that's striking closer home unsparingly to everyone wherein a suicide bombing in any part of the world necessarily affects people across the world directly or indirectly. As I think, this book I read some time ago by our very own good doc Atul Gawande, a surgeon, author, public health researcher and to add, MacAurthur Fellow, titled Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End comes to mind. Without googling it, I can say from what I remember, that the book was about how people are increasingly choosing to die - in hospitals rather than at home even when suffering from terminal diseases. On second thoughts, I would say that's rich. Simply because such a situation still affords a choice. It affords the possibility of loved ones being around when the end comes. It affords the certainty of having a doctor who is still trying to save your life. Now think of all the unsuspecting, everyday people on commuter trains, at school, on campuses, at a cinema theater or a mall or simply a Walmart suddenly and violently torn apart by an explosion caused by a mindless demon. Before it turns too morbid, I will stop here with the thought: Is dying of old age peacefully in your sleep still a thing?
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Cover Story: Blacklist pruned A blacklist imposing visa restrictions on Sikhs settled abroad has been pruned, following PM Modi’s intervention.
Community: Melodious Indian Sonika Vaid, a 20-year-old pre-medical student from Massachusetts, was one of the top 5 contestants on American Idol
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Immigration: Indian Jews Some 700 Indian Jews will be able to immigrate to Israel this year, a three-fold increase over last year
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Blacklist of overseas Indians pruned NEW DELHI: A blacklist maintained by the Central government imposing visa restrictions on Sikhs settled abroad has been pruned, reportedly following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention. The Prime Minister's "intervention" came after Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal wrote a letter urging him to remove names of 36 Sikhs settled overseas from the "secret blacklist", maintained by the government. Some names have been removed from the blacklist after detailed discussions among various stakeholders, official sources said. The blacklist, which was prepared at different levels by security agencies, has been maintained by the government on mostly Indian-origin people allegedly involved in subversive or anti-In-
dia activities abroad. Such people, whose names figure in the blacklist, are barred from visiting India. The Punjab Chief Minister had
Badal had said he wanted removal of the names of persons from the list against whom no cases or legal proceedings were pending.
ter for removing the names of Sikh individuals from the list. During the 1980s and 1990s, a large number of Sikh families had migrated to the US, Canada,
and have not been allowed to visit India in the past decades. Official sources said the blacklist contains several thousand names. -PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal
urged Modi after he became Prime Minister in 2014 to direct the Home Ministry to evolve a mechanism for a regular review of all such cases.
that the drug hasn't worked," Gupta, a co-corresponding author of the breakthrough research published online in 'The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences', told PTI. The first author of the paper is Ashish Kulkarni, who comes from a small village in Maharashtra. A junior faculty at Harvard, Kulkarni trained as a Chemical Engineer at ICT Mumbai, then did a PhD in chem-
‘Current techniques, which rely on measurements of the size or metabolic state of the tumor, are sometimes unable to detect the effectiveness of an immunotherapeutic agent as the volume of the tumor may actually increase as immune cells begin to flood in to attack the tumor’ to the tumor, and if the tumor starts dying or regressing, it then starts lighting up the tumor in real time," said Shiladitya Sen Gupta, a principal investigator at Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT) Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH). "This way you can monitor whether a chemotherapy is working or not in real time, and switch the patients to the right drug early on. One doesn't need to wait for months while taking a toxic chemotherapy only to realize later, and after side effects
the UK, Germany and other countries seeking political asylum. Many of the asylum seekers were booked in cases in India
A delegation of British Sikhs too had urged the Prime Minister for removing the names of Sikh individuals from the list
Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal too had written a letter to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to review the blacklist of Sikhs and delete
Indians develop tech for cancer treatment WASHINGTON: A team of Indian scientists from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard Medical School has made an important breakthrough by developing a nano-technology which will help monitor the effectiveness of cancer therapy within hours of treatment. "We have developed a nanotechnology, which first delivers an anticancer drug specifically
names of the persons who were not wanted in any criminal case in the state. A delegation of British Sikhs too had urged the Prime Minis-
istry at the University of Cincinnati. Kulkarni said by using this approach, the cells light up the moment a cancer drug starts working. "We can determine if a cancer therapy is effective within hours of treatment. Our longterm goal is to find a way to monitor outcomes very early so that we don't give a chemotherapy drug to patients who are not responding to it," he said. "We've demonstrated that this technique can help us di-
rectly visualize and measure the responsiveness of tumors to both types of drugs," Kulkarni said. Other members of the research team are Poornima Rao, Siva Natarajana, Aaron Goldman, Venkata S Sabbisetti, Yashika Khater, Navya Korimerla, Vineethkrishna Chandrasekara and Raghunath A Mashelkar. Except Goldman, all are Indian researchers. "Current techniques, which rely on measurements of the size or metabolic state of the tumor, are sometimes unable to detect the effectiveness of an immunotherapeutic agent as the volume of the tumor may actually increase as immune cells begin to flood in to attack the tumor," Kulkarni said. He said reporter nanoparticles, however, can give "us an accurate read out of whether or not cancer cells are dying". The technology developed by the group can be used for monitoring the effectiveness of immunotherapy, a report said. Using a nanoparticle that delivers a drug and then fluoresces green when cancer cells begin dying, they were able to visualize whether a tumor is resistant or susceptible to a particular treatment much sooner than currently available clinical methods, said a statement from BWH. -PTI
Modi for global efforts to tackle nuke terror NEW DELHI: Prime Minister geography. Narendra Modi will strongly pitch "We are concerned about the for global efforts to deal with the security of not just nuclear matethreat of nuclear terrorism and rials and radioactive sources may press for a legally binding around India and globally but mechanism to ensure security of also the security of nuclear faradioactive material at the cilities, the existence of insider Nuclear Security Summit begin- threats, the existence of networks ning in Washington. whereby technologies and inforModi will attend the crucial mation can be trafficked. summit being attended by lead"Those concerns are wellers from 52 countries. The sum- known. The summit provides us mit will deliberate on various as- an opportunity to work with other pects of nuclear threats includ- nations in cooperative spirit to ing from terror networks. India will submit a Modi will attend the crucial national progress report on nuclear secu- summit being attended by rity at the summit. "India's national leaders from 52 countries. progress report on The summit will deliberate nuclear security will be circulated at the sum- on various aspects of mit. The Prime Minister nuclear threats will intervene in this discussion to underline some of the important mea- raise nuclear security standards sures we have taken to around the world because a weak strengthen nuclear security," link in the chain can be found in Joint Secretary (Disarmament) in any geography," he said. the Ministry of External Affairs Gill said India would push for Amandeep Singh Gill said. a legally binding instrument reHe said India will seek con- lating to nuclear security. crete measures to combat threat He said India feels the conof nuclear terrorism. vention on protection of nuclear Asked whether India may material and obligatory reporting raise the issue of the risk of under UN Security Council resoPakistan's nuclear weapons fall- lution 1540, adopted in 2004, on ing into the hands of terror non-state actors getting access groups, Gill said the focus of the to weapons of mass destruction NSS has not been specific to any should come into effect.-PTI
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Houston CGI lauded by Indian-American groups HOUSTON: Over 20 major Indian-American organizations have praised the work of the outgoing Indian Consul General here, saying he immensely contributed towards improving consular services and championing the cause of trade. Twenty-two IndoAmerican groups organized a community-wide farewell dinner in honor of Harish Parvathaneni, who has been assigned to report as Indian Ambassador to Vietnam in April. Parvathaneni has been serving as the Consul General of India in Houston since July, 2012. "It is a testament to the popularity of the Consul General and a reflection of the outstanding consular services he and his consulate are providing for our community. Harish has set a high benchmark," said Jagdip Ahluwalia, Executive Director of Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston. He also expressed his appreciation for the Consul General's immense contribution from improving consular services to
championing the cause of trade between Houston and India, from encouraging Houstonians to practice Suryanamaskars to promoting Indian art and culture in Houston. Video messages from several
Harish Parvathaneni
organizations were played, appreciating the Consul General's positive contribution and attendees joined in an impromptu chorus of "he's a jolly good fellow" from the ICC group recording. Thanking the gathering for their friendship and warmth, Parvathaneni stated that it is "our
duty, our dharma to do what we have been sent to do." He spoke of his efforts to improve Consular services starting from improving the facilities at the Consulate, greater accessibility and the installation of an emergency number for weekends and off duty hours so that the consular experience is "seamless". "We realized the magnitude of the Houston assignment when we greeted almost 300 guests at the Independence Day function. We felt so encouraged by the warmth and friendship that each one of you showed to us that day," Harish said. The Republic Day function also provided an indication of the problems at the Consulate. "At the reception, one of the guests asked me to look at the access to the Consulate and the lack of toilets for Consular applicants. This comment made me wonder how this could be an important issue. But it did turn out to be a significant issue. We addressed it within a day," he said. PTI
Fascinating transformation in India-US ties: Indian envoy WASHINGTON: Ahead of characterized the India-US relaPrime Minister Narendra Modi's tionship as a "defining partnerthird trip here in less than two ship of the 21st century", while years, India's envoy to the US has Modi has termed the partnership said that the two countries have as a "natural alliance". experienced a fascinating trans"The strategic convergence formation in relations which was and the global importance of this "simply unthinkable" three decades ago. "Our partnership did not always appear so destined. Indeed, just three decades ago, such an alignment of interests between the two countries was simply unthinkable. This makes the transformation of IndiaUS relations in the last three decades so Indian Ambassador to the US Arun K Singh fascinating," Indian Ambassador to the US Arun K convergence are captured in our Singh said in his address at the diplomatic moniker: a 'Global Stra20th Wharton-India Economic tegic Partnership'," he said. Forum on 'Evolving India-US Re"Since his election in May 2014, lations' over the weekend. Prime Minister Modi has visited President Barack Obama has the US twice and is going to be
back here for the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington DC," Singh told the audience. "The first-ever vision statement of our countries was issued in September 2014, during the Prime Minister's visit. A Delhi Declaration, adopted during President Obama's visit, further elevated our strategic partnership. A Joint Strategic Vision unveiled at that time reflected their common goals for the dynamic Asia-Pacific and the Indian Ocean Region, building on the congruence of India's 'Act East' policy and the US 're-balance' to Asia," he said. Noting that defense is an area where the impact of a robust India-US partnership has been obvious, Singh said the two countries have started the Defense Technology and Trade Initiative to foster collaboration in transformative defense technology, coproduction and co-development. India has contracted nearly USD 14 billion worth of defense items from the US in the past few years.-PTI
Kejriwal among world's 50 greatest leaders NEW YORK: Arvind to fight pollution; the Italian Kejriwal has been named mayor welcoming Middle East among the world's 50 greatest migrants to his tiny town imleaders by Fortune magazine proving its economy and brightwith the Delhi Chief Minister ening their prospects," the USbeing the sole Indian leader on based magazine said in a referthe list topped by Amazon CEO ence to Kejriwal and Domenico Jeff Bezos. Lucano, the Mayor of the ItalFortune's third annual ian town of Riace, who was 'World's 50 Greatest Leaders' ranked 40th on the list. list features men and women from across the globe from the fields of business, government, philanthropy and the arts who are "transforming the world and inspiring others to do the same." 47-year-old Aam Aadmi Party chief is ranked 42nd on the list and is the sole leader from Arvind Kejriwal India. However, South Carolina's Indian-Ameri"The leaders you'll meet here, can Governor Nikki Haley is known and new, will lift your also on the list at 17th while mood and upgrade your assessanother Indian- American ment of the world's future. Resham Saujani is at the 20th Some may inspire you to join spot. their followers. And those unFortune credits Kejriwal for heard-ofs, so seemingly ordihis efforts to curb pollution in nary, may even prompt you to New Delhi through the scheme rethink your own potential as an of allowing vehicles of odd and inspiring leader," Fortune said. even numbers on alternate days Bezos, who topped the list on the city's roads. this year, has been on the list all "When Kejriwal unveiled a three times, along with Pope blueprint to tackle the smog in Francis who comes in at the 4th New Delhi -called the world's position followed by Apple CEO most polluted city by the World Tim Cook. Health Organization - many The list includes German were skeptical. A key compo- Chancellor Angela Merkel (2), nent: an 'odd-even' pilot project Myanmar's pro-democracy in which vehicles were allowed on the roads only on Some may inspire you to alternate days. join their followers. And "The uplifting result of the pilot those unheard-ofs, so this January: roads seemingly ordinary, may were less clogged, hourly particulate even prompt you to rethink air pollution con- your own potential centrations dropped by 13 per cent, and citizens could breathe leader Aung San Suu Kyi at (3), deep," Fortune said. US astronaut Scott Kelly and It said leadership is not Russian cosmonaut Mikhail "demagoguery, pandering, Kornienko (22), IMF Managing even populism" but is defined Director Christine Lagarde (36), by people across the world Bill & Melinda Gates Founda"you've never heard of who are tion Co-chair and CEO Melinda rallying followers to make life Gates and Susan Desmondbetter in ways you never imag- Hellmann (41), Canadian Prime ined." Minister Justin Trudeau (48) "...the New Delhi 'govern- and Bhutanese Prime Minister ment official' risking his career Tshering Tobgay (50). -PTI
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Parrikar admits pace of Rafale deal slow QUEPEM, Goa: Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar has admitted the pace of negotiation with France for 36 Rafale jets was "not enough" but hoped it will be concluded "very soon", nearly a year after a government-to- government deal for the multi-medium role combat aircraft was announced. The Minister also brushed aside the recent statement of Vice Chief of Air Staff B S Dhanoa, slated to be the next air chief, that the IAF does not have the numbers to fight a two-front war with China and Pakistan. "We are definitely very serious about the Rafale deal. And it is definitely moving though I agree that the speed is not enough," Parrikar told a press conference here at the Defexpo. He said France and India would "very soon" conclude the deal and added "I am not putting a timeline because ultimately money is a problem and we should get a good deal." In April last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced India would go for a
government-to-government deal with France for purchasing the fighter planes. But a final contract
but India is looking at buying them for about Rs 59,000 crore. Asked about Dhanoa's com-
Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar
in this regard is yet to be signed. The sticking point is the price of the aircraft. It is said the 36 aircraft, along with missile systems and support, will cost around Rs 65,000 crore
Kejriwal attacks PM for allowing Pak team NEW DELHI: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of "surrendering" to Pakistan by allowing its investigators to probe the Pathankot attack and said instead Indian probe agencies should have gone to that country where "actual masterminds are sitting". India is saying that Pathankot terror attack was Pakistan-sponsored and in this situation, how can ISI probe against itself?, he asked. "We are saying that Pathankot terror attack was Pakistan-sponsored. If it was Pakistan-sponsored attack, how can ISI probe against itself? India is the major victim of the terror attacks and the masterminds, who are actual players, are sitting in Pakistan. "Instead of ISI and Pakistan Army coming, Indian's probe agency R&AW, Army should have gone to Pakistan. Hafiz Saeed is not in India, but in Paki-
stan," Kejriwal said. He further said Indian's probe agency should have gone to Pakistan to interrogate Hafiz Saeed, but we are allowing Pakistan's agency to probe the January terror attack on the IAF base in Pathankot. "We are even saying that 26/ 11 Mumbai terror attack had been carried out by terrorists who came from Pakistan. The ISI, which had sent terrorists to India for carrying out terror attacks here, has come to India to gather evidence against itself in Pathankot terror attack. What is the Indian government doing?" he asked. "The Modi government has completely surrendered to Pakistan and we don't know what is the reason behind it. Prime Minister Narendra Modi should give answer to the people of the country as to why he has surrendered before Pakistan," the Delhi Chief Minister said.-PTI
ment, Parrikar said India is "quite well prepared". "Preparedness is not necessarily decided on strength. It also depends on many other capacities, beyond fighter aircraft also," he said.-PTI
Saina will 'continue to make India proud' NEW DELHI: Decorated with a Padma award by the President, badminton ace Saina Nehwal said she hopes to "continue to make India proud" through her exploits in the sporting arena.
The 26-year Hyderabadi said she was "very happy" after receiving the nation's third highest civilian honor - the Padma Bhushan from President Pranab Mukherjee at the Civil Investiture ceremony
held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. "It's a great moment, a proud moment. I am very very happy. My parents are very happy," she said, adding that she hopes "to continue to make India proud". -PTI
The Pakistani team with NIA officers at the agency headquarters in New Delhi, March 28
BJP defends Pak team probing Pathankot
Padma Awards recipients badminton player Saina Nehwal, spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and others during Padma Awards 2016 function at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on March 28
NEW DELHI: Under Congress' attack over Pakistan's Joint Investigation Team's visit to India, BJP has said there was nothing wrong if the neighboring country wanted to probe Pathankot terror case as it claimed that this was the first time Pakistan had offered "assurance" of action. BJP said the visit came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanded firm action from his Pakistan counterpart following the attack and credited the government for the "most successful anti-fidayeen" operation in Pathankot. "Congress should not level
baseless allegations," BJP National Secretary Shrikant Sharma said after the opposition party accused the government of rolling out "red carpet" to the Pakistan's team, alleging it was "like asking murderer to come and investigate as to who murdered the child." Sharma cited the Mumbai terror attack to hit out at Congress, saying it happened due to the Manmohan Singh's government "failure" to act adequately over intelligence input. "Congress should learn from the past and not level baseless charges," he said. -PTI
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Guj riots & Sikh riots are different: Kanhaiya NEW DELHI: JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar has compared the alleged onslaught on varsities with Gujarat riots alleging both of them were carried out "with support" from state machinery even as he stressed that there is a fundamental difference between "emergency" and "fascism". Asserting that there is a difference between 2002 riots and 1984 Sikh massacre Kanhaiya alleged that Gujarat violence was carried out through state machinery while the other was caused due to mob frenzy. "There is difference between emergency and fascism. During emergency, goons of only one party were engaged in goondaism, in this (fascism) entire state machinery is resorting to goondaism. There is a difference between riots of 2002 and 1984 Sikh riots. "There is a fundamental difference between a mob killing a common man and massacring people through state machinery. Therefore, the threat of communal fascism we are faced with today, there is an attack being launched on universities, because like Hitler, Modi ji doesn't have
tant for us to understand history before we reach a conclusion on anything," he said. Kanhaiya was addressing the gathering during a panel discussion on "Voices of Azaadi" during the "Jashne-e-azaadi" festival which was organized to celebrate the birth anniversary of late historian Professor Bipan Chandra. The celebration comes at a time when JNU students have kick started a "nationalism and azaadi debate" across the country after it came under attack for an event on campus against the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru during which anti-national slogans were allegedly raised. Kanhaiya and two more students-Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya - were arrested in a sedition case over the event and are out on bail now. Umar said though they have been released from the confines of Tihar jail but they continue to face threats. "A very dangerous situation is unfolding before our eyes for all of us. Today also I read a news report which said before April 8, some person will come to JNU and shoot down me and Kanhaiya.
Kanhaiya Kumar
support from intellectuals in India. No intellectual is defending Modi regime," he added. Noting the present time is an era of "Islamophobia", Kanhaiya underscored a need for understanding history first before reaching a conclusion on any issue. "Today it's an era of Islamophobia. Leave aside the words of terrorism and terrorist. The moment these words will come to your mind, imprints of face of a Muslim person will be there in your mind. This is Islamophobia. "Connotations, meaning of a word change. Hence, it is impor-
"While three of us may be 'azad' from the confines of Tihar, in this larger prison that our country is becoming, there is a great deal of danger to our lives. Therefore, there remains great restriction on our Azadi. Our azadi to move, go to field, go out with friends and things like that," he said. Referring to JNU as a "carnival for demands of freedom", Anirban threw light on the slogans raised in and out of the campus ever since the controversial event took place on February 9. "The debate here is not about national versus anti-national but between azaadi slogans and that of bharat mata ki jai.-PTI
Infosys employee died in Brussels bombings NEW DELHI: An Infosys employee from Bengaluru, missing since the deadly bombings in Brussels, was among those killed in the terror attack. The Indian Embassy in Brussels and the Ministry of External Affairs here confirmed the death of Raghavendran Ganeshan in the March 22 assault on the Belgian capital. "The Belgian authorities have identified Raghavendran as one of the victims of the barbaric terror attacks of March 22," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said. He said Ganeshan was a victim of the blast that took place in the metro at Maelbeek station in Brussels. The Indian Embassy in Brussels said the mortal remains of
Raghavendran are being handed over to his family for being taken to India. Ganeshan was missing in Brussels since the deadly terror attacks.
Raghavendran Ganeshan
"RIP Raghvendran ! We offer our deepest condolences 2 the family and friends," the Indian
Embassy tweeted. The Infosys condoled death of Ganeshan and said it will provide all possible support to the family. "It is with deep regret that we confirm the passing of our colleague Raghavendran Ganeshan in the terrible attack in Brussels. Our thoughts and prayers are with Raghavendran's family and with those who were injured or lost a loved one in these attacks. "We will continue to provide all possible support to his family in this hour of grief. We would request the privacy of Raghavendran's family during this difficult time," an Infosys spokesperson said. Infosys thanked the Belgian and Indian authorities for their support over the past few days.-PTI
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India took 180-degree turn in Myanmar: Tharoor NEW DELHI: India took a "180-degree turn" in its approach towards Myanmar from being prodemocracy and anti-junta when Jaswant Singh was External Affairs Minister as it could not afford to surrender its influence on the country to China and Pakistan, former Union Minister Shashi Tharoor has said. He said that successive gov-
thereafter, decided that they cannot afford to be estranged with the next door neighbor. "India felt it cannot afford to allow its neighbor to foment trouble on its borders in the Northeast. It could not afford to surrender its influence to China and Pakistan... It could not afford to surrender the economic benefits of natural gas and the democracy
‘India was not only rhetorically on the side of democracy and freedom in Burma, something which many other countries were at a safer distance, it gave asylum to fleeing students, allowed them to offer their resistance movement within India’ ernments too followed the same policy as they did not want to miss out on the economic benefits after the discovery of natural gas in that country. "India took a 180-degree turn. President (Pervez) Musharraf going to Yangon...and literally a week after, our Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh (was) following suit and changing the policy approach. And all governments,
was not going to come by opposing military junta," Tharoor said. The former Minister of State for External Affairs was speaking at the launch of a book 'Democratization of Myanmar'. Noting that India could not remain estranged with its neighbor when the Myanmarese government supported rebel groups, bandits and drug smugglers, Tharoor said when the 1990 elections were
set aside in the country, India was the staunchest supporters of Myanmarese democracy. "India was not only rhetorically on the side of democracy and freedom in Burma, something which many other countries were at a safer distance, it gave asylum to fleeing students, allowed them to offer their resistance movement within India, offered financial help, which was off the book and supported a pro-democracy newspaper and a radio station. "In the first half of 1990s, India was the most tangible supporter of democracy movement in Myanmar," Tharoor said. Quoting from a piece he wrote in 1990s after the shift in India's policy, Tharoor, whose initial posting during his stint in the UN was in Southeast Asia, said "India's policy be governed by the head rather than the heart but in the process we are losing a little bit of our soul." "He was too harsh at that time," he added. "When the 1990 elections were set aside, NLD leaders and workers were either exiled or arrested and then the two and half decades of ruthless and remarkably opaque military rule followed.
During that period, India began by being staunch and most vocal supporter of Myanmarese democracy," Tharoor said. He said with Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) sweeping the polls, it
given mandate in the name of Suu Kyi but she still cannot be the President. "It's troubling in two ways. It's clear that the people have voted for her and her party and for her to preside over the political des-
Shashi Tharoor
was "troubling" to see Htin Kyaw, her close confidant, chosen to be the country's new president as the real power will be not in his hands. On the other hand, people have
tiny of the country and yet the constitution undemocratically disqualifies her from the position that will exercise the legal constitutional powers.-PTI
April 1, 2016
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Desi News Banker businessman Chan Patel felicitated RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service
DALLAS, TX : What was essentially a family affair celebrating the life and achievements of one of the most successful Indian businessmen, Chandrakant Patel , turned out to be a great community event - an affair to remember not by Indian community members in Dallas alone but across the country. Over 850 guests from Dallas, Houston, California, New Jersey, New York, Chicago and other cities in USA showed up at Surati Leva Patidar Samaj Community in Irving reflecting their huge regard, respect and love for one of their own heroes - Chandrakant (Chan) Patel , a self made successful businessman and banker. Details on page 16
COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA
12 India Post
GEETHA PATIL
BOSTON: Sonika Vaid, a 20year-old pre-medical student from Massachusetts, was one of the top 5 contestants on the final season of Fox's American Idol, 2016 adjudged by the judges as having a powerful voice and very expressive in her performances. She performed amazingly onstage in front of a worldwide
SURENDRA & SURESH BODIWALA
Details on page 21
Sa Re Ga Ma Pa presents voices to touch your heart India Post News Service
A
fter screening 50,000 entries from across the world including North America and after over 8 weeks of grueling auditions across 14 Indian cities to discover India's most talented singers, only the most striking voices with an ability to touch your hearts have made it to the stage of Zee TV's GITS Sa Re Ga Ma Pa presented by Prem Jyotish. India's first and the most definitive singing reality show - Sa Re Ga Ma Pa - is back on your screens with an all-new season after a hiatus of four years. Details on page 23
Details on page 22
April 1, 2016
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Sonika Vaid mesmerizes American Idol judges with her melodies
Ladi Singh launches Glo Massage & Tan CHICAGO: Ladi Singh, a community activist and a successful business woman, decided to join hands with LA Tan group and launched her first of its type Glo Massage & Spa at LA Tan. This seeks to bring a spa style set up to LA Tan, a renowned tanning salon chain in the country. The grand opening on March 18 in South Elgin was an event that saw many members from the community coming to offer greetings and wishing great success to Ladi Singh in her venture.
4,000 yr old Vishnu statue found in Vietnam
Sonika Vaid singing at American Idol Show
ingale of America' to the audience. Her family members, relatives and friends welcomed her with a warm heart and love. Sonika shared with her fans the experiences and great things she learned being on American Idol. Sonika very humbly remembers the first time she sang a song at age three "You Are My Sunshine" at her sister's first birthday but performing for American Idol was the biggest thing for her. Sonika's is blessed with a music and singing-oriented family and she proudly owes her entire musical ability to her family. Her grandfather is a self-taught singer and a harmonium player. He taught Sonika's mother Ananya how to sing and play. Ananya taught her daughter Sonika what she learned from her father. Her grandmother Mrs. Chandar supervises her studies, singing, training and rehearsals and makes sure she gives her best on the stage. That is how her talent runs deep within familial roots. She respectfully gives credit to her grandparents and mother who stood behind her success and had her best interest at their hearts. Sonika is a Weston, Massachusetts Meadowbrook School
audience. From her first audition, judges Harry Connick Jr., Jennifer Lopez, and Keith Urban were blown away by her voice. Connick said following Sonika's audition "This is a pure Godgiven voice". Hundreds of fans from Indian and American communities enthusiastically gathered last Saturday at the American Legion, Newton to welcome back Sonika Vaid. Her grandparents, Kidar and Mrs. Chandar Kanta Vaid hosted an elegant grand surprise welcome reception for Sonika. Sonika was flabbergasted when the hall full of fans offered her a standing ovation with loud clapping. Her close friends, Divya and Sachin Sharma introduced Sonika with grandparents Kidar and Kanta Vaid the charming 'Night-
The attendees at Sonika reception
alumni. Growing up in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, Sonika Vaid never craved the limelight. Even though she had so many singing opportunities in her childhood, she remained contended
sion back. Even though singing is a big part of her life, she wants to be a physician. She says that helping and healing other people is just something she really wants to do and it is just something she can't
Sonika with parents and siblings
paying piano in assemblies. Later, she jumped into singing and playing the piano at the same time and got more comfortable on stage, said Sonika. After winning judges and viewers over with her first audition on "American Idol," Sonika has attracted so many fans from across the world and India from where she is getting lots of love. Sonika is also very much influenced by her eye surgeon father Dr. Kuldip Vaid and she admires his work of giving people their vi-
give up. She is planning carefully to balance both careers in her life. Kidar Vaid thanked the huge audience for showing up their support and love to Sonika. He also thanked Sudershan Sharma, Vijay Selhi, Amit Dutt and friends for helping him to arrange this event with an incredible video show of Sonika's childhood and American Idol singing together and arranging delicious snacks and mouthwatering dinner for the guests with DJ for the floor dance.
Community Across America
April 1, 2016
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Women discuss work-life balance at BAPS meet PAYAL SHAH
CHICAGO: On the occasion of International Women's Day, Bochasanwasi Akshar Purhsottam Swaminarayan (BAPS) Mandir hosted its 10th annual Women's Conference in Bartlett, a northwest suburb of Chicago, on Saturday March 12. Attracting over 400 participants, this year's conference explored the theme, "Life in Resonance" and discussed ideas for approaching three major aspects of one's life: cultural identity, worklife balance, and emotional health. As women in the 21st Century
an asset, rather than a limitation, in today's diverse, multicultural society. "We often believe we have to choose one identity over the other, forgetting that we have the opportunity to bring together the best of both worlds." Circling the ever-debatable topic of maintaining a work-life balance, Dr. Purvi Parikh explored various practical methods and solutions, including self-introspection, for seeking clarity and focusing on purposeful priorities in our chaotic lives. She also emphasized the importance of living a healthy
professional at the Alexian Brothers Medical Center, reminded the attendees of the immense power that spirituality holds in our lives through the connection between the mind and the body. Through spirituality, we develop resilience and the knowledge, that in the end, we leave everything behind in this temporary world. This understanding allows us to remain grounded and unperturbed through the wavering highs and lows in our life and is quintessential for a content mind and a healthy body.
professional backgrounds. Panel discussions and Q&A sessions enabled the speakers to effectively communicate their experiences and thus, enrich the audience
by Hindu principles, BAPS strives to care for the world by caring for societies, families and individuals. It aspires to build a community that is morally, ethically and spiritually
Dr.Sonal Patel, Anesthesiologist, Dr. Hina Patel, Physician at the Advocate Sherman Hospital and a trustee of Village of South Barrington and Mrs Santosh Kumar, Director of Metropolitan Asian Family Services (Mother Teresa of Midwest)
Gathering at BAPS Women's met
are often faced with the question, "Can we have it all?" Or how can we handle a work and life balance among various other roles that women have such as a mother, daughter, sister, or professional. In physics, resonance is defined by a phenomenon that follows when a powerful, vibrating system causes another system to oscillate with greater amplitude at a specific frequency. In life, resonance is defined by innate beliefs and timeless principles which drive an individual's actions as well as one's physical being and mental state of mind. In order to understand how one can skillfully maintain a steady mindset and strong physical health, one must find a harmony within their mind and body that resonates with their surroundings. Keynote speaker, Dr. Hina Patel, an attending Physician at the Advocate Sherman Hospital, delivered an insightful message on finding harmony within our various roles. She encouraged women to build pride in their identity through confidence in one's intrinsic beliefs and practices. She urged women to let go of perfectionism but rather to strive for excellence and create a plan for success and emotional happiness. Pharmacist Komal Patel, born and raised in America, shared how a dual cultural identity was in fact
lifestyle by highlighting wellness and meditation as ways to keep ourselves centered as we juggle a variety of commitments. Sushma Patel, a medical testing
Spreading this message of science, practicality and spiritualty across the nation, the conference was held in 12 cities with attendees from various personal and
with practical applications to bring balance into their lives. The conference attendees were reminded not only of the necessity for maintaining stability, but also of their inherent strengths which allow them to pursue this very goal. BAPS, a worldwide socio-spiritual organization in Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, is dedicated to community service, peace and harmony. Motivated
pure, and free of addictions. His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, has inspired millions of people across the world to lead a Godcentered, morally pure life. As the present leader of BAPS, Pramukh Swami Maharaj travels from village to village, continent to continent, emphasizing the importance of family harmony, community service and spiritual progress.
Women's conference celebrates 'Life in Resonance' India Post News Service
CHINO HILLS, CA: In physics, resonance is defined by a phenomenon that follows when a powerful, vibrating system causes another system to oscillate with greater amplitude at a specific frequency. In life, resonance is defined by the innate beliefs and timeless principles that drive an individual's actions as well as his/
her physical and mental state of mind. Harmony within mind and body resonate harmony within our surroundings. This year, the tenth annual BAPS Women's Conference at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills, CA provided a renewed approach to 525 attendees on balancing three major aspects of one's life through the theme of "Life in Resonance": cultural iden-
tity, work-life balance, and emotional health. Ms. Neetal Parekh, an attorney by profession, communicator by experience, and social innovator at heart, welcomed the audience in her keynote speech. She mentioned that in today's world, everyone is constantly striving for balance, whether it be at school, work, or at home. While self-help books and online forums can be great sources of inspiration for those seeking this type of balance; open discussions among peers can often have a greater impact in making this a more achievable goal. Ms. Aashika Patel, a non-profit management consultant who works with organizational leadership in hospitals, universities, and other nonprofits, was one of the selected speakers who delivered
an insightful message on building pride in one's identity through confidence in one's intrinsic be-
liefs and practices. She shared, "While we may exist in varying environments, it is our identity and what we value that defines us and determines the course of our actions, irrespective of the environment." Cont’d on page 14
Community Across America
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Joyous Holi at Hari Om Mandir Asian Media USA
CHICAGO: Hari Om Mandir celebrated the festival of Holi on Sunday March 20 with traditional joy and enthusiasm. Although the temperatures were a little nippy and on the cooler side, a large number of people - over 400 joined the celebrations. Holi at Hari Om Mandir is always special as the flower decoration and look attract people from far and near. This year, the legend of Radhaji's Sakhiyan from Barsana was brought alive! As young girls beautifully dressed in the traditional Chania-Cholis, vi-
Premier TiEcon conference scheduled for May 6-7 SUNNYVALE, CA: TiE Silicon Valley, a not for profit organization dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship in the Bay Area and globally, has announced its upcoming TiEcon 2016 conference, scheduled for May 6-7, 2016, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, CA. Now in its 23rd year, TiEcon brings together innovators, venture capitalists and technology firms from around the world to help advance the cause of entrepreneurs. Featuring more than 200 speakers and 100 exhibitors, TiEcon 2016 is expecting to draw in more
Sanjay Mehrotra, co-founder and CEO of SanDisk. "Building a company from startup to a global business is both exciting and challenging. The skillsets required to launch are vastly different than the skillsets required to run a large, complex organization, requiring continuous learning," said Sanjay Mehrotra, co-founder, president and chief executive officer, SanDisk. "TiE is an excellent resource for entrepreneurs regardless of where they are in the journey. I look forward to joining my fellow entrepreneurs at TiECon 2016." "TiE provides an extremely valuable platform to accelerate the
The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, an inviteonly one-day session will take 100 budding international entrepreneurs through a rigorous readiness program including making mock presentations to get ready for making pitches to investors and venture capitalists. than 4,600 registrants at the twoday event. Attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves into the latest in technology across the hottest industry segments and hear from several successful entrepreneurs and leaders, including Shantanu Narayen, President and CEO of Adobe Systems; Diane Greene, Sr. VP of Google's Cloud Business, Google Board Member and co-founder and former CEO of VMware; and
journey of an entrepreneur," stated Diane Greene. "TiE brings the start-up ecosystem together and this can give the entrepreneur what they need to accelerate their journey from vision to company launch. At TiEcon, the participants learn this in a compressed two-day timeframe. I'm excited to be part of this journey for thousands of entrepreneurs at TiEcon 2016." TiEcon 2016 will offer multiple tracks on cutting edge technology
Cont’d on page 18
Women's conference celebrates 'Life in Resonance'
A group of devotees singing Holi songs
India Post News Service
brant saris, arrived amidst chantings of "Aaj Biraj Mein Holi Re Rasiya", all got immersed and were eagerly spraying colors. Radhaji's Sakhis and Krishna Ji's Gopiyan performed Garba and showered flowers from their beautiful baskets on one and all in the congregation - a symbol of color and prosperity in life. The wonderful Holi folk songs describing the immortal enduring love of Radha and Krishna, sung by Rama Kapoor, Rekha and Kailash Mehta, Happy and Goldy, Madhu Salwan, accompanied by Ajay Ghai on the Dholak, created the perfect environment.
topics, including Future of Cloud and IT, IOT, Data Economy, Trending Technologies and Entrepreneurship. Additionally, the conference will explore topics relevant to a start-up, like talent acquisition and retention, funding options, and differentiating the company and products in a competitive environment. This year, TiE50, the coveted awards program for startups will screen more than 2300 applications from 17 countries. The top 100 start-ups selected will attend TiEcon 2016 and present before an audience. The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, an invite-only one-day session will take 100 budding international entrepreneurs through a rigorous readiness program including making mock presentations to get ready for making pitches to investors and venture capitalists. Winners of both TiE50, and TYE (TiE Young Entrepreneurs) programs will be announced at TiEcon 2016. B.J. Arun and Raju Reddy, the co-conveners of TiEcon 2016, have this personal message for the attendees: "We are proud to bring you a conference that has steadily grown since its inception 23 years ago and provides a unique value to entrepreneurs and technology professionals for peer-networking, mentorship, and meeting investors and technology gurus. This year's conference has a stellar lineup of speakers and sessions that you won't want to miss." For more information please visit TiEcon 2016.
Cont’d from page 13
Circling the ever-debatable topic of maintaining a work-life balance, Ms. Ami Patel, a registered radiology technologist certified in fluoroscopy and computed tomography, explored various practical methods and solutions, including self-introspection, for seeking clarity and filtering out purposeful priorities from our chaotic lives. She also pressed on the importance of family harmony for one to realize themselves as a part of 'we' and 'ours' versus 'I' and 'mine'. Lastly, the delegates were reminded of the immense power that spirituality holds in practicing the above-mentioned principles of self-awareness and introspection by Bijal Patel, a former UK Employment Law Advisor and Immigration Specialist. The knowledge that in the end, we leave everything behind in this temporary world, allows us to remain grounded and unperturbed through the wavering highs and lows in our lives. This knowledge is quintessential for a
content mind and a healthy self. Spreading this message of science, practicality and spirituality across the nation, the conference was held in 12 cities with attendees from various personal and professional backgrounds. Panel discussions and Q&A sessions enabled the speakers to effectively communicate their experiences and thus, enrich the audience with practical applications to bring
balance into their lives. The conference delegates were reminded not only of the necessity for maintaining stability, but also of their inherent strengths which allow them to pursue this very goal.
April 1, 2016
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Banker businessman Chan Patel felicitated RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service
DALLAS, TX : What was essentially a family affair celebrating the life and achievements of one of the most suc-
Chan Patel at SLPS Center in Dallas
cessful Indian businessmen, Chandrakant Patel , turned out to be a great community event - an affair to remember not by Indian community members in Dallas alone but across the country. Over 850 guests from Dallas, Houston, California, New Jersey, New York, Chicago and other cities in USA showed up at Surati Leva Patidar Samaj Community in Irving reflecting their huge regard, respect and love for one of their own heroes - Chandrakant (Chan) Patel , a self made successful businessman and banker. The event essentially was hosted by Chan family members' friends and admirers and the Chan Patel with his two sons - Rajan and Sushil - and other family members two hand half hour event, studded with live entertainment program and short but meaningful speeches never had a dull moment. As put by one of personal celebration turned out to be a really enjoyable the invited guests Mafat Patel, often described as un- community event. "I did feel that many of us should think crowned king of India Town Chicago, the organizers had of organizing such events frequently recognizing seniors planned the program so well that many felt that a somewhat for their success and community services which in turn could inspire the second generation to emulate their lives and achievements," he said Rajan Patel, Chan's son, emceed the event gracefully and after a welcome address left speaking to his mother Smt Surekha Patel. She did a remarkably decent job followed by equally eulogizing speech by Sushil Patel, the second son of Chan. In between there was entertainment program, dances and skits by a professional LA troupe. Friends and well wishers also paid their respect and regards to Chan Patel. The culmination was with a great presentation by Chan's granddaughters. Overwhelmed by the love and affection from all around, Chan was choked with emotion while thanking friends, family members and well wishers A first class science student from Bombay University, Chan had Masters Degrees from both Stanford and John's Hopkins University. He started his career as a programmer with Braniff Airlines; a job that brought him to Dallas, where he would spend the rest of his life making his mark. In 1976 Chan bought his first hotel. His dedication and commitment to his work started paying him huge dividend. He Chan Patel and Surekha Patel stopped working with Braniff; turning into a full time hotelier. His vision and commitment to work again came in good stead and he turned front runner in the hotel industry in his area, owning a total of 17 hotels. In his journey to become a hotel owner, he learned that many of his fellow immigrants found it difficult to get a loan due to some technicalities and also inadequate grasping of the formal requirements. And a dream was born - to start a bank for the people and of the people around him. The dream execution was not easy. He needed $2 million as capital. With Chan willing to invest $1 million himself, he approached other local Indian businessmen and professionals to invest by buying shares at $10 each. His success thereafter is a matter of history now that his State Bank of Texas has branched out even to Chicago. Cont’d on page 20
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Boston Holi with prayers & colors GEETHA PATIL
BOSTON: Hundreds of devotees gathered on Saturday, 27 March evening at Shivalaya Temple of Greater Boston to immerse themselves in Holi festival prayers and colors. Holi celebrations started with Holika Dahan, also known as Kama Dahan, in South India. Temple priest, Pandit Jayanarayana Badal along with devotees performed religious rituals in front of the bonfire and prayed that everyone's internal evil should be destroyed as the bonfire starts. Later, in the function hall, devotees of all ages celebrated the vibrant Holi festival by dancing, singing, and showering one another with bright colors to mark the triumph of good over evil and the end of winter. Everyone was drenched as a wide range of colors were smeared over each other as a mark of love and belongingness. This colorful festival bridges the social gap and renews sweet relationships. Devotees were hugging and wishing each other 'Happy Holi'. All had fun by throwing colors on each
Devotees at Holi celebrations
other, all done in a spirit of celebration. Holi is a very carefree festival which is great fun to participate. Cont’d on page 19
Children playing colors
Joyous Holi at Hari Om Mandir Cont’d from page 14
Hari Om Mandir in Medinah seemed to be a replica of Brij, Vrindavan and Mathura in India. The congregation echoed with clappings, applause and appreciation when two little girls Rashmi and Hita, aged 7, gave a dance performance "Prem Ratan Dhan Payo." Soon after, everyone was seen embracing each other and wishing Happy Holi. Bowls full of dry color powder - red, blue, green, yellow "Gulaal" were displayed at the feet of the deities. Keeping in mind the cleanliness of the temple, people were prohibited from playing with those colors, but every devotee was given a chance to get soaked in the natural colors of Mother Nature. Meera and Jayanthi greeted everybody at the entrance with a colorful flower garland, Happy Holi wishes and a warm friendly smile. The celebrations culminated with Preeti Bhoj and a colorful mood of happiness prevailed.
Kids in traditional dress were part of Hari Om Mandir Holi celebrations
April 1, 2016
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Bengalis celebrate Holi with joy & enthusiasm MADHU PATEL
Diptasha Chakraborty singing
CHICAGO: For the last 40 years, the Bengali Association of Greater Chicago (BAGC) has nurtured the soul of the immigrant Bengali community and is very active to preserve and promote literature, art, music for the rich religious and cultural heritage of South Asian Indian community. On Sunday, March 27, the association celebrated Holi festival with lot of joy, enthusiasm and colors at Banga Bhavan. This was followed by a small cultural program where kids aged between 5 to 13 years performed different songs and special dances of Holi.
A cultural program in progress
Bengalis have been leaders in the fields of creative literature, music/ dance and art/sculptures. Ananya Biswas started the program. Olivia Dey sang with the harmonium, Maulik Chatterjee sang two songs, Oushanghi Dasgupta and Trisha Mondal were part of the group dance. Diptasha Chakrabarty (8 years old, 3rd grade student) loved to sing, with no traditional singing lessons, she adopted "Youtube" as a Guru to learn the tone of a song and guidance from parents to catch the scale and pitch. She beautifully sang Rabindra Sangeet
(Tagore song) "O re Grihobasi….". A regular student of Bangla Class held in Banga Bhavan, she
Members and guests celebrating Holi with colors
is also taking classical Indian dance (Bharatnatyam) in Nataraj Dance academy, under Mrs. Vijay
Laxmi Shetty and violin classes in Solo Classics under Anna Volin. Cont’d on page 21
Boston Holi with prayers & colors Cont’d from page 18
Shree Balram and Mrs. Jayashree Chamaria put this event together. Participants were welcomed with variety of delicious snacks, Chai and cold drinks. Sunil Kumar's DJ with melodious Holi songs made devotees enjoy
color smearing on each other in full swing and have fun. Later, all devotees enjoyed special Holi lunch served by the Dosa Temple, vegetarian restaurant of Ashland. Shri Balaram thanked temple president Vijay Kumar Sethi, Sudershan Sharma and the executive committee for providing the
temple hall for the event. He also thanked volunteers namely Victor Tharmalingam, Annaruby Vickneswaran, Sunil Kumar, Meeta Kumar, Dinesh Khandka, Jasbir Saini, Venugopal, Sheila, Gopi Sharma and Rupa Pandey who helped immensely to make this event a grand success.
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Hindus angered over severed cow head MADHU PATEL
CHICAGO: Members of Indian community here and across the USA are outraged over reports of a cow's severed head with a bullet to it was left at a Hindu cow sanctuary in Jackson Township in Monroe County of eastern Penn-
gating the case that is registered as ethnic intimidation.The cow is a symbol of life and should never be killed, according to Hindu belief. Dr Shankar Shastri, head of the Lakshmi Cow Sanctuary, is a re-
Cow head at Cow sanctuary in Penssylvantia
sylvania. This incident is believed to have happened early this month and the State police are investi-
tired engineering professor who has dedicated his life to serving the Earth, Isvara, and these loving animals, As a part of its mis-
sion, he seeks to increase environmental conscientiousness and also provides education on holistic living. A recent Sunday, Dr Shastri woke up to find a freshly severed cow head left on his front step. It is not known to whom this innocent creature belonged nor who committed this gruesome act of vandalism. Such grievous inhospitality with potentially racist motivations symbolizes a grave disrespect to Sanatana Dharma (Hindu beliefs and way of life). In an era where racism and violence is being encouraged by top political voices, we have sadly witnessed a growing number of hate crimes over the past eight months. None of the one score of cows at the Lakshmi Cow Sanctuary near Tannersville was hurt. The severed head was left where the Sanctuary head of the farm could find it. The sanctuary, Shankar Shastri's labor of love, is a safe haven. The folks who live and work on the farm wonder why someone would go to all that
New movie trailer drops mention of Krishna India Post News Service
CHICAGO: The recent "Official Trailer" of the action-adventure Hollywood superhero movie "X-Men: Apocalypse" does not contain reference to Hindu deity Lord Krishna, while there was comparison of its blue-colored villain Apocalypse with Krishna in
trivialization of highly revered Lord Krishna, was inappropriate and disturbing to Krishna devotees. They have expressed satisfaction that the director Bryan Singer has seen to it that the reference to Lord Krishna in the new trailer is deleted, and thus showing maturity, and understanding the feelings of Hindu community.
Trailer of X-Men: Apocalypse with Lord Krishna reference
the "Teaser Trailer" released in December last upsetting a great number of Indians here. This follows a strong protest and resentment voiced by a group of Hindus led by Rajan Zed, in December saying that "such
It is urged that Singer and James N. Gianopulos, Chairman of 20th Century Fox delete all the references to Lord Krishna from the final movie also, unless those were true to the scriptures. Lord Krishna was meant to be wor-
shipped in temples or home shrines and not for pushing movies for mercantile greed of filmmakers. This "Teaser Trailer" indicated Apocalypse saying: I have been called many things over many lifetimes-Ra, Krishna, Yahweh. Hinduism was the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion adherents and a rich philosophical thought and it should not be taken frivolously. "X-Men: Apocalypse" of 20th Century Fox, releasing on May 27 and whose tagline is "only the strong will survive", stars Golden Globes nominated James McAvoy, Oscar nominated Michael Fassbender and Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence. Its official website talks about Apocalypse as: Since the dawn of civilization, he was worshipped as a god. It is also reportedly slated for release in India's languages Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. Claimed to be "one of the world's largest producers and distributors of motion pictures", 20th Century Fox Film (headquartered in Los Angeles and whose history goes back to 1904) produces, acquires and distributes motion pictures throughout the world.
Shankar Shastri, the Sanctuary head, tending his cow
trouble. "We find motherly love in cow. If you show love and compassion they would reciprocate and in the process you overcome your hatred to anybody in general and you don't need war," Shastri said. It was shocking and he could not think of anyone who would do something like this. He hoped this incident does not get magnified. "I don't want to take it to the next level. I hope it is just a prank," he said. The Lakshmi Cow Sanctuary has been a safe haven in the Bangor area for nearly 20 years before moving to the larger piece of land in Monroe County.The cow sanctuary is considering installing cameras. Hindu Students Council (HSC) has condemned this cruel act of vandalism. Rajan Zed, president of the Nevada-based Universal Society of Hinduism, said that "Hindus are highly concerned" about the incident and asked Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf and Monroe County Chairperson John R. Moyer to reassure the commu-
nity. "It was shocking for the hardworking, harmonious and peaceful US Hindu community numbering about three million, who had made a lot of contributions to the nation and society, to receive such signals of hatred and intimidation," he said in a statement. He also commended the Lakshmi Cow Sanctuary, founded in 2000, for keeping ancient Hindu traditions alive in Pennsylvania by providing protective shelter to the cows. Cow "is worshipped by Hindus world over. Rig-Veda, the oldest existing scripture of mankind, describes cow as aghnya (not slayable). Lord Krishna, shown as cowherd many times, is also known as Gopala (protector of cows). "There is a belief that cow was created the same day as Brahma (creator god). Also referred as 'Mother Cow,' this divine animal, venerated from an early period, is the abode of many deities in Hinduism. Mahatma Gandhi had said, 'I yield to none in my worship of the cow.'"
Banker businessman Chan Patel felicitated Cont’d from page 16
Toral Bala adds: Dallas shows us something more to celebrate! Chan Patel and his life achievements were celebrated by his friends and family this past weekend in an over-the-top Bollywood themed gala. Hollywood's favorite Bollywood dance company started the night off with upbeat performances followed by power-
ful speeches recognizing Chan Patel as a businessman, friend, mentor, husband and father. The night continued with New York DJ Jay Dhabi and Houston's very own DJ Alx who had guests dancing until the early morning hours. After a variety of food was served, guests munched on fresh Paan that was made to order. Hopefully more celebrations of parents and their commitments and sacrifices will follow.
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April 1, 2016
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Ladi Singh launches Glo Massage & Tan SURENDRA & SURESH BODIWALA Glo and LA Tan Team with Ladi Singh
Ladi Singh surrounded by guests and admirers
CHICAGO: Ladi Singh, a community activist and a successful business woman, decided to join hands with LA Tan group and launched her first of its type Glo Massage & Spa at LA Tan. This seeks to bring a spa style set up to LA Tan, a renowned tanning salon chain in the country. The grand opening on March 18 in South Elgin was an event that saw many members from the community coming to offer greetings and wishing great success to Ladi Singh in her venture.
Ladi Singh says that she had envisioned expanding for quite some time now and the rise of her existing Glo Massage & Spa is what inspired this expansion. Glo Massage owner Ladi Singh says that she had envisioned expanding for quite some time now and the rise of her existing Glo Massage & Spa is what inspired this expansion. The project is a joint partnership between LA TAN, Glo Massage, & Art Spot Chicago. The group aims to expand from this location and open several of these concepts around the country. The group believes in looking and feeling good which is what has inspired the collaboration. The latest location has tanning, massage, facials, waxing, threading, and skin care treatment services.
Bengalis celebrate Holi with joy & enthusiasm Cont’d from page 19
As said in Bharatiya culture; "Sahitaya, Sangeet, Kala Vihinah; Sakshat Pashu Putchh Vishan Hinah" (a person without knowledge in literature, music or art is an animal without a tail). "It is very inspirational for the new generation children to progress in the developments of left and right brains by also learning creative fields of arts along with regular education. I hope more social organizations will provide such a platforms to our future generation," said Suri Swamy a community activist.
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4,000 yr old Vishnu statue found in Vietnam SHRIDHAR DAMLE
CHICAGO: The Central Committee of Communist Party of Vietnam (CPVCC) has claimed finding of a Vishnu sculpture, describing it as "Vishnu stone head from OcEo culture, dating back 4,0003,500 years." Of late the Government of Vietnam, despite its official Communist doctrine, has developed many programs and projects highlighting Vietnam's ancient religious heritage. Its scholarly and archeological research and investigations are legitimate and its conclusions are authoritative. This discovery of a 4,000 to 3,500 year old Vishnu sculpture is truly historic and it sheds new light upon our understanding of the history of not only Hinduism but of the entire world. The fact is there are no other 'officially' recognized Vedic artifacts that have been dated back to such an early date. This would make Vietnam home to the world's most ancient Vedic artifact. While there are indeed many other ancient artifacts that represent the same Deity, they are not presented in the 'Indic' tradition and cannot be directly recognized as the Vishnu of the Indic Vaishnava tradition. The 4000-3500 year old Vietnamese Vishnu sculpture is part of an exhibit featuring some of Vietnam's most ancient artifacts. It was discovered in the region of Southern Vietnam's Mekong Delta. The Mekong (Ma Ganga) River is named after the Ganges River of India. The entire region was once
tery to copper, including jewelry and farming tools, from the pre-
Vishnu stone head from OcEo culture, dating back 4,000-3,500 years
ancient period belonging to the three cultures. The significance of this discovery cannot be overestimated. The entire history of Hinduism and Vedic culture, as taught in the academic institutions of the world, has been built upon a false con-
It is a great irony that the officially atheistic Communist Government of Vietnam exhibits more pride in its ancient Hindu heritage than the 'Secular' Democratic Government of India. The entire South Asian and SE Asian region was once home to many thriving Hindu Kingdoms and civilizations. home to several ancient and prosperous Vedic Kingdoms and many intriguing and unique Vedic artifacts have been discovered. The Vishnu sculpture was officially presented during the 5th Quang Nam Heritage Festival which opened on June 21, 2013 in Hoi An City. The exhibition highlights many ancient objects dated from the Dong Son - Sa Huynh OcEo eras of Vietnam's ancient history. "Entitled "Dong Son - Sa Huynh - OcEo cultures", the exhibition put on display over 1,000 ancient objects which come from across the country and are made from diverse materials, from pot-
The region of modern India has always been the epicenter of High
struct. According to mainstream academia Vedic 'religion' or Hinduism did not exist until the alleged 'Aryans' invaded India circa 1500 BC. An even later date is given to Vaishnavism which is speculated to have been derived from animist Sun worship. Yet here we have a highly evolved art form depicting Lord Vishnu in the Far South East region of Asia dated to somewhere between 2000 BC to 1500 BC. This completely undermines the entire historic timeline developed by mainstream academia in regards to the development of both Vedic/ Hindu civilization and Indian history.
Vedic/Hindu Civilization and culture. No one anywhere has ever suggested the region of modern Vietnam to be the origin of Hindu civilization yet it is in Vietnam that we now have the world's most ancient example of Indic style Vedic Vaishnava art. Thus it stands to reason that if Vedic Vaishnava art, culture and religion flourished 4000 years ago in prehistoric Vietnam it was undoubtedly flourishing in ancient India as well. Once again science and archeology have confirmed the Vedic conclusion. As the Vedic literature states 5000 years ago India was home to a highly evolved and advanced civilization. This civilization was centered on its sacred traditions. The worship of the Supreme Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, Lakshmi and Durga was widespread and in fact spanned the entire globe. These traditions presented themselves in diverse manners, as seen in modern India, yet among this diversity was a commonality based upon the authority of the Vedic scriptures and traditions. The recognizably Indic forms of the Vedic traditions spanned the globe from the Philippines to the Middle East and Siberia to Australia. Yet the same Divinities were worshiped and the same traditions were practiced throughout the
world. The many recent Vedic discoveries from Vietnam are providing a new and sensational view into the authentic history of the world. Not only this, it presents a challenge to Modern India and its leadership. India is home to many startling and amazing artifacts yet they sit ignored and crumbling. In many cases looters and vandals have destroyed many priceless examples of India's ancient heritage. India's leading academics and governing bodies are silent and if they do speak of India's ancient Hindu heritage it is only to cast doubts and disparage India's indigenous Vedic culture and Hindu traditions. Astounding and marvelous ruins and artifacts that would be the pride of any other nation and people are, in general, ignored and forgotten and left to crumble into oblivion. Often they are threatened by the efforts of various Governmental bodies in the name of progress such as the National Highways Authority of India's (NHAI) recent attempts to destroy a
cially atheistic Communist Government of Vietnam exhibits more pride in its ancient Hindu heritage than the 'Secular' Democratic Government of India. The entire South Asian and SE Asian region was once home to many thriving Hindu Kingdoms and civilizations. The Encyclopedia Britannica writes regarding the Indian influence upon these regions "In the realm of politics, Indian influence accompanied the rise of new political entities, which, since they do not readily fall under the Western rubric of "states," have been called mandalas. The mandala was not so much a territorial unit as a fluid field of power that emanated, in concentric circles, from a central court and depended for its continued authority largely on the court's ability to balance alliances and to influence the flow of trade and human resources." Perhaps today, as India itself is reeling under the onslaught of enforced 'secularism' and as Hinduism has been relegated to the realm of just one of many religions, (rather than being recognized as the heart and soul of India,) we are fortunate that the former Hindu lands of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and
Copper form of Vishnu from OcEo culture
1000 year old Shiva temple in Tamil Nadu. It is a great irony that the offi-
Kampuchea are leading the way towards the reclamation of our ancient Vedic heritage.
“The mandala was not so much a territorial unit as a fluid field of power that emanated, in concentric circles, from a central court and depended for its continued authority largely on the court's ability to balance alliances and to influence the flow of trade and human resources."
April 1, 2016
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Sa Re Ga Ma Pa presents voices to touch your heart Carrying forward the grand legacy of enriching India's music fraternity with gems fter screening 50,000 entries from from its homegrown talent pool, Zee TV has across the world including North selected an eclectic panel of mentors to idenAmerica and after over 8 weeks of tify, groom and hone the skills of the curgrueling auditions across 14 Indian cities rent crop of contestants this season. These to discover India's most talented singers, mentors are music maestros who've given only the most striking voices with an ability India some unforgettable melodies and are to touch your hearts have made it to the idolized by millions of music enthusiasts the stage of Zee TV's GITS Sa Re Ga Ma Pa world over. The mentors include the Dabangg duo presented by Prem Jyotish. India's first and the most definitive sing- of Bollywood music Sajid-Wajid and the ing reality show - Sa Re Ga Ma Pa - is back affable, endearing and multiple award-winon your screens with an all-new season af- ning Pritam Chakraborty who's known to constantly offer opportunities to young ter a hiatus of four years. The show has been instrumental in iden- newcomers. Joining them for the very first tifying, grooming and opening the doors to time on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa is the king of Indithe industry for some of the country's most Pop and Bollywood playback, the performer remarkable musical talent - Shreya Ghoshal, par excellence, Mika Singh. The young and charming A d i t y a For the first time ever, a panel of 30 jury Narayan, groomed in a members who are experts from the music family with fraternity, will closely assess the aspiring great musical singers right from the audition stage and help lineage, returns to host the upthe mentors in the selection process. coming season. For the first Kunal Ganjawala, Shekhar Ravjiani, Bela time ever, a panel of 30 jury members who Shende, Sanjivani, Kamal Khan and Ranjeet are experts from the music fraternity, will Rajwada - over the last two decades. Evolv- closely assess the aspiring singers right ing its format over the years from episodic from the audition stage and help the menwinners to a pyramid structure, Sa Re Ga tors in the selection process. They repreMa Pa has been at the pinnacle of defining sent different components of today's music scene from DJs and music producers to singand redefining musical talent. Even as the much revered music platform ers, arrangers and lyricists. Also a first, 2 finalists from Sa Re Ga Ma completes 21 years since its launch in 1995, its latest season promises to be young and Pa North America 2016 went to India to live fresh like never before. The quest, this time their dream of participating in Sa Re Ga Ma around, is for voices of tomorrow - the most Pa India. Tune in to Zee TV, every Sat & Sun at 9 unique voices that are truly representative pm ET | 9:30 pm PT of contemporary India. India Post News Service
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he things listed below are just some of the guidelines that you may want to consider. 1. Money Matters • The lender will base their assumptions on the amount you qualify for, not
• The best strategy is to actually calculate the taxes and other expenses rather than "ballparking". Avoid surprises. Your real estate agent will help you find the property that fits the price you are willing to pay. 2. Your Realtor® is there to help.
had closed • Alleged non-payments and inaccuracies Make sure you have time to prepare before a lender previews your credit history. Allow at least a week to close dormant or
Some of these documents include: • Income tax returns and W2's for the past 2 years • Pay stubs from employer • Bank statements for the last 2 years • An updated and accurate credit
Prepare a Checklist Before Deciding to Buy a Home RAJEEV AWASTY
on the amount you are comfortable spending. Don't wait for the lender to find out how much you can afford. Do your homework. Consider how much you are willing to spend. Remember, this is a lifestyle decision. Think about other expenses such as travel, education, and maintenance reserves. • When you are contemplating how much of a loan you can afford, make provisions for insurance, taxes, homeowner association dues and other unanticipated costs you may incur.
Ask about: • Types of mortgages • Risks and benefits of different types of financing • Types of homes and the best match for you • Location, features and price range • Tax issues and responsibilities of a homeowner Even if this is your first or second time buying a home, you still need to ask as many questions as you can. The options available to you when you first bought a home may not be the same this time. 3. Check your credit. Request a copy of your credit report as soon as possible and look out for: • Too many open credit cards accounts • Unclosed accounts you thought you
unwanted accounts and clear up discrepancies. According to the US Public Research Interest Group (PIRG), 79% of credit reports contain serious errors or mistakes. Make sure you are in the 21% that does not have the errors! 4. Gather and organize valuable documents. Accumulate all the necessary information you will need when you file your loan application. Ask your real estate agent or mortgage lender for a complete checklist so that you are fully prepared.
report 5. Get pre-approved, not pre-qualified! • Pre-approval gives you the security of shopping for a home that you can honestly afford. • Pre-approval tells the seller that you are serious, ready to buy, and solidly financed. • In a competitive bidding situation, pre-approval can be your advantage over other offers that are not preapproved. Cont’d on page 26
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Buying Your First Home in The Silicon Valley
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ith Bay area home inventories low and prices sky high, is this really a good time to buy? First time home buyers are inundated with question after question as they prepare for the American Dream of being a homeowner. This is truly an article about buying your first home in the Bay Area. Bay area has hardly any land left for housing development and in this supply limited and high demand environment, prices climb. Graph below shows the historic median prices of Bay area detached homes for various counties. (Raw data provided by California Association of Realtors 速 )
AMIT INAMDAR
Loan Amount $417,000
Minimum Required Downpayment 3%
$625,500
5%
Up to $1M or sometimes more
Lending criteria has been relaxed over the past few years, making it affordable to buy a home. Additionally, you're required to have an acceptable credit score and reserve funds to get these loans. Buyers can leverage their 401K, IRAs, and life insurance accounts for additional down payments. This is your money and you pay back any required interest payments to yourself. Many home buyers are taking advantage of these accounts and increasing their downpayment for a favorable mortgage interest rate. You get better interest rates when buying a home with a better credit score, and larger down payment. Additionally, affordability can be understood by looking at following chart. It shows that you can buy a high priced home with same affordable payments with lower interest rates. Loan Amount Interest Rate Monthly Payment $800,000 $500,000
Real Estate markets are either a seller's market or buyer's market. Both can be in equilibrium however, such instances are very short lived. When anything is for sale, we are conditioned to ask, how much is it? That is definitely a fair question. However, to make a decision to move forward or not, one should not stop after this question. I look at home buying decision as both an emotional as well as a financial decision. Many times, a dream home for a homebuyer may be beyond their means. Therefore, one needs to first know their ability to own a home as they start dreaming. Dream within the financial constraints and you will have an affordable, lovely, and enjoyable home for you and your family. Experience shows that home affordability is a function of both home prices as well as the mortgage interest rates. Affordability is more sensitive to the mortgage interest rates than the home prices. Buyers who know this are confidently making offers in this seller's market and seeing their home prices rise every month. This definitely scares the home buyers who are focused on the home prices rather than affordability. To understand this interaction and how it may benefit you, do visit my website, OwnSweetHome.Net, and watch the first time home buyer webinar. Graph below shows home affordability for fixed monthly payments at various interest rates. To understand affordability, a licensed mortgage loan
originator (NMLS), either with a bank or a brokerage, analyses your income, debts, assets and liabilities. A good loan consultant will always help you restructure your debt and finances to maximize your home loan qualification. There are loan programs available with as much as 3% down payment for home purchase. The following chart gives you an idea about your down payment and the maximum loan you may qualify for.
10%
4% 8.5%
$3819.32 $3844.57
fears can be addressed very effectively. Also, one needs to understand that the mortgage payments also include payment towards the principal which is paid to yourself by which you increase your equity in the home. So with tax deductibility and paying principal payments to yourself, you may come out ahead instead of paying rent, even though cash flow may remain a concern for many. Just check with your tax advisor on how homeownership saves you money and helps you live a better lifestyle. Back in India, a home is owned over many generations. The home ownership in the United States is transitory. You may own multiple homes over your one lifetime, you may start slow with a starter home and later buy a bigger, better home as the family grows. However, you may downsize when kids go off to college and are independent. Knowing these factors, one should seriously think about buying a home today. Lenders are not going to give you loans that you cannot afford. Once you come over the hurdle of buying a home and decide to buy one, you are going see steep competition in the market place. In this supply limited market, many buyers are bidding for the fewer available homes. At this stage you are not really bidding on a home, rather you are bidding against the other buyers. Irrespective of availability of loans with lower down payment, your offer may not get accepted and you may lose to buyers with a higher down payment or an all cash buyer. However, there are strategies one should follow to make best of your specific situation. Once you are in contract to purchase a home, you will be faced with terminologies like real estate contingencies, real estate appraisals, inspections for property, roof, termite, escrow and title. Many times the words carry fear of uncertainty with them and one needs to be aware of the home buying process upfront rather than learning along the way. This is where education for buying a home in the Bay area
So buyers who bought homes at higher interest rates and low home prices have essentially the same mortgage payment as the buyers today who are buying at almost half the interest rates. So buyers who focus on affordability know that their payments have not changed and they are ready to bid confidently for homes. Remember, both the buyers above are definitely going to pay off their homes with affordable payments over a 30 year time frame. Now let's shift our focus Therefore, one needs to first know their ability to own a on the emotional factors inhome as they start dreaming. Dream within the financial volved in home buying. constraints and you will have an affordable, lovely, and They include type of home single family, a townhouse or enjoyable home for you and your family a condominium. Many may desire a single family home, however, others may prefer com- comes into play. The first time home buyer webinar on my munity living like a condo or a townhouse complex. Many of website I mentioned earlier is a great resource for everyone. the new home communities are building multistory Lenders when giving a loan, follow the rule of 222. Lendtownhomes and single family homes as the land in the Bay ers will look at two years of employment or self employment, Area has become scarce and expensive. two years of US residency and two years of credit history to Many of the families I have helped purchase a home are consider you for a home loan. Your Visa status may also focused on the quality of education for their kids. Buying a impact your ability to buy. Lenders typically require your home in a good public school area means getting a good work visa to be valid for at least 6 months by the time they education, for free, for your kids. Then comes the issue of fund the loan. whether to buy a home in the good elementary, middle and So as a first time home buyer, I would say first things first. high school areas. Get preapproved for a loan, then meet with a qualified real Typically, homeowners stay in their homes for 57 years. estate agent for discussing your needs and wants. Based Recently such periods have increased as many on your financial ability and home buying needs, the next homeowners were underwater with the recent housing cri- step is neighborhood selection. sis and we have seen many homeowners selling after 10 My advice to you is select your neighborhood first based years of home ownership. on your commute and family needs. It is very difficult to comRenting vs buying a home is another emotional factor pare homes in neighborhoods across the bay, e.g. Fremont vs that may matter to many to-be-home-buyers. Your own home in Cambrian. Stick to the neighborhood and put your best will allow you to express your personality by painting the foot forward for every offer you make. In this market I am not walls in your colors and decorating with your taste. This seeing many sellers entertaining any counter offers. may not be true for rental properties when it comes to exThey are selecting the highest and best offer. So you do pressing your personality. Rents are also very high, push- the same. This way there are no regrets as to you could have ing many to buy a home in this low inventory markets thereby done better. Make sure you do your due diligence in evaluincreasing housing demand.. ating and understanding all inspection reports, your ability The low inventory levels of homes for sale are a result of to bid and all seller disclosures. Experience shows that the many homeowners upgrading to bigger, better homes with- negotiations in real estate happen throughout the transacout selling their current house. With low interest rates, many tion provided you write your contract to accommodate them. have refinanced and lowered their mortgage payments and You are making one of the largest investments of your life are enjoying the benefits of high rental incomes across the and for you and your family. Bay area. I expect this trend to continue. Be wise, educate yourself and Own Sweet Home! Another emotional factor homeowners deal with are the Amit Inamdar, MBA (Own Sweet Home Realty, OwnSweetHome.Net) high payments towards mortgage, property taxes, home in- Real Estate and Mortgage Broker, Realtor 速, Loan Consultant, Radio Show Host Cal BRE #01355522, NMLS #236574. (http://ownsweethome.net/) surance and sometimes the HOA dues. With deductibility of Power hour with Amit Inamdar is weekly Radio Show that provides Credible home mortgage interest and property taxes, some of these Real Estate Advice to Bay Area listeners.
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Condo or Single Family Home RAJEEV AWASTY
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he kind of home you choose will highly depend on your finances and needs. Here are some of the major difference between a condo and single family home. Condo • Generally you are only responsible for maintaining what's inside the unit. • The Association may offer amenities such as a swimming pool, tennis court, clubhouse, and gym. • They are generally cheaper than buying a single family home. • Great for buyers who do not want to deal with a lot of home maintenance. Single Family Home • They are typically more expensive than condos. • You can make modifications a lot easier. Add a bedroom repaint the walls, change the floor, etc. • You don't have to worry about sharing
Why rent when you can buy? RAJEEV AWASTY
Y
ou probably are comfortable renting because you don't have to worry about maintenance, HOA fees and staying in one place for over a year. What you don't realize is that you are putting your money down the drain instead of investing it for you future. Buy vs. Rent comparison (source:www.ginniemae.gov) The chart below shows a cost comparison for a renter and a homeowner over a seven year period. The renter starts out paying $800 per month with annual increases of 5% The homeowner purchases a home for
$110,000 and pays a monthly mortgage of $1,000. After 6 years, the homeowner's payment is lower than the renter's monthly payment. With the tax savings of homeownership, the homeowner's payment is less than the rental payment after 3 years. The key is to know how much you can afford and invest in a home. Consult with your real estate agent for information.
• They are generally cheaper than buying a single family home. • Great for buyers who do not want to deal with a lot of home maintenance a common wall with your neighbors. • If a backyard is a "must have" for you, you get a larger one with a single family home. • You don't have to share common amenities with your neighbors, such as a gym or a swimming pool (if you have them). • You are responsible for your own home maintenance. All information in this report is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. © 2015 PropertyMinder, Inc. (http://rajeevawasty.com/)
Prepare a Checklist Before Deciding to Buy a Home Cont’d from page 24
The renter starts out paying $800 per month with annual increases of 5%. The homeowner purchases a home for $110,000 and pays a monthly mortgage of $1,000. After 6 years, the homeowner's payment is lower than the renter's monthly payment All information in this report is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. © 2015 PropertyMinder, Inc. (http://rajeevawasty.com/)
6. Avoid pre-mortgage pitfalls. Do not do anything that can negatively impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage loan. Until the time your loan closes, avoid: • Changing jobs • Switching banks • Moving your money around • Making major purchases
7. Build your "need to have" and "nice to have" list. Every buyer has his "perfect" home in mind, but let's face it; you are not going to get everything. It's good to have a list of two things. One side will have all the things that the home must definitely have, or what we call the decision-making factors, and the other side will have the bonuses. Your list may look similar to the one below.
Need to Have
Nice to Have
Size and space Number of bedrooms and bathrooms Fireplace Wooden floors School district
Pool Sun Deck Garden Short commute to work Vicinity to shopping outlets
All information in this report is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. © 2015 PropertyMinder, Inc. (http://rajeevawasty.com/)
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Information Center soon at Bayshores in Newark; Homebuyers urged to pre-qualify NEWARK, CA: The brand-new master-planned community of Bayshores by William Lyon Homes will open its Information Center soon, making now the ideal time to prequalify for exciting homeownership opportunities. Set in commuter-friendly Newark, adjacent to the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, this idyllic community balances modern conveniences with natural
tranquility with five beautiful new-home neighborhoods surrounded by parks for picnicking, tranquil open spaces to enjoy the great outdoors and a host of premier recreational amenities. Homebuyers ready to come home to a true natural haven will want to register their interest at www.LyonBayshores.com and begin the pre-qualification process as soon as possible.
"Interest in the new master-planned community of Bayshores is already extraordinarily high, which is why we urge homebuyers to pre-qualify early so they're prepared when the Information Center opens," said Kathy Floyd, Director of Sales for William Lyon Homes. "Get a front-row seat to the good life and be a part of a community that changes everything." Bayshores' superbly crafted neighborhoods will offer an array of innovative home offerings to accommodate a diversity of lifestyles, including The Cove's condominium collection, The Strand's townhomes, and the exceptionally designed single-family detached homes at The Banks, The Tides and The Isles. Floorplans span from approximately 1,352 to 2,802 with two to five bedrooms, up to four and one-half baths and two-car garages. Prices are anticipated to start from the high $500,000s to the high $800,000s. Bayshores provides an unparalleled lifestyle experience with exclusive amenities that include a 2,300 square-foot clubhouse, a sprawling community park with a large outdoor dining area and a dog park. Just steps from home, residents will enjoy trails for walking or biking, and discover spectacular natural beauty that includes the 30,000acre Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
Floorplans span from approximately 1,352 to 2,802 with two to five bedrooms, up to four and one-half baths and two-car garages. Prices are anticipated to start from the high $500,000s to the high $800,000s The community's commuter-friendly location puts the region's major employment and business destinations within convenient reach, including San Francisco, Fremont, Silicon Valley and Tri-Valley. The setting near the Dumbarton Bridge connects to Menlo Park, Palo Alto and the peninsula, while the nearby I-880 guides commuters to Oakland and San Jose. It matters who your builder is and William Lyon Homes is a company built upon a legacy of pride and integrity. A team of visionaries who are passionate about homebuilding and committed to providing a high quality homebuying and homeownership experience, William Lyon Homes has earned a solid track record for outstanding construction and customer service since 1956. The company continues to expand its well-respected brand beyond California, Arizona and Nevada and into other market areas across the Western region with the acquisition of Polygon Northwest Homes, its newest division in Washington and Oregon, and its Village Homes division in Colorado. William Lyon Homes' shares are publicly traded on NYSE under the symbol WLH. For updated information and to learn more, visit www.lyonhomes.com. For more information, visit www.LyonBayshores.com. Prices are effective as of the date of publication. Pricing is approximate and is subject to change without prior notice.
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D. R. Horton offers built-for-better-living new homes
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. R. Horton, America's Builder, is pleased to offer Built for Better Living速 homes at a long list of Bay Area communities in some of the most sought after locations, priced from the mid$500,000s to over $2.4 million. These include Vacaville, Oakland Hills, San Ramon, Fremont, Newark, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, and Campbell. New communities are coming soon to Dublin, Pleasanton, Mountain View and Manteca. D. R. Horton's Built for Better Living速 brands present homeowners with designs that are constructed to provide energy-efficient, comfortable and durable homes. Additionally, the new homes at D. R. Horton communities reflect the experience garnered from over three decades of building quality homes for hundreds of thousands of homeowners. In fact, BUILDER Magazine has recognized D. R. Horton as America's
#1 Homebuilder by volume since 2002 -13 years in a row. D. R. Horton, and Emerald Homes and Express Homes, both D. R. Horton Companies, feature a wide array of home styles from single-family to multi-family in suburban and urban locations. Emerald Homes offers luxury buyers a personalized approach to the luxury homebuying process. The commitment to luxury and detail makes each home extraordinary - it's the Emerald Homes' difference. Express Homes is one of the nation's leading homebuilders of homes targeting first-time homebuyers. Express Homes is sure to have a home that suits your lifestyle and budget. For more information, visit www.DRHorton.com/BayArea, or see the advertisement in this supplement.D. R. Horton is an Equal Opportunity Homebuilder.
D. R. Horton, America's Builder, offers new homes in many of the most sought-after Bay Area locations, priced from the mid-$500,000s
Emerald Homes offers luxury buyers a personalized approach to the luxury homebuying process. The commitment to luxury and detail makes each home extraordinary - it's the Emerald Homes'
Presented by Emerald Homes, a D. R. Horton Company, Bellevue in the Oakland Hills offers luxury homes from the $2.1 million
difference
Great new homes in Fremont's famed Mission District
A
fter a successful first release, Darrow Farm begins the grand opening of phase two homes in Fremont's Mission San Jose District. Conveniently located for an easy commute to Silicon Valley and a short walk to nationally competitive and top-performing neighborhood schools, Darrow Farm is a private enclave of 24 handcrafted homes. This one of a kind neighborhood features thoughtfully-designed, highly functional floor plans, custom home amenities, and a unique streetscape with architectural details that define a superior home. Set on a private, single street cul-de-sac, these Bungalow and Arts & Crafts style homes are impressive from the inside and out. Visitors to Darrow Farm will notice the distinctive architecture, as the exterior details create a beautiful and nostalgic street scene. Darrow Farm offers five floor plans with up to four bedrooms and four and one half baths. The generous living spaces were built for versatility, and feature abundant high-quality standard amenities such as real Richard Marshall速 hardwood flooring, custom crafted cabinetry with built-in effi-
ciency, and energy-saving LED lighting throughout. Prices start from $1,600,000 and, given that phase one is nearly sold out, prospec-
tive homebuyers are encouraged to register with the Darrow Farm sales team online at DarrowFarm.com. The sales team can also be reached directly at 510-508-3247. Visit
us today to tour our newly opened model home located at 42425 Mission Boulevard, Fremont, CA 94539. Our Sales Office is open daily 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
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Discover New Move-In Ready Homes from Brookfield Residential at Jordan Ranch! DUBLIN, CA: There's no better time to discover your ultimate address in Dublinand there's no better place to start than Jordan Ranch. At Capri and Trio, Brookfield Residential invites you to experience the sought-after Jordan Ranch lifestyle with stunning new single-family homes and townhomes designed for you. With breathtaking parks, great schools, a family-friendly atmosphere and incredible features, no matter what neighborhood you choose, you'll find the perfect place to call home. Move-in ready homes are now available, so visit Capri or Trio today to see why there's no place like Jordan Ranch in Dublin. Where life truly comes together, new homes at Capri evoke a sense of peaceful comfort. Three two-story spacious floor plans range in size from 1,984 to 2,174 square feet and offer up to five bedrooms and three baths, presenting distinctive style and beautiful craftsmanship. Designed with premium appointments, large front porches and two-car garages with alley access, these new residences embrace family living within an established, connected community. Pricing at Capri starts from the mid $900,000s. Surrounded by captivating green hillsides, Trio's striking new townhomes are destined to please. Three-level floor plans offer from 1,883 to 2,447 square feet with up to four bedrooms and four baths, featuring new farmhouse and rural contempo-
rary architectural styles. Designed with modern sensibilities in mind, premium appointments and two-car garages, these new residences also provide flexible use of space for family living. Pricing at Trio starts
addition, each home will include a luxurious master suite, gracious living areas and energy-efficient features, from a tankless water heater to a 14 SEER dual-zone air conditioning and forced-air heating unit.
from the mid $700,000s. Residents of both communities enjoy gourmet kitchens boasting stainless steel BoschÂŽ appliances, elegant quartz countertops and convenient islands. In
Just walking distance to top-of-the-line Fallon Sports Park, Capri and Trio are conveniently situated within a family-friendly Dublin community close to 19 neighborhood parks, entertainment, area amenities
and grand open space. Plus, a location within the award-winning Dublin Unified School District provides ample educational opportunities for growing families. The sales office for Capri is located at 4293 Sunset View Drive, Dublin, California 94568, and the sales office for Trio is located at 4239 Sunset View Drive, Dublin, California 94568. Office hours are from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. For more information, visit BrookfieldNorCal.com or call (925) 248-5094 for Capri and (925) 556-3137 for Trio. Brookfield Residential Northern California is a premier lifestyle provider comprised of a dedicated, knowledgeable team of professionals with the passion and experience to craft exceptional new homes, neighborhoods and communities. From the goals of first-time buyers to the prestige of luxury homes, we are proud to offer opportunities that embrace a diversity of aspirations. Respected as an awardwinning innovator, we are recognized for delivering consistent quality, design details and an outstanding customer experience. Please visit BrookfieldNorCal.com for more information.
Few Homes Remain at Viewpoint in Mountain View
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ividend Homes is pleased to offer this beautiful collection of Spanishstyle townhomes in an unbeatable location, just 1.5 miles from Downtown Mountain View and Caltrain. This is your chance to act now to own a brand new home at an extraordinary value in the heart of Silicon Valley. These homes are in high demand and it's no surprise with such a unique combination of location, design and price that come together so beautifully. Viewpoint is comprised of 2 and 3 bedroom townhomes - all equipped with impressive modern interiors and the latest high-end features. Dividend Homes takes pride in offering upscale interior finishes as standard that are a step above the rest. The spacious floor plans come included with air conditioning, stainless steel refrigerator, washer and dryer, GE Monogram kitchen appliances, hardwood cabinetry, quartz countertops in the kitchens with a tile backsplash, marble in the master bath-
rooms, central vacuum system, and hardwood flooring throughout the entire second floor!
This tree-lined community is located close to everything: schools, shopping, dining, entertainment and more. Just blocks
This desirable new neighborhood provides Bay Area living with endless comfort and convenience.
from the Google campus and conveniently close to other major employers in the area. Commuters are granted easy access to high-
ways 101, 85, 237, and Central Expressway. Family and friends can enjoy each other's company inside as well as outside. Take in the fresh breeze from your patio or balcony, or go for a short stroll to Downtown Mountain View‌or stay in for dinner with family and friends in the comfort of your stunning gourmet kitchen. You gain much more than just a brand new house when you buy at Viewpoint, you gain a place you are proud to call home. The time for renting or settling for less is gone. Because these homes are in such a wonderful area of Mountain View, and have such a great style, they are in big demand but limited supply. Viewpoint offers buyers exquisitely designed homes built with exceptional quality craftsmanship priced from $1,090,000. Few homes available- hurry in to select the home that best fits your style and needs before it's too late! For more information about Viewpoint, please contact our Sales Manager, MJ Frankel, at (650) 625-8018 or by email at MJ@DividendHomes.com. Or visit the website at: www.ViewpointTownhomes.com. The Sales Office is located at 104 Evandale Avenue in Mountain View and is open Friday through Tuesday from 11:00am-5:00pm, except Monday which is 2:00pm-5:00pm. The sales office is closed on Wednesday and Thursday.
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In Brief Farm pays $1M fine for hiring illegal workers COLUMBIA, SC: An executive of the parent company of a Lexington County farming operation turned over a $1 million check to a federal judge to pay a fine for hiring as many as 350 workers in the United States illegally. Media outlets report HW Group, LLC admitted to the wrongdoing in court. HW Group is the land holding entity of Walter P. Rawl & Sons, a 91-year-old farming operation that grows vegetables, including greens, corn, onions and squash. The farm gave $20,000 a week over six years to a woman who would pay people in the county illegally to work at the farm. The scheme was discovered when a Lexington bank reported the woman making large cash deposits, prosecutors said. The farm also agreed to spend four years on probation with its hiring monitored. The company will use the federal worker verification program E-Verify, even though by law it doesn't have to. The lawyer for HW Group said the company takes responsibility for its actions and appreciates the government's help finding legal workers. ``To say it's difficult to get workers is an understatement,'' attorney Debbie Barbier said. ``And that's why the company is committed to working with the government.'' -AP
„
US repatriates 58 Cubans as immigration rises
MIAMI: The United States has repatriated 58 Cubans rescued from rafts while trying to reach American shores in dangerous waters, the US Coast Guard said. They were part of a wave of migration from the communist island nation since the beginning of its rapprochement with the United States. A Coast Guard patrol boat took the rafters to the Cuban village of Bahia de Cabanas, the agency said in a statement. They were rescued in the Straits of Florida - the 90 miles (150 kilometers) of water separating the US state from Cuba - from seven different boats. The Coast Guard has seen a spike in the number of Cubans arriving in the United States by land and sea since Washington and Havana announced they would begin normalizing relations in December 2014. Cuban migrants who reach the United States are put on a fast track to residency and citizenship under a Cold War-era policy that many fear will be shelved as the two countries normalize relations. -AFP
Immigration
Husband of 'Real Housewives' star to be deported
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Israel doubles budget for immigration of Indian Jews JERUSALEM: Some 700 Indian Jews will be able to immigrate to Israel this year, a three-fold increase over last year, after the Israeli government decided to double the budget marked for their immigration to the Jewish-state. India's Bnei Menashe community in the north-eastern states of Manipur and Mizoram, believed to be descendants of one of the 10 lost tribes of Jews, were allowed aliyah (immigration of Jews to Israel) in 2005 after Chief Sephardi Rabbi had accepted them as descendants of Jews. Speaking in the Knesset (Israeli parliament), Immigrant Absorption Minister Zeev Elkin told the Immigration and Absorption Committee that the number of Jews coming from the Bnei Menashe community will be almost tripled this year. Some 700 Bnei Menashe immigrants will be brought during this year, compared to 260 last year, and the budget earmarked for
their absorption will be doubled to 2.2 million shekels (about $550,000), Mr. Elkin told the committee. There are about 3000 members of the community currently living in Israel, about 600 of whom were
Immigrant Absorption Minister Zeev Elkin
Indian held in US for improper entry WASHINGTON: A 19-yearold Indian has been arrested in the US for entering America "without proper immigration inspection," officials said. Gurtej Singh faces up to six months in prison, a USD 5,000 (Rs 3.3 lakh) fine and deportation from the US, officials said. He was arrested by agents of the US Border Patrol (USBP) in New York after getting information from Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police based on a tip-off from a local resident. The US Attorney's Office for the Northern District of New York will criminally prosecute Singh under charges of 'Improper Entry by Alien', a media release said.
born here. Close to 7,000 in Manipur and Mizoram are said to be waiting to immigrate to the Jewish state. The community is considered to be one of the 10 lost tribes of Jews with claims of being descen-
Following his arrest, officials interviewed Singh, who was unable to produce any immigration documents that would allow him to enter or be present in the US. Record checks said Singh has no immigration or criminal history in the US, a media release said. "This is a great example of our integration with our state, local and tribal law enforcement partners. "The quick response of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police kept this illegal alien from successfully entering the US without proper immigration inspection," USBP Patrol Agent in Charge Wade A Laughman said. -PTI
dants of the ancient Israelite tribe of Menashe. However, members of the group have faced major hardships in adjusting to life in Israel. In a recent report published in the daily Haaretz, it was reported that the social affairs bureau of the Kiryat Arba area, the Israeli settlement adjacent to Hebron in the West Bank, which is home to some 700 people of the community, said that the number of needy community members has risen by about 14 per cent from 2014 to 2015. Some 73 per cent of the community's teenagers are classified as being at risk, the report said. "Their employment rate is also low due to their difficulty in speaking Hebrew and only 42 per cent of the community's children go to school," Malachi Levinger, head of the Kiryat Arba local council, was quoted as having said at the Knesset. -PTI
Rally urges release of student facing deportation DURHAM, NC: A teen who says he risks death if he's deported to his native Honduras should be released from the custody of immigration officials and returned to North Carolina so he can finish high school, supporters said at a rally. About 50 people showed up in support of Wildin Acosta, 19, a senior at Riverside High school who is being held in a rural jail in Georgia. After the director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued an order temporarily preventing the deportation of Acosta, his attorney filed an appeal, which was granted, an ICE spokesman said. His absence at school has created fear among other students, who want Acosta to return by the time the fourth quarter begins April 4 so he can graduate in June, teachers and students said. ``I believe that his triumph will be that this year he will be able to
graduate as a senior with me and all of the 300 to 400 classmates that he has,'' student Axel Herrea said as supporters held signs and chanted phrases such as ``education not deportation.'' Acosta fled Honduras in 2014 after he said a gang member threatened to kill him. Teacher Ellen Holmes said Acosta was awakened at 3 a.m. in his jail cell and told he was being deported even though he had been granted the stay. ``Then they kept him detained and alone, thinking he was going to be deported for over 3.5 hours,'' she said. ``I get asked every single day, `where's Wildin? When's he coming back? What's going on with him, Ms. Holmes? What's going to happen?'' She said some students are fearful of coming to school and attendance has dropped. Cont'd on Page 35
Immigration Post
April 1, 2016
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Children need lawyers in immigration court SEATTLE, WA: Government lawyers have urged a federal judge to remove certain children listed in a lawsuit that seeks to require court-appointed lawyers for indigent children who enter the country illegally. But lawyers for the ACLU and immigration-rights groups said any child sent to immigration court has a constitutional right to a fair hearing and the only way to ensure that happens is to provide them with a lawyer. They also urged the judge to expand the case to include children across the country. ``This case only defines class members as those unrepresented children who don't have the resources to have an attorney,'' said Matt Adams with the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project. After a four-hour hearing, Judge Thomas Zilly said he would take the arguments under advisement and issue a ruling at a later date. The American Civil Liberties Union and immigrant rights groups filed the lawsuit in 2014 on behalf of about a dozen children ranging in age from 1 to 17. They came from Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras and now live in Washington State, California, Texas and Florida. Each year, the government ini-
tiates immigration proceedings against thousands of children to determine whether they can remain in the U.S., according to the com-
``This case only defines class members as those unrepresented children who don't have the resources to have an attorney,'' said Matt Adams with the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project. plaint. In each case, the government is represented by prosecutors, while in most cases, the children are forced to appear before a judge with little or no knowledge of their rights or the law, the lawyers said. Deputy Assistant Attorney General Leon Fresco told Zilly that six of the children in the case who were captured at the border do not have the same due-process rights as someone who has lived in the country for a period of time and they should be dropped from the case. Fresco described this as a ``pro-
cedural due process case'' that involves limitations established by Congress or the executive branch, as opposed to ``substantive due process'' that prohibits the government from infringing on fundamental constitutional rights. When a child crosses the border illegally, they have procedural due process rights -- basic rights against being detained indefinitely or being tortured, Fresco said. But they don't have substantive rights under the constitution, he said. Fresco urged the judge against expanding the current system. ``They are claiming there are more procedural rights that they should be entitled to,'' he said. ``If you were to rule in that context, your opinion by next year would be cited 500 times. It would be the first opinion that says arriving aliens have additional due process rights.'' Under the current system, an immigration judge develops a record by asking the children questions, Fresco told Zilly. ``Some of these questions would be asked to a 3 or 4-yearold,'' Zilly responded. The three children living in Washington state who are part of the lawsuit say their father was murdered in Mexico and their mother was raped, Zilly said. ``They have fear,'' he said. ``You
Husband of 'Real Housewives' star to be deported FORT DIX, N.J.: Joe Giudice, the husband of ``Real Housewives of New Jersey'' star Teresa Giudice, has reported to prison to begin a 41-month sentence on fraud charges. The couple pleaded guilty in 2014 to bankruptcy fraud, and Joe Giudice pleaded guilty to not paying about $200,000 in taxes. Giudice is not a U.S. citizen, and under federal immigration laws is to be deported to Italy after completing his sentence. With time off for good behavior, that could come in about 35 months, attorney Miles Feinstein said. Joe Giudice reported to Fort Dix's federal prison in New Jersey, according to family attorney James Leonard. He was escorted to the prison by his wife, brother, sister, and others. ``It was obviously a very emotional day, but this is a very strong family with a tremendous support system and they will get through this, just as they did when Teresa was away,'' Leonard said in a state-
ment. The judge staggered their sentences so that one of them would be able to take care of their four young daughters. Teresa Giudice completed a 15-month sentence in December. The two pleaded admitted they hid assets from bankruptcy creditors and submitted phony loan applications to get $5 million in mortgages and construction loans. Joe Giudice also admitted he didn't pay about $200,000 in taxes.
Under their plea agreement, they were ordered to pay $414,000 in restitution. Giudice's federal sentence will run concurrent with an 18-month state sentence for unlawful use of an ID and impersonation, stemming from his 2014 guilty plea in an unrelated case. He was charged with using his brother's identity to obtain a driver's license while his own license was suspended for driving while intoxicated in 2010. -AP
say even with these issues they don't have procedural rights other than what Congress allowed?'' Zilly asked Fresco.
Fresco said their research shows that 72 percent of children who move through the system now, even without lawyers, ``are getting some relief,'' so the case isn't needed. ``These are sympathetic cases,'' Fresco responded. Any child who faces deportation at a removal hearing has a
constitutional right to counsel, regardless of where they were apprehended or whether they had an adult with them at the time, said the ACLU's Ahilan Arulanantham. Fresco said their research shows that 72 percent of children who move through the system now, even without lawyers, ``are getting some relief,'' so the case isn't needed. ``I don't know where that comes from,'' Adams responded. ``It must be the most generous interpretations of relief in the world, including continuances.'' Fresco said the data refers to cases that were closed and the children were not removed. Adams said he is not convinced. ``What other situation do you see a child pitted against a prosecuting attorney? Why is immigration law the exception?'' he said.-AP
Rally urges release of student facing deportation Cont'd from Page 34
ICE spokesman Bryan Cox referred questions about Holmes' comments about the wake-up call to Corrections Corp. of America, which manages the facility where Acosta is being held. CCA spokesman Jonathan Burns said the company's workers follow ICE's orders. ``When we receive instructions from ICE to carry out the transport of a detainee like that, we follow suit,'' he said. ``And if at some point that instruction is canceled, we carry that out as well.'' The stay Acosta received pauses his deportation while the immigration court considers the appeal, Cox said. Supporters said Acosta is one of about 800 teenagers who arrived in the U.S. as unaccompanied children and have been de-
tained or deported by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement since October. They also rallied in support of five other North Carolina students they say are being detained and threatened with deportation. Two were in school in Charlotte and one each in schools in Greenville, Thomasville and Raleigh, organizer Ivan Almonte said. Three North Carolina teens have already been deported, he said. Rodney Ellis, president of the North Carolina Association of Educators, said Acosta and the other five detained students ``are not a threat to our schools. They should not be sitting in a jail cell. They should be in a classroom, not only learning about math or science but about problem solving and being a valued member and contributor to our society.``-AP
PRADEEP ROY-SINGH B.A. LL.B. M.B.A. J.D. Attorney-at-Law
Former Assistant StateÂ’s Attorney
Civil & Criminal Litigation Felonies, Misdemeanors, Inc DUI 1 Personal Injury, Business, Divorce etc. 1 Property Tax for Commercial Properties 1 1
http://www.proy-singh.com , "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" stars Teresa Giudice, and her husband Giuseppe "Joe" Giudice, left, of Montville Township, New Jersey
2335 W. Devon Ave., Suite 204, Tel: 773-381-1820 Chicago, IL 60659
TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS
1 Kar Gayi Chull : Kapoor & Sons 2 Jabra Fan: Fan 3 Sanam Re: Sanam Re 4 Soch na Sake: Airlift www.indiapost.com
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April 1, 2016
5 High Heels Te Nachche: Ki & Ka 6 Yeh Fitoor Mera : Fitoor 7 Gerua: Dilwale 8 Agar Tum Saath Ho : Tamasha 9 Janam Janam : Dilwale 10 Hua Hai Aaj Pehli Baar : Sanam Re
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ndo-Canadian porn star turned Bollywood actress Sunny Leone reportedly slapped a journalist at a Holi event in Gujarat. Sunny left a journalist red-faced at a five-star hotel in Gujarat after she was asked how much she charges for 'night programs' now that she is a movie star. At the event Sunny danced to popular Bollywood track from the film for 15 minutes. Before committing Sunny had informed the organizers that she would come and perform at the event only if there is no media inside. However, a reporter started interviewing her in the cor-
ridor. The reporter asked Leone, "You were a porn star earlier, now you are a film star. So how much do you charge now?" Listening to the question, Leone lost her cool and slapped the journalist in front of the hotel staff and visitors and went back to her hotel room. Her husband Daniel Webber told Mid-day, "Sunny has given an apt reply to the reporter so we are not filing any police complaint. The organizers were also college kids so we do not want their careers to be damaged. But henceforth, Sunny will think a thousand times before coming to Gujarat."
J
ohn Abraham is full of praise for his Force 2 co-star Sonakshi Sinha and is proud of her for performing challenging stunts fearlessly for the film. "Sonakshi is very sweet, she's a fantastic co-star, one of my best co-stars and I admire the action she has performed in Force 2. This girl has absolutely no fear," John said at the screening of the film, Rocky Handsome. "We had to make a jump, I asked Sonakshi if she was sure, and she said, 'I am sure I will jump', so from second floor and third floor she jumped. I am very proud of her. Watch Force 2, our director is very special, Abhinay Deo, who made Delhi Belly," John continued. Sonakshi was also present at the screening and said that she is excited about the film.
“We had to make a jump, I asked Sonakshi if she was sure, and she said, ' I am sure I will jump�
I
nternational action star Jackie Chan has arrived in Jaipur to shoot his upcoming Indo-Chinese venture 'Kung Fu Yoga'. 'The Spy Next Door' actor had to walk three kilometers to the sets at the Mansingh Palace, Amber Fort as cars are not allowed at the fort during the elephant safari. Besides Jackie, the movie also stars Sonu Sood in the lead along with Amyra Dastur and Disha Patani. The film's unit has set up a local market inside the palace. Amyra was spotted shooting some action sequences along with co-star Li Zi Long, in a market set-up. The cast will shoot a dance number at Umaid Bhawan Palace. Sonu Sood will join the cast in Jodhpur along with Farah Khan, who will choreograph the dance. Directed by Stanley Tong, the action comedy film will also be shot in China and some other countries.
„ Health
Line
Depressed? Blame it on social media WASHINGTON: Internet addicts, take note! The more time you spend on social media, the more likely you are to be depressed, a new study warned. "Because social media has become such an integrated component of human interaction, it is important for clinicians interacting with young adults to recognize the balance to be struck in encouraging potential positive use, while redirecting from problematic use," said Brian A Primack from University of Pittsburgh in the US. In 2014, researchers sampled 1,787 US adults aged 19 to 32, using questionnaires to determine social media use and an established depression assessment tool. The questionnaires asked about the 11 most popular social media platforms at the time Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Google Plus, Instagram, Snapchat, Reddit, Tumblr, Pinterest, Vine and LinkedIn. On average the participants used social media a total of 61 minutes per day and visited various social media accounts 30 times per week. More than a quarter of the participants were classified as having "high" indicators of depression, researchers said. There were significant and linear associations between social media use and depression whether social media use was measured in terms of total time spent or frequency of visits, they said. -PTI
„ Ohio alerts on drug overdose antidote COLUMBUS, Ohio: State officials are working to alert Ohio law enforcement agencies, local health departments and first responders to the availability of a drug overdose antidote. Ohio recently extended a deal with the maker of naloxone to provide rebates to public agencies that buy the life-saving drug. California-based Amphastar Pharmaceuticals Inc. is providing a $6 rebate for each naloxone syringe bought by a non-federal public entity in Ohio over the next 12 months. Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine says his office is partnering with several state agencies to host a phone bank to inform local entities about the cost savings. A record 2,482 people in Ohio died from accidental overdoses in 2014. State public safety officials have said naloxone was administered more than 16,000 times in Ohio in 2015. -AP
Health Science
Scientists eliminate HIV from DNA of human cells
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Justices divided over new challenge to health care law WASHINGTON: In a new challenge to President Barack Obama's health care law, the Supreme Court appeared deeply and evenly divided over the arrangement devised by the administration to spare faith-based groups from having to pay for birth control for women covered under their health plans. Ninety minutes of crisp arguments and frequent interruptions by the justices indicated that the court seemed headed for a 4-4 tie that would leave the issue unresolved nationally. Or the court could hold a new round of arguments once a ninth justice is confirmed to take the place of Justice Antonin Scalia, who died last month. The case could factor into the fight over Obama's Supreme Court nomination of Judge Merrick Garland. And in its volatile mix of religious liberty and birth control, it also could play a role in the presidential campaign. If the justices are as firmly split between liberals and conservatives as they signaled, the court
Nuns with the little Sisters of the poor, including sister Celestine, (lift) and Sister Jeanne Veronique, center, rally outside the Supreme Court in Washington as the court hears argument to allow birth control in healthcare plans the Zubik vs. Burwell case
could say so as early as next week, or wait until the end of June. It was the sixth anniversary of President Barack Obama's health care overhaul; the case in front of the justices is the law's fourth Supreme Court appearance in five years.
Nationwide, eight appeals courts, including four with decisions being challenged in the current case, have sided with the administration, and one has ruled for the groups. A 4-4 outcome would leave different rules in place in different parts of the country.
In 2014, the justices divided 54 with Scalia in the majority to allow some ``closely held'' businesses with religious objections to refuse to pay for contraceptives for women. That case involved the Hobby Lobby chain of craft stores and other companies that said their rights were being violated under the 1993 Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Catholic and Protestant colleges, charities and advocacy groups are invoking the same law in asking that the government find a way that does not involve them or their insurers if it wishes to provide birth control to women covered by their health plans. Among the challengers are Bishop David Zubik, head of the Catholic Diocese in Pittsburgh; the Little Sisters of the Poor, nuns who run more than two dozen nursing homes for impoverished seniors; evangelical and Catholic colleges in Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington, D.C., and the anti-abortion advocacy group Priests for Life. Cont'd on Page 38
Indian cumin infested with pests seized in US WASHINGTON: A huge 55,000 pound consignment of Indian cumin has been seized in the US after custom agents discovered it was infested with pests, officials here said. The importer has been issued an Emergency Action Notice requiring the shipment of cumin seed to be re-exported, the Baltimore Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said. During a routine inspection CBP Officials at the Port of Baltimore discovered that a shipment of cumin seed from India was infested with Khapra Beetle larvae. CBP officials did not discover any live larvae but collected a specimen of the dead larvae and sealed the container. The specimen was forwarded to a US Department of Agriculture (USDA) entomologist who confirmed it as
Trogoderma granarium, commonly known as Khapra Beetle. Khapra Beetle is considered one of the world's most destructive insect pests of grains, cereals and stored foods, and it re-
said Dianna Bowman, CBP Area Port Director for Baltimore. "And we take our mission to intercept these destructive pests and protect America's agricultural industry very seriously."
mains the only insect in which CBP takes regulatory action even when it's in a dead state. "Khapra Beetle is one of the most invasive insects CBP agriculture specialists encounter,"
The Khapra Beetle is labeled a 'dirty feeder' because it damages more grain than it consumes, and because it contaminates grain with body parts and hairs.
These contaminants may cause gastrointestinal irritation in adults and especially sickens infants. Khapra Beetles can also tolerate insecticides and fumigants, and can survive for long periods of time without food. According to the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), previous infestations of Khapra Beetle have resulted in massive, long term-control and eradication efforts at great cost to the American taxpayer. California implemented extensive eradication measures following a Khapra Beetle infestation discovered there in 1953. The effort was deemed successful, but at a cost of approximately USD 11 million. Calculated in today's dollars, that would be about USD 90 million. -PTI
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Brazil to launch Anti-Zika app for Olympics RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazil's health ministry has said it will launch a smartphone application to track the Zika virus during the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and help visitors detect the disease. The app will provide information on preventing Zika, ask users about their health and if nec-
essary direct them to the nearest pharmacy or hospital via GPS. It will be available in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese and Russian, as well as Portuguese, and go online in May, the ministry said, as Brazil counts down to the opening ceremony on August 5.
Municipal agents prepare to spray anti-Zika mosquitos chemical product at the sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro
Besides the virtual diagnosis, it will also feature a quiz in the form of an Olympics-inspired video game. Brazil sounded the alarm over Zika when health officials noticed the mosquito-borne virus appeared to be causing a sharp rise in babies born with microcephaly, or abnormally small heads. The flu-like disease, whose primary symptoms are relatively mild, has also been linked to nerve disorders in adults. The World Health Organization has declared an international health emergency over the apparent link between Zika and microcephaly. Health Minister Marcelo Castro emphasized that "the risk of infection will be considerably reduced" during the Olympics, which will be held during the southern hemisphere winter, when
there are fewer mosquitoes. But the situation remains "very worrying," he said. Brazil has registered 1.5 million cases of Zika since detecting the outbreak last year.
It has confirmed 907 cases of microcephaly since October and is investigating nearly 4,300 suspected cases - a sharp rise from the 147 cases registered in 2014. AFP
Zika was present in Brazil year before detection WASHINGTON: Zika may have arrived in the Americas in 2013, more than a year before the virus was first detected in Brazil, a new study has claimed. Researchers found that the Brazilian outbreak likely started from a single introduction of the virus into the Americas, in mid2013. Airline data from that time show an upsurge in the number of people travelling to Brazil, particularly from areas where Zika was circulating, researchers said. The timing lines up with when Zika virus outbreaks were occurring in the Pacific islands, they said. According to Oliver Pybus, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Oxford in the UK and a co-author of the study, someone infected during the 2013 Zika epidemic in French Polynesia might have introduced the virus to Brazil. The researchers found that the timing of the virus likely introduction to Brazil coincided with a surge in the number of travelers arriving in Brazil from Zika-affected countries. The findings suggest that,
contrary to previous speculations, fans who attended the FIFA World Cup or a championship canoe race, held in Brazil in 2014, are not to blame for bringing the virus into the country. Most likely, the virus arrived before these events, and was circulating in Brazil for months without being recognized, the researchers found. The high degree of genetic similarity among the samples that the researchers looked at in their study points to a single introduction of the virus, Live Science reported. By considering both the small genetic differences among the virus samples, and the average rate at which such genetic changes are expected to happen, the researchers were able to calculate that the introduction happened sometime in 2013. "If the Zika virus epidemic in Brazil did, indeed, arise from a single introduction, then the virus must have circulated in the country for at least 12 months prior to the first case being reported in May 2015," the researchers said. -PTI
Meditation, cognitive therapy helps back pain WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES: Meditation and cognitive behavioral therapy - not traditional treatments for back pain seem to be effective in alleviating for the common condition, researchers say. After 26 weeks, researchers said patients treated with cognitive behavioral therapy or mindfulness-based stress reduction and yoga had "clinically meaningful improvement" of functional limitations compared to those with traditional care. The improvement was measured at 61 per cent for MSBR and yoga, ahead of 58 percent for CBT and 44 percent for traditional care. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), was a clinical trial with 342 adults ages 20-70
who had suffered from lower back pain for an average of seven years. One third, selected at random, was treated with MBSR and yoga, while another third used cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps patients identify and resolve bad behavioral choices and negative thoughts. The last third was treated with pain medications. "These findings suggest that MBSR may be an effective treatment option for patients with chronic low back pain," the authors wrote. "Although understanding the specificity of treatment effects, mechanisms of action and role of mediators are important issues for researchers, they are merely academic for many clinicians and their patients." -AFP
April 1, 2016
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Justices divided over new challenge to health care law Cont'd from Page 37
Chief Justice John Roberts, who has twice written opinions upholding the law against broad challenges, and Justice Samuel Alito repeatedly challenged Solicitor General Donald Verrilli Jr. on his argument that the policy strikes a balance between religious freedom and access to birth control. The groups have ``used the phrase `hijacking,' and it seems to me that that's an accurate description of what the government wants to do,'' Roberts said. Alito, who would have struck down the entire law, suggested women affected in this case could get contraceptive coverage on the health care exchanges set up by
the law. When Verrilli objected, Alito said, ``Is it because these exchanges are so unworkable, even with the help of a navigator?'' Justice Anthony Kennedy, whose vote could give the administration a majority, also sounded sympathetic to the faithbased groups when he said that ``religious organization plans here are, in effect, subsidizing the conduct that they deemed immoral.'' Only Justice Clarence Thomas asked no questions, but he has repeatedly sided with the health law's challengers. The four liberal justices seemed just as firmly in the administration's corner. Justice Sonia Sotomayor said the administration's arrangement takes into
Scientists eliminate HIV from DNA of human cells WASHINGTON: Using a specialized gene editing system, scientists have shown that they can effectively eliminate HIV from the DNA of human cells, paving the way for a cure for patients infected with the virus that causes AIDS. "Antiretroviral drugs are very good at controlling HIV infection. But patients on antiretroviral therapy who stop taking the drugs suffer a rapid rebound in HIV replication," said Kamel Khalili, at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University in US. The presence of numerous copies of HIV weakens the immune system and eventu-
DNA (the integrated viral genome) using uniquely tailored gene editing technology. Their system includes a guide RNA that specifically locates HIV-1 DNA in the Tcell genome, and a nuclease enzyme, which cuts the strands of T-cell DNA. Once the nuclease has edited out the HIV-1 DNA sequence, the loose ends of the genome are reunited by the cell's own DNA repair machinery. Researchers focused on infected CD4 T cells to show that the technology eliminates the virus from cells and also its persistent presence in HIV-1-eradicated cells protects them against reinfection. The researchers carried their work over to ex vivo experiments, in which T-cells from patients infected with HIV were grown in cell culture, showing that treatment with the gene editing system can suppress viral replication and dramatically reduce viral load in patient cells. Using an approach known as ultra-deep whole-genome sequencing, researchers analyzed the HIV1-eradicated cell genomes for mutations in genes outside the region targeted by the guide RNA. Their analyses ruled out off-target effects on genes, including potential collateral effects on cellular gene expression. Once the nuclease has edited out the HIV-1 DNA Studies of cell viability and prosequence, the loose ends of the genome are reunited by the cell's own DNA repair machinery. liferation showed that HIV-1-eradicated cells were growing and funcally causes acquired immune deficiency tioning normally. syndrome, or AIDS. "The findings demonstrate the effecEliminating the HIV virus after it has tiveness of our gene editing system in become integrated into CD4 T-cells, the cells eliminating HIV from the DNA of CD4 Tprimarily infected with the virus, has cells and, by introducing mutations into proven difficult. the viral genome, permanently inactivatRecent attempts have focused on inten- ing its replication," Mr Khalili said. tionally reactivating HIV, aiming to stimu"They show that the system can prolate a robust immune response capable of tect cells from reinfection and that the eradicating the virus from infected cells. technology is safe for the cells, with no However, none of these "shock and kill" toxic effects," he said. approaches has been successful. The study was published in the journal Researchers targeted HIV-1 proviral Scientific Reports. -PTI
account women who are covered by the affected plans and ``have a real need for contraceptives.'' Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer and Elena Kagan also asked questions that signaled their support. ``Sometimes when a religious person who's not a hermit or a monk is a member of society, he does have to accept all kinds of things that are just terrible for him,'' Breyer said. Contraception is among a range of pre-
``Sometimes when a religious person who's not a hermit or a monk is a member of society, he does have to accept all kinds of things that are just terrible for him,'' Breyer said. ventive services that must be provided at no extra charge under the health care law. The administration pointed to research showing that the high cost of some meth-
ods of contraception discourages women from using them. A very effective means of birth control, the intrauterine device, can cost up to $1,000. Houses of worship and other religious institutions whose primary purpose is to spread the faith are exempt from the birth control requirement. Other faith-affiliated groups that oppose some or all contraception have to tell the government or their insurers that they object, and allow their insurer or third-party administrator to handle everything related to birth control. Some groups, including Little Sisters of the Poor, contract with church-based insurers, which themselves are exempt from having to provide contraceptives. Verrilli said that the Little Sisters probably would not face fines for failing to abide by the administration's work-around. The administration contends that tens of thousands of women would be disadvantaged by a ruling for the groups. The court is weighing whether the accommodation offered by the administration violates the groups' rights under the religious freedom law. Even if it does, the administration still could show that it has a ``compelling interest'' in the provision of contraception and that its plan is the most reasonable way. -AP
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ith lush greenery, serene environment and unpolluted ambience, Matheran is a fantastic tourist destination at a height of about 2516 feet above sea level in Maharashtra state of India. Matheran, the jungle on the top, was developed by the British after it was located in 1850 by the British Officer Hugh Mallet, who was the Collector of Thane. This cool eco-friendly hill station is perfectly perched at the Matheran ranges of Sahyadri Mountains and the picturesque surroundings with eye catching attractions that invite thousands of tourists every year to Matheran. This hill station has the unique distinction - the vehicles are banned from
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entering the hill station limits, keeping Matheran as an unpolluted tourist spot. Matheran is a nature's gift, with 38 peak points for an enthusiastic tourist to take refuge from the day to day hardships of modern life. These points include Panorama point, Echo point, Charlotte Lake, King George point and Louisa point. The Paymaster Park and Panthers' Caves are two prime picnic spots for any one can enjoy the natural pleasures; especially children will enjoy these grand places. Matheran with the undulated hilly regions with the treasures of natural beauty is one of the best summer retreats to keep away from the
scorching mercury levels in the down plain cities. The stunning views of the landscapes from the cliffs of Matheran offer memorable experiences for life long. The Hart point, one of the scenic spots, offers breathtaking views of multicolored lights of Mumbai city in the serene and cold nights. A two hour journey through the undulated hilly roads by bus can take the tourists to this imposing picturesque location. Soft cool breeze welcomes you to this nature's gift. Luxurious as well as decent boarding and lodging facilities are available to suit every pocket. The bazaar in Matheran offers excellent shopping facilities to shopping freaks. Cont’d on page 43
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International Fossil Park Goa plans Rs 100 cr beach infra projects in Srinagar soon SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir would soon get an International Fossil Park at a 250 millionyear-old tsunami site here to give a broader display of the state's geological history as well as to facilitate research work. "An International Fossil Park would soon be established at Khonmoh, Srinagar," Deputy Commissioner (Srinagar) Farooq Ahmad Lone said. Lone visited the site at Khonmoh and sought the records from the Departments of Revenue and Wildlife so that the project can be commissioned at the earliest. He was accompanied by Director Tourism, Kashmir, Mehmood Ahmad Shah and other senior officials. The potential of the Khonmoh area is geographically and geologically well known, as few years back a mammoth skeleton of an elephant was excavated from the area, the officials said. "This is a unique site in the world where we have signs of the mass extinction of species during tsunami that occurred 250 million years back," the officials informed Lone.
He held a discussion with the officials over developing the site into a park of international repute. Lone impressed upon the officials to develop the International Fossil Park on a priority basis so
tate scholars in research work. "The park has been envisaged to give a broader display of the state's geological history. The department of geology and Geophysics, University of Kashmir,
"The park has been envisaged to give a broader display of the state's geological history. The department of geology and Geophysics, University of Kashmir�
PANAJI: Goa government has decided to invite tenders to upgrade infrastructure on beaches in the state for tourists' convenience, a senior official has said. "The state tourism department has finalized various infrastructure projects worth Rs 100 crore on the beaches, tenders for which will be invited in April," Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) Chairman Nilesh Cabral told PTI. Goa has some of the world's most scenic beaches on its 105 km-long coastline which attract lakhs of tourists annually. "Tourists were complaining
about facilities on the beaches. Once these works are complete, the beaches will be equipped with infrastructure to provide better experience to tourists," he said. The state government has decided to set up parking and toilets facilities on 19 beaches which are most visited, he said. Cabral said the work will be done in three phases. In the first phase, three beaches are identified followed by eight in second and third phase respectively. Under the same program, Goa government has also decided to construct public toilets along the roads in the state. -PTI
Director Tourism, Kashmir, Mehmood Ahmad Shah
that it could not only help in preserving the artifacts and historical sites, but also give boost to educational tourism in the state. Director Tourism, Kashmir said that apart from the tourism point of view, the site would also facili-
had agreed for providing fossils at the site, which according to them would attract the researchers of international repute. The department would also establish a museum for displaying the artifacts," he said. -PTI
Telangana plans NRI pack Dubai's second airport for tourists to be expanded
HYDERABAD: In a move aimed at boosting the tourism industry, Telangana government will come up with an exclusive package for NRIs to attract their friends and acquaintances in foreign countries to visit the youngest state. Tourism Secretary B Venkatesham said the package is expected to be launched in the second or third week of next month. "This package will be exclusively available for NRIs (from Telangana) to send it their friends and known acquaintances in that country. So, it's like they will be visiting Telangana as personal guests of that NRI so that without much of advertising‌we will be getting around three to four lakh NRIs-foreign tourists per year. It's a big number", he told PTI here. Venkatesham said the Government also planned to host an NRI
Day in October-November. Officials said an estimated 30,000 Telangana NRIs are expected to participate in it, adding, Telangana NRI Associations are
Tourism Secretary B Venkatesham
active in many countries including the USA, the UK, South Africa and Bahrain. The Tourism department also plans to come out with "Hyderabad Pass" on the lines of "London Pass" next month.
"All details are being worked out. Now, we are looking at budget; how much we can subsidies", he said. Officials said "Hyderabad Pass" is expected to give hassle-free access to tourists in key destinations, among other features, details of which are being finalized. Venkatesham said Telangana is positioning itself as a place to visit "for all reasons and all seasons". As a "new kid on the block, as he put it, an enthusiastic Telananga is the youngest state, but with the oldest possible history. "Telangana is one of the most ancient inhabited places in India. So, if you go to history, we are one of the oldest, but we are the newly formed State. We have enthusiasm of the youngest person, but at the same time, experience of the oldest person", he said. -PTI
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates: Dubai is already home to the world's busiest international travel airport and now authorities have announced expansion plans for the city-state's second airport. The plans will affect the Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central. Officials hope it will some day handle over 200 million passengers a year. The first phase of the project will increase the passenger terminal there to 145,926 square meters
(1.5 million square feet) by June 2017. Further expansions are planned to accommodate up to 26.5 million passengers per year by 2025. No financial terms were discussed. Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest for international travel, is the home of the long-haul Emirates airline. Officials plan one day to shift Emirates flights from that airport to Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central. -AP
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Tourist Attractions Prabal Fort: Prabal Fort presently in ruins is located at the flat top of the hill named Prabhal hills
in the western side of Matheran. The fort, which is of historical importance, was captured by Chathrapathi Shivaji from
Mughals and it is believed that the fort had great treasure at the time of capture. On top of Prabal hills, there is a pond. There were two gateways and eleven towers in the fortifica-
tions and in 1818 the gateways were destroyed in the fights. Presently walls of three or four towers remain as a specimen of grand old
days of Maratha rulers. Alexander Point: Alexander Point presents one of the great sights in Matheran and is located on the side of Madhavji Road. On the backdrop of jungle greeneries, the point offers grand picturesque views of Palasdari Lake, Rambaug Point, Garbut Point, Chowk point and downhill village of Borgaon. Charlotte Lake: Charlotte Lake, also known as Sharlott Lake, is a serene scenic spot in Matheran and is the prime source of its drinking water. An ancient temple Pisarnath temple is located at the right of the lake and two beautiful picnic spots Louisa point and Echo point are placed at the left of the lake. The lake location is rich in panoramic sceneries and lusting greeneries. Hart Point: Hart point located at the north western edge of Matheran hill station offers majestic views of the low lying lush plains and the greenish quiet villages. Hart point offers panoramic view of the breathtaking Western Ghats and the night view of clear
lights of the Mumbai urban city. Louisa Point: Louisa Point is an imposing location in Matheran providing beautiful view of surroundings. The point located at a plateau offers views of historical Vishalgad fort and Prabhal fort. This is a great spot for eye catching views of sunset. One Tree Hill Point: One Tree Point or One tree hill is a unique hill spot with a single Jambhul tree perched at the top. The walk through the road known as Shivaji's ladder, going down from the hill to the plain is really a great experience. It is a good train for trekkers. It is believed that the path was discovered by a British collector to Thane, Hugh Poyntz Malet. Panorama Point: Panorama
Point. It is adorned with mind pleasing and eye catching environment, cool and pristine ambience and breathtaking scenery. It is the perfect place to view the sunset. Shivaji's Ladder: Shivaji's Ladder, as the name suggests, has steps like a ladder. It is the way down from one tree hill point to the Matheran valley. The path is surrounded by grand scenes of lush green forests and soothing cool winds. The great Maratha Emperor Chathrapathi Shivaji used this way for his pleasure trips and hunting options in the Matheran hills.
Point is the most popular location in Matheran which offers a majestic view of sunrise. The location is the longest spacious place on the mount peak. A great place for picnics, it provides a grand panoramic view of the surrounding scenic locations like Chanderi, NavaraNavari, Peb Fort and Mhas-Mal. Porcupine Point: Porcupine Point is an attractive view point shaped like a porcupine bird. A nearby majestic attraction is Cathedral rocks located on the western side of Porcupine Point. Rambagh Point: One of most attractive picnic spots which offers grand view of the vicinity and the wayside hilly ranges is Rambag
through the year. The best time for visiting the place is from October to May. How to reach Train: Neral is the nearest railhead which is about 59 km away from Matheran. It is well connected to other major Indian cities. Air: Mumbai is the nearest airport which is about 100 km from Matheran city. Mumbai is well connected to other major airports in India and abroad. Bus: Matheran is connected to neighboring cities by public transport buses. Deluxe buses are available from Mumbai and Pune to a point nearly 3 km away from Matheran.
Best time to visit: Matheran enjoys a cool, pleasant and less humid climate all
Google launches Street View in Sri Lanka SAN FRANCISCO: Tech giant Google has launched the Street View imagery of Sri Lanka on Google Maps that will allow users to view and experience 360-degree panoramic imagery of the country from their phones, tablets and computers. With addition of Sri Lanka, Street View is now available in 76 countries, including the US, Japan and South Korea. Street View allows users to see how a city or a place looks like in real. Using cars and bikes fitted with cameras to collect imagery, Google collects and stitches the photos accumulated together to make the 360degree panorama. Interestingly, Street View is
not available in India. The company had launched the service in 2011 in India, but later suspended it following an order from the police. "Google began driving in Sri Lanka in December 2014 and finished collecting imagery in February this year. From the bustle of downtown Colombo, to the cool tea plantation hills, Sri Lanka's landscape is as beautiful as it is
diverse," Google Public Policy Manager Helena Lersch said. "To capture this imagery, Google drove close to 50,000 km across every state and province so you can virtually explore this beautiful landscape from coast to coast," she added. She, however, did not say if and when the service would be launched in India. "Sri Lanka is already a popular tourist destination, and we hope Street View will make the country even more accessible to people interested in exploring and visiting here. We are delighted to bring imagery of Sri Lanka to Street View on Google Maps," she said. -PTI
Tech News Jet starts non-stop flights to Amsterdam MUMBAI: Private carrier Jet Airways has commenced operations to Amsterdam with the launch of non-stop services from Mumbai, Delhi and Toronto, making the Dutch capital its new European gateway for its international operations. "Today marks the start of our new service connecting three continents, together with our codeshare partners KLM and Delta Air Lines. We are happy to operate daily flights to Amsterdam from Mumbai, Delhi and Toronto, thereby providing greater choice and connectivity to our guests and facilitating trade and co-operation between India and the Netherlands," Jet Airways chairman Naresh Goyal said. Through Amsterdam as Jet Airways new European gateway and along with its codeshare partners, the airline will now offer seamless connectivity to over 30 destinations in Europe and 11 destinations in the United States and Canada to our guests, he said. Guests flying from Amsterdam will be able to access Jet Airways network of 48 destinations within India as well as destinations in the Indian subcontinent and Asia via Mumbai and Delhi, the airline said.-PTI
Lord Paul meets PM; welcomes NRI investments NEW DELHI: London-based industrialist Lord Swraj Paul has met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and conveyed his appreciation of the recent decision of Indian government to treat NRI investments at par with resident investments. Paul told Modi that government's decision to allow such investment on non-repatriable basis was a welcome first step and that soon after the announcement he had made a personal investment of Rs 25 crore into a finance company operated by his Caparo Group in India. Aiming to attract overseas funds, government recently decided that non-repatriable investments by NRIs, OCIs and PIOs will be treated as domestic investments and will not be subject to foreign direct investment caps. Investments by NRIs under Schedule 4 of FEMA regulations will be deemed to be domestic investment at par with the investment made by residents. Welcoming Modi's Make-inIndia initiative, the NRI industrialist said that he had pumped in Rs 125 crore in the last three months to upgrade the facilities and expand the India business of his Caparo Group. -PTI
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Hyundai to recall 597 vehicles over faulty wipers BEIJING: South Korean auto giant Hyundai Motor will recall nearly 600 vehicles having faulty wipers that may block the view of drivers and cause safety problems, China's quality watchdog has said. The recall will involve imported Equus models produced between July 10, 2011 and June 12, 2012 and imported Rohens sedans produced between August 1, 2011 and April 30, 2012, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said in a statement. Hyundai will recall 597 vehicles for having faulty wipers that may block the view of drivers and cause safety problems, the statement said. The manufacturers will offer free inspections and replace the defective parts in the recalled cars. -PTI
China rebuilt itself with money drained out of US: Trump NEW YORK: Republican US presidential front- runner Donald Trump has vowed to pursue an "America First" foreign policy if elected, saying many nations including allies "ripped off" America while China has rebuilt itself from money that it has "drained out of the US". Expounding his foreign policy priorities, Trump said he would consider pulling out American troops from Japan and South Korea if the close allies did not pay the US more. Trump told the New York Times that he might stop buying oil from Saudi Arabia if it did not send troops to back US efforts to fight Islamic State militants. The 69-year-old real estate billionaire, who has kept his momentum rolling despite concerted efforts by party establishment to thwart his presidential aspirations, insisted he was "not isolationist" but "America First". He said: "We have been disrespected, mocked, and ripped off for many, many years by people that were smarter, shrewder, tougher. "We were the big bully, but we
were not smartly led. And we were the big bully who was the big, stupid bully and we were systematically ripped off by everybody." "So America first, yes, we will not be ripped off anymore. We're going to be friendly with every-
"No matter who it is, we defend everybody. When in doubt, come to the United States. We'll defend you. In some cases free of charge." He said that China, now the world's second largest economy after America, had rebuilt itself
Donald Trump said he would consider pulling out American troops from Japan and South Korea if the close allies did not pay the US more.
body, but we're not going to be taken advantage of by anybody," he said. Trump cited the US debt "soon to be USD 21 tn" - and linked it to the fact the US "defended the world".
from money that has "drained out of the United States". "They've done it through monetary manipulation, by devaluations. And very sophisticated. I mean, they're grand chess players at devaluation," Trump said.
He added: "I like China very much, I like Chinese people. I respect the Chinese leaders, but you know China's been taking advantage of us for many, many years and we can't allow it to go on." Talking about the rise of China, he said the best way to halt Beijing's building of military airfields and anti-aircraft batteries on reclaimed islands in the disputed South China Sea was to threaten its access to American markets. "We have tremendous economic power over China, and that's the power of trade," he said. He declined to elaborate on his plans for dealing with the Communist giant, saying "I wouldn't want them to know what my real thinking is." Trump said the US was "not being properly reimbursed" for protecting Saudi Arabia. "Without us, Saudi Arabia wouldn't exist for very long. It would be, you know, a catastrophic failure without our protection. "They're a money machine... and yet they don't reimburse us the way we should be reimbursed." -PTI
Parrikar unveils Defense Procurement Procedure PANAJI: Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar has unveiled the much-awaited Defense Procurement Procedure, saying it will ensure transparency and speed in acquisition process and boost the 'Make in India' initiative to reduce dependence on exports. "The Defense Procurement Procedure (DPP) can push the agenda of 'Make in India' and India's target of achieving defense industry network," Parrikar said at the inauguration of fourday Defense Expo in BetulNaqueri village, about 50 kms from Panaji. With the new DPP, it will be ensured that there is greater transparency and faster clear-
ances, he said. The DPP have been loaded
Parrikar said certain concerns of foreign companies which were
"We have increased the Foreign Direct Investment (in Defense sector) to 49 per cent Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar
online on the Defense Ministry's website and would be made available in hard copy format after 15 days.
expressed in the past, would be addressed through this policy in next three to four months. The new policy has introduced an Indian Designed, Developed
and Manufactured (IDDM) category which will benefit the local units, he said. "We have increased the Foreign Direct Investment (in Defense sector) to 49 per cent which will be through automatic route," the minister pointed out. Parrikar said defense export clearances are to be granted online. He said the policy will also include 'Start-up India' initiative. Technology is changing every year and India has the capability to use it in defense production, he observed. "We expect that new policy will make the world take advantage of technological revolution across India," he said. Cont’d on page 46
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Nandita Bakhshi named Prez, CEO of Bank of West HOUSTON: Indian-American Nandita Bakhshi has been appointed the President and Chief Executive Officer of Bank of the West, a unit of French banking giant BNP Paribas. Bakhshi, 57, will replace Michael Shepherd as Bank of the West's next President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). She is expected to join the bank as a CEO-in-training on April 1 and will take the helm officially on June 1. She earned a bachelor's degree in History at the University of Calcutta and a Masters in International Relations and Affairs at Jadavpur University. A New England News 'Woman of the Year' award recipient in 2002, Bakhshi also serves on the board of the Consumer Bankers Association. "I am excited to join Bank of the West, one of America's most reputable banks. Bank of the West is well positioned in the US market, and I am thrilled at the prospect of leading an organization with such a strong focus on customer ser-
vice," Bakhshi said in a statement. "We are pleased to welcome Nandita Bakhshi to Bank of the West. Her extensive experience in
Nandita Bakhshi
product and distribution, coupled with her visionary thinking, relentless customer focus and valuesdriven philosophy will serve us well in taking Bank of the West to greater heights," head of international retail banking for BNP
Paribas Stefaan Decraene said. Bank of the West's parent company BNP Paribas is revamping its US operations to meet new regulations. "I am very pleased that Nandita Bakhshi is joining Bank of the West. Her energy, innovative ideas and proven record of accomplishments are a great combination with our strong franchise and corporate culture," Shepherd said. Bakhshi previously held several leadership roles at TD Bank, the most recent being executive vice president and head of North American direct channels where she was responsible for driving innovation in direct and electronic channels to improve digital adoption and provide customers a unified banking experience. She also held executive positions at Washington Mutual in Seattle which is now JP Morgan Chase; FleetBoston, which is now Bank of America; First Data Corp, Home Savings of America and Banc One Corp. -PTI
Pay dues or face action: FM to Mallya NEW DELHI: In a stern warning to willful defaulters like Vijay Mallya, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said they should settle their dues honorably with the banks or else be ready to face "coercive action" by lenders and investigative agencies. "I don't want to make any comments on individual cases but I think it's a responsibility of large
take legal action to recover dues that are in excess of Rs 9,000 crore. "Banks have some securities. Banks plus other agencies have also coercive methods available with them through legal enforcement...these are all being investigated by relevant agencies," he said. Mallya, promoter of longgrounded Kingfisher Airlines, had
Vijay Mallya
groups like his (Vijay Mallya's) to honorably settle their dues with the banks," he told PTI in an interview here. He further said that banks have certain collaterals of group companies of Vijay Mallya and will
left India on March 2, presumably for London, days before the Supreme Court heard a plea of clutch of state-owned banks seeking recovery from his group firms. Mallya and Kingfisher Airlines owed Rs 7,800 crore to a consor-
tium of 17 lenders led by State Bank, which had an exposure of over Rs 1,600 crore to the now defunct airline. Other banks that have exposure to the airline include Punjab National Bank and IDBI Bank (Rs 800 crore each), Bank of India (Rs 650 crore), Bank of Baroda (Rs 550 crore), Central Bank of India (Rs 410 crore). UCO Bank has to recover Rs 320 crore, Corporation Bank (Rs 310 crore), State Bank of Mysore, (Rs 150 crore), Indian Overseas Bank (Rs 140 crore), Federal Bank (Rs 90 crore), Punjab & Sind Bank (Rs 60 crore) and Axis Bank (Rs 50 crore). The Finance Minister said the government has been trying to address the problem of NPAs in sectors such as steel, textile, highways and infrastructure, which are on account of economic slowdown. "I think the NPA resolution process will now begin. The sectors which have caused distress... I have always said that there are two kinds of NPAs. One is because of economic environment, the losses in certain categories of industry. Now those areas we are trying to address," he said. -PTI
Air India's Dreamliner woes continue NEW DELHI: Air India's Dreamliner woes continue with a technical problem forcing the carrier to ground one of its planes in Paris even as the US aircraft maker is planning to advance deliveries of the remaining six aircraft by a few months. The grounding of another Boeing 787-800 comes close on the heels of Air India's KolkataDelhi fight hitting the same problem recently, forcing a midnight replacement. Significantly, AI's engineering union had urged the management last year to defer deliveries of the
was to operate Air India ParisDelhi flight, is grounded in Paris due to a technical issue. The airline has rushed its team of engineers to fix the problem," a source said. Alleging that the Boeing has "perpetually failed" to address the technical issues with Dreamliners, which result in frequent grounding of these planes with Air India, the source said, "Air India needs to talk tough with the US aircraft maker on these problems as the airline is not only losing revenue due to grounding of the planes, but it is also impacting its on-time
remaining aircraft till Boeing does not address the technical issues and 'pay' compensation for the adverse impact on the carrier's ontime performance due to grounding of the planes Air India has already inducted 21 such planes in its fleet and six more are to be delivered to it by August 2018. "The Boeing Dreamliner, which
performance." At the time of Kolkata incident, Air India had admitted that it was facing teething technical glitches in Dreamliner aircraft. Air India, which was one of the first customers of the Dreamliner planes, currently has 21 Boeing 787-800s in the fleet, of the 27 planes it had ordered with the US aircraft maker in 2005. -PTI
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TechBiz Post
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April 1, 2016
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High interest rates will make economy sluggish: Jaitley NEW DELHI: Justifying slashing of interest rate on small saving instruments like PPF, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has said interest rates in India are "extraordinarily" high and the country risks becoming the most sluggish economy if lending rates continue to rule high. The existing tax-free interest rate of up to 8.7 per cent on small saving instruments translates into an effective interest of 12-13 per cent on deposits. Correspondingly, the lending rate, which is always a notch above deposits rate, would be 14-15 per cent, he told PTI in an interview here. "On small savings, India's interest rates are extraordinarily high. And high interest rate prevents growth," he said. Citing the example of 8.7 per cent tax free interest on Public Provident Fund (PPF) investments, he said this translates into an interest rate of 12.5 per cent or 13 per cent including tax benefit. "Where in the world you get 12.5 per cent return of interest? So if deposit rates become 12.5 per cent, then what should lending rates be, 14 to 15 per cent? You will become the most sluggish economy in the world, if lending rates are 14 to 15 per cent," he said. Jaitley said no country can have "a system where lending rates are low but deposit rates are high. The two are interlinked". The government had on March 18 announced cut in interest rate
on PPF to 8.1 per cent, on Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) to 7.8 per cent from 8.7 per cent, on girl-child saving, Sukanya Samriddhi Account to 8.6 per cent from 9.2 per cent and senior citizen savings scheme to 8.6 per cent from 9.3 per cent with effect from April 1. Asked whether the government had taken an unpopular decision, Finance Minister said, "It would be most unpopular decision if India's lending rates were 14 to 15 per cent. To destroy India's economy would be the most unpopular thing to do. Low interest rate in the long run will help everybody." When a borrower goes to bank for availing home loan, "he should get it at 9 per cent or 15 per cent? Which decision will be unpopular", he asked. Jaitley said India must have multiple products, giving a range of interest rates. "Even 8.1 per cent is a very good rate of returns, much better than you get anywhere in the world because it is tax free. 8.1 per cent tax free is 12.2 per cent. It's not a small rate of interest. The government, he said, has to create a mechanism where interest rates become more reasonable and those are transmitted by the banks. "And also don't forget, the additional argument that you earned 8.7 per cent when inflation was at 11 per cent. When inflation is below 5 per cent, so actually the real
rate of interest has gone up," he said. Jaitley said the move to tax 60 per cent of withdrawals from Employees Provident Fund (EPF) was aimed at discouraging people from making lump sum withdrawals and spending all the money and it was
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley
instead aimed at encouraging them to invest in tax-free pension plans to make India a pensioned society. The proposal was however withdrawn after widespread criticism. "As India is growing, standards of social security have to increase. And one important component of social security is to make India into a pensioned society," he said. He said the original proposal to tax withdrawals from EPF was to
'India as a democracy better placed than EU' NEW DELHI: Comparing diversity issues in India and the European Union, Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Arvind Panagariya has said the world's largest democracy is better placed as a cohesive unit than EU and is bound to see high growth rates in the coming decades. Replying to a question on India often being called a "noisy democracy" at an industry body CII event here, the noted economist said India despite its huge diversity and varied traditions and cultures, has stayed as a single cohesive unit. Quoting economist Jagdish Bhagwati, Panagariya said that Bhagwati told Singapore's first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, in response to his comment on India being a noisy democracy, that "You hear the noise, I hear the music". "This says it all. Just think about it, Europeans, with far less
diversity than India, today are still struggling to become a single state. The whole movement towards a single Europe is ridden with so many difficulties.
Arvind Panagariya
"Even as a single monetary union there are fears that Greece might drop out of this union and tomorrow Spain might drop out of this union," he said. He added that quite contrary to that, with much greater diversity in India, the country has stayed
converge Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) and National Pension Scheme (NPS) "into a system where you contribute during your earning period, you get a tax rebate (and) when you retire, you get a big lump sum for your social commitments, tax
as a single nation. "And not only have we stayed together, but the nation has grown over time. Because in today's noise we tend to forget that in 1950s and 1960s when you go back there were so many separatist movements based on language, etc," he noted. On the way ahead, he said: "So I see it as a huge success of India's democracy. I think I will not have it any other way. In the long run we will see our growth rate in the next 15-30 years return to the rate of 8-10 per cent." On steps India needs to take to make its growth more inclusive, Panagariya said India's nature of growth has been different. In earlier success stories of Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea and China, most recently, growth happened through rapid growth of labor-intensive industry, which created a lot of jobs and then that was led by growth in services sector. -PTI
free and the rest becomes an annuity, the 60 per cent becomes an annuity, which is also tax free." "The inheritance to your heirs will also be tax free. The only
change I made was to discourage people from spending this entire amount in one go. So if you want to spend the entire amount in one go, as a disincentive you pay tax on the 60 per cent (of it)," he said. While EPF withdrawals have been made tax-free, the same has now been extended to NPS as well. "And I do believe that more and more people should continue to switch over to NPS, which means its a system like in any developed country where during your earning career, you contribute, upon retirement you get a lump sum and then you get a monthly pension. "I do believe retired people should take --care of their monthly pension, to that extent I have no regret even about the EPF scheme," he said. The minister said many people have told him that it was actually a good scheme. "After a year I will disclose of how many people have switched over to NPS. And mind you, NPS gives the best returns as compared to any other government scheme," he said. -PTI
Parrikar unveils Defense Procurement Procedure Cont’d from page 44
Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu, AYUSH Minister Shripad Naik, Minister of State for Defense Rao Inderjit Singh and Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar were present at the function. The new DPP would help India reduce its dependency on foreign countries and source defense equipment within the country, Singh said. "....all defense procurement, the capital side of it, is from abroad. In the years to come one hopes we will be able to source it within India, either as a partnership with foreign companies or through our own domestic industrial base which so far has been kept away from the defense spectrum," he said. Meanwhile, the ninth edition of DefExpo India, a biennial exhibition of land, naval and internal homeland security systems, being organized by the Defense Ministry, kicked-off in Goa. More than 1,000 companies from 47 countries are participating in the DefExpo. Parrikar had earlier said the new blacklisting policy will also be issued separately next month and made it clear that there will be "no relaxation" for those who have already been blacklisted and "bribe
givers" will be punished. However, the existing blacklisted firms will be allowed to appeal before a vigilance committee of the Defense Ministry for delisting under the new policy. The new category IDDM will be the first category of preference under new DPP, which will guide how India buys its arms and equipment for its armed forces. The new DPP also allows the Defense Acquisition Council to take the "fast-track" route to acquire weapons. "There is an impression that fast track can only be done in the event of a war but this is not the case," Parrikar had said. Noting that all earlier DPP was procedure driven, Parrikar had said the new document has a preamble, that will be a fall back option in case of any problem, like single vendor situation among others. In a bid to cut down on the time taken for acquisition process, the new DPP mandates that all AONs (Acceptance of Necessity) of a particular platform will be valid only for six months as against the 12 months deadline now. Also, no AON will be notified until it is accompanied by a finalized RFP (Request for Proposal or tender). This means that the time taken for an RFP is cut down drastically. -PTI
Datebook
April 1, 2016
NEW JERSEY Upcoming
NEW YORK
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Upcoming
Upcoming
Thu, Apr 07
India Post 47
CHICAGO
Upcoming
Venue: Golden Peacock Banquets, 24989
Venue: BERGANPAC, 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, NJ 07631 Time: 08:00 pm
Venue: Le Poisson Rouge, 158 Bleecker Street, New York, NY 10012 Time : 07:00 pm Contact: 718-207-0058
Sat, Apr 2 • Festival of Colors HOLI, SAN JOSE
Santa Clara St, Hayward, CA 94544
Venue: Rainbow Park, 6155 Rainbow Drive,
Time: 07:00 pm
San Jose, CA 95129
Contact: 650-921-2846
Time: 11:00 am
Sun, Apr 17 • IFMP HOLI 2016
Sun, Apr 24
Sun, Apr 10
Sun, Apr 3 • Vishal - Sekhar with Neeti Mohan Live in New Jersey
Venue: Mercer County Park East, 1346 Edinburg Road, West Windsor Township, NJ 08550 Time: 12:00 pm
Fri, Apr 22 • Hollwood/Bollywood Blowout Venue: JP Stevens High School, 855 Grove Ave, Edison, NJ 08820 Time : 6:00 pm
• DJ Rekha Presents BASEMENT BHANGRA
• Mummy Mari Yamuna, Ame Ena Namuna
Fri, Apr 08 • Iffer International Night
Contact: 408-573-7307
• Saroj Khan Dance Workshops Los Angeles - Ages 8-16
Sat, Apr 16 • HOLI COW ! Bollywood Boat Party
Venue: North Hollywood, 6407 Farmdale
Venue: Pier 40, 89 King Street, San Fran-
Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 91606
Sat, Apr 30
cisco, CA 94107
Time: 10:00 am
• BIGGEST Bollywood Party with DJ Notorious
Time: 12:00 pm
Contact: 310-407-9191
Contact:
Venue: PRANNA, NYC, 79 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016 Time : 10:00 pm
Sun, Apr 10
Venue: Hindu Community Centre, 143-09 Holly Ave, NY 11355 Time : 6:00 pm
• Saroj Khan Dance Workshops Los Angeles Adults
315-746-0250
ATLANTA Upcoming
Venue: North Hollywood, 6407 Farmdale
Sat, Apr 9 • Hope Night At The Hawks
Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 91606
Venue: Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive,
Time: 2:00 pm
Atlanta, GA 30303
Contact: 310-407-9191
Time: 7:30 pm
Sun, Apr 10
Sun, Apr 10 • Vishal and Shekhar Live in Atlanta
• Kaifi aur Main Venue: The Terrace Theatre, 300 East Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802 Time: 06:30 pm
Fri, Apr 29 • EnActe Arts & ICC presents The Empire - Stand-up Comedy show with Anuvab Pal Venue: Mallavali Auditorium (India Community Center), 525 Los Coches Street,
Venue: Cobb Energy Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339 Time: 06:30 pm
Sun, Apr 24 • Gujarati Comedy Natak GOLMAAL Venue: Atlanta Event Hall, 3750 Venture
Milpitas, CA 95035
Drive, Duluth, GA 30096
Time: 8:00 pm
Time: 5:00 pm
ILLINOIS Upcoming 1st and 3rd Sunday of Month • Chicago Children's Bal Mukund Character Building Program and Hindi Literacy Classes Venue: Vogelei Center, 650 W. Higgins Road, Hoffmann Estates, IL 60192 (Next to Nissan Dealership) Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-561-4807
Mondays and Fridays • Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Metropolitan Asian Family Services Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105
Mondays and Fridays • Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Where: Metropolitan Asian Family Services Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105
Swami Ishatmananda • Bhagavad Gita: Philosophy of life Venue: Public Library-95th Street 3015 Cedar Glade Rd Naperville IL 60564 Time: 1st friday of every month 7-8 pm Contact: 630-637-0662
• India Eternal: From the Vedic Age to the Present Venue: Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago 10915 N. Main Street Glendale Heights, IL 60139 Time: 10:00 pm Contact: 630-655-8822
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48
April 1, 2016
Horoscope
April 1, 2016
India Post
49
www.indiapost.com
T
he incidence of conflicts may harm you. Work with patience. The week shows concerns for those who are living in foreign lands. Those who are appearing in selections may get some good news.Take care of your health. The prolonged transit planetary influences caused by Rahu/Ketu are quite difficult for those whose ascending degree is around 27 or some planet is around 27 degree in odd signs.
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ome long travel is likely. Fortune helps. New business opportunities should be critically examined and kept pending. Things are moving slow.Exercise patience. The prolonged transit planetary influences caused by Rahu/Ketu are quite difficult for those whose ascending degree is around 27 or some planet is around 27 degree in odd signs up to April, 2016.
T
he professional matters are looking better. Take care of your health and exercise patience. Avoid aggressive behaviour and haste up to August, 2016.Some sudden developments are likely to disturb your income. The prolonged transit planetary influences caused by Rahu/ Ketu are quite difficult for those whose ascending degree is around 27 or some planet is around 27 degree in odd signs.
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P
ome good developments are likely in professional matters for some of you. The incidence of conflicts, health concerns, obstructions and sudden setbacks continues specially for those whose ascending degree is around 22. It is better to avoid unnecessary journey. Manage persisting difficulties with patience. Some sudden developments are likely to disturb you.
April 1st - April 7th 2016
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hings are moving slow. Work with patience. It is better to avoid haste, conflicts and unnecessary driving. Some obstructions are likely in income up to August, 2016. Strengthen your birth planets through a Special Power Kavach as transit weakness of planets can bring sudden concerns. The prolonged transit planetary influences caused by Rahu/Ketu are quite difficult.
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he professional matters may cause concerns. The child may need help. Some sudden developments are likely to disturb in the matter of health and relationship. It is better to avoid unnecessary driving and exercise patience. The prolonged transit planetary influences caused by Rahu/Ketu are quite difficult for those whose ascending degree is around 27 or some planet is around 27 degree in odd signs.
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rofessional matters are looking up. Health is manageable in a better way. Some new professional opportunities are likely. Avoid conflicting situations during 2016, and take due care of your health. The prolonged transit planetary influences caused by Rahu/Ketu are quite difficult for those whose ascending degree is around 27 or some planet is around 27 degree in odd signs up to April, 2016.
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he professional matters are looking up. Some sudden developments are likely to disturb you.Handle relationship, health and property matters with patience. Child may need help. Avoid haste, conflicts, speculation, aggressive behaviour and unnecessary driving. Health and financial concerns are likely to continue. Conflicts will put you to harm. Manage obstructions with due patience.
ome sudden health and conflicts continue to disturb you and make the weak difficult. Keep new ventures and property deals pending. Some mental stress is likely.Avoid haste, conflicts, unnecessary driving/ travel. Take care of your health. Handle obstructions and relationship matters with care up to August, 2016. Some additional expenses are likely.
rofessional matters are looking a shade better. Fortune helps to some extent. Be careful in new venutres to avert losses. Some sudden developments may cause stress. Some of you may attend some spiritual discourse.Patience is the best medicine during this year. The prolonged transit planetary influences caused by Rahu/Ketu are quite difficult.
he professional matters may cause some concerns. Some additional income is likely. The incidence of difficulties is indicated for those who are in foreign lands up to Septmber, 2016. Some sudden developments are likely to disturb you. Better to avoid unnecessary driving. Work with patience. Take care of your health and relationship matters.Some immune disorder is likely.
ortune helps to some extent. Some good developments are likely in professional matters.Some new business opportunity is likely. The health of parents is likely to cause some concerns.The prolonged transit planetary influences caused by Rahu/ Ketu are quite difficult for those whose ascending degree is around 27 or some planet is around 27 degree in odd signs up to April, 2016.
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This weekly horoscope is more focused and accurate as it is based on ascending signs. The ascending sign is worked out on the basis of your date, time and place of birth. The predictions elsewhere are based on your Sun sign or Moon sign. The Sun remains in one sign of zodiac for one month whereas the Moon remains in one sign for about 60 hours. What is important is the ascending sign, which changes every couple of hours. That is how this site offers you more focused predictions.
JATIN P - ACHARYA MIHIR • JAYSWHOLESALE@GMAIL.COM • 630-675-7148
50 India Post
MUMBAI: Close on the heels of Ranbir Kapoor-Katrina Kaif and Farhan Akhtar-Adhuna Bhabani breakups, there is now speculation that much in love couple Sushant Singh Rajput and Ankita Lokhande have hit a rough patch. After dating for close to six years, reports of trouble in their relationship have started surfacing, though three months ago Sushant had announced he would tie the knot with the 31-yearold TV actress in December. Both Sushant and Ankita did not respond to SMSes and phone calls. Sushant, 30 and Ankita began dating while shooting for Ekta Kapoor's drama "Pavitra Rishta" in 2009. This is not the first time that such reports have come out.
www.indiapost.com
April 1, 2016
On earlier occasions, the duo made public appearances together to scotch the rumors but this time they haven't done so, further fuelling speculation. Recently, there were reports that Arbaaz Khan and Malaika Arora Khan were heading for divorce, thus ending their 17-year-old marriage. Prior to this, Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli split up, ending their two-year courtship. The 27-year-old actress maintained a stoic silence on the breakup, but Kohli apparently unfollowed her on Twitter and Instagram and then, uploaded, deleted and re-uploaded a photograph of himself, originally captioned, 'Heartbroken'. After dating each other for six-long years and living together for a year, Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif called it quits too. The rumors of their relationship falling apart had been doing the rounds for the last few months. Earlier this year, Farhan Akthar and his wife of 15 years, Adhuna Akhtar announced their decision to separate "mutually and amicably". Farhan, 42, is the son of veteran writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar and his former wife Honey Irani, and Adhuna, who is six years older to the "Rock On!!" actor, is a celebrity hairstylist. They exchanged wedding vows in 2000 and have two daughters together named Shakya and Akira. Pulkit Samrat and wife Shweta Rohira also separated last month after less than a year of marriage. Pulkit, 32, got married to superstar Salman Khan's rakhi sister Shweta in 2014. -PTI
April 1, 2016
India Post 51 www.indiapost.com
Priyanka among 'Time' probables P
rime Minister Narendra Modi, tennis star Sania Mirza and actor Priyanka Chopra are among the probable contenders named by Time magazine for its annual list of the most influential people in the world. Time will announce its 'TIME 100', the annual list of the world's 100 most influential people next month. While its editors will determine the ultimate honorees, the publication has asked readers to vote from among 127 "world leaders, great minds in science and technology, outstanding figures in the arts and other icons of the moment" on who they think deserve recognition. Time said "Modi remains a powerful voice on the world stage," and while he saw his domestic agenda "sidetracked by political squabbles" in 2015, his country still leads the world in economic growth. Modi was named among Time's 100 most influential people in the world last year and President Barack Obama had written a pro-
file for him for the magazine. On Mirza, Time said India's best female tennis player secured the number one ranking in the world for women's doubles "while helping to redefine the role of female athletes in her home country." Time said Chopra, one of the highest paid actors in Bollywood, has "caught Hollywood's attention" for her role in the drama series 'Quantico' and "will continue to do so in the Baywatch remake". Indian-born CEOs of the world's top technology companies Google and Microsoft are also among the list of 127 probables for the annual honor. Time said Google CEO Sundar Pichai, co-founder Larry Page's "right hand", now oversees core businesses such as Android and Youtube for the tech giant. Under Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, the publication said, Wi n d o w s 1 0 launched "successfully", the cloud business is "booming" and new technologies like the Hololens have industry analysts "excited". Also on the list is Indian-origin actor Aziz Ansari. The list also includes SpaceX
CEO Elon Musk, singer Rihanna, Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, Harry Potter author JK Rowling, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg
and his wife Priscilla Chan, Myanmar's pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Pope Francis, reality TV star Kim Kardashian, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly.
Sania Mirza and actor Priyanka Chopra are among the probable contenders named by Time magazine for its annual list of the most influential people in the world.
Revealed: Akshay the villain
B
ollywood superstar Akshay Kumar is essay ing the role of a villain in Robot 2.0. The actor is almost unrecognisable in the new pictures that were leaked. Akshay Kumar's pictures in his villainous avatar are bound to shock his fans, as Akshay is seen sporting long eye bushes, grey
cident during an experiment. The film is a sequel to south megastar Rajinikanth's hit film Robot (Enthiran). Though Akshay Kumar has starred in several South film remakes, this is the first time that the action superstar will be seen playing a mainstream role in a Tamil film, where he will be seen
hair and a feathered leather jacket. According to reports, Akshay Kumar's character in Robot 2.0 is of Dr Richard, a scientist, who turns into a crow after a freak ac-
at logger heads with Rajinikanth in high-octane action scenes. The film also stars Amy Jackson and is slated to release in 2017.
52 India Post
April 1, 2016 www.indiapost.com
Amitabh, Kangna Ranaut win National Awards NEW DELHI: Many of Bollywood's high power commercial hits have bagged awards at the 63rd National Film Awards 2016. While Sanjay Leela Bhansali got the Best Director award for his Maratha epic Bajirao Mastani, S. S. Rajamouli's Baahubali bagged the award for Best Film. Amitabh Bachchan got the Best Actor honor for playing the cantankerous father in Piku. This is the fourth time he's picked up this prestigious award. Kangana Ranaut's doubletrouble performance in Tanu Weds Manu Returns won her Best Actress, second time in a row after last year's superb performance in Queen. Salman Khan's Bajrangi Bhaijaan bagged the Best Popular Film award. Debutant director Neeraj Ghaywan was given the Indira Gandhi Best Debut Director award for Masaan. Besides Best Director, Bajirao Mastani received a couple more awards. Tanvi Azmi won for Best Supporting Actress, while Remo D'souza was felicitated for his chore-
ography. Also, Sudeep Chatterjee, who previously worked on Chak De India and Baby, was hailed the Best Cinematographer. Ayushmann Khurrana's Dum Laga ke Haisha won in the Best Hindi Film category. Juhi Chaturvedi, screenplay writer of Piku, and Himanshu Sharma of Tanu Weds Manu Returns, received the Best Screenplay Writer and Dialogues awards. The awards, given away by the President, also managed to throw light on many underrated movies that we may have missed out on last year, especially those from regional cinema. Kalki Koechlin was given the Special Jury Award for her powerful performance as a girl with cerebral palsy in Margarita With a Straw. Duronto, starring Manoj Bajpai, was given the Best Children's Film award. The film is about Budhia Singh, a forgotten child-marathon runner. Coming to regional films, Visaranai, produced by Dhanush, won the Best Tamil Film and Best Editing awards. Actor-director Samuthirakani won the Best Supporting Actor for the same film. Illayaraja, now 72 years old, won his fifth national award for his
music composition for Tharai Thappattai. Ritika Singh, who starred as the fiery boxer in Saala Khadoos and its Tamil version Irudhi Suttru, got a Special Mention Award for her performance. When it comes to the Malayalam film industry, there were quite a few recognitions. While Mammooty'sPathemaari grabbed the Best Malayalam Film title, Nirnayakam won the Best Film on Social Issues. The film, directed by V K Prakash, depicts the negligence of human rights. Jayachandran's song, Kaathirinnu from Ennum Ninte Moideen won the Best Song title. A Malayalam-French-English movie, which highlights the effects of the pesticide endosulfin and the controversy surrounding it in Kerala, won for Best Film on Environment Conservation. Other regional films that won awards for being the best in their region include Thithi in Kannada, Kanche in Telugu, Ringan in Marathi, Sankachil in Bengali, and Chauthi Koot in Punjabi. In a new category, Gujarat was named the most film-friendly state, along with Uttar Pradesh and Kerala.
Priyanka makes it to 'What is Sexy' list
A
ctress Priyanka Chopra has added one more feather to her Hollywood success cap by becoming a part of lingerie giant Victoria's Secret's 2016 'What is Sexy' list. The 33-year-old Indian import, who made her debut in West with American TV series 'Quantico', got the sexiest eyes tag. Not only the actress, but her ABC thriller show also received the sexiest TV cast title. Priyanka retweeted the link of the list posted by a fan club on her Twitter page. "Sexiest eyes and sexiest cast!! Love it! @ Vi c t o r i a s S e c r e t
@JohannaEBraddy @MrJoshHopkins @jazmasri @tate_ellington," she wrote. 'Scandal' star Kerry Washington picked up the honor for sexiest actress, while Demi Lovato was named sexiest songstress. Other winners are Julianne Hough, Maria Menounos, Alicia Vikander, Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Hailey Baldwin, Rashida Jones and Olivia Munn. Chrissy Teigen and John Legend's French Bulldog was named Sexiest Furry Friend. Victoria's Secret angels Sara Sampaio and Josephine Skriver announced the winners. -PTI
Spring's means it's easy to enjoy our greens
T
his is one of the prettiest dishes to dress a spring or dreaming of spring table. After months of delicious but (let's face it) mostly brown food, my appetite is primed for bright colors and fresh flavors. And there are few green vegetables as vibrant and appealing as sugar snap peas. My mother served them often in a quick saute with toasted almonds. But in recent years, I have munched on them raw as a healthy, crunchy snack. I had almost forgotten what they tasted like cooked until one day last year when I was browsing through a cookbook by Jessica Seinfeld, ``The Can't Cook Book: Recipes for the Absolutely Terrified.'' The book is my favorite gift for young cooks, or anyone who thinks cooking is difficult. It con-
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 cup sliced almonds 2 large shallots, sliced into thin rings Zest and juice of 1 large tangerine Ground black pepper 10 to 15 fresh mint leaves, julienned or chopped Coarse sea salt, such as Maldon Using scissors or your fingers, remove the stems from the snap peas and pull to remove the string if necessary (many brands are sold with the strings already removed). Place the snap peas in a bowl or strainer and rinse with cool water. Set aside. In a heavy saute pan over medium, combine 1 1/2 tablespoons of the butter, the salt and the almonds. Once the butter is melted, lower the heat and stir
Minty sugar snap peas with tangerine and toasted almonds in Concord, N.H. After a long winter of heavy foods, this simple, but delicious dish adds bright flavors and colors to springtime meals.
tains appealing contemporary recipes and everything is simplified and spelled out. When I saw the picture of her minty sugar snaps, it reminded me of my mother's dish and I had a craving that I couldn't stop thinking about until I made them. Because I love citrus with both mint and sugar snap peas, I added the zest and the juice of a tangerine to brighten the flavor and balance the richness of the butter. The toasted sliced almonds add a welcome crunch and, if you are like me, you will find yourself making sure that every bite includes an almond or two. Minty sugar snap peas with tangerine and toasted almonds Start to finish: 20 minutes Servings: 6 1 pound sugar snap peas 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
the almonds occasionally until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Once the almonds are toasted, transfer to a plate, then return the pan to medium heat and add the remaining butter. Add the shallots and cook, stirring, for 3 to 4 minutes, or until they are soft and beginning to brown. Add the snap peas and cook, stirring often, until crisptender, about 5 minutes. Add the tangerine juice and cook for another minute. Stir in the tangerine zest and mint, then season with pepper. Transfer to a serving dish and top with the almonds. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of crunchy sea salt. Nutrition information per serving: 140 calories; 90 calories from fat (64 percent of total calories); 10 g fat (4 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 15 mg cholesterol; 170 mg sodium; 10 g carbohydrate; 3 g fiber; 5 g sugar; 4 g protein. -AP
Philosophy
April 1, 2016
India Post 53
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Q: If someone insults me I feel angry and want to hurt them back. If you return a slap with love, with a kiss, he will forget his behavior; he will not sting anybody else. You have to live wisely, if you want to enjoy this life, this is a beautiful world that is here for you to enjoy. There are so many beautiful things: there are mountains, there are rivers, there are birds, there are animals. What more do you want? There are clouds, sun, moon and stars. Why don't you open your eyes and enjoy this manifestation, which is your own creation? Everybody is related to you. So how can anger arise? Sometimes it happens while eating, especially if the food is very tasty, that the teeth hurt the tongue. You do not go to the dentist to pull your teeth out because they hurt your tongue; there is nothing wrong with them. The tongue knows, "We are friends, I am enjoying taste and they are munching. If they hurt me I shall not pull them out." Like this, coordinate life with everyone, then you will really know how to live in love. Once many years ago a planter invited me to visit his coffee plantation. He took me there on a Sunday; it was my day off from work. He said, "We'll go on Saturday TARUN SARDANA
I
was in UAE and as I had limited access to scriptures, I used to spend most of my time reading scriptures online. It was one of those evenings when I came across an article with someone's photograph next to it. The moment I saw a photograph, I closed that page immediately as I am a strong disbeliever of a 'physical Guru' concept. Then the same thing happened again, I again came across one of the article with the same photograph. And I closed it again. I think it happened quite a few times then one day, I was browsing the web and came across an article "Who AM I" on http:// www.hinduism.co.za. It was "Who AM I" enquiry by Ramana Maharishi. The article had no photograph of Maharishi. When I went to Maharishis' website, I found out it was the same photograph that I had seen a couple of times when I had closed the page. The question 'Who Am I' was something that led the mind to thinking that who is the one to whom these feelings of anger, hatred or desire are happening. For the first time the mind was not questioning these feelings or questioning the Supreme- why these feelings are arising but question-
night in the jeep. My cook does not sleep in the bungalow which is at the top of the hill. The coffee is grown on the slopes and the area for drying it is at the bottom. When I go there I stay in the bungalow, which is well equipped, and the cook stays down the hill with his family, in the area for drying the coffee. So as soon as I wake up I will go down the hill to get him."
ploughed back in as manure. I came out of the bungalow and saw bushes and bushes full of oranges, very big loose jacket mandarin fruits. I felt so happy to see them, so many bushes laden down with oranges touching the ground, so many orange fruits. I saw all these oranges in the morning sun, and I felt such joy. As this feeling arose, standing in front of a beautiful bush I ad-
I liked her, I loved her, and I kissed that tree itself. I was so very happy! The thought of picking the oranges did not even come into my mind. In that same moment she also spoke to me: "I am very happy with you so I offer you these fruits," and instantly twelve big oranges fell from the tree. I am not making this up. This really happened as I am describing it. I have seen many things
We are all one - there is no separation between us
When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps. -Confucius
The thought of picking the oranges did not even come into my mind. In that same moment she also spoke to me: "I am very happy with you so I offer you these fruits," and inPapaji (H.W.L. Poonjaji)
stantly twelve big oranges fell from the tree.
When you are courting a nice girl an hour seems like a second. When you sit on a red-hot cinder a second seems like an hour. That's
In the morning he drove off before I was up. I awoke to a very beautiful sight. The plantation was all around me, covered in orange trees. The trees were there just for their shade, to protect the coffee plants from the direct sun. He was not interested in selling the oranges so all the fruits that dropped in the fields were
dressed it and spoke to the bush out loud: "Good morning, Mother, how do you do? You are very lucky, you have so many children." It did not occur to me to hurt her, not even to pluck one of her fruits for myself. It was enough just to see the beauty of the oranges and this woman so proud of her children.
happen like this. We are all one there is no separation between us, only we do not realize it. The same is true with rocks, with trees, with birds, with rivers: you can speak with all of them, and you will get love from everything. Excerpted from a satsang on13 December, 1991in Lucknow.
ing the one to whom these feelings are arising. This marked a complete turnaround in the socalled search from knowing the Supreme to knowing the "I". Then did you find the "I"? (Laughter) No one ever has. (Laughs). "Who am I" is a powerful enquiry. It helps mind question the "I" on which, this whole world is based and see clearly if it really exists. No doubt Maharishi refers the enquiry as a Direct Path.
'Dissolved' that's where title of your book comes from? Yes So is 'Dissolved', kind of your own auto-biography? I am not sure if it can be called as an auto-biography. It is written in a form of dialogue between Vivek and Guruji (central characters of the book) and how Guru Ji leads Vivek's mind to an enquiry and what happens after that. So isn't that Vivek, you?
the truth? Enquiry doesn't lead one to the truth. Enquiry leads to dissolving of the one who is seeking the truth. Does one need any other practice? Actually enquiry is all about who needs the practice and for what. So only after one does that one will get to know if any practice is required. Excerpted from an interview with Jerry Katz of Non-
relativity. -Albert Einstein Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. -Mark Twain We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us. -Joseph Campbell We must walk consciously only part way toward our goal, and then leap in the dark to our success.
Enquiry leads to dissolving of one who is seeking
-Henry David Thoreau Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking
The moment I saw a photograph, I closed
alone in the light.
that page immediately as I am a strong dis-
-Helen Keller
believer of a 'physical Guru' concept. Then the same thing happened again
To effectively communiTarun Sardana
cate, we must realize that we are all different in the
Did you read any other works of Maharishi? "Who AM I" is what Maharishi taught and is the root of all the 'works'. The moment that enquiry happened to the mind, it never left till the time all the apparent questions were dissolved.
Vivek is a Hindi word, which means discriminating faculty of the mind. The faculty, which helps one distinguish between false and truth, and between 'what is' and 'what is not'. That's why name of the character is Vivek. Is enquiry enough to lead one to
duality.org. New Delhi based Tarun Sardana has worked as a software professional both in India and abroad. He quit his successful corporate career to devote the rest of his time in knowing the "I". He is author of the book titled 'Dissolved'
way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others.
Insure yourself FIRST. Call Sahanis, (Arish, Priya or Shiv) for your Insurance needs 718- 271- 0453. Serving for last 35 yrs
-Tony Robbins
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April 1, 2016
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India's Defense Budget in age of scarcity
India Post
BHARTENDU KUMAR SINGH
W
hile defense budget allocation makes the news every year, this year the ubiquitous hypothesis in all strategic comments and opinion articles has been about 'the marginal allocation being inimical to the India's defense preparedness'. Critics, however, fail to understand that the defense budget is by and large a reasonably fair deal and probably the best in the current fiscal environment. Defense budget cuts have been quite common these days. As per available SIPRI estimates, global military expenditure decreased for the third consecutive year after peaking in 2011. The US defense budget has
ways and means beyond the defense budget. An immediate area for action is prudent expenditure management since revenue expenditure accounts for a major share of the armed forces, particularly in the Army that is manpower-intensive. While the Government notified the constitution of an Expenditure Management Commission in September 2014, defense expenditure was kept out of its purview despite the fact that defense accounts for more than 12 percent of Central Government expenditure. From a public policy perspective, vital penny need to be saved by scrutinizing certain non-core services in the defense forces and see if they
India displays its military might during the Republic Day parade
come down from US$691 billion in 2010 to US$585 in 2016. Russia has announced a cut of 5 per cent to its 2016 defense budget. In June 2015, Britain announced a 1.5 per cent cut in its defense budget. Even China, which has witnessed a consistent double-digit growth during the last two decades, had a modest single-digit growth this year. Though India has been performing well in the hitherto sluggish economic environment, its defense budget is subject to certain macro pulls and pressures. While the members of the Departmentally Related Standing Committee of the Parliament (DARC) have been recommending at least 3 per cent of the GDP in their several recommendations over the years, the 13th Finance Commission adopted a broader perspective of security and, therefore, recommended capping the defense budget at 1.76 per cent of the GDP so as to balance development along with defense. Successive budgets have worked hard to come to this benchmark. Given this tight fiscal situation where the budgetary resources are not going to come in liberal doles in future as well, there is no alternative but to explore
can be done by shifting them to civil side. The Accounts Branch of the Indian Air Force, for example, has 492 commissioned officers and 7,000 men catering to the pay matters of 1,60,000 officers and men in the Air Force. On a competitive note, the same can be provided by 300 people on the civilian side very easily. The Meteorology Branch of the Indian Air Force with 300 officers is equally unwieldy and needs pruning. Similarly, the rationale of putting a large section of Army officers in managing various functionalities in Army Service Corps needs reconsideration since many of these services can be provided by the market at a competitive cost without affecting defense preparedness. These are just representative examples that if properly explored, can go a long way in reducing the extra manpower and salary bill that is about to touch INR one lakh crore this year. The services must, as the honorable Defense Minister has rightly pointed out, do this as an in-house exercise and come out with a blue-print since India is the only country that has not been
talking of manpower reduction while driving its military modernization process. Another area that deserves serious consideration is internal resource generation. China experimented with it rather successfully in the Eighties and Nineties when the budgetary allocations to the PLA remained stagnant for over a decade under the 'four modernizations' program. Many countries including the US and UK are resorting to internal resource generation due to a frozen defense budget. India should not hesitate in exploring the vast potential in defense resource management. Defense land, for example, can be gainfully utilized wherever they can be leased out. The shopping complexes, marriage halls, clubs and banking facilities set up including ATMs are cash cows that need to be leveraged commercially. Presently, the revenue generated from these entities is going to the regimental funds of the services. The adoption of a roadmap for gradual conversion to accrual accounting by the Government makes it relatively easier for the defense forces to identify their assets and put them to commercial use wherever possible. In recent times, there has been a renewed emphasis on development and broadening the concept of security from mere military to human security. Inclusive growth has been the buzzword in the Indian development discourse as well and credit must go to the successive governments in giving a combined push to the defense and development agenda. The emphasis on the 'make in India' campaign should be seen in this light where the domestic military-industrial complex is being encouraged through a new defense production policy and FDI enhancement. The idea is to save the penny on foreign exchange since India imports 70 per cent of its weaponry. While more money is always welcome, critics of the defense budget need to empathize with the developmental priorities or the broader aspects of security. There is, therefore, no alternative to reducing the extra flab and generating internal resources for bridging the resource gap set up by the defense budget. The writer is with the Indian Defense Accounts Service. Courtesy IPCS
Tantrum leader
D
elhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been named among the world's 50 greatest leaders by Fortune magazine for his efforts to curb pollution. He deserves congratulations for that. But it seems the honor has gone to his head and he now considers himself an international celebrity and eager to plunge into shaping India's foreign policy instead of minding his own business of running Delhi where potholes on roads are increasing with great regularity. The crusader considers himself the chief opponent of Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister. So he must oppose every policy coming from the government. The latest incident of his flying off the handle is his opposing the arrival of a team of Pakistani investigators allowed to visit the Pathankot airbase which was attacked by Pakistan-based terrorists. Kejriwal has accused the Prime Minister of "surrendering" to Pakistan by allowing in its investigators. Instead, he said, Indian probe agencies should have gone to that country where "actual masterminds are sitting". If India says Pathankot terror attack was Pakistan-sponsored and in this situation, how can ISI probe against itself?, he asked. Kejriwal needs to notice and acknowledge that PM Narendra Modi has been taking breathtakingly new initiatives right from the day he took office. In the case of Pakistan also he surprised everyone by dropping by at Lahore to wish the Pakistani premier Nawaz Sharif a happy birthday. That bold initiative expectedly was replied to by the terrorist Jaishe Mohammad chief Masood Azhar by sending his boys to the Pathankot airbase. It must be appreciated that a degree of cooperation between Pakistan and India has emerged after Modi's initiatives. It is well known that the case in Pakistan against the 26/11Bombay attack has been repeatedly floundering and is being deliberately delayed. One reason for this is that the odd Pakistani law doesn't entertain evidence by foreigners. Since all evidence about Bombay attack is in India and the court doesn't accept evidence from Indians, the case is bound to collapse. It is in view of this monstrosity that India and Pakistani negotiators thought of a way to bypass this law by sending Pakistani investigators so that Pakistan courts will have to accept their prosecution version. The purpose is to secure evidence by the Pakistanis themselves to lay before the courts so as to nab and nail Masood Azhar and his accomplices. It is not as if India has just jumped to this arrangement. It is a result of long negotiations and the Pakistani side seems to be on board. It is possible that nothing will come out of this visit by Pakistani investigators. But there is some possibility that things might work. It is in India's interest to strengthen the hands of positive forces in Pakistan. And if this initiative succeeds, there can be hope of further cooperation between the two countries. Pakistan is just ripe for such cooperation in view of the daily attacks by terrorists on its own people. The army is also with the Pakistani premier in the resolve to decimate the terrorists. It may also be thinking of the cost Pakistan has had to pay for nurturing and harboring anti-India jihadis. Look at the plight of its once mighty cricket team whom no one wants to play at their home. They are barred from the lucrative IPL and their young hopefuls resort to fixing in order to maintain themselves. They would love to have cozier relations with India which was obvious from their cricket captain's remarks in Kolkata that he gets more love in India than in Pakistan. Kejriwal in his visceral hatred of Modi has aligned himself with the moribund politics and thinking of the bad old Congress. He must ponder how his policy now mirrors that of the Shiv Sena whom he had once challenged by inviting Pakistani singer Ghulam Ali to Delhi when the Sena vowed to disrupt his shows. Now he is with the Sena in opposing the Pakistani team's visit.
April 1, 2016
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